Singh v Sinel [2014] EWHC 3058 (Ch) (23 July 2014)

Singh v Sinel [2014] EWHC 3058 (Ch) (23 July 2014)

The defendant is liable to pay the claimant a reasonable fee for services rendered on a quantum meruit basis, as the engagement was contractual or impliedly contractual, and the honorarium doctrine does not preclude recovery in this context.

Citation
[2014] EWHC 3058 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant/respondent: Kuldip Singh; Defendant/appellant: Philip Sinel
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
23 July 2014
Procedural Posture
Civil / Summary Judgment/strike Out Application
Outcome
Claim allowed in part; summary judgment granted for quantum meruit claim with reduction.
Legal Topics
Quantum Meruit, Unjust Enrichment, Implied Contract, Honorarium Doctrine, Fee Disputes
Contract Law Commercial Law Legal Profession Quantum Meruit Unjust Enrichment Implied Contract Honorarium Doctrine Fee Disputes

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Parties

Kuldip Singh

Claimant/respondent

Philip Sinel

Defendant/appellant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Summary Judgment/strike Out Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant is contractually liable for the claimant's fees
  2. 2 Whether Annexe G1 to the Bar Code of Conduct applies to the engagement
  3. 3 Whether the claimant is entitled to payment on a quantum meruit basis

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant is liable to pay the claimant a reasonable fee for services rendered on a quantum meruit basis, as the engagement was contractual or impliedly contractual, and the honorarium doctrine does not preclude recovery in this context.

Court Disposition

Claim allowed in part; summary judgment granted for quantum meruit claim with reduction.

Orders

  • Defendant to pay balance of claim after 10% reduction in contested sum plus sum accepted as reasonable by defendant.
  • Interest ordered at 3% until judgment.