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Fleming v. Quigley}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 , Opinion\tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\insrsid15892041 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid1261933 12}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  of 20
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid1261933 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\keep\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 URSULA U. FLEMING,}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\keep\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Plaintiff-Appellee,
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 MARY ANN F. QUIGLEY AND JAMES R. QUIGLEY,}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Defendants-Appellants.}{\insrsid1261933 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Filed:}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 February 28, 2003}{\insrsid1261933 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Supreme Court Case No.: CVA01-021
\par Superior Court Case No.: CV1117-96}{\b\insrsid1261933 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Argued and submitted on September 5, 2002
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam}{\insrsid1261933 
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\par }{\ul\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Appearing for Plaintiff-Appellee:}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Joaquin C. Arriola, Jr., }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Esq}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 .
\par Arriola, Cowan & Arriola
\par 259 Martyr St., Ste. 201
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910
\par \cell 
\par }{\ul\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Appearing for Defendant-Appellant}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par David J. Highsmith, }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Esq}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 .
\par The Law Office of David J. Highsmith, P.C.
\par Ste. 209, Union Bank Bldg.
\par 194 Hernan Cortes Ave.
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
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\par }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 BEFORE: PETER C. SIGUENZA, JR., Chief Justice}{\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
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The signatures on this Opinion reflect the titles of the justices at the time this matter was considered and determined. }{\insrsid15892041     }}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
; F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Associate Justice; JOHN A. MANGLONA, Designated Justice.}{\insrsid1261933 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 CARBULLIDO, J.:}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [1]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The Plaintiff-Appellee, Ursula U. Fleming (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ), filed 
an action in the Superior Court of Guam against the Defendants-Appellants, Mary Ann F. Quigley and James R. Quigley (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Quigleys}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ), for fraud and breach of fiduciary duties.}{
\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming sought damages and rescission of a Deed of Gift to real property, as well as attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees and costs.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Superior Court found in favor of Fleming on her f
raud and breach of fiduciary duties claims, and ordered that the Deed of Gift be rescinded, and that the property be transferred back to Fleming.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Furthermore, the lower court ordered that money be paid to the Quigleys, which represented a set-off for amounts expended by the Quigleys for improvements made to the property against amounts expended by Fleming for improvements and attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees and costs Fleming incurred in the suit.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The Quigleys appeal the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees, arguing that the award of fees was made in contravention of the American Rule governing attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
We agree and therefore reverse that part of the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s judgment.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 I.
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\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [2]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Fleming sued the Quigleys for fraud and breach of fiduciary duties.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The suit arose out of a land transfer between the parties.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In 1976, Fleming executed a Deed of Gift in favor of the Quigleys, transferring ownership of property in Barrigada to the Quigleys.}{
\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Quigleys thereafter constructed a home on the property.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming resided in the home.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
In 1995, the Quigleys attempted to evict Fleming from the property, claiming ownership by virtue of the 1976 Deed of Gift.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming then sued the Quigleys, claiming that the 
1976 transfer via the Deed of Gift was procured through fraud and breach of fiduciary duties on the part of the Quigleys.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Fleming ultimately sought to have the Deed of Gift rescinded and sought compensatory and exemplary damages, and attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees and costs.
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [3]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab 
The trial court found for Fleming on her fraud and breach of fiduciary duties claims and ordered that the Deed of Gift be rescinded, and that the property be transferred back to Fleming.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Furthermore, t
he lower court awarded the Quigleys $19,044.16, which represents amounts expended by the Quigleys for improvements made to the property minus amounts expended by Fleming for her improvements, as well as attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees and costs incurred by Fleming in the suit.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 This appeal followed.}{
\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Quigleys appeal only the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 II.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [4]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab This court has jurisdiction over the appeal of the underlying final judgment pursuant to Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  3107(b) (1994). 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 III.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [5]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The subject of the instant appeal is the award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees to Fleming. The issue in this case is whether the trial court erred in awarding Fleming attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees in an action to rescind a deed of gift based on fraud and breach of fiduciary duties.
