settlements - authority of counsel

In a recent case, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that an attorney must have express authority to bind a client to a settlement agreement, because "parties settling legal disputes forfeit substantial legal rights, and such rights should only be forfeited knowingly."


Reutzel v. Douglas, 870 A2d 787 (March 29, 2005)

http://www.courts.state.pa.us/OpPosting/Supreme/out/J-139-2004mo.pdf
http://www.courts.state.pa.us/OpPosting/Supreme/out/J-139-2004co.pdf - Cappy concurring
http://www.courts.state.pa.us/OpPosting/Supreme/out/J-139-2004co2.pdf - Eakin concurring

Donald Marritz, Attorney
MidPenn Legal Services
128 Breckenridge Street
Gettysburg, Pa. 17325
tel. 717/334-7623 x2414
fax 717/334-0863
dmarritz@midpenn.org