Law Office of Craig T. Weintraub v. Bruner

Citations

• 2022 Ohio 1939

Syllabus

Contingency fee contract quantum merit contract interpretation conflicting terms of contract parol evidence sufficiency of evidence manifest weight of evidence equitable remedy. Attorney discharged from contingency fee contract had claim in quantum meruit against eventual settlement. Discharged attorney entered into representation agreement with client and then they entered into a contingency fee agreement. Discharged attorney testified as to the terms of the first representation agreement and the parties' intent as to compensation. The trial court properly considered parol evidence at bench trial regarding the intent of the parties. The evidence at trial was sufficient to support verdict on quantum meruit claim and the verdict and award of compensation were not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Court could consider totality of circumstances in fashioning an equitable award.