Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co., L.P.A. v. Reineke , 2011 Ohio 6201 ( 2011 )

[Cite as Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co., L.P.A. v. Reineke, 2011-Ohio-6201.]
STATE OF OHIO ) IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
)ss: NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY OF MEDINA )
SCHOTTENSTEIN, ZOX & DUNN CO., C.A. No. 10CA0138-M
L.P.A.
Appellee
APPEAL FROM JUDGMENT
v. ENTERED IN THE
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
LELAND M. REINEKE aka COUNTY OF MEDINA, OHIO
MATT REINEKE CASE No. 08CIV1032
Appellant
DECISION AND JOURNAL ENTRY
Dated: December 5, 2011
WHITMORE, Judge.
{¶1} Defendant-Appellant, Leland M. Reineke, appeals from the judgment of
the Medina County Court of Common Pleas Court. This Court affirms.
I
{¶2} On May 30, 2008, Plaintiff-Appellee, Schottenstein, Zox, & Dunn Co., L.P.A.
(“Schottenstein”), filed a complaint against Reineke to collect money owed on invoices for
attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $37,542.61, plus interest. A jury trial was held on
June 1 and June 2, 2010. At the conclusion of Schottenstein’s case, Reineke moved to dismiss
on the grounds of insufficient evidence. The court treated the motion to dismiss as a motion for
a directed verdict and denied it. At the conclusion of all the evidence, the trial court dismissed
count two of the complaint, a claim based on quantum meruit, leaving for the jury’s
consideration counts one and three, claims on an account and contract, respectively.
2
{¶3} The jury returned a verdict in favor of Schottenstein. On June 8, 2010, the trial
court entered judgment in the amount of $39,706 with interest. On July 22, 2010, Reineke filed
a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (“JNOV”) and, in the alternative, for a new
trial. On July 23, 2010, the trial court held a hearing on the motion, and on July 29, 2010,
placed an entry on the docket denying the motion in toto. Reineke did not receive notice of the
court’s July 29, 2010 entry. On November 23, 2010, the trial court placed another entry on the
docket once again denying Reineke’s motion and reaffirming the jury’s verdict. The entry was
signed by counsel for both parties. Reineke filed his notice of appeal on December 27, 2010.
{¶4} The complaint in this case arises from a domestic relations matter. In February
2003, Reineke signed an engagement letter authorizing Schottenstein attorney Robert K.
Danzinger, a partner with the firm, to represent him with respect to the drafting of a separation
agreement. The engagement letter specified an hourly rate of $210.00 and a retaining fee of
$2,500. The separation agreement was never utilized because Reineke’s wife, Juliana Reineke,
filed a divorce action against him in the Medina County Domestic Relations Court. That case
was dismissed on February 7, 2005. Directly following the dismissal of the Medina County case,
Schottenstein filed a divorce action on Reineke’s behalf against Juliana Reineke in Ashland
County, which was also subsequently dismissed. On or about the same day as the Ashland
County filing, Juliana Reineke initiated a divorce action against Reineke in the state of Michigan,
where she was residing with the couple’s children. Schottenstein’s representation of Reineke in
these matters continued until July 2005, when he terminated Schottenstein’s services. The fees
at issue here pertain to Schottenstein’s invoices for legal fees and expenses incurred from
February 2005 through July 2005.
3
{¶5} Reineke now appeals from the November 23, 2010 judgment entry denying the
motion for JNOV and new trial, and raises a single assignment of error for our review.
II
Assignment of Error
“THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED PREJUDICIAL ERROR BY
OVERRULING THE APPELLANT’S MOTION FOR JUDGMENT
NOTWITHSTANDING THE VERDICT AND FOR NEW TRIAL WHERE THE
APPELLEE DID NOT PRODUCE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE AT TRIAL TO
RECOVER DAMAGES FOR ATTORNEY FEES.”
