BACHRACH vs GOLINGCO Case Digest
Facts: Bachrach entered into a contract with Golingco, he sold a truck with the latter which was secured by a promissory note and a chattel mortgage on the truck. The promissory note provided that there would be payment of 25% attorney’s fees.
ISSUE
Whether or not, if there is an express written contract for fees between an attorney and his client, may the court still disregard the contract.
.
HELD
Yes, because a contract for attorney’s fees is different from other contracts. It may be disregarded if the amount fixed is unconscionable or unreasonable, considering the value of the work accomplished.(NOTE:)A claim for attorney’s fees may be asserted either in the very action in which the services in question have been rendered, or in a separate action. If the first alternative is chosen, the court may pass upon said claim even if its amount were less than the minimum prescribed by law for the jurisdiction of the court over the subject matter of the case for so long as the main action is within the jurisdiction of said court, upon the theory that the right to recover attorney’s fees is but an INCIDENT of the case in which the services of counsel have been rendered.
ISSUE
Whether or not, if there is an express written contract for fees between an attorney and his client, may the court still disregard the contract.
.
HELD
Yes, because a contract for attorney’s fees is different from other contracts. It may be disregarded if the amount fixed is unconscionable or unreasonable, considering the value of the work accomplished.(NOTE:)A claim for attorney’s fees may be asserted either in the very action in which the services in question have been rendered, or in a separate action. If the first alternative is chosen, the court may pass upon said claim even if its amount were less than the minimum prescribed by law for the jurisdiction of the court over the subject matter of the case for so long as the main action is within the jurisdiction of said court, upon the theory that the right to recover attorney’s fees is but an INCIDENT of the case in which the services of counsel have been rendered.
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