Opinion ID: 1852109
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: conclusion

Text: ¶ 16. This matter is not a suit for breach of contract and damages related thereto. The Gwin firm's suit is based on equitable assignment and quantum meruit, claims which have traditionally been brought in the chancery courts. Therefore, the order of the Chancery Court of Wilkinson County denying Poole's motion to transfer is affirmed, and this case is remanded to that court for further proceedings. ¶ 17. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED. PITTMAN, C.J., BANKS AND McRAE, P.JJ., SMITH, COBB, DIAZ AND EASLEY, JJ., CONCUR. MILLS, J., DISSENTS WITH SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION. MILLS, J., DISSENTING: ¶ 18. I differ with the solicitous characterization by the chancellor below and the majority in this case of attorney-client contracts. The majority repeatedly refers to the special relationship between attorney and client and upholds the chancellor's refusal to treat this action as a breach of contract. A contract between an attorney and a client is no different than any other contract. The dispute in the case sub judice is a contract dispute. They say she didn't pay `em. [A] breach of contract claim is best heard in circuit court.... Burnette v. Hartford Underwriters Ins. Co., 770 So.2d 948, 950 (Miss.2000) (citing Southern Leisure Homes, Inc. v. Hardin, 742 So.2d 1088 (Miss.1999)). ¶ 19. Though attorneys do labor under higher ethical and professional standards than most other professionals, they are not entitled to special treatment beyond that afforded to any other party alleging a breach of contract. Granted, this is an action for quantum meruit, an equitable remedy, but the underlying cause is for breach of contract. The law firm is claiming that it was not paid for its services. The Gwin firm has received special treatment at the expense of Ms. Poole's rights in this case thus far. I would reverse the chancellor's decision with instructions to transfer this action to circuit court. Ms. Poole is entitled to a jury in this case. For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully dissent.