{ "name": "LegalTime Fee Cut Tracker", "url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts", "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/", "attribution": "LegalTime Fee Cut Tracker (https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts)", "rulings": [ { "slug": "huang-v-university-of-texas-arlington-txnd-4-25-cv-00181-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-4_25-cv-00181-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-4_25-cv-00181/USCOURTS-txnd-4_25-cv-00181-0", "case_name": "Huang v. University of Texas Arlington", "docket_number": "4:25-cv-00181", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Mark T. Pittman", "date_filed": "2026-10-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Hill Gilstrap, P.C.", "fees_requested": 218172.5, "fees_awarded": 196355.25, "dollar_cut": 21817.25, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Dr. Huang requests $218,172.50 in attorney's fees and $3,284.90 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards $196,355.25 in reasonable attorney's fees and $3,284.90 in costs, for a total of $199,640.15.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that Dr. Huang's calculation represents a reasonable lodestar amount. It will impose a 10% reduction in fees for unreasonable block billing." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts employment fee award 10% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/huang-v-university-of-texas-arlington-txnd-4-25-cv-00181-0" }, { "slug": "nichole-sliney-realty-team-inc-v-mount-vernon-fire-insurance-mad-1-25-cv-11145-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_25-cv-11145-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_25-cv-11145/USCOURTS-mad-1_25-cv-11145-1", "case_name": "Nichole Sliney Realty Team, Inc. v. Mount Vernon Fire Insurance Company", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-11145", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "F. Dennis Saylor IV", "date_filed": "2026-10-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 207.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some of the tasks conducted by Marissa K. Thomas—specifically, sending certified mail, formatting responses, e-filing, filling out summons, and combining prior invoices—should be excluded because they are administrative" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "of the 207.4 hours billed, 108.3 hours, or 52%, were block-billed. Therefore, a 15% global reduction in attorney's fees requests is reasonable and warranted." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts commercial fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nichole-sliney-realty-team-inc-v-mount-vernon-fire-insurance-mad-1-25-cv-11145-1" }, { "slug": "automotive-lift-institute-inc-v-dami-co-llc-nynd-5-25-cv-01010-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynd-5_25-cv-01010-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynd-5_25-cv-01010/USCOURTS-nynd-5_25-cv-01010-0", "case_name": "Automotive Lift Institute, Inc. v. Dami Co., LLC", "docket_number": "5:25-cv-01010", "court_id": "nynd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Elizabeth C. Coombe", "date_filed": "2026-10-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 20.8, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.1, "quote": "Although the invoices submitted seem to document at least that many hours billed, some of the time entries appear to include block billing with work performed for other matters." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the requested hourly rate for Ms. Springer, a paralegal, exceeds even the highest hourly rate in this District for paralegals, the Court reduces the hourly rate for Ms. Springer to $95." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court declines to award attorney's fees for additional work counsel anticipates." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. New York cuts intellectual property fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/automotive-lift-institute-inc-v-dami-co-llc-nynd-5-25-cv-01010-0" }, { "slug": "global-approach-inc-v-scottsdale-insurance-company-flsd-1-24-cv-22531-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531-4", "case_name": "Global Approach, Inc. v. Scottsdale Insurance Company", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-22531", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Roy K. Altman", "date_filed": "2026-10-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Wilson Elser", "fees_requested": 35684, "fees_awarded": 33899.8, "dollar_cut": 1784.2, "pct_cut": 5, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 149.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks $35,684 in attorneys’ fees and $9,855.10 in expert and mediation costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "We enter attorneys’ fees in favor of the Defendant for $33,899.80.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the entries show some instances of block billing, a five-percent reduction is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 5% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/global-approach-inc-v-scottsdale-insurance-company-flsd-1-24-cv-22531-4" }, { "slug": "innovative-sports-management-inc-v-lizcano-cand-5-25-cv-07588-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-07588-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-07588/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-07588-1", "case_name": "Innovative Sports Management, Inc. v. Lizcano et al", "docket_number": "5:25-cv-07588", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Noël Wise", "date_filed": "2026-10-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 16562.5, "fees_awarded": 11593.75, "dollar_cut": 4968.75, "pct_cut": 30, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Innovative requests $16,562.50 in attorney’s fees, which breaks down as follows:", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Innovative $11,593.75 in attorney’s fees and $1,017.22 in costs, totaling $12,610.97.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that it is reasonable to reduce the requested fee award by twenty-five percent given the non-contemporaneous nature of Mr. Riley’s billing records." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an additional ten percent reduction is warranted because counsel’s “firm routinely files these sorts of claims” and much of the time billed for extensive research, including for the instant motion for attorney’s fees, is therefore likely unnecessary." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts fee award 30%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/innovative-sports-management-inc-v-lizcano-cand-5-25-cv-07588-1" }, { "slug": "perez-v-evolet-s-painting-service-llc-azd-2-25-cv-01886-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01886-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01886/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01886-5", "case_name": "Perez v. Evolet's Painting Service LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-01886", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2026-10-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 13.3, "hours_awarded": 11.8, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on undersigned's review of the record and recent cases in this District, undersigned concludes that an hourly rate of $395.00 is reasonable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Second, filing documents is a clerical task that must be excluded. The amount of time devoted to each task was not detailed. The excluded entry is .3 hours." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "undersigned will recommend that the District Judge exclude Plaintiff's sought time in April and May 2026 reviewing this Court's Orders regarding the first (denied) motion for fees and costs and drafting the instant, renewed Motion" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/perez-v-evolet-s-painting-service-llc-azd-2-25-cv-01886-5" }, { "slug": "davalos-v-unknown-party-azd-2-24-cv-02298-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-02298-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-02298/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-02298-0", "case_name": "Davalos et al v. Unknown Party et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-02298", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sharad H. Desai", "date_filed": "2026-10-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Hunter, Humphrey & Yavitz, PLC", "fees_requested": 54017, "fees_awarded": 47981.63, "dollar_cut": 6035.37, "pct_cut": 11.17, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "totaling $54,017.00 in fees and $767.60 in expenses", "fees_awarded_quote": "awarding Foutz Properties fees in the amount of $47,981.63 and expenses in the amount of $722.60", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 2548.37, "hours": null, "quote": "Foutz Properties has agreed to a reduction of its fees in the amount of $2,548.37—20% of the amount Golaszewski challenged as duplicative or excessive—to account for \"any overly collaborative teamwork.\"" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 302, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, I will reduce the fee award by $302 for clerical work." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3185, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, I will reduce the fee award by $3,185, reflecting time entries between March 11, 2025, and April 3, 2025 relating to preparation of materials for the Quintanillas." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts intellectual property fee award 11.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/davalos-v-unknown-party-azd-2-24-cv-02298-0" }, { "slug": "zommick-v-lewis-construction-company-llc-azd-2-23-cv-00636-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-00636-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-00636/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-00636-2", "case_name": "Zommick v. Lewis Construction Company LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00636", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Diane J. Humetewa", "date_filed": "2026-10-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 21664, "fees_awarded": 20516.5, "dollar_cut": 1147.5, "pct_cut": 5.3, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 46.2, "hours_awarded": 43.7, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "This request includes $21,664.00 in attorneys’ fees, $715.05 in out-of-pocket costs, and $9,710.41 in potential collection costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff’s counsel will be awarded attorneys fees in the amount of $20,516.50 (for 43.7 hours) and $715.05 in out-of-pocket costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.7, "quote": "the Court will excise time entries that are administrative or clerical tasks" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "the following entries lack clarity and support, and will therefore be subtracted from counsel’s total hours eligible for attorney fees" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 5.3% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/zommick-v-lewis-construction-company-llc-azd-2-23-cv-00636-2" }, { "slug": "fernandez-emley-v-ford-motor-company-cand-3-25-cv-11031-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-11031-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-11031/USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-11031-1", "case_name": "Fernandez Emley v. Ford Motor Company et al", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-11031", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Vince Chhabria", "date_filed": "2026-10-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 27274.8, "fees_awarded": 18244.75, "dollar_cut": 9030.05, "pct_cut": 33.11, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In addition to costs (which are verified and undisputed), Fernandez Emley seeks a total of $27,274.80 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Attorneys’ fees in the amount of $18,244.75.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4545.8, "hours": null, "quote": "This reduces the total by $4,545.80." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2250, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a fifty percent reduction is reasonable. This reduces the total by $2,250." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 565, "hours": 1, "quote": "because the Court vacated the hearing, see Dkt. No. 30, it is appropriate to reduce this estimate by one hour. This reduces the total by $565." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1082.5, "hours": null, "quote": "A fifty percent reduction is appropriate. This reduces the total by $1,082.50." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 586.75, "hours": null, "quote": "A fifty percent reduction is appropriate. This reduces the total by $586.75." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 33.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/fernandez-emley-v-ford-motor-company-cand-3-25-cv-11031-1" }, { "slug": "echo-mav-llc-aka-echomav-llc-tneb-3-25-bk-31122-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tneb-3_25-bk-31122-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tneb-3_25-bk-31122/USCOURTS-tneb-3_25-bk-31122-0", "case_name": "Echo MAV, LLC aka EchoMAV, LLC", "docket_number": "3:25-bk-31122", "court_id": "tneb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "Bankr. E.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Suzanne H. Bauknight", "date_filed": "2026-09-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Dickinson Wright PLLC", "fees_requested": 426730.97, "fees_awarded": 311852.45, "dollar_cut": 114878.52, "pct_cut": 26.92, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 644.01, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Echo MAV's counsel, Dickenson Wright (\"DW\"), seeks $426,730.97 for 644.01 hours, a blended hourly rate stated as approximately $662.62.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The total authorized fee award plus expense reimbursement is $311,852.45.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 64018.65, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the Court will apply a 15% across-the-board rate-equivalent reduction as part of an overall percentage reduction rather than assignment of artificial replacement rates to each attorney." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 72542.46, "hours": null, "quote": "Global hours reduction for recordwide timekeeping concerns, including numerous block-billed and multi-task entries" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 72542.46, "hours": null, "quote": "mixed-purpose / district-court work" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 72542.46, "hours": null, "quote": "duplication among senior lawyers" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 72542.46, "hours": null, "quote": "Billed travel time includes entries of 7.31, 5.89, and 10.20 hours, as well as multiple travel billing for Nashville-to-Knoxville travel that otherwise was unproductive." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 72542.46, "hours": null, "quote": "local counsel search work" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 72542.46, "hours": null, "quote": "entries that combine deposition preparation, client conferences, document review, attendance, and follow-up, and an unsuccessful motion to quash, particularly when it cannot be separated from other tasks" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. E.D. Tennessee cuts bankruptcy fee award 26.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/echo-mav-llc-aka-echomav-llc-tneb-3-25-bk-31122-0" }, { "slug": "leopold-v-u-s-secret-service-dcd-1-22-cv-01923-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01923-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01923/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01923-1", "case_name": "LEOPOLD v. U.S. SECRET SERVICE et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01923", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Randolph D. Moss", "date_filed": "2026-09-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 94949.2, "fees_awarded": 67995.4, "dollar_cut": 26953.8, "pct_cut": 28.39, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "This brings Leopold’s total requested award to $94,949.20.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby AWARDED reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $38,814.60, plus fees on fees in the amount of $24,627.30, for a total award of $67,995.40.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because it was always “highly unlikely,” Dkt. 34 at 29—albeit not out of the question—that this suit would result in the discovery of responsive records, the Court concludes that a ten-percent reduction is appropriate." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will, however, apply an additional 15% reduction to the requested fee to account for its observation in its summary judgment ruling that “this case could have been somewhat expedited.”" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1250, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that a lump-sum reduction of $1,250 is sufficient to account for these duplicative entries." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1370.7, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "The Court will therefore deduct the 1.9 hours that Topic spent reviewing court orders during the merits portion of the case, in the amount of $1370.70." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court accordingly applies a 25% reduction to the fees on fees awarded." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 2, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court applies an additional 2% reduction to the fees on fees to compensate for any time Plaintiff spent reconstructing entries." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 602, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will also deduct $602 from Plaintiff’s fees-on-fees award to exclude instances of duplicative billing or reconstructed entries for reviewing court orders." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts FOIA fee award 28.4%, including for reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/leopold-v-u-s-secret-service-dcd-1-22-cv-01923-1" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-navarro-gonzalez-caed-2-21-cv-00355-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00355-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00355/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00355-5", "case_name": "G & G Closed Circuit Events, LLC v. Navarro-Gonzalez", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-00355", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Troy L. Nunley", "date_filed": "2026-09-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 51122.5, "fees_awarded": 18616.5, "dollar_cut": 32506, "pct_cut": 63.58, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $51,122.50 in attorneys’ fees and $2,542.27 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court GRANTS in part Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (ECF No. 40) and AWARDS Plaintiff $18,616.50 in attorneys’ fees and $1,499.45 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore finds the requested rates unreasonable. The lower rates this Court set last year, in contrast, are in line with attorney fee awards in other cases Mr. Riley has handled in this District" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces the billing entry dated July 27, 2021, to one hour." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Spending at minimum three times as long preparing for a deposition as the length of the deposition itself is excessive. Accordingly, the Court finds three hours to be a reasonable time for the research attorney’s work on November 17, 2024." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 15.6, "quote": "The Court therefore finds 7.4 hours — which would cover nonstop work from 8 a.m. to 3:21 p.m. EST — to be the reasonable time for the research attorney’s work on the supplemental brief." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces the research attorney’s billing for the request for judicial notice on that date to two hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces Mr. Riley’s billing concerning the June 13, 2025, minute order to 0.1 hours." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court reduces the remaining billed hours by thirty percent." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court reduces the remaining billed hours by thirty percent." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court reduces the remaining billed hours by thirty percent." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award 63.6%, including for reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-navarro-gonzalez-caed-2-21-cv-00355-5" }, { "slug": "united-states-of-america-v-group-health-cooperative-nywd-1-12-cv-00299-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-1_12-cv-00299-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-1_12-cv-00299/USCOURTS-nywd-1_12-cv-00299-3", "case_name": "United States of America v. Group Health Cooperative et al", "docket_number": "1:12-cv-00299", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Meredith A. Vacca", "date_filed": "2026-09-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Phillips & Cohen LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 5803.75, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that the most reasonable rates to apply in this case are the rates reflected in the 2025 Fitzpatrick Matrix" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that a percentage reduction of 30% is appropriate here" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees that some of the time entries are for longer than the associated activity seems to warrant, contain inconsistencies between billers, and occasionally employ improper block billing." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the large size of the team, while not surprising for a litigation such as this, suggests redundancies and inefficiencies, especially as attorneys switched to new firms" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court imposes a 30% reduction in hours as the reasonable hours expended due to the top-heavy billing." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 504798.27, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces the final award by $504,798.27 to account for the settlement of attorneys' fees with GHC." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/united-states-of-america-v-group-health-cooperative-nywd-1-12-cv-00299-3" }, { "slug": "global-approach-inc-v-scottsdale-insurance-company-flsd-1-24-cv-22531-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531-3", "case_name": "Global Approach, Inc. v. Scottsdale Insurance Company", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-22531", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Yeney Hernandez", "date_filed": "2026-09-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Wilson Elser", "fees_requested": 35684, "fees_awarded": 33899.8, "dollar_cut": 1784.2, "pct_cut": 5, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 149.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks $35,684 in attorneys’ fees and $9,855.10 in expert and mediation expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "We enter attorneys’ fees in favor of the Defendant for $33,899.80.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the entries show some instances of block billing, a five-percent reduction is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 5% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/global-approach-inc-v-scottsdale-insurance-company-flsd-1-24-cv-22531-3" }, { "slug": "loiseau-v-bozzuto-s-inc-ctd-3-22-cv-01485-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ctd-3_22-cv-01485-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ctd-3_22-cv-01485/USCOURTS-ctd-3_22-cv-01485-3", "case_name": "Loiseau v. Bozzuto's Inc", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01485", "court_id": "ctd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Connecticut", "court_short": "D. Connecticut", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Thomas O. Farrish", "date_filed": "2026-09-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Kotchen & Low", "fees_requested": 203525.6, "fees_awarded": 94201.25, "dollar_cut": 109324.35, "pct_cut": 53.72, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "consisting of $203,525.60 in attorneys’ fees . . . $47,765 in expert costs, $701.69 in costs associated with travel, lodging, and food for the hearing", "fees_awarded_quote": "They seek $252,578.94 (Doc. No. 225, at 2), but the Court will award them $94,201.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that $500 is a reasonable—indeed, generous—hourly rate for partner work on this discovery dispute (except for Attorney Egbarin, who does not seek more than $370), and $375 is a reasonable and generous hourly rate for associate work." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that only fifty percent of the hours on Attorney Grunert’s time sheet can be regarded as non-excessive and reasonably related to work that the Plaintiffs would not have had to do anyway." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "He will therefore be awarded seventy, rather than fifty, percent of his hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because he does not seek to recover for as much internal meeting-and-conferring as his colleagues, the Court will award him a higher percentage, eighty percent." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will likewise award her eighty percent of her hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.2, "quote": "Local counsel Nitor Egbarin’s 5.5 hours will be reduced to 1.3, because the other 4.2 is composed of a single “block-billed” entry" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that it would be appropriate to reduce his hours by fifty percent." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Connecticut cuts employment fee award 53.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/loiseau-v-bozzuto-s-inc-ctd-3-22-cv-01485-3" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-casd-3-25-cv-02868-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02868-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02868/USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02868-1", "case_name": "Case Name in Immigration Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-02868", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James E. Simmons, Jr", "date_filed": "2026-09-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.64, "quote": "The Court finds that the invoices for the filing of the habeas petition (0.1 hours), both instances of calendaring due dates for the returned order (total of 0.2 hours for both) and delegating the service packet to be mailed (0.34 hours) were unreasonable." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.75, "quote": "Additionally, the Court finds that the invoice for observing the oral argument hearing (0.75 hours) was not necessary." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts immigration fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-casd-3-25-cv-02868-1" }, { "slug": "livingston-v-jay-livingston-music-inc-tnmd-3-22-cv-00532-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00532-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00532/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00532-3", "case_name": "Livingston v. Jay Livingston Music, Inc., et al.", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00532", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr.", "date_filed": "2026-09-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Loeb & Loeb LLP", "fees_requested": 385979.05, "fees_awarded": 339661.56, "dollar_cut": 46317.49, "pct_cut": 12, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 696.25, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek $385,979.05 in attorneys’ fees. (Doc. No. 98.)", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants will be awarded $339,661.56 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 46317.49, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that reducing the Magistrate Judge’s recommended award of $385,979.05 by 12%, or $46,317.49, to $339,661.56 would best advance the purposes of the Copyright Act." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 46317.49, "hours": null, "quote": "A 12% reduction compensates Defendants for the necessary work performed while accounting for vague descriptions, overlapping work by two firms, the parties’ shared responsibility for litigation expense, the complexity of the case, and Tammy’s financial circumstances." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 46317.49, "hours": null, "quote": "A 12% reduction compensates Defendants for the necessary work performed while accounting for vague descriptions, overlapping work by two firms, the parties’ shared responsibility for litigation expense, the complexity of the case, and Tammy’s financial circumstances." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts intellectual property fee award 12%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/livingston-v-jay-livingston-music-inc-tnmd-3-22-cv-00532-3" }, { "slug": "lin-v-lees-house-restaurant-inc-paed-2-23-cv-03111-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-03111-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-03111/USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-03111-4", "case_name": "LIN v. LEES HOUSE RESTAURANT INC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-03111", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Baylson, J.", "date_filed": "2026-09-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Troy Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 110935.83, "fees_awarded": 9952.11, "dollar_cut": 100983.72, "pct_cut": 91.03, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 235.4, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $110,935.83 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Attorneys’ Fees is GRANTED in the amount of $9,952.11.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because Plaintiff has failed to meet its initial burden of establishing that its requested hourly rates are reasonable, the Court now concludes, in its discretion, that reasonable hourly rates for this case are the following:" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that the appropriate approach is to exclude time spent on Baiqun Lin’s case given that Baiqun Lin ultimately prevailed at trial" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will also deduct fees spent on the Motion for Class Consolidation." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "There are numerous instances where Troy Law has billed for the costs of clerical work, including billing for formatting, organizing documents, and travel booking." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will deduct hours for mixed entries such as “Draft Mt Compel Discovery and Depo; Combine Exhibits and ECF to Court” and time entries related to setting up technology like “Set Up Zoom Links.”" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The court finds certain entries not specific enough to assess the reasonableness of those entries. Such entries include “prepare for conference” and “confer with client re case status” in May 2024" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The hours billed are excessive and the Court will reduce this downwards to 2 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will deduct the amount billed for translation." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Applying a 40% reduction to Plaintiff’s requested hours results in 235.4 as the number of hours reasonably expended." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the jury awarded only $2,800, which was a fraction of the damages Plaintiff sought ... the Court will adjust the lodestar downward due to Plaintiff’s limited success." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts wage and hour fee award 91%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lin-v-lees-house-restaurant-inc-paed-2-23-cv-03111-4" }, { "slug": "goren-v-sma-hub-inc-ord-3-24-cv-00580-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_24-cv-00580-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_24-cv-00580/USCOURTS-ord-3_24-cv-00580-5", "case_name": "Goren v. SMA Hub, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-00580", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jolie A. Russo", "date_filed": "2026-09-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 21259.5, "fees_awarded": 14779, "dollar_cut": 6480.5, "pct_cut": 30.48, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 69.7, "hours_awarded": 49.8, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff Betsy Goren moves for attorney fees in the amount of $21,259.50 and costs in the amount of $846.46.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded a total of $14,779 in attorney fees and $846.46 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The aforementioned billing entries are thus \"redundant,\" and the Court reduces them to zero." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 13.7, "quote": "The Court disallows any hours that are block-billed in increments greater than 3 hours, resulting in a reduction of 13.7 hours of Mr. Cowell's time." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts fee award 30.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/goren-v-sma-hub-inc-ord-3-24-cv-00580-5" }, { "slug": "wang-v-keeper-holdings-inc-nyed-1-24-cv-00672-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-00672-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-00672/USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-00672-3", "case_name": "Wang v. Keeper Holdings, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00672", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Peggy Cross-Goldenberg", "date_filed": "2026-09-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Ryan Kim Law, P.C.", "fees_requested": 171862, "fees_awarded": 21990, "dollar_cut": 149872, "pct_cut": 87.2, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Presently before the Court is Plaintiff's motion for attorneys' fees and costs, seeking reimbursement of $171,862 in attorneys' fees and $13,113.38 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the reasons set forth above, the Court grants Plaintiff's motion in part and awards (1) $21,990 in attorneys' fees, and (2) $4,416.48 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of Plaintiff's limited success and the other aspects of the fee application discussed above, the Court finds a 60 percent across-the-board reduction in the number of hours is appropriate" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This work is non-compensable at these rates above $125 per hour. The Court factors this into the across-the-board reduction." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 7.4, "quote": "The Court has identified a total of 7.4 hours of clerical or administrative tasks billed at Mr. Kim's partner rate... These entries also are factored into the across-the-board reduction." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 10.5, "quote": "Here, Ryan Kim billed 10.5 hours of travel time prior to the November 12, 2025 Rule 68 Offer. (Dkt. No. 54-2). He billed at his full attorney rate." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that Mr. Kim is entitled to a rate of $500 per hour in this case and Ms. Choi is entitled to a rate of $125 per hour" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 87.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wang-v-keeper-holdings-inc-nyed-1-24-cv-00672-3" }, { "slug": "hicks-v-city-of-philadelphia-paed-2-22-cv-00977-10", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_22-cv-00977-10", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_22-cv-00977/USCOURTS-paed-2_22-cv-00977-10", "case_name": "HICKS v. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-00977", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Murphy", "date_filed": "2026-09-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Neufeld Scheck Brustin Hoffmann & Freudenberger, LLP", "fees_requested": 290890, "fees_awarded": 132354.95, "dollar_cut": 158535.05, "pct_cut": 54.5, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 535.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, he seeks $290,890.00 in fees for 535.7 hours of additional work and travel, plus $65,941.94 in additional costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "We thus award Mr. Hicks a total of $132,354.95 in supplemental attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing records reveal duplication of work across multiple billers in preparing the fee petition" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "junior attorneys completing work that could have been done by paralegals. Such an allocation of work is unreasonable." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a partner billing at $900 per hour billed four blocks of time ranging from 5.4 to 7.3 hours to “review/edit fee petition”" }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "we fail to see why it is reasonable for defendants to pay for counsel’s failure to keep detailed contemporaneous records" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts civil rights fee award 54.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hicks-v-city-of-philadelphia-paed-2-22-cv-00977-10" }, { "slug": "20100-eastex-llc-v-saltgrass-inc-txsd-4-20-cv-01347-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_20-cv-01347-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_20-cv-01347/USCOURTS-txsd-4_20-cv-01347-7", "case_name": "20100 Eastex, LLC v. Saltgrass, Inc.", "docket_number": "4:20-cv-01347", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Andrew M. Edison", "date_filed": "2026-09-23", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 63789.5, "fees_awarded": 38410.5, "dollar_cut": 25379, "pct_cut": 39.79, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Saltgrass has filed a Motion for Appellate Attorneys' Fees, seeking an award of $63,789.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "I thus conclude that Saltgrass is entitled to $38,410.50 for reasonable and necessary appellate attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 18822.5, "hours": 27.7, "quote": "None of this time has anything to do with appellate attorneys' fees." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4562.5, "hours": 6.5, "quote": "I must also reject Saltgrass's request to award 6.5 hours of time associated with the filing of the instant motion." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I have reduced those time entries I view as duplicative, vague, and excessive." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I have reduced those time entries I view as duplicative, vague, and excessive." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I have reduced those time entries I view as duplicative, vague, and excessive." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 39.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/20100-eastex-llc-v-saltgrass-inc-txsd-4-20-cv-01347-7" }, { "slug": "computer-sciences-corporation-v-tata-consultancy-services-txnd-3-19-cv-00970-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_19-cv-00970-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_19-cv-00970/USCOURTS-txnd-3_19-cv-00970-9", "case_name": "Computer Sciences Corporation v. Tata Consultancy Services Limited et al", "docket_number": "3:19-cv-00970", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Brantley Starr", "date_filed": "2026-09-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Baker Botts", "fees_requested": 15811695.76, "fees_awarded": 15291490.97, "dollar_cut": 520204.79, "pct_cut": 3.29, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 20760, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "CSC requests that the Court award it $15,811,695.76 in attorney’s fees and $1,780,169.67 in costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court ORDERS TCS to pay CSC $15,291,490.97 in attorney’s fees and directs CSC to file a bill of costs to recover its taxable costs with the Clerk of the Court within 14 days of this Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 1.5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces each firm’s block billed hours by 30%, totaling a 1.50% reduction in the lodestar." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 0.45, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": 95.2, "quote": "the Court finds it proper to reduce the 95.2 hours that month billed by Baker Botts attorneys." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 1.34, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": 375, "quote": "Therefore, the Court reduces the lodestar by 1.34%, to account for the 375 hours spent responding to TCS’s meritorious motions." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts intellectual property fee award 3.3%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/computer-sciences-corporation-v-tata-consultancy-services-txnd-3-19-cv-00970-9" }, { "slug": "culp-v-remington-of-montrose-llc-cod-1-18-cv-02213-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_18-cv-02213-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_18-cv-02213/USCOURTS-cod-1_18-cv-02213-3", "case_name": "Culp et al v. Remington of Montrose, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:18-cv-02213", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Regina M. Rodriguez", "date_filed": "2026-09-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Killian Davis", "fees_requested": 303640.42, "fees_awarded": 216112.71, "dollar_cut": 87527.71, "pct_cut": 28.83, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an award in the amount of $303,640.42 in fees and $42,742.05 in expenses, as well as post-judgment interest.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying the 10% reduction, the Court awards Plaintiff $216,112.71 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 63515.19, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will exclude the appeal-related fees totaling $63,515.19 from Plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees award." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Taking into consideration that the amounts have already been discounted by Plaintiff, the Court finds an additional 10% reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Taking into consideration that the amounts have already been discounted by Plaintiff, the Court finds an additional 10% reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Taking into consideration that the amounts have already been discounted by Plaintiff, the Court finds an additional 10% reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Taking into consideration that the amounts have already been discounted by Plaintiff, the Court finds an additional 10% reduction is warranted." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts employment fee award 28.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/culp-v-remington-of-montrose-llc-cod-1-18-cv-02213-3" }, { "slug": "perez-v-evolet-s-painting-service-llc-azd-2-25-cv-01886-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01886-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01886/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01886-4", "case_name": "Perez v. Evolet's Painting Service LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-01886", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2026-09-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 13.3, "hours_awarded": 11.8, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "undersigned concludes that an hourly rate of $395.00 is reasonable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "filing documents is a clerical task that must be excluded. The amount of time devoted to each task was not detailed. The excluded entry is .3 hours." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "undersigned will recommend that the District Judge exclude Plaintiff’s sought time in April and May 2026 reviewing this Court’s Orders regarding the first (denied) motion for fees and costs and drafting the instant, renewed Motion" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/perez-v-evolet-s-painting-service-llc-azd-2-25-cv-01886-4" }, { "slug": "hancock-whitney-bank-v-american-rental-entertainment-llc-alsd-1-25-cv-00395-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-alsd-1_25-cv-00395-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-alsd-1_25-cv-00395/USCOURTS-alsd-1_25-cv-00395-0", "case_name": "Hancock Whitney Bank v. American Rental & Entertainment, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-00395", "court_id": "alsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Alabama", "court_short": "S.D. Alabama", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William E. Cassady", "date_filed": "2026-09-22", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Helmsing, Leach, Herlong, Newman & Rouse, P.C.", "fees_requested": 25841.05, "fees_awarded": 10260, "dollar_cut": 15581.05, "pct_cut": 60.3, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 97.5, "hours_awarded": 42.3, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Friedman's declarations and supporting documentation shows attorneys' fees and expenses incurred as of June 30, 2026 total $25,841.05.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds the lodestar is $10,260.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 50.4, "quote": "The 50.4 hours worked on the bankruptcy cases are not recoverable in this action." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.9, "quote": "In addition, the Court deems 2.9 hours duplicative and 1.9 hours as administrative work performed by attorneys and paralegals that cannot be recovered." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "In addition, the Court deems 2.9 hours duplicative and 1.9 hours as administrative work performed by attorneys and paralegals that cannot be recovered." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Alabama cuts commercial fee award 60.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hancock-whitney-bank-v-american-rental-entertainment-llc-alsd-1-25-cv-00395-0" }, { "slug": "mobu-enterprises-pty-ltd-v-john-galt-solutions-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00617-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00617-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00617/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00617-5", "case_name": "Mobu Enterprises Pty Ltd v. John Galt Solutions Inc", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00617", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David L. Horan", "date_filed": "2026-09-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Thompson Hine", "fees_requested": 447410.62, "fees_awarded": 302395.8, "dollar_cut": 145014.82, "pct_cut": 32.41, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1051.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "so it seeks $447,410.62 in fees", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will adjust the base lodestar amounts down 30% under Johnson and Arthur Andersen and will award Mobu $302,395.80 in fees and John Galt $93,766.40", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 15416, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce Mobu's requested lodestar by $15,416." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "to account for the limited results that each side obtained in this lawsuit, the Court will adjust the base lodestar amounts down 30% under Johnson and Arthur Andersen" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 32.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mobu-enterprises-pty-ltd-v-john-galt-solutions-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00617-5" }, { "slug": "tbm-n160tm-llc-v-signature-flight-support-llc-caed-1-24-cv-00963-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00963-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00963/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00963-9", "case_name": "TBM N160TM, LLC et al v. Signature Flight Support LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00963", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Helena M. Barch-Kuchta", "date_filed": "2026-09-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Manning Gross + Massenburg LLP", "fees_requested": 291460, "fees_awarded": 140585, "dollar_cut": 150875, "pct_cut": 51.77, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 469.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks $291,460.00 in attorney's fees, plus an upward adjustment to the lodestar.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant is awarded attorney's fees in the amount of $140,585.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The requested rates exceed those ordinarily awarded in this District and those approved in Defendant's cited cases." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16.2, "quote": "The Court therefore will deduct 16.2 hours from Sands' time for work performed between February 6 and February 12, 2026, in drafting the renewed motion." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the claimed hours are excessive in relation to the scope and complexity of the litigation" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the summary billing records do not permit the Court to reliably distinguish complementary work from duplicative work" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the summary billing records do not permit the Court to reliably distinguish complementary work from duplicative work" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 51.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tbm-n160tm-llc-v-signature-flight-support-llc-caed-1-24-cv-00963-9" }, { "slug": "cayuga-nation-v-parker-nynd-5-22-cv-00128-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynd-5_22-cv-00128-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynd-5_22-cv-00128/USCOURTS-nynd-5_22-cv-00128-8", "case_name": "Cayuga Nation v. Parker et al", "docket_number": "5:22-cv-00128", "court_id": "nynd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Brenda K. Sannes", "date_filed": "2026-09-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Barclay Damon LLP", "fees_requested": 656599.88, "fees_awarded": 235743.75, "dollar_cut": 420856.13, "pct_cut": 64.1, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1595.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "the Nation's counsel has \"applied a 25% reduction,\" resulting in a fee request of $656,599.88, and a request for costs in the amount of $5,751.31", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court finds that a final attorneys' fee award of $235,743.75, as itemized below, is fair and reasonable.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 55, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering all of the circumstances here, the Court finds that the Nation's proffered 25 percent reduction is insufficient to ensure the Nation is only recovering for its success on its RICO claim against the Parker Defendants. The Court finds a 55 percent reduction reflects a more reasonable number of hours for this case." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 55, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court has also considered the above-identified issues in billing records, the inclusion of billing entries concerning counterclaims and third-party claims, as well as dismissed defendants, block-billing, and overstaffing at trial." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 55, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court has also considered the above-identified issues in billing records, the inclusion of billing entries concerning counterclaims and third-party claims, as well as dismissed defendants, block-billing, and overstaffing at trial." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 55, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court has also considered the above-identified issues in billing records, the inclusion of billing entries concerning counterclaims and third-party claims, as well as dismissed defendants, block-billing, and overstaffing at trial." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 55, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "given the number of unresolved legal issues leading into trial despite the hundreds of hours billed up to that point, all of which required Court-directed further briefing and additional attorney time, the Court finds there is a basis for concluding there were inefficiencies" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds the reasonable hourly rate to be $350 per hour for Burch, Nicholson, and French and $200 per hour for Arias and Hopkins" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. New York cuts fee award 64.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cayuga-nation-v-parker-nynd-5-22-cv-00128-8" }, { "slug": "valley-national-bank-v-captiveone-services-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-81491-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81491-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81491/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81491-3", "case_name": "Valley National Bank v. CaptiveOne Services, LLC et al", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-81491", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Bruce E. Reinhart", "date_filed": "2026-09-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 464258.5, "fees_awarded": 250730, "dollar_cut": 213528.5, "pct_cut": 45.99, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 772.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Valley National seeks $464,258.50 in attorney fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Valley National should be awarded $250,730.00 in attorney fees and costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, Mr. Brenner, is not licensed to practice law in Florida, nor was he admitted pro hac vice in this case. As a result, his time should be recoverable, but only at similar rates for other partners, such as Mr. Jackson-Fanin." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Still, his hourly rate is unreasonable. Instead, Mr. Gurland's hourly rate should be $595.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Nonetheless, neither of their rates are reasonable. Accordingly, Ms. Goncalves's rate and Mr. Amer's rate should both be $450.00 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Yet, I find their rates to be unreasonable. Rather, a rate of $400.00 per hour for both Ms. Shaikh and Mr. Gounaris is reasonable for their services." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, I find both paralegals' hourly rates to be unreasonable. Their time should be billed at a blended rate of $200.00 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, I find $125.00 per hour to be appropriate for both Ms. Funchion and Mr. Woe." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, I find his billable hourly rate to be unreasonable. A reasonable hourly rate for him would be $150.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "At the outset, many entries are so heavily redacted that it is impossible to understand the work the attorney performed, thereby making the entries vague." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "First, there are entries that appear duplicative and unnecessary based on the text of the entries." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Second, many of the entries contain block billing." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, I find the amount of time Valley National's counsel—as a whole—spent litigating this case is unreasonable." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, Valley National seeks almost half a million dollars in fees for (at most) actively litigating against two Defendants, and (at times) litigating against one Defendant. Accordingly, I find the amount requested to be unreasonably high for the work performed." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 46%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/valley-national-bank-v-captiveone-services-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-81491-3" }, { "slug": "quiktech-llc-v-h-r-block-enterprise-llc-txnd-3-24-cv-01672-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-01672-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-01672/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-01672-7", "case_name": "Quiktech LLC v. H & R Block Enterprise LLC", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-01672", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David L. Horan", "date_filed": "2026-09-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 6014, "hours": 17.5, "quote": "And the Court denies H&R Block's expenses and fees incurred in reviewing Roquemore's and Quik Tech's Responses and preparing and filing its Reply, regardless of which application addresses those fees." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1622.5, "hours": 4.8, "quote": "And, so, the Court denies an additional $1,622.50 in fees for 4.8 hours of post-filing work." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11762, "hours": 34.9, "quote": "the Court finds that $11,762 in post-filing fees were not reasonably incurred in preparing and filing the Motion for Sanctions, and it denies those fees." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 19, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "The Court denies $19 billed for .1 hours of work for \"[e]xchanging emails with Mr. Skepnek regarding today's deposition and exhibits for the same.\"" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 4213.5, "hours": 12, "quote": "Here, entries that contain matters both within and outside the order's scope will be uniformly reduced by half their respective hours. So the Court reduces – by one half – the requested $4,213.50 for 12 hours of pre-filing work." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts sanctions fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/quiktech-llc-v-h-r-block-enterprise-llc-txnd-3-24-cv-01672-7" }, { "slug": "apartment-insiders-llc-v-hensen-tnmd-3-25-cv-01137-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_25-cv-01137-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_25-cv-01137/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_25-cv-01137-8", "case_name": "Apartment Insiders, LLC v. Hensen", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-01137", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Luke A. Evans", "date_filed": "2026-09-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Barton LLP", "fees_requested": 23957.5, "fees_awarded": 3699.5, "dollar_cut": 20258, "pct_cut": 84.56, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 63.9, "hours_awarded": 15.1, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Insiders then inexplicably concludes with a request for $23,957.50 without further explanation as to any additional $200.00 reduction", "fees_awarded_quote": "Insiders is awarded $3,699.50 in attorney fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reduction in the number of hours billed is both appropriate as to work related to the protective order or the motion to compel and necessary to limit compensation to relevant expenses" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it appears only 15.10 hours of total attorney time were billed for either substantive review of Hensen's discovery production or drafting the relevant motion and related filings" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "an across the board reduction for excessive and duplicative time entries, the Court thus finds that a reasonable fee amount in this case is $3,699.50 (a 30% reduction applied to 15.10 hours at a rate of $350.00)" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it does find the total amount of time requested to be unwarranted, particularly for excessive conferencing" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts fee award 84.6%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/apartment-insiders-llc-v-hensen-tnmd-3-25-cv-01137-8" }, { "slug": "malone-v-united-parcel-service-inc-paed-2-21-cv-03643-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_21-cv-03643-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_21-cv-03643/USCOURTS-paed-2_21-cv-03643-5", "case_name": "Malone v. UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC.", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-03643", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Joshua D. Wolson", "date_filed": "2026-09-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there is no dispute that Plaintiffs cannot recover amounts associated with unrelated activities, such as settlement communications and arbitration issues. This includes the fees and costs associated with depositions of Mr. Green and Mr. Whitman and 33% of the fees and costs associated with the deposition of Jean Ditmars." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, I will exclude the time for entries like these, and others, that are “nowhere near specific enough.”" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are a few instances in which internal discussions or team meetings lasted more than an hour, which is excessive. Thus, for any conferences longer than that, I will limit the recovery to 1 hour." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, I will exclude any time entries for attorneys who did not take or defend the depositions themselves. In addition, absent any explanation from Plaintiffs that the deposing or defending attorneys relied on preparation materials from other attorneys, I will also exclude any preparation work by the attorneys who did not take or defend the depositions at issue." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "There is no reason why the entire team needed to attend these events. Thus, I will limit these events to two timekeepers only." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, there are some entries that appear to be purely clerical in nature, and Plaintiffs may not recover fees for that time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "In addition, the four hours that Santiago Kling billed to prepare four identical deposition notices is excessive, and I will reduce that time to 1 hour." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the MCA issue was the driving force behind the reopened discovery period, I will eliminate the time Plaintiffs’ Counsel spent on the opening class certification brief, which is silent on the MCA issue." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 23.5, "quote": "I will reduce the 31.5 hours that Sarah Schalman-Bergen billed for deposition preparation on a single day (May 6, 2025) to 8 hours" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "I will exclude the .5 hours for Everlaw training" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16, "quote": "I will exclude the 16 hours that Santiago Kling billed to prepare trial binders" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 13.9, "quote": "I will reduce the 21.9 hours that Ms. Schalman-Bergen billed on a single day (July 25, 2025) to 8 hours" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts wage and hour fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/malone-v-united-parcel-service-inc-paed-2-21-cv-03643-5" }, { "slug": "w-s-v-united-healthcare-insurance-utd-2-19-cv-00810-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-utd-2_19-cv-00810-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-utd-2_19-cv-00810/USCOURTS-utd-2_19-cv-00810-1", "case_name": "W-S et al v. United Healthcare Insurance", "docket_number": "2:19-cv-00810", "court_id": "utd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Utah", "court_short": "D. Utah", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert J. Shelby", "date_filed": "2026-09-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, the court concludes Plaintiffs’ hourly rate should be adjusted to $600.00 for Brian King and $300.00 for Samuel Hall." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 90, "hours": null, "quote": "The court thus deducts these fees, totaling $90.00, from the award." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Utah cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/w-s-v-united-healthcare-insurance-utd-2-19-cv-00810-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-nmd-2-25-cv-01267-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nmd-2_25-cv-01267-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nmd-2_25-cv-01267/USCOURTS-nmd-2_25-cv-01267-0", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-01267", "court_id": "nmd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Mexico", "court_short": "D. New Mexico", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Damian L. Martinez", "date_filed": "2026-09-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": "Parmele Law Firm", "fees_requested": 4957.4, "fees_awarded": 4434.2, "dollar_cut": 523.2, "pct_cut": 10.55, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 18.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Asebedo's attorney, Kelsey Young of the Parmele Law Firm, seeks $4,957.40 in fees for 18.7 hours of work performed by her attorneys", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that attorney fees are awarded under the EAJA, payable to Plaintiff but mailed to Plaintiff's attorney, in the amount of $4,434.20.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "The Court will exercise its discretion to reduce the claimed time by 2.0 hours, as Asebedo's attorneys cannot be compensated for preparing form documents or client letters." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Mexico cuts social security fee award 10.6% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-nmd-2-25-cv-01267-0" }, { "slug": "gulf-credit-llc-v-dhd-offshore-services-llc-laed-2-25-cv-02109-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_25-cv-02109-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_25-cv-02109/USCOURTS-laed-2_25-cv-02109-0", "case_name": "Gulf Credit, LLC v. DHD Offshore Services, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-02109", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nannette Jolivette Brown", "date_filed": "2026-09-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court finds it appropriate to reduce the award for Mr. Dunbar's time by ten percent, rather than striking each entry on vagueness grounds." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mr. Dunbar billed time for filing various documents with this Court, which is an administrative task." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given this difficulty, a ten percent reduction in Mr. Dunbar's hours expended on this matter reflects an appropriate substitute for his billing judgment." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts commercial fee award over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gulf-credit-llc-v-dhd-offshore-services-llc-laed-2-25-cv-02109-0" }, { "slug": "browe-v-ctc-corporation-vtd-2-15-cv-00267-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-vtd-2_15-cv-00267-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-vtd-2_15-cv-00267/USCOURTS-vtd-2_15-cv-00267-9", "case_name": "Browe et al v. CTC Corporation et al", "docket_number": "2:15-cv-00267", "court_id": "vtd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Vermont", "court_short": "D. Vermont", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-09-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "Witten, Woolmington, Campbell & Bernal, P.C.", "fees_requested": 657160, "fees_awarded": 295724.5, "dollar_cut": 361435.5, "pct_cut": 55, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1998.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "The Remaining Plaintiffs request an award of $657,160.00 in attorney's fees and $24,547.89 in costs and expenses, totaling $681,707.89.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The court therefore awards the Remaining Plaintiffs attorney's fees in the amount of $295,724.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The court finds an across-the-board reduction is appropriate for this purpose and notes the four Remaining Plaintiffs played a relatively passive role in the litigation. The court assesses a thirty percent reduction on this basis" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, their counsel's block billing style makes it difficult for the court to discern whether certain hours are reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Vermont cuts ERISA benefits fee award 55%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/browe-v-ctc-corporation-vtd-2-15-cv-00267-9" }, { "slug": "in-re-whaleco-privacy-litigation-nyed-1-25-cv-05854-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-05854-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-05854/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-05854-0", "case_name": "In re Whaleco Privacy Litigation", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-05854", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Margo K. Brodie", "date_filed": "2026-09-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Latham & Watkins", "fees_requested": 597553, "fees_awarded": 302547.6, "dollar_cut": 295005.4, "pct_cut": 49.37, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 733, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Temu requests the Court award $597,553 total in attorneys’ fees representing 733 hours of work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the foregoing reasons, the Court (1) grants Temu $302,547.60 in attorneys’ fees and (2) $52,173 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 93307, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces the hourly rate for paralegal Kim and the Litigation Support Team to $150 per hour." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing practices of billing for excessive hours, billing at attorney rates for paralegal tasks, block billing, and billing for clerical tasks warrant a reduction of hours. In lieu of reviewing and deducting for each entry ... the Court reduces the total attorneys’ fees across-the-board by 40%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing practices of billing for excessive hours, billing at attorney rates for paralegal tasks, block billing, and billing for clerical tasks warrant a reduction of hours. In lieu of reviewing and deducting for each entry ... the Court reduces the total attorneys’ fees across-the-board by 40%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing practices of billing for excessive hours, billing at attorney rates for paralegal tasks, block billing, and billing for clerical tasks warrant a reduction of hours. In lieu of reviewing and deducting for each entry ... the Court reduces the total attorneys’ fees across-the-board by 40%." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing practices of billing for excessive hours, billing at attorney rates for paralegal tasks, block billing, and billing for clerical tasks warrant a reduction of hours. In lieu of reviewing and deducting for each entry ... the Court reduces the total attorneys’ fees across-the-board by 40%." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts consumer protection fee award 49.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/in-re-whaleco-privacy-litigation-nyed-1-25-cv-05854-0" }, { "slug": "in-re-whaleco-potter-handy-data-privacy-mass-actions-nyed-1-25-cv-04916-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-04916-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-04916/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-04916-1", "case_name": "In re Whaleco/Potter Handy Data Privacy Mass Actions", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-04916", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Margo K. Brodie", "date_filed": "2026-09-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Latham & Watkins", "fees_requested": 597553, "fees_awarded": 302547.6, "dollar_cut": 295005.4, "pct_cut": 49.37, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 733, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Temu now seeks $597,553 in attorneys’ fees and $52,173 in costs pursuant to the Temu’s terms of use, (the “Terms”).", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the reasons explained below, the Court grants Temu’s motion for attorneys’ fees and costs in the amounts of $302,547.60 and $52,173, respectively.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 93307, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces the hourly rate for paralegal Kim and the Litigation Support Team to $150 per hour." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing practices of billing for excessive hours, billing at attorney rates for paralegal tasks, block billing, and billing for clerical tasks warrant a reduction of hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will not compensate Temu for billing associated with these clerical or administrative tasks" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "In addition, the Court notes several instances of block billing." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 201698.4, "hours": null, "quote": "billing at attorney rates for paralegal tasks" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts fee award 49.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/in-re-whaleco-potter-handy-data-privacy-mass-actions-nyed-1-25-cv-04916-1" }, { "slug": "in-holdings-inc-and-5310-holdings-llc-cacb-1-24-bk-11323-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cacb-1_24-bk-11323-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cacb-1_24-bk-11323/USCOURTS-cacb-1_24-bk-11323-2", "case_name": "IN Holdings, Inc and 5310 Holdings, LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-bk-11323", "court_id": "cacb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, C.D. California", "court_short": "Bankr. C.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-09-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Buchalter LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7192.5, "hours": null, "quote": "in aggregate, they resulted in $7,192.50 in fees charged to STS. The Court will not include these fees in its award of attorneys' fees payable to STS." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2865.5, "hours": 5, "quote": "Mr. Silva billed a total of 2.7 hours for services which overlapped and were duplicative of the legal work performed by Greenberg ... For this duplicative work, Court will not award $2,865.50 in fees billed by Buchalter." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1027.5, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "Ms. Djang billed 1.5 hours for reviewing/revising timesheets and redacting them. The Court will exclude from its award the corresponding $1,027.50 in attorneys' fees incurred for this work." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the amount of time spent on this task was excessive. As a result, of the aggregate $1,333 billed for these services, the Court will award $430 in attorneys' fees." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 137, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "Ms. Djang billed 0.2 (for a total of $137) for noncompensable secretarial tasks. The Court will not award these fees to STS." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1764, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "the Court will not award attorneys' fees for 1.8 hours, and $1,764 in corresponding fees, with respect to the inclusion of Ms. Cabo on these calls." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1862, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "Ms. Cabo billed a total of 1.9 hours (resulting in $1,862 in fees) for services that are unnecessarily duplicative of services provided by Mr. Mack." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1275, "hours": 1, "quote": "This unnecessarily duplicates services which were provided by Ms. Djang. Consequently, the Reorganized Debtor will not be required to pay the fees billed for these services of Mr. Newman, in the amount of $1,275." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10155.9, "hours": 57.4, "quote": "the Court will award 80% of the fees billed for these time entries of Ms. Parks. The results in a reduction of $10,155.90 in fees payable to STS." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 3136, "hours": 6.4, "quote": "The Court will award STS 50% of the fees billed for these services of Ms. Cabo. This results in a reduction of $3,136.00 in attorneys' fees payable to STS." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 3136, "hours": 6.4, "quote": "The Court will award STS 50% of the fees billed for these services of Ms. Cabo. This results in a reduction of $3,136.00 in attorneys' fees payable to STS." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 510, "hours": 2, "quote": "The Court will award STS 80% of the fees billed for these services. The results in a reduction of $510.00 in fees payable to STS." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "The Court will exclude from its award the services Ms. Djang provided between August 1 and August 5, 2026 related to her review, redaction and revision of timesheets (e.g., 3.5 hours of the 5.5 hours requested)" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5, "quote": "the time estimated for \"preparation for, travel to, and appearance and argument at, the hearing on this fee request\" (e.g., 5 hours), which did not take place" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4635, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the Court waived oral arguments for this matter and vacated the hearing, the Court will deduct $4,635 in attorneys' fees" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. C.D. California cuts bankruptcy fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/in-holdings-inc-and-5310-holdings-llc-cacb-1-24-bk-11323-2" }, { "slug": "han-v-shang-noodle-house-inc-nyed-1-20-cv-02266-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-02266-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-02266/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-02266-4", "case_name": "Han v. Shang Noodle House, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-02266", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2026-09-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Troy Law", "fees_requested": 71763, "fees_awarded": 25732.41, "dollar_cut": 46030.59, "pct_cut": 64.14, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 220.78, "hours_awarded": 209.28, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel, the Troy Law firm, requests $71,763.00 in attorneys' fees and $11,271.31 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court finds that Plaintiff's counsel is entitled to $25,732.41 in attorneys' fees and $4,318.70 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces John Troy's hourly rate to $400 for partner-level work." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court accordingly reduces John Troy's non-partner-level rate to $150 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of Troy Law's subpar performance in this straightforward case, the Court awards Schweitzer an hourly rate of $250." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "An award of $150 per hour is appropriately reflective of T. Troy's experience, qualifications, and contributions to this case." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Chen was more involved in this matter than T. Troy, but the Court finds that, given his level of experience, an appropriate hourly rate is $150." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards Kilaru an hourly rate of $85, to reflect her superior experience, and Dass an hourly rate of $75." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "as to T. Troy's clerical, pre-bar admission work, the Court finds an hourly rate of $75 to be appropriate given her level of experience" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court is deeply troubled by Troy Law's willful disregard of these cases and therefore declines to award T. Troy any compensation for this work" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reduction of 40% of the total hours claimed by Troy Law is appropriate, if not conservative" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reduction of 40% of the total hours claimed by Troy Law is appropriate, if not conservative" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reduction of 40% of the total hours claimed by Troy Law is appropriate, if not conservative" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reduction of 40% of the total hours claimed by Troy Law is appropriate, if not conservative" }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reduction of 40% of the total hours claimed by Troy Law is appropriate, if not conservative" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Troy Law also impermissibly seeks to recover the fees it incurred in moving for attorneys' fees." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 64.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/han-v-shang-noodle-house-inc-nyed-1-20-cv-02266-4" }, { "slug": "dilfanian-v-the-new-york-city-department-of-education-nyed-1-12-cv-06012-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_12-cv-06012-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_12-cv-06012/USCOURTS-nyed-1_12-cv-06012-2", "case_name": "Dilfanian v. The New York City Department of Education et al", "docket_number": "1:12-cv-06012", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Eric N. Vitaliano", "date_filed": "2026-09-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 365400, "fees_awarded": 128370.54, "dollar_cut": 237029.46, "pct_cut": 64.87, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 696, "hours_awarded": 252.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's motion for attorney's fees and costs followed, seeking $365,400 for 696 hours of legal work, $2,625 for ten hours of travel, and $4,333.08 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "grants plaintiff's motion to the extent that plaintiff is awarded $128,370.54 in fees and $2,120.80 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The reasonable hourly rate is updated to $500.08." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 443.8, "quote": "the Court reduces the remaining 634 non-appeal hours billed by 70%, resulting in 190.2 hours" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 443.8, "quote": "the amalgamation of tasks without time breakdowns here improperly hinders a court's review" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 443.8, "quote": "Plaintiff's objection to the R. & R.'s stance that certain time entries were \"vague and confusing\" is not a valid objection" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 443.8, "quote": "the R. & R.'s conclusion that plaintiff \"repeatedly overbilled\" for administrative and clerical tasks" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "the Court affirms the R. & R.'s recommendation to reduce the requested fees associated with travel time by ten percent" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts employment fee award 64.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dilfanian-v-the-new-york-city-department-of-education-nyed-1-12-cv-06012-2" }, { "slug": "hc-vasquez-amaya-v-chestnut-caed-1-26-cv-02090-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_26-cv-02090-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_26-cv-02090/USCOURTS-caed-1_26-cv-02090-1", "case_name": "(HC) Vasquez Amaya v. Chestnut, et al", "docket_number": "1:26-cv-02090", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-09-08", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "the undersigned finds that the 3.5 hours spent by the paralegal on April 2, 2026 is impermissibly block-billed, which makes it impossible for the undersigned to confirm that the time expended is not duplicative or clerical." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts immigration fee award over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hc-vasquez-amaya-v-chestnut-caed-1-26-cv-02090-1" }, { "slug": "hc-estrada-martinez-v-chestnut-caed-1-25-cv-02054-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-02054-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-02054/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-02054-1", "case_name": "(HC) Estrada Martinez v. Chestnut et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-02054", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-09-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 39, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will deduct three hours of paralegal time for time associated with filing and the organization of exhibits." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts immigration fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hc-estrada-martinez-v-chestnut-caed-1-25-cv-02054-1" }, { "slug": "aleksey-n-kozlov-akb-3-24-bk-00148-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-akb-3_24-bk-00148-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-akb-3_24-bk-00148/USCOURTS-akb-3_24-bk-00148-0", "case_name": "Aleksey N Kozlov", "docket_number": "3:24-bk-00148", "court_id": "akb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Alaska", "court_short": "Bankr. D. Alaska", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Gary Spraker", "date_filed": "2026-09-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Proskauer Rose LLP", "fees_requested": 636995.5, "fees_awarded": 224106.7, "dollar_cut": 412888.8, "pct_cut": 64.82, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 392.8, "hours_awarded": 277.6, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Proskauer seeks approval of $636,995.50 in fees, though it has stipulated to limit its administrative claim to $500,000 pursuant to a plan support agreement with the debtor, Aleksey Kozlov.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the following reasons, the court shall allow Proskauer attorney fees in the amount of $224,106.70 and expenses in the amount of $25,451.04.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will apply $1,000 per hour for partners and $565 per hour for associates for Proskauer's billings." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the court will limit the paralegal hourly rate to $370 per hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 38254, "hours": 84.8, "quote": "The court shall disallow 84.8 hours of paralegal billings as previously identified in the tentative decision (ECF No. 301 at 24-25) in the original amount of $38,254." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": 24736.3, "hours": 30.4, "quote": "The court concludes and finds that a reduction of 10% of the billed attorney hours is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. D. Alaska cuts bankruptcy fee award 64.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/aleksey-n-kozlov-akb-3-24-bk-00148-0" }, { "slug": "cruz-v-n-v-sons-builders-incorporated-azd-2-24-cv-02128-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-02128-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-02128/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-02128-1", "case_name": "Cruz v. N.V. & Sons Builders Incorporated et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-02128", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Diane J. Humetewa", "date_filed": "2026-08-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 14605.63, "fees_awarded": 8588.5, "dollar_cut": 6017.13, "pct_cut": 41.2, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 21.5, "hours_awarded": 19.3, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Cruz requests attorneys’ fees in the amount of $14,605.63 for time spent on this litigation, out-of-pocket costs, and future collection efforts.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Based on a total of 19.3 hours at a rate of $445.00 an hour, the Court finds that Plaintiff’s counsel should be awarded a total amount of $8,588.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.2, "quote": "The Court will excise these entries as clerical and administrative in line with precedent from this District." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 41.2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cruz-v-n-v-sons-builders-incorporated-azd-2-24-cv-02128-1" }, { "slug": "bank-of-america-na-v-ztar-mobile-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00826-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00826-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00826/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00826-7", "case_name": "Bank of America NA v. Ztar Mobile Inc et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00826", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David L. Horan", "date_filed": "2026-08-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 235.1, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 609, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "the Court, on its own, will exclude from BANA's request billing entries by two paralegals for time spent on what appear to be clerical or administrative tasks" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bank-of-america-na-v-ztar-mobile-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00826-7" }, { "slug": "everyday-people-nyc-llc-v-ali-nyed-1-23-cv-02436-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-02436-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-02436/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-02436-2", "case_name": "Everyday People NYC LLC v. Ali", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-02436", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Peggy Cross-Goldenberg", "date_filed": "2026-08-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 94310, "fees_awarded": 61359.7, "dollar_cut": 32950.3, "pct_cut": 34.94, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 223, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an award of $94,310 in attorneys’ fees and $5,075 in costs incurred pursuing this case against Defendant", "fees_awarded_quote": "award Plaintiff $169,000 in damages, $61,359.70 in attorneys’ fees, and $1,855 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that some of these rates are reasonable and that others exceed this District’s reasonable rates." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But even accounting for the service issues and the multiple infringement and state law claims, the Court finds that 223 hours is excessive." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Counsel’s contemporaneous billing records also reveal several redacted and block-billed entries. ... the Court finds that a 25% reduction in the billed hours is warranted here." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts intellectual property fee award 34.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/everyday-people-nyc-llc-v-ali-nyed-1-23-cv-02436-2" }, { "slug": "bowman-v-ssa-kyed-3-25-cv-00036-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-kyed-3_25-cv-00036-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-kyed-3_25-cv-00036/USCOURTS-kyed-3_25-cv-00036-1", "case_name": "Bowman v. SSA", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-00036", "court_id": "kyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Kentucky", "court_short": "E.D. Kentucky", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Karen K. Caldwell", "date_filed": "2026-08-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6536.88, "fees_awarded": 6036.88, "dollar_cut": 500, "pct_cut": 7.65, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "J.B. requested $6,536.88 in EAJA fees. [R. 17.] The Commissioner did not oppose this request.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is AWARDED attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act in the amount of $6,036.88;", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "These tasks are clerical or secretarial in nature and therefore are not compensable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "receiving, reviewing, and processing files from the referral source constitutes clerical work because it \"does not require substantive legal knowledge\"" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "Nothing in this bare description describes work that is typically done by an attorney. It reflects a purely secretarial task." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.9, "quote": "The term 'prepared,' without further explanation by Plaintiff of whether the paralegal utilized substantive legal knowledge or merely filled in a contract form with client information, more closely aligns to clerical work" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Kentucky cuts social security fee award 7.7% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bowman-v-ssa-kyed-3-25-cv-00036-1" }, { "slug": "romspen-investment-lp-v-dibert-flsd-9-23-cv-80992-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80992-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80992/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80992-5", "case_name": "Romspen Investment LP v. Dibert et al", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-80992", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2026-08-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 98217.61, "fees_awarded": 34228.75, "dollar_cut": 63988.86, "pct_cut": 65.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff Romspen Investment LP asks for $98,217.61 in attorneys’ fees and costs associated with (1) litigation over Mr. Dibert’s privilege claims, ECF No. 261, and (2) Mr. Dibert’s refusal to complete a court-ordered deposition.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $34,228.75 in attorneys’ fees and $1,907.19 in costs [ECF No. 366], to be paid by Defendant within 90 days of this Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "Mr. Poland billed 7.5 hours to draft the Response to the Motion for Clarification at an hourly rate of $962.50. This amount of time is excessive." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that this Response could have been drafted in four hours or less by Mr. Boyle or a less experienced lawyer. Romspen will be awarded four hours at the rate of $700 per hour — $2800." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Mr. Poland also spent .4 hours on April 16 to draft an email to the Court about Mr. Dibert’s non-compliance. ECF No. 305 at 7. This kind of email is not permitted under our Local Rules and is therefore not a compensable item." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "First, this Motion easily could have been prepared by a less-experienced, lower-billing lawyer. Second, spending 11 hours on this pleading was excessive." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Third, the Motion was largely unsuccessful, so Mr. Poland’s work did not benefit his client." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": 7, "quote": "Nevertheless, 28 hours to prepare for a seven-hour deposition is excessive." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "On March 6, Mr. Poland billed .4 hours for drafting a possible email to the Court. As noted above, this kind of email would violate the Local Rules and is not compensable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Second, preparing exhibits and making deposition arrangements is clerical work that is not compensable." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "First, Romspen is entitled to fees only for Mr. Dibert’s individual deposition, not for preparing for other corporate representative depositions." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.2, "quote": "Romspen asks for reimbursement for 5.2 hours of attorneys’ fees incurred on March 24 related to Mr. Dibert’s Motion for Protective Order and Romspen’s later Motion for Clarification. None of this time is compensable because it was not caused by Mr. Dibert’s failure to sit for his court-ordered deposition." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7, "quote": "Romspen has not offered evidence that it was necessary to retain counsel from Illinois, so Mr. Poland’s travel time will not be awarded." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, again, the Motion and Reply were largely unsuccessful. Romspen asked for a default, which was denied." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.7, "quote": "The requested time is excessive." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award 65.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/romspen-investment-lp-v-dibert-flsd-9-23-cv-80992-5" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-mnd-0-26-cv-00539-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_26-cv-00539-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_26-cv-00539/USCOURTS-mnd-0_26-cv-00539-0", "case_name": "Case Name in Immigration Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "0:26-cv-00539", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jerry W. Blackwell", "date_filed": "2026-08-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 155.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Petitioner's fee request will be granted but reduced by 50%. This reduction addresses the overstaffing and more proportionately reflects the nature of this litigation" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Many of the entries also block multiple activities together, with no way to discern how much time was dedicated to each task." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The support staff entries largely relate to clerical tasks." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some entries relate to Petitioner's separate habeas case in Texas, include work on the case for Petitioner's roommate, or list activities that do not relate to advancing the litigation, such as calls with reporters." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "others relate to time spent on issues that did not ultimately contribute to Petitioner's success on the merits" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts immigration fee award 50%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-mnd-0-26-cv-00539-0" }, { "slug": "mr-cooper-group-inc-v-national-union-fire-insurance-company-txnd-3-24-cv-02857-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02857-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02857/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02857-2", "case_name": "Mr Cooper Group Inc v. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh PA et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-02857", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sidney A. Fitzwater", "date_filed": "2026-08-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "McGuireWoods LLP", "fees_requested": 120000, "fees_awarded": 112463.61, "dollar_cut": 7536.39, "pct_cut": 6.28, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 222.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Cooper now moves under Rule 37(a)(5) for $120,000 in fees that it alleges it incurred in preparing and filing that motion to compel and this application for fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the court awards Mr. Cooper $112,463.61 of fees associated with its January 13, 2026 motion to compel and the instant application for fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.4, "quote": "But the court agrees that Mr. Cooper’s billing entry stating “continued work on motion to compel” is impermissibly vague and should be excluded." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the three January 12, 2026 and January 13, 2026 entries by Mr. Cooper’s attorneys regarding the finalization and filing of the motion to compel and supporting materials are duplicative" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because these entries are duplicative and contain a mix of clerical and legal work, the court will apply a 50% reduction." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 6.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mr-cooper-group-inc-v-national-union-fire-insurance-company-txnd-3-24-cv-02857-2" }, { "slug": "full-standard-properties-llc-v-sj-6070-llc-cand-5-25-cv-09451-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-09451-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-09451/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-09451-2", "case_name": "Full Standard Properties, LLC v. SJ 6070, LLC", "docket_number": "5:25-cv-09451", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Beth Labson Freeman", "date_filed": "2026-08-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 93226, "fees_awarded": 85980.7, "dollar_cut": 7245.3, "pct_cut": 7.77, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks $93,226 in attorneys' fees, subject to a setoff for the $14,500 in fees already paid by Plaintiff's counsel, and $792.38 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, reducing the $90,506 in attorneys' fees incurred to defend the entire case by five percent, or $4,525.30, the Court will award Defendants reasonable attorneys' fees in the amount of $85,980.70.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2720, "hours": 8, "quote": "Deducting the fees for eight hours of secretarial work ($2,720) from the total fees requested ($93,226)" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 4525.3, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court proposed a five percent reduction in the total attorneys' fees spent defending the case to account for the rescission claim. ... reducing the $90,506 in attorneys' fees incurred to defend the entire case by five percent, or $4,525.30" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts commercial fee award 7.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/full-standard-properties-llc-v-sj-6070-llc-cand-5-25-cv-09451-2" }, { "slug": "bbk-tobacco-foods-llp-v-central-coast-agriculture-azd-2-19-cv-05216-15", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_19-cv-05216-15", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_19-cv-05216/USCOURTS-azd-2_19-cv-05216-15", "case_name": "BBK Tobacco & Foods LLP v. Central Coast Agriculture Incorporated", "docket_number": "2:19-cv-05216", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael T Liburdi", "date_filed": "2026-08-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Goodwin Procter LLP", "fees_requested": 5526987.5, "fees_awarded": 2559745.61, "dollar_cut": 2967241.89, "pct_cut": 53.69, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "CCA requests $5,526,987.50 in attorneys' fees and $534,390.96 in related non-taxable costs as the prevailing party", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that CCA is awarded attorneys' fees against BBK in the amount of $2,559,745.61.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with BBK that CCA's rates exceed those reasonable for this forum." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 3, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds a 3% reduction appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts intellectual property fee award 53.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bbk-tobacco-foods-llp-v-central-coast-agriculture-azd-2-19-cv-05216-15" }, { "slug": "raizender-yachting-ltd-v-m-y-ponyo-flsd-1-25-cv-24469-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-24469-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-24469/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-24469-3", "case_name": "Raizender Yachting Ltd. v. M/Y Ponyo et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-24469", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David S. Leibowitz", "date_filed": "2026-08-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 73183.17, "fees_awarded": 59983.07, "dollar_cut": 13200.1, "pct_cut": 18.04, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 131.24, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Plaintiff seeks to recover $73,183.17 in attorneys’ fees for work five timekeepers billed for this matter.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiff $59,983.07 in attorney’s fees and $699.54 in taxable costs against Defendant Limitless Seas, Inc.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 12275.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court does not recommend awarding Plaintiff any fees for the hours billed prior to entry of the settlement agreement, since the settlement agreement only provides for fees incurred to enforce its terms." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 924.6, "hours": 4.02, "quote": "The Court does not recommend awarding Plaintiff $924.60 for these hours billed for clerical work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 18%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/raizender-yachting-ltd-v-m-y-ponyo-flsd-1-25-cv-24469-3" }, { "slug": "woo-v-kaiser-foundation-health-plan-inc-cand-3-23-cv-05063-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05063-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05063/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05063-2", "case_name": "Woo v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-05063", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rita F. Lin", "date_filed": "2026-08-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Fees for Suen's work will be awarded at the rate of $575 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Malone's hourly rate is reduced from $650 to $550, Milder's hourly rate is reduced from $650 to $550, and Engel Ojeda's hourly rate is reduced from $450 to $350." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5, "quote": "the hours Woo's counsel dedicated to preparing an amended complaint that was never filed was not work 'expended in pursuit of the ultimate result achieved.'" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendants' proposed fee reduction of 40% for the form of judgment entries is appropriate in light of Woo's limited success in the form of judgment proceedings." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.7, "quote": "Fees will thus not be awarded for the 2.80 hours spent to 'Prepare time records' and 1.90 hours spent to 'Create exhibits.'" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/woo-v-kaiser-foundation-health-plan-inc-cand-3-23-cv-05063-2" }, { "slug": "gaines-v-fca-us-llc-caed-2-24-cv-03522-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-03522-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-03522/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-03522-1", "case_name": "Gaines et al v. FCA US, LLC", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-03522", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-08-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 37365.68, "fees_awarded": 7300, "dollar_cut": 30065.68, "pct_cut": 80.46, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "requesting an award of $37,365.68, consisting of fees for the work of 10 attorneys and 4 law clerks, a 1.35 multiplier enhancement, reimbursement for costs and expenses", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court orders an award of $7,300 in attorneys' fees and denies Plaintiffs' motion for other costs and expenses", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a number of Plaintiffs' counsel's requested fees are duplicative, vague, cumulative, and include work that should not reasonably be done post-settlement, as well as block billing and administrative tasks" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a number of Plaintiffs' counsel's requested fees are duplicative, vague, cumulative, and include work that should not reasonably be done post-settlement, as well as block billing and administrative tasks" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a number of Plaintiffs' counsel's requested fees are duplicative, vague, cumulative, and include work that should not reasonably be done post-settlement, as well as block billing and administrative tasks" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a number of Plaintiffs' counsel's requested fees are duplicative, vague, cumulative, and include work that should not reasonably be done post-settlement, as well as block billing and administrative tasks" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "include work that should not reasonably be done post-settlement" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3500, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court agrees with Defendant that Plaintiffs' request should be denied because the fee statute only authorizes an award for 'actual time expended'" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 80.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gaines-v-fca-us-llc-caed-2-24-cv-03522-1" }, { "slug": "caron-v-unlimited-health-care-services-inc-flsd-0-24-cv-60506-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60506-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60506/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60506-3", "case_name": "Caron et al v. Unlimited Health Care Services, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-60506", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William P. Dimitrouleas", "date_filed": "2026-08-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned has previously recommended an award of $400 per hour for Mr. Kozolchyk, and recommends he receive the same rate here." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, it is recommended that Mr. Cuthbertson be awarded a rate of $375 per hour for his work on this case." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court has previously denied counsel's requests to collect legal fees for work that consisted of coordinating schedules, basic communications, and procedural matters usually performed by legal assistants, not lawyers." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court does indeed find that counsel's claimed hours are somewhat excessive. For instance, the Court observed several entries spent on tasks such as reviewing docket entries and other simple functions that, read together, appear gratuitous." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/caron-v-unlimited-health-care-services-inc-flsd-0-24-cv-60506-3" }, { "slug": "capstone-studios-corp-v-oswald-hid-1-25-cv-00416-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_25-cv-00416-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_25-cv-00416/USCOURTS-hid-1_25-cv-00416-2", "case_name": "Capstone Studios, Corp. v. Oswald", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-00416", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-08-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 18787.5, "fees_awarded": 14725.13, "dollar_cut": 4062.37, "pct_cut": 21.62, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 41.5, "hours_awarded": 31.25, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests attorney's fees in the amount of $18,787.50 for work performed by counsel in litigating this matter beginning on September 24, 2025.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court FINDS and RECOMMENDS that Plaintiff is entitled to a total fee award of $14,725.13.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10.25, "quote": "The Court, however, FINDS that the following entries are inappropriately block billed... The Court RECOMMENDS that these entries, totaling 10.25 hours, be stricken from the award." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts intellectual property fee award 21.6% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/capstone-studios-corp-v-oswald-hid-1-25-cv-00416-2" }, { "slug": "joppy-v-hca-healthone-llc-cod-1-22-cv-00986-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-00986-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-00986/USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-00986-4", "case_name": "Joppy v. HCA-HealthOne LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00986", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charlotte N. Sweeney", "date_filed": "2026-08-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 2703055, "fees_awarded": 2002997.25, "dollar_cut": 700057.75, "pct_cut": 25.9, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Ms. Joppy seeks $2,703,055.00 in attorney fees—her own calculated lodestar amount—that she bore in litigating this case.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In light of this reduction, Ms. Joppy’s ultimate lodestar calculation is $1,984,541.25 as to work in this case performed prior to the filing of her reply in support of her fee motion.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For these reasons, the Court agrees with the Medical Center that Mr. Sanford’s hourly rate must be reduced. Reduction of his rate to the outermost limit of the market evidence for hourly rates of attorneys of comparable skill and experience in this market, $750.00, is appropriate." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "due to these deficiencies the Court exercises its discretion to reduce her fee award by 25% across the board" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "due to these deficiencies the Court exercises its discretion to reduce her fee award by 25% across the board" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with the Medical Center that five attorney timekeepers for a case of this nature further supports a fee reduction of this size." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts employment fee award 25.9%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/joppy-v-hca-healthone-llc-cod-1-22-cv-00986-4" }, { "slug": "beekeepers-mill-llc-v-welcome-mat-vacations-llc-tnmd-3-24-cv-00633-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_24-cv-00633-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_24-cv-00633/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_24-cv-00633-0", "case_name": "Beekeepers Mill LLC v. Welcome Mat Vacations LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-00633", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jeffery S. Frensley", "date_filed": "2026-08-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Boon Legal LLC", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 20.9, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 47450, "hours": null, "quote": "While the declaration describes these amounts as “comparable” to the amount that would be earned by working a certain number of hours, there is not an actual accounting of hours worked." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 47450, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the Court has no information regarding the amount of time actually expended it is impossible to determine whether the time expended was reasonable or not." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts consumer protection fee award over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/beekeepers-mill-llc-v-welcome-mat-vacations-llc-tnmd-3-24-cv-00633-0" }, { "slug": "cmt-usa-inc-v-apex-tool-group-llc-ncwd-3-24-cv-00137-24", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ncwd-3_24-cv-00137-24", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ncwd-3_24-cv-00137/USCOURTS-ncwd-3_24-cv-00137-24", "case_name": "CMT USA, Inc. et al v. Apex Tool Group LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-00137", "court_id": "ncwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. North Carolina", "court_short": "W.D. North Carolina", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Timothy M. Reif", "date_filed": "2026-08-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But given that some of the entries within this 45% discuss work relating to opposition to plaintiffs' motion to compel, the court will reduce the fees pertaining to the highlighted entries by 30% only." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given that block billing makes it difficult to determine the relative weight to afford each task, see Guidry, 442 F. Supp. 2d at 294, the court will reduce the fees associated with the highlighted entries by 50%." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "And all five highlighted entries contain tasks unrelated to the motion for sanctions." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. North Carolina cuts intellectual property fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cmt-usa-inc-v-apex-tool-group-llc-ncwd-3-24-cv-00137-24" }, { "slug": "hc-n-t-v-wofford-caed-1-25-cv-02083-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-02083-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-02083/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-02083-2", "case_name": "(HC) N.T. v. Wofford et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-02083", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-08-12", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3098, "fees_awarded": 2685.55, "dollar_cut": 412.45, "pct_cut": 13.31, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Petitioner requests $3,098 in attorney's fees, which Petitioner contends is the statutory rate, adjusted for inflation, for work performed in 2025.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Respondents be ordered to remit to counsel for Petitioner attorneys' fees and expenses in the amount of $2,685.55", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "because the undersigned finds that the tasks performed by the legal assistant are \"clerical\" in nature, the undersigned finds they are not recoverable under EAJA" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts immigration fee award 13.3% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hc-n-t-v-wofford-caed-1-25-cv-02083-2" }, { "slug": "fieger-v-hall-paed-2-24-cv-02410-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-02410-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-02410/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-02410-4", "case_name": "Fieger v. HALL et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-02410", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Wendy Beetlestone", "date_filed": "2026-08-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Cherry Law Firm", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Absent any other informing factors, the Court finds it appropriate to use $355 per hour as the reasonable rate for Cherry’s work connected with her motions." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "so the reasonable rate billed for the paralegal time in this instance shall be assessed at $190 per hour." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.8, "quote": "Thus, 2.8 billed hours taken up with such communications will not be credited toward Fieger’s total award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "Accordingly, two of those hours will be reassigned to the paralegal rate, with the remaining half hour billed at the attorney rate." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "time spent preparing the proposed order will be reassigned from Cherry’s fee schedule to the paralegal’s fee schedule, commensurate with the 30 minutes that the paralegal later billed" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "The Court will correct that entry from 0.3 hours to 0.2 hours, allowing for marginal rounding to the closest tenth of an hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "30 minutes attributable to drafting the proposed order, as billed on July 10, 2026, will be reassigned from the attorney rate to the paralegal rate." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The time billed on July 13, 2026, for compiling the CLS fee schedule will be nullified, as it is unreasonable to bill at an attorney rate for simply navigating to the CLS website" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.9, "quote": "The 2.9 hours that Cherry billed on July 18, 2026, for compiling the firm’s existing billing records and organizing those expenses into the petition are only compensable at the paralegal rate" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts commercial fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/fieger-v-hall-paed-2-24-cv-02410-4" }, { "slug": "privratsky-v-liberty-mutual-fire-insurance-company-hid-1-21-cv-00390-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_21-cv-00390-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_21-cv-00390/USCOURTS-hid-1_21-cv-00390-7", "case_name": "Privratsky v. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-00390", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Derrick K. Watson", "date_filed": "2026-08-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel", "fees_requested": 693652.5, "fees_awarded": 367524.91, "dollar_cut": 326127.59, "pct_cut": 47.02, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Court, therefore, finds that, before appropriate deductions, the fees attributable to Count 1 amount to $693,652.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, for all of the reasons set forth herein, the Court finds that Liberty is entitled to a fees award of $367,524.91 pursuant to Section 607-14.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Magistrate Judge reduced Liberty’s requested hours for “excessive and duplicative billings”, “block-billed” entries, “insufficient descriptions”, and “clerical tasks” by, ten, twenty, five, and five" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Magistrate Judge reduced Liberty’s requested hours for “excessive and duplicative billings”, “block-billed” entries, “insufficient descriptions”, and “clerical tasks” by, ten, twenty, five, and five" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Magistrate Judge reduced Liberty’s requested hours for “excessive and duplicative billings”, “block-billed” entries, “insufficient descriptions”, and “clerical tasks” by, ten, twenty, five, and five" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Magistrate Judge reduced Liberty’s requested hours for “excessive and duplicative billings”, “block-billed” entries, “insufficient descriptions”, and “clerical tasks” by, ten, twenty, five, and five" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1427.5, "hours": 8, "quote": "the Court finds that this category, which amounts to eight hours of time and, more relevantly, $1,427.50 of fees, shall be excluded from the fees attributable to Count 1." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts commercial fee award 47%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/privratsky-v-liberty-mutual-fire-insurance-company-hid-1-21-cv-00390-7" }, { "slug": "prime-property-and-casualty-insurance-company-v-kepali-group-flsd-9-21-cv-81787-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_21-cv-81787-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_21-cv-81787/USCOURTS-flsd-9_21-cv-81787-1", "case_name": "Prime Property and Casualty Insurance Company v. Kepali Group, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "9:21-cv-81787", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William P. Dimitrouleas", "date_filed": "2026-08-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 772829, "fees_awarded": 501565, "dollar_cut": 271264, "pct_cut": 35.1, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek $772,829 in total attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants’ attorneys’ fees are awarded in the amount of $501,565 and taxable costs in the amount of $4,691.40, for a total award of $506,256.40", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a $350 rate for Ms. van de Berg and a $300 rate for Ms. David are more appropriate" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 24.1, "quote": "The Court finds that Defendants spent a total of 24.1 hours on time spent related to the cross-appeal and jurisdictional question from the Eleventh Circuit" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an across-the-board reduction in hours is appropriate in this case to account for the billing deficiencies identified above" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Fourth, it appears that some reduction is warranted for billing for clerical work." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "records contain entries billing for fixing Defendants’ noncompliance with court rules... or for collecting fees on fees when Plaintiff admitted that entitlement to fees was not in dispute" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 35.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/prime-property-and-casualty-insurance-company-v-kepali-group-flsd-9-21-cv-81787-1" }, { "slug": "bounds-v-baylor-regional-medical-center-at-plano-txed-4-24-cv-00995-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txed-4_24-cv-00995-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txed-4_24-cv-00995/USCOURTS-txed-4_24-cv-00995-2", "case_name": "Bounds v. Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano", "docket_number": "4:24-cv-00995", "court_id": "txed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Texas", "court_short": "E.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Amos L. Mazzant", "date_filed": "2026-08-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Law Office of Ronald R. Huff", "fees_requested": 110385, "fees_awarded": 88308, "dollar_cut": 22077, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed her Motion, seeking $110,385.00 in attorney’s fees under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”)", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, Plaintiff is hereby awarded its attorneys’ fees in the amount of $88,308.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court is of the opinion that Mr. Huff failed to write off his and his legal assistant’s excessive and redundant hours and thus failed to exercise billing judgment" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court also agrees with Defendant that some of the hours billed were dedicated to clerical tasks" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are some examples of large blocks of time with vague descriptions that frustrate the Court’s ability to determine whether the hours spent were reasonable" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Courts disfavor the practice of block billing because it impairs the required reasonableness evaluation" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Texas cuts employment fee award 20%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bounds-v-baylor-regional-medical-center-at-plano-txed-4-24-cv-00995-2" }, { "slug": "m-a-v-wall-township-board-of-education-njd-3-20-cv-05218-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-njd-3_20-cv-05218-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-njd-3_20-cv-05218/USCOURTS-njd-3_20-cv-05218-3", "case_name": "M. A. v. WALL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-05218", "court_id": "njd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Jersey", "court_short": "D. New Jersey", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jbd", "date_filed": "2026-08-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Special education", "fee_basis": "IDEA", "firm": "Rue Law Group, LLC", "fees_requested": 309007.58, "fees_awarded": 284654.75, "dollar_cut": 24352.83, "pct_cut": 7.88, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Augustyn filed a second fee motion in which she seeks a total of $309,007.58 in attorneys' fees and costs incurred in connection with the initial administrative proceedings in this case", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will order the Board to pay Augustyn $284,654.75 in attorneys' fees and costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 763.38, "hours": 3, "quote": "the Court will exclude from the lodestar calculation the three hours that Mr. Eyen spent on purely administrative work." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will make a modest 10% reduction to Augustyn's Phase V-A fees to account for the relatively minor excessive billing that the Court has identified above." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the entries in the billing records simply say that the professional did 'legal research,' 'research for brief drafting,' and the like, leaving the Court without insight into the nature of the research" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court believes that a 25% reduction to the Phase II fees is appropriate to reflect the fact that Augustyn did not fully succeed in the administrative proceedings." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Jersey cuts special education fee award 7.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/m-a-v-wall-township-board-of-education-njd-3-20-cv-05218-3" }, { "slug": "eoll-v-general-motors-llc-casd-3-25-cv-02310-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02310-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02310/USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02310-1", "case_name": "Eoll v. General Motors LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-02310", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hayes", "date_filed": "2026-08-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 26290.8, "fees_awarded": 15109, "dollar_cut": 11181.8, "pct_cut": 42.53, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 30.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff further contends that a lodestar multiplier of 0.2 supports his request of attorneys' fees in the amount of $26,290.80.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The total amount of attorneys' fees to be awarded to Plaintiff's counsel is $15,109.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will adjust Ms. Plata's hourly rates for both 2025 and 2026 to $250.00 to reflect her limited practice experience." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the hourly rates of associate attorneys Vivian Chen and Gary Balyezyan, given that they have less experience than Ms. Plata." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the \"flat rate\" entries lump together so many distinct tasks that \"the Court has no way to disaggregate the activities to determine whether the time billed for any particular task was reasonable.\"" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the challenged entries bill for some non-compensable work, contain insufficient information to assess reasonableness, and charge for an excessive number of overall hours, the Court reduces the \"flat rate\" award by 30%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The second challenged entry also bills attorney time for \"calendaring deadlines associated with the pre-litigation stage.\" ... This constitutes clerical work, which is not recoverable as part of an attorneys' fee award." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Fourteen hours is an unreasonable amount of time to spend on pre-litigation tasks, which mostly include reviewing case documents in a relatively simple case, preparing form documents, and communicating with the client." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 42.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/eoll-v-general-motors-llc-casd-3-25-cv-02310-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-mnd-0-26-cv-00822-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_26-cv-00822-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_26-cv-00822/USCOURTS-mnd-0_26-cv-00822-0", "case_name": "Case Name in Immigration Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "0:26-cv-00822", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jeffrey M. Bryan", "date_filed": "2026-08-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": "KB Law PLLC", "fees_requested": 6093.83, "fees_awarded": 5690.75, "dollar_cut": 403.08, "pct_cut": 6.61, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Petitioner Angel O. seeks his attorneys’ fees and costs under the EAJA in the amount of $6,093.83.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Petitioner Angel O. is awarded $8.30 in costs and $5,690.75 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 326.4, "hours": 1.25, "quote": "a January 29, 2026 entry for 1.25 hours ($326.40) to review a show-cause order that does not exist on the docket" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 40.39, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "a January 20, 2026 entry by a paralegal for 0.5 hours ($40.39) toward an unspecified “Supervisory Meeting”" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 36.29, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "a February 23, 2026 entry by a paralegal for 0.5 hours ($36.29) toward another unspecified “Supervisory Meeting.”" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts immigration fee award 6.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-mnd-0-26-cv-00822-0" }, { "slug": "wagoner-v-state-industrial-products-corporation-azd-2-25-cv-01763-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01763-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01763/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-01763-2", "case_name": "Wagoner et al v. State Industrial Products Corporation", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-01763", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Honorable John J. Tuchi", "date_filed": "2026-08-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 30400, "fees_awarded": 25625.3, "dollar_cut": 4774.7, "pct_cut": 15.71, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks $30,400 in fees already incurred and $954.06 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The remaining fees that are reasonable amount to $25,625.30, and the Court separately finds that $954.06 in costs (Doc. 29) are reasonable.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The time spent on preparing Defendant’s reply in support of its 12(c) motion that raised essentially the same arguments as the original motion (over 20 hours) is excessive" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "several other entries contain more than one task without indicating how long those separate tasks took. Those entries will be reduced by 40%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other entries either duplicate efforts or lack any description that allows the Court to determine if it was reasonable ... Those entries will not be compensated at all." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other entries either duplicate efforts or lack any description that allows the Court to determine if it was reasonable, such as elusive emails and calls with someone named “Steve Strang” ... Those entries will not be compensated at all." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts ERISA benefits fee award 15.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wagoner-v-state-industrial-products-corporation-azd-2-25-cv-01763-2" }, { "slug": "ballast-advisors-llc-v-peterson-mnd-0-23-cv-03769-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-03769-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-03769/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-03769-4", "case_name": "Ballast Advisors, LLC v. Peterson et al", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-03769", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "John F. Docherty", "date_filed": "2026-08-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.", "fees_requested": 163819.5, "fees_awarded": 88350, "dollar_cut": 75469.5, "pct_cut": 46.07, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 309.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Ballast seeks no less than $163,819.50 for approximately 309.50 hours of billed attorney time.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In total, the Court awards Ballast $85,189 in recoverable attorneys’ fees and $3,161 in recoverable paralegal fees incurred in connection with the Motion to Compel Production and the Motion for Rule 37(e) Sanctions, for a total of $88,350.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 25852, "hours": 39.5, "quote": "The Court finds that those entries do not provide grounds for an award of fees and excises them from the total fee award." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the Motion to Compel addressed multiple issues, the Court determines that it is fair and reasonable to excise half of each amount from the total award here." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts sanctions fee award 46.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ballast-advisors-llc-v-peterson-mnd-0-23-cv-03769-4" }, { "slug": "caron-v-unlimited-health-care-services-inc-flsd-0-24-cv-60506-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60506-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60506/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60506-2", "case_name": "Caron et al v. Unlimited Health Care Services, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-60506", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Patrick M. Hunt", "date_filed": "2026-08-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned has previously recommended an award of $400 per hour for Mr. Kozolchyk, and recommends he receive the same rate here." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, it is recommended that Mr. Cuthbertson be awarded a rate of $375 per hour for his work on this case." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court has previously denied counsel's requests to collect legal fees for work that consisted of coordinating schedules, basic communications, and procedural matters usually performed by legal assistants, not lawyers." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Having examined the billing records, the Court does indeed find that counsel's claimed hours are somewhat excessive." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/caron-v-unlimited-health-care-services-inc-flsd-0-24-cv-60506-2" }, { "slug": "george-v-hobby-lobby-stores-inc-laed-2-24-cv-02528-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-02528-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-02528/USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-02528-3", "case_name": "George v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-02528", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barry W. Ashe", "date_filed": "2026-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 371600, "fees_awarded": 128375, "dollar_cut": 243225, "pct_cut": 65.45, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 929, "hours_awarded": 395, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "George seeks $371,600, representing 929 hours of attorney work at a rate of $400 per hour.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS ORDERED that the amount of the attorney's fees awarded to George is hereby fixed in the amount of $128,375.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court fixes the reasonable hourly rate of George's attorney for purposes of this case at $325" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 139, "quote": "There is a modicum of block-billing and inappropriate billing for travel time, and there are a few vague or clerical-like entries." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 139, "quote": "There is a modicum of block-billing and inappropriate billing for travel time, and there are a few vague or clerical-like entries." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 139, "quote": "There is a modicum of block-billing and inappropriate billing for travel time, and there are a few vague or clerical-like entries." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 139, "quote": "There is a modicum of block-billing and inappropriate billing for travel time, and there are a few vague or clerical-like entries." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 139, "quote": "Thus, the Court finds that a 15% reduction is warranted for this billed time and the lack of billing judgment." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 395, "quote": "Nevertheless, because a substantial part of the attorney's fees requested was devoted to the pursuit of the failed claims, the Court finds that a downward adjustment of roughly half (50%) is appropriate" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts disability access fee award 65.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/george-v-hobby-lobby-stores-inc-laed-2-24-cv-02528-3" }, { "slug": "raizender-yachting-ltd-v-m-y-ponyo-flsd-1-25-cv-24469-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-24469-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-24469/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-24469-2", "case_name": "Raizender Yachting Ltd. v. M/Y Ponyo et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-24469", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Panayotta Augustin-birch", "date_filed": "2026-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 73183.17, "fees_awarded": 59983.07, "dollar_cut": 13200.1, "pct_cut": 18.04, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 131.24, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Plaintiff seeks to recover $73,183.17 in attorneys’ fees for work five timekeepers billed for this matter.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In total, the Court recommends disallowing $13,200.10 in attorneys’ fees and awarding Plaintiff $59,983.07 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 12275.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court does not recommend awarding Plaintiff any fees for the hours billed prior to entry of the settlement agreement, since the settlement agreement only provides for fees incurred to enforce its terms." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 924.6, "hours": 4.02, "quote": "The Court does not recommend awarding Plaintiff $924.60 for these hours billed for clerical work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 18%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/raizender-yachting-ltd-v-m-y-ponyo-flsd-1-25-cv-24469-2" }, { "slug": "prime-property-and-casualty-insurance-company-v-kepali-group-flsd-9-21-cv-81787-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_21-cv-81787-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_21-cv-81787/USCOURTS-flsd-9_21-cv-81787-0", "case_name": "Prime Property and Casualty Insurance Company v. Kepali Group, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "9:21-cv-81787", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William Matthewman", "date_filed": "2026-07-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 772829, "fees_awarded": 501565, "dollar_cut": 271264, "pct_cut": 35.1, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek $772,829 in total attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants’ attorneys’ fees are awarded in the amount of $501,565 and taxable costs in the amount of $4,691.40, for a total award of $506,256.40", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 24.1, "quote": "The Court finds that Defendants spent a total of 24.1 hours on time spent related to the cross-appeal and jurisdictional question from the Eleventh Circuit, split between 18.1 hours for Attorney van de Berg and 6 hours for Attorney Graham." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a $350 rate for Ms. van de Berg and a $300 rate for Ms. David are more appropriate" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendants spent 74 hours preparing an answer brief, 84 hours preparing for and attending a 15-minute oral argument, and 21 hours preparing a motion for appellate fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing logs are filled with a substantial number of entries involving multiple attorneys billing for the same task and internal conferences" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it appears that some reduction is warranted for billing for clerical work" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "records contain entries billing for fixing Defendants’ noncompliance with court rules ... or for collecting fees on fees when Plaintiff admitted that entitlement to fees was not in dispute" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 35.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/prime-property-and-casualty-insurance-company-v-kepali-group-flsd-9-21-cv-81787-0" }, { "slug": "cpus-mockingbird-lp-v-langer-azd-2-25-cv-00282-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-00282-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-00282/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-00282-0", "case_name": "CPUS Mockingbird LP v. Langer", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-00282", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael T Liburdi", "date_filed": "2026-07-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9966.47, "fees_awarded": 9596.47, "dollar_cut": 370, "pct_cut": 3.71, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 25.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "CPUS seeks $9,966.47 in attorney fees. (Doc. 19 at 7.)", "fees_awarded_quote": "All other billed time entries are satisfactory, so the Court will award attorney fees and costs in the amount of $9,596.47.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.6, "quote": "CPUS may not recover as to 1.1 hours billed by CPUS’ paralegal and 1.5 hours billed by its legal assistant since those hours were spent on clerical work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts commercial fee award 3.7% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cpus-mockingbird-lp-v-langer-azd-2-25-cv-00282-0" }, { "slug": "reyling-v-three-village-central-school-district-nyed-2-23-cv-00266-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-00266-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-00266/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-00266-1", "case_name": "Reyling et al v. Three Village Central School District et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00266", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Anne Y. Shields", "date_filed": "2026-07-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 183393.61, "fees_awarded": 62509, "dollar_cut": 120884.61, "pct_cut": 65.92, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 330.75, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $183,393.61 in attorney's fees and $704.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are awarded $62,509.00 in attorney's fees and $241.45 in costs as a sanctions award for Defendants' conduct herein", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of the failure to provide background information for numerous individuals who billed time to this action, as well as the fact that the hourly rates sought by Plaintiffs are either at the upper end or above the accepted range in this district, the Court awards Plaintiffs fees at the following rates" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a large portion of the hours for which reimbursement is sought pertain to work unrelated to the missing and belatedly produced witness statements – the only issues for which sanctions were awarded" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a large portion of Plaintiffs' counsel's billing records to be vague, duplicative, and overstaffed, warranting a reduction" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a large portion of Plaintiffs' counsel's billing records to be vague, duplicative, and overstaffed, warranting a reduction" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts sanctions fee award 65.9%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/reyling-v-three-village-central-school-district-nyed-2-23-cv-00266-1" }, { "slug": "cole-v-foxmar-inc-vtd-2-18-cv-00220-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-vtd-2_18-cv-00220-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-vtd-2_18-cv-00220/USCOURTS-vtd-2_18-cv-00220-4", "case_name": "Cole v. Foxmar, Inc", "docket_number": "2:18-cv-00220", "court_id": "vtd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Vermont", "court_short": "D. Vermont", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Christina Reiss", "date_filed": "2026-07-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 240536.75, "fees_awarded": 63411.37, "dollar_cut": 177125.38, "pct_cut": 73.64, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1186.1, "hours_awarded": 889.575, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "On January 12, 2024, Plaintiff filed a renewed motion for attorney's fees in the amount of $240,536.75 and costs in the amount of $18,407.98.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The court will enter judgment on the fee award in the amount of $63,411.37 and $10,975.00 consistent with this Opinion and Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court concludes that a discount of twenty-five percent through retrial is warranted." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14.7, "quote": "Attorney Pettersen's hourly rate for 14.70 hours through retrial is reduced to $75.00." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 25.5, "quote": "The court concludes that a fifty percent reduction of his rate for the time spent on travel is appropriate." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To reflect Plaintiff's overall degree of success, the court orders an additional across-the-board reduction often percent of Attorney Pettersen's fees, resulting in an award of $63,411.37 16 for work through retrial." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.6, "quote": "Because these entries include administrative tasks, Attorney Pettersen's hourly rate for 2.60 hours is reduced to $75.00." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Vermont cuts employment fee award 73.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cole-v-foxmar-inc-vtd-2-18-cv-00220-4" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-casd-3-25-cv-02405-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02405-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02405/USCOURTS-casd-3_25-cv-02405-1", "case_name": "Case Name in Immigration Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-02405", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ruth Bermudez Montenegro", "date_filed": "2026-07-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 26125, "fees_awarded": 13507.76, "dollar_cut": 12617.24, "pct_cut": 48.3, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 52.25, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Petitioner seeks an award of $28,264.66—$26,125.00 in attorney fees and $2,139.66 in costs and other expenses", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying the lodestar method, the total fee award for Mr. Ratkowski’s hours amounts to $13,507.76.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a limited enhancement of $100 above the statutory rate is appropriate" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.75, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces the amount of reasonable time billed by 105 minutes." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.79, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces the amount of actual travel time billed (815 minutes) to 407.5 minutes which will be billed at the statutory rate of $258.46." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the 530 minutes (8.83 hours) spent on preparing the instant Motion will be billed at the statutory rate of $258.46" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts immigration fee award 48.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-immigration-case-unavailable-casd-3-25-cv-02405-1" }, { "slug": "eze-v-lunsford-nmd-2-23-cv-00976-21", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nmd-2_23-cv-00976-21", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nmd-2_23-cv-00976/USCOURTS-nmd-2_23-cv-00976-21", "case_name": "Eze et al v. Lunsford et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00976", "court_id": "nmd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Mexico", "court_short": "D. New Mexico", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kea W. Riggs", "date_filed": "2026-07-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 49632.34, "fees_awarded": 22079.27, "dollar_cut": 27553.07, "pct_cut": 55.51, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 54.9, "hours_awarded": 37.3, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs initially claim 54.9 hours of work at $700.00 per hour, a 20% multiplier, and gross receipts tax totaling $49,632.34.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, the Court finds that a reasonable and appropriate award of attorneys' fees resulting from the destruction of ESI amounts to $22,079.27.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the cumulative 1.0 hour billed to 0." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.15, "quote": "the Court will reduce the requested amount from 0.3 hours to 0.15 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the 0.5 hours to 0.00 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the May 9, 2025, deposition bill from 1.0 to 0.5 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.05, "quote": "Due to the vague time entry, the Court cannot confirm the reasonableness of billing about three-and-a-half times the amount as the prior draft. Therefore, the Court will reduce the entry from 4.1 to 2.05." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "Thus, the Court reduces the 0.8 hours billed to 0." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.75, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the total of the three entries from 7.5 hours to 3.75 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.75, "quote": "The remaining entries that discuss Plaintiffs' numerous drafts and series of edits run afoul of block billing and are unreasonably vague entries." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the cumulative total for the three entries from 3.2 to 1.6 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "The next three entries must be reduced for the same reason as the previous three." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "Due to the excessive editing, the Court will reduce the cumulative 3.2 hours to 2.0 hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.25, "quote": "Since Plaintiffs' time entry does not demonstrate that the amount of time spent on each task was reasonable or necessary, the Court will reduce the 8.5 hours to 4.25 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "Given that this supplementation is unrelated to the sanction at issue, the Court reduces the 1.8 hours billed to 0." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on the parties' exhibits, the Court finds $550.00 per hour to be a reasonable hourly rate for Plaintiffs' counsel." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Mexico cuts civil rights fee award 55.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/eze-v-lunsford-nmd-2-23-cv-00976-21" }, { "slug": "union-mutual-fire-insurance-company-v-wertzberger-nyed-1-23-cv-07792-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-07792-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-07792/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-07792-1", "case_name": "Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company v. Wertzberger et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-07792", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Orelia E. Merchant", "date_filed": "2026-07-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Lipsius-BenHaim Law, LLP", "fees_requested": 139047.42, "fees_awarded": 111463.36, "dollar_cut": 27584.06, "pct_cut": 19.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 313, "hours_awarded": 277.1675, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek $139,047.42 in attorneys' fees for work performed by attorneys David BenHaim (\"BenHaim\") and Yisroel Steinberg (\"Steinberg\") and legal professional Beti Cohen (\"Cohen\")", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants' motion for attorneys' fees is granted in part, and Defendants are awarded attorneys' fees in the amount of $111,463.36.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given the foregoing, the Court applies an across-the-board reduction of 10% in defense counsel's hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given that Steinberg only joined BenHaim for the depositions and the proceeding, such matters are duplicative and unnecessary." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries are excessive and warrant a reduction." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Given the vague nature of the bill and no information as to who Ira Lipsius is or what work was performed, the Court further reduces the hours by 0.3." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering his limited experience and the hourly rates in this District, the Court reduces his hourly rate as a junior associate to $275." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 19.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/union-mutual-fire-insurance-company-v-wertzberger-nyed-1-23-cv-07792-1" }, { "slug": "gonzalez-carpio-v-bracha-success-enterprise-llc-prd-3-23-cv-01256-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_23-cv-01256-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_23-cv-01256/USCOURTS-prd-3_23-cv-01256-6", "case_name": "Gonzalez-Carpio v. Bracha & Success Enterprise LLC. et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-01256", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Francisco A. Besosa", "date_filed": "2026-07-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 185689.5, "fees_awarded": 158522.5, "dollar_cut": 27167, "pct_cut": 14.63, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "She seeks a total of $185,689.50 in attorney fees and $2,981.88 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "González is awarded a total of $158,522.50 in attorney fees and $1,464.50 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court adjusts downward by 50 percent the hours claimed on January 16 and 17, 2024 by Mendoza-Méndez and Mendoza-Sánchez for Rule 30(b)(6) deposition preparation." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This entry bills a collective 6.5 hours for several distinct tasks. Because the Court cannot separate these tasks and assess whether the time spent on each was reasonable, this entry will also be discounted by 50 percent." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will adjust their hourly rates downward to bring them into line with the district’s prevailing rates for similarly qualified attorneys." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a lower rate is warranted for time spent preparing the attorney fee and costs petitions currently before the Court." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts employment fee award 14.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gonzalez-carpio-v-bracha-success-enterprise-llc-prd-3-23-cv-01256-6" }, { "slug": "bowman-v-ssa-kyed-3-25-cv-00036-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-kyed-3_25-cv-00036-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-kyed-3_25-cv-00036/USCOURTS-kyed-3_25-cv-00036-0", "case_name": "Bowman v. SSA", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-00036", "court_id": "kyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Kentucky", "court_short": "E.D. Kentucky", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gregory F. Van Tatenhove", "date_filed": "2026-07-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6536.88, "fees_awarded": 6006.88, "dollar_cut": 530, "pct_cut": 8.11, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an EAJA fee award of $6,536.88.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is AWARDED attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act in the amount of $6,006.88.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will excise all but 0.7 hours from the requested paralegal hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Kentucky cuts social security fee award 8.1% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bowman-v-ssa-kyed-3-25-cv-00036-0" }, { "slug": "morgan-pianko-v-general-r-v-center-inc-ca6-25-01659-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca6-25-01659-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca6-25-01659/USCOURTS-ca6-25-01659-0", "case_name": "Morgan Pianko v. General R.V. Center, Inc., et al", "docket_number": "25-01659", "court_id": "ca6", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit", "court_short": "Sixth Circuit", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kethledge", "date_filed": "2026-07-07", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1509613.5, "fees_awarded": 337320, "dollar_cut": 1172293.5, "pct_cut": 77.66, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 2418.9, "hours_awarded": 937, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Pianko requested $1,509,613.50 in attorney's fees; her attorney, Michael Curhan, reported 2,418.9 hours of work at rates between $600 and $675 per hour.", "fees_awarded_quote": "That leaves a final fee award of $337,320.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The district court instead selected a fixed hourly rate of $400—hardly a meager return on one's time—which was itself above the average rate for Michigan's plaintiff-side employment lawyers in 2020" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 500.2, "quote": "The court acted within its discretion when it denied payment for these 500.2 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The district court did not abuse its discretion by deciding to reduce Curhan's hours by 50%." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But Curhan's failure to segregate more clearly the hours he billed is enough to support the 10% reduction." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Sixth Circuit cuts employment fee award 77.