{¶6} As an introductory matter, this Court will address Schottenstein’s contention that
Reineke’s notice of appeal was not timely filed within the requirements of App.R. 4(A) and that
it should be dismissed. A judgment entry denying Reineke’s motion for JNOV and new trial was
entered on the trial court’s docket on July 29, 2010. Appended to Reineke’s notice of appeal is
a certified copy of the trial court docket which demonstrates that Reineke was not served with
the July 29, 2010 entry. Because the trial court failed to properly serve Reineke with its decision
and entry, the time for his appeal did not begin to run until he was notified of the judgment. See
Civ.R. 58(B); App.R. 4(A)(stating that the required notice of appeal must be filed “within thirty
days of the later of entry of the judgment or order appealed or *** service of the notice of
judgment and its entry if service is not made on the party within the three day period in Rule
58(B) of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure”). Because the trial court’s docket does not disclose
that Reineke was properly notified of the July 29, 2010 judgment against him, we cannot
conclude that his notice of appeal was filed untimely. As a result, Schottenstein’s contention that
the appeal must be dismissed for failure to comply with the requirements of App.R. 4(A) is
unpersuasive.
{¶7} We turn now to the merits of Reineke’s assignment of error. Reineke contends
that the trial court erred in denying his motion for JNOV and new trial because Schottenstein
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failed to meet its burden of proof with respect to: (1) the reasonableness, value, or necessity of
the fees, specifically, the issue of legal fees customarily charged in the locality for similar
services; (2) the existence and terms of a contract and breach thereof; and (3) an action on an
open account. For the reasons that follow, we disagree.
{¶8} With respect to appellate review of a trial court’s decision on a motion for JNOV,
this Court has held that:
“After a court enters judgment on a jury’s verdict, a party may file a JNOV to
have the judgment set aside on grounds other than the weight of the evidence.
See Civ.R. 50(B). As with an appeal from a court’s ruling on a directed verdict,
this Court reviews a trial court's grant or denial of a JNOV de novo. Williams v.
Spitzer Auto World Amherst, Inc., 9th Dist. No. 07CA009098, 2008-Ohio-467, at
¶9. JNOV is proper if upon viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the
non-moving party and presuming any doubt to favor the nonmoving party
reasonable minds could come to but one conclusion, that being in favor of the
moving party. Williams at ¶9, citing Civ.R. 50(B). If reasonable minds could
reach different conclusions, the motion must be denied. Garcea v. Woodhull, 9th
Dist. No. 01CA0069, 2002-Ohio-2437, at ¶10.” Waugh v. Chakonas, 9th Dist.
Nos. 25417 & 25480, 2011-Ohio-2764, at ¶7.
{¶9} Our standard of review regarding the trial court’s decision on a motion for a new
trial depends upon the grounds of the motion. “Depending upon the basis of the motion for a
new trial, this Court will review a trial court’s decision to grant or deny the motion under either a
de novo or an abuse of discretion standard of review.” Calame v. Treece, 9th Dist. No.
07CA0073, 2008-Ohio-4997, at ¶13, citing Rohde v. Farmer (1970), 23 Ohio St. 2d 82,
paragraphs one and two of the syllabus. “[W]hen the basis of the motion involves a question of
law, the de novo standard of review applies, and when the basis of the motion involves the
determination of an issue left to the trial court’s discretion, the abuse of discretion standard
applies.” Dragway 42, L.L.C. v. Kokosing Constr. Co., Inc. 9th Dist. No. 09CA0073, 2010-
Ohio-4657, at ¶32.
5
{¶10} Reineke frames his motion for new trial under Civ.R. 59(A)(5), (6), and (7) (error
in the amount of recovery, judgment not sustained by the weight of the evidence, and judgment
contrary to law). Yet, Reineke’s argument is that the evidence was insufficient to sustain the
award of fees to Schottenstein. Because insufficiency of the evidence is not one of the
enumerated grounds for seeking a new trial under Civ.R. 59(A), this Court construes his
argument as styled under section (A)(6), judgment not sustained by the weight of the evidence.
