Swallow v. Francisco

WORKS, J.

This is an action to recover an attorney’s fee. Judgment was rendered in favor of defendant Soteras and against defendant Francisco. The latter appeals.

The sole point presented by appellant is that the findings of the trial court are not responsive to the issues framed by the pleadings. The complaint alleged that at all times mentioned in it respondent was a duly licensed, qualified and practicing attorney at law in the state; that within two years last past, he, at the special instance and request of defendants performed certain legal services for which they promised and agreed to pay him the reasonable value thereof on demand; that the reasonable value of the services was the sum of $500, and that he has demanded of defendants the payment of the amount, but that they have wholly failed and refused, and still fail and refuse, to pay the same or any part thereof except the sum of $45.90. Judgment was prayed for $454.10. The defendants answered separately. In the answer of appellant it is denied that respondent, at the instance and request of appellant, or otherwise or at all, performed any legal services for appellant, or for his use or benefit; that appellant ever agreed to pay respondent the reasonable value of any legal services whatever, or any sum of money for any legal services; or that the sum of

[694]

$500 is the reasonable value of the services claimed to have been rendered by respondent for appellant. In addition to these denials the answer of appellant contained an averment that he is not indebted t.o respondent in any sum for services, or at all.

The trial court found, so far as its findings were material to the issues in the cause, that between September 15 and December 25, 1920, respondent performed legal services which were of the reasonable value of $500 for defendant Soteras and at his special instance and request; that on or about December 17, 1920, appellant for a certain consideration moving to him from defendant Soteras, promised and agreed to and with Soteras, and to and with respondent, to pay to respondent the reasonable value of the services rendered to Soteras, as found by the court; and that appellant has paid no part thereof except the sum of $45.90.

It is not necessary to determine whether the findings fail to respond to the issues framed by the pleadings. Even if they do, it must be assumed in support of the judgment that the court heard evidence sufficient to sustain them.