New Deliverance Church, Inc. v. Adam Miller and Houssiere, Durant & Houssiere, LLP

Church vs. Attorney Fee Dispute Creates Legal Uncertainty

This case involved a dispute between New Deliverance Church and their former attorneys over unpaid legal fees. The attorneys sued the church to collect money they claimed they were owed under their fee agreement. The church contested whether a valid contract for attorney fees actually existed between them and the law firm.

A lower court had ruled in favor of the attorneys, saying they were entitled to their fees. However, an appeals court overturned this decision. The appeals court found there were genuine questions about whether a proper fee agreement was ever established between the church and the attorneys. The court said these factual disputes needed to be resolved at trial rather than decided through summary judgment. One judge disagreed, believing the church had given up its right to challenge the attorneys' claim.

This case matters for workers because it shows how important clear, written agreements are in employment relationships. Whether you're an employee negotiating a contract or someone hiring professional services, having well-documented agreements helps prevent costly legal disputes. The ruling demonstrates that courts will carefully examine whether valid contracts existed when fee disputes arise.