Accordingly, the abuse of discretion standard of review applies. Brown v. Mariano, 9th Dist. No.
05CA008820, 2006-Ohio-6671, at ¶5, citing Snyder v. Singer (May 17, 2000), 9th Dist. No.
99CA0020, at *3.
{¶11} “When considering a Civ.R. 59(A)(6) motion for a new trial, a trial court must
weigh the evidence and pass on the credibility of the witnesses. [Yet], the trial court assesses the
weight and credibility in a more limited sense than would a jury; the court is to determine, in
light of its broad discretion, whether a manifest injustice has occurred.” Brown at ¶5. “The job
of the appellate court is to review whether the trial court abused its discretion in making this
determination. Absent some indication that the trial court was unreasonable, arbitrary or
unconscionable in exercising its discretion, the judgment of the trial court will not be disturbed.”
(Internal citation omitted.) Snyder at *3.
{¶12} Reineke first argues that Schottenstein did not establish a contract with him
relative to the fees at issue. He contends that the engagement letter is not applicable because it
only pertained to the preparation of the separation agreement, which never occurred or was
rendered moot by the Medina County divorce filing. He also relies on the fact that the parties
never executed a new written agreement upon the divorce filing. He further maintains that
6
because an action on an open account is founded on the existence of a contract, Schottenstein
cannot provide evidence of an account. We disagree.
“To set forth a claim for breach of contract, a complaining party must prove the
following elements by a preponderance of the evidence: (1) that a contract
existed; (2) that the complaining party fulfilled its contractual obligations; (3) that
the opposing party failed to fulfill its obligations; and (4) that the complaining
party incurred damages as a result of this failure.” Community Health Partners
Physicians, Inc. v. Sharbeck, 9th Dist. No. 10CA009874, 2011-Ohio-4033, at ¶7,
quoting H & F Transp., Inc. v. Satin Ride Equine Transport, Inc., 9th Dist. No.
06CA0069-M, 2008-Ohio-1004, at ¶18.
{¶13} Reineke does not dispute that the engagement letter executed by the parties
constitutes an express written contract for the preparation of the separation agreement or that the
invoices at issue remain unpaid. Rather, he argues that the engagement letter ceased to control
when his wife filed for divorce and no contract was entered into for further services.
{¶14} The language of the engagement letter, which was introduced as evidence at the
trial, made specific reference to “the possibility of the occurrence of unpredictable and
unforeseen circumstances” that would prevent Danzinger from quoting “a final and specific fee”
and that “[t]his is particularly true in a situation such as yours, which is essentially adversary in
nature.” The agreement also stated that the recording of time would apply to the “drafting of
pleadings” and “preparation for and appearances in court,” neither of which would be necessary
for a separation agreement, but instead, pertain to a lawsuit or other contested matter. The letter
also referenced “unforeseen complexities that may result during negotiations.” Thus, by its very
terms, the engagement letter contemplated an ongoing relationship between the parties of an
unspecified duration due to the high likelihood of unpredictable and unforeseeable events in the
case, including, inter alia, the potential filing of a divorce action. Accordingly, the evidence
7
supports the conclusion that the terms of the engagement letter extended to legal work performed
after the filing of the divorce.
{¶15} Even if the evidence did not support the finding of an express contract between
the parties for services rendered in the eventual divorce, the evidence establishes, alternatively,
that the parties’ conduct and expectations created an implied contract as the divorce proceeded.
The Ohio Supreme Court has held that “an attorney-client relationship need not be formed by an
express written contract or by the full payment of a retainer. Instead, *** an attorney-client
relationship may be created by implication based upon the conduct of the parties and the
reasonable expectations of the person seeking representation.” Cuyahoga Cty. Bar Assn. v.
Hardiman, 100 Ohio St. 3d 260, 2003-Ohio-5596, at ¶8; see, also, New Destiny Treatment Ctr.,
Inc. v. Wheeler, 129 Ohio St. 3d 39, 2011-Ohio-2266, at ¶26.