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/morgan-pianko-v-general-r-v-center-inc-ca6-25-01659-0" }, { "slug": "cavin-v-american-healthcare-solutions-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01604-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01604-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01604/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01604-0", "case_name": "Cavin v. American Healthcare Solutions LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01604", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sharad H. Desai", "date_filed": "2026-07-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Parker Law Firm P.L.C.", "fees_requested": 9523, "fees_awarded": 9345, "dollar_cut": 178, "pct_cut": 1.87, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 21.4, "hours_awarded": 21, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Cavin now seeks $9,523.00 in attorneys’ fees for 21.4 hours of work, $833.77 in costs, and an additional $4,237.94 in anticipated fees and costs of collection.", "fees_awarded_quote": "I find that Cavin is entitled to a reasonable award of attorneys’ fees of $9,345.00 and costs in the amount of $833.77.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "These 0.4 hours will be subtracted as clerical or administrative in nature." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 1.9% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cavin-v-american-healthcare-solutions-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01604-0" }, { "slug": "pnc-bank-n-a-v-floral-emporium-inc-flsd-9-25-cv-80711-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_25-cv-80711-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_25-cv-80711/USCOURTS-flsd-9_25-cv-80711-2", "case_name": "PNC Bank, N.A. v. Floral Emporium, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "9:25-cv-80711", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rodney Smith", "date_filed": "2026-07-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5471, "fees_awarded": 4576.75, "dollar_cut": 894.25, "pct_cut": 16.35, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 20.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "PNC seeks $5,471.00 in attorney fees. ECF No. 23 at 5. These fees are recoverable under the loan documents between the parties.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $4,576.75 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, I find that the hourly rates for Ms. Owens and Ms. Bowers are unreasonably high." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "First, there are entries regarding email communications with redactions that make the entries vague and appear duplicative." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Second, there are entries that appear duplicative and unnecessary based on the text of the entries." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Third, there are time entries that relate to Ms. Vinci's case, which should not be recoverable in the exercise of good billing judgment." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, I find that the recoverable fees from attorney work should be reduced by 15% to $3,990.75." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 16.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pnc-bank-n-a-v-floral-emporium-inc-flsd-9-25-cv-80711-2" }, { "slug": "bakhai-v-bdo-usa-p-c-flsd-1-24-cv-23896-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-23896-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-23896/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-23896-2", "case_name": "Bakhai v. BDO USA, P.C.", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-23896", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Enjoliqué A. Lett", "date_filed": "2026-07-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Coffey Burlington", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the majority of the Yanowitch entries are billed in increments of .25 that simply comprise of email review and drafting. See Resp. 5. Accordingly, the Court imposes a 25% reduction of the Yanowitch & Co.'s attorney fee award." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The majority of the Yanowitch time entries include improper quarter-hour billing increments ... and a number of the entries are vague as Respondent notes. See Resp. 6. The fees will be reduced on these bases." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bakhai-v-bdo-usa-p-c-flsd-1-24-cv-23896-2" }, { "slug": "misiph-v-360-painting-llc-mad-1-22-cv-11778-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-11778-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-11778/USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-11778-4", "case_name": "Misiph et al v. 360 Painting, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-11778", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer C. Boal", "date_filed": "2026-07-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 18100, "fees_awarded": 13695, "dollar_cut": 4405, "pct_cut": 24.34, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs submitted a fee application supported by the declaration of attorney Michael J. Duffy, seeking a total award of $18,100.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants 360 Painting, LLC, Premium Service Brands, LLC, and Paul Flick are ordered, jointly and severally, to pay Plaintiffs the sum of $13,695.00 in reasonable attorneys' fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 615, "hours": null, "quote": "Given Plaintiffs' baseline calculation error, this Court will apply the discount to the entries listed in Invoice Nos. 1289 and 1434. The total discount comes to $615, bringing the total down to $15,735." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 90, "hours": null, "quote": "because a 7-minute phone call cannot reasonably generate 24 minutes of billable time, even factoring in post-call tasks, this Court reduces the September 3 entry from 0.4 hours to 0.2 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1950, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court will also disallow sums requested for the \"[d]rafting motion for sanctions\" listed on October 8, 2025, totaling $1,950." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1500, "hours": 3, "quote": "Because this Court has determined that a supplementary hearing on fees is unnecessary and resolves this matter strictly on the moving papers, these speculative hours are disallowed." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts fee award 24.3%, including for reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/misiph-v-360-painting-llc-mad-1-22-cv-11778-4" }, { "slug": "sawicki-v-wilson-paed-2-25-cv-04884-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-04884-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-04884/USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-04884-6", "case_name": "SAWICKI v. WILSON et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-04884", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gerald J. Pappert", "date_filed": "2026-06-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Rawle & Henderson, LLP", "fees_requested": 9633, "fees_awarded": 9101, "dollar_cut": 532, "pct_cut": 5.52, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 50.7, "hours_awarded": 47.9, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "The Court granted the motion and ordered Wilson to file the appropriate fee petition, pursuant to which he now seeks $9,633.00 in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accounting for the reductions, the lodestar is thus $190 per hour multiplied by 47.9 hours, 11 or $9,101.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.7, "quote": "So the Court excludes the 1.7 hours related to Hartline and Gehly." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The costs of clerical work “are ordinarily considered to be a part of an attorney’s rate as office overhead” and “will not be compensated.”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The status of the judicial defendants’ reply brief—which they never filed—is unrelated to Buck’s work for Wilson. Because that work was unnecessary, the Court excludes it." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "The 0.6 hours billed for the waivers of service will be excluded, 9 but not for the reason Sawicki proposes." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts civil rights fee award 5.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sawicki-v-wilson-paed-2-25-cv-04884-6" }, { "slug": "sanchez-sifonte-v-fonseca-prd-3-22-cv-01444-13", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444-13", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444-13", "case_name": "Sanchez-Sifonte et al v. Fonseca et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01444", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach", "date_filed": "2026-06-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 10830, "fees_awarded": 5987, "dollar_cut": 4843, "pct_cut": 44.72, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 25.6, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "All in all, Defendants seek reimbursement for a total of 25.6 hours and a lodestar amount of $10,830.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, Plaintiffs are hereby ordered to pay Defendants $5,987.00 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees are excessive or are too generic or vague for the Court to assess whether the time billed was appropriate. The Court will reduce the following entries by 30 percent." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees involve secretarial tasks that ought to be reimbursed at a lower rate, comparable to what paralegals are afforded in this District. The Court will reduce following entries by 50 percent." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court has set the following hourly rates: Giselle Girones at $325; Yelan Escalona at $175; and Deanna K. Shullman at $350." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts fee award 44.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sanchez-sifonte-v-fonseca-prd-3-22-cv-01444-13" }, { "slug": "shamoun-norman-llp-v-general-radar-corp-txnd-3-25-cv-00423-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_25-cv-00423-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_25-cv-00423/USCOURTS-txnd-3_25-cv-00423-0", "case_name": "Shamoun & Norman LLP v. General Radar Corp et al", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-00423", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David C. Godbey", "date_filed": "2026-06-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Shamoun & Norman LLP", "fees_requested": 65456.26, "fees_awarded": 14944.96, "dollar_cut": 50511.3, "pct_cut": 77.17, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "S&N requests $65,456.26 in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards S&N $14,944.96 in attorney's fees, to be paid jointly and severally by General and Turbiner no later than thirty (30) days after the date of this Order", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 12.5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 8182.03, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces the award by 12.5% to account for any inaccuracies in 15-minute billing increments. This is a reduction of $8,182.03." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 1822.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will apply an across-the-board reduction of 20% to this amount, which results in a reduction of $1,822.50." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 877.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the Court reduces the total fee amount by $877.50 to account for clerical work." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 237.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, S&N requested a fee for noncompensable clerical work. . . . Thus, the Court reduces the award by $237.50." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 39391.77, "hours": 84.75, "quote": "the Court reduces eighty-five percent of 84.75 hours of S&N's excessive (or inadequately documented) entries. This is a reduction of $39,391.77." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 77.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/shamoun-norman-llp-v-general-radar-corp-txnd-3-25-cv-00423-0" }, { "slug": "yates-v-insure-right-insurance-agency-llc-idd-4-24-cv-00095-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-idd-4_24-cv-00095-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-idd-4_24-cv-00095/USCOURTS-idd-4_24-cv-00095-1", "case_name": "Yates v. Insure Right Insurance Agency, LLC", "docket_number": "4:24-cv-00095", "court_id": "idd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Idaho", "court_short": "D. Idaho", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David C. Nye", "date_filed": "2026-06-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 37325.5, "fees_awarded": 13282.5, "dollar_cut": 24043, "pct_cut": 64.41, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Insure Right requests $37,325.50 in fees and $550.94 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Insure Right's attorney's fees in the amount of $13,282.50 and costs in the amount of $550.94.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the fees requested for Jones are GRANTED, and the fees requested for Trout, Schossberger, Kluckhohn, and Zywicki must be DENIED." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Idaho cuts employment fee award 64.4% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/yates-v-insure-right-insurance-agency-llc-idd-4-24-cv-00095-1" }, { "slug": "sanchez-sifonte-v-fonseca-prd-3-22-cv-01444-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444-11", "case_name": "Sanchez-Sifonte et al v. Fonseca et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01444", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach", "date_filed": "2026-06-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Sueiro Law Offices", "fees_requested": 8800, "fees_awarded": 7937.5, "dollar_cut": 862.5, "pct_cut": 9.8, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 35.2, "hours_awarded": 31.75, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Having spent \"a total of 35.20 hours in connection with the matters for which reimbursement is sought,\" counsel contends that Defendants' \"total lodestar amount is $8,800.00.\"", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are hereby ordered to pay Defendants $7,937.50 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 3.45, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees are excessive or are too generic or vague for the Court to assess whether the time billed was appropriate. The Court will reduce the following entries by 30 percent." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 3.45, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees are excessive or are too generic or vague for the Court to assess whether the time billed was appropriate. The Court will reduce the following entries by 30 percent." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts fee award 9.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sanchez-sifonte-v-fonseca-prd-3-22-cv-01444-11" }, { "slug": "giang-v-dejoy-okwd-5-22-cv-00112-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-okwd-5_22-cv-00112-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-okwd-5_22-cv-00112/USCOURTS-okwd-5_22-cv-00112-6", "case_name": "Giang v. DeJoy", "docket_number": "5:22-cv-00112", "court_id": "okwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Oklahoma", "court_short": "W.D. Oklahoma", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-06-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5590, "fees_awarded": 1612.5, "dollar_cut": 3977.5, "pct_cut": 71.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 26, "hours_awarded": 10, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "For these 26 hours spent, defense counsel seeks $5,590 in fees (26 x $215).", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Plaintiff must pay to Defendant attorney's fees in the amount of $1,612.50 within 45 days of this Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16, "quote": "defense counsel has not sufficiently explained how taking the deposition of Plaintiff and a key witness were caused by Plaintiff's failures to cooperate with discovery." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a 25% reduction to account for the issue of block-billing." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Oklahoma cuts employment fee award 71.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/giang-v-dejoy-okwd-5-22-cv-00112-6" }, { "slug": "sanchez-sifonte-v-fonseca-prd-3-22-cv-01444-10", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444-10", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01444-10", "case_name": "Sanchez-Sifonte et al v. Fonseca et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01444", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach", "date_filed": "2026-06-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Shullman Fugate PLLC", "fees_requested": 62020.7, "fees_awarded": 39413.25, "dollar_cut": 22607.45, "pct_cut": 36.45, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 149.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Therein, they request a total of $62,020.70.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The above yields a total attorneys' fee award of $39,413.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees are excessive, involve block-billing, or are too generic or vague for the Court to assess whether the time billed was appropriate. The Court will reduce the following entries by 30 percent." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees are excessive, involve block-billing, or are too generic or vague for the Court to assess whether the time billed was appropriate. The Court will reduce the following entries by 30 percent." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees are excessive, involve block-billing, or are too generic or vague for the Court to assess whether the time billed was appropriate. The Court will reduce the following entries by 30 percent." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that some of the hours for which Defendants seek fees involve secretarial tasks that ought to be reimbursed at a lower rate, comparable to what paralegals are afforded in this District. The Court will reduce the following entries by 50 percent." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendants have acknowledged that two entries dated October 2, 2025 and October 3, 2025 ought to have both been listed as 0.3 hours expended on the compensable task rather than 0.4. As a result, the Court will reduce the following entries by 25 percent." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court is unpersuaded that South Florida rates should be applied wholesale." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts fee award 36.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sanchez-sifonte-v-fonseca-prd-3-22-cv-01444-10" }, { "slug": "st-marys-cement-u-s-llc-v-red-rock-industries-inc-nyed-2-25-cv-04333-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_25-cv-04333-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_25-cv-04333/USCOURTS-nyed-2_25-cv-04333-1", "case_name": "St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC v. Red Rock Industries, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-04333", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Cogan", "date_filed": "2026-06-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 61087.04, "fees_awarded": 30000, "dollar_cut": 31087.04, "pct_cut": 50.89, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "The total amount of charges for which plaintiff's attorneys spent in obtaining this judgment is $61,087.04, which plaintiff has already paid to its attorneys", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court is therefore reducing the claimed $61,087.04 to $30,000.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "It did not include the time records of any of the timekeepers who worked on the matter, nor their rates, nor their title at the firm or their experience." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court cannot undertake the reasonableness analysis based on the little information that plaintiff has provided" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 12692.19, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court is not allowing reimbursement for any part of the $12,692.19 attributable to preparing the fees motion" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 12692.19, "hours": null, "quote": "It is not allowing reimbursement for any part of the $12,692.19 attributable to post-judgment bankruptcy efforts" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 50.9%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/st-marys-cement-u-s-llc-v-red-rock-industries-inc-nyed-2-25-cv-04333-1" }, { "slug": "buckey-v-henry-s-uptown-bar-llc-laed-2-25-cv-00747-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_25-cv-00747-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_25-cv-00747/USCOURTS-laed-2_25-cv-00747-1", "case_name": "Buckey et al v. Henry's Uptown Bar, LLC", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-00747", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sarah S. Vance", "date_filed": "2026-06-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Wallace Meyaski, L.L.C.", "fees_requested": 6010, "fees_awarded": 5460, "dollar_cut": 550, "pct_cut": 9.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 24.45, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant filed the instant petition for attorneys’ fees seeking fees in the amount of $6,010.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court GRANTS IN PART defendant’s motion and awards defendant $5,460.00 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the hourly rate of $200.00/hour for Michael is a more reasonable rate for an associate in her first year of practice." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.25, "quote": "For these reasons, the Court finds that the .25 hours completed by Wallace under this entry should be excluded." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The 1.50 hours spent by Stacey Meyaski (“SLM”) – Wallace’s law partner – on March 11, 2026 must be excluded." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The allotted time shall be reduced to .30 from .50 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Finally, the telephone call with the clerk of court on March 30, 2026 by Michael about dates must also be excluded because this is administrative work that a non-lawyer could perform." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts employment fee award 9.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/buckey-v-henry-s-uptown-bar-llc-laed-2-25-cv-00747-1" }, { "slug": "innovative-sports-management-inc-v-martinez-polanias-cand-5-25-cv-05060-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-05060-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-05060/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-05060-1", "case_name": "Innovative Sports Management, Inc v. Martinez Polanias", "docket_number": "5:25-cv-05060", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Beth Labson Freeman", "date_filed": "2026-06-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8750, "fees_awarded": 5700, "dollar_cut": 3050, "pct_cut": 34.86, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 7.6, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $8,750.00 in attorneys' fees and $1,280.75 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court will award attorneys' fees in the amount of $5,700.00, representing 7.6 hours of Mr. Riley's time at an hourly rate of $750.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.25, "quote": "It appears that Mr. Riley spent 1.25 hours on clerical tasks such as “Review and Filing of Issued Summons,”" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.5, "quote": "The Court declines to award fees for any work billed by the unnamed research attorney." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts fee award 34.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/innovative-sports-management-inc-v-martinez-polanias-cand-5-25-cv-05060-1" }, { "slug": "the-united-states-of-america-v-the-state-of-alaska-akd-1-22-cv-00054-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-akd-1_22-cv-00054-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-akd-1_22-cv-00054/USCOURTS-akd-1_22-cv-00054-5", "case_name": "The United States of America v. The State of Alaska et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00054", "court_id": "akd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Alaska", "court_short": "D. Alaska", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sharon L. Gleason", "date_filed": "2026-06-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Environmental", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Cashion Gilmore & Lindemuth", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a 10% reduction to the requested Supreme Court fees is warranted" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 22800, "hours": 57, "quote": "the Court reduces the hours awarded for this task to 80 hours" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore applies a 15% reduction to all of the requested fees on this basis." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Alaska cuts environmental fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/the-united-states-of-america-v-the-state-of-alaska-akd-1-22-cv-00054-5" }, { "slug": "timothy-naff-and-april-naff-ohsb-3-24-bk-31827-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ohsb-3_24-bk-31827-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ohsb-3_24-bk-31827/USCOURTS-ohsb-3_24-bk-31827-0", "case_name": "Timothy Naff and April Naff", "docket_number": "3:24-bk-31827", "court_id": "ohsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Ohio", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Ohio", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Crist", "date_filed": "2026-06-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Tax Workout Group", "fees_requested": 4345.5, "fees_awarded": 4287, "dollar_cut": 58.5, "pct_cut": 1.35, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "for attorney fees in the amount of $4,345.50 and expenses in the amount of $392.20", "fees_awarded_quote": "in the amount of $4,287.00 for the legal services set forth in the TWG Application, and reimbursement of expenses, voluntarily reduced to $243.10", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "this 0.10 entry, which was billed at the rate of $145, shall be reduced by $2.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "this 0.10 entry, which was billed at the rate of $145, shall be reduced by $2.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 54.5, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "First, it does not explain what legal service Mr. Kamensky provided." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 54.5, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "this is the only entry by Mr. Kamensky in the entire case, suggesting that he was not really involved; sometimes referred to as a \"transitory professional.\"" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 54.5, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "the hourly rate charged is far above the range for what even the most experienced consumer bankruptcy practitioners charge in the Dayton, Ohio area" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Ohio cuts bankruptcy fee award 1.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/timothy-naff-and-april-naff-ohsb-3-24-bk-31827-0" }, { "slug": "starboard-attitude-trust-v-firstfleet-incorporated-azd-2-25-cv-03701-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-03701-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-03701/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-03701-3", "case_name": "Starboard Attitude Trust et al v. FirstFleet Incorporated", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-03701", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael T. Liburdi", "date_filed": "2026-06-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 25407.74, "fees_awarded": 14560.4, "dollar_cut": 10847.34, "pct_cut": 42.69, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "FirstFleet seeks an award of $25,407.74 in attorneys' fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will therefore award FirstFleet its fees in the amount of $14,560.40 and costs in the amount of $1,162.64", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "including the time spent to prepare a notice of errata (Doc. 35-1 at 9) and the time spent to review the Court's docket (id. at 10); the Court will accordingly reduce the requested fee award by 1.2 hours" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "The Court also declines to award fees for time spent in which the Court cannot determine what was done and whether the task was reasonable" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will also reduce by 20% entries that involved more than one task but did not indicate how long each task took" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore reduce the time spent on preparing the motion to dismiss the amended complaint by 40%." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate is $450.00 for the shareholder counsel, $390.00 for the senior associate counsel, and $385.00 for the associate counsel" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts fee award 42.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/starboard-attitude-trust-v-firstfleet-incorporated-azd-2-25-cv-03701-3" }, { "slug": "deltondo-v-the-school-district-of-pittsburgh-pawd-2-22-cv-00350-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pawd-2_22-cv-00350-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pawd-2_22-cv-00350/USCOURTS-pawd-2_22-cv-00350-11", "case_name": "DELTONDO v. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-00350", "court_id": "pawd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "W.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Patricia L. Dodge", "date_filed": "2026-06-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Dentons Cohen & Grigsby P.C.", "fees_requested": 38642.5, "fees_awarded": 6780, "dollar_cut": 31862.5, "pct_cut": 82.45, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants assert that they incurred a total of $38,996.86 in fees and costs ($38,642.50 in fees and $354.36 in costs)", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants will be awarded attorneys' fees in the amount of $6,780.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 195, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "The Court declines to award any fees for the administrative task of proofreading and sending a deficiency letter or the entry of \"further strategize response to Plaintiff's deficient production set,\"" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1428, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will limit the fees that are associated with work performed on September 19, 20 and 24, 2024, all of which preceded Defendants' original Motion for Sanctions filed on September 27, 2024" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 29602, "hours": null, "quote": "the amount sought is considerably excessive given the limited result achieved" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Pennsylvania cuts employment fee award 82.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/deltondo-v-the-school-district-of-pittsburgh-pawd-2-22-cv-00350-11" }, { "slug": "innovative-sports-management-inc-v-sanchez-cand-5-25-cv-05058-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-05058-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-05058/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-05058-1", "case_name": "Innovative Sports Management Inc v. Sanchez et al", "docket_number": "5:25-cv-05058", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Noël Wise", "date_filed": "2026-06-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 12062.5, "fees_awarded": 7840.63, "dollar_cut": 4221.87, "pct_cut": 35, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Innovative requests $12,062.50 in attorney’s fees, which breaks down as follows:", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Innovative $7,840.63 in attorney’s fees and $490 in costs, totaling $8,330.63.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that it is reasonable to reduce the requested fee award by twenty-five percent given the non-contemporaneous nature of Mr. Riley’s billing records." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an additional ten percent reduction is warranted because counsel’s “firm routinely files these sorts of claims” and much of the time billed for extensive research, including for the instant motion for attorney’s fees, is therefore likely unnecessary." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts fee award 35%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/innovative-sports-management-inc-v-sanchez-cand-5-25-cv-05058-1" }, { "slug": "ramirez-v-kings-7-deli-grocery-inc-nyed-1-25-cv-03219-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-03219-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-03219/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-03219-0", "case_name": "Ramirez v. Kings 7 Deli & Grocery Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-03219", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Natasha C. Merle", "date_filed": "2026-06-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Michael Faillace & Associates, P.C.", "fees_requested": 4882.5, "fees_awarded": 3762, "dollar_cut": 1120.5, "pct_cut": 22.95, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 14.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's attorneys, Michael Faillace & Associates, P.C., seek $4,882.50 for 14.1 hours of work by attorneys and support staff, and have provided contemporaneous billing records.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is further awarded $3,762 in attorneys' fees and $445.00 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, this Court respectfully recommends a reduction of Mr. Faillace's rates to $400." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court therefore recommends reducing the paralegals' hourly rate to $80 per hour." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 375, "hours": 3, "quote": "Without any information as to the identity of KR, this Court respectfully recommends declining to award fees billed by KR ($375)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court therefore recommends applying a 5% across-the-board reduction to the hours billed to account for excessive or otherwise improper billing." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court therefore recommends applying a 5% across-the-board reduction to the hours billed to account for excessive or otherwise improper billing." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 22.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ramirez-v-kings-7-deli-grocery-inc-nyed-1-25-cv-03219-0" }, { "slug": "turner-v-avco-corporation-paed-2-24-cv-00715-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00715-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00715/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00715-9", "case_name": "Turner et al v. Avco Corporation et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00715", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Savage, J.", "date_filed": "2026-06-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Blank Rome LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 5204.1, "hours": 11.4, "quote": "Accordingly, we deduct 11.4 hours at Benjamin's rate, reducing the fee award by $5,204.10." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 5635.7, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "The remaining 9.7 hours of his preparation time is excessive. Accordingly, we deduct $5,635.70 from Avco's fee award." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1917.3, "hours": null, "quote": "We will deduct the $1,917.30 in fees for Benjamin's deposition prep, as she did not conduct either deposition." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8130, "hours": null, "quote": "The remaining $8,130.00 in fees for the deposition prep will be deducted from the Individual Defendants' award." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 913, "hours": 2, "quote": "we will deduct the two hours she billed for her attendance, reducing the fee request by $913.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3364, "hours": 3.8, "quote": "Consequently, we cannot determine whether the 3.8 hours spent preparing it was reasonable. We will deduct the 3.8 hours, further reducing the Individual Defendants' fee award by $3,364.00." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 123, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "We will award fees for the 0.4 hour spent on this task at 50% of Gilliam's rate. Thus, the Individual Defendants' fee award will be further reduced by $123.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1230, "hours": 2, "quote": "Because we cannot determine whether the time spent reviewing them was reasonable, we will exclude those hours from the fee award. Accordingly, the Individual Defendants' award will be reduced by an additional $1,230.00." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/turner-v-avco-corporation-paed-2-24-cv-00715-9" }, { "slug": "pnc-bank-n-a-v-floral-emporium-inc-flsd-9-25-cv-80711-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_25-cv-80711-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_25-cv-80711/USCOURTS-flsd-9_25-cv-80711-1", "case_name": "PNC Bank, N.A. v. Floral Emporium, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "9:25-cv-80711", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Bruce E. Reinhart", "date_filed": "2026-06-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5471, "fees_awarded": 4576.75, "dollar_cut": 894.25, "pct_cut": 16.35, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 20.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "PNC seeks $5,471.00 in attorney fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $4,576.75 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "First, there are entries regarding email communications with redactions that make the entries vague and appear duplicative." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Second, there are entries that appear duplicative and unnecessary based on the text of the entries." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Third, there are time entries that relate to Ms. Vinci’s case, which should not be recoverable in the exercise of good billing judgment." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, I find that the recoverable fees from attorney work should be reduced by 15% to $3,990.75." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "After an adjustment for the reasonable hourly rate, they would get $586.00 for 4.4 hours of work." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 16.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pnc-bank-n-a-v-floral-emporium-inc-flsd-9-25-cv-80711-1" }, { "slug": "siras-v-bah-pamd-3-25-cv-02395-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pamd-3_25-cv-02395-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pamd-3_25-cv-02395/USCOURTS-pamd-3_25-cv-02395-2", "case_name": "Siras v. Bah et al", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-02395", "court_id": "pamd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "M.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Matthew W. Brann", "date_filed": "2026-06-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Gardner Law Office", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 39.8, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For the following reasons, I find that Attorney Gardner’s rate in this case should be reduced to $300 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will award the bottom of the range for reasonable Williamsport rates, which I have previously set at $230 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, I will reduce the paralegal’s rate in this case to $75 per hour." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This is an egregious form of block billing. Petitioner has not provided any indication of the total amount of hours worked, nor what those hours were incurred for." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Awarding fees for the time spent informing French counsel about the work American counsel was doing would be excessive and duplicative" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For any mixed entries, the Court sees it appropriate to reduce the entry by 50%." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Petitioner has not shown any way in which the private investigator’s work was necessary for the return of the child" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court declines to award fees on fees based on these submissions." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will excise hours billed for travel time, listed as reason “D” in the Appendix." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce any such instances to the rate determined appropriate for the paralegal in this case, $75 per hour." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "However, the Court will only award the hours submitted in a billing log with sufficient detail as to justify an award; the additional 1.5 hours which has appeared in Petitioner’s second submission without a supplemental hours log will not be awarded." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Pennsylvania cuts fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/siras-v-bah-pamd-3-25-cv-02395-2" }, { "slug": "phh-mortgage-corporation-v-allwood-nyed-1-25-cv-05639-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-05639-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-05639/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-05639-0", "case_name": "PHH Mortgage Corporation v. Allwood et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-05639", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Margo K. Brodie", "date_filed": "2026-06-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6800, "fees_awarded": 3400, "dollar_cut": 3400, "pct_cut": 50, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys' fees of $6,800 and costs of $1,070.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Consistent with courts in this jurisdiction, the Court reduces counsel's request by half to $3,400.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff's counsel fails to provide any information specifying the law firm personnel who performed the legal services, their billing rates, or the date the legal services were rendered" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 50% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/phh-mortgage-corporation-v-allwood-nyed-1-25-cv-05639-0" }, { "slug": "clark-v-saint-clare-s-hospital-inc-njd-2-24-cv-10681-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-njd-2_24-cv-10681-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-njd-2_24-cv-10681/USCOURTS-njd-2_24-cv-10681-0", "case_name": "CLARK v. SAINT CLARE'S HOSPITAL, INC.", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-10681", "court_id": "njd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Jersey", "court_short": "D. New Jersey", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "André M. Espinosa", "date_filed": "2026-06-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 76707.9, "fees_awarded": 54355.53, "dollar_cut": 22352.37, "pct_cut": 29.14, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 125.1, "hours_awarded": 90.26, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek fees in the amount of $76,707.90 for the work of three lawyers and a paralegal, and a fee enhancement of fifty percent of that amount, $38,353.95, for a total award of $115,061.85.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court awards Plaintiffs $49,9999.75 in fees and an eight percent enhancement of $3,999.98, resulting in an aggregate award of $54,355.53, inclusive of $355.80 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Her time log reflects that she completed only administrative tasks, and thus an award of attorneys’ fees for that work is not warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "A reasonable amount of time on this task is approximately 1.5 hours. The 5.4-hour billing entry suggests inefficiency and/or calculation imprecision." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a senior partner spending more than 9.5 hours to complete barely revised pleadings is excessive. Given the similarities between the original and two amended Complaints and Mr. Soutar’s experience, the permissible hours must be reduced to 3.5." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "the 1.3 hours logged by Mr. Coyle for his review of the Second Amended Complaint is unreasonably duplicative of Mr. Soutar’s work and must be excluded from the final lodestar calculation." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given the training and experience of Plaintiffs’ attorneys, three hours to review and discuss this offer is more than sufficient" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that 10 hours constitutes more than sufficient time for attorneys with decades of experience to research, draft, edit, and file such a straightforward remand motion." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.74, "quote": "the Court finds appropriate a further reduction of 6.74 hours. Specifically, the Court reduces the time spent by Plaintiffs’ counsel drafting the motion for fees" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Jersey cuts employment fee award 29.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/clark-v-saint-clare-s-hospital-inc-njd-2-24-cv-10681-0" }, { "slug": "morales-lopez-v-baltazar-cod-1-25-cv-03078-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_25-cv-03078-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_25-cv-03078/USCOURTS-cod-1_25-cv-03078-4", "case_name": "Morales Lopez v. Baltazar et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-03078", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William J. Martínez", "date_filed": "2026-05-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 37926, "fees_awarded": 26223.12, "dollar_cut": 11702.88, "pct_cut": 30.86, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 140, "hours_awarded": 121, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Morales Lopez seeks $37,926 in attorney’s fees based on 140 hours of work billed at an adjusted rate of $270.90 per hour.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, then, the Court will grant Morales Lopez his attorney’s fees in the amount of $26,223.12 ($32,778.90 less 20%).", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12, "quote": "Thus, the first TRO Motion was wholly unnecessary and, as a result, the 12 hours Morales Lopez’s counsel spent pursuing it are not recoverable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7, "quote": "For this reason, the Court will allow Moralez Lopez to recover fees for only 7 of the 14 hours challenged by the Government as to the category of time the Government characterizes as clerical or administrative." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "because many of these 121 hours were excessive, and because counsel consistently engaged in impermissible block billing, the Court will further reduce this amount by 20%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "because many of these 121 hours were excessive, and because counsel consistently engaged in impermissible block billing, the Court will further reduce this amount by 20%." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts immigration fee award 30.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/morales-lopez-v-baltazar-cod-1-25-cv-03078-4" }, { "slug": "figueroa-v-mayflower-international-hotel-group-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-04729-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-04729-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-04729/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-04729-0", "case_name": "Figueroa v. Mayflower International Hotel Group, Inc et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-04729", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ramón E. Reyes, Jr.", "date_filed": "2026-05-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Troy Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 66004.33, "fees_awarded": 33205.25, "dollar_cut": 32799.08, "pct_cut": 49.69, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 247.07, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Plaintiff seeks $66,004.33 in fees and $4,894.37 in costs for a total of $70,898.70 associated with litigating this case.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, Plaintiff's counsel may recover reasonable attorney fees of $33,205.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "guides the Court's reduction of hourly rates as follows: $325 per hour from John Troy's partner-level work, and $150 for his paralegal-level work; $200 per hour for Mr. Schweitzer's associate-level work" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Tiffany Troy engaged in several tasks more appropriate for a paralegal, including scanning and verifying a client ID, and charging her full hourly rate for setting up and downloading recordings of video calls" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts employment fee award 49.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/figueroa-v-mayflower-international-hotel-group-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-04729-0" }, { "slug": "roadtex-transportation-llc-v-della-donne-njd-3-24-cv-04185-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-njd-3_24-cv-04185-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-njd-3_24-cv-04185/USCOURTS-njd-3_24-cv-04185-1", "case_name": "ROADTEX TRANSPORTATION, LLC v. DELLA DONNE et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-04185", "court_id": "njd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Jersey", "court_short": "D. New Jersey", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rukhsanah L. Singh", "date_filed": "2026-05-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.7, "quote": "Plaintiff does not justify how such a letter took 13.7 hours of attorney time. Accordingly, the Court reduces Ms. Marchand's activities on the letter from 9.4 hours to 6.0 hours and Ms. Burnett's activities on the letter from 4.3 hours to 3.0 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.4, "quote": "Expending 3.4 hours to attend to the scheduling issues is excessive. As such, the Court will redact from the lodestar those hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Jersey cuts fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/roadtex-transportation-llc-v-della-donne-njd-3-24-cv-04185-1" }, { "slug": "edward-g-rahll-sons-inc-v-everfresh-farms-llc-mdd-1-25-cv-02531-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_25-cv-02531-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_25-cv-02531/USCOURTS-mdd-1_25-cv-02531-0", "case_name": "Edward G. Rahll & Sons, Inc. v. Everfresh Farms, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-02531", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Brendan A. Hurson", "date_filed": "2026-05-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7423.5, "fees_awarded": 7191, "dollar_cut": 232.5, "pct_cut": 3.13, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $7,423.50 in attorneys' fees and $731.16 in expenses, totaling $8,154.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards attorneys' fees in the amount of $7,191.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 232.5, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "These entries total 1 hour of work billed at $200 per hour, and 0.1 hour of work billed at $325 per hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts commercial fee award 3.1% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/edward-g-rahll-sons-inc-v-everfresh-farms-llc-mdd-1-25-cv-02531-0" }, { "slug": "century-bank-v-m-v-summer-69-flsd-0-23-cv-61616-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61616-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61616/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61616-2", "case_name": "Century Bank v. M/V SUMMER 69 et al", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-61616", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ryon M. McCabe", "date_filed": "2026-05-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 209278.5, "fees_awarded": 177886.73, "dollar_cut": 31391.77, "pct_cut": 15, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 688, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, Century Bank seeks $209,278.50 in attorneys' fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court therefore recommends that attorneys' fees be added to the Final Judgment in the amount of $177,886.73 (Amount Requested of $209,278.50 × 85% = $177,886.73).", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The billing records show numerous instances of billing for purely administrative tasks" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The billing records show numerous instances of billing for unnecessary, duplicative, or excessive work, including ... time billed by multiple partners from 1/23/24 - 2/7/24 to draft an affidavit in support of summary judgment" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on the Court's review, the Court finds the hours to be excessive based on the following:" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The billing records show numerous entries with insufficient detail to assess the reasonableness of the entries, including time billed by BRM on 8/23/23" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award 15%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/century-bank-v-m-v-summer-69-flsd-0-23-cv-61616-2" }, { "slug": "graham-anderson-v-equifax-information-gamd-4-25-cv-00085-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-gamd-4_25-cv-00085-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-gamd-4_25-cv-00085/USCOURTS-gamd-4_25-cv-00085-1", "case_name": "GRAHAM ANDERSON v. EQUIFAX INFORMATION et al", "docket_number": "4:25-cv-00085", "court_id": "gamd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Georgia", "court_short": "M.D. Georgia", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Clay D. Land", "date_filed": "2026-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Consumer Dispute Lawyers", "fees_requested": 42881.2, "fees_awarded": 12281.2, "dollar_cut": 30600, "pct_cut": 71.36, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed a motion seeking $42,881.20 in fees and $602.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court orders Equifax to pay Plaintiff's fees in the amount of $12,281.20 and costs in the amount of $602.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.2, "quote": "The Court therefore excludes those 2.2 hours from the total hours billed by administrative assistants when calculating the lodestar." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12.15, "quote": "the Court strikes 8.9 hours from Scwhartz's total hours and 3.25 hours from Nitzkin's total hours in the lodestar calculation." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 23.6, "quote": "The Court finds that 23.6 hours of the email entries billed by Schwartz are so vaguely described that it is impossible to tell whether they were reasonably expended" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reasonable hourly rate in a FCRA case like this one for an attorney in Columbus, Georgia, with twenty-one years of experience is $350 per hour; with ten years of experience is $300 per hour; and with little or no experience is $200 per hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff is not entitled to fees at the paralegal rate for the hours billed by Consumer Dispute Lawyers' administrative assistants on purely clerical tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Georgia cuts consumer protection fee award 71.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/graham-anderson-v-equifax-information-gamd-4-25-cv-00085-1" }, { "slug": "saddleback-exploration-llc-v-brunelle-txsd-4-23-cv-03091-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-03091-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-03091/USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-03091-6", "case_name": "Saddleback Exploration, LLC v. Brunelle et al", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-03091", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Christina A. Bryan", "date_filed": "2026-05-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 52707.5, "fees_awarded": 4637.5, "dollar_cut": 48070, "pct_cut": 91.2, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 100.8, "hours_awarded": 13.25, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Saddleback seeks $52,707.50 in fees and $23,048.96 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Interpleader-Plaintiff be AWARDED $4,637.50 in fees $402 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12.5, "quote": "This is inadequate to establish Harvill's rate, so his fees cannot be recovered. The Court therefore excludes the 12.5 hours claimed for Harvill." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The billing records show Saddleback's counsel frequently engaged in block-billing. ... Therefore, the Court should reduce the total hours by 30 percent." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Court should reduce the hours by 50 percent considering the extreme lack of billing judgment." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the entries are too vague for the Court to determine whether they relate to the core interpleader functions ... the Court should reduce the hours by 50 percent considering the extreme lack of billing judgment" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the hours by an additional five percent." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will calculate the lodestar using the $350 rate." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts fee award 91.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/saddleback-exploration-llc-v-brunelle-txsd-4-23-cv-03091-6" }, { "slug": "torri-lyn-martir-pamb-5-24-bk-00624-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pamb-5_24-bk-00624-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pamb-5_24-bk-00624/USCOURTS-pamb-5_24-bk-00624-1", "case_name": "Torri Lyn Martir", "docket_number": "5:24-bk-00624", "court_id": "pamb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, M.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "Bankr. M.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Mark J. Conway", "date_filed": "2026-05-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 28263.75, "fees_awarded": 16834.8, "dollar_cut": 11428.95, "pct_cut": 40.44, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 104.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Fee Application seeks approval of fees of $28,263.75 and reimbursement of expenses of $519.10.", "fees_awarded_quote": "hereby reduces compensation requested from $28,263.75 to $16,834.80 and allows reimbursement of expenses in the sum of $519.10", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court hereby reduces the pre-filing hourly fees from $4,687.00 to $3,503.00. This represents a reduction of the hours for schedules preparation, document collection, and other pre-filing related matters from approximately 22.4 hours to 15 hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.3, "quote": "a reduction of the inappropriately billed administrative tasks billed from 3.3 hours to 0 hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "1.5 hours on administrative tasks reduced to 0 hours" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.2, "quote": "10.7 hours on expense specific work reduced to 6.5 hours" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.4, "quote": "13.5 hours on hearing preparation/hearing attendance reduced to 8.1 hours" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 13.4, "quote": "28.4 hours on briefing reduced to 15 hours" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. M.D. Pennsylvania cuts bankruptcy fee award 40.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/torri-lyn-martir-pamb-5-24-bk-00624-1" }, { "slug": "wright-v-asi-lloyds-txsd-3-22-cv-00357-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-3_22-cv-00357-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-3_22-cv-00357/USCOURTS-txsd-3_22-cv-00357-3", "case_name": "Wright v. ASI Lloyds", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00357", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Andrew M. Edison", "date_filed": "2026-05-11", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 131977, "fees_awarded": 73889.5, "dollar_cut": 58087.5, "pct_cut": 44.01, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Schexnyder asserts in her affidavit that the reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees incurred by ASI in this matter amount to a total of $131,977.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the lodestar calculation indicates that ASI is entitled to reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees from Dick in the amount of $73,889.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "ASI is not entitled to recover fees it incurred while the case was on appeal to the Fifth Circuit from December 28, 2023 to June 27, 2025. I will remove that time from the lodestar calculation" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12, "quote": "Without any evidence that ASI's counsel performed legal work on this matter while in transit, I will not award ASI fees for travel time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 47.6, "quote": "I will reduce ASI's lodestar for excessiveness by 0.2 hours of Schexnyder's time in September 2022, and the following time billed after September 2022: 3.1 hours of Diana Beltran's time, 39.1 hours of Carin L. Marcussen's time" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.6, "quote": "To account for the time entries I do consider vague, I will make a reduction in ASI's lodestar by 0.4 hours of Lacy Baccari's time in September 2022" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.8, "quote": "certain time entries that appear clerical in nature. That time should be disallowed. Accordingly, I will reduce ASI's lodestar by 0.5 hours of Baccari's time in September 2022" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "ASI's attorneys and paralegals occasionally engaged in and billed duplicative work. For that reason, I will deduct the duplicative fees incurred by the lowest-billing attorney or paralegal." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 15000, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend that ASI's request for an additional $15,000 for preparing a response to the Motion to Alter Judgment be denied." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 30000, "hours": null, "quote": "This request for conditional attorneys' fees should be denied." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts fee award 44%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wright-v-asi-lloyds-txsd-3-22-cv-00357-3" }, { "slug": "a-m-v-interboro-school-district-paed-2-25-cv-03083-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-03083-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-03083/USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-03083-2", "case_name": "A.M. v. INTERBORO SCHOOL DISTRICT", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-03083", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Juan R. Sánchez", "date_filed": "2026-05-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Special education", "fee_basis": "IDEA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 33948.5, "fees_awarded": 27158.8, "dollar_cut": 6789.7, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs now seek $33,948.50 in fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying that reduction to Plaintiffs' request of $33,948.50 results in an award of $27,158.80.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "After considering Plaintiffs' partial success, their voluntary 25-hour reduction, the significance of the independent FBA obtained, and the billing concerns identified by the District, the Court concludes that a further 20% reduction to the requested amount is warranted." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The District also identifies several billing concerns with sufficient specificity, including block-billed entries, time spent on clerical tasks, pre-complaint IEP-related work that may not be compensable under § 1415(i)(3)(D)(ii), and time entries that appear excessive for the tasks described." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This reduction accounts for the unsuccessful FAPE litigation that remains embedded in the fee petition and trims hours that are excessive or insufficiently documented." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts special education fee award 20%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/a-m-v-interboro-school-district-paed-2-25-cv-03083-2" }, { "slug": "johnson-v-city-of-santa-rosa-cand-3-23-cv-02478-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-02478-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-02478/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-02478-11", "case_name": "Johnson v. City of Santa Rosa et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-02478", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jacqueline Scott Corley", "date_filed": "2026-05-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 340677.5, "fees_awarded": 113044.82, "dollar_cut": 227632.68, "pct_cut": 66.82, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $340,677.50 in fees and $16,793 in costs for a total award of $357,470.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court finds Plaintiff incurred $113,044.82 in reasonable attorneys’ fees, but has not established a basis for a costs award.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court fixes the reasonable hourly rates for Mr. Goff and Mr. Cajina at $440 and $465 respectively" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.7, "quote": "This motion was never filed, so, the Court deducts 3.7 hours from Mr. Cajina’s lodestar as unnecessary." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "The Court therefore deducts 1.3 hours from Mr. Cajina’s lodestar." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.5, "quote": "Given the block billing, the Court is unable to separate non-compensable time spent on the Order to Show Cause from work on Rule 26 disclosures" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6, "quote": "the Court will deduct 6 hours from Mr. Goff’s lodestar and 1.8 hours spent by Mr. Cajina" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "the Court will deduct 6 hours from Mr. Goff’s lodestar and 1.8 hours spent by Mr. Cajina" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.2, "quote": "So, the Court will deduct an additional 3.2 hours from Mr. Cajina’s lodestar." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court deducts 30% from Mr. Goff’s hours (after excluding the unreasonably expended hours identified above) to account for his one-hour billing increments" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court exercises its discretion to impose a 10% “haircut,” in part because of Plaintiff’s counsel’s block billing" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court exercises its discretion to impose a further 10% reduction for block billing and overbilling." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore applies a downward multiplier of 15% to the lodestar set forth on page 16" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts civil rights fee award 66.8%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/johnson-v-city-of-santa-rosa-cand-3-23-cv-02478-11" }, { "slug": "autry-v-ahern-rentals-inc-dba-ahern-rentals-and-sales-txwd-3-19-cv-00154-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-3_19-cv-00154-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-3_19-cv-00154/USCOURTS-txwd-3_19-cv-00154-5", "case_name": "Autry v. Ahern Rentals, Inc. dba Ahern Rentals and Sales", "docket_number": "3:19-cv-00154", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David C. Guaderrama", "date_filed": "2026-05-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Chavez Law Firm", "fees_requested": 1281460, "fees_awarded": 251649.54, "dollar_cut": 1029810.46, "pct_cut": 80.36, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1247.4, "hours_awarded": 730.36, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks $1,281,460.00 in attorney’s fees and $3,643.36 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the following reasons, the Court AWARDS Plaintiff Roy Autry $251,649.54 in attorney’s fees and $3,643.36 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, at Step #1, the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm’s hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares (a 30% reduction at Step #1 plus a 20% reduction at Step #2)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, at Step #1, the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm’s hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares (a 30% reduction at Step #1 plus a 20% reduction at Step #2)." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, at Step #1, the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm’s hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares (a 30% reduction at Step #1 plus a 20% reduction at Step #2)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, at Step #1, the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm’s hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares (a 30% reduction at Step #1 plus a 20% reduction at Step #2)." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, at Step #1, the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm’s hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares (a 30% reduction at Step #1 plus a 20% reduction at Step #2)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 323, "quote": "the Court accepts Judge Berton’s recommendation to deny Plaintiff’s request for legal assistant fees." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But even though the Court will follow the same approach as Judge Berton, it will award the Chavez Law Firm slightly different amounts." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts employment fee award 80.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/autry-v-ahern-rentals-inc-dba-ahern-rentals-and-sales-txwd-3-19-cv-00154-5" }, { "slug": "stellantis-financial-services-inc-v-winding-cand-5-25-cv-02907-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-02907-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-02907/USCOURTS-cand-5_25-cv-02907-1", "case_name": "Stellantis Financial Services, Inc. v. Winding", "docket_number": "5:25-cv-02907", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "P. Casey Pitts", "date_filed": "2026-05-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Kutak Rock LLP", "fees_requested": 44688.74, "fees_awarded": 33516.56, "dollar_cut": 11172.18, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Stellantis requests $44,688.74 in attorneys’ fees, broken down as follows:", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Stellantis $33,516.56 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because Stellantis has not provided detailed or itemized timekeeping records, the Court finds that it is reasonable to reduce the requested fee award by twenty-five percent." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts commercial fee award 25% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/stellantis-financial-services-inc-v-winding-cand-5-25-cv-02907-1" }, { "slug": "the-board-of-trustees-in-their-capacities-as-trustees-of-the-cand-4-25-cv-06728-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-4_25-cv-06728-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-4_25-cv-06728/USCOURTS-cand-4_25-cv-06728-1", "case_name": "The Board of Trustees, in their capacities as Trustees of the Laborers Health and Welfare Trust Fund for Northern California et al v. Acumen Construction Management, Inc.", "docket_number": "4:25-cv-06728", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kandis A. Westmore", "date_filed": "2026-04-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 16175, "fees_awarded": 16115, "dollar_cut": 60, "pct_cut": 0.37, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Plaintiffs seek reimbursement of attorney's fees of $16,175.00 and costs of $1,154.65, as supported by a declaration from Plaintiffs' counsel.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds that Plaintiffs are entitled to $16,115.00 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 60, "hours": null, "quote": "This entry is not compensable because it concerns calendaring, a non-compensable administrative task." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts ERISA benefits fee award 0.4% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/the-board-of-trustees-in-their-capacities-as-trustees-of-the-cand-4-25-cv-06728-1" }, { "slug": "ryan-frances-v-hartford-life-and-accident-insurance-company-wiwd-3-21-cv-00592-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-wiwd-3_21-cv-00592-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-wiwd-3_21-cv-00592/USCOURTS-wiwd-3_21-cv-00592-1", "case_name": "Ryan, Frances v. Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-00592", "court_id": "wiwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Wisconsin", "court_short": "W.D. Wisconsin", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William M. Conley", "date_filed": "2026-04-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 157780, "fees_awarded": 151612.5, "dollar_cut": 6167.5, "pct_cut": 3.91, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 324.05, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, plaintiff seeks a total of $157,780.00 in fees for 324.05 hours of work, along with $1,382.50 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "This results in an award of $151,612.50 in fees and $402 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 6167.5, "hours": 12.45, "quote": "this court will do the same by excluding the 12.45 hours of clerical tasks from the lodestar" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Wisconsin cuts ERISA benefits fee award 3.9% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ryan-frances-v-hartford-life-and-accident-insurance-company-wiwd-3-21-cv-00592-1" }, { "slug": "adler-v-sonotec-us-inc-nyed-2-23-cv-01634-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-01634-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-01634/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-01634-1", "case_name": "Adler v. Sonotec US Inc. et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-01634", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Steven Tiscione", "date_filed": "2026-04-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Granovsky & Sundaresh PLLC", "fees_requested": 47347, "fees_awarded": 35510.25, "dollar_cut": 11836.75, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 83.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $47,347.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Here, due to the excessive hours expended and mixed results achieved, a 25% reduction is warranted. Accordingly, Plaintiff is entitled to $35,510.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, due to the excessive hours expended and mixed results achieved, a 25% reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, due to the excessive hours expended and mixed results achieved, a 25% reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some of the work performed by Plaintiff’s Counsel was more aptly suited for a paralegal, assistant, or secretary" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts employment fee award 25%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/adler-v-sonotec-us-inc-nyed-2-23-cv-01634-1" }, { "slug": "albino-bustamante-v-noem-cand-3-25-cv-02605-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-02605-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-02605/USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-02605-0", "case_name": "Albino Bustamante et al v. Noem et al", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-02605", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Laurel Beeler", "date_filed": "2026-04-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 13384.66, "fees_awarded": 13261.89, "dollar_cut": 122.77, "pct_cut": 0.92, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 51.82, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "they revised their request to $13,904.86 ($13,384.66 fees and $520.20 costs)", "fees_awarded_quote": "The court awards $13,261.89 in attorney fees and $520.20 in costs for a total of $13,782.09.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The court applies a ten-percent reduction to those attorney hours to account for residual clerical components that cannot be precisely excised due to the manner in which they were recorded." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts immigration fee award 0.9% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/albino-bustamante-v-noem-cand-3-25-cv-02605-0" }, { "slug": "castro-v-kory-txwd-5-20-cv-01022-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-5_20-cv-01022-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-5_20-cv-01022/USCOURTS-txwd-5_20-cv-01022-6", "case_name": "Castro v. Kory et al", "docket_number": "5:20-cv-01022", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Xavier Rodriguez", "date_filed": "2026-04-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "The Packard Firm", "fees_requested": 674773, "fees_awarded": 572902.63, "dollar_cut": 101870.37, "pct_cut": 15.1, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1937.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff timely moved for attorneys’ fees and seeks a total of $674,773.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $572,902.63 in attorneys’ fees, representing $115,450.00 in attorney and legal assistance fees for The Packard Firm, $413,442.63 in attorneys’ fees for The Jones Firm, and $44,010.00 in attorney and legal assistance fees for Khavari & Moghadassi.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will reduce the hours billed by Paul Jones and Brian Jones by 10% each, to 653.6 hours and 517.9 hours, respectively." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the Court finds a 10% reduction of Mr. Khavari’s hours is appropriate to account for the vagueness of certain entries, his use of block billing, and the Court’s difficulty in determining whether his hours were reasonable, along with any duplication of efforts." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the Court finds a 10% reduction of Mr. Khavari’s hours is appropriate to account for the vagueness of certain entries, his use of block billing, and the Court’s difficulty in determining whether his hours were reasonable, along with any duplication of efforts." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the Court finds a 10% reduction of Mr. Khavari’s hours is appropriate to account for the vagueness of certain entries, his use of block billing, and the Court’s difficulty in determining whether his hours were reasonable, along with any duplication of efforts." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts civil rights fee award 15.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/castro-v-kory-txwd-5-20-cv-01022-6" }, { "slug": "sonia-marie-pletz-ilnb-1-24-bk-11199-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ilnb-1_24-bk-11199-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ilnb-1_24-bk-11199/USCOURTS-ilnb-1_24-bk-11199-0", "case_name": "Sonia Marie Pletz", "docket_number": "1:24-bk-11199", "court_id": "ilnb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Illinois", "court_short": "Bankr. N.D. Illinois", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Michael B. Slade", "date_filed": "2026-04-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5925, "fees_awarded": 2075, "dollar_cut": 3850, "pct_cut": 64.98, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "She challenges the ten Notices of Postpetition Fees, Expenses and Charges submitted by CCU since confirmation, which thus far total \"$5,925 in postpetition mortgage fees, expenses, and charges.\"", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, CCU is allowed a total of $2,075 in attorney's fees to date. The additional fees charged are disallowed.