53 How. Pr. 426 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1877
The motion is made for specific relief, and is followed by the usual claim for such other relief as may be proper on the fiicts of the case. Thus, the motion resolves itself into one for an order dismissing the action or complaint, on the ground that the action has been settled by the parties. The plaintiff makes the motion, averring that the action has been settled. That the action has been settled by the parties, and that there no longer exists any controversy between them, is not denied; indeed, this stands confessed. But the defendant’s attorney objects to the dismissal of the action, and insists that it shall proceed on the ground that the settlement was without his knowledge, and that no provision having been made for the payment of his costs, it was in fraud of his rights. Ho judgment had been entered in the action; consequently, the defendant’s attorney had no vested right to costs therein. Whatever claim he had for his services was against his client on the retainer. It does not appear that the defendant would have succeeded if the case had gone on to trial; consequently, it does not appear that his attorney would ever be entitled to costs in the suit. There are cases holding that a party may not discharge a judgment actually entered, and thus deprive his attorney of his costs in such judgment. But I am not aware that parties may not settle their controversies without consulting the wishes of their attorneys, or even against their wishes, save when judgment has been entered including costs, or where the attorney has obtained a lien on the subject-matter of the action. He gets no such lien under his retainer alone. I think it would be strange, indeed, if a party may not judge
In this case there has been a settlement satisfactory to the parties. They are content to have the case dismissed. There is, in fact, no longer a controversy between- them. The action should not be continued at their expense, either for the profit or emolument of others.
Motion to discontinue granted.