{¶16} Reineke testified at trial that after his wife filed for divorce in Medina County, he
continued to confer with Danzinger and “then [Danzinger] was doing the work for it. So
[Danzinger] was continuing on with the divorce case once it was filed.” Reineke further testified
that as the divorce proceeded, Danzinger continued to do work on the case, billed him monthly,
and that he was paying the bills. In fact, prior to the instant action, Reineke paid roughly
$96,000 in legal fees to Schottenstein. Further, there was no evidence presented at trial
demonstrating that Reineke terminated their attorney-client relationship until July 2005 during
the pendency of the Ashland County and Michigan divorce cases.
{¶17} Based on the foregoing, the record is clear that Reineke expected Schottenstein
would represent him in the divorce, and in turn, Reineke continued to pay the bills. Therefore, as
evidenced by the parties’ conduct and mutual expectations, their attorney-client relationship also
continued by implication.
8
{¶18} Reineke further argues that even if a contractual relationship could be established,
Schottenstein failed to prove the necessary elements of a claim on account. “An ‘action on an
account’ is ‘merely a pleading device used to consolidate several different claims one party has
against another.’” Cooper & Pachell v. Haslage (2001), 142 Ohio App. 3d 704, 707, quoting
AMF, Inc. v. Mravec (1981), 2 Ohio App. 3d 29, 31. “An action on account is an action for a
breach of contract. Where the defendant denies all the allegations of the complaint, the plaintiff
has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence all the elements of a claim for
breach of contract.” Id.
“To establish a prima facie case for money owed on an account, a plaintiff must
demonstrate the existence of an account, including that the account is in the name
of the party charged, and it must also establish (1) a beginning balance of zero, or
a sum that can qualify as an account stated, or some other provable sum; (2) listed
items, or an item, dated and identifiable by number or otherwise, representing
charges, or debits, and credits; and (3) summarization by means of a running or
developing balance, or an arrangement of beginning balance and items that
permits the calculation of the amount claimed to be due.” Great Seneca Financial
v. Felty, 1st Dist. No. C-050929, 2006-Ohio-6618, at ¶6; see, also, Climaco,
Seminatore, Delligati & Hollenbaugh v. Carter (1995), 100 Ohio App. 3d 313,
320.
{¶19} In support of his argument, Reineke primarily relies upon Cooper & Pachell in
which this Court affirmed the trial court’s finding that the plaintiff had not satisfied the
requirements of an action on an account. Cooper & Pachell, 142 Ohio App. 3d at 708. However,
Cooper & Pachell is distinguishable from the instant matter. In Cooper & Pachell, the law firm
sued for attorney fees for legal and tax planning work. Id. at 706. In upholding the trial court’s
finding, we reasoned as follows, in pertinent part:
“In support of the alleged debt, appellant offered a law firm ledger with columns
of numbers, which merely lists dates, amounts charged, amounts paid, and
balances. The ledger has no specific description of the service provided and to
whom the service was rendered, which is important, considering that services
were allegedly rendered for Kenneth Haslage in a personal capacity, Haslage’s
wife, and Form-A-Thread. Attorney Jim Pachell was the sole witness for
9
appellant, and he provided general answers about general services rendered.
However, Pachell could not specifically set forth the services rendered on specific
dates, for whom specific services were rendered, whether the services were
authorized, and which of the services were and were not paid for. *** While
Pachell testified that as a general matter firm services were paid at rates of $150,
$135, and $90 per hour, Pachell could not specifically testify as to the rate
charged for services provided to appellees. ***
“For the appellees, Haslage testified that he was aware that $6,693 was
supposedly due and owing, but that bills were never itemized to reflect what work
was done and by whom. The bills never identified precisely who was liable (i.e.