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 A.}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Parties Arguments.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [6]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The Quigleys contend that under the American Rule, attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are not allowed unless authorized by contract or statute.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Quigleys argue that the award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees was erroneous because it was awarded in contravention of the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
In contrast, Fleming asserts that the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees was proper because various Guam statutes, interpreted through case law, allow the lower court to award attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees in fashioning an equitable remedy or, in the alternative, as damages in a tort action alleging fraud and breach of fiduciary duties.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 B.}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The American Rule.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [7]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees in United States jurisdictions is governed by what is commonly referred to as the }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
American Rule.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Under the American Rule, parties bear their own litigation expenses, including attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees.}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
 The American practice is distinct from the practice in England, where courts regularly award attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fees to the prevailing party pursuant to statutory authority.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 See Alyeska Pipeline Serv. Co. v. Wilderness Soc}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{
\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 y}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 ,}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041  }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 421 U.S. 240, 247, 95 S. Ct. 1612, 1616 (1975).  As the }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Alyeska }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
Court explained: [a]t common law, costs were not allowed; but for centuries in England there has been statutory authorization to award costs, including attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s fees. Although the matter is in the discretion of the court, counsel fees are regularly allowed to the prevailing party.}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041   }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Id}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 .}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041  }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 at 247, 95 S. Ct. at 1616; }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 see also See}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
 Lawrence D. Rose, Note, }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Attorney}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 s Fee Recovery in Bad Faith Cases: New Directions for Change
}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 , 57 S. CAL. L. REV. 503, 504 (1984) (}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
The prevailing rule that a successful litigant may not shift his costs of counsel to the other party is aptly styled American: the vast majority of civil law countries award attorney's fees to the prevailing party as an item of compensatory damages.}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 ).
\par }}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Alyeska Pipeline Serv. Co. v. Wilderness Soc}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 y}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 421 U.S. 240, 247, 95 S. Ct. 1612, 1616 (1975) (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In the United States, the prevailing litigant is ordinarily not entitled to collect a reasonable attorneys}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  fee from the loser.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 see Guam Radio Servs. v. GEDA}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 2000 Guam 23 at }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  9 (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Traditionally, a court did not have the power to grant the prevailing party attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees unless lawmakers specifically provided them with such authority in a statute.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ) (citing }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Alyeska Pipeline}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 421 U.S. at 247, 95 S. Ct. at 1616).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 There are several recognized exceptions to the American Rule.}{
\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 If an exception applies, fee-shifting is allowed.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The exceptions to the American rule include where attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are: (1) authorized by statute, (2) authorized by contract, or (3) allowed in judicially-established equitable circumstances}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
 The commonly recognized equitable exceptions to the American Rule include the common fund, substantial benefit, private attorney general, third-party tort, and bad faith theories of recovery. }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 See Trope v. Katz}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041 , 45 Cal. Rptr. 2d 241, 245, 902 P.2d 259, 263 (1995); }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Young v. Redman}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 , 128 Cal. Rptr. 86, 92 (Ct. App. 1976).}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 .}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Young v. Redman}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 128 Cal. Rptr. 86, 91 (Ct. App. 1976).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [8]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab There are differing theories regarding the origins of the American Rule in the United States.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  Lawrence D. Rose, Note, }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Attorney}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Fee Recovery in Bad Faith Cases: New Directions for Change}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 57 S. C}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 AL}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 . L. R}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 EV}
{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 . 503, 506-07 (1984).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 However, courts have recognized that }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [t]he American Rule is based upon the philosophy that }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
one should not be penalized for merely defending or prosecuting a lawsuit, and that the poor might be unjustly discouraged from instituting actions to vindicate their rights if the penalty for losing included the fees of their opponents}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  counsel.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Young}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 128 Cal. Rptr. at 91 (citation omitted); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 see Shimman v. Int}{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 l Union of Operating Eng}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 rs}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 744 F.2d 1226, 1231 (6th Cir. 1984) (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [T]he American Rule protects the right to go to court and litigate a non-frivolous claim or defense.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Other factors supporting the rule against fee shifting include the difficulties of proof inherent in litigating the question of 
