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43,516.25) for legal services to prepare and try one issue that
took 11 1/2 hours to try.
Panepinto is a lawyer. Our review of the record in this
case convinces us that she kept herself fully apprised of the
fees for legal services incurred by the estate during the time
the estate was represented by the Dilworth law firm.
She testified at the trial of this case as to the
reasonableness of the legal fees charged to the estate by the
Tupitza law firm and, except for the certitude that the fees
charged were "very reasonable," she was a particularly unknowing
witness. On cross-examination, the following colloquy took place
between counsel for respondent and Panepinto:
Q Have you discussed the issue of fees with your
attorney in preparation for today -- with Mr. Tupitza?
A He gave me a copy of the fees.
Q Did you discuss this bill or any other subject
with respect to your testimony today?
A Yes.
Q When did you talk to him about it?
A I guess this morning.
Q Do you know the amount of the deduction at
issue in this case due to the actions of Lynch and
Reardon?
A Yes.
Q How much is it?
A I think it's approximately $250,000.
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