Scruggs, Millette, Bozeman & Dent, P.A. v. Merkel & Cocke, P.A.

Docket Number:	1999-CA-00406-SCT Linked Case(s): 1999-CA-00406-SCT

Supreme Court:	Opinion Date: 07-20-2000 Opinion Author: MILLS, JUSTICE Holding: Appeal Dismissed

Additional Case Information:	Judge(s) Concurring: PRATHER, C.J., PITTMAN AND BANKS, P.JJ., SMITH, WALLER AND DIAZ, JJ. Non Participating Judge(s): McRAE, J. Dissenting Author : COBB, J. Procedural History: Bench Trial Nature of the Case: Contract

Trial Court:	Date of Trial Judgment: 04-27-1999 Appealed from: Coahoma County Chancery Court Judge: William Willard Disposition: The Chancellor denied both motions to dismiss and granted the interpleader relief, finding Merkel to be a disinterested stakeholder with respect to the $4,953.43 of attorney's fees interpled. The Chancellor also discharged Merkel from any liability for the handling of the interpled funds and transferred the remaining dispute over entitlement to the Circuit Court of Hinds County. Additionally, the Chancellor ordered SMBD to pay Merkel attorney's fees.

	Party Name:	Attorney Name:
Appellant:	SCRUGGS, MILLETTE, BOZEMAN & DENT, P.A. f/k/a SCRUGGS, MILLETTE, LAWSON, BOZEMAN & DENT, P. A., RICHARD F. SCRUGGS, RICHARD F. SCRUGGS, P. A. AND ASBESTOS GROUP, P.A.	JEFFERY P. REYNOLDS JIM WARREN, III JAMES L. CARROLL CHARLES E. WEBSTER H. HUNTER TWIFORD, III DANIEL M. WEIR

Appellee:	MERKEL & COCKE, P.A., WILLIAM ROBERTS WILSON, JR., AND WILLIAM ROBERTS WILSON, JR., P.A.	MICHAEL S. ALLRED CHARLES M. MERKEL, JR.

Mississippi College School of Law