Opinion ID: 877126
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Engel Fee

Text: Joseph C. Engel III, was Helehan's attorney in the early stages of the condemnation proceedings, which originated in 1965. Engel's contract with Helehan for his services was on a contingent basis of one-third of the recovery. Engel represented Helehan through the early pleadings stage, through the Commissioners' hearing, and through the subsequent appeal to this Court. After the Commissioners' award of $87,742.00, Helehan withdrew $23,149.50 from the deposit by the Highway Department in the District Court. Helehan paid Engel approximately one-third of that amount, or $7,300.00. Thereafter, Helehan and Engel fell into disagreement, and Engel withdrew from the cause. It was at that point that M.K. Daniels was substituted as counsel for Helehan in the condemnation action. Helehan claimed as an item of expense, the $7,300.00 he had already paid to Engel. No evidence was adduced at the hearing before the District Court as to a value of Engel's services. The District Court awarded Helehan $1,500.00 as attorney fees for Engel's services. The State objects to the amount allowed, on the ground that no evidence was introduced to support the award. On this point the State is correct. The rule in this State is that an award of attorney fees must be based on a hearing allowing for oral testimony, the introduction of exhibits, and the opportunity to a responsible party to cross-examine the reasonableness of the attorney fees claimed. Marsh, supra. Helehan claims that he is entitled to $7,300.00 for Engel's attorney fees. The record does not disclose what the State considers would be a proper fee for Engel. Whether that amount should be more or less than the $1,500.00 already granted by the court is a matter to be determined by the District Court on an evidentiary hearing after remand.