The Fourth District Court of Appeal agreed with Fort Lauderdale lawyer Ira Marcus and his firm Ira Marcus P.A. on Wednesday, finding no foul play in a contingency fee agreement with his close friend turned client — but not before the protracted fight ruined the relationship.

When business owner Stuart Bornstein asked his friend of 30 years to take on a case against the City of Coral Gables, Marcus was reluctant.