Haslage, his wife, or Form-A-Thread) for what services. Haslage regularly
questioned the bills sent by appellant and felt they were being overbilled. ***
“The trial court aptly summarized the amorphous nature of appellant’s evidence
in its order: ‘Plaintiff offered no exhibits or individual testimony breaking down
or itemizing the charges in their account showing what service was rendered, by
whom and the hourly rate used.’ Appellant’s lack of specificity was manifest
throughout the record.” Id. at 707-08.
{¶20} Here, Schottenstein introduced into evidence monthly invoices showing the
charges from February 2005 through July 2005. Since Reineke was Schottenstein’s only client
in the domestic case, the question as to who was liable for the services is not an issue as it was in
Cooper & Pachell where there were multiple clients. Nonetheless, Reineke’s name and address
were displayed at the top of each invoice, clearly identifying him as the liable party. The
invoices also contained a ledger that included columns for the date of the service, the initials of
the firm member responsible, the time expended, as well as a brief description of the services
rendered. At the end of each invoice, if applicable, was an itemization of expenses, any amounts
credited for the month, and a final invoice total. Schottenstein’s credit manager, Jeff Deibel,
testified that all bills prior to the March 2, 2005 invoice, which contained the charges for
February 2005, had been paid, and that the February 2005 through July 2005 charges comprised
the total of the open account. It is a simple mathematical exercise to add the monthly invoice
totals and arrive at the sum of $37,542.61, the amount sought in the complaint. While Deibel
could not testify as to the rate charged, the engagement letter specifically set forth Danzinger’s
10
hourly rate of $210 and stated that “[i]f any of my associates or partners work on your matter at
my request, their time will be billed at an appropriate amount.” Furthermore, unlike the scenario
in Cooper & Pachell, there was no evidence introduced at trial demonstrating that Reineke
previously questioned the bills; either the hourly rate, or who performed the work, or that he felt
he was being overbilled.
{¶21} Based on the foregoing, we conclude that Cooper & Pachell is distinguishable
from the case at bar and that the unpaid invoices comply with the requirements for an account.
Reineke’s account with Schottenstein had a zero balance as of the March 2, 2005 invoice. The
invoices identify the liable party, dates of service, amount of time expended and by whom,
description of the services rendered, and a total sum due. Reineke consented to the hourly rate,
was put on notice that different rates may be charged when appropriate, and never questioned the
bills. Therefore, taken as a whole, the invoices comply with the requirements of an account.
Great Seneca Financial, 170 Ohio App. 3d at 741; Cooper & Pachell, 142 Ohio App. 3d at 707-
08. Accordingly, the evidence supports the existence of a proper account.
{¶22} The remaining issue raised by Reineke is whether the fees listed on the account
are reasonable. Reineke contends that Schottenstein did not present any evidence of the
reasonableness, value, or necessity of the fees. We disagree.
{¶23} The test for determining the reasonableness of attorney fees is as follows:
“Compensation for services rendered by an attorney is generally fixed by contract
prior to employment and the formation of the fiduciary relationship between
attorney and client. Jacobs v. Holston (1980), 70 Ohio App. 2d 55. After the
fiduciary relationship is established, the attorney has the burden of establishing
the reasonableness and fairness of fees. Id. Where, prior to employment, the
attorney and client have reached an agreement as to the hourly rate to be charged
and the amount of the retaining fee, but the agreement fails to provide for the
number of hours to be expended by the attorney, in an action for attorney fees the
burden of proving that the time was fairly and properly used and the burden of
showing the reasonableness of work hours devoted to the case rest on the
11
attorney. Id. Furthermore, a trial court must base its determination of reasonable
attorney fees upon actual value of the necessary services performed, and there
must be some evidence which supports the court’s determination. In re Hinko
(1992), 84 Ohio App. 3d 89. In making such a determination, the court must
consider many important factors, including those set forth in Pyle v. Pyle (1983),
11 Ohio App. 3d 31, 35:
“’*** (1) [T]ime and labor, novelty of issues raised, and necessary skill to pursue
the course of action; (2) customary fees in the locality for similar legal services;
(3) result obtained; and (4) experience, reputation and ability of counsel. See DR
2-106(B), Code of Professional Responsibility; Annotation (1974), 57 A.L.R. 3d
475.’ Id. at 35.” Climaco, 100 Ohio App. 3d at 323-24.