what constitutes reasonable attorney fees, and the possibility of a threat being posed to the principle of independent advocacy by having the earnings of the attorney flow from the pen of the judge before whom he argues.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Young, }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 128 Cal. Rptr. at 91-92.}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [9]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab In determining the propriety of the trial court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees to Fleming, an initial questi
on is whether the American Rule is recognized in this jurisdiction.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 As the Quigleys point out, the American Rule was arguably codified in Guam as section 1021 of the Guam Code of 
Civil Procedure, which provided:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Compensation of attorneys.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Costs to parties.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The measure and mode of compensation of attorneys and counselors at law is left to the agreement, express or implied, of the parties; but parties to actions or proceedings are entitled to costs and disbursements, as hereinafter provided.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Guam Civ. Proc. Code }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  1021 (1970).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Section 1021 mirrored California Code of Civil Procedure }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 1021 as it existed prior to a 1933 amendment.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Compare id.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ,}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  with }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Cal. Code Civ. Pro. }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  1021, stat. notes.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Section 1021 of the California Code of Civil Procedure is California}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s codification of the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See City & County of San Francisco v. Sweet}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 48 Cal. Rptr. 2d 42, 47, n.7, 906 P.2d 1196, 1202 (1995) (}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The California version of this }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 American}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 rule is codified in Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Trope v. Katz}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 45 Cal. Rptr. 2d 241, 244, 902 P.2d 259, 262 (1995) (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Legislature codified the American rule in 1872 when it enacted Code of Civil Procedure section 1021 . . . .}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 We find that section 1021 of the Guam Code of Civil Procedure similarly codified the American Rule in this jurisdiction.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See Fajardo v. Lib. House Guam}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 2000 Guam 4, }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  17}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 (adopting the California courts}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  interpretation of the insurance statutes after finding that there was no compelling reason to deviate therefrom).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [10]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Notably, however, section 1021 of the Guam Code of Civil Procedure was repealed and reenacted in 1975 as Title 7 Guam Code Annotated }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  26601(f) and (g),}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi360\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 
\chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041  7 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  26601 provides in its entirety:
\par }{\b\fs20\insrsid15892041 Compensation of Attorneys; Cost to Parties.}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
\par }\pard \qj \fi360\li360\ri360\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin360\lin360\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid15892041 (a)  In any action for damages for personal injury or death, whether based on tort or contract law, or otherwise,
 no attorney representing any party to such action shall contract for, or charge or collect on a contingent fee basis any fee for his services for such party in excess of the following limits:
\par }\pard \qj \fi360\li720\ri360\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin360\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid15892041 (1)  Fifty percent (50%) on the first One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) recovered;
\par (2)  Forty percent (40%) on the next Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) recovered;
\par }\pard \qj \fi360\li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid15892041 (3)  Thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1/3%) on the next Forty-seven Thousand Dollars ($47,000.00) recovered;
\par }\pard \qj \fi360\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid15892041 (4)  Twenty percent (20%) on the next Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) recovered;
\par }\pard \qj \fi360\li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid15892041 (5)  Ten percent (10%) on any amount recovered over One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00); and
\par (6)  Where the amount recovered is for the benefit of an infant or incompetent and the action is settled without trial the foregoing limits shall apply, except that the fee on any amount recovered up to Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) shall not exceed
 twenty-five percent (25%).
\par }\pard \qj \fi360\li360\ri360\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin360\lin360\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid15892041 
(b) No attorney shall enter into such contingent fee arrangement with his client without first advising the client of this right and affording the client an opportunity to retain the attorney under an arrangement whereby the atto
rney would be compensated on the basis of the reasonable value of his services.
\par (c) Such contingent legal fee shall be computed on the net sum recovered by the client after deducting disbursements made in connection with the institution and prosecution of the client's claim and litigation.
\par (d) The contingent legal fee within the permissible maximum limits shall include legal services rendered on any appeal or review or on any retrial, but this shall not be deemed to require an attorney to take an appeal.
\par (e
) If, at the conclusion of any such action for damages, an attorney considers that the contingent fee within such maximum limits to be insufficient, he may apply to the court, with written notice to the client, for an increase in the fee, which the court 
after a hearing may grant in such amount, if any, as is deemed reasonable in all of the circumstances.
\par (f) In all cases not included within the scope of subsection (a) of this section alone, the measure and mode of compensation of attorneys and counselors at law is left to the agreement, expressed or implied, of the parties.
\par (g) Parties to actions or proceedings are entitled to costs and disbursements, as hereinafter provided.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx360\tx720\tx1080\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid15892041 Title 7 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041  26601 (1994).