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I will also allow $100 in fees for each required payment change notice (i.e., notices filed where the monthly payment change exceeded $10), and fees have been noticed for six of these to date ($600)." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Finally, I will allow $100 in fees for each of two necessary notices of fees per year—and three have been filed so far ($300)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "And the completion, service, and filing of two two-page forms is plainly clerical work." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "With no evidence from CCU suggesting otherwise, I have to conclude that charges of $175 and $200 per notice are not reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. N.D. Illinois cuts bankruptcy fee award 65%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sonia-marie-pletz-ilnb-1-24-bk-11199-0" }, { "slug": "make-the-road-states-inc-v-harran-paed-2-25-cv-02938-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-02938-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-02938/USCOURTS-paed-2_25-cv-02938-2", "case_name": "MAKE THE ROAD STATES INC et al v. HARRAN et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-02938", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Juan R. Sánchez", "date_filed": "2026-04-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 35170, "fees_awarded": 34953, "dollar_cut": 217, "pct_cut": 0.62, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 69.4, "hours_awarded": 68.5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Here before the Court is Plaintiffs’ petition for attorneys’ fees in the amount of $35,170.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will award Plaintiffs attorneys’ fees, although at a reduced amount of $34,953.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "There are entries for attorney Armstrong and paralegal Hoecker which reflect time spent filing or performing administrative tasks. Accordingly, attorney Armstrong’s time will be reduced by 0.3 hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "paralegal Hocker’s time will be reduced by 0.6 hours, as reflected in the table below" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts immigration fee award 0.6% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/make-the-road-states-inc-v-harran-paed-2-25-cv-02938-2" }, { "slug": "velazquez-v-kijakazi-cand-1-22-cv-05522-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-1_22-cv-05522-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-1_22-cv-05522/USCOURTS-cand-1_22-cv-05522-1", "case_name": "Velazquez v. Kijakazi", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-05522", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert M. Illman", "date_filed": "2026-04-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 25157.01, "fees_awarded": 10231.34, "dollar_cut": 14925.67, "pct_cut": 59.33, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 95.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel has requested a total award under the EAJA of $25,157.01 in attorney's fees and $1,322.39 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "This results in total reductions of $14,925.67, for a recommended award of $10,231.34 plus $1,322.39 in expenses, or a total of $11,553.73 in EAJA fees and costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 14808.19, "hours": 58.8, "quote": "Thus, the court denies Plaintiff's petition for the $14,808.19 in fees resulting from the 58.8 hours expended on the appeal to the Ninth Circuit." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 117.48, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "Here, Plaintiff billed for work preparing and filing a certificate of service, and reviewing this court's standing order, which falls within tasks \"easily delegable to nonprofessional assistance.\"" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts social security fee award 59.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/velazquez-v-kijakazi-cand-1-22-cv-05522-1" }, { "slug": "salt-and-light-energy-equipment-llc-v-origin-bancorp-txnd-3-22-cv-00654-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00654-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00654/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00654-4", "case_name": "Salt and Light Energy Equipment LLC v. Origin Bancorp", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00654", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David C. Godbey", "date_filed": "2026-04-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 121712.5, "fees_awarded": 116833.5, "dollar_cut": 4879, "pct_cut": 4.01, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Origin then filed this motion for attorney's fees and related nontaxable expenses, requesting $121,712.50 in attorney's fees and $3,701.56 in related nontaxable expenses", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards Origin $116,833.50 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3172.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Origin concedes that $3,172.50 of its entries constituted fees for clerical work. Def.'s Reply 2. Thus, the Court reduces the fees by $3,172.50." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But, without evidence of her relevant experience, the Court lowers Tomasky's hourly rates to the $100 baseline." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/salt-and-light-energy-equipment-llc-v-origin-bancorp-txnd-3-22-cv-00654-4" }, { "slug": "petconnect-rescue-inc-v-salinas-casd-3-20-cv-00527-18", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_20-cv-00527-18", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_20-cv-00527/USCOURTS-casd-3_20-cv-00527-18", "case_name": "Petconnect Rescue, Inc. v. Salinas et al", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-00527", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Daniel E. Butcher", "date_filed": "2026-04-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8337.5, "fees_awarded": 4875, "dollar_cut": 3462.5, "pct_cut": 41.53, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 11.5, "hours_awarded": 7.5, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "PetConnect requests the Court award $8,337.50 in attorney's fees incurred in preparing this Motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, the Court allows recovery of 7.5 hours at a rate of $650 per hour (4.1 hours in 2024, and 3.4 hours in 2025) on tasks related to this Motion. Accordingly, the Court awards $4,875.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds a $650 hourly fee is reasonable and will calculate the fee award at that rate." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "This estimate, however, is not documented by time sheets or any other business record, and the Court did not hold a hearing. ... The Court, therefore, disallows the estimated 4.0 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts fee award 41.5%, including for reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/petconnect-rescue-inc-v-salinas-casd-3-20-cv-00527-18" }, { "slug": "kivalu-v-carrington-mortgage-servicer-llc-azd-2-25-cv-04221-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-04221-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-04221/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-04221-1", "case_name": "Kivalu v. Carrington Mortgage Servicer LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-04221", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael T Liburdi", "date_filed": "2026-04-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6930, "fees_awarded": 6840, "dollar_cut": 90, "pct_cut": 1.3, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 23.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "UWM seeks an award of $6,930.00 in fees and $5.55 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "UWM is awarded $6,840.00 in attorneys' fees under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-341.01.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce by 20% the December 22, 2025 time entry for improper block billing because the Court could not determine how much time was spent on preparing the brief versus sending the brief to counsel's client" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts commercial fee award 1.3% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kivalu-v-carrington-mortgage-servicer-llc-azd-2-25-cv-04221-1" }, { "slug": "landry-jr-v-scroggins-txsb-4-25-ap-03645-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsb-4_25-ap-03645-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsb-4_25-ap-03645/USCOURTS-txsb-4_25-ap-03645-0", "case_name": "Landry, Jr v. Scroggins et al", "docket_number": "4:25-ap-03645", "court_id": "txsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Marvin Isgur", "date_filed": "2026-04-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 24000, "fees_awarded": 15600, "dollar_cut": 8400, "pct_cut": 35, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 60, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Landry's counsel, Samuel Milledge, Sr. has requested $24,000 in attorneys' fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, of the $24,000 requested, the Court awards Mr. Milledge $15,600 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, Mr. Milledge's lack of contemporaneous time records gives the Court pause." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "without contemporaneous time records it is extremely difficult to assess whether the hours he spent were reasonable and necessary and distinguish between the hours spent on this adversary proceeding and Mr. Landry's main bankruptcy case." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Texas cuts bankruptcy fee award 35%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/landry-jr-v-scroggins-txsb-4-25-ap-03645-0" }, { "slug": "crayola-properties-inc-v-jetson-electric-bikes-llc-nyed-1-24-cv-07250-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-07250-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-07250/USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-07250-1", "case_name": "Crayola Properties, Inc. v. Jetson Electric Bikes LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-07250", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nicholas G. Garaufis", "date_filed": "2026-03-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 29924.37, "fees_awarded": 17954.62, "dollar_cut": 11969.75, "pct_cut": 40, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 90, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Crayola requests $29,924.37 in attorney's fees and $763.40 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying a 40% reduction to Crayola's requested fees of $29,924.37 yields $17,954.62.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time records submitted by counsel contain many instances of block billing, or aggregating multiple tasks into one billing entry, that are not detailed enough to determine whether billing was reasonable." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the majority of the work (61.60 hours, or 68.44%) was performed by senior professionals—Partner Christopher Blaszkowski and Counsel Christopher Warren—whereas Associate Shayne Rasay expended significantly less time (28.10 hours, or 31.22%)" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the total number of hours counsel for Crayola billed in this matter—90.0 hours, including 41.3 hours spent on editing the Memorandum of Law—is disproportionate to the number of hours billed in a standard breach-of-license case" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 40%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/crayola-properties-inc-v-jetson-electric-bikes-llc-nyed-1-24-cv-07250-1" }, { "slug": "pliteq-inc-v-mostafa-flsd-1-23-cv-24868-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24868-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24868/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24868-8", "case_name": "Pliteq, Inc. et al v. Mostafa", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-24868", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marty Fulgueira Elfenbein", "date_filed": "2026-03-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Coffey Burlington", "fees_requested": 848133.45, "fees_awarded": 763320.1, "dollar_cut": 84813.35, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request an award of $848,133.45 in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court AWARDS Plaintiffs $763,320.10 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 84813.34, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a 10% across-the-board reduction is appropriate to counter the problem with counsel's block-billed entries." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 10% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pliteq-inc-v-mostafa-flsd-1-23-cv-24868-8" }, { "slug": "tobias-v-u-s-department-of-interior-dcd-1-22-cv-00696-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-00696-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-00696/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-00696-0", "case_name": "TOBIAS v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00696", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Royce C. Lamberth", "date_filed": "2026-03-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 403.6, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "The Court will therefore exclude the eighteen 0.1-hour entries, billed for a total of $403.60, from Tobias's award." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 484.65, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore reduce the fees at issue by $484.65, or 50%." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts FOIA fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tobias-v-u-s-department-of-interior-dcd-1-22-cv-00696-0" }, { "slug": "schmidt-v-falcon-school-district-49-cod-1-23-cv-00883-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_23-cv-00883-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_23-cv-00883/USCOURTS-cod-1_23-cv-00883-1", "case_name": "Schmidt et al v. Falcon School District 49 et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00883", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Maritza Dominguez Braswell", "date_filed": "2026-03-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 228270, "fees_awarded": 191466, "dollar_cut": 36804, "pct_cut": 16.12, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 314, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $228,270.00 in fees and $9,336.97 in costs and expenses pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988(b) and 28 U.S.C. § 1920.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel is hereby awarded attorney's fees under 42 U.S.C. § 1988(b) in the amount of $191,466.00 and costs in the amount of $9,336.97.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "The Court finds these billing entries to be for clerical or administrative work and, accordingly, applies a 1.2-hour deduction." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "The Court will apply a 2.1-hour reduction for these entries, yielding a total of 288.9 hours for Mr. Hartman." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will make a 1.3-hour reduction to Ms. Friedhoff's billed time." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that $625 is a reasonable hourly rate for him and $550 is a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Finney." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts civil rights fee award 16.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/schmidt-v-falcon-school-district-49-cod-1-23-cv-00883-1" }, { "slug": "whitley-v-ssa-kyed-5-24-cv-00365-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-kyed-5_24-cv-00365-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-kyed-5_24-cv-00365/USCOURTS-kyed-5_24-cv-00365-0", "case_name": "Whitley v. SSA", "docket_number": "5:24-cv-00365", "court_id": "kyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Kentucky", "court_short": "E.D. Kentucky", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gregory F. Van Tatenhove", "date_filed": "2026-03-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9650.01, "fees_awarded": 6719, "dollar_cut": 2931.01, "pct_cut": 30.37, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 53.3, "hours_awarded": 29.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel requested $9,650.01 in total fees and expenses under EAJA based on 40 hours of work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The total EAJA award is thus $6,719.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 75.3, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 22.6, "quote": "the Court reduces the total hours spent researching, drafting, and reviewing the plaintiff's brief by 75.3 percent, the figure capturing the amount that Plaintiff's counsel copied from the earlier brief" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "the Court will strike both the fee and hour request for the preparation of the pro hac vice motion" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "This is a clerical or secretarial task." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Kentucky cuts social security fee award 30.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/whitley-v-ssa-kyed-5-24-cv-00365-0" }, { "slug": "brighthouse-life-insurance-company-v-rudolph-azd-2-24-cv-00870-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-00870-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-00870/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-00870-0", "case_name": "Brighthouse Life Insurance Company v. Rudolph", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00870", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Diane J. Humetewa", "date_filed": "2026-03-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Womble Bond Dickinson", "fees_requested": 71419.5, "fees_awarded": 60605, "dollar_cut": 10814.5, "pct_cut": 15.14, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 179.6, "hours_awarded": 170.1, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Brighthouse seeks $71,419.50 in attorneys’ fees, $3,522.74 in expenses, $2,022.48 for brokerage commission costs, and $3,200.00 for investigative costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court approves an award in the amount of $60,605.00 in attorneys’ fees and $588.30 in expenses to Brighthouse.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.5, "quote": "These clerical hours will be removed from the reasonable hours for the lodestar calculations. The total hours after adjusting for hours spent on clerical work is 170.1 hours" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts commercial fee award 15.1% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/brighthouse-life-insurance-company-v-rudolph-azd-2-24-cv-00870-0" }, { "slug": "hernandez-v-wl-general-services-corp-flsd-1-25-cv-20120-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-20120-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-20120/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-20120-3", "case_name": "Hernandez v. WL General Services, Corp. et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-20120", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Paul C. Huck", "date_filed": "2026-03-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 14025, "fees_awarded": 9630, "dollar_cut": 4395, "pct_cut": 31.34, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks a total attorney's fee award in the amount of $14,025.00, consisting of $13,410.00 for time billed by Attorney J.H. Zidell, and $615.00 for time billed by Ms. Lisa Novick", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $9,630.00 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4320, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff may not recover the $4,320.00 in post-March 21 attorney's fees set forth in Plaintiff's Exhibit Fee Ledger" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1620, "hours": 3.6, "quote": "or the additional \"$1,620.00 (3.6 x $450.00/hr.)\" that Plaintiff requests in his Reply brief for the review, research for, and drafting of same" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The above entries represent unrecoverable clerical work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 31.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hernandez-v-wl-general-services-corp-flsd-1-25-cv-20120-3" }, { "slug": "rios-v-lux-interior-and-renovation-llc-azd-2-23-cv-01686-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01686-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01686/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01686-2", "case_name": "Rios et al v. Lux Interior and Renovation LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-01686", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Diane J. Humetewa", "date_filed": "2026-03-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 13038.5, "fees_awarded": 11392, "dollar_cut": 1646.5, "pct_cut": 12.63, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 29.3, "hours_awarded": 25.6, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, he states that he worked 29.3 hours. (Id. at 6). At the requested hourly rate, this equals $13,038.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will award attorney fees in the amount of $11,392.00 (25.6 hours X $445.00).", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.7, "quote": "The Court will excise these entries from total hours billed as clerical or administrative tasks no eligible for an attorney fees award." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 12.6% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/rios-v-lux-interior-and-renovation-llc-azd-2-23-cv-01686-2" }, { "slug": "ducky-ltd-v-iviliia-millionic-it-sp-z-o-o-cand-5-24-cv-02268-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_24-cv-02268-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_24-cv-02268/USCOURTS-cand-5_24-cv-02268-1", "case_name": "Ducky Ltd. v. Iviliia Millionic IT Sp. z o.o.", "docket_number": "5:24-cv-02268", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Peter H. Kang", "date_filed": "2026-03-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 64676.22, "fees_awarded": 61526.7, "dollar_cut": 3149.52, "pct_cut": 4.87, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's original fees and costs request of $64,676.22 is reduced by a total deduction of $3,149.52, for a revised total of $61,526.70.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court RECOMMENDS awarding attorney's fees and costs to Plaintiff in the amount of $61,526.70.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 596.9, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned RECOMMENDS disallowing an award of the fees associated with these calendaring time entries, which yields a total deduction for these entries of $596.90." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2552.62, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court recommends disallowing both this travel cost ($470.62) and this time entry for travel time ($2,082), for a total deduction of $2,552.62." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts intellectual property fee award 4.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ducky-ltd-v-iviliia-millionic-it-sp-z-o-o-cand-5-24-cv-02268-1" }, { "slug": "wilderness-society-v-haaland-dcd-1-22-cv-01871-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01871-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01871/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01871-2", "case_name": "WILDERNESS SOCIETY et al v. HAALAND et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01871", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Christopher R. Cooper", "date_filed": "2026-03-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Environmental", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2952.9, "hours": 12.9, "quote": "In total, the Court will deduct 12.9 hours—or $2,952.90 in fees—for clerical tasks." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 36.4, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore reduce that entry by five percent and deduct $36.40 from the Conservation Groups’ fee award." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2266.7, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "the Court will sustain the government’s objection and deduct 9.70 hours—or $2,266.70 in fees—from the Conservation Groups’ fee request." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that a 40 percent reduction to their fee award “fairly accounts for [their] overall level of success in the litigation.”" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts environmental fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wilderness-society-v-haaland-dcd-1-22-cv-01871-2" }, { "slug": "in-re-wang-litigation-nyed-1-20-cv-05410-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-05410-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-05410/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-05410-2", "case_name": "In re Wang Litigation", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-05410", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Orelia E. Merchant", "date_filed": "2026-03-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Troy Law", "fees_requested": 182831.83, "fees_awarded": 77317.25, "dollar_cut": 105514.58, "pct_cut": 57.71, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 688.12, "hours_awarded": 412.85, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs assert that they are entitled to $182,831.83 in attorney’s fees and $5,259.45 for costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, Plaintiffs are awarded $77,317.25 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that $400 is a reasonable rate for the services Mr. Troy has performed here." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate for Schweitzer’s services in this case is $250 and half of that rate for his travel time and clerical tasks" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that $150 per hour and half of that rate for travel time and clerical work is reasonable for Ms. Troy and Chen’s work here" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court similarly finds that a rate of $75 per hour for her work here is reasonable" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Several of counsel’s billing entries are vague, duplicative, or excessive, warranting a reduction in the number of hours billed." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The billing records also reflect duplicate billing and overlapping efforts among counsel." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Several of counsel’s billing entries are vague, duplicative, or excessive, warranting a reduction in the number of hours billed." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing records here reflect clerical-work entries billing at associate or partner-level rates" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 57.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/in-re-wang-litigation-nyed-1-20-cv-05410-2" }, { "slug": "martinez-rendon-v-uscb-inc-caed-1-22-cv-01179-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-01179-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-01179/USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-01179-4", "case_name": "Martinez Rendon v. USCB, Inc.", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01179", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-03-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 23607, "fees_awarded": 7178.5, "dollar_cut": 16428.5, "pct_cut": 69.59, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests an award of $23,607 in fees and $604 in costs; USCB proposes an award of $1,147.50 in fees", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $7,178.50 in reasonable attorneys' fees and $604.40 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court has imposed significant reductions on the hours spent on the case after January 2022, reducing those hours by half or more for efforts related to discovery, motion practice in the fee dispute, and case scheduling." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court has made moderate reductions to account for these efficiencies, especially in connection with drafting the complaint and motion for fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries are too vague to support a request for fees, and more specific descriptions would not have improperly disclosed privileged or confidential information." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "The Court has also imposed a one-hour reduction on an block-billed entry for several tasks performed by an experienced attorney on September 13, 2022." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds the hourly rates approved in Murray—for the same group of attorneys at the same firm in a similar case that they litigated at about the same time—are more reasonable, i.e., $575 for Cardoza, $375 for Veggian, $325 for Gaviola, $125 for work by paralegals, and $95 for work by legal assistants." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 69.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/martinez-rendon-v-uscb-inc-caed-1-22-cv-01179-4" }, { "slug": "crayola-properties-inc-v-jetson-electric-bikes-llc-nyed-1-24-cv-07250-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-07250-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-07250/USCOURTS-nyed-1_24-cv-07250-0", "case_name": "Crayola Properties, Inc. v. Jetson Electric Bikes LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-07250", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nicholas G. Garaufis", "date_filed": "2026-03-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 29924.37, "fees_awarded": 17954.62, "dollar_cut": 11969.75, "pct_cut": 40, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 90, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Crayola requests $29,924.37 in attorney's fees and $763.40 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, I respectfully recommend that Crayola be awarded $17,954.62 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time records submitted by counsel contain many instances of block billing, or aggregating multiple tasks into one billing entry, that are not detailed enough to determine whether billing was reasonable." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the majority of the work (61.60 hours, or 68.44%) was performed by senior professionals—Partner Christopher Blaszkowski and Counsel Christopher Warren—whereas Associate Shayne Rasay expended significantly less time (28.10 hours, or 31.22%)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the total number of hours counsel for Crayola billed in this matter—90.0 hours, including 41.3 hours spent on editing the Memorandum of Law—is disproportionate to the number of hours billed in a standard breach-of-license case resolved by default judgment." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 40%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/crayola-properties-inc-v-jetson-electric-bikes-llc-nyed-1-24-cv-07250-0" }, { "slug": "hernandez-v-wl-general-services-corp-flsd-1-25-cv-20120-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-20120-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-20120/USCOURTS-flsd-1_25-cv-20120-2", "case_name": "Hernandez v. WL General Services, Corp. et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-20120", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lauren F. Louis", "date_filed": "2026-03-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 14025, "fees_awarded": 9630, "dollar_cut": 4395, "pct_cut": 31.34, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks a total attorney's fee award in the amount of $14,025.00, consisting of $13,410.00 for time billed by Attorney J.H. Zidell, and $615.00 for time billed by Ms. Lisa Novick, Attorney Zidell's paralegal.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $9,630.00 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4320, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff may not recover the $4,320.00 in post-March 21 attorney's fees set forth in Plaintiff's Exhibit Fee Ledger" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1620, "hours": 3.6, "quote": "or the additional \"$1,620.00 (3.6 x $450.00/hr.)\" that Plaintiff requests in his Reply brief for the review, research for, and drafting of same" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The above entries represent unrecoverable clerical work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 31.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hernandez-v-wl-general-services-corp-flsd-1-25-cv-20120-2" }, { "slug": "livingston-v-jay-livingston-music-inc-tnmd-3-22-cv-00532-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00532-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00532/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00532-2", "case_name": "Livingston v. Jay Livingston Music, Inc., et al.", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00532", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr.", "date_filed": "2026-03-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Loeb & Loeb LLP", "fees_requested": 385979.05, "fees_awarded": 339661.56, "dollar_cut": 46317.49, "pct_cut": 12, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 696.25, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek $385,979.05 in attorneys’ fees. (Doc. No. 98.)", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants will be awarded $339,661.56 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 46317.49, "hours": null, "quote": "Some entries, for example, reflect extensive overlap in attorney review among attorneys from both firms." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 46317.49, "hours": null, "quote": "Other entries are too vague for the Court to assess." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 46317.49, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendants’ response does not establish the connection between the prelawsuit estate work and this litigation or explain the redacted and otherwise unclear charges." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts intellectual property fee award 12%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/livingston-v-jay-livingston-music-inc-tnmd-3-22-cv-00532-2" }, { "slug": "garcia-colon-v-state-insurance-fund-corporation-ca1-25-01067-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca1-25-01067-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca1-25-01067/USCOURTS-ca1-25-01067-0", "case_name": "Garcia Colon v. State Insurance Fund Corporation", "docket_number": "25-01067", "court_id": "ca1", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the First Circuit", "court_short": "First Circuit", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hamilton", "date_filed": "2026-02-27", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Gonzalez Muñoz Law Offices, P.S.C.", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14.59, "quote": "the district court discounted 14.59 hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the district court applied a twenty percent downward adjustment" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "First Circuit cuts employment fee award over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/garcia-colon-v-state-insurance-fund-corporation-ca1-25-01067-0" }, { "slug": "garcia-colon-v-state-insurance-fund-corporation-ca1-24-01786-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca1-24-01786-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca1-24-01786/USCOURTS-ca1-24-01786-0", "case_name": "Garcia Colon v. State Insurance Fund Corporation", "docket_number": "24-01786", "court_id": "ca1", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the First Circuit", "court_short": "First Circuit", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hamilton", "date_filed": "2026-02-27", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Gonzalez Muñoz Law Offices, P.S.C.", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "The district court discounted each of the eight other entries by thirty percent, effectively removing 0.60 hours from the fee-award calculus." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.15, "quote": "the district court discounted each entry by thirty percent, resulting in a reduction of 0.15 hours from his time." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "After calculating the initial lodestar of $371,660.20, the district court applied a twenty percent downward adjustment for limited success, citing García's unsuccessful sexual harassment claim and denial of her request for permanent injunctive relief." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "First Circuit cuts employment fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/garcia-colon-v-state-insurance-fund-corporation-ca1-24-01786-0" }, { "slug": "wright-v-asi-lloyds-txsd-3-22-cv-00357-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-3_22-cv-00357-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-3_22-cv-00357/USCOURTS-txsd-3_22-cv-00357-2", "case_name": "Wright v. ASI Lloyds", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00357", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Andrew M. Edison", "date_filed": "2026-02-25", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 131977, "fees_awarded": 112405.5, "dollar_cut": 19571.5, "pct_cut": 14.83, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Schexnyder asserts in her affidavit that the reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees incurred by ASI in this matter amount to a total of $131,977.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the lodestar calculation indicates that ASI is entitled to reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees from Dick in the amount of $112,405.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12, "quote": "Without any evidence that ASI's counsel performed legal work on this matter while in transit, I will not award ASI fees for travel time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 53.5, "quote": "I will reduce ASI's lodestar for excessiveness by 0.2 hours of Schexnyder's time in September 2022, and the following time billed after September 2022: 3.1 hours of Diana Beltran's time, 43.8 hours of Carin L. Marcussen's time" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12, "quote": "To account for the time entries I do consider vague, I will make a reduction in ASI's lodestar by 0.4 hours of Lacy Baccari's time in September 2022" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.3, "quote": "After reviewing ASI's time records in this case, certain time entries that appear clerical in nature. That time should be disallowed." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "I will deduct the duplicative fees incurred by the lowest-billing attorney or paralegal. This leads to a reduction of the following time billed after September 2022: 0.3 hours of Baccari's time, 1.7 hours of Elliot's time, and 0.7 hours of Marcussen's time" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 15000, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend that ASI's request for an additional $15,000 for preparing a response to the Motion to Alter Judgment be denied." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 30000, "hours": null, "quote": "This request for conditional attorneys' fees is premature and should be denied." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 13.1, "quote": "Because I previously considered 11.8 hours of Marcussen's time (all as an associate) and 1.3 hours of Schexnyder's time, see Dkts. 48, 51, and 54, I will deduct these figures from the amount presently sought by ASI." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 14.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wright-v-asi-lloyds-txsd-3-22-cv-00357-2" }, { "slug": "gruber-v-sabert-corporation-njd-3-21-cv-13312-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-13312-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-13312/USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-13312-3", "case_name": "GRUBER v. SABERT CORPORATION", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-13312", "court_id": "njd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Jersey", "court_short": "D. New Jersey", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rukhsanah L. Singh", "date_filed": "2026-02-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 121186, "fees_awarded": 48540, "dollar_cut": 72646, "pct_cut": 59.95, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 153.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "On July 3, 2025, Defendant filed its application for attorneys' fees in the amount of $121,186.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "ORDERED that Plaintiff shall remit to Defendant a total of $48,540.00 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds the following hourly rates to be reasonable: $850 per hour for Mr. Israel; $400 per hour for Mr. Quaratino; and $250 per hour for Ms. Bobrow, Ms. Delvalle, and Ms. Kunkel." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Because Mr. Quaratino block-billed the December 16, 2024 entry, the Court cannot parse out how much of the 2.5 hours was for recoverable work and how much was not." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "These entries were the result of apparent confusion as to the Clerk's Office's automated settings with electronic filings and are outside the scope of what reasonably can be recovered by Defendant here." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.4, "quote": "the Court will reduce Mr. Israel's time by 1 hour and Mr. Quaratino's time by 2.4 hours for these entries." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 36.7, "quote": "Mr. Israel's total time of 24.3 hours is reduced to 10 hours and Mr. Quaratino's total time of 42.4 hours is reduced to 20 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14.6, "quote": "Mr. Israel's time in these entries shall be reduced to a total of 10 hours and Mr. Quaratino's time in these entries shall be reduced to a total of 5 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Jersey cuts fee award 60%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gruber-v-sabert-corporation-njd-3-21-cv-13312-3" }, { "slug": "liner-v-terminix-pest-control-inc-laed-2-22-cv-03698-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_22-cv-03698-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_22-cv-03698/USCOURTS-laed-2_22-cv-03698-5", "case_name": "Liner v. Terminix Pest Control, Inc.", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-03698", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jane Triche Milazzo", "date_filed": "2026-02-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 158925, "fees_awarded": 138101.25, "dollar_cut": 20823.75, "pct_cut": 13.1, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 427.5, "hours_awarded": 371.47, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Now, Plaintiffs submit a fee request for $158,925.00 in attorneys' fees and $21,290.00 expert expenses totaling $180,215.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Determination of Attorney's Fees and Expert Expenses (Doc. 97) is GRANTED, and that the Plaintiffs Louis Liner and Gregg Smith be awarded reasonable attorney's fees in the amount of $138,101.25", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3087.5, "hours": 6.5, "quote": "the invoice does not appear to be for the subject case and is therefore excluded." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 15.13, "quote": "the total hours billed containing block billed entries is 60.5 hours will be reduced by 25% or to 45.37 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 18.1, "quote": "the 11.3 hours billed on Smith's invoice and 6.8 hours bill on Liner's invoice for a total 18.1 should be excluded." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 18.5, "quote": "In sum, the Court finds that 24.8 hours out of the 43.3 disputed hours are allowable." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.5, "quote": "A review of the docket sheet indicates that no such pleading was filed. Therefore, the Court determines the 7.5 hours will be excluded." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts employment fee award 13.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/liner-v-terminix-pest-control-inc-laed-2-22-cv-03698-5" }, { "slug": "stuart-v-topeka-kansas-city-of-ksd-2-23-cv-02021-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ksd-2_23-cv-02021-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ksd-2_23-cv-02021/USCOURTS-ksd-2_23-cv-02021-2", "case_name": "Stuart et al v. Topeka, Kansas, City of et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-02021", "court_id": "ksd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Kansas", "court_short": "D. Kansas", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Toby Crouse", "date_filed": "2026-02-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Employee Rights Law Firm", "fees_requested": 915162.5, "fees_awarded": 279852.5, "dollar_cut": 635310, "pct_cut": 69.42, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1379.35, "hours_awarded": 1034.5, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Stuart and Harden now move for attorney fees, seeking $915,162.50 for 1,379.35 hours billed by four attorneys.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the following reasons, the motion is granted in part and denied in part, and Stuart and Harden are awarded $279,852.50 in attorney fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of the aforementioned deficiencies, a 25 percent across-the-board reduction in hours claimed is both reasonable and conservative." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "And, the application is riddled with block billing." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Counsel repeated identical descriptions across timekeepers and allegedly acknowledged reconstructing time from calendars, which limits confidence in the accuracy of the submissions." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The entries likewise do not separate compensable attorney time from clerical work, travel time, or other nonlegal tasks." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The entries likewise do not separate compensable attorney time from clerical work, travel time, or other nonlegal tasks." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mark Jess, who served as lead trial counsel, seeks $850 per hour, but a $500 hourly rate is reasonable." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Stuart and Harden’s attorneys achieved only limited success." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Kansas cuts employment fee award 69.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/stuart-v-topeka-kansas-city-of-ksd-2-23-cv-02021-2" }, { "slug": "deutsche-bank-national-trust-company-v-tacoaman-nyed-1-25-cv-01698-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-01698-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-01698/USCOURTS-nyed-1_25-cv-01698-0", "case_name": "Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Tacoaman et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-01698", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Margo K. Brodie", "date_filed": "2026-02-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6800, "fees_awarded": 3400, "dollar_cut": 3400, "pct_cut": 50, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees in the amount of $6,800.00 and $1,807.50 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "this Court finds it appropriate to reduce counsel’s request by half to $3,400.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds it appropriate to reduce counsel’s request by half to $3,400.00" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 50% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/deutsche-bank-national-trust-company-v-tacoaman-nyed-1-25-cv-01698-0" }, { "slug": "thomas-v-satomi-caed-2-24-cv-01495-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-01495-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-01495/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-01495-1", "case_name": "Thomas v. Satomi et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01495", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Troy L. Nunley", "date_filed": "2026-02-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3412.5, "fees_awarded": 2850, "dollar_cut": 562.5, "pct_cut": 16.48, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $3,412.50 in attorneys' fees. Pl. Mot. at 6.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded reasonable attorneys' fees in the amount of $2,325 for Mr. Chatila and $525 for Mr. Menton for a total amount of $2,850", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "certain time expended is duplicative of the work done by attorney Chatila (i.e., billing for meeting with client regarding allegations (0.75) and conference with Mr. Chatila regarding site visit and case strategy (0.75)) and should therefore be reduced by 1.50 hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.25, "quote": "the following clerical tasks are not recoverable: filing Complaint and related documents (0.5); service of summons and Complaint (1.25); and preparing proofs of service (0.5))" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 16.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/thomas-v-satomi-caed-2-24-cv-01495-1" }, { "slug": "dwyer-v-unitedhealthcare-insurance-company-txwd-1-17-cv-00439-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00439-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00439/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00439-1", "case_name": "Dwyer v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company", "docket_number": "1:17-cv-00439", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert Pitman", "date_filed": "2026-02-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "Kantor & Kantor LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 43.6, "quote": "Accordingly, the court will recommend an award at 50% of the regular rate. From the court's review the following time entries are affected:" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.4, "quote": "Dwyer does not defend the 9.4 hours United attacks, and the court finds they are too attenuated in time from the time the Complaint was filed to be in preparation of the litigation." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.46, "quote": "However, review of Table 3 and the billing records indicates some entries reflect purely clerical work that is not recoverable as attorneys' fees:" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dwyer-v-unitedhealthcare-insurance-company-txwd-1-17-cv-00439-1" }, { "slug": "randall-v-im-ord-3-23-cv-00243-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00243-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00243/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00243-2", "case_name": "Randall v. Im et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00243", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Amy M. Baggio", "date_filed": "2026-02-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 26475, "fees_awarded": 25612.5, "dollar_cut": 862.5, "pct_cut": 3.26, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 70.6, "hours_awarded": 68.3, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Randall seeks $26,475 in attorney fees and $1,597 in nontaxable costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Randall is entitled to $25,612.50 in attorney fees and $1,597 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "Those billings, totaling 2.3 hours, are excluded." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts wage and hour fee award 3.3% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/randall-v-im-ord-3-23-cv-00243-2" }, { "slug": "ime-watchdog-inc-v-gelardi-nyed-1-22-cv-01032-14", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01032-14", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01032/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01032-14", "case_name": "IME WatchDog, Inc. v. Gelardi et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01032", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2026-02-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Milman Labuda Law Group PLLC", "fees_requested": 151259.69, "fees_awarded": 105881.78, "dollar_cut": 45377.91, "pct_cut": 30, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff states that it \"incurred $151,259.69 in attorneys' fees since March 28, 2023, in connection with Defendants' contempt.\"", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court therefore holds that Plaintiff may recover $105,881.78 as reasonable attorneys' fees related to the contempt proceedings described in the March 2025 M&O, which represents a 30% reduction from the $151,259.69 Plaintiff seeks.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a review of MLLG's billing descriptions shows that Plaintiff seeks to recover for numerous entries unrelated to Defendants' alleged non-compliance as set forth in the Court's March 2025 M&O." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a review of Sage's invoices shows numerous unrelated entries, as well as pervasive block-billing." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "reducing attorneys' fees award for contempt sanction by 30% to account for inclusion of work unrelated to contempt motion, vague entries, and block-billing" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts fee award 30%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ime-watchdog-inc-v-gelardi-nyed-1-22-cv-01032-14" }, { "slug": "med-stop-inc-v-vandutch-inc-flsd-1-23-cv-21875-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-21875-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-21875/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-21875-2", "case_name": "Med-Stop, Inc. v. Vandutch, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-21875", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Roy K. Altman", "date_filed": "2026-02-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Josef Timlichman Law PLLC", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Undersigned finds that a 30% fee reduction for Attorney Timlichman is warranted, particularly considering vagueness in the time entries and the evidence of impermissible use of block billing" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Undersigned finds that a 30% fee reduction for Attorney Timlichman is warranted, particularly considering vagueness in the time entries and the evidence of impermissible use of block billing" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Undersigned finds that a 30% fee reduction for Attorney Timlichman is warranted, particularly considering vagueness in the time entries and the evidence of impermissible use of block billing" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 6, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Undersigned finds that a modest 6% fee reduction for Paralegal Merrill is appropriate." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9, "quote": "The Court agrees with Plaintiff that the nine hours expended at an hourly rate of $450.00 throughout April 17 to 21, 2025, in preparation for this instant motion must be reduced." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12, "quote": "The Court also agrees with Plaintiff that the twelve hours allotted to draft a motion to compel—which was eventually denied upon filing and was previously deemed premature by Judge Altman’s Paperless Order five months prior—should be reduced." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a minimal 15% fee reduction for the total fee requested by Attorney Altschul is warranted given evidence of block billing and excessive hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a minimal 15% fee reduction for the total fee requested by Attorney Altschul is warranted given evidence of block billing and excessive hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/med-stop-inc-v-vandutch-inc-flsd-1-23-cv-21875-2" }, { "slug": "lopez-v-air-pro-heating-cooling-llc-azd-2-25-cv-02009-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-02009-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-02009/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-02009-2", "case_name": "Lopez v. Air Pro Heating & Cooling LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-02009", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2026-02-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 11752.5, "fees_awarded": 5651.5, "dollar_cut": 6101, "pct_cut": 51.91, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 17.2, "hours_awarded": 15.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, Plaintiff's attorney is seeking $11,752.50 in attorneys' fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED awarding Plaintiff $5,651.50 in attorneys' fees and $577.80 in out-of-pocket costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "However, the Court will excise several time entries as they are administrative or clerical tasks." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering the majority of the District of Arizona's precedent have found that $445 an hour is reasonable, including this Court's decision two months ago, the Court finds $445 an hour is the reasonable benchmark." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 51.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lopez-v-air-pro-heating-cooling-llc-azd-2-25-cv-02009-2" }, { "slug": "ruiz-romero-v-hotel-aloft-ponce-prd-3-22-cv-01526-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01526-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01526/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01526-0", "case_name": "Ruiz-Romero v. Hotel Aloft Ponce et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01526", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Francisco A. Besosa", "date_filed": "2026-02-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 19062.5, "fees_awarded": 10650, "dollar_cut": 8412.5, "pct_cut": 44.13, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests a total attorney fee award of $19,062.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded a total of $10,650.00 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "His FRCP 55(b)(2) notices and exhibits are straightforward, two-page documents involving minimal drafting, and discounts time credited for these activities to 0.2 hours each." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "The Court reduces this entry by 50%, from 0.8 hours to 0.4 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The Court reduces this entry from 0.9 hours to 0.4 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "This entry is too generic and vague for the Court to assess whether the time spent was redundant." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "because the case was unopposed and he did not speak at all during the trial, claiming 3.0 hours is excessive." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.7, "quote": "Because the case was unopposed, having a third attorney assigned to it was excessive and redundant. Accordingly, Oliveras-Maldonado's 8.0 hours for in-court work and 3.7 hours for out-of-court work will not be credited." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts employment fee award 44.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ruiz-romero-v-hotel-aloft-ponce-prd-3-22-cv-01526-0" }, { "slug": "wbl-spo-i-llc-v-revive-pittsburgh-real-estate-llc-pawd-2-25-cv-01642-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pawd-2_25-cv-01642-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pawd-2_25-cv-01642/USCOURTS-pawd-2_25-cv-01642-0", "case_name": "WBL SPO I LLC v. REVIVE PITTSBURGH REAL ESTATE, LLC", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-01642", "court_id": "pawd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "W.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "W. Scott Hardy", "date_filed": "2026-02-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6824, "fees_awarded": 6047.35, "dollar_cut": 776.65, "pct_cut": 11.38, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff submits invoices and a pre-bill indicating that it incurred attorneys' fees in the amount of $6,824 and costs in the amount of $315.35 based on hourly rates of $280 - $300 per hour, for a total amount of $7,139.35.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, the Court awards fees and costs to Plaintiff in the amount of $6,047.35.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1092, "hours": 3.9, "quote": "the block-billed entries commingle recoverable fees with nonrecoverable fees and this Court cannot discern which portions of these entries are recoverable on the present record and therefore will disallow both entries in their entirety" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1092, "hours": 3.9, "quote": "Because worked performed in relation to the oral argument in Common Pleas Court is not \"incurred as a result of the removal\" pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1447(c), such fees are not awardable here." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Pennsylvania cuts fee award 11.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wbl-spo-i-llc-v-revive-pittsburgh-real-estate-llc-pawd-2-25-cv-01642-0" }, { "slug": "century-bank-v-art-finance-funding-ix-llc-nmd-1-24-cv-01027-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nmd-1_24-cv-01027-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nmd-1_24-cv-01027/USCOURTS-nmd-1_24-cv-01027-3", "case_name": "Century Bank v. Art Finance Funding (IX), LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-01027", "court_id": "nmd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Mexico", "court_short": "D. New Mexico", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Matthew L. Garcia", "date_filed": "2026-02-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Modrall Sperling", "fees_requested": 23678.28, "fees_awarded": 21415.3, "dollar_cut": 2262.98, "pct_cut": 9.56, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 47, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Century Bank requests $23,678.28 for the work performed by three firms—Modrall Sperling, Hollowwa & Artley, and Giddens & Gatton—to collect on the promissory notes and litigate this suit.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Century Bank is awarded $21,415.30 in attorneys' fees, costs, and taxes against Defendants Art Finance Funding (IX), LLC and Andrew C. Rose, jointly and severally.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.3, "quote": "However, Century Bank's invoices include 5.3 hours spent on the following activities: (1) receiving and sending email and postage, (2) reviewing emails billed by the drafting attorney, (3) submitting orders to the Court, and (4) compiling service materials." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given the lack of information about Ms. Gutierrez besides her partner status, I recommend that the hourly rate charged for her hours be reduced to $350 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend this Court reduce the $220.00 per hour rate charged by Modrall Sperling's paralegals to $175.00 per hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Mexico cuts commercial fee award 9.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/century-bank-v-art-finance-funding-ix-llc-nmd-1-24-cv-01027-3" }, { "slug": "urban-v-sb-2028-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-60652-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60652-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60652/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60652-1", "case_name": "Urban v. SB 2028 LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-60652", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William P. Dimitrouleas", "date_filed": "2026-01-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 20640, "fees_awarded": 17840, "dollar_cut": 2800, "pct_cut": 13.57, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel allege they incurred $22,460 in fees, but following the 8.1 percent discount, seek an award of $20,640.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby awarded $14,240 for Mr. Kozolchyk (35.6 hours at $400 per hour), and $3,600 for Mr. Cuthbertson (14.4 hours at $250 per hour), for a total award of $17,840.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "counsel indicated that Mr. Cuthbertson had recently been awarded a rate of $250 per hour in this district. The undersigned finds this previous award to be in keeping with rates commonly awarded in this district." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with Defendant that there are instances of apparent double billing, in that Mr. Cuthbertson and Mr. Kozolchyk both charged for tasks that required only one attorney." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court observed several entries spent on tasks such as reviewing docket entries and other simple functions that, read together, appear excessive." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned finds an additional 10 percent across-the-board cut appropriate here. Accordingly, Mr. Kozolchyk should be compensated for 35.6 hours of work, while Mr. Cuthbertson should be compensated for 14.4 hours of work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 13.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/urban-v-sb-2028-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-60652-1" }, { "slug": "e-c-ruff-marine-inc-v-mv-bella-giornata-flsd-0-21-cv-60334-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_21-cv-60334-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_21-cv-60334/USCOURTS-flsd-0_21-cv-60334-1", "case_name": "E.C. Ruff Marine, Inc. v. MV Bella Giornata", "docket_number": "0:21-cv-60334", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Alicia O. Valle", "date_filed": "2026-01-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 79960, "fees_awarded": 71964, "dollar_cut": 7996, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks to recover $79,960 in attorney's fees for worked performed by attorney Adam Ludwin (at $400/hour), and paralegals Ms. Roxanna Smith and Ms. Shelley Larzhal (both at $200/hour).", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $71,964.00 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned recommends an across-the-board 10% reduction to the amount of fees requested to account for clerical work and counsel's block billing" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned recommends an across-the-board 10% reduction to the amount of fees requested to account for clerical work and counsel's block billing" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 10% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/e-c-ruff-marine-inc-v-mv-bella-giornata-flsd-0-21-cv-60334-1" }, { "slug": "conley-v-vacanti-flsd-0-23-cv-60384-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60384-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60384/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60384-4", "case_name": "Conley v. Vacanti", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-60384", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Raag Singhal", "date_filed": "2026-01-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Stinson LLP", "fees_requested": 731574.5, "fees_awarded": 570826.8, "dollar_cut": 160747.7, "pct_cut": 21.97, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek a total of $731,574.50 in attorneys’ fees. ECF No. 202.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant’s counsel should be awarded $570,826.80 in fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "given that Ms. Cuevas was a summer associate in 2023, when she worked on this case, I find that $290 per hour is not reasonable and reduce her rate to $150 per hour." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Ms. Webb’s work is not compensable as attorneys’ fees, as her work was technical in nature and not the type of work ordinarily performed by an attorney." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": 36.9, "quote": "Accordingly, I will reduce Ms. Parks’ hours by 50 percent, resulting in 36.9 hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "considering the instances of block billing, excessive time spent on certain tasks, vague time entries, and some time spent solely on state law claims, I conclude that a 20 percent across-the-board reduction is appropriate." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "considering the instances of block billing, excessive time spent on certain tasks, vague time entries, and some time spent solely on state law claims, I conclude that a 20 percent across-the-board reduction is appropriate." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "considering the instances of block billing, excessive time spent on certain tasks, vague time entries, and some time spent solely on state law claims, I conclude that a 20 percent across-the-board reduction is appropriate." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "considering the instances of block billing, excessive time spent on certain tasks, vague time entries, and some time spent solely on state law claims, I conclude that a 20 percent across-the-board reduction is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 22%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/conley-v-vacanti-flsd-0-23-cv-60384-4" }, { "slug": "dwyer-v-unitedhealthcare-insurance-company-txwd-1-17-cv-00439-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00439-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00439/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00439-0", "case_name": "Dwyer v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company", "docket_number": "1:17-cv-00439", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Mark Lane", "date_filed": "2026-01-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "Kantor & Kantor LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 43.6, "quote": "Accordingly, the court will recommend an award at 50% of the regular rate." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.4, "quote": "Dwyer does not defend the 9.4 hours United attacks, and the court finds they are too attenuated in time from the time the Complaint was filed to be in preparation of the litigation. Accordingly, the undersigned recommends fees for this time not be awarded" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.41, "quote": "review of Table 3 and the billing records indicates some entries reflect purely clerical work that is not recoverable as attorneys’ fees" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dwyer-v-unitedhealthcare-insurance-company-txwd-1-17-cv-00439-0" }, { "slug": "longeviquest-llc-v-kroczek-flsd-9-24-cv-81129-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81129-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81129/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81129-1", "case_name": "LongeviQuest, LLC v. Kroczek", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-81129", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2026-01-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 24797.5, "fees_awarded": 22317.75, "dollar_cut": 2479.75, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 50.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $24,797.50 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $22,317.75", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries show multiple timekeepers billing for the same task." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries show inefficiencies such as partners billing for routine procedural matters that could have been handled by an associate or paralegal at lower rates." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries have unclear descriptions. For example, the entries labeled “CANNON RE SAME” and “EXPRESS” lack explanation as to the work performed." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries include administrative tasks such as filing and preparing notices. (DE 24-1 at 5). The Court finds that purely administrative tasks should not be compensable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 10%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/longeviquest-llc-v-kroczek-flsd-9-24-cv-81129-1" }, { "slug": "kristin-wade-johannes-pamb-5-20-bk-01044-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pamb-5_20-bk-01044-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pamb-5_20-bk-01044/USCOURTS-pamb-5_20-bk-01044-0", "case_name": "Kristin Wade Johannes", "docket_number": "5:20-bk-01044", "court_id": "pamb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, M.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "Bankr. M.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Mark J. Conway", "date_filed": "2026-01-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3409, "fees_awarded": 2209, "dollar_cut": 1200, "pct_cut": 35.2, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "the Applicant requests \"final\" allowance of compensation in the amount of $3,409.00 and reimbursement of expenses in the amount of $28.50", "fees_awarded_quote": "hereby reduces compensation requested therein to the sum of $2,209.00 and reimbursement of expenses in the sum of $28.50", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reduction in the amount of allowed compensation is necessary due to charges for services that are non-billable administrative tasks, paralegal or secretarial duties that should have been billed at non-attorney rates" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "and for excessive time billed for certain tasks" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that two (2) hours of attorney time at most (which should include overhead for staff) should have been billed to this unopposed matter." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. M.D. Pennsylvania cuts bankruptcy fee award 35.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kristin-wade-johannes-pamb-5-20-bk-01044-0" }, { "slug": "schrider-v-devlin-contracting-and-maintenance-inc-mdd-1-24-cv-02978-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_24-cv-02978-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_24-cv-02978/USCOURTS-mdd-1_24-cv-02978-1", "case_name": "Schrider v. Devlin Contracting and Maintenance, Inc et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-02978", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Brendan A. Hurson", "date_filed": "2026-01-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Thatcher, Zavaro & Mani", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.5, "quote": "The remainder of the time billed for paralegal services is for non-compensable clerical work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts wage and hour fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/schrider-v-devlin-contracting-and-maintenance-inc-mdd-1-24-cv-02978-1" }, { "slug": "quigley-v-soul-surgery-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01050-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01050-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01050/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01050-3", "case_name": "Quigley v. Soul Surgery LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01050", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2026-01-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7609.5, "fees_awarded": 5674, "dollar_cut": 1935.5, "pct_cut": 25.44, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 17.1, "hours_awarded": 14.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "comprising of $7,609.50 in attorney fees at an hourly rate of $445 for 17.1 hours of work", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, the Court finds that the reasonable attorney’s fees award to be $5,674.00, reflecting 14.9 hours at an hourly rate of $395.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that an hourly rate of $395.00 is reasonable" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "The total for the above, disallowed clerical or secretarial tasks is 1.6 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "A total of .3 hours is therefore excluded in the interests of justice." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The Court further identifies an additional task entry that falls squarely under administrative or clerical tasks; “Draft, file Magistrate Consent Form (0.3 hours)”" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 25.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/quigley-v-soul-surgery-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01050-3" }, { "slug": "urban-v-sb-2028-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-60652-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60652-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60652/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60652-0", "case_name": "Urban v. SB 2028 LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-60652", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William P. Dimitrouleas", "date_filed": "2026-01-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 20640, "fees_awarded": 17840, "dollar_cut": 2800, "pct_cut": 13.57, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel allege they incurred $22,460 in fees, but following the 8.1 percent discount, seek an award of $20,640.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby awarded $14,240 for Mr. Kozolchyk (35.6 hours at $400 per hour), and $3,600 for Mr. Cuthbertson (14.4 hours at $250 per hour), for a total award of $17,840.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, it is recommended that Mr. Cuthbertson be awarded a rate of $250 per hour for his work on this case." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with Defendant that there are instances of apparent double billing, in that Mr. Cuthbertson and Mr. Kozolchyk both charged for tasks that required only one attorney." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court observed several entries spent on tasks such as reviewing docket entries and other simple functions that, read together, appear excessive." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned finds an additional 10 percent across-the-board cut appropriate here. Accordingly, Mr. Kozolchyk should be compensated for 35.6 hours of work, while Mr. Cuthbertson should be compensated for 14.4 hours of work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 13.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/urban-v-sb-2028-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-60652-0" }, { "slug": "white-v-sacramento-police-dept-caed-2-21-cv-02211-16", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-02211-16", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-02211/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-02211-16", "case_name": "White, et al. v. Sacramento Police Dept., et al.", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-02211", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-01-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Siegel, Yee, Brunner & Mehta", "fees_requested": 2579483.51, "fees_awarded": 230247, "dollar_cut": 2349236.51, "pct_cut": 91.07, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request $2,579,483.51 in fees for the work of 17 attorneys, and 7 paralegals and staff, from 3 different, concurrently staffed firms and organizations since March 2021.", "fees_awarded_quote": "$230,247 in attorneys' fees and $19,192 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Although Kashyap requests an hourly rate of $748.92 (Kashyap Decl. ¶¶ 21-26, 40), the Court finds an hourly rate of" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "requested fees is warranted, given the significant duplication" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 75, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "paralegal fees, resulting from a 75% reduction in the total number of hours requested after they were multiplied by the" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 65, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Instead, the Court finds an additional 65% reduction in fees" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts civil rights fee award 91.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/white-v-sacramento-police-dept-caed-2-21-cv-02211-16" }, { "slug": "allen-v-commissioner-of-social-security-administration-azd-2-22-cv-02154-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-02154-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-02154/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-02154-1", "case_name": "Allen v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-02154", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James A Teilborg", "date_filed": "2026-01-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 32029.88, "fees_awarded": 31962.34, "dollar_cut": 67.54, "pct_cut": 0.21, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 127.