In re Barceloux

Review of an order of the referee allowing attorneys for the trustee the sum of $25,000 for services, upon petition of the Maryland Casualty Company, a corporation, creditor.

The firm of Devlin & Devlin, consisting of Robert T. Devlin, William H. Devlin, and Arthur S. Devlin, wore, on March 16, 1927, employed and appointed attorneys for the trastee, and said attorneys still are acting in such capacity. Said attorneys petitioned the court for allowance of fees in the sum of $55,000, apportioned as follows: $2,750 for services in connection with the administration of the estate; 40 per cent, of $125,000, the sum recovered in what is known as equity suit No. 263 for extraordinary services; $2,250 for services in equity suit No. 267. After hearing, the referee allowed the sum of $25,000 on account.

It is objected that the fee is excessive, and that George R. Freeman, one of the attorneys employed by Devlin & Devlin, “has fraudulently concealed from the trustee herein and from the Bankruptcy Court the receipt of largo sums of money which should be credited on the claim presented herein by the estate of Frank R. Freeman, deceased, represented by said George R. Freeman as…