UNETHICAL AND UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF THE PRIVATE RESPONDENT
(AS LAWYER) TOWARD HIS CLIENT, THE HEREIN PETITIONER.
We find no merit in the first assigned error.
Petitioner contends that absent any agreement on attorneys fees, the determination of the
compensation for the lawyers services will have to be based on quantum meruit, such as but not
limited to the extent and character of the services rendered, the labor, time and trouble involved,
the skill and experience called for in performing the services, the professional and social
standing of the lawyer, and the results secured (citing cases). Petitioner further contends that
private respondent failed to demonstrate the circumstances showing the extent of services
rendered and that there were no specific findings of fact in the courts decision that would justify
the award of an additional US$2,500.00 as attorney fees to private respondent.
The issue of the reasonableness of attorneys fees based on quantum meruit is a question of fact,
and well-settled is the rule that conclusions and findings of fact by the lower courts are entitled
to great weight on appeal and will not be disturbed except for strong and cogent reasons. The
findings of the Court of Appeals by itself, which are supported by substantial evidence are
almost beyond the power of review by the Supreme Court.iv[4] We find no cogent reason to
disturb the factual findings of the respondent court as follows:
If it were really true as appellant alleged, that it was not difficult to reopen the closed file of her
claim as the same did not involve a legal matter, why is it that she did not handle her claim
single-handedly? Why did she took (sic) pains in requesting legal assistance from appellee?
In her testimony before the trial court, appellant testified that her former lawyer, Atty. Pedro
Laurel died after the filing of her application for payment. Hence, during the pendency thereof,
Atty. Laurel should therefore be credited the commencement of appellants claim. Appellant
likewise testified that after the death of Atty. Laurel, the case was considered closed obviously
for the reason that no earnest efforts were exerted in relation thereto. It was at this crucial stage
that appellees services were utilized to its successful completion in the revival of reopening of
appellants claim. Needless to say, appellees handling of appellants claim demanded close and
constant communication and dealings with foreign agencies like the U. S. Department of Labor
and Continental Insurance. Even granting that appellee handled only a single hearing for
appellants case and that was when Dra. Altes-Montes deposition was taken, the same was very
material as it established the validity of appellants claim. The degree and extent of service
rendered by an attorney for a client is best measured in terms other than mere number of sheets
of paper. A lawyer is entitled to have and receive the just and reasonable compensation for
services rendered.v[5]
The respondent courts ratiocination in affirming the reasonableness of the additional
compensation of US$2,500.00 awarded by the trial court properly took into account the character
and extent of the services rendered, the results secured which amounted to an award of
$53,347.80, and the critical nature of counsels intervention to pursue the claims after the death of
the former counsel, in justifying the award. Petitioners attempt to belittle the value of said
services at this time does not appeal to our sense of reason and fairness. Also the fact that no