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel agreed to a voluntary reduction of fees and now requests $32,029.88 in attorneys' fees plus $1,007.00 in filing fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS ORDERED granting the motion for attorney's fees under the EAJA (Doc. 39) such that fees and expenses in the amount of $31,962.34 as authorized by 28 U.S.C. § 2412", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 740, "hours": 7.4, "quote": "to account for paralegal billing of clerical work, the fee request is reduced by $740, representing 7.4 hours at the hourly rate of $100 for paralegal work." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1007.36, "hours": 4, "quote": "The Court will accept Plaintiff's proposed reduction of 4 hours at $251.84 per hour, totaling $1,007.36. The Court agrees this excises all clerical work from the bill." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts social security fee award 0.2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/allen-v-commissioner-of-social-security-administration-azd-2-22-cv-02154-1" }, { "slug": "deutsche-bank-national-trust-company-v-king-johnson-txnd-3-23-cv-02697-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-02697-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-02697/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-02697-1", "case_name": "Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. King-Johnson et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-02697", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sam A. Lindsay", "date_filed": "2026-01-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, P.C.", "fees_requested": 5260.5, "fees_awarded": 4208.4, "dollar_cut": 1052.1, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $5,260.50 in attorney's fees and $709 in costs—$5,969.50 in total—pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d)(2).", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court grants in part Plaintiff's Motion (Doc. 23) to the extent that it awards Plaintiff $4,208.40 in attorney's fees and $709 in costs for a total award amount of $4,917.40.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "because Plaintiff's attorneys failed to exercise billing judgment, the Court finds that the number of hours reflected in the billing statements is unreasonable and recommends reducing the overall amount sought by 20 percent" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing invoices reflect several entries that are duplicative and excessive. There are over 10 entries—totaling over 3 hours—spent reviewing the status of the docket and the Court's ruling" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds these sorts of tasks to be largely administrative and an inappropriate item to bill." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 20%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/deutsche-bank-national-trust-company-v-king-johnson-txnd-3-23-cv-02697-1" }, { "slug": "megatel-homes-llc-v-moayedi-txnd-3-20-cv-00688-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-00688-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-00688/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-00688-6", "case_name": "Megatel Homes LLC et al v. Moayedi et al", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-00688", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sam A. Lindsay", "date_filed": "2026-01-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Kirkland & Ellis LLP", "fees_requested": 400199.6, "fees_awarded": 156067.5, "dollar_cut": 244132.1, "pct_cut": 61, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 446.5, "hours_awarded": 446.5, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "requesting an award of $400,199.60 in attorney’s fees for 446.5 hours of work related to the Filings and Fee Application.", "fees_awarded_quote": "they are entitled to and shall recover $156,067.50 in reasonable attorney’s fees against Megatel as a discovery sanction.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that Kirkland’s national rates are not consistent with Dallas area market rates for attorneys with similar experience, skill, and ability handling this type of litigation." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "applying a discount of –20% to account for block billing" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "an additional –5% to account for counsels’ time spent on document review and clerical work" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts fee award 61%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/megatel-homes-llc-v-moayedi-txnd-3-20-cv-00688-6" }, { "slug": "desoto-v-dot-foods-inc-caed-2-24-cv-01140-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-01140-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-01140/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-01140-8", "case_name": "Desoto v. Dot Foods, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01140", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2026-01-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Husch Blackwell LLP", "fees_requested": 31051.35, "fees_awarded": 15709.05, "dollar_cut": 15342.3, "pct_cut": 49.41, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 58.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks attorney fees in the amount of $31,051.35 for one partner, one senior associate, and one senior paralegal from Husch Blackwell LLP who worked a total of 58.7 hours", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court therefore orders Plaintiff DeSoto to pay reasonable expenses in the amount of $15,709.05 to Defendant within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendant submitted a block billing summary of its claimed fees without any dates and without any differentiation between the three individuals for whom it seeks fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendant submitted a block billing summary of its claimed fees without any dates and without any differentiation between the three individuals for whom it seeks fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendant fails to justify why a partner, a senior associate, and a senior paralegal were needed to complete almost all of the same tasks." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.2, "quote": "Defendant is not entitled to recover its total fees sought, including any fees for its senior paralegal, because the fees sought are for the same work for all three individuals." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "efforts to subpoena Ms. DeSoto, who is not a party to the action and insufficient detail was provided to justify these fees" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "fees sought for the motion to compel and memorandum separate from the Joint Statement where the Local Rules require parties to file a Joint Statement, and not a separate motion to compel brief" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award 49.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/desoto-v-dot-foods-inc-caed-2-24-cv-01140-8" }, { "slug": "gallagher-v-the-unified-court-system-of-the-state-of-new-nynd-3-18-cv-01476-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynd-3_18-cv-01476-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynd-3_18-cv-01476/USCOURTS-nynd-3_18-cv-01476-2", "case_name": "Gallagher et al v. The Unified Court System of the State of New York et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-01476", "court_id": "nynd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Glenn T. Suddaby", "date_filed": "2025-12-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Dreyer Boyajian LLP", "fees_requested": 357585, "fees_awarded": 147697.2, "dollar_cut": 209887.8, "pct_cut": 58.7, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 928, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "the requested amount of fees––$357,585.00––is reasonable based on the time expended", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court grants Plaintiff Gallagher’s motion for attorney’s fees and awards such fees in the amount of $147,697.20.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the hourly rates requested by Plaintiffs’ counsel are clearly above what has been considered to be reasonable in the Northern District of New York" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 20-percent reduction is appropriate to account for various entries utilizing block-billing" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 20-percent reduction is appropriate to account for various entries utilizing block-billing, claiming duplicative work, or otherwise encompassing tasks that are non-compensable for various reasons" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 20-percent reduction is appropriate to account for various entries ... otherwise encompassing tasks that are non-compensable for various reasons" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. New York cuts civil rights fee award 58.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gallagher-v-the-unified-court-system-of-the-state-of-new-nynd-3-18-cv-01476-2" }, { "slug": "albert-v-edward-william-sl-hid-1-23-cv-00221-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_23-cv-00221-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_23-cv-00221/USCOURTS-hid-1_23-cv-00221-8", "case_name": "Albert v. Edward William, SL", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00221", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Derrick K. Watson", "date_filed": "2025-12-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Yoshimoto Law Group, LLLC", "fees_requested": 181720.2, "fees_awarded": 179343.2, "dollar_cut": 2377, "pct_cut": 1.31, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Allied Defendants request attorneys' fees in the amount of $181,720.20 for work performed by counsel in litigating this matter beginning on June 29, 2023.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court recommends that Allied Defendants be granted their reasonable attorneys' fees in the amount of $179,343.20.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 145, "hours": 1, "quote": "the Court FINDS that Entry 1 on ECF No. 322-4 at PageID.4179 is inappropriately block billed. Accordingly, the Court RECOMMENDS that this entry be stricken" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16.1, "quote": "these entries fail to comply with Local Rule 54.2(f)(3). The Court therefore RECOMMENDS that the above entries be stricken." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts commercial fee award 1.3% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/albert-v-edward-william-sl-hid-1-23-cv-00221-8" }, { "slug": "brandon-v-board-of-education-of-the-city-of-st-louis-moed-4-22-cv-00635-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-moed-4_22-cv-00635-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-moed-4_22-cv-00635/USCOURTS-moed-4_22-cv-00635-4", "case_name": "Brandon et al v. Board of Education of the City of St. Louis", "docket_number": "4:22-cv-00635", "court_id": "moed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Missouri", "court_short": "E.D. Missouri", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen R. Clark", "date_filed": "2025-12-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Kasper Law Firm, LLC", "fees_requested": 1270920, "fees_awarded": 1258380, "dollar_cut": 12540, "pct_cut": 0.99, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 2599, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Using the rates discussed above, the Court calculates Plaintiff's counsel attorneys' fees as $1,270,920, prior to any reduction", "fees_awarded_quote": "This results in a total fee award of $1,258,380.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "1. Entries for clerical work," }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "2. Entries that are vague or contain insufficient description," }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "3. Block-billed entries, and" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "4. Entries for tasks unnecessary to (or unsubstantiated as necessary to) this case." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Missouri cuts employment fee award 1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/brandon-v-board-of-education-of-the-city-of-st-louis-moed-4-22-cv-00635-4" }, { "slug": "hrt-enterprises-v-city-of-detroit-mi-ca6-24-01068-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca6-24-01068-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca6-24-01068/USCOURTS-ca6-24-01068-0", "case_name": "HRT Enterprises v. City of Detroit, MI", "docket_number": "24-01068", "court_id": "ca6", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit", "court_short": "Sixth Circuit", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Griffin", "date_filed": "2025-12-22", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "MARK GRANZOTTO, P.C.", "fees_requested": 1796626.87, "fees_awarded": 677880, "dollar_cut": 1118746.87, "pct_cut": 62.27, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 3169, "hours_awarded": 2259.6, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "As the prevailing party, HRT moved for $1,796,626.87 in attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. § 1988 for work performed from 2009 until the final verdict.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Multiplying the number of reasonable hours (2,259.6) by the reasonable hourly rate ($300) yielded a lodestar benchmark of $677,880, which the district court found did not require further adjustment.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 1078, "quote": "the district court \"reduce[d] the lodestar in rough proportion to the observable incidence of disallowable fees\" by applying \"a 33% discount against the gross number of compensable hours to account for the pervasive corruption of the billing records.\"" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 1078, "quote": "HRT had provided \"poor descriptions\" for several entries and commingled numerous hours \"expended in several entirely separate matters, for which they have no legal grounds for seeking an award of fees.\"" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it looked to a state bar report on median hourly rates and, based on this report, set the reasonable hourly rate at the \"overall market average\" of $300 per hour." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Sixth Circuit cuts civil rights fee award 62.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hrt-enterprises-v-city-of-detroit-mi-ca6-24-01068-0" }, { "slug": "quigley-v-soul-surgery-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01050-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01050-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01050/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01050-2", "case_name": "Quigley v. Soul Surgery LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01050", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2025-12-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7609.5, "fees_awarded": 5674, "dollar_cut": 1935.5, "pct_cut": 25.44, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 17.1, "hours_awarded": 14.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "comprising of $7,609.50 in attorney fees at an hourly rate of $445 for 17.1 hours of work", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court finds that the reasonable attorney’s fees award to be $5,674.00, reflecting 14.9 hours at an hourly rate of $395.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that an hourly rate of $395.00 is reasonable" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "The total for the above, disallowed clerical or secretarial tasks is 1.6 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "A total of .3 hours is therefore excluded in the interests of justice." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The Court further identifies an additional task entry that falls squarely under administrative or clerical tasks; “Draft, file Magistrate Consent Form (0.3 hours)”" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 25.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/quigley-v-soul-surgery-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01050-2" }, { "slug": "jth-tax-llc-v-brown-txnd-3-24-cv-02083-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02083-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02083/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02083-1", "case_name": "JTH Tax LLC v. Brown et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-02083", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rebecca Rutherford", "date_filed": "2025-12-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP", "fees_requested": 93446.58, "fees_awarded": 53545.75, "dollar_cut": 39900.83, "pct_cut": 42.7, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed its motion for attorney’s fees and costs seeking $93,446.58 in attorney’s fees; $1,977.30 in costs and expenses; and $3,905.06 in pre-judgment interest—$99,328.94 in total.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the District Judge should GRANT Plaintiff’s Motion in part and award Plaintiff $53,545.75 in attorney’s fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that staffing the matter with six partners, two associates, and two paralegals resulted in duplicative and redundant work." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff does not attach billing statements recording the number of hours spent drafting and filing the instant motion, which precludes the Court from examining the propriety of Plaintiff’s estimated fee." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts IP fee award 42.7%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/jth-tax-llc-v-brown-txnd-3-24-cv-02083-1" }, { "slug": "morrow-v-city-of-tenaha-deputy-city-marshal-barry-washington-txed-2-08-cv-00288-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txed-2_08-cv-00288-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txed-2_08-cv-00288/USCOURTS-txed-2_08-cv-00288-9", "case_name": "Morrow v. City of Tenaha Deputy City Marshal Barry Washington et al", "docket_number": "2:08-cv-00288", "court_id": "txed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Texas", "court_short": "E.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rodney Gilstrap", "date_filed": "2025-12-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 405965, "fees_awarded": 296110, "dollar_cut": 109855, "pct_cut": 27.06, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request addition attorneys' fees from the period from January 1, 2021 through the time of the filing of the Motion in the amount of $405,965.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Plaintiffs are hereby awarded a sum of $296,110 in fees, to be paid by the City Defendants, instanter.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 45, "quote": "Accordingly, the lodestar is reduced by 45 hours for the Fourth Fees Motion" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 22, "quote": "Similarly, the lodestar is reduced by 22 hours for the Fifth Fees Motion." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10, "quote": "reduces the lodestar by 10 hours with respect to the time Mr. Craig billed for work on the same" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 15, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds a reduction of 15 hours to the lodestar to be reasonable." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reduction of 20 percentage points in time billed for work on the 2023 Appeal is reasonable." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 33.3, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given this shared posture, the Court finds that a further 33.3 percentage point reduction in time billed for work on the 2023 Appeal is appropriate." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court further finds that the complexity of the work has not appreciably changed such that it sees no reason to deviate from its prior decision that $350 an hour is reasonable for Mr. Craig's work and awards him that rate for his work." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Texas cuts civil rights fee award 27.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/morrow-v-city-of-tenaha-deputy-city-marshal-barry-washington-txed-2-08-cv-00288-9" }, { "slug": "singh-v-experian-information-solutions-inc-mnd-0-25-cv-00378-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_25-cv-00378-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_25-cv-00378/USCOURTS-mnd-0_25-cv-00378-0", "case_name": "Singh v. Experian Information Solutions, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "0:25-cv-00378", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Katherine Menendez", "date_filed": "2025-12-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 20622.5, "fees_awarded": 20175, "dollar_cut": 447.5, "pct_cut": 2.17, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 47.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks a total award of $28,712.50, comprised of $20,622.50 in attorneys’ fees and $590 in costs in addition to the $7,500 provided in the offer of judgment.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court concludes that an award of $20,175 in attorneys’ fees and $211.25 in costs is reasonable and, including the $7,500 agreed to in the offer of judgment, awards Plaintiff a total of $27,886.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The Court identifies seven entries that appear to be entirely administrative, totaling 0.5 hours at an attorney rate and 1.0 hours at a paralegal rate. Those amounts are deducted from the fee award." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court deducts those hours from the fee award." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.9, "quote": "But the Court declines at this time to award fees for the 7.9 hours spent preparing the reply." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts consumer protection fee award 2.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/singh-v-experian-information-solutions-inc-mnd-0-25-cv-00378-0" }, { "slug": "hyc-logistics-inc-v-ojcommerce-llc-tnwd-2-23-cv-02050-12", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnwd-2_23-cv-02050-12", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnwd-2_23-cv-02050/USCOURTS-tnwd-2_23-cv-02050-12", "case_name": "HYC Logistics, Inc. v. OJCOMMERCE, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-02050", "court_id": "tnwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "W.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Thomas L. Parker", "date_filed": "2025-12-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Glankler Brown, PLLC", "fees_requested": 513846.5, "fees_awarded": 450000, "dollar_cut": 63846.5, "pct_cut": 12.43, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1495.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "After removing $6,578.50 in fees incurred during the Florida litigation and $84,819.50 in fees related to the claims against Weiss, HYC's proposed fees come to $513,846.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court ORDERS OJC to pay $450,000.00 in attorneys' fees and $9,089.12 in costs, plus post-judgment interest under 28 U.S.C. § 1961.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 84819.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the claims against Weiss move well past HYC's collection costs. The Court accordingly finds that HYC may not recover attorney fees for those claims." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "It is more reasonable to set the lowest associate rate on record—$265.00—as their market rate." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore aligns her fee with OJC's paralegal costs: $85.00 an hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "HYC does not explain why his rate increased by $100.00 per hour in 2025. And the Court finds no compelling reason to award that increase." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Kahane billed 4.10 hours for \"Trial Prep.\" But Kahane never described what exactly that preparation entailed. And there are many similar entries." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But Kahane never described what exactly that preparation entailed. And there are many similar entries. This type of billing may work for some clients. But in this context, it hinders the Court's ability to decide whether such entries are reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Tennessee cuts commercial fee award 12.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hyc-logistics-inc-v-ojcommerce-llc-tnwd-2-23-cv-02050-12" }, { "slug": "arlene-huff-ohsb-2-24-bk-54407-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ohsb-2_24-bk-54407-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ohsb-2_24-bk-54407/USCOURTS-ohsb-2_24-bk-54407-0", "case_name": "Arlene Huff", "docket_number": "2:24-bk-54407", "court_id": "ohsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Ohio", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Ohio", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Nami Khorrami", "date_filed": "2025-11-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Gardner Legal, LLC d/b/a Option 1 Legal", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 106.95, "hours": null, "quote": "Option 1 Legal does not maintain time records for any of the services it provides to its clients, and this is true for the services it provided to Ms. Huff." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 106.95, "hours": null, "quote": "The absence of any evidence related to these factors makes it impossible for the Court to evaluate the reasonableness of the post-October 31, 2023, fees." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Ohio cuts bankruptcy fee award, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/arlene-huff-ohsb-2-24-bk-54407-0" }, { "slug": "miles-v-thomas-suites-campus-of-care-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01286-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01286-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01286/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01286-3", "case_name": "Miles v. Thomas Suites Campus of Care LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01286", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2025-11-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9434, "fees_awarded": 8277, "dollar_cut": 1157, "pct_cut": 12.26, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 21.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel, Mr. Clifford Bendau II, requests a total of $17,990.71 in attorney fees and costs, comprising of $9,434.00 in attorney fees at an hourly rate of $445 for 21.2 hours of work", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED awarding Plaintiff $8,277.00 in attorneys' fees and $687.57 in costs for a total of $8,964.57 against all Defendants.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "The R&R recommended that the Court reduce Mr. Bendau's hours billed by 2.3, as several time entries are not recoverable as attorneys' fees." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Further, the Court finds an additional task entry that falls squarely under administrative or clerical tasks. \"Send docket to client (0.3 hours)[.]\"" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 12.3% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/miles-v-thomas-suites-campus-of-care-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01286-3" }, { "slug": "sapphire-hospitality-investments-llc-v-oregon-mutual-idd-3-23-cv-00146-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-idd-3_23-cv-00146-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-idd-3_23-cv-00146/USCOURTS-idd-3_23-cv-00146-1", "case_name": "Sapphire Hospitality Investments, LLC v. Oregon Mutual Insurance Company", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00146", "court_id": "idd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Idaho", "court_short": "D. Idaho", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2025-11-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Dunn & Black, P.S.", "fees_requested": 15695.5, "fees_awarded": 14024.5, "dollar_cut": 1671, "pct_cut": 10.65, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 44.1, "hours_awarded": 37.5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "These reductions total $1,671, lowering the fee award from $15,695.50 to $14,024.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $14,024.50 in attorney fees and $1,207.11 in costs, for a total of $15,231.61.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1431, "hours": 5.4, "quote": "Consequently, the Court finds 18 hours to be the reasonable amount and reduces the claimed time by 5.4 hours at the associate rate of $265 per hour. This equates to a reduction of $1,431." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 240, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "Because such tasks are not compensable, the Court deducts 1.2 hours at the staff rate of $200 per hour, for a reduction of $240." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Idaho cuts commercial fee award 10.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sapphire-hospitality-investments-llc-v-oregon-mutual-idd-3-23-cv-00146-1" }, { "slug": "self-v-state-of-oregon-ord-2-22-cv-01016-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-2_22-cv-01016-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-2_22-cv-01016/USCOURTS-ord-2_22-cv-01016-1", "case_name": "Self v. State of Oregon et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01016", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jeff Armistead", "date_filed": "2025-11-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Prisoner rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 74055, "fees_awarded": 26250, "dollar_cut": 47805, "pct_cut": 64.55, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Self timely moved for attorneys' fees under 42 U.S.C. § 1988, seeking $74,055.00 in fees and $26,325.57 in expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The court will instead award $26,250 in attorneys' fees, or 150 percent of Self's monetary judgment.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "Those clerical entries total 1.5 hours and are excluded from the lodestar amount." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.6, "quote": "Together with the 1.2 hours billed for the Maney deposition, the court attributes 4.6 hours to the pursuit of unsuccessful claims and excludes them from the lodestar amount." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "As required by the PLRA, Burgess's hourly rate must be capped at $262.50/hour, which is 150 percent of the 2025 rate authorized by Judicial Conference for payment of court-appointed counsel." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This court finds likewise—an hourly rate of $75/hour is appropriate given the lack of information about market rates and Lynch's qualifications and experience." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "That amount exceeds the 150 percent cap imposed by § 1997e(d)(2). The court will instead award $26,250 in attorneys' fees, or 150 percent of Self's monetary judgment." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts prisoner rights fee award 64.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/self-v-state-of-oregon-ord-2-22-cv-01016-1" }, { "slug": "burris-v-baxter-county-regional-hospital-arwd-3-23-cv-03008-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-arwd-3_23-cv-03008-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-arwd-3_23-cv-03008/USCOURTS-arwd-3_23-cv-03008-4", "case_name": "Burris v. Baxter County Regional Hospital", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-03008", "court_id": "arwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Arkansas", "court_short": "W.D. Arkansas", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Mark E. Ford", "date_filed": "2025-11-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Josephson Dunlap, LLP", "fees_requested": 391000, "fees_awarded": 133208.75, "dollar_cut": 257791.25, "pct_cut": 65.93, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs now request $391,000.00 in attorney’s fees and $26,330.00 in costs pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 216(b).", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are entitled to an award of $133,208.75 in attorney’s fees and $23,159.70 in costs associated with representing the Plaintiffs’ Collective Class.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The Court agrees and will reduce Hastings hours by 1.50 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.2, "quote": "the Court will deduct 2.20 paralegal hours for this work." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "the Court will deduct 1.50 hours from Schreiber’s hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "We agree and will deduct an additional .50 hours from Schreiber’s total award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.2, "quote": "the Court will deduct an additional 3.20 paralegal hours related to these tasks." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 25, "quote": "we will reduce Schreiber’s fee award by an additional 25.00 hours to account for the excessive hours" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 25, "quote": "duplicative legal research and drafting/editing tasks performed by attorneys at both JD and AA." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 29.7, "quote": "the Court will reduce the award by 29.70 hours. Both Schreiber’s and Matthews’ hours will be reduced by 14.85 hours each." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 29.7, "quote": "the Court will reduce the award by 29.70 hours. Both Schreiber’s and Matthews’ hours will be reduced by 14.85 hours each." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12.1, "quote": "we do find 42.10 hours to be excessive. Therefore, we will reduce Braddy’s and Schreiber’s fee by 6.05 hours each." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 144.4, "quote": "the Court will reduce Matthews’ and Schreiber’s awarded hours by 72.20 each." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds the reasonable hourly rates for FLSA work performed herein are depicted in the table below." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Arkansas cuts wage and hour fee award 65.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/burris-v-baxter-county-regional-hospital-arwd-3-23-cv-03008-4" }, { "slug": "cook-v-superior-assisted-living-llc-mdd-1-24-cv-00815-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_24-cv-00815-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_24-cv-00815/USCOURTS-mdd-1_24-cv-00815-3", "case_name": "Cook v. Superior Assisted Living, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00815", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Erin Aslan", "date_filed": "2025-11-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 59347.5, "fees_awarded": 48337.38, "dollar_cut": 11010.12, "pct_cut": 18.55, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 262.2, "hours_awarded": 222.87, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Ms. Cook seeks a fee award of $59,347.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will therefore award $48,337.38 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mr. Owosu-Koduah's hourly rate will be reduced to $200 and Ms. McBrown's hourly rate will be reduced to $150." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given the multiple billing entries related to administrative and clerical tasks contained in the fee petition, this Court finds a reduction in compensable hours is necessary." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts wage and hour fee award 18.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cook-v-superior-assisted-living-llc-mdd-1-24-cv-00815-3" }, { "slug": "bayerlein-v-anderson-ilsd-3-25-cv-01027-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ilsd-3_25-cv-01027-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ilsd-3_25-cv-01027/USCOURTS-ilsd-3_25-cv-01027-1", "case_name": "Bayerlein v. Anderson", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-01027", "court_id": "ilsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Illinois", "court_short": "S.D. Illinois", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "J. Phil Gilbert", "date_filed": "2025-11-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 24386, "fees_awarded": 2644, "dollar_cut": 21742, "pct_cut": 89.16, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Bayerlein has asked for a total award of costs and fees in the amount of $26,440.43 comprising $24,386.00 in attorney's fees and $2,054.43 in expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court GRANTS Bayerlein's motion for fees and costs (Doc. 24) but only in the amount of $2,644.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it would be profoundly unfair and clearly inappropriate to make Anderson pay all of Bayerlein's costs and fees associated with the litigation. A fair amount would be ten percent of the amount she has requested." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Such a reduction is further reasonable in light of the excessive hourly rate ($400.00 per hour) of Bayerlein's counsel" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "and the performance of some secretary or paralegal duties by counsel" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Illinois cuts fee award 89.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bayerlein-v-anderson-ilsd-3-25-cv-01027-1" }, { "slug": "miles-v-thomas-suites-campus-of-care-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01286-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01286-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01286/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01286-2", "case_name": "Miles v. Thomas Suites Campus of Care LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01286", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2025-11-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9434, "fees_awarded": 8277, "dollar_cut": 1157, "pct_cut": 12.26, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 21.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "comprising of $9,434.00 in attorney fees at an hourly rate of $445 for 21.2 hours of work", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED awarding Plaintiff $8,277.00 in attorneys' fees and $687.57 in costs for a total of $8,964.57 against all Defendants.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "The R&R recommended that the Court reduce Mr. Bendau's hours billed by 2.3, as several time entries are not recoverable as attorneys' fees." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Further, the Court finds an additional task entry that falls squarely under administrative or clerical tasks. \"Send docket to client (0.3 hours)[.]\"" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 12.3% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/miles-v-thomas-suites-campus-of-care-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01286-2" }, { "slug": "deutsche-bank-national-trust-company-v-king-johnson-txnd-3-23-cv-02697-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-02697-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-02697/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-02697-0", "case_name": "Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. King-Johnson et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-02697", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sam A. Lindsay", "date_filed": "2025-10-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, P.C.", "fees_requested": 5260.5, "fees_awarded": 4208.4, "dollar_cut": 1052.1, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed its motion for attorney's fees and costs seeking $5,260.50 in fees and $709.00 in costs—$5,969.50 in total.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court grants in part Plaintiff's Motion (Doc. 23) to the extent that it awards Plaintiff $4,208.40 in attorney's fees and $709 in costs for a total award amount of $4,917.40.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, because Plaintiff's attorneys failed to exercise billing judgment, the Court finds that the number of hours reflected in the billing statements is unreasonable and recommends reducing the overall amount sought by 20 percent, thus arriving at $4,208.40." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Additionally, the billing invoices reflect several entries that are duplicative and excessive. There are over 10 entries—totaling over 3 hours—spent reviewing the status of the docket and the Court's ruling on the Motion for Default Judgment." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds these sorts of tasks to be largely administrative and an inappropriate item to bill." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 20%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/deutsche-bank-national-trust-company-v-king-johnson-txnd-3-23-cv-02697-0" }, { "slug": "mcpherson-v-suburban-ann-arbor-llc-mied-2-20-cv-13152-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mied-2_20-cv-13152-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-2_20-cv-13152/USCOURTS-mied-2_20-cv-13152-3", "case_name": "MCPHERSON v. Suburban Ann Arbor, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-13152", "court_id": "mied", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Michigan", "court_short": "E.D. Michigan", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David M. Lawson", "date_filed": "2025-10-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 78142, "fees_awarded": 37357, "dollar_cut": 40785, "pct_cut": 52.19, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 174, "hours_awarded": 83, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "The plaintiff now presents a total supplemental fee demand of $78,142.", "fees_awarded_quote": "With the discounts imposed, the resulting total award will be $37,357 for all of the labor undertaken to conclude the proceedings", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 15210, "hours": 33.8, "quote": "a total of 33.8 hours ($15,210) for the duplicative and excessive billings will be deducted from the fee award" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 12285, "hours": 27.3, "quote": "The defendant’s accounting identified 27.3 hours ($12,285) of Mr. Lyngklip’s billings attributable to the unsuccessful appeal." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 900, "hours": 6, "quote": "the defendant identified 6.0 hours of time ($900) billed by the plaintiff’s paralegal Ms. Moore" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 24.1, "quote": "the Court will deduct charges for the unnecessary post-judgment motion practice and other tasks that were incurred only as a consequence of the futile appeal" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.9, "quote": "those amounts also will be removed from the fee award" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Michigan cuts consumer protection fee award 52.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mcpherson-v-suburban-ann-arbor-llc-mied-2-20-cv-13152-3" }, { "slug": "ecological-rights-foundation-v-united-states-army-corps-of-cand-3-23-cv-05309-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05309-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05309/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05309-0", "case_name": "Ecological Rights Foundation v. United States Army Corps of Engineers et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-05309", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Maxine M. Chesney", "date_filed": "2025-10-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": "Environmental Advocates", "fees_requested": 166840.2, "fees_awarded": 145863.7, "dollar_cut": 20976.5, "pct_cut": 12.57, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "EcoRights seeks an award of fees in the amount of $166,840.20 and an award of costs in the amount of $1,122.62.", "fees_awarded_quote": "EcoRights is awarded attorneys' fees in the amount of $145,863.70 and costs in the amount of $792.46 for a total award of $146,656.16.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1841.5, "hours": 2.6, "quote": "the Court has identified 2.6 other hours that do so qualify. In particular, Wilcox spent 0.1 hours billed at $800.00 per hour \"calendaring dates,\" 1.8 hours billed at $860.00 on clerical tasks" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 602, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "the one exception being 0.7 hours billed at an hourly rate of $860.00, which results in a fee of $602.00 for the time Wilcox spent waiting for a case management conference to be called" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 532.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the above-referenced duplicate fee in the amount of $532.50 will not be awarded, and no other deductions will be made on the grounds of redundancy" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 8614, "hours": 9.94, "quote": "the Court will disallow one fifth of the above-referenced 49.7 hours" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8964.5, "hours": 10.4, "quote": "the Court will disallow a third of the above-referenced 31.2 hours" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts FOIA fee award 12.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ecological-rights-foundation-v-united-states-army-corps-of-cand-3-23-cv-05309-0" }, { "slug": "jth-tax-llc-v-kukla-nyed-2-22-cv-01542-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-01542-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-01542/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-01542-2", "case_name": "JTH Tax LLC v. Kukla et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01542", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Joanna Seybert", "date_filed": "2025-10-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 7435.03, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court declines to award attorney’s fees for the default judgment motion . Accordingly , the Court deducts 50% of t he h ours sough t f rom these entr i es" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "“partner-heavy staffing” is a factor courts have held “warrants a reduction in the hours awarded.”" }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "failure to itemize how many cumulative hours each respective attorney billed stymied the Court’s “reasonable hours” analysis." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/jth-tax-llc-v-kukla-nyed-2-22-cv-01542-2" }, { "slug": "dairy-farmers-of-america-inc-v-bernon-land-trust-llc-mad-1-22-cv-10422-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-10422-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-10422/USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-10422-3", "case_name": "Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. v. Bernon Land Trust, LLC", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-10422", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Julia E. Kobick", "date_filed": "2025-10-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Dairy Farmers’ fee request for work performed in connection with its fee petition will accordingly be reduced by 70%," }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 11.62, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will accordingly apply a global reduction of 11.62% to Dairy Farmers’ fee request to account for the time that its counsel devoted to the Lease Claims." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that a 20% global reduction is warranted to account for the time that Dairy Farmers’ counsel devoted to non-core work and to sanction their use of block billing." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that a 20% global reduction is warranted to account for the time that Dairy Farmers’ counsel devoted to non-core work and to sanction their use of block billing." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts commercial fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dairy-farmers-of-america-inc-v-bernon-land-trust-llc-mad-1-22-cv-10422-3" }, { "slug": "greenwald-v-united-states-of-america-ohsd-2-23-cv-04100-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ohsd-2_23-cv-04100-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_23-cv-04100/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_23-cv-04100-1", "case_name": "Greenwald v. United States Of America", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-04100", "court_id": "ohsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Ohio", "court_short": "S.D. Ohio", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Chelsey M. Vascura", "date_filed": "2025-10-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 37505, "fees_awarded": 34081, "dollar_cut": 3424, "pct_cut": 9.13, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Therein, Plaintiff seeks \"a minimum of $37,505.00 in attorney fees\" as a prevailing party under 26 U.S.C. § 7430.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant is ORDERED to pay Plaintiff a total of $34,081 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1610, "hours": 7, "quote": "Accordingly, all time entries prior to Plaintiff's May 24, 2023 Qualified Offer, totaling 7 hours and $1,610 in fees, are disallowed." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4314, "hours": 17.6, "quote": "These entries, totaling 17.6 hours and $4,314 in fees, are disallowed." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Ohio cuts fee award 9.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/greenwald-v-united-states-of-america-ohsd-2-23-cv-04100-1" }, { "slug": "trinh-v-shriners-hospitals-for-children-ord-3-22-cv-01999-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-01999-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-01999/USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-01999-4", "case_name": "Trinh v. Shriners Hospitals for Children", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01999", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stacie F. Beckerman", "date_filed": "2025-10-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Davis Wright Tremaine LLP", "fees_requested": 55707, "fees_awarded": 43099.3, "dollar_cut": 12607.7, "pct_cut": 22.63, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "SHC seeks an award of $55,707.00 in attorney’s fees", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court GRANTS IN PART SHC’s motion for attorney’s fees (ECF No. 67), and AWARDS SHC $43,099.30", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4487.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court, however, declines to award SHC the remaining $4,487.50 in fees it requests for work related to the Court’s Discovery Order." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4309.5, "hours": 5.6, "quote": "The Court finds 7.6 total hours excessive considering the work performed and inclusion of unspecified amounts of time performing tasks that courts have deemed clerical work." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4309.5, "hours": 5.6, "quote": "The Court finds 7.6 total hours excessive considering the work performed and inclusion of unspecified amounts of time performing tasks that courts have deemed clerical work." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": 5.16, "quote": "the Courts reduces SHC’s hours by 10% (i.e., a “haircut”) and awards SHC $34,296.30 for 46.44 hours of work (i.e., $38,107.00 or 51.60 hours multiplied by 0.90)." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts employment fee award 22.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/trinh-v-shriners-hospitals-for-children-ord-3-22-cv-01999-4" }, { "slug": "robert-otto-v-city-of-boca-raton-florida-ca11-24-10478-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca11-24-10478-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca11-24-10478/USCOURTS-ca11-24-10478-0", "case_name": "Robert Otto, et al v. City of Boca Raton, Florida, et al", "docket_number": "24-10478", "court_id": "ca11", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit", "court_short": "Eleventh Circuit", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "PER CURIAM (JILL PRYOR, GRANT, and BRASHER, Circuit Judges)", "date_filed": "2025-10-20", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Liberty Counsel", "fees_requested": 2115018, "fees_awarded": 884374.77, "dollar_cut": 1230643.23, "pct_cut": 58.19, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 2274.8, "hours_awarded": 1819.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "They sought $2,115,018 in attorney's fees ($1,410,012 for approximately 2,275 hours billed at current rates, plus a 150% enhancement to account for the \"undesirability\" of the case)", "fees_awarded_quote": "We vacate the district court's order for costs and remand with instructions to increase the award of attorney's fees to $884,374.77", "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 169.5, "quote": "The plaintiffs do not contest the district court's determination that 169.5 hours were billed after the defendants' offers of judgment, so we accept that calculation." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 86.3, "quote": "The plaintiffs do not dispute the district court's calculation that their attorneys billed 86.3 hours for the nonbillable travel, so we accept that figure." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "we do our own calculation and apply a 50% reduction to the hours billed for the initial pleadings" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "we do our own calculation and apply a 50% reduction to the hours billed for the initial pleadings and a 40% reduction to the time spent in preparation for oral argument" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "we cut the time billed for that activity by 20%" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 40, "quote": "a deduction of ten to fifteen minutes for each entry that included filing or service—perhaps ten hours total—is appropriate" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "we conclude that the time likely was excessive, and that a deduction of approximately 15% of the conferencing time is appropriate" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "we conclude that a 20% reduction is appropriate. We reduce the billing for each attorney, law clerk, and paralegal proportionally" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Eleventh Circuit cuts civil rights fee award 58.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/robert-otto-v-city-of-boca-raton-florida-ca11-24-10478-0" }, { "slug": "megatel-homes-llc-v-moayedi-txnd-3-20-cv-00688-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-00688-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-00688/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-00688-5", "case_name": "Megatel Homes LLC et al v. Moayedi et al", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-00688", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sam A. Lindsay", "date_filed": "2025-10-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Kirkland & Ellis LLP", "fees_requested": 400199.6, "fees_awarded": 156067.5, "dollar_cut": 244132.1, "pct_cut": 61, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 446.5, "hours_awarded": 446.5, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "requesting an award of $400,199.60 in attorney's fees for 446.5 hours of work related to the Filings and Fee Application.", "fees_awarded_quote": "they are entitled to and shall recover $156,067.50 in reasonable attorney's fees against Megatel as a discovery sanction.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that Kirkland's national rates are not consistent with Dallas area market rates for attorneys with similar experience, skill, and ability handling this type of litigation." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "applying a discount of –20% to account for block billing and an additional –5% to account for counsels' time spent on document review and clerical work" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with Megatel, however, that a discount of –5% for document review and clerical work is warranted. Document review is outside the scope of the Court's fee award." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts fee award 61%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/megatel-homes-llc-v-moayedi-txnd-3-20-cv-00688-5" }, { "slug": "operating-engineers-health-and-welfare-trust-fund-v-eagle-cand-3-25-cv-02524-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-02524-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-02524/USCOURTS-cand-3_25-cv-02524-0", "case_name": "Operating Engineers Health And Welfare Trust Fund et al v. Eagle Environmental & Construction et al", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-02524", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kandis A. Westmore", "date_filed": "2025-10-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3020.5, "fees_awarded": 2856.5, "dollar_cut": 164, "pct_cut": 5.43, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek an injunction as well as attorney's fees of $3,020.50 and $1,421.42 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court recommends that Plaintiffs' request for attorney's fees be reduced from $3,020.50 to an award of $2,856.50 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 164, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "Plaintiffs also include clerical work by Ms. Woods, such as calendaring, e-filing, and mailing documents. Such clerical tasks are not compensable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts ERISA benefits fee award 5.4% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/operating-engineers-health-and-welfare-trust-fund-v-eagle-cand-3-25-cv-02524-0" }, { "slug": "bais-brucha-inc-v-township-of-toms-river-new-jersey-njd-3-21-cv-03239-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-03239-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-03239/USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-03239-6", "case_name": "BAIS BRUCHA INC. et al v. TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY et al", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-03239", "court_id": "njd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Jersey", "court_short": "D. New Jersey", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hon. Justin T. Quinn", "date_filed": "2025-10-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 100276.25, "fees_awarded": 29750, "dollar_cut": 70526.25, "pct_cut": 70.33, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 224.65, "hours_awarded": 70, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request fees in the amount of $100,276.25 for 224.65 hours of attorney time and paralegal time incurred in connection with the preparation of the motion for sanctions.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, the Court awards Plaintiffs $29,750 in fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds it appropriate to include the paralegal in the blended rate to reduce the overall hourly rate from $500 to $425" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 29725, "hours": 59.45, "quote": "counsel relied heavily upon block billing to describe the services that were rendered. The descriptions thus combine many distinct tasks ... into a single entry, without delineating how much time was spent on each." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 29725, "hours": 59.45, "quote": "the block billing, combined with the excessively vague descriptions of the tasks performed, leaves the Court guessing not only how much time counsel may have expended on each particular task, but also what the particular task was." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14.54, "quote": "the above billed hours are reduced from 28.54 to 14.00 hours" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 80.66, "quote": "the Court will reduce the total number of hours spent on the motion to 70 hours, a number the Court finds to be a fair representation of the time a reasonable attorney would spend" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Jersey cuts civil rights fee award 70.3%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bais-brucha-inc-v-township-of-toms-river-new-jersey-njd-3-21-cv-03239-6" }, { "slug": "khal-anshei-tallymawr-inc-v-township-of-toms-river-new-njd-3-21-cv-02716-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-02716-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-02716/USCOURTS-njd-3_21-cv-02716-5", "case_name": "KHAL ANSHEI TALLYMAWR INC. v. TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY et al", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-02716", "court_id": "njd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Jersey", "court_short": "D. New Jersey", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hon. Justin T. Quinn", "date_filed": "2025-10-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 100276.25, "fees_awarded": 29750, "dollar_cut": 70526.25, "pct_cut": 70.33, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 224.65, "hours_awarded": 70, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request fees in the amount of $100,276.25 for 224.65 hours of attorney time and paralegal time incurred in connection with the preparation of the motion for sanctions.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, the Court awards Plaintiffs $29,750 in fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds it appropriate to include the paralegal in the blended rate to reduce the overall hourly rate from $500 to $425" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 29725, "hours": 59.45, "quote": "Consequently, the Court will deduct 59.45 hours valued at $29,725 from the award." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 29725, "hours": 59.45, "quote": "the block billing, combined with the excessively vague descriptions of the tasks performed, leaves the Court guessing not only how much time counsel may have expended on each particular task" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14.54, "quote": "the above billed hours are reduced from 28.54 to 14.00 hours" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the total number of hours spent on the motion to 70 hours" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Jersey cuts civil rights fee award 70.3%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/khal-anshei-tallymawr-inc-v-township-of-toms-river-new-njd-3-21-cv-02716-5" }, { "slug": "nimmo-v-bisignano-utd-2-24-cv-00927-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-utd-2_24-cv-00927-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-utd-2_24-cv-00927/USCOURTS-utd-2_24-cv-00927-0", "case_name": "Nimmo v. Bisignano", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00927", "court_id": "utd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Utah", "court_short": "D. Utah", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dale A. Kimball", "date_filed": "2025-10-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8174, "fees_awarded": 7281.5, "dollar_cut": 892.5, "pct_cut": 10.92, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "In reply, Plaintiff agreed to voluntarily reduce her request to $8,174.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "With Plaintiff’s voluntary concessions and the court’s reductions, the court awards Plaintiff $7,281.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "the court finds that only the TOP debt investigation and downloading the administrative record were non-compensable clerical tasks... the court reduces Plaintiff’s requested paralegal hours by one hour at a rate of $120.00 per hour." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 772.5, "hours": 3, "quote": "the court reduces those entries by only three hours from the March 14, 2025 entry, which at an hourly rate of $257.50, totals a $772.50 reduction." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Utah cuts social security fee award 10.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nimmo-v-bisignano-utd-2-24-cv-00927-0" }, { "slug": "ackel-enterprises-llc-v-omicron-supplies-llc-laed-2-24-cv-00164-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-00164-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-00164/USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-00164-0", "case_name": "Ackel Enterprises LLC v. Omicron Supplies LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00164", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Donna Phillips Currault", "date_filed": "2025-10-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4235, "fees_awarded": 3030, "dollar_cut": 1205, "pct_cut": 28.45, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 12.1, "hours_awarded": 10.1, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants filed this motion, seeking to recover $4,235 representing 12.1 hours of attorney time at an hourly rate of $350.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded reasonable attorneys' fees in the amount of $3,030.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "further finds that time spent on administrative tasks (1.5 hours) such as assembling exhibits is not properly included" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "given the routine nature of this motion and the fact that Mr. Fenasci regularly charges between $275-$350 per hour, the rate for this work will be reduced to $300 per hour" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts commercial fee award 28.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ackel-enterprises-llc-v-omicron-supplies-llc-laed-2-24-cv-00164-0" }, { "slug": "romspen-investment-lp-v-dibert-flsd-9-23-cv-80992-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80992-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80992/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80992-3", "case_name": "Romspen Investment LP v. Dibert et al", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-80992", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2025-10-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 98217.61, "fees_awarded": 34228.75, "dollar_cut": 63988.86, "pct_cut": 65.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff Romspen Investment LP asks for $98,217.61 in attorneys’ fees and costs associated with (1) litigation over Mr. Dibert’s privilege claims, ECF No. 261, and (2) Mr. Dibert’s refusal to complete a court-ordered deposition.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $34,228.75 in attorneys’ fees and $1,907.19 in costs [ECF No. 366], to be paid by Defendant within 90 days of this Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "Mr. Poland billed 7.5 hours to draft the Response to the Motion for Clarification at an hourly rate of $962.50. This amount of time is excessive." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that this Response could have been drafted in four hours or less by Mr. Boyle or a less experienced lawyer. Romspen will be awarded four hours at the rate of $700 per hour — $2800." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Mr. Poland also spent .4 hours on April 16 to draft an email to the Court about Mr. Dibert’s non-compliance. ECF No. 305 at 7. This kind of email is not permitted under our Local Rules and is therefore not a compensable item." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "First, this Motion easily could have been prepared by a less-experienced, lower-billing lawyer. Second, spending 11 hours on this pleading was excessive." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Third, the Motion was largely unsuccessful, so Mr. Poland’s work did not benefit his client." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 7, "quote": "To account for these factors, I will reduce Mr. Poland’s compensable time by 25% to 21 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "On March 6, Mr. Poland billed .4 hours for drafting a possible email to the Court. As noted above, this kind of email would violate the Local Rules and is not compensable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Second, preparing exhibits and making deposition arrangements is clerical work that is not compensable." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "First, Romspen is entitled to fees only for Mr. Dibert’s individual deposition, not for preparing for other corporate representative depositions." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.2, "quote": "Romspen asks for reimbursement for 5.2 hours of attorneys’ fees incurred on March 24 related to Mr. Dibert’s Motion for Protective Order and Romspen’s later Motion for Clarification. None of this time is compensable because it was not caused by Mr. Dibert’s failure to sit for his court-ordered deposition." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7, "quote": "Romspen has not offered evidence that it was necessary to retain counsel from Illinois, so Mr. Poland’s travel time will not be awarded." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, again, the Motion and Reply were largely unsuccessful. Romspen asked for a default, which was denied." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.7, "quote": "There is no explanation for why a lawyer with 30 years’ experience and billing at close to $1000 per hour needed to spend 7.7 hours on top of Mr. Boyle’s time. Romspen has not met its burden of showing that Mr. Poland’s time was reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 65.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/romspen-investment-lp-v-dibert-flsd-9-23-cv-80992-3" }, { "slug": "innovative-sports-management-inc-v-lizcano-reyes-cand-5-24-cv-07917-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_24-cv-07917-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_24-cv-07917/USCOURTS-cand-5_24-cv-07917-0", "case_name": "Innovative Sports Management, Inc. v. Lizcano Reyes", "docket_number": "5:24-cv-07917", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "P. Casey Pitts", "date_filed": "2025-10-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5837.5, "fees_awarded": 3283.59, "dollar_cut": 2553.91, "pct_cut": 43.75, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Innovative requests $5,837.50 in attorney's fees, which breaks down as follows:", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards plaintiff $3,283.59 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that it is reasonable to reduce the requested fee award by twenty-five percent given the non-contemporaneous nature of Mr. Riley's billing records." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "an additional twenty-five percent reduction is warranted because counsel's \"firm routinely files these sorts of claims\" and much of the time billed for extensive research is therefore almost certainly unnecessary." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts fee award 43.8%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/innovative-sports-management-inc-v-lizcano-reyes-cand-5-24-cv-07917-0" }, { "slug": "ussery-v-mercedes-benz-usa-llc-caed-2-23-cv-00952-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00952-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00952/USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00952-5", "case_name": "Ussery et al v. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00952", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dale A. Drozd", "date_filed": "2025-10-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 107597.5, "fees_awarded": 104255, "dollar_cut": 3342.5, "pct_cut": 3.11, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 226.9, "hours_awarded": 219.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "plaintiffs seek: (1) an award of attorneys' fees in the amount of $107,597.50; (2) a lodestar multiplier of 1.0, in the amount of $107,597.50", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court declines to apply an upward or downward multiplier to the lodestar amount under the circumstances of this case, and will thus award $104,255 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "According to this understanding of block billing, many of plaintiffs' time entries submitted in support of their pending motion are block billed. ... The court will reduce such time entries by 10%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the court will reduce by 20%, rather than 10%, those block billed time entries containing clerical tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 3.1% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ussery-v-mercedes-benz-usa-llc-caed-2-23-cv-00952-5" }, { "slug": "longeviquest-llc-v-kroczek-flsd-9-24-cv-81129-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81129-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81129/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-81129-0", "case_name": "LongeviQuest, LLC v. Kroczek", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-81129", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2025-10-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 24797.5, "fees_awarded": 22317.75, "dollar_cut": 2479.75, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 50.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "As set forth there, Plaintiff requests $24,797.50 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $22,317.75 [ECF No. 26], to be paid by Defendant within 90 days of this Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries show multiple timekeepers billing for the same task." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries show inefficiencies such as partners billing for routine procedural matters that could have been handled by an associate or paralegal at lower rates." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries have unclear descriptions. For example, the entries labeled “CANNON RE SAME” and “EXPRESS” lack explanation as to the work performed." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2479.75, "hours": null, "quote": "Some billing entries include administrative tasks such as filing and preparing notices. (DE 24-1 at 5). The Court finds that purely administrative tasks should not be compensable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 10%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/longeviquest-llc-v-kroczek-flsd-9-24-cv-81129-0" }, { "slug": "united-states-of-america-v-beeghly-tree-llc-pawd-3-21-cv-00160-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pawd-3_21-cv-00160-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pawd-3_21-cv-00160/USCOURTS-pawd-3_21-cv-00160-0", "case_name": "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA et al v. BEEGHLY TREE, LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-00160", "court_id": "pawd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "W.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Christy Criswell Wiegand", "date_filed": "2025-09-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Stone Law Firm, LLC", "fees_requested": 116487.5, "fees_awarded": 111070, "dollar_cut": 5417.5, "pct_cut": 4.65, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Relator’s Counsel’s combined lodestar is $116,487.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court will award Mr. Kane $111,070 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4517.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on the Court’s review of Relator’s Counsel’s billing entries, $4,517.50 of Relator’s Counsel’s lodestar consists of time spent on such claims." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "the 0.5 hours billed by Anthony Primelo to set up Microsoft Teams, ECF No. 36-1 at 14 (line 287), is not something that would ordinarily be billed to a client. Accordingly, the Court will exclude it." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "the Court will exclude the 0.8 hours billed by Relator’s Counsel for time spent waiting on hold for a call with Relator which apparently did not occur" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "the Court will exclude 0.4 hours billed for conducting a wellness check on Relator." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Pennsylvania cuts fee award 4.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/united-states-of-america-v-beeghly-tree-llc-pawd-3-21-cv-00160-0" }, { "slug": "med-stop-inc-v-vandutch-inc-flsd-1-23-cv-21875-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-21875-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-21875/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-21875-1", "case_name": "Med-Stop, Inc. v. Vandutch, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-21875", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lisette M. Reid", "date_filed": "2025-09-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Josef Timlichman Law PLLC", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries collectively show a combination of non-compensable clerical work and block billing that require a fee reduction. The Undersigned finds that a 30% fee reduction for Attorney Timlichman is warranted" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries collectively show a combination of non-compensable clerical work and block billing that require a fee reduction. The Undersigned finds that a 30% fee reduction for Attorney Timlichman is warranted" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries collectively show a combination of non-compensable clerical work and block billing that require a fee reduction. The Undersigned finds that a 30% fee reduction for Attorney Timlichman is warranted" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries collectively show a combination of non-compensable clerical work and block billing that require a fee reduction. The Undersigned finds that a 30% fee reduction for Attorney Timlichman is warranted" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 6, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Undersigned finds that a modest 6% fee reduction for Paralegal Merrill is appropriate." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9, "quote": "The Court agrees with Plaintiff that the nine hours expended at an hourly rate of $450.00 throughout April 17 to 21, 2025, in preparation for this instant motion must be reduced." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12, "quote": "The Court also agrees with Plaintiff that the twelve hours allotted to draft a motion to compel—which was eventually denied upon filing and was previously deemed premature by Judge Altman’s Paperless Order five months prior—should be reduced." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a minimal 15% fee reduction for the total fee requested by Attorney Altschul is warranted given evidence of block billing and excessive hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a minimal 15% fee reduction for the total fee requested by Attorney Altschul is warranted given evidence of block billing and excessive hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/med-stop-inc-v-vandutch-inc-flsd-1-23-cv-21875-1" }, { "slug": "torres-v-collins-tned-2-20-cv-00026-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tned-2_20-cv-00026-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tned-2_20-cv-00026/USCOURTS-tned-2_20-cv-00026-3", "case_name": "Torres et al v. Collins et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-00026", "court_id": "tned", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "E.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Cynthia Richardson Wyrick", "date_filed": "2025-09-19", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Civil Rights Corps", "fees_requested": 1111130.07, "fees_awarded": 502072.5, "dollar_cut": 609057.57, "pct_cut": 54.81, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1710.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs are seeking total compensation of $1,111,130.07 in attorneys’ fees and $7,121.13 in nontaxable expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The court recommends that Plaintiffs be awarded $502,072.50 in compensation for attorney and support staff time expended", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that the prevailing local market rate for Attorneys Karakatsanis, Downer, Wayne, and Mikkilineni is $400 per hour" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that given the significantly more limited experience of Attorneys Backer, Umana and Israni, it is appropriate for them to be compensated at the rate of $250 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this court finds that Plaintiffs’ “backup rate” request of $125 per hour for Mr. Powell’s services is what should be utilized." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12.7, "quote": "Plaintiffs agreed that it was appropriate to subtract 12.7 hours from those requested for Coleman Powell, a litigation support specialist, to account for tasks he performed that might be considered secretarial in nature" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 118, "quote": "A reduction of 40% in the hours expended by Plaintiffs’ counsel in addressing this dispute does “rough justice”" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Tennessee cuts civil rights fee award 54.