CompFox AI Summary
J. Anthony Arena, an attorney, appealed a trial court's decision upholding an agreement requiring him to share 50% of contingency fees if he practiced in Davidson County after leaving his firm, Schulman, LeRoy, and Bennett, P.C. Arena argued the agreement violated Tennessee's public policy against restraints on the practice of law. The appellate court found the agreement's economic disincentive to practice in Davidson County constituted an impermissible restraint on the practice of law, violating Rule 5.6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The court reversed the trial court's judgment, deeming the provision unenforceable and denying the firm quantum meruit relief since the firm had an agreement to forego fees if Arena practiced outside the restricted area.
Arena v. Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett is a workers' compensation case decided in Court of Appeals of Tennessee. This case addresses legal issues related to compensation claims, benefits, and court rulings.
It is commonly referenced in legal research involving workers' compensation laws in Court of Appeals of Tennessee.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
J. Anthony Arena, an attorney, appealed a trial court's decision upholding an agreement requiring him to share 50% of contingency fees if he practiced in Davidson County after leaving his firm, Schulman, LeRoy, and Bennett, P.C. Arena argued the agreement violated Tennessee's public policy against restraints on the practice of law. The appellate court found the agreement's economic disincentive to practice in Davidson County constituted an impermissible restraint on the practice of law, violating Rule 5.6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The court reversed the trial court's judgment, deeming the provision unenforceable and denying the firm quantum meruit relief since the firm had an agreement to forego fees if Arena practiced outside the restricted area.
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