\par }}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  which provide:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
(f) In all cases not included within the scope of subsection (a) of this section alone, the measure and mode of compensation of attorneys and counselors at law is left to the agreement, expressed or implied, of the parties.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 (g) Parties to actions or proceedings are entitled to costs and disbursements, as hereinafter provided.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 26601(f), (g) (1994).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [11]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The former Code of Civil Procedure }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  1021 has thus been integrated into the statutory provision governing the payment of attorneys.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  26601 now primarily governs contingency fee arrangements.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
However, despite the amendment to the language of former section 1021, 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 26601(f) still instructs that the }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
measure and mode of compensation of attorneys . . . is left to the agreement . . . of the parties.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  26601(f).}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s in California have interpreted that particular language in their section 1021 as instructing that }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
the allocation of attorney fees is left to the agreement of the parties.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Xuereb v. Marcus & Millchap, Inc}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ., 5 Cal. Rptr. 2d 154, 156 (Ct. App. 1992).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Specifically, California courts have interpreted the phrase }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 agreement, express or implied, of the parties}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  as governing the allocation of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees between }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 opposing}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  parties, and not between the attorney and his client.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See}
{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Trope}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 45 Cal. Rptr. 2d at 245, 902 P.2d at 263 (determining that under section 1021, opposing parties may enter into an }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 agreement, express or implied}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  allocating attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 We are persuaded by this interpretation.}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [12]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Subsection (a) of the section 26601 refers to the limits imposed in contingency arrangements between an }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 and a }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 party}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 .}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  26601(a).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 By contrast, subsection (f) refers to agreements }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 of the parties}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 .}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  26601(f).}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Thus, we find that subsection (f) refers to agreements between opposing parties.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Accordingly, 7 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  26601(f), like its predecessor, reflects the American Rule in this jurisdiction, which prevents fee-shifting unless authorized by contract or statute.}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
 To the extent that section 26601(f) can be read as governing a client}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fee arrangement with his attorney, such an interpretation would also support a conclusion that the American Rule applies in this jurisdiction.  Read this way, the statute implies that attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fees are generally a matter to be left to the party and his attorney in the litigation, which, in essence, is an articulation of the American Rule that each party is generally responsible for his or her own attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s fees.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 See Gray v.Don Miller & Assocs.}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
, 198 Cal. Rptr. 551, 554, 674 P.2d 253, 256 (1984) (reciting the American Rule and exceptions).}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Trope}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
, 45 Cal. Rptr. 2d at 244, 902 P.2d at 263 (recognizing that the American Rule was codified in 1872 by Code of Civil Procedure }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  1021).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [13]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Even assuming section 26601(f) is not a codification of the American Rule in this jurisdiction, the Rule has been recognized by this court in }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Guam Radio Services v. GEDA}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 2000 Guam 23, }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  9.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Moreover, the American Rule has attained }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 common law}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  status 
in the United States; that is, it has developed as part of American jurisprudence (i.e., through case law) both at the federal and state levels, and is not a rule established through statute.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
See Woodward v. Bruner}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 104 Cal. App. 2d 83, 85, 230 P.2d 861, 862 (Ct. App. 1951) (recognizing the American Rule as a long-established rule at common law that has been }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 universally adopted by American courts}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Sanchez v. Rowe}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 870 F.2d 291, 294 (5th Cir. 1989) (recognizing the American Rule regarding attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as part of the }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 federal common law}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In fact, requiring that the American Rule be made applicable only if codified is to a large degree contrary to the American Rule itself, which provides that attorney}
{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are not recoverable }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 unless allowed by statute}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  or contract.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The American Rule has been so commonplace as a judge-made rule that legislation has been enacted in several jurisdictions to mark a complete departure from the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Lawerence D. Rose, }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 supra}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , at 507-08 (recognizing that Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 have explicitly abandoned the rule in certain circumstances}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Thus, a finding that there is no stat
ute which specifically codifies the American Rule in this jurisdiction would be of limited consequence.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Because the American Rule has developed through case law in the United States at both the federal and state levels, a more appropriate inquiry here is whether the legislature has specifically rejected the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 While there are various specific statutes allowing attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees in particular types of cases in Guam,}{\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 See}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 ,}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041  e.g.}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 , Title 7 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  26603 (1994) (}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 Costs and r}{
\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 easonable attorneys fe}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 es shall be allowed of course to a government of Guam employee upon a judgment in the employee's favor in cases against the govern
ment of Guam in which the employee seeks to enforce plaintiff's employment rights as a government employee.}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
) (emphasis added);}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041  }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 Title 4 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  4406.1 (1996); Title 5 GCA }{
\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  7112 (1993); Title 5 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  34138 (1996); Title 7 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  11311.1 (1996); Title 15 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  1617 (1993); Title 21 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041  60314 (1996).}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  the parties have not cited, and we have not found, any statute in this jurisdiction which has abrogated the American Rule as a general concept.}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
 Additionally, the fact that the legislature has specifically allowed attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fees in some statutes indicates the legislature}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s awareness of the American Rule which 
disallows an award of fees to the prevailing party as a general matter.}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Thus, in the absence of contrary authority, and in light of the historical application of the American Rule in civil suits in the United Stated}{\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\fs20\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041  The American Rule has been severely criticized over the years.  }{
\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Young}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 , 128 Cal. Rptr. at 91 n.2.}{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041   }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 It has nonetheless been adhered to by American courts.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Id}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 . at 91.}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  and this court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s prior recognition of the rule in }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Guam Radio Services v. GEDA}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , we hold that the American Rule is applicable in this jurisdiction.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Any abrogation of the rule on a wide-scale basis should be left to the legislature.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See Young}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
, 128 Cal. Rptr. at 93-94 (declining to adopt the bad faith equitable exception to the American Rule and finding that }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 any power of the trial court to impose such sanctions should be created by the legislative branch of government with appropriate safeguards and guidelines}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Alyeska}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 421 U.S. at 249-50, 95 S. Ct. at 1618 (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