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/torres-v-collins-tned-2-20-cv-00026-3" }, { "slug": "santoro-v-altisource-solutions-inc-ord-6-15-cv-00399-13", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-6_15-cv-00399-13", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-6_15-cv-00399/USCOURTS-ord-6_15-cv-00399-13", "case_name": "Santoro v Altisource Solutions, Inc., et al.", "docket_number": "6:15-cv-00399", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Adrienne Nelson", "date_filed": "2025-09-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Hernandez & Associates", "fees_requested": 620725, "fees_awarded": 113531.5, "dollar_cut": 507193.5, "pct_cut": 81.71, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests a total fee amount of $620,725.00, consisting of a lodestar amount of $310,362.50, doubled by a 2x multiplier.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $117,593.87, consisting of $113,531.50 in attorneys' fees and $4,062.37 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court deems a percentage reduction of eighty-nine percent, or approximately eight-ninths, to be appropriate." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court deems a percentage reduction of eighty-nine percent, or approximately eight-ninths, to be appropriate." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court again reduces hours charged for tasks related to non-UTPA, non-OCWEN, and generally unsuccessful claims, by eighty-nine percent." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court here reduces duplicative charges by fifty percent" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "All three firms charge for unrecoverable clerical tasks." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore deducts these charges, which total 1.5 of Del Carlo's total hours." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a reasonable hourly rate for Hernandez to be $350.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a reasonable hourly rate for Walsh to be $400.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $600.00 is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts consumer protection fee award 81.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/santoro-v-altisource-solutions-inc-ord-6-15-cv-00399-13" }, { "slug": "santoro-v-ocwen-loan-servicing-llc-ord-6-14-cv-00522-15", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-6_14-cv-00522-15", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-6_14-cv-00522/USCOURTS-ord-6_14-cv-00522-15", "case_name": "Santoro v. OCWEN Loan Servicing, LLC et al", "docket_number": "6:14-cv-00522", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Adrienne Nelson", "date_filed": "2025-09-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Hernandez & Associates, LLC", "fees_requested": 620725, "fees_awarded": 113531.5, "dollar_cut": 507193.5, "pct_cut": 81.71, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests a total fee amount of $620,725.00, consisting of a lodestar amount of $310,362.50, doubled by a 2x multiplier.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $117,593.87, consisting of $113,531.50 in attorneys' fees and $4,062.37 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court deems a percentage reduction of eighty-nine percent, or approximately eight-ninths, to be appropriate." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court deems a percentage reduction of eighty-nine percent, or approximately eight-ninths, to be appropriate." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court again reduces hours charged for tasks related to non-UTPA, non-OCWEN, and generally unsuccessful claims, by eighty-nine percent." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court here reduces duplicative charges by fifty percent, which is reasonable based on the nature of the duplication" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "All three firms charge for unrecoverable clerical tasks. Upon review, the Court adopts OCWEN's proposed objections and reduces the recoverable hours for these charges" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The Court therefore deducts these charges, which total 1.5 of Del Carlo's total hours." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a reasonable hourly rate for Hernandez to be $350.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a reasonable hourly rate for Walsh to be $400.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $600.00 is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts consumer protection fee award 81.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/santoro-v-ocwen-loan-servicing-llc-ord-6-14-cv-00522-15" }, { "slug": "sargent-v-department-of-state-dcd-1-19-cv-00620-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_19-cv-00620-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_19-cv-00620/USCOURTS-dcd-1_19-cv-00620-2", "case_name": "SARGENT v. DEPARTMENT OF STATE et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-00620", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Carl J. Nichols", "date_filed": "2025-09-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 537782.3, "fees_awarded": 330655.5, "dollar_cut": 207126.8, "pct_cut": 38.51, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Sargent argues, relying on the Fitzpatrick matrix 4 for calculating a reasonable rate under the lodestar approach, that her fees by that date were $537,782.30.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will also grant in part Sargent's motion for fees and costs, ECF No. 190, by awarding her a total of $330,655.50 for her attorneys' fees and costs prior to SOC's offer of judgment.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 9822.5, "hours": null, "quote": "First, the parties agree that a $9,822.50 deduction is appropriate to account for Sargent's unsuccessful litigation against the State Department." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 1775.25, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore permit these services to be compensated at a 25% discount, amounting to a $1,775.25 reduction in Sargent's fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1539, "hours": null, "quote": "In total, the Court will deduct $1,539 from Sargent's fees for these sorts of entries—less than a third of the deduction that SOC proposed." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 17689.75, "hours": null, "quote": "It will thus deduct 25% of those fees, for an additional deduction of $17,689.75." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court in its discretion will reduce Sargent's fees by 25% to account for that principle, which Sargent largely fails to grapple with." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts employment fee award 38.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sargent-v-department-of-state-dcd-1-19-cv-00620-2" }, { "slug": "wessberg-v-unum-life-insurance-company-of-america-mnd-0-22-cv-00094-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_22-cv-00094-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_22-cv-00094/USCOURTS-mnd-0_22-cv-00094-2", "case_name": "Wessberg v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America", "docket_number": "0:22-cv-00094", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "John R. Tunheim", "date_filed": "2025-09-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "PARKER DANIELS KIBORT LLC", "fees_requested": 445488.75, "fees_awarded": 314440.29, "dollar_cut": 131048.46, "pct_cut": 29.42, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1068, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Wessberg requests $445,488.75 in attorney's fees and $9,797.09 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will also order Unum to pay Wessberg attorney's fees in the amount of $314,440.29 and costs in the amount of $2,698.15.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore apply an hourly rate of $550 to Rothman's hours that were billed at rates at and exceeding $585 per hour throughout this litigation." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 16569, "hours": 215.8, "quote": "The Court will apply a 50% reduction to these hours. Because the PDK firm billed 162.8 hours for these tasks, the Court will reduce these hours by half to 81.4 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 5652.5, "hours": 16, "quote": "the Court will apply a paralegal rate of $185 to the 16 hours billed for administrative and/or clerical tasks. This results in a reduction of $4,005 ... and a reduction of $1,647.50 ... for a total reduction of $5,652.50" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a fifteen percent reduction to the total fee award to account for excessive and duplicative time spent on these matters." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts ERISA benefits fee award 29.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wessberg-v-unum-life-insurance-company-of-america-mnd-0-22-cv-00094-2" }, { "slug": "patterson-v-six-flags-theme-parks-inc-caed-2-21-cv-02398-14", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-02398-14", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-02398/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-02398-14", "case_name": "Patterson v. Six Flags Theme Parks Inc., et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-02398", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Senior United States District Judge", "date_filed": "2025-09-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": "Eisenberg & Baum", "fees_requested": 185420, "fees_awarded": 174958, "dollar_cut": 10462, "pct_cut": 5.64, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 414.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $185,420.00 in attorney's fees based on an asserted 414.70 hours of work as well as $17,667.19 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the total amount of fees the court will award is $174,958.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1705, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "Plaintiff has withdrawn two entries, for February 1, 2022, and December 24, 2024, deducting 3.1 hours and $1,705 in fees from the amount he requests." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 150, "hours": 1, "quote": "Plaintiff has agreed to withdraw two of the entries for Ms. Eisenberg-Michalowski, comprising one billable hour for $150, and the court finds that reduction reasonable." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": 560, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "While the court will not strike Mr. Clark's hours, it will reduce his billed hours by applying a 10 percent \"haircut\" given the tasks he performed." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4675, "hours": 8.5, "quote": "The court accepts this modification and so reduces Rozynski's billed amount in this respect by 8.5 hours and $4,675." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The court accepts this modification and so strikes .6 hours and $330 from Mr. Rozynski's original billed amount, 4.9 hours and $735 from Ms. Dederer's original billed amount, 9.4 hours and $1,410 from Ms. Plew's original billed amount, and 4 hours and $600 from Ms. Eisenberg-Michalowski's original billed amount." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 297, "hours": 0.54, "quote": "The court agrees these entries are vague. However, a twenty percent haircut is more appropriate than striking these entries in full given that defendants do not dispute counsel met with plaintiff for this amount of time." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 5.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/patterson-v-six-flags-theme-parks-inc-caed-2-21-cv-02398-14" }, { "slug": "duan-v-m-x-pan-incorporated-d-b-a-formosa-seafood-buffet-insd-1-22-cv-02333-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-insd-1_22-cv-02333-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-insd-1_22-cv-02333/USCOURTS-insd-1_22-cv-02333-5", "case_name": "DUAN v. M X PAN INCORPORATED d/b/a FORMOSA SEAFOOD BUFFET et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-02333", "court_id": "insd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Indiana", "court_short": "S.D. Indiana", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kellie M. Barr", "date_filed": "2025-09-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Troy Law, PPLC", "fees_requested": 13229.5, "fees_awarded": 10200, "dollar_cut": 3029.5, "pct_cut": 22.9, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 57.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's Motion requests $13,229.50 for attorney fees and $1,103.40 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $10,200.00 in fees and $821.98 in costs expended because of Defendant Dong's failure to comply with the Court's Order on the Motion to Compel.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.58, "quote": "Therefore, the amount of time sought by Plaintiff is REDUCED by 1.58 hours for Mr. Schweitzer's time as detailed herein." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.92, "quote": "Ms. Troy spent 0.92 hours printing filings, setting up her laptop, and preparing mail and emailing the Defendants. The Court does not find this time to be reasonable." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "any opposition to the Motion to Appoint Counsel was not \"caused by\" Defendant Dong's failure to comply with a Court order. Therefore, the amount of time sought by Plaintiff is REDUCED by 2.5 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.17, "quote": "this motion ultimately was unnecessary and Plaintiff orally withdrew it at the second hearing. [Dkt. 68.] Therefore, the amount of time sought by Plaintiff is REDUCED by 5.17 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "It is not clear how this information was used or how such research was a result of Ms. Dong's failure to abide by court orders. As such, the amount of time sought by Plaintiff is REDUCED by 1.00 hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Indiana cuts wage and hour fee award 22.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/duan-v-m-x-pan-incorporated-d-b-a-formosa-seafood-buffet-insd-1-22-cv-02333-5" }, { "slug": "cardenas-v-new-york-presbyterian-medical-group-queens-nyed-1-22-cv-07000-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-07000-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-07000/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-07000-0", "case_name": "Cardenas v. New York-Presbyterian Medical Group/Queens", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-07000", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lara K. Eshkenazi", "date_filed": "2025-09-05", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Phillips & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 202218.25, "fees_awarded": 174127.73, "dollar_cut": 28090.52, "pct_cut": 13.89, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Phillips & Associates re-filed its application on April 15, 2025, seeking a charging lien in the amount of $202,218.25 for attorneys' fees and $21,188.98 for costs and expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court respectfully recommends granting the motion for a charging lien and fixing the amount of the charging lien against Plaintiff's judgment at $174,127.73 for attorneys' fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "any amount billed by an attorney or paralegal from May 5, 2022, to November 15, 2022, should be excluded from the charging lien" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "recommends subtracting the hours that Phillips & Associates spent on both its motion to withdraw and motion for a charging lien" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court, therefore, respectfully recommends a 10% reduction to the hours billed by the attorneys." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts employment fee award 13.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cardenas-v-new-york-presbyterian-medical-group-queens-nyed-1-22-cv-07000-0" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-gamd-3-25-cv-00037-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-gamd-3_25-cv-00037-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-gamd-3_25-cv-00037/USCOURTS-gamd-3_25-cv-00037-2", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-00037", "court_id": "gamd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Georgia", "court_short": "M.D. Georgia", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Tilman E. Self, Iii", "date_filed": "2025-09-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 22700.18, "fees_awarded": 18741.13, "dollar_cut": 3959.05, "pct_cut": 17.44, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 88.3, "hours_awarded": 72.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an additional $3,959.03 for a total of $22,700.18.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court GRANTS in part Plaintiff's Motion for Attorney's Fees [Doc. 13] in the amount of $18,741.13.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.8, "quote": "the Court reduces that entry to the more reasonable amount of 1.0 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 8.5, "quote": "the Court reduces the hours spent preparing Plaintiff's opening brief and for her Reply regarding her EAJA attorney's fees request by 20% because of the multi-task entries" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "the Court reduces the hours spent preparing Plaintiff's opening brief and for her Reply regarding her EAJA attorney's fees request by 20% because of the multi-task entries" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Georgia cuts social security fee award 17.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-gamd-3-25-cv-00037-2" }, { "slug": "adderley-v-preferred-primary-care-associates-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61295-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61295-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61295/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61295-1", "case_name": "Adderley v. Preferred Primary Care Associates LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-61295", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William P. Dimitrouleas", "date_filed": "2025-09-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Koz Law, P.A.", "fees_requested": 4880, "fees_awarded": 4400, "dollar_cut": 480, "pct_cut": 9.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 12.2, "hours_awarded": 11, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks an award of $4,880.00 in attorney’s fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of $4,400", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "Therefore, the undersigned excludes 1.2 hours of clerical tasks from Plaintiff’s fee award." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 9.8% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/adderley-v-preferred-primary-care-associates-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61295-1" }, { "slug": "kim-v-kini-lic-corp-nyed-1-20-cv-06009-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-06009-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-06009/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-06009-2", "case_name": "Kim et al v. Kini LIC Corp et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-06009", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Natasha C. Merle", "date_filed": "2025-09-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 66366, "fees_awarded": 38006.25, "dollar_cut": 28359.75, "pct_cut": 42.73, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 143.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek an award of $66,366.00 in attorneys' fees for the work performed by two attorneys and a paralegal, as reflected in counsel's billings records.", "fees_awarded_quote": "an award of attorneys' fees totaling $38,006.25", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned recommends that an hourly rate for Mr. Kim be reduced from the requested $550.00 per hour to $450.00 per hour" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of the fact that Counsel Choi has less than a year of practical experience, Choi's hourly rate should be reduced to $150 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it is recommended that Ms. Choi's rate be reduced to $125.00" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The records appear to suggest \"block-billing\"—a practiced \"frowned upon [] since it amounts to 'the lumping together of discrete tasks with others that are not clearly defined'" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To the extent that Plaintiffs' entries are block billed or fail to distinguish between work directly relating to Kini LIC from work related to the individual Defendants, those entries should not be included in any fee award." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiffs should not receive fees for the hours billed by counsel in connection with improper and incomplete filings, such as the Court's October 3, 2024 and February 10, 2025 Orders to Show Cause" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 42.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kim-v-kini-lic-corp-nyed-1-20-cv-06009-2" }, { "slug": "burwell-v-portfolio-recovery-associates-llc-tnmd-3-23-cv-00734-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_23-cv-00734-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_23-cv-00734/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_23-cv-00734-3", "case_name": "Burwell v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00734", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Eli Richardson", "date_filed": "2025-08-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 110022.75, "fees_awarded": 7500, "dollar_cut": 102522.75, "pct_cut": 93.18, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 282.6, "hours_awarded": 15, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant requests $110,022.75 in attorney’s fees for work that was invoiced from November 13, 2023 to September 17, 2024.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant is awarded $7,500.00 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court disagrees and finds that the requested hourly rates are not reasonable." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendant filed heavily redacted billing entries that do not provide the Court with any understanding of what work its counsel did on this matter." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court is unable to even match depositions dates with billing time entries." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it appears the billing statements are rife with duplicative services" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time entry on March 21, 2024 is for 3.00 hours of travel time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The fees requested go so far beyond the pale of what would be expected in litigating what appears to be a fairly pedestrian FCRA claim that they border on frivolous." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time spent on the motion for summary judgment warrants disallowance altogether, or at best a drastic discount" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts consumer protection fee award 93.2%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/burwell-v-portfolio-recovery-associates-llc-tnmd-3-23-cv-00734-3" }, { "slug": "williams-v-harry-s-nurses-registry-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-06661-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-06661-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-06661/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-06661-0", "case_name": "Williams v. Harry's Nurses Registry, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-06661", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2025-08-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 118770, "fees_awarded": 115393.37, "dollar_cut": 3376.63, "pct_cut": 2.84, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also requests attorney’s fees in the amount of $118,770 and taxable costs in the amount of $3,913.37.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court grants Plaintiff attorney’s fees and costs totaling $115,393.37.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 26.3, "quote": "As billing is done in block increments, this creates marginal increases in total time which are likely not accurate reflections of the time spent. The Court therefore decreases the total number of hours Plaintiff’s counsel spent litigating this case from 246.3 attorney hours to 220" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 500, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces the hourly rate for the “paralegal” services that Plaintiff’s counsel performed from $150 to $100, which lowers the total fee amount for the 14.8 hours of paralegal work from $1,980 to $1,480." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts employment fee award 2.8%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/williams-v-harry-s-nurses-registry-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-06661-0" }, { "slug": "pagano-v-hn-sons-llc-nyed-1-22-cv-04897-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-04897-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-04897/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-04897-1", "case_name": "Pagano et al v. HN & Sons LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-04897", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Vera M. Scanlon", "date_filed": "2025-08-28", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 20088, "fees_awarded": 8000, "dollar_cut": 12088, "pct_cut": 60.18, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 20, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request an award of $20,088.00 in attorneys' fees, representing 28.6 hours of work by William Li at the hourly rate of $450.00 and 21.0 hours of work by Stephen Bourtin at the hourly rate of $450.00 with a ten percent overall reduction", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court respectfully recommends that Plaintiffs' counsel be awarded $8,000.00 in attorneys' fees in connection with the Sanctions Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 13.5, "quote": "the Court finds 15.1 hours of work performed by William Li to be compensable and 13.5 hours of work performed by William Li to be non-compensable pursuant to the Sanctions Order" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16.1, "quote": "The Court also finds 4.9 hours of work performed by Stephen Bourtin to be compensable and 16.1 hours of work performed by Stephen Bourtin to be non-compensable" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given the block billing, or the intertwined nature of the work, the Court cannot parse such entries and thus does not recommend an award of fees for these time entries." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "0.1 hours on 2/10/2023 for \"[e]mail correspondence . . . to confirm the correct location to serve third-party subpoena,\" which is an administrative task" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court respectfully recommends that the hourly rates for Messrs. Li and Bourtin be reduced to $400.00 per hour for the purposes of this sanctions award." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 60.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pagano-v-hn-sons-llc-nyed-1-22-cv-04897-1" }, { "slug": "clayton-international-inc-v-nebraska-armes-aviation-llc-ned-8-21-cv-00309-13", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00309-13", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00309/USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00309-13", "case_name": "Clayton International, Inc. v. Nebraska Armes Aviation, LLC et al", "docket_number": "8:21-cv-00309", "court_id": "ned", "court_name": "District Court, D. Nebraska", "court_short": "D. Nebraska", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ryan C. Carson", "date_filed": "2025-08-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 84116.38, "fees_awarded": 47804.75, "dollar_cut": 36311.63, "pct_cut": 43.17, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 309, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $84,116.38 in attorneys’ fees and $2,781.34 in costs and expenses related to its Motion for Sanctions.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby awarded attorneys’ fees of $47,804.75 and costs of $2,781.34, for a total amount of $50,586.09", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that an initial 10% reduction is appropriate, making the lodestar amount $75,704.75 ($84,116.38 x 90%), which the court finds is reasonable and justified." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10342, "hours": null, "quote": "This will include, in particular, Entry Nos. 16, 22, 23, 38, 55, 76, 77, and 78, totaling $10,342.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 360, "hours": null, "quote": "those two entries will also be reduced from Plaintiff’s award in the amount of $360.00." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7092, "hours": null, "quote": "Entry Nos. 13, 17, 18, 74, 75, 100, and 114, totaling $7,092.00 will be excluded as duplicative." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10106, "hours": null, "quote": "Those additional depositions are not authorized by the sanctions order, but now the entire series of entries must be excluded because they are also block billed. ... The exclusion of Entry Nos. 79-86 totals $10,106." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Nebraska cuts fee award 43.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/clayton-international-inc-v-nebraska-armes-aviation-llc-ned-8-21-cv-00309-13" }, { "slug": "clayton-international-inc-v-nebraska-armes-aviation-llc-ned-8-21-cv-00309-12", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00309-12", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00309/USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00309-12", "case_name": "Clayton International, Inc. v. Nebraska Armes Aviation, LLC et al", "docket_number": "8:21-cv-00309", "court_id": "ned", "court_name": "District Court, D. Nebraska", "court_short": "D. Nebraska", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ryan C. Carson", "date_filed": "2025-08-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 84116.38, "fees_awarded": 47804.75, "dollar_cut": 36311.63, "pct_cut": 43.17, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 309, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $84,116.38 in attorneys’ fees and $2,781.34 in costs and expenses related to its Motion for Sanctions.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby awarded attorneys’ fees of $47,804.75 and costs of $2,781.34, for a total amount of $50,586.09", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that an initial 10% reduction is appropriate, making the lodestar amount $75,704.75 ($84,116.38 x 90%)" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10342, "hours": null, "quote": "This will include, in particular, Entry Nos. 16, 22, 23, 38, 55, 76, 77, and 78, totaling $10,342.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 360, "hours": null, "quote": "those two entries will also be reduced from Plaintiff’s award in the amount of $360.00" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7092, "hours": null, "quote": "Entry Nos. 13, 17, 18, 74, 75, 100, and 114, totaling $7,092.00 will be excluded as duplicative." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10106, "hours": null, "quote": "The exclusion of Entry Nos. 79-86 totals $10,106." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Nebraska cuts sanctions fee award 43.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/clayton-international-inc-v-nebraska-armes-aviation-llc-ned-8-21-cv-00309-12" }, { "slug": "moralez-v-monterey-plaza-hotel-limited-partnership-cand-3-22-cv-07540-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_22-cv-07540-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_22-cv-07540/USCOURTS-cand-3_22-cv-07540-2", "case_name": "Moralez v. Monterey Plaza Hotel Limited Partnership, et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-07540", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sallie Kim", "date_filed": "2025-08-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1249454, "fees_awarded": 234958.27, "dollar_cut": 1014495.73, "pct_cut": 81.2, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 745.64, "hours_awarded": 385.94, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel originally sought attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $1,227,530, (Dkt. No. 184-1, p.7), and amended their request to $1,249,454 to add fees incurred preparing the reply brief, (Dkt. No. 197, p. 20.)", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant shall pay Plaintiff $234,958.27 in attorneys’ fees and $6,222.12 in litigation expenses and costs within 30 days of the filing of this Order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 46.93, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds that the hours billed for travel time should be reduced by half to 46.93 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 269.89, "quote": "Accordingly, the hours billed to the City for joint time shall be reduced from 50% to 10%. Pursuant to the Court’s travel adjustment, 337.37 joint hours remain. These hours shall be reduced to 67.47 hours." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 42.88, "quote": "At this juncture, the Court finds that a 10% reduction in Counsel’s overall hours is warranted to account for inadequate and erroneous documentation." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for inflation, the Court finds that a reasonable rate for Counsel in this case is $535 per hour." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 28480, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore applies a 50% reduction to reflect the degree of success on this fee application, resulting in $28,480.00." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts disability access fee award 81.2%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/moralez-v-monterey-plaza-hotel-limited-partnership-cand-3-22-cv-07540-2" }, { "slug": "cabrera-v-ford-motor-company-casd-3-23-cv-01775-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-01775-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-01775/USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-01775-1", "case_name": "Cabrera et al v. Ford Motor Company", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-01775", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hayes", "date_filed": "2025-08-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Strategic Legal Practices, APC", "fees_requested": 70400.5, "fees_awarded": 21717.5, "dollar_cut": 48683, "pct_cut": 69.15, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 93.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs contend that, as prevailing parties, they are entitled to recover their attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses in the amount of $70,400.50 pursuant to California Civil Code § 1794(d) and the Rule 68 Offer.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court's adjustments result in a total of $21,717.50 in recoverable attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court deducts the billing entries ranging from August 10, 2021, to January 12, 2023, from Plaintiffs' fee award." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts 1.0 hour of Gibson's time from Plaintiffs' fee award." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The Court accordingly reduces this time entry by 0.5 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.1, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts the January 31, 2024, and February 1, 2024, billing entries related to drafting and corresponding about the initial discovery meet and confer letter—totaling 5.1 hours—from Plaintiffs' fee award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts only 0.1 hour from this billing entry." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts this entry from Plaintiffs' fee award." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.2, "quote": "The Court accordingly reduces Plaintiffs' counsel's time for drafting the present Motion and its supporting documents by 4.2 hours." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4500, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court declines to award Plaintiffs any of the $4,500.00 requested as \"Anticipated Fees.\"" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 69.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cabrera-v-ford-motor-company-casd-3-23-cv-01775-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ared-4-21-cv-00270-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ared-4_21-cv-00270-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ared-4_21-cv-00270/USCOURTS-ared-4_21-cv-00270-3", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "4:21-cv-00270", "court_id": "ared", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Arkansas", "court_short": "E.D. Arkansas", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kristine G. Baker", "date_filed": "2025-08-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7571.89, "fees_awarded": 5903.34, "dollar_cut": 1668.55, "pct_cut": 22.04, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Warner represents that this would make for a total EAJA award of $7,571.89 (Dkt. No. 29, at 7).", "fees_awarded_quote": "Mr. Warner is thus entitled to a total EAJA award of $5,903.34 in attorney’s fees and $87.14 in expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.4, "quote": "The Court awards 21.00 hours for review of the record and preparation of the brief in this case, having considered the record in this matter." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "The Court awards 1.1 hours—0.5 hours of attorney time and 0.6 hours of paralegal time—for tasks related to preparing Mr. Warner’s application to proceed in forma pauperis and to service of process." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "The Court sustains the Commissioner’s fourth objection to 3.10 hours expended by Mr. Warner’s counsel on what the Commissioner characterizes as non-compensable clerical tasks. The Court reduces the time spent and fee requested, accordingly." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "The Court grants this request and awards 1.5 hours—0.20 hours of attorney time and 1.30 hours of paralegal time—for these tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Arkansas cuts social security fee award 22%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ared-4-21-cv-00270-3" }, { "slug": "adderley-v-preferred-primary-care-associates-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61295-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61295-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61295/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61295-0", "case_name": "Adderley v. Preferred Primary Care Associates LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-61295", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Patrick M. Hunt", "date_filed": "2025-08-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Koz Law, P.A.", "fees_requested": 4880, "fees_awarded": 4400, "dollar_cut": 480, "pct_cut": 9.84, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 12.2, "hours_awarded": 11, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 261(B), Plaintiff now seeks an award of $4,880.00 in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorney's fees in the amount of $4,400", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "These tasks fall into the clerical work category as they did not require the expertise of a lawyer. Therefore, the undersigned excludes 1.2 hours of clerical tasks from Plaintiff's fee award." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 9.8% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/adderley-v-preferred-primary-care-associates-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61295-0" }, { "slug": "griffin-v-copper-cellar-corporation-tned-3-21-cv-00100-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tned-3_21-cv-00100-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tned-3_21-cv-00100/USCOURTS-tned-3_21-cv-00100-1", "case_name": "Griffin v. Copper Cellar Corporation", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-00100", "court_id": "tned", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "E.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Debra C. Poplin", "date_filed": "2025-08-22", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 558790, "fees_awarded": 480364.5, "dollar_cut": 78425.5, "pct_cut": 14.03, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1314.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests attorneys’ fees in the total amount of $558,790.00 and litigation expenses in the amount of $8,483.38", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court RECOMMENDS that Plaintiff be awarded a total amount of $480,364.50 in attorneys’ fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned recommends $375.00 per hour for Attorneys Underwood and Hyman." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.5, "quote": "the undersigned recommends that his time for paralegal services be reduced by 8.5 hours to account for these billings." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.5, "quote": "the undersigned recommends a reduction of 4.5 hours for Attorney Underwood and 2.5 hours for Attorney Hyman each attorney." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "the undersigned recommends a reduction of 4.5 hours for Attorney Underwood and 2.5 hours for Attorney Hyman each attorney." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 44.1, "quote": "the undersigned recommends that 44.1 hours [see Doc. 214-3] be deducted from Attorney Underwood’s billed time as noncompensable clerical work." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Tennessee cuts employment fee award 14%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/griffin-v-copper-cellar-corporation-tned-3-21-cv-00100-1" }, { "slug": "old-republic-surety-company-v-ross-island-sand-gravel-co-ord-3-25-cv-00463-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_25-cv-00463-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_25-cv-00463/USCOURTS-ord-3_25-cv-00463-0", "case_name": "Old Republic Surety Company v. Ross Island Sand & Gravel Co. et al", "docket_number": "3:25-cv-00463", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Karin J. Immergut", "date_filed": "2025-08-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Bullivant Houser Bailey PC", "fees_requested": 17483.38, "fees_awarded": 15735.04, "dollar_cut": 1748.34, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests that this Court order Defendants to pay $17,483.38 in attorney's fees and $974.98 in costs and expenses incurred in this action.", "fees_awarded_quote": "This Court will therefore award Plaintiff $15,735.04 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 1748.34, "hours": null, "quote": "counsel billed .1 to .2 hours for sending or receiving what appear to be simple emails or clerical tasks" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 1748.34, "hours": null, "quote": "the total hours Plaintiff billed \"for what appears to be a relatively straightforward surety action that ultimately was unopposed is more hours than billed in comparable litigation in this district.\"" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts commercial fee award 10%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/old-republic-surety-company-v-ross-island-sand-gravel-co-ord-3-25-cv-00463-0" }, { "slug": "romero-v-c-t-c-cleaning-services-llc-azd-2-25-cv-00281-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-00281-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-00281/USCOURTS-azd-2_25-cv-00281-0", "case_name": "Romero v. C.T.C. Cleaning Services LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:25-cv-00281", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Steven P. Logan", "date_filed": "2025-08-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7743, "fees_awarded": 6897.5, "dollar_cut": 845.5, "pct_cut": 10.92, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 17.4, "hours_awarded": 15.5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff argues that $7,743 is a reasonable fee award based on a lodestar of 17.4 hours of work billed at an hourly rate of $445.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, Plaintiff will be awarded $6,897.50 in reasonable attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 845.5, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "the Court will strike a total of 1.9 hours of clerical and administrative tasks at an hourly rate of $445, for a total reduction of $845.50 from the fee award" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 10.9% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/romero-v-c-t-c-cleaning-services-llc-azd-2-25-cv-00281-0" }, { "slug": "usaa-casualty-insurance-company-v-nuvo-residential-llc-azd-2-22-cv-01512-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01512-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01512/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01512-1", "case_name": "USAA Casualty Insurance Company v. Nuvo Residential LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01512", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Steven P. Logan", "date_filed": "2025-08-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Meister Seelig & Fein PLLC", "fees_requested": 385279, "fees_awarded": 322067.5, "dollar_cut": 63211.5, "pct_cut": 16.41, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 821.6, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant Hydro subsequently filed the present Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Expert Costs seeking $385,279 in attorneys' fees and $234,721 in expert costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court finds a fee award of $322,067.50 is appropriate", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 13.4, "quote": "the Court finds it appropriate to reduce the requested fees by $3,450 for the work conducted by ADP at a rate of $500 per hour and $1,950 for the work conducted by LAH at a rate of $300 per hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 30840, "hours": 102.8, "quote": "At LAH's rate of $300 per hour, elimination of these entries totaling 102.8 hours results in a $30,840 reduction in the fee award." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 23695, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the Court will reduce the block billed entries (totaling $118,475) by 20 percent ($23,695)." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 526.5, "hours": null, "quote": "As such, the Court will strike these entries and reduce the fee award by $526.50." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2750, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will strike these entries and reduce the fee award by $2,750." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts commercial fee award 16.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/usaa-casualty-insurance-company-v-nuvo-residential-llc-azd-2-22-cv-01512-1" }, { "slug": "acosta-v-all-american-glass-inc-caed-1-25-cv-00240-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-00240-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-00240/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-00240-2", "case_name": "Acosta v. All American Glass, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-00240", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2025-08-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 2065, "fees_awarded": 1888, "dollar_cut": 177, "pct_cut": 8.57, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees and paralegals’ fees in the amount of $2,065.00, and costs of $1,007.85, for a total award $3,072.85 in fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff’s request for fees, costs, and expenses is GRANTED, in the modified amount of $2,895.85.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "The Court finds these entries to be generally clerical work and recommends reducing them to 0 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 8.6% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/acosta-v-all-american-glass-inc-caed-1-25-cv-00240-2" }, { "slug": "sanchez-juarez-v-156-40-grill-llc-nyed-2-15-cv-05081-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081-6", "case_name": "Sanchez Juarez et al v. 156-40 Grill LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:15-cv-05081", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lee G. Dunst", "date_filed": "2025-08-14", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Troy Law PLLC", "fees_requested": 10384.5, "fees_awarded": 10335, "dollar_cut": 49.5, "pct_cut": 0.48, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 44.03, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs also sought, under Rule 54(d)(2), an additional $10,384.50 in attorney's fees incurred post-judgment and on appeal.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the April 1, 2025 Amended Judgement be amended to include $10,335.00 of the $10,384.50 requested attorney's fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 49.5, "hours": 0.33, "quote": "Consequently, Troy Law's fee application will be reduced by $49.50, reflecting the $37.50 and $12.00 billed for these two administrative entries, respectively." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 0.5% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sanchez-juarez-v-156-40-grill-llc-nyed-2-15-cv-05081-6" }, { "slug": "preciado-v-recon-security-corp-txwd-3-23-cv-00052-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-3_23-cv-00052-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-3_23-cv-00052/USCOURTS-txwd-3_23-cv-00052-1", "case_name": "Preciado v. Recon Security Corp.", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00052", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert F. Castañeda", "date_filed": "2025-08-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 141143, "fees_awarded": 51287.4, "dollar_cut": 89855.6, "pct_cut": 63.66, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff has asked for $141,143.00 in attorney's fees, based on the following calculations:", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $51,287.40 in attorney's fees and $1,257.00 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10380, "hours": 89.9, "quote": "Thus, the Court will not award Plaintiff any attorney's fees for these hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "When taking all of these factors into consideration, the Court concludes that a 50% reduction in hours is appropriate." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "When taking all of these factors into consideration, the Court concludes that a 50% reduction in hours is appropriate." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "All of Plaintiff's claims except his overtime claim were dismissed by this Court at summary judgment. ... Thus, his attorneys' hours should be reduced to account for his unsuccessful claims." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Taking into account the effects of inflation, the Court concludes that a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Chavez is $415." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 63.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/preciado-v-recon-security-corp-txwd-3-23-cv-00052-1" }, { "slug": "salt-and-light-energy-equipment-llc-v-origin-bancorp-txnd-3-22-cv-00654-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00654-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00654/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00654-2", "case_name": "Salt and Light Energy Equipment LLC v. Origin Bancorp", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00654", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David C. Godbey", "date_filed": "2025-08-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1356037.25, "fees_awarded": 1059334.1, "dollar_cut": 296703.15, "pct_cut": 21.88, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Origin then filed a motion for attorney's fees and related nontaxable expenses, requesting $1,356,037.25 in attorney's fees and $61,956.60 in related nontaxable expenses jointly and severally against SNLEE, Mudigere, and McCormack.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Origin $1,059,334.10 in attorney's fees and $61,956.60 in related nontaxable expenses, to be paid jointly and severally by SNLEE, Mudigere, and McCormack", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "without evidence regarding the experience of Rodriguez, Delany, Ryder, Shook, Monette, and Smith, the Court lowers their hourly rates to the $100 baseline" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that $150 is a high law clerk rate compared to the prevailing market rate and thus reduces the law clerk rate to $85." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "to exclude charges for redacted billing entries in which the Court cannot determine whether the hours worked were reasonable, entries for clerical work, and entries with excessive (or inadequately documented) hours, the Court applies a twenty-five percent reduction" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "to exclude charges for redacted billing entries in which the Court cannot determine whether the hours worked were reasonable, entries for clerical work, and entries with excessive (or inadequately documented) hours, the Court applies a twenty-five percent reduction" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "to exclude charges for redacted billing entries in which the Court cannot determine whether the hours worked were reasonable, entries for clerical work, and entries with excessive (or inadequately documented) hours, the Court applies a twenty-five percent reduction" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 21.9%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/salt-and-light-energy-equipment-llc-v-origin-bancorp-txnd-3-22-cv-00654-2" }, { "slug": "marano-v-tbc-multimedia-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-22592-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22592-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22592/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22592-0", "case_name": "Marano v. TBC Multimedia LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-22592", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Eduardo I. Sanchez", "date_filed": "2025-08-08", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4880, "fees_awarded": 4330, "dollar_cut": 550, "pct_cut": 11.27, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 12.3, "hours_awarded": 10.3, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also seeks $4,880.00 in attorneys' fees and $559.50 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the undersigned finds that $4,330 in attorneys' fees is reasonable for the litigation of this copyright infringement case", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "the undersigned does not credit the 1.0 hour of work claimed for Paralegal Arielle Marra, as Plaintiff's counsel provides no description for this time" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "there was unnecessary and unreasonable duplication of attorney time on October 8, 2024 concerning the preparation of a simple 1½-page motion for extension of time ... and will accordingly reduce the combined time of attorneys Vera and Quintero by 1 hour" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 11.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/marano-v-tbc-multimedia-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-22592-0" }, { "slug": "friends-of-the-river-v-united-states-army-corps-of-engineers-dcd-1-16-cv-02327-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_16-cv-02327-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_16-cv-02327/USCOURTS-dcd-1_16-cv-02327-3", "case_name": "FRIENDS OF THE RIVER v. UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS et al", "docket_number": "1:16-cv-02327", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Zia M. Faruqui", "date_filed": "2025-08-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 747819.63, "fees_awarded": 491676.6, "dollar_cut": 256143.03, "pct_cut": 34.25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "FOR seeks $747,819.63 in attorneys’ fees and an additional $2,548.74 in litigation costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court GRANTS FOR’s motion for attorneys’ fees in part and DENIES in part and awards FOR attorneys’ fees of $491,676.60 and costs of $2,548.74.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Certain entries by FOR were too vague." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Nor can the attorneys recover for clerical or administrative tasks." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other examples of inadequate billing entries include “[r]esearch[ing] local rules[,]” “[r]eview[ing] and revis[ing] time records[,]” and clerical and/or administrative tasks." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will also reduce this portion of the award by 20%." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts FOIA fee award 34.2%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/friends-of-the-river-v-united-states-army-corps-of-engineers-dcd-1-16-cv-02327-3" }, { "slug": "mcdermott-v-the-federal-savings-bank-nyed-2-14-cv-06657-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_14-cv-06657-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_14-cv-06657/USCOURTS-nyed-2_14-cv-06657-4", "case_name": "McDermott v. The Federal Savings Bank et al", "docket_number": "2:14-cv-06657", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William F. Kuntz, II", "date_filed": "2025-08-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "The NHG Law Group, P.C.", "fees_requested": 632235.5, "fees_awarded": 402180.74, "dollar_cut": 230054.76, "pct_cut": 36.39, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1419.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In reply, Plaintiffs filed revised billing records for The NHG Law Group, P.C., thus bringing the total fees requested to $632,235.50, plus $18,888.38 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court ADOPTS the R&R in its entirety.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 83.5, "quote": "The Court respectfully recommends deducting all hours billed after June 10, 2024, from Plaintiffs' request for attorneys' fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 6300, "hours": 35, "quote": "the Court recommends a 40% reduction in fees as to the 35 hours of Mr. Langeland's impermissibly vague billing entries, totaling a reduction of $6,300.00." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court respectfully recommends that Mr. Reilly be awarded $5,962.50 for travel time (26.5 hours at a rate of $225/hour)." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the requested attorneys' fees by Stephen Zouras LLC be reduced by 40%, as any fees directly linked to Finnegan plaintiffs may be recoverable in that action." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court respectfully recommends a 25% reduction of Plaintiffs' attorneys' fee application based on the degree of success achieved relative to the Amended Complaint." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 36.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mcdermott-v-the-federal-savings-bank-nyed-2-14-cv-06657-4" }, { "slug": "peppin-v-kqc-llc-azd-3-24-cv-08175-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-3_24-cv-08175-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-3_24-cv-08175/USCOURTS-azd-3_24-cv-08175-1", "case_name": "Peppin v. KQC LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-08175", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Honorable Steven P. Logan", "date_filed": "2025-08-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8267.5, "fees_awarded": 7136.5, "dollar_cut": 1131, "pct_cut": 13.68, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 35.7, "hours_awarded": 29.4, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks an award of attorneys’ fees in the amount of $8,267.50 and costs in the amount of $2,000.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs are awarded $7,136.50 in attorneys’ fees and $2,000 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1131, "hours": 6.3, "quote": "the Court finds that 35.7 hours is not a reasonable amount of compensable time, as many entries were clerical or administrative." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 13.7% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/peppin-v-kqc-llc-azd-3-24-cv-08175-1" }, { "slug": "badon-v-berry-s-reliable-resources-ca5-23-30345-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca5-23-30345-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca5-23-30345/USCOURTS-ca5-23-30345-0", "case_name": "Badon v. Berry's Reliable Resources", "docket_number": "23-30345", "court_id": "ca5", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit", "court_short": "Fifth Circuit", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Per Curiam", "date_filed": "2025-08-04", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 241987.32, "fees_awarded": 188164.32, "dollar_cut": 53823, "pct_cut": 22.24, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 670.6, "hours_awarded": 603.54, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "It cites $241,987.32 as the award amount, but that was merely the amount Plaintiffs requested.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The actual award—after reductions—was $188,164.32.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Instead, the magistrate judge reduced it to $300, and the district court adopted that recommendation." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "BRR’s argument fails to account for the district court’s 10 percent reduction to account for billed administrative work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Fifth Circuit cuts wage and hour fee award 22.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/badon-v-berry-s-reliable-resources-ca5-23-30345-0" }, { "slug": "leopold-v-u-s-secret-service-dcd-1-22-cv-01923-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01923-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01923/USCOURTS-dcd-1_22-cv-01923-0", "case_name": "LEOPOLD v. U.S. SECRET SERVICE et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01923", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Randolph D. Moss", "date_filed": "2025-08-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 94949.2, "fees_awarded": 67995.4, "dollar_cut": 26953.8, "pct_cut": 28.39, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "This brings Leopold’s total requested award to $94,949.20.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby AWARDED reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $38,814.60, plus fees on fees in the amount of $24,627.30, for a total award of $67,995.40.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because it was always “highly unlikely,” Dkt. 34 at 29—albeit not out of the question—that this suit would result in the discovery of responsive records, the Court concludes that a ten-percent reduction is appropriate." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will, however, apply an additional 15% reduction to the requested fee to account for its observation in its summary judgment ruling that “this case could have been somewhat expedited.”" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1250, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that a lump-sum reduction of $1,250 is sufficient to account for these duplicative entries." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1370.7, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "The Court will therefore deduct the 1.9 hours that Topic spent reviewing court orders during the merits portion of the case, in the amount of $1370.70." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court accordingly applies a 25% reduction to the fees on fees awarded." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 2, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Moreover, the Court applies an additional 2% reduction to the fees on fees to compensate for any time Plaintiff spent reconstructing entries." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 602, "hours": null, "quote": "Finally, the Court will also deduct $602 from Plaintiff’s fees-on-fees award to exclude instances of duplicative billing or reconstructed entries for reviewing court orders." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts FOIA fee award 28.4%, including for reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/leopold-v-u-s-secret-service-dcd-1-22-cv-01923-0" }, { "slug": "piety-foley-v-drexel-university-paed-2-22-cv-01777-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_22-cv-01777-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_22-cv-01777/USCOURTS-paed-2_22-cv-01777-8", "case_name": "PIETY FOLEY v. DREXEL UNIVERSITY et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01777", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Wendy Beetlestone", "date_filed": "2025-07-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 727699.8, "fees_awarded": 540543.6, "dollar_cut": 187156.2, "pct_cut": 25.72, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 615.13, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "seeking $727,699.80 in fees and $5,960.88 in costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "Piety Foley shall be awarded $540,543.60 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.55, "quote": "5.55 hours, largely related to scheduling, are not properly billable" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "0.8 hours for exhibit preparation are only billable at a paralegal rate" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reduction of 30% to Brian Foley's hours during that time period is warranted to make the number of hours billed prior to summary judgment a reasonably accurate reflection of the work performed on the EPA claim" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "10% of the time spent by Brian Foley in this case was due to Piety Foley's unnecessarily contentious litigation posture, and her requested time will be reduced by that amount" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts employment fee award 25.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/piety-foley-v-drexel-university-paed-2-22-cv-01777-8" }, { "slug": "carista-v-commissioner-of-social-security-nynd-5-24-cv-00568-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynd-5_24-cv-00568-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynd-5_24-cv-00568/USCOURTS-nynd-5_24-cv-00568-1", "case_name": "Carista v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "5:24-cv-00568", "court_id": "nynd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Brenda K. Sannes", "date_filed": "2025-07-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": "Olinsky Law Group", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 69.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "The Court agrees that preparing the administrative record for attorney review does not involve substantive legal work and is therefore non-recoverable under the EAJA." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. New York cuts social security fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/carista-v-commissioner-of-social-security-nynd-5-24-cv-00568-1" }, { "slug": "acosta-v-all-american-glass-inc-caed-1-25-cv-00240-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-00240-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-00240/USCOURTS-caed-1_25-cv-00240-1", "case_name": "Acosta v. All American Glass, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:25-cv-00240", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stanley A. Boone", "date_filed": "2025-07-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 2065, "fees_awarded": 1888, "dollar_cut": 177, "pct_cut": 8.57, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees and paralegals’ fees in the amount of $2,065.00, and costs of $1,007.85, for a total award $3,072.85 in fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, the Court will recommend that Plaintiff be awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $1,888.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "The Court finds these entries to be generally clerical work and recommends reducing them to 0 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 8.6% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/acosta-v-all-american-glass-inc-caed-1-25-cv-00240-1" }, { "slug": "burwell-v-portfolio-recovery-associates-llc-tnmd-3-23-cv-00734-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_23-cv-00734-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_23-cv-00734/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_23-cv-00734-2", "case_name": "Burwell v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00734", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Eli Richardson", "date_filed": "2025-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 110022.75, "fees_awarded": 7500, "dollar_cut": 102522.75, "pct_cut": 93.18, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 282.6, "hours_awarded": 15, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant requests $110,022.75 in attorney’s fees for work that was invoiced from November 13, 2023 to September 17, 2024.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court finds that an award of $7,500.00 is reasonable in this particular matter.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendant filed heavily redacted billing entries that do not provide the Court with any understanding of what work its counsel did on this matter." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it appears the billing statements are rife with duplicative services" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For example, the time entry on March 21, 2024 is for 3.00 hours of travel time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The fees requested go so far beyond the pale of what would be expected in litigating what appears to be a fairly pedestrian FCRA claim that they border on frivolous." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court disagrees and finds that the requested hourly rates are not reasonable." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that the time spent on the motion for summary judgment warrants disallowance altogether, or at best a drastic discount" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts consumer protection fee award 93.2%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/burwell-v-portfolio-recovery-associates-llc-tnmd-3-23-cv-00734-2" }, { "slug": "lee-txsd-4-25-cv-00321-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_25-cv-00321-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_25-cv-00321/USCOURTS-txsd-4_25-cv-00321-0", "case_name": "Lee", "docket_number": "4:25-cv-00321", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lee H. Rosenthal", "date_filed": "2025-07-28", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 473942.2, "fees_awarded": 9499.5, "dollar_cut": 464442.7, "pct_cut": 98, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Berleth asks this court to award him the amount of his fee application, $473,942.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The bankruptcy court awarded Berleth $9,499.50 in fees and $4,937.93 in expenses, for total award of $14,437.43.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the bankruptcy court identified multiple instances when Berleth had billed time he spent for clerical work, for unnecessary or duplicative work, or for work during pending bankruptcies for which he had no authorization" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the bankruptcy court identified multiple instances when Berleth had billed time he spent for clerical work, for unnecessary or duplicative work, or for work during pending bankruptcies for which he had no authorization" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the bankruptcy court identified multiple instances when Berleth had billed time he spent for clerical work, for unnecessary or duplicative work, or for work during pending bankruptcies for which he had no authorization" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts fee award 98%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lee-txsd-4-25-cv-00321-0" }, { "slug": "abira-medical-laboratories-llc-d-b-a-genesis-diagnostics-v-paed-2-24-cv-00227-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00227-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00227/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00227-4", "case_name": "ABIRA MEDICAL LABORATORIES LLC D/B/A GENESIS DIAGNOSTICS v. UPMC HEALTH PLAN INC. et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00227", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Chad F. Kenney", "date_filed": "2025-07-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Stevens & Lee", "fees_requested": 19169.6, "fees_awarded": 16276.8, "dollar_cut": 2892.8, "pct_cut": 15.09, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In connection with that Order, Defendants now seek $19,169.60 in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the foregoing reasons, the Court will award $16,276.80 in attorney's fees, in connection with its prior Order granting in part Defendants' Motion for Contempt and Sanctions.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces by fifty percent Mr. Brunelli's 2.20-hour time entry on May 27, 2025 and Mr. Myers's 1-hour time entry on May 28, 2025" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "the Court finds it duplicative for both attorneys to have spent 0.1 hours reviewing the Court's May 9, 2025 Order" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "the Court will reduce their respective 2.8-hour and 3-hour time entries each to 2 hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": 0.9, "quote": "this Court will reduce this time entry by approximately 20 percent to 3.3 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts sanctions fee award 15.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/abira-medical-laboratories-llc-d-b-a-genesis-diagnostics-v-paed-2-24-cv-00227-4" }, { "slug": "stein-v-depke-azd-4-20-cv-00102-10", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-4_20-cv-00102-10", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-4_20-cv-00102/USCOURTS-azd-4_20-cv-00102-10", "case_name": "Stein et al v. Depke et al", "docket_number": "4:20-cv-00102", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "John C. Hinderaker", "date_filed": "2025-07-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Zwillinger Wulkan PLC", "fees_requested": 983227.16, "fees_awarded": 742161.66, "dollar_cut": 241065.5, "pct_cut": 24.52, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Together, the Fee Motions request attorneys’ fees and related expenses totaling $983,227.16.", "fees_awarded_quote": "After reductions, the Court will award Plaintiffs $742,161.66 total for fees and costs requested in the three applications.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 154512, "hours": 858.4, "quote": "the Court makes a reduction of $154,512 ($180 x 858.4 hours) from the amount requested because that amount assumes a $630 hourly rate for Mr. Moore and the Court has lowered his hourly rate to $450." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "The Court sustains the vagueness objections to the entries on September 22, 25, 29, October 2, and November 22, 2023, which total .4 of an hour for Ms. Joachim’s time and .3 of an hour for Mr. Wulkan’s time." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The Court also sustains the objections related to consultations on a “post-nup” agreement done by Ms. Joachim and will reduce the time by .5 of an hour." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3062.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will allow travel time to be billed at only 50% of counsel’s standard hourly rate and, accordingly, makes a $3,062.50 reduction." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3315, "hours": 8.1, "quote": "For the time claimed between December 20, 2019, and July 27, 2020, the Court will reduce Mr. Moore’s time by 6.9 hours and Ms. Joachim’s time by 1.2 hours. This results in a $3,315 reduction." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2642.5, "hours": 6.3, "quote": "For the time claimed between July 30, 2020, and April 29, 2021, the Court will reduce Mr. Moore’s time by 5.6 hours and Ms. Joachim’s time by .7 hours. This results in a $2,642.50 reduction." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8185, "hours": 18.8, "quote": "For the time claimed between October 1, 2021, and September 16, 2023, the Court will reduce Mr. Moore’s time by 17.8 hours and Ms. Joachim’s time by 1.0 hours. This results in a $8,185 reduction." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 585, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "For the time claimed between September 26, 2023, and March 15, 2024, the Court will reduce Mr. Moore’s time by 1.3 hours. This results in a $585 reduction." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 630, "hours": 1.4, "quote": "For the time claimed between September 26, 2023, and March 15, 2024, the Court will reduce Mr. Moore’s time by 1.4 hours. This results in a $630 reduction." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 90, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The court will disallow the entry made by Mr. Wulkan on July 24, 2024, for .2 of an hour (“Research and email to Emily Kile regarding potential new client”) because that entry is not clearly related. This results in a $90 reduction." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 5718, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will not allow these rate increases because some of the increases seem excessive, and the increases are not sufficiently supported by the record. Also, the Court will only allow counsel to bill travel time at fifty percent of standard hourly rates. These changes result in a reduction of $5,718" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "The entries on 3/22/25 (.2) and 3/26/25 (1.0) are denied because they are administrative tasks." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "The entry on 5/21/25 (2.1) is denied because it appears to have been needed due to the less-than-efficient method Mr. Moore used to maintain his time records, which required him to go back through his Outlook Calendar and recreate time entries" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7065, "hours": null, "quote": "Further, for reasons stated above, the Court finds that $450 (as opposed to $630) is a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Moore. ... The above adjustments result in a reduction of $7,065." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 13500, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds 76 hours to be unreasonable, especially relative to the amount of time spent drafting the two motions and supporting declarations. To account for this, the Court will reduce the award under the Third Fee Motion by $13,500." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7500, "hours": 29, "quote": "Given all of this and the sums of money at issue, the Court finds 29 hours to be excessive. Accordingly, the Court will reduce the award under the Third Fee Motion by an additional $7,500." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts civil rights fee award 24.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/stein-v-depke-azd-4-20-cv-00102-10" }, { "slug": "autry-v-ahern-rentals-inc-dba-ahern-rentals-and-sales-txwd-3-19-cv-00154-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-3_19-cv-00154-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-3_19-cv-00154/USCOURTS-txwd-3_19-cv-00154-4", "case_name": "Autry v. Ahern Rentals, Inc. dba Ahern Rentals and Sales", "docket_number": "3:19-cv-00154", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David C. Guaderrama", "date_filed": "2025-07-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Chavez Law Firm", "fees_requested": 1281460, "fees_awarded": 251649.54, "dollar_cut": 1029810.46, "pct_cut": 80.36, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1247.4, "hours_awarded": 730.36, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks $1,281,460.00 in attorney's fees and $3,643.36 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court AWARDS Plaintiff $251,649.54 in attorney's fees and $3,643.36 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm's hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm's hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm's hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 44, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the Chavez Law Firm's hours by 44%—which, as explained above, is mathematically equivalent to the total effective reduction that Judge Montalvo imposed in Ares" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 100, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 323, "quote": "the Court accepts Judge Berton's recommendation to deny Plaintiff's request for legal assistant fees." