Sullivan

Harold V. Sullivan II appeals from a judgment entered pursuant to the former Uniform Foreign Money-Judgments Recognition Act (UFMJRA). (Code Civ. Proc., former § 1713 et seq.) He argues that attorney fee awards entered by a court in Gibraltar constituted a penalty, violated California public policy, and should not be recognized. We find no error and affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Peter Laycock, a California resident, sued Java Oil Limited (Java) and Brightside Services Limited (Brightside; collectively respondents) in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar, which the record indicates is a lower court akin to the California Superior Court. Harold Sullivan II (Sullivan or appellant) is a California attorney who assisted Laycock with the litigation in Gibraltar.

1. Gibraltar Litigation

A. Laycock’s Lawsuit (the Underlying Litigation)

In an order dated September 8, 2004, authored by Chief Justice Schofield, the Gibraltar court found all of the following; Peter Laycock claimed that he was injured at a construction site where Brightside was excavating a pipeline owned by Java. Laycock claimed brain damage, aggravation of back and neck injuries, permanent deterioration…