In 1796, [the U.S. Supreme Court] appears to have ruled that the Judiciary itself would not create a general rule, independent of any statute, allowing awards of attorneys}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  fees in federal courts. . . . Th[e] Court has consistently adhered to that early holding.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [14]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Having so held, we must now determine whether the lower court erred in departing from the American Rule by awarding attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees to Fleming.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 An award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees is generally reviewed for an abuse of discretion.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See Guam Radio Servs.}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 2000 Guam 23 at }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}
{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  5, 10 (reviewing the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s denial of attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees under the Sunshine Act for an abuse of discretion).}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 However, the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 departure from the American Rule limiting awards of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees is reviewed }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 de novo }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 . . . .}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Home Sav. Bank v. Gillam}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 952 F.2d 1152, 1161 (9th Cir. 1991); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Perry v. O}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Donnell}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 759 F.2d 702, 704 (9th Cir. 1985) (}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The district court's interpretation of the judicial exceptions to the American Rule, which ordinarily precludes an award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees, is a legal question subject to }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 de novo}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  review.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Specifically, }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 a determination of the legal basis for an award of attorney fees [is reviewed] de novo as a question of law.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Sessions Payroll Mgmt, Inc. v. Noble Constr. Co.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 101 Cal. Rptr. 2d 127, 131 (Ct. App. 2000) (reviewing whether the lower court}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees was proper); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 see also Braach v. Graybeal}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
, 988 P.2d 761, 762 (Mont. 1999) (holding that the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s determination that there was no legal authority for an award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees was a }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 conclusion of law}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 We first identify the reasons for the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees.}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 C.}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Lower Court}{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Decision.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [15]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Fleming asserts that the lower court awarded attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as part of an equitable remedy.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming argues that this is evident via the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s ruling in its Amended Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 There, the lower court ordered:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [T]hat Plaintiff, }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 as an equitable remedy}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
, reimburse defendants, MARY ANN F. and JAMES R. QUIGLEY for the fair market value of the improvements made by them to the subject property, less the amount expended by the Fleming family 
for the following: typhoon repairs, building and property taxes, mortgage payments, reasonable attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees for the retention of Del Priore as counsel, reasonable attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees for the retention of Arriola, Cowan & Arriola as counsel and costs of suit.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Appellee}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s Excerpts of Record, Tab. B, p. 9 (Amended Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, Sept. 28, 2001) (emphasis added).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming further argues that the court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s intention to include attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as an equitable award is further evidenced by the difference between the court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s first Findings and Conclusions and the court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Amended Findings and Conclusions.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In its }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 original}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, the court articulated its award as follows:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [T]he court hereby: 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 . . . 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
(2) Awards Ursula U. Fleming reasonable attorneys fees in the amount of Twenty-Nine Thousand Three Hundred Seventeen and 50/100 ($29,317.50) Dollars.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 (3) Orders that Plaintiff, as an equitable remedy, reimburse de
fendants, Mary Ann F. Quigley and James R. Quigley for the value of the improvements made by them to the subject property ($65,898.00) less the amount expended by the Fleming family on property taxes ($960.00) and mortgage payments ($41,767.00), which val
ue equals Sixty Two Thousand Ninety-One and no/100 ($62,091.00) Dollars. 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Appellee}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Excerpts of Record}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Tab A, p. 8-9 (Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, Aug. 9, 2002).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [16]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab As shown above, in its }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 original}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 Findings and Conclusions, the lower court separated its award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees from the remainder of the award.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming argues that because, in its }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Amended}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  Findings and Conclusi
ons, the court included its award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
together with}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  its equitable award for improvements made to the property, the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees was meant to be factored in as part of its overall equitable award.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [17]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Fleming}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s contention is plausible; however, several aspects of the record undermine this conclusion.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 First, at a hearing on April 23, 2001, Fleming argued that she was seeking attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 damages awarded by th[e] Court on plaintiff}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fraud claim.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Transcript, vol. --, p. 2-3 (Hearing Regarding Attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Fees, April 23, 2001).}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The trial court agreed, and found that }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 the fees are reasonable }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 as damages for the losses [Fleming] sustained}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 .}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }
{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Transcript, vol. --, p. 10 (Hearing Regarding Attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s Fees, April 23, 2001) (emphasis added).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Quigleys}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  attorney thereafter requested clarification from the court as follows: }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [I]s the Court making a specific finding that these are damages }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 66 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 compensatory damages?}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Transcript, vol. --, p. 11 (Hearing Regarding Attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Fees, April 23, 2001).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The court answered as follows: }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The Court is finding that these are recoverable as damages, yes, for the losses that they}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
ve sustained in order to try to recover the property.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Yes.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Transcript, vol. --, p. 11 (Hearing Regarding Attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s Fees, April 23, 2001).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Thus, it is clear from the transcripts of the hearing regarding attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees that the lower court awarded the fees as compensatory damages.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [18]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Second, the Final Judgment, which was issued on the same date as the Amended Findings and Conclusions, specifically provides that the attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees award is to be included as }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 damages}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , rather than as an equitable remedy.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The Judgment provides:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 That the Defendants recover from Plaintiff the total sum of $19,044.16, which reflects the Court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s equitable remedy to the Defendants for the fair market value of the improvements made by them to the subject property, less sums expended by the Plaintiff for property taxes, mortgage payments and typhoon repairs, }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
and}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 less}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  }{\i\ul\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 damages}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  due to Plaintiff for attorney}{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees and costs of suit herein}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 .
