Manuel Araniva challenged a Suffolk County District Court decision which required him to pay his attorney, Christopher J. Cassar, some $5,376.41 in litigation related expenses.
Araniva claimed the $20,000 he previously paid to Cassar covered those costs.
After the District Court found against him, Araniva appealed to the Appellate Term, Second Department, which agreed the unambiguous terms of the rates' retainer agreement made Araniva liable for the "reasonable, necessary expenses" sought.
Think that retained Araniva's interest?
To view a copy of the Appellate Term's decision, please use this link: Cassar v. Araniva