Christine Reaser v. Robert M.A. Nadeau

Download Download Decision (PDF)

Disposition: Award to Respondent

Issued by: Fee Arbitration Commission

Docket #: FAC# 17-392

Dated: April 6, 2018

Bar Number: 007460

A hearing in this matter was held on March 20, 2018, in Lewiston, Maine, before a duly authorized Fee Arbitration Panel of the Fee Arbitration Commission of the Board of Overseers of the Bar. This Panel was designated to hear the controversy existing between the parties as set forth in the Petitioner's Petition. The members of this Panel were Chair Michael R. Poulin, Esq., Carrie Folsom, Esq., and public member Cheryl Brandt. The Petitioner and the Respondent each appeared and testified. In addition, two witnesses, Richard Reaser and Timothy Tuomey, testified on behalf of Petitioner. Based upon the evidence introduced, the Panel finds as follows:

Measuring the findings with the factors set forth in Rule 1.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Panel finds that the total reasonable fees and costs for the services provided by Respondent to Petitioner was $14,600. Petitioner has previously paid the sum of $12,100. Therefore, Petitioner owes Respondent the sum of $2500.00, which is the award of the Panel.

In order to preserve the confidentiality of the written materials and the testimony submitted at the hearing, the findings of fact and conclusions are not set forth in the Award and Determination. This Award and Determination is accompanied, however, by a Confidential Addendum setting forth the findings of facts and conclusions of the Panel. By ruling of the Chair, the Confidential Addendum shall not be considered part of the Award and Determination, which is a public document. In accordance with Maine Bar Rule 7(h), the Confidential Addendum shall be confidential and shall not be open to the public or disclosed to any person except as otherwise set forth in Maine Bar Rule 7(h).

The Award and Determination is in full settlement of all claims submitted to the Arbitration Panel.

The undersigned has subscribed to this award on April 6, 2018.

Michael R. Poulin, Esq.
Chair, Panel 2
Fee Arbitration Commission