Court Opinion

ID: 9743660
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 21:39:45.267915+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:42.622487
License: Public Domain

ABRAHAMSON, J., dissenting: Although the majority opinion here appears to be in accordance with case law, I conclude that under the rules of the Circuit Court of Lake County the contingent fee on personal injury cases is limited to 25% where a minor is involved. A client unquestionably has the right to discharge his attorney at will and engage another. Goldberg v. Perlmutter, 308 Ill App 84, 31 NE2d 333. There is no question in the instant case but there were two sets of attorneys employed on a contingent fee basis of 25%. There is a minor involved and I conclude, in keeping with Phelps v. Elgin, J. & E. Ry. Co., 37 Ill App2d 46, 184 NE2d 799, that the minor’s estate cannot be charged with two fees of 25 % for each attorney and that the only equitable solution to the problem is that the fees be divided amongst the two sets of attorneys according to the efforts expended by each of them in obtaining the settlement.