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Appellant}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Excerpts of Record, Tab B, p. 2 (Judgment, Sept. 28, 2001) (emphasis added).}{
\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 We find no reason to interpret the term }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 damages}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  in the Judgment in a manner inconsistent with the court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s determination at the April 23, 2001 hearing.}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [19]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Therefore, notwithstanding the somewhat ambiguous language of the Amended Findings and Conclusions and the lack of explanation for the attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees award, all other portions of the record which shed light on the attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees award indicate that the lower court awarded attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees to Fleming as }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 damages}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
, and specifically, compensatory damages; not as an equitable award.
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi1440\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 1.}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Attorney}{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s Fees as Compensatory Damages.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [20]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab As stated earlier, under the American Rule, attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are generally not recoverable unless authorized by statute, contract, or under equitable circumstances.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The American Rule applies generally to tort cases, including fraud actions.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See Glendale Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 n v. Marina View Heights Dev. Co.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 135 Cal. Rptr. 802, 831 (Cal. Ct. App. 1977); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
In re Marriage of McNeill}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 206 Cal. Rptr. 641, 647 (Ct. App. 1984), }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 disapproved of on other grounds by In re Marriage of Fabian}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
, 224 Cal. Rptr. 333, 340 n.13, 715 P.2d 253, 260 (1986); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Ellis v. Flink}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 374 So.2d 4, 5 (Fla. 1979); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Stevenson v. Stevenson}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 680 P.2d 642, 647 (Okla. Ct. App. 1984); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Roberts v. Mission Valley Concrete Indus.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 721 P.2d 355, 357 (Mont. 1986); }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 City Messenger of Hollywood, Inc. v. City Bonded Messenger Serv., Inc.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 254 F.2d 531, 534 (7th Cir. 1958) (interpreting Illinois law); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
see also Spanier v. Fid. & Guar. Co.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 623 P.2d 19, 29 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1980); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Beiser v. Evered}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 135 A.2d 741, 743 (Con}{\insrsid1261933 
n. C. P. 1957).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [21]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The parties agree that there was no contract providing for an award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees in this case.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Thus, unless there is a statute which allows for fee-shifting, or unless t
his case falls within an equitable exception, the award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees to Fleming as compensatory damages would be improper.
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi2160\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 a.}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 No Statutory Exception to American Rule.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [22]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Fleming contends that the award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees was authorized under Title 20 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  2225.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 That section governs damage awards for tort actions and provides:}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 For the breach of an obliga
tion not arising from contract, the measure of damages, except where otherwise expressly provided by Titles 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, and 21 of this Code, is the amount which will compensate for all the detriment proximately caused thereby, whether it could hav
e been anticipated or not. 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par Title 20 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  2225 (1992).
