The court denied plaintiff's motion for summary judgment on her forfeiture of legal fees claim and granted defendant's motion for summary judgment dismissing the claim. A client may terminate the relationship with an attorney at any time, with or without cause. Where a client discharges an attorney for cause, the attorney has no right to compensation, even where there is a specific retainer agreement. Although a hearing is normally required to determine whether an attorney has been discharged for cause, a hearing is not required where, as here, the client did not seek termination for cause until after defendant had already completed her services and had obtained a favorable settlement for plaintiff.
Kasmin v. Josephs, NY Slip Op 03085 (1st Dep't June 6, 2024)
