Opinion ID: 1199745
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Did the Judge, as a matter of law, act arbitrarily, capriciously, or unreasonably in procuring legal services?

Text: Unlike the court of appeals, we do not read the procedural history of Biaett as setting forth required steps for recovery. In addition, the actions taken by the Judge in the present case went beyond those taken by the recorder in Biaett. In that case, the county recorder did ask the county attorney to represent him in an action against the county board. Biaett, 21 Ariz. App. at 287, 518 P.2d at 1004. In this case, the Judge did not ask the county attorney to represent him, but such a request clearly would have been futile because the county attorney already represented the Sheriff (the petitioner in the special action). On the other hand, there is no indication that the recorder in Biaett contacted the county administrator or presiding judge. In this case, the Judge or Plaintiff contacted both twice. Biaett found, as a matter of law, that the recorder acted properly in procuring legal services. Id. at 290, 518 P.2d at 1007. The facts here are stronger than Biaett, and we cannot conclude, as a matter of law, that the Judge acted arbitrarily, capriciously, or unreasonably in procuring legal services. See Dann, 157 Ariz. at 398, 758 P.2d at 1300; Reinhold, 139 Ariz. at 232, 677 P.2d at 1340. Moreover, the Judge was defending an important jurisdictional issue. Thus, even if there was no applicable established method for obtaining legal services, the trier of fact must consider the surrounding circumstances (including the time constraints and contact with the presiding judge and county administrator) to decide whether the actions were arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable. Reinhold, 139 Ariz. at 232, 677 P.2d at 1340. Finally, Defendants appear to argue that the Judge must have prevailed to be eligible to recover fees and costs and that the amount requested is unreasonable as a matter of law. The county is responsible for legal advice and representation for justices of the peace, Collins, 160 Ariz. at 167, 771 P.2d at 1382, including, obviously, instances when the justice of the peace may lose. In short, there is no prevailing party requirement, and we cannot resolve in this case, as a matter of law, any issue of reasonableness of fees and costs. [2] Cf. Biaett, 21 Ariz. App. at 290, 518 P.2d at 1007. DISPOSITION Because there are genuine issues of material fact, and Defendants have not shown that they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law, we reverse the grant of summary judgment. Accordingly, we vacate the trial court's judgment and the court of appeals' decision. This matter is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. ZLAKET and MARTONE, JJ., concur.