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts employment fee award 80.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/autry-v-ahern-rentals-inc-dba-ahern-rentals-and-sales-txwd-3-19-cv-00154-4" }, { "slug": "cox-v-mignon-faget-ltd-laed-2-24-cv-01068-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-01068-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-01068/USCOURTS-laed-2_24-cv-01068-2", "case_name": "Cox v. Mignon Faget, LTD", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01068", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lance M. Africk", "date_filed": "2025-07-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 209048.08, "fees_awarded": 153128.58, "dollar_cut": 55919.5, "pct_cut": 26.75, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 584.3, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Altogether, plaintiff now seeks $209,048.08 in attorney’s fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff shall be awarded $153,128.58 in attorney’s fees and $15,567.07 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 800, "hours": 2, "quote": "The first entry bills for 14 hours although only 12 are accounted for. Accordingly, two hours totaling $800.00 must be discounted." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 5200, "hours": null, "quote": "The second entry is an entry billing for 13 hours on February 20, 2025 that is wholly duplicative of an entry on February 18, 2025. Accordingly, the $5,200.00 in fees associated with the duplicative entry must be discounted." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 315, "hours": null, "quote": "That description is “not illuminating as to the subject matter,” and therefore $315.00 in associated fees may be discounted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 3100.75, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce plaintiff’s attorney’s fees with respect to discovery by 50% or $3,100.75." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1125, "hours": 5, "quote": "The Court will therefore apply a five-hour reduction totaling $1,125.00." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 4557.5, "hours": 27, "quote": "The fees incurred for travel time that did not include work amount to $9,115.00 in total. The Court will reduce that amount by 50% for a reduction of $4,557.50." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 1082.25, "hours": 12.3, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will apply only a 30% reduction with respect to that travel time amounting to $1,082.25." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 8059.4, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will exercise its discretion to apply a final 5% reduction of the lodestar amount after taking the other reductions into account." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts employment fee award 26.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cox-v-mignon-faget-ltd-laed-2-24-cv-01068-2" }, { "slug": "phh-mortgage-corporation-v-atkins-txsd-4-24-cv-03111-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_24-cv-03111-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_24-cv-03111/USCOURTS-txsd-4_24-cv-03111-2", "case_name": "PHH Mortgage Corporation v. Atkins", "docket_number": "4:24-cv-03111", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dena Hanovice Palermo", "date_filed": "2025-07-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 515, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on a review of the paralegals' entries, it appears that at least one half of the entries are clerical in nature. Accordingly, the Court determines that a 50 percent reduction in the requested paralegals' fees is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/phh-mortgage-corporation-v-atkins-txsd-4-24-cv-03111-2" }, { "slug": "j-o-p-v-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-mdd-8-19-cv-01944-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-8_19-cv-01944-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-8_19-cv-01944/USCOURTS-mdd-8_19-cv-01944-5", "case_name": "J.O.P., et al v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al", "docket_number": "8:19-cv-01944", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephanie A. Gallagher", "date_filed": "2025-07-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Immigration", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court believes that a reduction of 15% from the requested number of hours accounts for the billing deficiencies described above and allows for calculation of a reasonable lodestar, using the agreed EAJA rates." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the majority of Plaintiffs' time entries fall on the \"more general\" side of the line, warranting some consideration in terms of a percentage-based reduction." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court concludes that there are reasons to exclude some percentage of time entries from reimbursement to adjust for vague or excessive billing entries." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts immigration fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/j-o-p-v-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-mdd-8-19-cv-01944-5" }, { "slug": "ladenburg-thalmann-co-inc-v-bright-mountain-media-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81019-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81019-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81019/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81019-2", "case_name": "Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. v. Bright Mountain Media, Inc.", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-81019", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2025-07-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Patrick J. Rengstl, P.A.", "fees_requested": 255935, "fees_awarded": 201122.5, "dollar_cut": 54812.5, "pct_cut": 21.42, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 572.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "The Motion requests $255,935.00 in attorneys' fees based on 572.5 hours at $350 an hour for an associate, $150 an hour for a paralegal, and $500 for a partner or counsel", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court accordingly reduces Plaintiff's requested attorneys' fees from $255,935.00 to $201,122.50", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court imposes a twenty-five percent reduction in hours totaling $201,122.50 in attorneys' fees" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court imposes a twenty-five percent reduction in hours totaling $201,122.50 in attorneys' fees" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court imposes a twenty-five percent reduction in hours totaling $201,122.50 in attorneys' fees" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court imposes a twenty-five percent reduction in hours totaling $201,122.50 in attorneys' fees" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court imposes a twenty-five percent reduction in hours totaling $201,122.50 in attorneys' fees" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 21.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ladenburg-thalmann-co-inc-v-bright-mountain-media-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81019-2" }, { "slug": "katherine-marie-higgins-txsb-4-24-bk-32044-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsb-4_24-bk-32044-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsb-4_24-bk-32044/USCOURTS-txsb-4_24-bk-32044-0", "case_name": "Katherine Marie Higgins", "docket_number": "4:24-bk-32044", "court_id": "txsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Eduardo V. Rodriguez", "date_filed": "2025-07-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Beck Redden LLP", "fees_requested": 59401.35, "fees_awarded": 52945.35, "dollar_cut": 6456, "pct_cut": 10.87, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Earthman seeks an award of $59,401.35 in attorney's fees plus $1,397.40 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court disallows $6,456.00 of the $59,401.35 in requested attorney's fees, and thus awards $52,945.35 in fees, plus $1,397.40 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 3840, "hours": 7.72, "quote": "the Court finds that a 20% reduction for such deficient time entries is warranted. The total deduction based on lumped and vague time entries is $3,840.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 3840, "hours": 7.72, "quote": "the Court finds that a 20% reduction for such deficient time entries is warranted. The total deduction based on lumped and vague time entries is $3,840.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 2616, "hours": 5.45, "quote": "the Court finds that a 30% reduction to each of the excessive entries is warranted. This results in a total deduction of $2,616.00 for excessive billing across the Fee Application." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Texas cuts bankruptcy fee award 10.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/katherine-marie-higgins-txsb-4-24-bk-32044-0" }, { "slug": "holt-v-urban-league-of-portland-inc-ord-3-22-cv-00837-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-00837-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-00837/USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-00837-7", "case_name": "Holt v. Urban League of Portland, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00837", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Youlee Yim You", "date_filed": "2025-07-09", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 73189, "fees_awarded": 70904, "dollar_cut": 2285, "pct_cut": 3.12, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks $73,189 in \"attorney fees and Westlaw charges,\" which includes $56,568 in fees for work on the appeal itself, $11,786 in fees incurred in preparing the request for the appellate fees, and $4,835 in Westlaw charges.", "fees_awarded_quote": "ULPDX should be awarded $70,904 in fees and costs, consisting of $55,285.50 in recoverable fees for work on the appeal itself, $10,783.50 in recoverable fees for preparing the motion for the appellate fees, and $4,835 in Westlaw charges.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "A review of the time records shows both Hillas and Whitney billed at the paralegal rate for work such as preparing copies, mailing, calculating total billed amounts, and filing documents." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.9, "quote": "Based on these cases and Hallas's experience and work on this case, a rate of $220 for the remaining request 7.9 hours of paralegal work is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts fee award 3.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/holt-v-urban-league-of-portland-inc-ord-3-22-cv-00837-7" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-01517-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01517-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01517/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01517-1", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Singh", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-01517", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2025-07-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP", "fees_requested": 4550, "fees_awarded": 3575, "dollar_cut": 975, "pct_cut": 21.43, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 11, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also seeks $4,550.00 in attorney’s fees and $805.18 in costs under the Agreements for bringing this Motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff’s request for fees and costs is GRANTED, in the modified amount of $3,575.00 in attorney fees and $805.18 in costs, for a total of $4,380.18.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 975, "hours": 3, "quote": "there is no evidence to support this estimate; thus, as previously explained by the Court, “[t]he Court declines to speculate as to time related to this motion" } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 21.4% over reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-01517-1" }, { "slug": "ssi-technologies-llc-v-dongguan-zhengyang-electronic-wiwd-3-20-cv-00019-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-wiwd-3_20-cv-00019-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-wiwd-3_20-cv-00019/USCOURTS-wiwd-3_20-cv-00019-11", "case_name": "SSI Technologies, LLC v. Dongguan Zhengyang Electronic Mechanical LTD", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-00019", "court_id": "wiwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Wisconsin", "court_short": "W.D. Wisconsin", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James D. Peterson", "date_filed": "2025-06-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": "35 U.S.C. § 285", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 2638752.39, "fees_awarded": 2603725.49, "dollar_cut": 35026.9, "pct_cut": 1.33, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "SSI requests that the court award $2,638,752.39 for attorney fees it incurred after February 13, 2023.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court will reduce SSI's attorney fees award by $35,026.90, for a total attorney fees award of $2,603,725.49.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 35026.9, "hours": null, "quote": "The redactions in the challenged entries make it impossible for the court to determine whether the time billed in those entries was reasonable, so the court will reduce SSI's attorney fees award by $35,026.90" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Wisconsin cuts intellectual property fee award 1.3% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ssi-technologies-llc-v-dongguan-zhengyang-electronic-wiwd-3-20-cv-00019-11" }, { "slug": "brough-trucking-llc-v-truck-doctor-inc-okwd-5-24-cv-00412-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-okwd-5_24-cv-00412-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-okwd-5_24-cv-00412/USCOURTS-okwd-5_24-cv-00412-3", "case_name": "Brough Trucking LLC v. Truck Doctor Inc et al", "docket_number": "5:24-cv-00412", "court_id": "okwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Oklahoma", "court_short": "W.D. Oklahoma", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2025-06-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 17310, "fees_awarded": 16472.5, "dollar_cut": 837.5, "pct_cut": 4.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests fees in the amount of $17,310.00 and has included a billing statement detailing the time spent on various tasks", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court concludes that $16,472.50 is a reasonable fee under the circumstances of this litigation.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "entries dated November 26, 2024, December 12, 2024, December, 16, 2024, March 10 2025 do not provide sufficient details for the Court to determine whether they were reasonably necessary" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "entries dated July 22, 2024 and March 11, 2025 reflect an excessive amount of time for the task denoted" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Oklahoma cuts commercial fee award 4.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/brough-trucking-llc-v-truck-doctor-inc-okwd-5-24-cv-00412-3" }, { "slug": "engineering-construction-innovations-inc-v-bradshaw-mnd-0-20-cv-00808-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_20-cv-00808-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_20-cv-00808/USCOURTS-mnd-0_20-cv-00808-7", "case_name": "Engineering & Construction Innovations, Inc. v. Bradshaw Construction Corp. et al", "docket_number": "0:20-cv-00808", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Eric C. Tostrud", "date_filed": "2025-06-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A.", "fees_requested": 14210.95, "fees_awarded": 12610.95, "dollar_cut": 1600, "pct_cut": 11.26, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Bradshaw seeks a total combined fee award of $14,210.95 for prompt-payment-claim-related work performed by the two firms that represented it, Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A., and Roetzel & Andress, LPA.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Bradshaw shall recover from ECI attorneys’ fees in the amount of $12,610.95.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 1600, "hours": null, "quote": "The fees awarded in this category will be reduced by 50%, or $1,600." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts commercial fee award 11.3% over reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/engineering-construction-innovations-inc-v-bradshaw-mnd-0-20-cv-00808-7" }, { "slug": "dawn-buckingham-md-commissioner-v-pearl-resources-llc-txsb-4-20-ap-03169-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsb-4_20-ap-03169-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsb-4_20-ap-03169/USCOURTS-txsb-4_20-ap-03169-3", "case_name": "Dawn Buckingham, MD, Commissioner v. Pearl Resources LLC et al", "docket_number": "4:20-ap-03169", "court_id": "txsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Eduardo V. Rodriguez", "date_filed": "2025-06-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Office of the Attorney General", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 1579.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court considers these entries as vague, and takes issue with the repeat instances of block billing. Accordingly, Pearl’s Objection to Fees is sustained in part, and the OAG Fees are reduced by 30% to $204,968.75." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court considers these entries as vague, and takes issue with the repeat instances of block billing. Accordingly, Pearl’s Objection to Fees is sustained in part, and the OAG Fees are reduced by 30% to $204,968.75." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a review of these expenses reflects that some reduction is warranted for lack of substantiation. Accordingly, Pearl’s Objection to Fees is sustained in part and the GLO’s requested expenses are reduced by 30% from $8,643.81 to $6,050.67." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Texas cuts bankruptcy fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dawn-buckingham-md-commissioner-v-pearl-resources-llc-txsb-4-20-ap-03169-3" }, { "slug": "superb-motors-inc-v-deo-nyed-2-23-cv-06188-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-06188-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-06188/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-06188-11", "case_name": "Superb Motors Inc. et al v. Deo et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-06188", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James M. Wicks", "date_filed": "2025-06-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Levine Singh, LLP", "fees_requested": 2000, "fees_awarded": 1500, "dollar_cut": 500, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 4, "hours_awarded": 3, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Deo Defendants seek a total of $2,000.00 in fees for the worked performed in connection with Deo Defendants' Third Motion for Contempt (ECF No. 225).", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, Mr. Levine's fee application is reduced to $1,500—representing the hourly rate of $500 times the three hours awarded.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "As a result, the undersigned finds that a reduction of an hour is appropriate and necessary." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 25% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/superb-motors-inc-v-deo-nyed-2-23-cv-06188-11" }, { "slug": "cheesman-v-williams-fudge-inc-mnd-0-24-cv-01264-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_24-cv-01264-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_24-cv-01264/USCOURTS-mnd-0_24-cv-01264-0", "case_name": "Cheesman v. Williams & Fudge, Inc.", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-01264", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Patrick J. Schiltz", "date_filed": "2025-06-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": "The Barry Law Office, Ltd.", "fees_requested": 68320, "fees_awarded": 26568, "dollar_cut": 41752, "pct_cut": 61.11, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 118.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Cheesman seeks attorney's fees in the amount of $68,320.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court agrees and awards Cheesman $26,568.00 in attorney's fees and $502.35 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a rate of $600 per hour for Barry's services in this case is reasonable" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that $400 is a reasonable hourly rate for Ryder's work in this case" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 28.7, "quote": "the Court subtracts the 18.3 hours Barry billed and the 10.4 hours Ryder billed after September 18, 2024" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "The Court accordingly subtracts 1.9 hours from Barry's proposed lodestar." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.3, "quote": "The Court subtracts 4.3 hours to account for time billed to \"[d]raft[ing [a] Motion to Amend [the] complaint\"" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 22.9, "quote": "the Court subtracts 10.3 hours from Barry's proposed lodestar and 12.6 hours from Ryder's proposed lodestar" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court applies an across‐the‐board 10‐percent reduction to both Barry's and Ryder's adjusted lodestars, to approximate additional redundancies and inefficiencies" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts consumer protection fee award 61.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cheesman-v-williams-fudge-inc-mnd-0-24-cv-01264-0" }, { "slug": "brown-v-mgm-grand-casino-mied-2-22-cv-12978-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mied-2_22-cv-12978-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-2_22-cv-12978/USCOURTS-mied-2_22-cv-12978-2", "case_name": "Brown et al v. MGM Grand Casino", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-12978", "court_id": "mied", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Michigan", "court_short": "E.D. Michigan", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gershwin A. Drain", "date_filed": "2025-06-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Hurwitz Law PLLC", "fees_requested": 434130, "fees_awarded": 393680, "dollar_cut": 40450, "pct_cut": 9.32, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests a total of $434,130 in attorney fees and $5,222.39 in costs as the prevailing party to his lawsuit under Title VII.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded a total of $393,680 in attorney fees, plus interest accruing from the date of this Order at the rate of 4.09%.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees that $500 per hour is excessive for Mr. Jones." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given Plaintiff’s failure to address the evidence of time discrepancies, the Court will reduce Mr. Hurwitz’s and Mr. Childress’s time entries to the lower values represented in their two Statements of Attorney Fees." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Michigan cuts employment fee award 9.3%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/brown-v-mgm-grand-casino-mied-2-22-cv-12978-2" }, { "slug": "nadeau-v-brickell-brokers-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-23907-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-23907-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-23907/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-23907-0", "case_name": "Nadeau v. Brickell Brokers LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-23907", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Roy K. Altman", "date_filed": "2025-06-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "SRIPLAW", "fees_requested": 7882.5, "fees_awarded": 4903, "dollar_cut": 2979.5, "pct_cut": 37.8, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 25.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "See Mot. at 12 (requesting \"$7,882.50\" in attorneys' fees). It isn't.", "fees_awarded_quote": "All in all, then, the total amount of recoverable attorneys' fees is $4,903.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "We'll therefore reduce Ms. Lara's rate to $250.00 per hour for the fourteen hours she worked on this case." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "So, we'll reduce Ms. Pollack's fees for 10.7 hours 2 billed to $100.00 per hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "So, we won't award any fees for Mr. Unfer's work." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "We too will reduce Ms. Pollack's time on these three problematic entries by 40% (leaving her with 10.28 total hours billed, instead of 10.7)." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 37.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nadeau-v-brickell-brokers-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-23907-0" }, { "slug": "wynn-v-city-of-covington-kyed-2-21-cv-00137-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-kyed-2_21-cv-00137-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-kyed-2_21-cv-00137/USCOURTS-kyed-2_21-cv-00137-3", "case_name": "Wynn v. City of Covington et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-00137", "court_id": "kyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Kentucky", "court_short": "E.D. Kentucky", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David L. Bunning", "date_filed": "2025-06-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9842.7, "fees_awarded": 7364.7, "dollar_cut": 2478, "pct_cut": 25.18, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 46.87, "hours_awarded": 35.07, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Pursuant to that Order, Defense Counsel filed the instant Affidavit, seeking $9,842.70 in fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS ORDERED that Defendants are awarded $7,364.70 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.95, "quote": "the Court will only allow compensation for 1.4 hours of work related to attorney fees, electing to deduct 9.95 hours from Defendant's counsel's total of 11.35 hours" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 5% across-the-board reduction to the total number of hours is a reasonable reduction to account for the block billing with clerical tasks" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 5% across-the-board reduction to the total number of hours is a reasonable reduction to account for the block billing with clerical tasks" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Kentucky cuts civil rights fee award 25.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wynn-v-city-of-covington-kyed-2-21-cv-00137-3" }, { "slug": "tercero-v-mercedes-benz-usa-llc-casd-3-24-cv-02084-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_24-cv-02084-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_24-cv-02084/USCOURTS-casd-3_24-cv-02084-0", "case_name": "Tercero v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-02084", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Todd W. Robinson", "date_filed": "2025-06-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Knight Law Group, LLP", "fees_requested": 53523.75, "fees_awarded": 16029.45, "dollar_cut": 37494.3, "pct_cut": 70.05, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, Plaintiff seeks $53,523.75 in attorneys' fees and costs for the work done by his attorneys from Knight Law Group, LLP (\"KLG\") on a lemon law claim", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court GRANTS IN PART Plaintiff's Motion for Attorneys' Fees (ECF No. 19) and AWARDS Plaintiff $16,029.45 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of these recent decisions, the Court awards the following rates:" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 15.4, "quote": "The Court excludes these billing entries from the fee award, which results in a deduction of 14 hours from Norman Little's time and 1.4 hours from Debra Reed's time." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "The Court excludes these billing entries from the fee award, which results in a deduction of 2.5 hours from Norman Little's time, 0.3 hours from Russell Higgins's time, and 0.3 hours from Debra Reed's time." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.3, "quote": "the Court deducts 1.3 hours from Norman Little's time, 0.6 hours from Jacob Cutler's time, and 3.4 hours from Russell Higgins's time." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "The Court excludes these billing entries from the fee award, which results in a deduction of 1.8 hours from Debra Reed's time and 1.2 hours from Norman Little's time." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.1, "quote": "The Court excludes these billing entries from the fee award, which results in a deduction of 4.1 hours from Norman Little's time." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court excludes the entry and deducts 1.0 hours from Debra Reed's time." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Because Plaintiff offers no explanation as to why Wilson billed 0.8 hours—twice as much time as Reed billed for the same meeting—the Court deducts 0.4 hours from Scot Wilson's time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court agrees with Defendant and finds it excessive to spend sixteen minutes composing a brief email that requests availability and proposes potential meeting times. Accordingly, the Court deducts 0.2 hours from Debra Reed's time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "For the reasons previously discussed in regard to Reed's November 18, 2024 email, the Court finds this entry excessive and deducts 0.5 hours from Debra Reed's time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Because Plaintiff has provided no basis on which to find that the entry is reasonable, the Court deducts 0.4 hours from Scot Wilson's time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "The Court agrees with Defendant and finds that it was excessive to bill twelve minutes for such a brief communication. Accordingly, the Court deducts 0.1 hours from Debra Reed's time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Although it may have been necessary to log in to the meeting to confirm that Defendant's attorney was unavailable, it was unreasonable for Reed to bill 0.5 hours. Accordingly, the Court deducts 0.4 hours from Debra Reed's time." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "the Court excludes these entries from the fee award. Accordingly, the Court deducts 2.5 hours from Jacob Cutler's time." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Defendant, however, did not file an opposition to the Costs Motion. (See generally Docket.) Accordingly, the Court deducts 3.0 hours from Jacob Cutler's time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "It was unreasonable for Jacob Cutler to anticipate billing 6.0 hours for drafting the Reply, and the Court deducts 3.0 hours from Cutler's time." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 1781.05, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that the line-item reductions explained above do not adequately account for several inefficiencies related to the staffing and billing of this matter. Accordingly, the Court reduces the lodestar figure by 10 percent, which results in a deduction of $1,781.05" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 70%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tercero-v-mercedes-benz-usa-llc-casd-3-24-cv-02084-0" }, { "slug": "teoh-v-manhasset-restaurant-llc-nyed-2-22-cv-04110-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04110-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04110/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04110-1", "case_name": "Teoh v. Manhasset Restaurant, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-04110", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nusrat J. Choudhury", "date_filed": "2025-06-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Troy Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 93764.67, "fees_awarded": 48170.77, "dollar_cut": 45593.9, "pct_cut": 48.63, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 306.04, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Troy Law seeks $93,764.67 in fees for hours expended by John Troy (managing partner), Aaron Schweitzer (managing associate), Tiffany Troy (associate), Preethi Kilaru (clerk/paralegal), and Gavin Dass (clerk/paralegal).", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Teoh $56,553.02 as follows: $48,170.77 in attorney’s fees and $8,382.25 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $300.00 for Mr. Schweitzer is warranted." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $225.00 for Ms. Troy is warranted, which is at the top end of rates awarded for junior associates in like cases in this District." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that hourly rates of $75.00 per hour for the nonlegal work performed by Ms. Kilaru and Mr. Dass is warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering Troy Law’s excessive hours, inappropriate delegation of rudimentary work to more senior attorneys, and wrongdoings that further prop up their bill, the Court finds appropriate an across-the-board reduction to Troy Law’s requested hours of 30 percent." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering Troy Law’s excessive hours, inappropriate delegation of rudimentary work to more senior attorneys, and wrongdoings that further prop up their bill, the Court finds appropriate an across-the-board reduction to Troy Law’s requested hours of 30 percent." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering Troy Law’s excessive hours, inappropriate delegation of rudimentary work to more senior attorneys, and wrongdoings that further prop up their bill, the Court finds appropriate an across-the-board reduction to Troy Law’s requested hours of 30 percent." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 48.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/teoh-v-manhasset-restaurant-llc-nyed-2-22-cv-04110-1" }, { "slug": "ps-demartini-v-demartini-caed-2-14-cv-02722-54", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02722-54", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02722/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02722-54", "case_name": "(PS) DeMartini, et al. v. DeMartini, et al.", "docket_number": "2:14-cv-02722", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hon. Daniel J. Calabretta", "date_filed": "2025-06-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 684324, "fees_awarded": 615891.6, "dollar_cut": 68432.4, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request that the Court apportion $684,324 in attorneys' fees and $3,550 in costs according to the Parties' interests, i.e., 50% to Plaintiffs, and 50% to Defendants.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court shall apportion $615,891.60 (i.e., $684,324 x .9) in attorney's fees and $3,550 in law firm costs among the Parties according to their interests", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will impose a 10% reduction to counsels' claimed fees to account for any vague entries that may not correspond to fees for the common benefit and that were missed in counsels' review." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award 10% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ps-demartini-v-demartini-caed-2-14-cv-02722-54" }, { "slug": "huber-v-simon-s-agency-inc-paed-2-19-cv-01424-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_19-cv-01424-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_19-cv-01424/USCOURTS-paed-2_19-cv-01424-6", "case_name": "HUBER v. SIMON'S AGENCY, INC.", "docket_number": "2:19-cv-01424", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Anita B. Brody", "date_filed": "2025-06-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 147219.04, "fees_awarded": 59513.9, "dollar_cut": 87705.14, "pct_cut": 59.57, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 283.6, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Huber moves for $3,326.25 in costs and $147,219.04 in attorneys' fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying a 60% reduction to the lodestar set forth above ($148,784.76) results in a final attorneys' fee award of $59,513.90.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "The Court will therefore exclude, rather than bill at a lower rate, the time spent on these tasks as follows:" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "With a five-percent annual increase accounting for two years of inflation, the Court will fix Zelman's regular hourly rate at $486.20." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will instead reduce the lodestar by 60% to account for Huber's limited success on her putative class claims" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts consumer protection fee award 59.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/huber-v-simon-s-agency-inc-paed-2-19-cv-01424-6" }, { "slug": "purnell-v-long-electric-company-inc-insd-1-22-cv-02426-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-insd-1_22-cv-02426-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-insd-1_22-cv-02426/USCOURTS-insd-1_22-cv-02426-3", "case_name": "PURNELL v. LONG ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-02426", "court_id": "insd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Indiana", "court_short": "S.D. Indiana", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sarah Evans Barker", "date_filed": "2025-06-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "John H. Haskin & Associates, LLC", "fees_requested": 203728, "fees_awarded": 112597.38, "dollar_cut": 91130.62, "pct_cut": 44.73, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Purnell's motion seeks $203,728.00 in attorney fees, plus an upward adjustment in an amount to be determined by the Court, plus $3,631.74 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, the Court shall award the total sum of $112,597.38 as attorney fees, which appropriately reflects the overall difficulty, stakes, and outcome of this litigation.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "we conclude that the following are reasonable hourly rates for each of Plaintiff's attorneys: $350 per hour for Attorneys Boyd, Stowers, Clay; $300 per hour for Attorney Alexander; $250 per hour for Attorney Rollins; and $225 per hour for Attorney Thompson." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "we will deduct that timekeeper's hours (1.1 hours at $250/hour) from Mr. Purnell's overall request." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.1, "quote": "these entries will be deducted from Mr. Purnell's attorney fees request, reducing the request by 0.6 hours of time attributable to Attorney Alexander and 4.5 hours of time attributable to Attorney Stowers." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 28.7, "quote": "we will strike the fees request covering the trial time of Attorneys Rollins (23.0 hours) and Thompson (5.7 hours)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 25.7, "quote": "we will strike the following hours spent on mock trials: Attorney Boyd (6.6 hours); Attorney Stowers (6.0 hours); Attorney Clay (5.4 hours); Attorney Rollins (3.0 hours); and Attorney Thompson (4.7 hours)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "That amount must be reduced by a factor of 15 percent, which accounts for the effect of the issues identified above, including improperly billing for administrative tasks and a pattern of duplicative and excessive time entries." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "That amount must be reduced by a factor of 15 percent, which accounts for the effect of the issues identified above, including improperly billing for administrative tasks and a pattern of duplicative and excessive time entries." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "That amount must be reduced by a factor of 15 percent, which accounts for the effect of the issues identified above, including improperly billing for administrative tasks and a pattern of duplicative and excessive time entries." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Indiana cuts employment fee award 44.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/purnell-v-long-electric-company-inc-insd-1-22-cv-02426-3" }, { "slug": "larada-sciences-v-pediatric-hair-solutions-utd-2-18-cv-00551-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-utd-2_18-cv-00551-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-utd-2_18-cv-00551/USCOURTS-utd-2_18-cv-00551-7", "case_name": "Larada Sciences v. Pediatric Hair Solutions", "docket_number": "2:18-cv-00551", "court_id": "utd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Utah", "court_short": "D. Utah", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert J. Shelby", "date_filed": "2025-06-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 68.5, "quote": "the court agrees with Defendants and therefore excludes the 60.2 hours billed by Ms. Petriou and 8.3 hours billed by Mr. Charest from its calculation of the lodestar." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the provided records suggest counsel engaged in improper block-billing on several occasions. To account for this deficiency and protect against overcompensation, the court will apply a ten-percent reduction to counsel’s requested hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The court therefore finds Larada’s counsel have failed to establish they exercised billing judgment." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Utah cuts intellectual property fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/larada-sciences-v-pediatric-hair-solutions-utd-2-18-cv-00551-7" }, { "slug": "dorado-gardens-llc-v-efron-prd-3-22-cv-01402-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01402-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01402/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01402-2", "case_name": "Dorado Gardens LLC et al v. Efron et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01402", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Francisco A. Besosa", "date_filed": "2025-06-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 183295, "fees_awarded": 180482.5, "dollar_cut": 2812.5, "pct_cut": 1.53, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants ask award $183,295.00 in attorney fees, along with $9,381.01 in costs, to be paid by the plaintiffs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying these rates to the adjusted total hours, defendants’ attorney fee award is $180,482.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 425, "hours": null, "quote": "Several entries are too vague to evaluate whether the time spent was reasonable." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 662.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court also considers several entries to be excessive given the tasks described and will reduce these hours by half" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1050, "hours": null, "quote": "A few entries appear to be for work that was unnecessary, in the first case because the reply was never filed and in the second because the entry was dated months after the opposition was filed." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 675, "hours": null, "quote": "Because it is difficult to tell the proportion of clerical versus legal work in these entries, the reasonable billed amount will be approximated by reducing these amounts by 30%" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts commercial fee award 1.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dorado-gardens-llc-v-efron-prd-3-22-cv-01402-2" }, { "slug": "inova-health-care-services-for-inova-fairfax-hospital-and-dcd-1-20-cv-00784-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_20-cv-00784-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_20-cv-00784/USCOURTS-dcd-1_20-cv-00784-6", "case_name": "INOVA HEALTH CARE SERVICES, FOR INOVA FAIRFAX HOSPITAL AND ITS DEPARTMENT, LIFE WITH CANCER et al v. OMNI SHOREHAM CORPORATION et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-00784", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jdb", "date_filed": "2025-06-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram, P.C.", "fees_requested": 1302200.8, "fees_awarded": 743184.54, "dollar_cut": 559016.26, "pct_cut": 42.93, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs now ask to recover from Omni $1,302,200.80 in legal fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In the end, the Court awards Plaintiffs $743,184.54: $503,856.26 for reasonable hours, $74,438.59 for hard and soft costs, and $164,889.69 for Paris’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mahoney’s hours far, far exceed those of any other person who billed on this case, the Court concludes that his lack of detail warrants a fairly substantial decrease in the lodestar." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the extensive blocking together of undetailed entries does not permit the Court to determine whether the amount of hours Plaintiffs submit is reasonable, and the Court will significantly decrease Plaintiffs’ award for attorney hours accordingly." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will thus add it to the list of errors on the basis of which to decrease the lodestar, taking into account that these claims comprised 40 percent of Plaintiffs’ case prior to their dismissal." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce Plaintiffs’ requested fee for excessive attorney hours accordingly." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore decrease the lodestar to account for the overbilling that resulted from partners doing associate-level work." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court acknowledges there was some overbilling for clerical work, but it accounts for only a very small fraction of the Court’s overall reduction in Plaintiffs’ award." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the paralegals’ rates were at times almost 50 percent higher than the Matrix rate, placing the overcharge outside of any cushion the 20 percent discount provides." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given the only moderate success Counsel obtained for Plaintiffs, the Court finds an award of 50 percent of what was billed is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts commercial fee award 42.9%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/inova-health-care-services-for-inova-fairfax-hospital-and-dcd-1-20-cv-00784-6" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-01517-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01517-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01517/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01517-0", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Singh", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-01517", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Helena M. Barch-Kuchta", "date_filed": "2025-06-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP", "fees_requested": 4550, "fees_awarded": 3575, "dollar_cut": 975, "pct_cut": 21.43, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 14, "hours_awarded": 11, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also seeks $4,550.00 in attorney's fees and $805.18 in costs under the Agreements for bringing this Motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's request for fees and costs is GRANTED, in the modified amount of $3,575.00 in attorney fees and $805.18 in costs, for a total of $4,380.18.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 975, "hours": 3, "quote": "However, there is no evidence to support this estimate; thus, as previously explained by the Court, \"[t]he Court declines to speculate as to time related to this motion\"" } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 21.4% over reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-01517-0" }, { "slug": "eho360-llc-v-opalich-txnd-3-21-cv-00724-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_21-cv-00724-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_21-cv-00724/USCOURTS-txnd-3_21-cv-00724-7", "case_name": "EHO360 LLC v. Opalich et al", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-00724", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jane J. Boyle", "date_filed": "2025-06-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 642545.4, "fees_awarded": 568862.4, "dollar_cut": 73683, "pct_cut": 11.47, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1100, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "EHO supplemented its Motion and now requests $642,545.40 in attorneys' fees and $25,982.13 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards $568,862.40 in attorneys' fees and $19,982.13 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 73683, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the redactions make it impossible for the Court to determine if these entries were reasonable and properly segregated." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 11.5% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/eho360-llc-v-opalich-txnd-3-21-cv-00724-7" }, { "slug": "moorehead-v-school-district-of-the-city-of-allentown-paed-5-22-cv-03959-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-5_22-cv-03959-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-5_22-cv-03959/USCOURTS-paed-5_22-cv-03959-8", "case_name": "Moorehead v. SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN et al", "docket_number": "5:22-cv-03959", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "John M. Gallagher", "date_filed": "2025-06-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees and will adjust Attorney Fluehr’s rate to $395 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, Attorney Malofiy’s rate will be adjusted to $250 per hour." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 79, "quote": "The Court declines to award Attorney Rosen any fees for his participation in this litigation." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds that an hourly rate of $100 per hour is appropriate here." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 20, "quote": "The letter contains minimum legal analysis, and the Court will reduce this entry by two-thirds." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "The claimed time entry is excessive and will be reduced by 30%." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12.5, "quote": "The claimed time for drafting and researching the writ of summons, a document that is only a couple of pages, is excessive, and the Court finds it appropriate to reduce this time by half." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "The claimed time for “compiling and sending” documents to the hearing officer is excessive and will be reduced to two hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 39, "quote": "The claimed hours to draft the Complaint, see ECF No. 1-1, are excessive. ... the Court finds it appropriate to reduce this number of hours claimed by about half." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 6, "quote": "Given the Amended Complaint’s reliance on materials contained in the original complaint, it is appropriate to reduce the hours claimed by about one-third." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "The Court finds that spending an entire workday reviewing the Court’s twenty-two-page opinion is excessive, and accordingly it reduces this entry by 25%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 22, "quote": "The Court does not find this work to be compensable, and it will strike this time entry." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "The Court does not find this work to be compensable, and it will strike this time entry." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 17, "quote": "The Court finds the submitted time entry for trial and trial prep to be excessive and reduces it modestly." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 85, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 34, "quote": "The Court finds an 85% reduction appropriate." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce his claimed time by 20% to account for this billing practice." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Attorney Malofiy’s time entries are often vague and do not even state on which specific date he worked on the assignment." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Consistent with this, the Court will reduce Mr. Rucker’s claimed hours by one third." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the descriptions are vague and at least one of the tasks (securing accommodations and office space) is administrative and not compensable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "at least one of the tasks (securing accommodations and office space) is administrative and not compensable." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce his claimed hours by 15%." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the documentation of Mr. Malofiy’s hours is inadequate ... the Court will reduce his claimed hours by 15%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some of the tasks are administrative and not compensable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts civil rights fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/moorehead-v-school-district-of-the-city-of-allentown-paed-5-22-cv-03959-8" }, { "slug": "wagnon-v-rocklin-unified-school-district-caed-2-17-cv-01666-19", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_17-cv-01666-19", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_17-cv-01666/USCOURTS-caed-2_17-cv-01666-19", "case_name": "Wagnon, et al v Rocklin Unified School District, et al", "docket_number": "2:17-cv-01666", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Csk", "date_filed": "2025-06-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": "Medina McKelvey", "fees_requested": 802874.5, "fees_awarded": 272631.25, "dollar_cut": 530243.25, "pct_cut": 66.04, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1590.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seeks an award of $802,874.50 in attorneys' fees and $13,096.32 \"in additional litigation costs not included in Plaintiff's Bill of Costs.\"", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are awarded $272,631.25 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court awards a $450 hourly rate for the three partners, who have similar levels of experience; a $350 hourly rate for both associates, who have similar levels of experience; and a $75 hourly rate for the paralegals." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 32.4, "quote": "the Court concludes that Plaintiffs are not entitled to recover attorney's fees sought for the 32.4 hours expended by Plaintiffs' lead counsel Hyatt on summary judgment" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.7, "quote": "Plaintiffs are not entitled to recover attorney's fees requested for work on Plaintiffs' second amended exhibit list and Plaintiffs' objections to the Final Pretrial Order, which totals 1.3 hours for Hyatt and 3.4 hours for paralegal Joyce." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court exercises its discretion to impose a 10% \"haircut\" reduction ... to address overstaffing, duplicative work, clerical work, and misconduct" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiffs also seek fees for \"time spent reviewing the docket and monitoring filing deadlines,\" which should be excluded." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiffs' hours should be reduced in connection with responding to Defendants' motion for partial summary judgment where Plaintiffs' lead counsel was monetarily sanctioned" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court exercises its discretion and reduces Plaintiffs' total fee request by 40% as this appropriately reflects Plaintiffs' limited success" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 66%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wagnon-v-rocklin-unified-school-district-caed-2-17-cv-01666-19" }, { "slug": "ortiz-v-lucero-ag-services-inc-caed-1-23-cv-01319-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01319-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01319/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01319-9", "case_name": "Ortiz et al v. Lucero Ag Services, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01319", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2025-06-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5111, "fees_awarded": 950, "dollar_cut": 4161, "pct_cut": 81.41, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 9.5, "hours_awarded": 4.75, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs also request $5,111 in attorney fees for filing the motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds the appropriate lodestar award to be $950 ($200 per hour x 4.75 hours), and will grant the request for attorney fees in part.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Attorney Hill provides no basis to support it, and the Court has previously determined in this case that she was entitled to $200 per hour based on the rate in the Fresno community." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.75, "quote": "the Court believes it fitting to cut the requested hours in half to 4.75 to eliminate time not sufficiently related to the motion to compel filing" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.75, "quote": "As for the hours worked, Attorney Hill fails to itemize how the 9.5 hours were spent." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts wage and hour fee award 81.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ortiz-v-lucero-ag-services-inc-caed-1-23-cv-01319-9" }, { "slug": "mueller-brass-co-v-crompton-tnwd-2-20-cv-02496-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnwd-2_20-cv-02496-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnwd-2_20-cv-02496/USCOURTS-tnwd-2_20-cv-02496-1", "case_name": "Mueller Brass Co. v. Crompton", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-02496", "court_id": "tnwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "W.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sheryl H. Lipman", "date_filed": "2025-06-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Willkie Farr", "fees_requested": 1362368.11, "fees_awarded": 457324.31, "dollar_cut": 905043.8, "pct_cut": 66.43, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The reduction of $434,347.43 (as described above) from the starting figure of $1,362,368.11 requested by MBC leaves $928,020.68 left to be considered.", "fees_awarded_quote": "A 40 percent reduction applied to $762,207.18 results in MBC being entitled to $457,324.31 in attorneys' fees and costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 434347.43, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, Crompton's liability for the Rhode Island fees is reduced by two-thirds, that is, by $434,347.43, from $651,521.14 to $217,173.71." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "MBC's non-Tennessee counsel's fee is thus reduced to $312.50 per hour, which is the average of $230 and $395, the low and high ends of local counsel's billing rates." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "On the one hand, MBC submitted hundreds of pages of vague and redacted block billing entries." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "On the one hand, MBC submitted hundreds of pages of vague and redacted block billing entries." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Tennessee cuts commercial fee award 66.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mueller-brass-co-v-crompton-tnwd-2-20-cv-02496-1" }, { "slug": "khatabi-v-car-auto-holdings-llc-flsd-1-21-cv-20458-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_21-cv-20458-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_21-cv-20458/USCOURTS-flsd-1_21-cv-20458-2", "case_name": "KHATABI v. CAR AUTO HOLDINGS LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-20458", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Edwin G. Torres", "date_filed": "2025-05-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "to the extent that Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees for Defendants’ motion to alter the judgment, Plaintiff’s motion is denied." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, 2/3 of the time Plaintiff expended on that motion will be deducted from Plaintiff’s fee award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 835.25, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will deduct $835.25 from Plaintiff’s requested fee amount to reflect the clerical tasks for which Plaintiff billed." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts employment fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/khatabi-v-car-auto-holdings-llc-flsd-1-21-cv-20458-2" }, { "slug": "district-council-16-northern-california-health-and-welfare-cand-3-23-cv-00458-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00458-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00458/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00458-6", "case_name": "District Council 16 Northern California Health and Welfare Trust Fund et al v. Herron Painting Co., et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00458", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Thomas S. Hixson", "date_filed": "2025-05-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 20745, "fees_awarded": 19805, "dollar_cut": 940, "pct_cut": 4.53, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $20,745.00 in attorneys’ fees for hours worked by Plaintiffs’ counsel from March 25, 2022 through February 28, 2025.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards Plaintiffs $19,805 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 940, "hours": 5.2, "quote": "the Court deducts 5.2 hours of paralegal work time, amounting to a total deduction of $940.00" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts ERISA benefits fee award 4.5% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/district-council-16-northern-california-health-and-welfare-cand-3-23-cv-00458-6" }, { "slug": "district-council-16-northern-california-health-and-welfare-cand-3-23-cv-00458-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00458-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00458/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00458-5", "case_name": "District Council 16 Northern California Health and Welfare Trust Fund et al v. Herron Painting Co., et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00458", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Thomas S. Hixson", "date_filed": "2025-05-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 20745, "fees_awarded": 19805, "dollar_cut": 940, "pct_cut": 4.53, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $20,745.00 in attorneys' fees for hours worked by Plaintiffs' counsel from March 25, 2022 through February 28, 2025.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards Plaintiffs $19,805 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 940, "hours": 5.2, "quote": "the Court deducts 5.2 hours of paralegal work time, amounting to a total deduction of $940.00" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts ERISA benefits fee award 4.5% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/district-council-16-northern-california-health-and-welfare-cand-3-23-cv-00458-5" }, { "slug": "quicklogic-corporation-v-konda-technologies-inc-cand-5-21-cv-04657-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_21-cv-04657-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_21-cv-04657/USCOURTS-cand-5_21-cv-04657-5", "case_name": "Quicklogic Corporation v. Konda Technologies, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "5:21-cv-04657", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Edward J. Davila", "date_filed": "2025-05-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": "35 U.S.C. § 285", "firm": "Baker Botts LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 768.94, "hours_awarded": 768.94, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 75362.17, "hours": null, "quote": "Because there is insufficient information to determine the reasonableness of the hours worked during this period, the Court will not award the requested fees." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts intellectual property fee award over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/quicklogic-corporation-v-konda-technologies-inc-cand-5-21-cv-04657-5" }, { "slug": "russell-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-8-23-cv-00461-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-00461-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-00461/USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-00461-1", "case_name": "Russell v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "8:23-cv-00461", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charles D. Austin", "date_filed": "2025-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8407.61, "fees_awarded": 6421.38, "dollar_cut": 1986.23, "pct_cut": 23.62, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed a reply and requested \"an additional 4.6 hours at $243.13 per hour\" for preparing the reply, which brings the total fee requested to $8407.61.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's motion for payment of attorney's fees is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiff will be awarded $6,421.38 in fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "Moreover, time spent to \"combine, strip PDF/A, OCR and live bookmark federal court transcript\" is non-compensable." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "Thus, the undersigned agrees with the Commissioner that a reduction of attorney hours related to record review is warranted and will reduce Plaintiff's request by 3.5 hours." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.6, "quote": "Last, with respect to the time billed for the reply concerning the EAJA fee motion, the Plaintiff will be awarded 1.0 attorney hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts social security fee award 23.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/russell-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-8-23-cv-00461-1" }, { "slug": "rivera-reyes-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-8-22-cv-02915-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-8_22-cv-02915-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-8_22-cv-02915/USCOURTS-mdd-8_22-cv-02915-1", "case_name": "Rivera Reyes v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "8:22-cv-02915", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charles D. Austin", "date_filed": "2025-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 14649.15, "fees_awarded": 6539.38, "dollar_cut": 8109.77, "pct_cut": 55.36, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed a reply and requested \"an additional 3.1 hours at $241.15 per hour\" for preparing the reply, which brings the total fee requested to $14,649.15.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's motion for payment of attorney's fees is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiff will be awarded $6,539.38 in fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.6, "quote": "Therefore, Plaintiff's request will be reduced by 4.6 hours of paralegal time." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "Plaintiff's request will be further reduced by 1.5 hours of paralegal time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 29, "quote": "the undersigned agrees with the Commissioner that a reduction of attorney hours related to \"file review\" and \"issue identification\" is warranted and will reduce Plaintiff's request by 29.0 hours." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "Last, with respect to the time billed for the reply, the Plaintiff will be awarded 1.0 attorney hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts social security fee award 55.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/rivera-reyes-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-8-22-cv-02915-1" }, { "slug": "howell-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-1-23-cv-01881-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01881-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01881/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01881-1", "case_name": "Howell v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01881", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charles D. Austin", "date_filed": "2025-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8804.92, "fees_awarded": 4927.73, "dollar_cut": 3877.19, "pct_cut": 44.03, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed a reply and requested \"an additional 4.3 hours at $249.32 per hour\" for preparing the reply, which brings the total fee requested to $8,804.92.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's motion for payment of attorney's fees is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiff will be awarded $4,927.73 in fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.8, "quote": "Therefore, Plaintiff's request will be reduced by 3.8 hours of paralegal time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11, "quote": "A reduction of attorney hours related to reviewing the record is warranted and will reduce Plaintiff's request by 11.0 hours." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Last, with respect to the time billed for the reply, the Plaintiff will be awarded 1.0 attorney hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts social security fee award 44%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/howell-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-1-23-cv-01881-1" }, { "slug": "anderson-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-1-23-cv-01251-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01251-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01251/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01251-1", "case_name": "Anderson v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01251", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charles D. Austin", "date_filed": "2025-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9413.19, "fees_awarded": 6881.65, "dollar_cut": 2531.54, "pct_cut": 26.89, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed a reply and requested \"an additional 4.3 hours at $249.32 per hour\" for preparing the reply, which brings the total fee requested to $ 9,413.19.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's motion for payment of attorney's fees is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiff will be awarded $6,881.65 in fees and $402.00 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6, "quote": "Thus, a reduction of attorney hours related to reviewing the record is warranted and will reduce Plaintiff's request by 6.0 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "Therefore, Plaintiff's request will be reduced by 2.5 hours of paralegal time." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.3, "quote": "Last, with respect to the time billed for the reply, the Plaintiff will be awarded 1.0 attorney hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts social security fee award 26.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/anderson-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-1-23-cv-01251-1" }, { "slug": "laborde-v-social-security-administration-commissioner-of-mdd-1-23-cv-01137-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01137-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01137/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01137-2", "case_name": "Laborde v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner of", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01137", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charles D. Austin", "date_filed": "2025-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9000, "fees_awarded": 5333.55, "dollar_cut": 3666.45, "pct_cut": 40.74, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 37.5, "hours_awarded": 22.2, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff, through counsel, Karl E Osterhout, filed a motion seeking payment of $9,000.00 in attorney's fees, based on 37.5 hours of services at proximately $240.25 per hour", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff will be awarded $5,333.55 in fees and $402.00 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.5, "quote": "the undersigned agrees with the Commissioner that a reduction of attorney hours related to \"file review\" and \"issue identification\" is warranted and will reduce Plaintiff's request by 9.5 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7, "quote": "Therefore, Plaintiff's request will be reduced by another 7.0 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10, "quote": "having insufficient specifics from counsel and a short merits filing, the Court finds a reduction of additional 10.0 hours is warranted." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts social security fee award 40.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/laborde-v-social-security-administration-commissioner-of-mdd-1-23-cv-01137-2" }, { "slug": "nash-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-1-23-cv-00642-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-00642-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-00642/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-00642-0", "case_name": "Nash v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00642", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charles D. Austin", "date_filed": "2025-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4917.9, "fees_awarded": 2921.68, "dollar_cut": 1996.22, "pct_cut": 40.59, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed a reply and requested \"an additional 3.1 hours at $243.13 per hour\" for preparing the reply, which brings the total fee requested to $4917.9.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's motion for payment of attorney's fees is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiff will be awarded $2,921.68. in fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5, "quote": "A reduction of attorney hours related to record review therefore is warranted, and the undersigned will reduce Plaintiff's request by 5.0 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "Therefore, Plaintiff's request will be reduced by 2.7 hours of paralegal time." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "With respect to the time billed for the reply, the Plaintiff will be awarded 1.0 attorney hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts social security fee award 40.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nash-v-commissioner-of-social-security-mdd-1-23-cv-00642-0" }, { "slug": "ladenburg-thalmann-co-inc-v-bright-mountain-media-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81019-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81019-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81019/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81019-1", "case_name": "Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. v. Bright Mountain Media, Inc.", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-81019", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2025-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Patrick J. Rengstl, P.A.", "fees_requested": 255935, "fees_awarded": 201122.5, "dollar_cut": 54812.5, "pct_cut": 21.42, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 572.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys' fees in the amount of $255,935.00, costs in the amount of $19,839.32, and litigation expenses in in the form of expert fees in the amount of $20,840.83.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court accordingly reduces Plaintiff's requested attorneys' fees from $255,935.00 to $201,122.50, leaving untouched the $20,840.83 in unobjected-to expert fees and $19,639.32 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that a twenty-five percent reduction—rather than the proposed ten percent cut as recommended in the Report—accurately captures a reasonable number of compensable hours billed in this matter." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "That figure considers the deficiencies noted above, ranging from block billing (at approximately 40 percent), vague entries (at approximately 20 percent, instances of excessive billing at partner rates, and inadequate delegation" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff's billing reveals excessive time billed for simple tasks, redundancies in billing, and an overall failure to reasonably delegate to junior associates or administrative staff." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The record also shows unjustified redundancies in billing and frequent billing at partner rates for work that could have been done by an associate or a paralegal." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff improperly seeks a portion of the attorneys' fees for clerical work such as redactions, e-filing documents, and putting together hearing binders—some of which was done by a partner at $500 an hour" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 21.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ladenburg-thalmann-co-inc-v-bright-mountain-media-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81019-1" }, { "slug": "national-roofing-industry-pension-fund-v-jic-construction-ord-3-23-cv-00561-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00561-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00561/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00561-0", "case_name": "National Roofing Industry Pension Fund et al v. JIC Construction, LLC", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00561", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jeff Armistead", "date_filed": "2025-05-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3946, "fees_awarded": 3266.5, "dollar_cut": 679.5, "pct_cut": 17.22, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Trust Funds request a total of $3,946 in attorney fees, for both attorney and paralegal/assistant work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Trust Funds have demonstrated that they are entitled to $27,407.45—$23,591.93 for delinquent contributions, $3,266.50 in attorney fees, and $549.02 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "For the purely clerical entries on 4/17/23, 4/18/23, and 8/7/24, 1.8 hours of time was billed. Those fees are disallowed." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.26, "quote": "Of the 3.2 hours that were block billed with clerical and nonclerical tasks together, 2.26 hours were clerical, and 0.94 hours were nonclerical." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This court concludes that, given the lack of any support for a higher rate, only a rate of $75/hour is justified for work by S. Harder." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts ERISA benefits fee award 17.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/national-roofing-industry-pension-fund-v-jic-construction-ord-3-23-cv-00561-0" }, { "slug": "independent-contractors-of-maverick-transportation-llc-v-moed-4-24-cv-00338-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-moed-4_24-cv-00338-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-moed-4_24-cv-00338/USCOURTS-moed-4_24-cv-00338-1", "case_name": "Independent Contractors of Maverick Transportation, LLC et al v. Great West Casualty Company", "docket_number": "4:24-cv-00338", "court_id": "moed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Missouri", "court_short": "E.D. Missouri", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Henry Edward Autrey", "date_filed": "2025-05-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 209697, "fees_awarded": 86899.75, "dollar_cut": 122797.25, "pct_cut": 58.56, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 650.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "GWCC claims ten attorneys spent 650.70 hours addressing issues raised by Mr. Finney, which amounts to $209,697.00 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "With the subtractions and discount, the Court finds GWCC is entitled to $86,899.75 in attorneys’ fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 60079.5, "hours": null, "quote": "GWCC included in its calculation $60,079.50 in attorneys’ fees for hours that were spent working on Dorian West v. Great West Casualty Company, 23SL-AC14270, a different case" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 25475.