Can’t Cut Attorney Out Of His Fees.

Client/defendant and lawyer entered into a written fee agreement which deferred payment of fees until the court ordered them, which the court did after plaintiff lost.  Plaintiff appealed, but settled with the defendant while the appeal was pending, a settlement which did not include payment of the fees.  The lawyer sued for his fees.  The jury in the fee action awarded the lawyer his fees, finding the plaintiff in the underlying action interfered with the lawyer’s contract with his client.  The appellate court affirmed.  Little v. Amber Hotel Company  (Cal. App. Second Dist., Div. 1;  December 22, 2011) 202 Cal.App.4th 280.