Opinion ID: 1204924
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Recovery Under Quantum Meruit

Text: Wilson's ability to recover his alleged attorney fees hinged upon one of two theories:(1) quantum meruit or (2) an oral agreement. We address the quantum meruit issue first. In Kopelman this Court made clear that recovery of attorney's fees under quantum meruit is not limited to the number of hours expended on a case. In syllabus point 2 of Kopelman, supra, we said: Although the amount of time spent by each respective firm is an important consideration in a contingency fee case where lawyers employed by one firm leave that firm and take a client with them and no contract exists governing how the fees are to be divided, a circuit court also must consider retrospectively upon the conclusion of the case: (1) the relative risks assumed by each firm; (2) the frequency and complexity of any difficulties encountered by each firm; (3) the proportion of funds invested and other contributions made by each firm; (4) the quality of representation; (5) the degree of skill needed to achieve success; (6) the result of each firm's efforts; (7) the reason the client changed firms; (8) the viability of the claim at transfer; and (9) the amount of recovery realized. This list is not exhaustive, and a circuit court may consider other factors as warranted by the circumstances in addition to awarding out-of-pocket expenses. In making its determination, however, a circuit court must make clear on the record its reasons for awarding a certain amount. Such a determination rests in the sound discretion of the circuit court, and it will not [be] disturbed unless the circuit court abused its discretion. Kopelman clarified our law on recovery of attorney's fees under quantum meruit. While the opinion sets out several intangible factors that should be considered by circuit courts in their rulings in this area, Kopelman made explicit that the factors listed are not exhaustive. That is, circuit courts are to be receptive to other legitimate factors proffered. The transcript of the hearing in this case shows that Wilson did not intend to seek recovery against Castleberry under the theory of quantum meruit. His case was based upon an alleged oral fee sharing agreement with Castleberry. However, the circuit court prohibited Wilson from developing his theory of recovering his attorney fees and permitted evidence on the quantum meruit theory only. Castleberry presented evidence to show that Wilson was entitled to $1,100 under quantum meruit. [6] At the end of the hearing the circuit court informed Wilson that he did not present any evidence of quantum meruit and that he failed to respond to a previously filed memorandum of law by Castleberry. The circuit court then informed Wilson that he would be allowed an additional four days to submit quantum meruit evidence and file a memorandum of law. Wilson filed a memorandum of law on January 10, 1995. However, he did not submit evidence on the issue of quantum meruit as the court had instructed him. Subsequently the circuit court entered an order quashing the charging lien. Thereafter Wilson filed a motion seeking an extension of time to submit evidence. Wilson alleged in the motion that he misunderstood the circuit court's instructions and thought that all that was required from him was a memorandum of law. The circuit court denied Wilson's request for an extension of time. On appeal Wilson contends that he did not have adequate notice to prepare evidence for a quantum meruit theory of recovery. The record in this case reveals that Wilson was fully cognizant that Castleberry was going to present evidence at the hearing. Castleberry made the files in the underlying case available to Wilson well in advance of the hearing. Wilson, however, did not avail himself of the timely opportunity to go through the files and document his work efforts in the case. Additionally, Wilson had an adequate opportunity prior to the hearing to reflect upon any intangible factors that might have been justified as compensable under the quantum meruit theory. Instead of utilizing the time he had before the hearing was held, in order to prepare to establish a claim under quantum meruit, Wilson did nothing. The circuit court showed great restraint under the circumstances, by specifically granting Wilson additional time after the hearing in order to submit quantum meruit evidence. Wilson is not a layperson. He is an attorney with years of experience. The record in this case makes clear that Wilson had prior knowledge that an adverse ruling might result from the proceeding which could effectively impair his case. Under the circumstances of this case, we are convinced that the circuit court's ruling on the issue of quantum meruit was correct. Therefore, we affirm that part of the circuit court's order dismissing Wilson's claim under the theory of quantum meruit. C.