Client’s interests first

I was surprised to read in the Bangor Daily News’ coverage of Tammy Denning’s settlement with Michael Povich that the law firm of Gilbert & Greif, P.A. had allegedly taken a fee of $77,000 and left Ms. Denning with but $10,000. The Bangor Daily News could not have yet received the two settlement agreements at issue, or must clearly have misread the operative sentence. That sentence states that the $77,000 is paid in satisfaction of Gilbert & Greif, P.A.’s claim to attorneys’ fees and expenses and “in complete release of Tammy Denning’s claim that she has been damaged in body by actions of the State [defined as including Mr. Povich], which claim the State strongly denies.”

In fact, a total of $90,000 was paid, $30,000 of which paid this firm’s fees and just over $3,000 of which paid this firm’s expenses. The balance of the monies went to Ms. Denning. This is always the case for every client I represent on a contingency fee basis. I could not look at myself in the mirror if I benefited more than the client in settling a case. I have often reduced my fees to make sure that the client’s interests are protected.

For 27 years my actions as an attorney have been guided by the principle that the client’s interests come first. The professional reputation of this firm, as well as the reputation of all lawyers who labor for justice, has been damaged by a failure to either obtain or carefully read the settlement agreements at issue in this case.

Arthur J. Greif

Hampden