{¶24} DR 2-106(B), referenced above, sets forth the factors to be considered when
determining the reasonableness of a fee. We note that DR 2-106(B) has been superseded by
Prof.Cond.R.1.5, effective February 1, 2007. In addition to the factors set forth in Pyle, the
following factors may also be considered under Prof.Cond.R.1.5: the likelihood that the
acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment; the amount involved;
the time limitation imposed by the client or the circumstances; the nature and length of the
attorney/client relationship; and whether the fee is fixed or contingent. Prof.Cond.Rule 1.5(a);
see, also, TCF Natl. Bank v. Daniels, 5th Dist. No. 2009CA00121, 2010-Ohio-1402, at ¶27.
Furthermore, “[a]ll factors may not be applicable in all cases and the trial court has the discretion
to determine which factors to apply, and in what manner that application will affect the initial
calculation.” TCF Natl. Bank at ¶27, quoting Bittner v. Tri-County Toyota, Inc. (1991), 58 Ohio
St.3d. 143, 146. These factors “are not exclusive. Nor will each factor be relevant in each
instance.” Prof.Cond.R. 1.5, Comment 1.
{¶25} In the instant case, the parties had reached an agreement as to the hourly rate and
retaining fee at the time of Schottenstein’s employment. However, the agreement did not
provide for the total number of hours to be expended. Thus, Schottenstein carried the burden of
12
showing the reasonableness of work hours devoted to the case and that the time was fairly and
properly used. Climaco, 100 Ohio App. 3d at 323.
{¶26} At trial, Danzinger took the stand and testified at length concerning his
representation of Reineke and the reasonableness of the fees sought in the complaint. Danzinger
testified that he is a Martindale-Hubbell AV rated attorney who specializes in domestic relations
cases and, at the time, was a partner at Schottenstein. He testified that Reineke’s divorce case
was one of the most difficult, complicated, complex, and emotionally-charged cases of his career
and that he spent “two-plus years” and “more effort and more energy in a case than I ever had.”
Danzinger further testified that the case involved significant personal and corporate assets and
required the valuation of nine businesses. The case was also extremely adversarial and involved
highly complex and contentious issues regarding child custody, visitation, spousal support,
property division, and dueling jurisdictions. As a result, the case required extensive discovery of
financial information and numerous communications between Danzinger and Reineke.
Danzinger testified that the invoices “accurately reflect the amount of time” spent on the case,
and that on occasion, he spent more time on the case than what was billed. Furthermore,
Danginger testified that the desired result was ultimately obtained; specifically, dismissal of the
Medina County case.
{¶27} In turn, Reineke argues that pursuit of the dismissal resulted in the overbilling of
fees because it involved the last-minute preparation and filing of a significant number of motions
and briefs regarding opposing counsel’s discovery tactics and requests the day before trial. Yet,
both Danzinger and Reineke testified that it was their agreed strategy to seek dismissal of the
Medina County case. Danzinger testified that the dismissal strategy was not only discussed at
length with Reineke, but was necessary for several tactical reasons intended to advance the best
13
interests of his client, and hopefully, lead to the negotiation of a settlement. In support of its
contention, Schottenstein introduced into evidence a letter from Danzinger to Reineke, which
Reineke acknowledged at trial that he signed, wherein Danzinger memorialized and explained in
full detail his recommendation to pursue the dismissal strategy. Danzinger also testified that in
addition to preparing for dismissal, “we were also preparing for trial, putting exhibit books
together, getting our witness lists together, prepping witnesses, doing all that if, in the
alternative, we were forced to go to trial.” Furthermore, our review of the billing entries for the
days leading up to trial does not indicate that the time spent or description of the work reveals
any charges that were not reasonable and necessary under the circumstances. Accordingly, based
on the foregoing, we do not agree that Danzinger engaged in a frivolous or unethical attempt to
overbill simply for purposes of inflating his fees.
