Mister Cass disputes attorney fees in $800K settlement from Wayland case

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court convened on May 5, 2025, to hear oral arguments in a case involving attorney fees and settlement distributions. The central issue revolved around the financial arrangements between attorney Mr. Cass and the law firms Adler Pollock and Sheehan, as well as the implications of these agreements on the settlement amount of $800,000.

During the proceedings, it was clarified that Mr. Cass received a total of $610,000 from the settlement after various deductions, including a $250,000 verdict and 12% prejudgment interest. The court examined the fee agreements, noting that the initial contingency fee structure was altered, leading to confusion over the amounts owed to the attorneys. The discussion highlighted that Mr. Cass had already been compensated for his claims, raising questions about his involvement in the ongoing dispute regarding attorney fees.

The justices probed the rationale behind Mr. Cass's continued participation in the case, emphasizing that the remaining funds from the settlement were primarily related to attorney fees rather than direct compensation to him. The attorneys representing Adler Pollock argued that the fee agreements were valid and that any technical violations regarding the disclosure of fees should not negate their entitlement to payment.

The court also addressed the potential consequences of ruling against the attorneys, suggesting that any funds not awarded to them might not necessarily revert to the town of Wayland, which had negotiated the settlement. The attorneys maintained that their agreements were consistent with legal standards and sought affirmation of the lower court's ruling.

As the session concluded, the justices expressed their appreciation for the arguments presented and prepared to deliberate on the case, which could set important precedents regarding attorney fee agreements and settlement distributions in Massachusetts.