2023 QCCQ 73, 2023 QCCQ 73

Laverdure & Miller Inc. c. Ortega 2023 QCCQ 73 COURT OF QUEBEC Small Claims Division CANADA PROVINCE OF QUEBEC DISTRICT OF MONTREAL Civil Division No: 500-32-710186-190 DATE: January 10, 2023 ______________________________________________________________________ BY THE HONOURABLE ELIANA MARENGO, J.C.Q. ______________________________________________________________________ LAVERDURE & MILLER INC. Plaintiff/Cross-defendant v.

MARCO IVAN ORTEGA Defendant/Cross-plaintiff ______________________________________________________________________ JUDGMENT ______________________________________________________________________ [ 1 ] Plaintiff law firm is suing defendant on account for professional services rendered. [ 2 ] On July 11, 2016, a fee agreement intervened between the parties, (exhibit P-4). Said agreement provides, inter alia , as follows: 7 – Consultation SARC est une entreprise de services et ne peut poser les actes réservés à la pratique d’avocat.

Le client accepte de mandater Me François Miller notre avocat, à exécuter les actes légaux prévus par la loi.

Ses honoraires s’élèvent à: - $750.00 par demie journée (audition et/ou conciliation) - $300.00 par demie journée supplémentaire - Et 5% du montant reçu à la suite d’une conciliation ou d’une décision de la CLP - (plus T.P.S. et T.V.Q.) [ 3 ] Plaintiff proved that the fees described in detail, in invoices exhibits P-1 and P-8, as well as in plaintiff’s « Rapport des interventions par dossier », exhibit P-5, were effectively rendered. [ 4 ] On November 5, 2018, a decision was rendered by the Tribunal Administratif Du Travail , in defendant’s favour (exhibit P-11). [ 5 ] As appears from payment notice, exhibit P-12, defendant received $55,025.09 as a result of said decision. [ 6 ] Following this decision and according to fee agreement P-4, defendant still owes plaintiff a balance of $977.29. [ 7 ] However, with respect to the interest claimed, the Court deems a rate of 12% per annum to be excessive and unreasonable, and shall not grant same ( Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers ,

chapter B-1 , r. 3.1, s. 103 ). [ 8 ] Furthermore, contrary to what is alleged by defendant, according to the preponderance of evidence, defendant had all useful information regarding plaintiff’s financial terms and gave his consent thereto ( Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers s. 99). [ 9 ] Plaintiff proved all of the facts alleged in its application, by a preponderance of evidence ( s. 2803 and 2804 Civil Code of Québec ), and defendant was unable to justify his contestation, which is moreover incomprehensible. [ 10 ] Finally, with regards to the cross-application, it is unfounded.

Defendant presented no credible evidence in support thereof, and most of defendant’s allegations were incredible and highly unlikely.

WHEREFORE THE COURT HEREBY: GRANTS plaintiff's application; ORDERS defendant to pay plaintiff the sum of $977.29, plus interest at the legal rate and the additional indemnity provided for in

section 1619 of the Civil Code of Québec , from July 2, 2019, date of the demand letter, and legal costs in the amount of $154.00; and DISMISSES defendant’s cross-application. __________________________________ ELIANA MARENGO, J.C.Q. Date of hearing: November 15, 2022