{¶28} Moreover, the record does not disclose that Reineke expressed any dissatisfaction
during the attorney-client relationship regarding fees. There is no evidence that he ever
contested the accumulation of fees or demonstrated concern about the quality of Danziger’s
representation. He received invoices on a monthly basis and paid them. When he got in arrears
on the fees, his father took out a loan for the outstanding balance so that Schottenstein’s
representation could continue. Accordingly, Reineke’s argument has no merit. See, e.g.,
Reminger & Reminger Co, L.P.A. v. Fred Siegel Co., L.P.A., (March 1, 2001), 8th Dist. No.
77712, at *7-8 (upholding trial court’s determination that fees were reasonable where client
failed to complain about the excessiveness of the fees while receiving periodic billings, prior to
the termination of the representation, and where record demonstrated presentation of competent,
credible evidence concerning reasonableness of fees).
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{¶29} Reineke further argues that there was no evidence presented regarding customary
fees in the local community, Medina County, for similar legal services, which was required
under Pyle, supra, and its progeny in order to prove the reasonableness of the fees. Again,
Reineke’s argument is not well-taken. While Schottenstein did not present evidence regarding
the customary fees in the local community, as previously stated, no single factor is dispositive of
the issue of reasonableness, and the court had discretion as to which factors are relevant and
should have been applied. See TCF Natl. Bank at ¶27; Prof. Cond. Rule 1.5, Comment 1.
Therefore, the absence or presence of evidence regarding the customary fees in the local
community is not, standing alone, determinative. Furthermore, Reineke did not present any
evidence contesting that Schottenstein’s fees were customary in the local community. The crux
of his argument is simply that “I didn’t sign up to pay a hundred and forty-five thousand dollars
for a divorce that never happened” and that, in his opinion, he had already paid enough.
{¶30} In sum, the record here established that the jury’s verdict was supported by the
evidence. Schottenstein presented competent, credible evidence regarding the existence of a
contract and an open account. Schottenstein also carried its burden of establishing the
reasonableness, value, and necessity of its fees pursuant to the standards set forth in Pyle,
Climaco, and Prof.Cond.R. 1.5. The jury heard evidence regarding the time, labor, novelty, and
difficulty of the issues raised and necessary skill to pursue the course of action; the amount
involved and results obtained; the experience and ability of counsel; and the nature and length of
the professional relationship. It is apparent from the jury’s verdict that it found the testimony
and evidence presented by Schottenstein concerning the reasonableness of the fees more credible
than the testimony presented by Reineke, which was within its discretion. See Ross v. Burns
(March 10, 1997), 5th Dist. No. 1996CA000190, at *4. We find no basis to disturb the trial
15
court’s conclusion that the jury’s verdict was supported by the manifest weight of the evidence.
Consequently, Reineke’s sole assignment of error is overruled.
III.
{¶31} Reineke’s sole assignment of error is overruled. The judgment of the Medina
County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.
There were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
We order that a special mandate issue out of this Court, directing the Court of Common
Pleas, County of Medina, State of Ohio, to carry this judgment into execution. A certified copy
of this journal entry shall constitute the mandate, pursuant to App.R. 27.
Immediately upon the filing hereof, this document shall constitute the journal entry of
judgment, and it shall be file stamped by the Clerk of the Court of Appeals at which time the
period for review shall begin to run. App.R. 22(E). The Clerk of the Court of Appeals is
instructed to mail a notice of entry of this judgment to the parties and to make a notation of the
mailing in the docket, pursuant to App.R. 30.
Costs taxed to Appellant.
BETH WHITMORE
FOR THE COURT
MOORE, J.
CONCURS
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CARR, P. J.
CONCURS IN JUDGMENT ONLY
APPEARANCES:
THOMAS L. MASON, Attorney at Law, for Appellant.
RANDY D. TRAMMEL, Attorney at Law, for Appellee.