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [23]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The question which arises is whether the attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees in this case are recoverable as damages proximately caused by the Quigleys}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  tortuous acts.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 We find that they are not.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Title 20 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  2225 mirrors California Civil Code }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  3333.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 We find persuasive the cases in which California courts have held that attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees cannot be awarded as an element of damages under their identical statute.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See Gray}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 198 Cal. Rptr. at 556, 674 P.2d at 258 (rejecting the argument that the plaintiff was entitled to attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
as an element of damages in actions for fraud in which the defendant is a fiduciary}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [24]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Pederson v. Kennedy}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 180 Cal. Rptr. 740 (Ct. App. 1982), is on point on this issue.}{\insrsid1261933  
}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Pederson}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , the issue before the court was whether attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees could be awarded under California Civil Code }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  3333 as an }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
element of compensatory damages in a judgment against a fiduciary based upon a finding of fraud.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Pederson}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 180 Cal. Rptr. at 741.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The court answered in the negative.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
The court found that }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 although the broad language of section 3333 would seem to require an award 
of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees to make the wronged party whole, California follows the general American rule that fees are not recoverable.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Id}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 . The court acknowledged case law allowing attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as damages under the }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 third-party tort}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  or }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 tort of another}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 exception to the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Under that exception, attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees which are expended in a suit resulting from the tort of another are allowed as damages in a later suit against the original tortfeasor.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Id.}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  at 742.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Pederson }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
court found that absent facts which would bring the case within that exception to the American Rule, attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees should not be recoverable.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Based on its holding, the }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Pederson}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 court reversed the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees to the plaintiff which were expended in prosecuting the und}{\insrsid1261933 erlying two-party suit.}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [25]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Similarly, in }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Woodward v. Bruner}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 104 Cal. App. 2d 83, 230 P.2d 861 (Ct. App. 1951),}{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 the court interpreted section 3333 as excluding attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Woodward}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 104 Cal. App. 2d at 85, 230 P.2d at 862.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Specifically, the court opined: }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
We read the language of . . . [section 3333], as of the day [it was] enacted, and in the light of the then long-established rule of the common law, universall
y adopted by the American courts, and conclude the legislature did not intend to expand our law of damages so as to include within its scope attorney fees.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Id.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [26]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Moreover, the interpretation given by the California courts is consistent with the general rule announced by other courts that, under the American Rule, attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are not allowed as an element of damages in torts for breach of fiduciary duty or fraud.}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
 It has been recognized that attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s fees are recoverable as an element of damages }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 with respect to certain intentional malicious torts.}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041   }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Martha A. Gottried, Inc. v. Amster}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 , 511 So.2d 595, 600 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1987).  However, these exceptions are limited }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
to certain specific intentional and willful bad faith or fraudulent acts, such as wrongful attachments, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and slander of title, where courts have found the award to be uniquely appropriate to the cause of action.}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041   }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Id.}{\fs20\insrsid15892041   Fleming has cited cases wherein the court allowed attorney}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s fees in theses scenarios.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 See e.g. Wright v. Rogers}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
, 172 Cal. App. 2d 349, 358, 342 P.2d 447, 453 (Ct. App. 1959) (allowing attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s fees in a slander of title case).}{
\i\fs20\insrsid15892041   }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 Because the instant case does not fall within these classes of cases, the cases cited by Fleming are of limited persuasive value here.}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See Mar
tin v. Paskow}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 339 So.2d 266, 267-68 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1976) (rejecting the appellee}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s argument that attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees should be allowed as an element of damages }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
in cases where the proof of fraud is specific, certain and conclusive}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Ellis}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 374 So.2d at 5 (citing the American Rule and holding that attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
are not a recoverable element of damages or costs in an ordinary action for the tort of fraud}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Stevenson}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 680 P.2d at}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 647 (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Damages for [fraud] actions do not include attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In Oklahoma attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are not recoverable unless provided by contract or statute.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Roberts}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 721 P.2d at 357 (reversing an award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees in an action for fraud and misrepresentation because }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
[i]t long has been the rule in Montana that absent either statutory authority or agreement between the parties, attorney's fees are not awarded}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 City Messenger of Hollywood, Inc.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 254 F.2d at 534 (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 There is no basis under Illinois law for the assessment of treble damages or the payment of attorney fees based on claims [for fraud and deceit].}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 see also Spanier}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 623 P
.2d at 29 (rejecting the argument that }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
a corollary to the general rule applying to litigation based on the wrongful act of the defendant, [is] that attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are recoverable in every fraudulent conveyance action}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{
\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Beiser}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 135 A.2d at 743.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Thus, we interpret 20 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  2225 consistently with the American Rule, and hold that the statute does not authorize the award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees to Fleming as compensatory damages.
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi2160\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 b.}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 No Equitable Exception to the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [27]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Furthermore, the trial court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees as compensatory damages is not allowed under any equitable exceptions to the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Courts have relied on their }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 inherent equitable authority}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  to develop several exceptions to the American Rule.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Trope}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 45 Cal. Rptr. 2d at 245, 902 P.2d at 263.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 However, attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees have 
generally only been allowed as compensatory damages in fraud type situations under the }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
third-party tort}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  or }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 tort of another}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 theory.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 The theory h}{\insrsid1261933 as been articulated as follows:}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
A person who through the tort of another has been required to act in the protection of his interests by bringing or defending an action against a third per
son is entitled to recover compensation for the reasonably necessary loss of time, attorney fees and other expenditures thereby suffered or incurred.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. v. Harbor Ins. Co.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 149 Cal. Rptr. 313, 319 n.9 (Ct. App. 1978) (quoting Restatement of Torts}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  914).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [28]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab As stated earlier, the American Rule applies to fraud cases, and attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are generally not allowed as compensatory damages for fraud.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 However, in fraud cases, the plaintiff is allowed attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 as an element of damages}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
 where }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 plaintiff, as a proximate result of defendant}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fraud, is required to prosecute or defend an action against a third party for the protection of his interest.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In such cases reasonable attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees incurred in connection with the third party lawsuit are recoverable as damages caused by defendant}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s tortious act.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Glendale Fed. Sav. & Loan}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 135 Cal. Rptr. at 831 (citation omitted).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [29]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab The facts of the instant case do not implicate the }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 third-party tort}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  theory.}{\insrsid1261933  }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Here, Fleming sued the Quigleys for fraud and breach of fiduciary duties, and was granted attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees incurred in that action.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Fleming was not suing for attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees expended in a prior suit against a third party which was a result of the Quigleys}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  fraud.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Therefore, Fleming was not entitled to attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as compensatory damages under the }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 third-party tort}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  equitable exception to the American Rule.}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15892041 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
 Note that Fleming cites }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Brandt v. Superior Court}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 , 210 Cal. Rptr. 211, 693 P.2d 796 (1985), in support of he
r argument that California courts have interpreted section 3333 of the Cal. Civ. Code as allowing attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fees in an action for damages based on misrepresentations by a fiduciary.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 See }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 Appellee}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041 s Brief, p. 10.  However, }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Brandt }{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
involved a claim by an insured against its insurer to obtain benefits due under the policy, the fact of which amounted to a breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 See Brandt}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
, 210 Cal. Rptr. at 213, 693 P.2d at 798.  The California court awarded attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fees in the action, however, the court essentially bifurcated the insured}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s two claim
s, the bad faith claim and the claim for benefits under the policy.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Id}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 .  The court held that the insured may only recover attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s fees in the latter circumstance, and may not recover fees expended in prosecuting the bad faith action to recover the benefits.  Thus, while the }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Brandt 
}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 court allowed attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fees incurred in that very suit, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the court}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s allowance of attorney}{
\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s fees as damages is more akin to the third-party tort situation where the party}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 s expenditure of attorney}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s fees in prosecuting a separate claim is considered to be damages because they are incurred as a result of the other party}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid15892041 
s tortuous acts.  In any event, it does not appear that the rule announced in }{\i\fs20\insrsid15892041 Brandt}{\fs20\insrsid15892041  has been extended beyond the insurance context.}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [30]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Thus we hold that attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees were not legally authorized as compensatory damages in this case either by statute or under an equitable exception to the American Rule.}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \fi1440\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 2.}{\b\insrsid1261933  }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Punitive Damages or Equitable Award.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [31]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Fleming also urges this court to affirm the trial court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}
}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as exemplary damages under Title 20 GCA 
}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  2120, or as an equitable award.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
We decline to do so.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [32]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab Punitive damages are awardable in the discretion of the lower court.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Title 20 GCA }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  2120 (1992) (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 In an action for t
he breach of an obligation not arising from contract, where the defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice, express or implied, the plaintiff, in addition to the actual damages, may recover damages for the sake of example by way of punishin
g the defendant.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Similarly, courts have the inherent discretionary power to award attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees in accordance with equitable principles in specified circumstances.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 See Alyeska}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 421 U.S. at 259, 95 S. Ct. at 1622 (recognizing the }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 inherent power in the courts to allow attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees in particular situations}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ); }{\i\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Young}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 , 128 Cal. Rptr. at 92 (recognizing specific circumstances wherein an award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees is warranted in accordance with equity) (}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Each of the nonstatutory exceptions which appellate decisions in this state have grafted upon the [American Rule, as codified,] . . . is based upon inherent equitable powers of the court.}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 ).}{\insrsid15892041 
\par }{\insrsid1261933\charrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [33]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab As stated earlier, the lower court awarded attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as compensatory damages. Because the court did not decide to make a discretionary award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees to Fleming as either punitive damages or as an equitable remedy, we decline to render that decision in the first instance on appeal.
\par }{\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [34]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab In light of our holding, it is unnecessary to address the Quigleys}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  argument that the amount of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
s fees awarded to Fleming was unreasonable.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 IV.}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1261933 {\b\insrsid1261933 
\par }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 [35]}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 \tab In sum, we hold that the American Rule applies in Guam.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 We find that, consistent with the American Rule, attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees are not allowed as compensatory damages in fraud cases under Title 20 GCA }{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933  2225.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Furthermore, attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees may be allowed as damages only under the third-party tort exception to the American Rule.}{
\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 However, the facts of this case do not support recovery under that theory.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 Therefore, the lower court erred in awarding attorney}{
\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees as compensatory damages.}{\insrsid1261933  }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
Accordingly, the lower court}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s award of attorney}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 s fees is hereby }{\b\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 REVERSED }{\insrsid15892041\charrsid1261933 
and the case is remanded for the entry of a judgment consistent with this Opinion.
\par }}