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court calculates this amount to be $25,475.50, which will be subtracted from the sanctions award." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will further discount GWCC’s attorneys’ fees by 30 percent based on the fact that some of the billing entries were vague, duplicative, or did not sufficiently describe the work that was done" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will further discount GWCC’s attorneys’ fees by 30 percent based on the fact that some of the billing entries were vague, duplicative, or did not sufficiently describe the work that was done" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "and because the Count finds the case was overstaffed with work being done by ten attorneys." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Missouri cuts sanctions fee award 58.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/independent-contractors-of-maverick-transportation-llc-v-moed-4-24-cv-00338-1" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-barksdale-caed-2-22-cv-02002-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_22-cv-02002-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_22-cv-02002/USCOURTS-caed-2_22-cv-02002-4", "case_name": "G & G Closed Circuit Events, LLC v. Barksdale et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-02002", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Troy L. Nunley", "date_filed": "2025-05-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 19107.5, "fees_awarded": 8250, "dollar_cut": 10857.5, "pct_cut": 56.82, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $19,107.50 in fees, and $2,182.61 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "An Order be entered awarding $8,250 in attorney fees and $894.55 in costs pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 605(e)(3)(B)(iii).", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned finds an award of $375/hour to be reasonable as to Mr. Riley." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned agrees the $225/hr rate is reasonable as to the research attorney." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that an overall 30% reduction in the hours billed by Mr. Riley is appropriate to account for the lack of contemporaneous billing" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the block-billing entries including clerical tasks" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the block-billing entries including clerical tasks" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "unreasonable billing amounts for minor tasks" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "Two hours were billed for this task. The Minute Order in question is four lines long and appears on the docket." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "This entry combines billable and clerical tasks. This was also a routine motion, barely more than a page in length. The Court reduces this entry from 1.0 to 0.5." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award 56.8%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-barksdale-caed-2-22-cv-02002-4" }, { "slug": "betancourt-colon-v-arcos-dorados-puerto-rico-llc-prd-3-23-cv-01263-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_23-cv-01263-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_23-cv-01263/USCOURTS-prd-3_23-cv-01263-0", "case_name": "Betancourt Colon v. Arcos Dorados Puerto Rico, LLC.", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-01263", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "María Antongiorgi-Jordán", "date_filed": "2025-05-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 66.8, "hours_awarded": 36.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 23.7, "quote": "Vélez-Colón’s failure to maintain contemporaneous time records thus calls for a reduction of the award. Accordingly, the 23.7 hours in question will not be credited." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "Because the hours billed for those tasks represented work that related only to Betancourt-Colón’s claims, Plaintiff will not be awarded a fee for those 1.5 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.7, "quote": "The Court therefore finds that the reductions proposed by Defendant are appropriate. Accordingly, the 7.5 hours in question will be reduced to 1.8 hours." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore finds that an hourly fee of $200 is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts disability access fee award, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/betancourt-colon-v-arcos-dorados-puerto-rico-llc-prd-3-23-cv-01263-0" }, { "slug": "mcdevitt-v-suffolk-county-nyed-2-16-cv-04164-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_16-cv-04164-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_16-cv-04164/USCOURTS-nyed-2_16-cv-04164-4", "case_name": "McDevitt v. Suffolk County et al", "docket_number": "2:16-cv-04164", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gary R. Brown", "date_filed": "2025-05-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 800000, "fees_awarded": 186870, "dollar_cut": 613130, "pct_cut": 76.64, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "His counsel now seeks an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses totaling just under $800,000.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Based on the foregoing, the Court hereby awards total attorney’s fees of $186,870 and expenses of $400.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will calculate fees for Mr. Morris at the rate of $300 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Left rudderless, the Court will award Mr. Yannacone $300 per hour for those services that the Court finds compensable on this application." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "counsel records extraordinary sums for post-discovery Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) litigation conducted in state court." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Vague and incomprehensible entries also dominate." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "nearly all work performed was done in a duplicative and excessive manner, as Mr. Yannacone was regularly checking the work of Mr. Morris." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "nearly all work performed was done in a duplicative and excessive manner" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "most of the claims pursued by plaintiff failed." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce the hours sought by Morris and Yannacone by 70%, as a reasonable approximation of the overbilling in the applications." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 13225.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the request for $13,225.50 for such work is denied." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts civil rights fee award 76.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mcdevitt-v-suffolk-county-nyed-2-16-cv-04164-4" }, { "slug": "magallon-v-robert-half-international-inc-ord-6-13-cv-01478-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-6_13-cv-01478-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-6_13-cv-01478/USCOURTS-ord-6_13-cv-01478-6", "case_name": "Magallon v. Robert Half International, Inc.", "docket_number": "6:13-cv-01478", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael H. Simon", "date_filed": "2025-05-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Robert S. Sola PC", "fees_requested": 4288343.8, "fees_awarded": 4076999.77, "dollar_cut": 211344.03, "pct_cut": 4.93, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 5851.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request attorney's fees in the amount of $4,288,343.80.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiffs $4,076,999.77 in attorney's fees and $103,364.46 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court thus approves rates of $250 per hour for paralegals." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 49.3, "quote": "The Court thus decreases these entries by 50 percent, to 49.3 hours billed by Mr. Soumilas, 8.25 hours billed by Mr. Sola, and 4.4 hours billed by paralegals." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.1, "quote": "The Court identifies 0.1 hour by Ms. Brennan, 1.6 hours by Mr. Soumilas, and 2.4 hours by paralegals. The Court excludes these hours in full." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 112.8, "quote": "The Court identifies 54.8 hours by Ms. Brennan, 42.5 hours by Mr. Soumilas, and 15.5 hours by paralegals spent on \"future estimated time.\" The Court excludes these hours in full." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 8.78, "quote": "The Court reduces the total hours by ten percent: by 1.2 hours billed by Ms. Brennan and 7.58 hours billed by Mr. Soumilas." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "One entry by Mr. Soumilas on August 19, 2024, reports time spent filing a document that was filed a week before, on August 12, 2024. The Court thus excludes this entry of 0.3 hours in its entirety." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts consumer protection fee award 4.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/magallon-v-robert-half-international-inc-ord-6-13-cv-01478-6" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-lala-trucking-inc-caed-1-24-cv-01114-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01114-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01114/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01114-1", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Lala Trucking Inc, et al.", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-01114", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2025-05-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3672.5, "fees_awarded": 2535, "dollar_cut": 1137.5, "pct_cut": 30.97, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 11.3, "hours_awarded": 7.8, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's request for attorney's fees in the amount of $3,672.50 is not supported by the record.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is entitled to the modified fee award of $2,535.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "Although Mr. Ito anticipated 3.5 additional hours related to the pending motion, there is no evidence to support this estimate." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 31% over reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-lala-trucking-inc-caed-1-24-cv-01114-1" }, { "slug": "nilsen-v-master-floors-of-minnesota-inc-mnd-0-23-cv-00676-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-00676-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-00676/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-00676-2", "case_name": "Nilsen et al v. Master Floors of Minnesota, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-00676", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Laura M. Provinzino", "date_filed": "2025-05-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.", "fees_requested": 200489.8, "fees_awarded": 191737.8, "dollar_cut": 8752, "pct_cut": 4.37, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 695.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $200,489.80 in fees for 695.5 hours of work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying the reasonable hourly rates to the hours reasonably expended in this litigation leads to a lodestar amount of $191,737.80.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 6410, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces Cefalu’s billed time by 4.3 hours, Barron’s billed time by 16 hours, and Anderson’s billed time by 2.6 hours for imprecise time entries." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1394, "hours": null, "quote": "Reviewing files, organizing service of process, and docketing deadlines are clerical tasks that are not properly included in a request for attorneys’ fees." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 660, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiffs have not explained who these people are and whether they are attorneys or paralegals, so the Court cannot evaluate whether their claimed rates and hours expended are reasonable." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "The Court will therefore adjust Murphy’s hourly rate downward to $350 for the 1.6 hours that he worked on this case." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts ERISA benefits fee award 4.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nilsen-v-master-floors-of-minnesota-inc-mnd-0-23-cv-00676-2" }, { "slug": "mcdermott-v-the-federal-savings-bank-nyed-2-14-cv-06657-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_14-cv-06657-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_14-cv-06657/USCOURTS-nyed-2_14-cv-06657-3", "case_name": "McDermott v. The Federal Savings Bank et al", "docket_number": "2:14-cv-06657", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lara K. Eshkenazi", "date_filed": "2025-05-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "The NHG Law Group, P.C.", "fees_requested": 632235.5, "fees_awarded": 402180.74, "dollar_cut": 230054.76, "pct_cut": 36.39, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1419.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In reply, Plaintiffs filed revised billing records for The NHG Law Group, P.C., thus bringing the total fees requested to $632,235.50, plus $18,888.38 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court recommends awarding NHG Law Group P.C. $217,648.12 in attorneys’ fees and $12,969.35 in costs. The Court further recommends awarding Erik H. Langeland, P.C. $125,988.75 in attorneys’ fees and $2,403.33 in costs. Finally, the Court recommends awarding Stephen Zouras, LLC $58,543.87 in attorneys’ fees and $2,109.44 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 83.5, "quote": "The Court respectfully recommends deducting all hours billed after June 10, 2024, from Plaintiffs’ request for attorneys’ fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 6300, "hours": 35, "quote": "the Court recommends a 40% reduction in fees as to the 35 hours of Mr. Langeland’s impermissibly vague billing entries, totaling a reduction of $6,300.00." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court respectfully recommends that Mr. Reilly be awarded $5,962.50 for travel time (26.5 hours at a rate of $225/hour)." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court therefore respectfully recommends that the requested attorneys’ fees by Stephen Zouras LLC be reduced by 40%, as any fees directly linked to Finnegan plaintiffs may be recoverable in that action." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court respectfully recommends a 25% reduction of Plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fee application based on the degree of success achieved relative to the Amended Complaint." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 36.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mcdermott-v-the-federal-savings-bank-nyed-2-14-cv-06657-3" }, { "slug": "rouse-v-broadway-cooper-llc-nyed-1-23-cv-07849-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-07849-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-07849/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-07849-2", "case_name": "Rouse v. Broadway & Cooper LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-07849", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ramón E. Reyes, Jr.", "date_filed": "2025-04-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6562.5, "fees_awarded": 3187.5, "dollar_cut": 3375, "pct_cut": 51.43, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Plaintiff seeks $6562.50 in fees and $2,879.50 in costs for a total of $9,441.79 associated with filing the complaint and obtaining a default judgment.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $3187.50 in attorney's fees and $402 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Barducci's hourly rate of $545 exceeds: (1) the rate of $300 to $400 this district typically awards experienced attorneys in similar cases" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The $125 hourly rate for administrative work is also excessive. This district commonly awards $75 for administrative hours such as the filing and printing time listed on Barducci's billing statement." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces total number of hours by twenty percent and cuts the hourly rates, resulting in ten legal hours at an hourly rate of $300" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some of the attorney's tasks were clerical ones normally performed by an administrative assistant or paralegal" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts disability access fee award 51.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/rouse-v-broadway-cooper-llc-nyed-1-23-cv-07849-2" }, { "slug": "pnc-bank-n-a-v-kool-stuff-designs-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61283-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61283-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61283/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61283-2", "case_name": "PNC BANK, N.A. v. Kool Stuff Designs, LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-61283", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David S. Leibowitz", "date_filed": "2025-04-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8951, "fees_awarded": 4644, "dollar_cut": 4307, "pct_cut": 48.12, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 34.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed the present Motion for Attorneys' Fees, Expenses, and Costs, seeking $8,951 in fees and $764 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $4,644.00 in attorneys' fees and $764.00 in costs, for a total award of $5,408.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on Attorney Baio's experience and previous court awards, the Court finds an hourly rate of $250 to be reasonable." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds an hourly rate of $135 to be reasonable for Paralegal Lockley based on previous court awards." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "Both of these tasks are clerical in nature, and thus the Court recommends deducting .8 hours from Paralegal Lockley's total hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting .4 hours from Paralegal Lockley's total hours to account for these vague entries." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting .5 hours from Attorney Baio's total hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.8, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 2.3 hours from Attorney Baio's total hours and 7.5 hours from Attorney Pope's to account for the work on the renewed motion for default judgment" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "The Court therefore recommends deducting 1.8 hours from Attorney Baio's total hours and 2.2 hours from Paralegal Lockley's total hours to account for time billed to litigate the amount of attorney's fees." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 48.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pnc-bank-n-a-v-kool-stuff-designs-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61283-2" }, { "slug": "radiant-plumbing-service-inc-v-reliant-plumbing-drain-txwd-1-17-cv-00274-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00274-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00274/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00274-3", "case_name": "Radiant Plumbing Service, Inc. v. Reliant Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, LLC", "docket_number": "1:17-cv-00274", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David A. Ezra", "date_filed": "2025-04-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 321505, "fees_awarded": 282921.76, "dollar_cut": 38583.24, "pct_cut": 12, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 644.5, "hours_awarded": 644.5, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Radiant subsequently filed the instant Application, seeking $321,505 based on 644.5 hours of work at a blended hourly rate of $498.84.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court AWARDS Plaintiff Radiant Plumbing Service, Inc. attorneys' fees in the amount of $282,921.76.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 7, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that a 7% reduction to the lodestar is appropriate to reflect the amount involved and the results obtained." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that a reduction of 5% to the lodestar is warranted to compensate for block-billing, duplicative and redundant entries, and administrative work." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that a reduction of 5% to the lodestar is warranted to compensate for block-billing, duplicative and redundant entries, and administrative work." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that a reduction of 5% to the lodestar is warranted to compensate for block-billing, duplicative and redundant entries, and administrative work." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 12%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/radiant-plumbing-service-inc-v-reliant-plumbing-drain-txwd-1-17-cv-00274-3" }, { "slug": "mills-v-steuben-foods-incorporated-nywd-1-19-cv-01178-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-01178-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-01178/USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-01178-7", "case_name": "Mills v. Steuben Foods, Incorporated et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-01178", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Leslie G. Foschio", "date_filed": "2025-04-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC", "fees_requested": 12949, "fees_awarded": 5827.05, "dollar_cut": 7121.95, "pct_cut": 55, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 56.3, "hours_awarded": 25.335, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek a total of $ 12,949 for 56.3 hours expended by one attorney, Peter H. Wiltenburg (\"Wiltenburg\"), at an hourly rate of $ 230 in litigating Defendants' motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the court awards Defendants $ 5,827.05 in attorney fees for Defendants' motion.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the number of hours, 56.3, is significantly excessive given the nature of Defendants' motion was straight-forward and uncomplicated" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 2.815, "quote": "Deduct additional 10% (2.815 hours) to trim fat: 28.15 – 2.815 = 25.335 hours" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 2.815, "quote": "some duplication of time and undue vagueness in the entries requiring the court to further reduce such hours as 'fat-trimming.'" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts employment fee award 55%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mills-v-steuben-foods-incorporated-nywd-1-19-cv-01178-7" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-casd-3-23-cv-00640-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-00640-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-00640/USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-00640-1", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00640", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hon. David D. Leshner", "date_filed": "2025-04-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": "Law Offices of Alexandra Manbeck", "fees_requested": 47728.44, "fees_awarded": 12179.44, "dollar_cut": 35549, "pct_cut": 74.48, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 162, "hours_awarded": 49.05, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff Richard T. L. (\"Plaintiff\") moves for an award of $47,728.44 in fees and $495.00 in costs incurred by his counsel in connection with his appeal", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby awarded $12,179.44 in attorney's fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The Court deducts 0.5 hours for filing the complaint." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "the Court reduces the time by 1 hour due to a mathematical error in which discrete tasks totaling 1.5 hours were recorded as 2.5 hours" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.75, "quote": "The Court finds Plaintiff's entry \"finalize plan for summary judgment\" (6.75 hours, entry dated 7/30/23) does not describe the underlying activity with sufficient specificity" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court in its discretion reduces counsel's hours by 50% to account for Plaintiff's limited success" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court applies a further 10% reduction for Plaintiff's counsel's liberal use of block billing" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 60% across-the-board reduction is appropriate given counsel's limited success and block-billed time entries" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 60% across-the-board reduction is appropriate given counsel's limited success and block-billed time entries" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9, "quote": "The Court finds this time was not reasonably expended and will not award any fees for preparing these opposition papers." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "the Court reduces the time entry dated September 21, 2024 to one hour" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.25, "quote": "the Court finds updating records is a clerical task not properly included in an EAJA fee request" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 24, "quote": "The Court finds the 28 hours attributed variously to \"preparing,\" \"drafting\" and \"finalizing\" the instant fee request are excessive" }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9, "quote": "counsel failed to support this request with an itemized statement, as required by the statute" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds a fee enhancement based on counsel's familiarity with Social Security law is not warranted." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts social security fee award 74.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-casd-3-23-cv-00640-1" }, { "slug": "i-h-v-state-of-ca-caed-2-19-cv-02343-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_19-cv-02343-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_19-cv-02343/USCOURTS-caed-2_19-cv-02343-11", "case_name": "I. H., et al. v. State of CA, et al.", "docket_number": "2:19-cv-02343", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dale A. Drozd", "date_filed": "2025-04-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 274.5, "quote": "the court's lodestar calculation will be reduced to reflect that only 471.5 hours were billed by attorney Holm." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 1.4, "quote": "the court will reduce the number of hours spent by attorney Henderson and attorney Galipo by ten percent, or 1.4 hours and 1.9 hours respectively." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "the court will reduce the number of hours spent by attorney Henderson and attorney Galipo by ten percent, or 1.4 hours and 1.9 hours respectively." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 45, "quote": "The court will implement defendants' proposed 30% reduction to attorney Carrazco's 15-hour trial day entries, thereby eliminating 45 of his billed hours" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.5, "quote": "Accordingly, 5.5 of attorney Carrazco's hours and 3.5 of attorney Henderson's hours will be deducted to account for these depositions." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "Accordingly, 5.5 of attorney Carrazco's hours and 3.5 of attorney Henderson's hours will be deducted to account for these depositions." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "Accordingly, 1.1 of her requested billed hours will be disallowed." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 12.11, "quote": "the court determines that a ten percent reduction is warranted regarding 121.1 hours billed by attorney Holm" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 6.75, "quote": "67.5 hours billed by attorney Carrazco" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 11.11, "quote": "111.1 hours billed by attorney Galipo" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 17.74, "quote": "177.4 hours billed by attorney Kent Henderson" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 50.7, "quote": "50.7 hours of attorney Holm's billed time was excessive since it is attributed on the billing records merely to conferencing with respect to 'strategy' or 'the case' with no further explanation." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.2, "quote": "7.2 hours of attorney Guizar's time, 23.5 hours of attorney Carrazco's time, 25.4 hours of attorney Kent Henderson's time, and 1.3 hours of attorney Le's time was excessive" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 23.5, "quote": "7.2 hours of attorney Guizar's time, 23.5 hours of attorney Carrazco's time, 25.4 hours of attorney Kent Henderson's time, and 1.3 hours of attorney Le's time was excessive" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 25.4, "quote": "7.2 hours of attorney Guizar's time, 23.5 hours of attorney Carrazco's time, 25.4 hours of attorney Kent Henderson's time, and 1.3 hours of attorney Le's time was excessive" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "7.2 hours of attorney Guizar's time, 23.5 hours of attorney Carrazco's time, 25.4 hours of attorney Kent Henderson's time, and 1.3 hours of attorney Le's time was excessive" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "Mr. Gallegos' time will be reduced by 0.5 hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 69.5, "quote": "Ms. Gomez's hours will be reduced by 69.5 hours and therefore eliminated" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 59.2, "quote": "Ms. Arraiga's hours will be reduced by 59.2 hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.75, "quote": "Ms. Laurel's hours will be reduced by 7.75 hours" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 15, "quote": "the court will deduct these fifteen hours from attorney Carrazco's billed hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5, "quote": "the court will deduct them from the billed hours on that ground." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 7.5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that plaintiffs still achieved a very high overall level of success, and that only a 7.5% reduction to the lodestar is warranted in this case." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts civil rights fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/i-h-v-state-of-ca-caed-2-19-cv-02343-11" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-lala-trucking-inc-caed-1-24-cv-01114-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01114-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01114/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-01114-0", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Lala Trucking Inc, et al.", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-01114", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara A. McAuliffe", "date_filed": "2025-04-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3672.5, "fees_awarded": 2535, "dollar_cut": 1137.5, "pct_cut": 30.97, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 11.3, "hours_awarded": 7.8, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks a total amount of $3,672.50 in attorneys’ fees and $556.84 in court costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is entitled to the modified fee award of $2,535.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "Although Mr. Ito anticipated 3.5 additional hours related to the pending motion (id. at 3, ¶ 7), there is no evidence to support this estimate." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 31% over reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-lala-trucking-inc-caed-1-24-cv-01114-0" }, { "slug": "tina-mcpherson-v-suburban-ann-arbor-llc-ca6-24-01848-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca6-24-01848-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca6-24-01848/USCOURTS-ca6-24-01848-0", "case_name": "Tina McPherson v. Suburban Ann Arbor, LLC", "docket_number": "24-01848", "court_id": "ca6", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit", "court_short": "Sixth Circuit", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sutton", "date_filed": "2025-04-21", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "LYNGKLIP & ASSOCIATES CONSUMER LAW", "fees_requested": 555039.5, "fees_awarded": 418995, "dollar_cut": 136044.5, "pct_cut": 24.51, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The court awarded McPherson $418,995, less than the $555,039.50 she requested.", "fees_awarded_quote": "It multiplied the rates by those hours to award the reasonable lodestar amount of $418,995.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "It found that McPherson's requested $600 per hour rate for her two lead attorneys exceeded the 95th percentile rate for attorneys with similar experience. After accounting for fees awarded to her attorneys little more than a year ago, it adopted a rate of $450 per hour at the 75th percentile." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 7.5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "McPherson's attorneys calculated their total fees at nearly $598,000 and then voluntarily removed 7.5% off the top to account for any excess billing, including for clerical time." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8000, "hours": null, "quote": "The attorneys later dropped their requested fee by $8,000 more when Suburban disputed McPherson's bill." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Sixth Circuit cuts consumer protection fee award 24.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tina-mcpherson-v-suburban-ann-arbor-llc-ca6-24-01848-0" }, { "slug": "tina-mcpherson-v-suburban-ann-arbor-llc-ca6-24-01720-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca6-24-01720-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca6-24-01720/USCOURTS-ca6-24-01720-0", "case_name": "Tina McPherson v. Suburban Ann Arbor, LLC", "docket_number": "24-01720", "court_id": "ca6", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit", "court_short": "Sixth Circuit", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sutton", "date_filed": "2025-04-21", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "LYNGKLIP & ASSOCIATES CONSUMER LAW", "fees_requested": 555039.5, "fees_awarded": 418995, "dollar_cut": 136044.5, "pct_cut": 24.51, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "McPherson moved for prejudgment interest, treble damages on two of her state claims, attorney's fees in the amount of $555,039.50, and costs in the amount of $20,684.61.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The district court denied her motion for treble damages but awarded her $418,995 in attorney's fees, $11,212.61 in costs and expenses, and $6,433.65 in prejudgment interest.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "It found that McPherson's requested $600 per hour rate for her two lead attorneys exceeded the 95th percentile rate for attorneys with similar experience. After accounting for fees awarded to her attorneys little more than a year ago, it adopted a rate of $450 per hour at the 75th percentile." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 7.5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "McPherson's attorneys calculated their total fees at nearly $598,000 and then voluntarily removed 7.5% off the top to account for any excess billing, including for clerical time." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8000, "hours": null, "quote": "The attorneys later dropped their requested fee by $8,000 more when Suburban disputed McPherson's bill." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Sixth Circuit cuts consumer protection fee award 24.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tina-mcpherson-v-suburban-ann-arbor-llc-ca6-24-01720-0" }, { "slug": "balcom-v-peterson-ord-3-23-cv-00528-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00528-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00528/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00528-3", "case_name": "Balcom et al v. Peterson et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00528", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stacie F. Beckerman", "date_filed": "2025-04-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 76777.22, "fees_awarded": 33232.8, "dollar_cut": 43544.42, "pct_cut": 56.72, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs argue that they reasonably incurred and are entitled to recover $76,777.22 in fees and costs \"caused by\" Defendants' violation of the Court's discovery order.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court grants Plaintiffs' counsel's petition in part and awards a total of $33,232.80 in fees and costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7786.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court denies Plaintiffs' counsels' petition to the extent that they seek the outstanding balance of $7,786.50 under Richardson's remaining billing entries" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1157, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court applies a total reduction of $1,157.00 and awards Plaintiffs' counsel $18,961.75 of Exhibit 1's $20,188.75 in remaining fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 292.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiffs' counsel accepted Richardson's $292.50 in proposed reductions in Defendants' Exhibit 2." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10476.75, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that Plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate that they are entitled to recover Couch's $10,476.75 in costs as a further sanction because of Defendants' discovery violation." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 631.4, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiffs have not demonstrated that Defendants' discovery violation caused Plaintiffs' $631.40 in costs to obtain the December 15, 2023, January 30, 2024, and February 21, 2024 hearing transcripts." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2404.15, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court denies Plaintiffs' counsel's request for $2,404.15 in costs for Plaintiffs' taking Foreclosure Help's Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(b)(6) deposition." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 295, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court also denies Plaintiffs' counsel's request for $295.00 in costs (i.e., the sum of $85.00, $125.00, and $85.00) related to their recent service of Idaho Central Credit Union because Defendants' discovery violation did not cause those costs" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court denies Plaintiffs' petition for fees and expenses with respect to the remaining fees under Exhibit 3, subject to one exception" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2965.62, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court denies Plaintiffs' counsel's petition for fees and expenses with respect to the $2,965.62 in fees listed under Exhibit 4." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts fee award 56.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balcom-v-peterson-ord-3-23-cv-00528-3" }, { "slug": "beesley-v-brinton-utd-2-17-cv-00735-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-utd-2_17-cv-00735-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-utd-2_17-cv-00735/USCOURTS-utd-2_17-cv-00735-2", "case_name": "Beesley v. Brinton et al", "docket_number": "2:17-cv-00735", "court_id": "utd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Utah", "court_short": "D. Utah", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert J. Shelby", "date_filed": "2025-04-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Peters Scofield", "fees_requested": 375863.86, "fees_awarded": 275919.36, "dollar_cut": 99944.5, "pct_cut": 26.59, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks an award of attorney fees in the amount of $375,863.86 and taxable costs in the amount of $5,710.09", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is also entitled to a total attorney fee award of $275,919.36, calculated by taking the total requested amount of $375,863.86", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2765, "hours": null, "quote": "the court reduces the fee award by $2,765 for time spent on the failed mediation" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2645, "hours": null, "quote": "$2,645 for time spent on the short form discovery motion" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 665, "hours": null, "quote": "$665 for the issues related to Ted Hansen's testimony" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 83012.5, "hours": null, "quote": "$83,012.50 for time spent on the Motions in Limine" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10857, "hours": null, "quote": "several, entirely redacted entries do not enable the district court to determine what legal work was actually performed ... The total amount incurred in relation to these entries is $10,857" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Utah cuts commercial fee award 26.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/beesley-v-brinton-utd-2-17-cv-00735-2" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-bryant-alsd-1-24-cv-00006-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-alsd-1_24-cv-00006-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-alsd-1_24-cv-00006/USCOURTS-alsd-1_24-cv-00006-1", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Bryant et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00006", "court_id": "alsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Alabama", "court_short": "S.D. Alabama", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Terry F. Moorer", "date_filed": "2025-04-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Husch Blackwell", "fees_requested": 23033, "fees_awarded": 11659, "dollar_cut": 11374, "pct_cut": 49.38, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 62.8, "hours_awarded": 33.4, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees in the amount of $23,033.00 and costs in the amount of $3,016.80.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The motion is GRANTED insofar as Plaintiff is awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of $11,659.00, and costs and expenses in the amount of $860.00, for a total of $12,519.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 24.5, "quote": "The Court has identified a total of 73 entries totaling 24.5 hours that appear to be solely related to the bankruptcy matter and are not recoverable here." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 4.9, "quote": "the Court finds a 50% reduction of those billing entries is warranted, resulting in a reduction of 4.9 hours." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court adjusts the rates for Ms. Leonard Phifer and Ms. Hutchinson." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Alabama cuts commercial fee award 49.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-bryant-alsd-1-24-cv-00006-1" }, { "slug": "pnc-bank-n-a-v-kool-stuff-designs-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61283-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61283-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61283/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-61283-1", "case_name": "PNC BANK, N.A. v. Kool Stuff Designs, LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-61283", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David S. Leibowitz", "date_filed": "2025-04-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8951, "fees_awarded": 4644, "dollar_cut": 4307, "pct_cut": 48.12, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 34.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff filed the present Motion for Attorneys' Fees, Expenses, and Costs, seeking $8,951 in fees and $764 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $4,644.00 in attorneys' fees and $764.00 in costs, for a total award of $5,408.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "Both of these tasks are clerical in nature, and thus the Court recommends deducting .8 hours from Paralegal Lockley's total hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting .4 hours from Paralegal Lockley's total hours to account for these vague entries." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting .5 hours from Attorney Baio's total hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.8, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 2.3 hours from Attorney Baio's total hours and 7.5 hours from Attorney Pope's to account for the work on the renewed motion for default judgment, which was necessitated by Plaintiff's mistakes" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "The Court therefore recommends deducting 1.8 hours from Attorney Baio's total hours and 2.2 hours from Paralegal Lockley's total hours to account for time billed to litigate the amount of attorney's fees." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds an hourly rate of $250 to be reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 48.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pnc-bank-n-a-v-kool-stuff-designs-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-61283-1" }, { "slug": "pioneers-memorial-healthcare-district-v-imperial-valley-casd-3-24-cv-00861-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_24-cv-00861-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_24-cv-00861/USCOURTS-casd-3_24-cv-00861-1", "case_name": "Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District v. Imperial Valley Healthcare District et al", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-00861", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hon. Janis L. Sammartino", "date_filed": "2025-04-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 156522, "fees_awarded": 70754.8, "dollar_cut": 85767.2, "pct_cut": 54.8, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 287.6, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "PMHD seeks attorneys' fees and costs against IVHD in the amount of $156,723.35.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court calculates reasonable fees of $70,754.80 by adding the fees for preparing the Rule 5.1 Notice ($2,859.00), plus fees for responding to the three Motions to Dismiss ($54,929.00), plus fees for preparing the Statement of Fees and Costs ($12,966.80).", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 18.9, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will not award Petitioner fees from these 18.9 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16.5, "quote": "the Court finds the hours asserted to be excessive and duplicative." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16.5, "quote": "the Court finds the hours asserted to be excessive and duplicative." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 111.28, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will not award fees from hours spent on PMHD's Motion for Preliminary Injunction." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a reduction by 20 percent for the fees associated with preparing PMHD's fee statement to fairly balance the hours that were actually billed in block format." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts fee award 54.8%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pioneers-memorial-healthcare-district-v-imperial-valley-casd-3-24-cv-00861-1" }, { "slug": "teoh-v-manhasset-restaurant-llc-nyed-2-22-cv-04110-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04110-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04110/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04110-0", "case_name": "Teoh v. Manhasset Restaurant, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-04110", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lee G. Dunst", "date_filed": "2025-04-10", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Troy Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 93764.67, "fees_awarded": 48170.77, "dollar_cut": 45593.9, "pct_cut": 48.63, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 306.04, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Troy Law seeks $93,764.67 in attorney's fees and $8,382.25 in costs for a total of $102,146.92.", "fees_awarded_quote": "award Troy Law a reduced amount of $48,170.77 in attorney's fees and $8,382.25 in costs for a total award of $56,553.02.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "finds that an hourly rate of $400.00 for Mr. Troy is warranted" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $300.00 for Mr. Schweitzer is warranted." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $225.00 for Ms. Troy is warranted, which is at the top end of rates awarded for junior associates in like cases in this District." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that hourly rates of $75.00 per hour for the nonlegal work performed by Ms. Kilaru and Mr. Dass is warranted." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Tasks such as electronically filing documents, scheduling mediation services, and Bates-stamping document productions should have been delegated to junior staff." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Spending more than 300 hours litigating a single-plaintiff wage and hour case, despite Troy Law's success, is unreasonable." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court should reduce Troy Law's requested fees as duplicative, inflated, and clerical." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Troy Law's hours are further inflated as a result of its own sloppiness." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 48.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/teoh-v-manhasset-restaurant-llc-nyed-2-22-cv-04110-0" }, { "slug": "wintjen-v-denny-s-inc-pawd-2-19-cv-00069-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pawd-2_19-cv-00069-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pawd-2_19-cv-00069/USCOURTS-pawd-2_19-cv-00069-5", "case_name": "WINTJEN v. DENNY'S, INC. et al", "docket_number": "2:19-cv-00069", "court_id": "pawd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "W.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Christy Criswell Wiegand", "date_filed": "2025-04-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Connolly Wells & Gray, LLP", "fees_requested": 1106954.5, "fees_awarded": 982998.25, "dollar_cut": 123956.25, "pct_cut": 11.2, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, in the instant Motion Ms. Wintjen requests an award of $1,106,954.50 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will award Ms. Wintjen a total of $982,998.25 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Attorneys Gary Lynch, Kelly Iverson, Jamisen Etzen, Elizabeth Pollock-Avery, Katie Horrigan, and James McGraw’s rates will be reduced by 25%" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce Matthew Brady, Ken Held, James LaMarca, and Lucia Romani’s requested rates by 15%." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will defer to the rates established in the CLS fee schedule submitted by Denny’s" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Because Mr. Held block-billed this time entry, the Court cannot determine how much of the claimed three hours was spent on mailing letters (administrative work) versus drafting discovery responses (legal work)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "the Court finds Ms. Wintjen has not carried her burden to justify this time entry and will exclude it." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10.45, "quote": "The Court will therefore exclude this time." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.5, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will exclude them." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Pennsylvania cuts wage and hour fee award 11.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wintjen-v-denny-s-inc-pawd-2-19-cv-00069-5" }, { "slug": "clark-v-trisler-hid-1-22-cv-00559-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_22-cv-00559-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_22-cv-00559/USCOURTS-hid-1_22-cv-00559-2", "case_name": "Clark v. Trisler et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00559", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kenneth J. Mansfield", "date_filed": "2025-04-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.4, "quote": "The Court finds that this work is not relevant to Defendant's defense against Plaintiff's Second Amended Complaint." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "Ms. Black spent 0.2 hours communicating with Ms. Moritz regarding service of the complaint on Steven." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "Ms. Black spent 0.1 hours communicating with Ms. Moritz regarding the purported service of the complaint on Ms. Schaefer." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "Ms. Moritz spent 0.7 hours analyzing strategy for issues pertaining to Ms. Schaefer." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "Ms. Black and Ms. Moritz expended 1.2 hours and 10.7 hours respectively on strategizing and drafting a motion to quash the purported service of the complaint on Ms. Schaefer." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10.7, "quote": "Ms. Black and Ms. Moritz expended 1.2 hours and 10.7 hours respectively on strategizing and drafting a motion to quash the purported service of the complaint on Ms. Schaefer." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "Ms. Vonderburgh spent 0.4 hours on drafting certificates of service regarding discovery. The Court finds this task clerical and noncompensable." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that $185 is a more reasonable rate for work completed by a paralegal in 2023 and 2024." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts commercial fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/clark-v-trisler-hid-1-22-cv-00559-2" }, { "slug": "ps-demartini-v-demartini-caed-2-14-cv-02722-53", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02722-53", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02722/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02722-53", "case_name": "(PS) DeMartini, et al. v. DeMartini, et al.", "docket_number": "2:14-cv-02722", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hon. Daniel J. Calabretta", "date_filed": "2025-04-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 247263.25, "fees_awarded": 222536.93, "dollar_cut": 24726.32, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs claim $247,263.25 in fees and $4,115.12 in law firm costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will apportion $222,536.93 (i.e., $247,263.25 x .9) in attorney's fees and $4,115.12 in law firm costs among the Parties.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will impose a small 10% reduction to counsel's claimed fees to account for any vague entries that may not correspond to fees for the common benefit and that were missed in counsel's review" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award 10% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ps-demartini-v-demartini-caed-2-14-cv-02722-53" }, { "slug": "ammann-v-sharestates-inc-nyed-2-21-cv-02766-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-02766-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-02766/USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-02766-1", "case_name": "Ammann v. Sharestates, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-02766", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "TISCIONE, United States Magistrate Judge", "date_filed": "2025-04-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Parker Pohl LLP", "fees_requested": 44652.5, "fees_awarded": 42414.01, "dollar_cut": 2238.49, "pct_cut": 5.01, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 94.52, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff moves the Court for $44,652.50 in attorneys’ fees incurred in defending against the counterclaim, for work performed by four attorneys.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is hereby awarded attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $42,414.01.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that several of the time entries reflect that tasks were performed by Pohl, a partner, that would have been more appropriately performed by a junior associate or a paralegal" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The time entry in question reads “analyze options re counterclaim,” and charges for 15 minutes of time expended... This entry does not make clear what task was being performed, and thus is impermissibly vague." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of the few entries found that were unreasonable under the relevant standards for hours expended, the Court finds that a five percent reduction in the number of hours sought is a reasonable adjustment." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ammann-v-sharestates-inc-nyed-2-21-cv-02766-1" }, { "slug": "ashford-v-university-of-michigan-mied-2-20-cv-10561-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mied-2_20-cv-10561-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-2_20-cv-10561/USCOURTS-mied-2_20-cv-10561-2", "case_name": "Ashford v. University of Michigan et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-10561", "court_id": "mied", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Michigan", "court_short": "E.D. Michigan", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Terrence G. Berg", "date_filed": "2025-03-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Deborah Gordon Law", "fees_requested": 505004.85, "fees_awarded": 503948.3, "dollar_cut": 1056.55, "pct_cut": 0.21, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Ashford is seeking $505,004.85 in attorneys’ fees, $16,332.09 in costs, and an additional $8,581.02 in taxable costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, the Court finds the final requested fee reasonable—minus $1,056.55 deducted for clerical work—for a total of $503,948.30.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1056.55, "hours": 2.28, "quote": "A line-by-line review of such clerical tasks indicates the fees should be reduced by 0.55 hours for Gordon (or $390.50) and 1.73 hours for Marzotto Taylor (or $666.05)." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Michigan cuts civil rights fee award 0.2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ashford-v-university-of-michigan-mied-2-20-cv-10561-2" }, { "slug": "mgmtl-llc-v-strategic-technology-institute-inc-laed-2-20-cv-02138-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-02138-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-02138/USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-02138-7", "case_name": "MGMTL, LLC v. Strategic Technology Institute, Inc.", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-02138", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Wendy B. Vitter", "date_filed": "2025-03-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1359050.5, "fees_awarded": 575649.98, "dollar_cut": 783400.52, "pct_cut": 57.64, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "MGMTL filed a Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Motion for Attorneys’ Fees, seeking an additional $31,066.00 in attorney’s fees that it incurred in March and April 2023, for a total requested fee award of $1,359,050.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Technology Institute, Inc. is ORDERED to pay MGMTL, LLC reasonable attorney’s fees in the amount of $575,649.98 ($538,896.00 + $21,194.10 + $15,559.88).", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Magistrate Judge found that the rates requested did not reflect the prevailing rates in this district and reduced them accordingly." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Magistrate Judge found that a 10% reduction in the fee award was warranted “to rectify MGMTL’s occasional lapse in judgment.”" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Magistrate Judge, however, did not find widespread billing for clerical tasks and concluded that a 5% reduction of the fee award was warranted." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a 10% reduction to the supplemental fees requested is warranted." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court denies MGMTL’s request for additional fees for the costs incurred to litigate its Motion for Attorneys’ Fees." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "MGMTL has failed to carry its burden of proving it is entitled to additional fees to litigate its Bill of Costs." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 75, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that MGMTL is entitled to 25% of the additional fees sought in its Second Supplemental Memorandum." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts intellectual property fee award 57.6%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mgmtl-llc-v-strategic-technology-institute-inc-laed-2-20-cv-02138-7" }, { "slug": "franklin-v-national-credit-systems-inc-insd-1-23-cv-01802-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-insd-1_23-cv-01802-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-insd-1_23-cv-01802/USCOURTS-insd-1_23-cv-01802-1", "case_name": "FRANKLIN v. NATIONAL CREDIT SYSTEMS, INC.", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01802", "court_id": "insd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Indiana", "court_short": "S.D. Indiana", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sarah Evans Barker", "date_filed": "2025-03-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": "DeMarte Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 19117.5, "fees_awarded": 7526.75, "dollar_cut": 11590.75, "pct_cut": 60.63, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Specifically, Ms. Franklin seeks $19,117.50 in attorney fees and $454.00 in costs, for a total award of $19,571.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, Plaintiff is awarded $7,526.75 in attorney fees and $454.00 in costs for a total award of $7,980.75, payable forthwith by Defendant.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff's counsel's hours assigned to the tasks that were described by Defendant as excessive, unnecessary, and/or redundant deserve to be reduced by some reasonable amount" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "A percentage reduction is thus warranted to account for the disallowance of time spent on clerical tasks." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, a reasonable percentage reduction is also warranted here to account for these unexplained and unrevealing entries." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Having declined Defendant's substantial settlement offer on November 8, 2023, and in light of the billing excesses discussed in detail above, we reduce by 70% the amount of the attorney fees Plaintiff incurred after that date." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Indiana cuts consumer protection fee award 60.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/franklin-v-national-credit-systems-inc-insd-1-23-cv-01802-1" }, { "slug": "smith-v-gan-azd-2-24-cv-01143-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01143-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01143/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01143-0", "case_name": "Smith v. Gan", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01143", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Diane J. Humetewa", "date_filed": "2025-03-31", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 133125, "fees_awarded": 109455, "dollar_cut": 23670, "pct_cut": 17.78, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Smith requested a total of $133,125.00 in attorney fees and another $5,864.71 in expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Bankruptcy Court ended up granting him $109,455.00 in attorney fees and made no changes in its award of his expenses, which remained at $5,864.71.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 750, "hours": null, "quote": "Then Smith takes issue with the Bankruptcy Court disallowing fees of $750.00 for time devoted to researching multi-district enforcement of Bankruptcy Court judgments." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court also agrees with the Bankruptcy Court in reducing fees for services that it considered paraprofessional services." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Bankruptcy Court found the work by General Counsel on The Ranch unnecessarily duplicative, and this Court agrees." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 52.1, "quote": "Smith should be denied fees associated with the Homestead Exemption litigation and the appeals that followed." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts fee award 17.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/smith-v-gan-azd-2-24-cv-01143-0" }, { "slug": "dauda-v-jean-mdd-8-23-cv-00174-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-00174-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-00174/USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-00174-1", "case_name": "Dauda v. Jean", "docket_number": "8:23-cv-00174", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gina L. Simms", "date_filed": "2025-03-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 12360, "fees_awarded": 10360, "dollar_cut": 2000, "pct_cut": 16.18, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 41.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In addition, Plaintiffs seeks attorney's fees in the amount of $12,360, and costs in the amount of $547.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court exercises its discretion and finds that a reduction in the amount of $2,000 is appropriate. Accordingly, the Court orders Defendant to pay attorney's fees in the amount of $10,360.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2000, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court exercises its discretion and finds that a reduction in the amount of $2,000 is appropriate" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts commercial fee award 16.2% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dauda-v-jean-mdd-8-23-cv-00174-1" }, { "slug": "neal-v-omni-boston-corporation-mad-1-23-cv-11682-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_23-cv-11682-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_23-cv-11682/USCOURTS-mad-1_23-cv-11682-0", "case_name": "Neal v. Omni Boston Corporation", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-11682", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Julia E. Kobick", "date_filed": "2025-03-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 80, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Virtually all entries in his time sheet are insufficiently detailed. His timesheet includes over 20 entries described only as “review email.”" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts disability access fee award over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/neal-v-omni-boston-corporation-mad-1-23-cv-11682-0" }, { "slug": "breitenbach-v-sagestream-llc-paed-2-24-cv-00893-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00893-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00893/USCOURTS-paed-2_24-cv-00893-0", "case_name": "BREITENBACH v. SAGESTREAM, LLC", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00893", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Joshua D. Wolson", "date_filed": "2025-03-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 39.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12.1, "quote": "I will therefore reduce Mr. Schwahn's time by 7.9 hours and Ms. Sale's time by 4.2 hours" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.2, "quote": "I will reduce Mr. Schwahn's time by 2.0 hours and Ms. Sale's time by 0.2 hours" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.2, "quote": "I agree that some of these vaguely worded tasks don't appear to be duplicates of work already performed, or if they are, would be excessive." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.2, "quote": "I agree that some of these vaguely worded tasks don't appear to be duplicates of work already performed, or if they are, would be excessive." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts sanctions fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/breitenbach-v-sagestream-llc-paed-2-24-cv-00893-0" }, { "slug": "godonou-v-allied-transportation-group-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80239-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80239-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80239/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80239-1", "case_name": "Godonou v. Allied Transportation Group LLC", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-80239", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2025-03-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Cox Law Group", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 79.2, "hours_awarded": 67.4, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "I find this practice excessive, and those hours should be reduced by one-third." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "Either way, most of the billing entries corresponding to those initials are clerical in nature and should be stricken." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "So, the paralegals’ rates will be calculated at $125 for all paralegals." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/godonou-v-allied-transportation-group-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80239-1" }, { "slug": "coe-v-red-voice-media-incorporated-azd-2-24-cv-03572-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-03572-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-03572/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-03572-0", "case_name": "Coe v. Red Voice Media Incorporated", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-03572", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Honorable Steven P. Logan", "date_filed": "2025-03-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5235, "fees_awarded": 4965, "dollar_cut": 270, "pct_cut": 5.16, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $5,235.00 in attorneys’ fees and $490.40 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, the Court will award Plaintiff $4,965.00 is attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 270, "hours": null, "quote": "the records in part seek to recover for clerical tasks, such as filing documents, preparing requests for summons, and coordinating service process" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts intellectual property fee award 5.2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/coe-v-red-voice-media-incorporated-azd-2-24-cv-03572-0" }, { "slug": "osseo-area-schools-independent-school-district-no-279-v-a-j-mnd-0-21-cv-01453-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_21-cv-01453-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_21-cv-01453/USCOURTS-mnd-0_21-cv-01453-2", "case_name": "Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279 v. A.J.T.", "docket_number": "0:21-cv-01453", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael J. Davis", "date_filed": "2025-03-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Special education", "fee_basis": "IDEA", "firm": "School Law Center, LLC", "fees_requested": 205298.75, "fees_awarded": 174617.56, "dollar_cut": 30681.19, "pct_cut": 14.94, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Between the two documents, A.J.T. requests $205,298.75 in fees:", "fees_awarded_quote": "$174,617.56 in fees for work done at the administrative and district court level;", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 250, "hours": null, "quote": "The entries found at Entry IDs 5380313 at 28 and 31 are easily excised. Therefore, $250.00 will be deleted from Counsel’s requested fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 690, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a 30% reduction to these fees is appropriate, rather than a reduction in specific hours because such a reduction would be difficult to calculate." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 750, "hours": 7.5, "quote": "7.50 hours of improperly-billed law clerk time (01/27/21; 01/31/21), or $750.00, is easily deducted from the above billing statement." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 387.5, "hours": 3.875, "quote": "Accordingly, the fee is further reduced by $387.50 (3.875 hrs. x $100.00)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 450, "hours": 1.125, "quote": "the Court will reduce the fees by half for the Goetz 01/25/21 block-billed entry that contains two different tasks for an additional reduction of $450.00 (1.125 hrs. x $400.00)." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a 15% deduction to the final fees award to account for block billing, vague billing entries, and for billing in 15-minute increments." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a 15% deduction to the final fees award to account for block billing, vague billing entries, and for billing in 15-minute increments." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a 15% deduction to the final fees award to account for block billing, vague billing entries, and for billing in 15-minute increments." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts special education fee award 14.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/osseo-area-schools-independent-school-district-no-279-v-a-j-mnd-0-21-cv-01453-2" }, { "slug": "frey-v-health-management-systems-inc-txsd-4-21-cv-02024-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-02024-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-02024/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-02024-6", "case_name": "Frey et al v. Health Management Systems, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "4:21-cv-02024", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Keith P. Ellison", "date_filed": "2025-03-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Husch Blackwell, LLP", "fees_requested": 875106.75, "fees_awarded": 474283.75, "dollar_cut": 400823, "pct_cut": 45.8, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1370.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In sum, Defendants seek $875,106.75 in attorneys’ fees and $5,372.47 in expenses,3 for a total of $880,479.22.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Adding all three amounts together, $162,458.10 + $165,566.25 + $146,259.40, the total lodestar is $474,283.75.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.8, "quote": "the Court finds that the following time was spent on non-legal work: (1) 2.1 hours of Ms. Holloway’s time ($500/hour); (2) 4.4 hours of Ms. Werner’s time ($235/hour); (3) 0.5 hours of Ms. Rudman’s time ($575/hour); and (4) 2.8 hours of Ms. Brakefield’s time ($395/hour)." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court follows Miniex’s guidance and its own understanding of the current legal market’s paralegal rates and reduces Ms. Werner’s rate from $260 per hour to $235 per hour." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "After reviewing HMS’s billing records, the Court reduces HMS’s attorney fees by 10%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds that a further reduction of 20% to the lodestar amount is reasonable to adjust for the number of hours billed." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that the following rates are reasonable: Mr. Dillard Mr. Matthews Ms. Joseph Ms. Jamali Ms. Benjamin" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Upon review of Cotiviti’s vague entries, the Court reduces Cotiviti’s attorney fees by 5%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds that a reduction of 20% to the lodestar amount is reasonable to adjust for the number of duplicative and excessive hours billed." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To determine the reasonable hourly rates for CGI’s counsel, the Court has reviewed the record in this case, the skill and experience of its counsel, and the rates awarded in qui tam and other comparable cases decided in this district." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 17, "quote": "the Court finds that the following time was spent on non-legal work: (1) 5.3 hours of Hickey’s time; (2) 2.7 hours of Farmer’s time; (3) 7.8 hours of Farrell’s time; and (4) 1.2 hours of Sweet’s time." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces CGI’s attorney fees by 10%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds that a further reduction of 20% to the lodestar amount is reasonable to adjust for the number of hours billed." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts fee award 45.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/frey-v-health-management-systems-inc-txsd-4-21-cv-02024-6" }, { "slug": "board-of-trustees-oregon-sheet-metal-workers-master-ord-3-24-cv-00059-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_24-cv-00059-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_24-cv-00059/USCOURTS-ord-3_24-cv-00059-0", "case_name": "Board of Trustees Oregon Sheet Metal Workers' Master Retirement Trust v. Northwest Refrigeration Services, LLC", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-00059", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Amy M. Baggio", "date_filed": "2025-03-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "Bennett Hartman", "fees_requested": 7030, "fees_awarded": 6520, "dollar_cut": 510, "pct_cut": 7.25, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "As to attorney fees, Trustees request a total of $7,030 for both attorney and paralegal work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Trustees have shown they are entitled to $1,060 for paralegal work on non-clerical tasks.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.2, "quote": "For the purely clerical entries, 4.2 hours of paralegal time was billed. Those fees should be disallowed." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.9, "quote": "As to the clerical tasks that were block billed together with non-clerical tasks on 1/9/24, 3/7/24, and 11/13/24, the court will assume based on similar entries that the clerical components of those tasks took 0.3 hours, for a total of 0.9 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts ERISA benefits fee award 7.2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/board-of-trustees-oregon-sheet-metal-workers-master-ord-3-24-cv-00059-0" }, { "slug": "grandson-v-western-lake-superior-piping-industry-pension-mnd-0-23-cv-00214-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-00214-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-00214/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-00214-1", "case_name": "Grandson v. Western Lake Superior Piping Industry Pension Plan et al", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-00214", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Laura M. Provinzino", "date_filed": "2025-03-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "Nolan Thompson Leighton & Tataryn PLC", "fees_requested": 135700, "fees_awarded": 107710, "dollar_cut": 27990, "pct_cut": 20.63, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 303.8, "hours_awarded": 271.8, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Grandson seeks $135,700.00 in attorneys' fees for the services of his two attorneys: Denise Tataryn and Jody Galman.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the following reasons, Grandson's motion is granted, and he is awarded $107,710.00 in attorneys' fees and $1,334.05 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "The Court agrees with that sentiment and will therefore reduce the compensable travel time entry from two hours to one hour." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "Here, the Court eliminates 0.2 hours of work for two imprecise time entries." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.6, "quote": "the Court reduces the compensable time for travel to the deposition from 5.3 hours to 2.7 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.2, "quote": "the Court will reduce the hours spent on Grandson's opposition brief by one-third, from 33.6 hours to 22.4 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.2, "quote": "the Court will reduce the hours spent on Grandson's opposition brief by one-third, from 33.6 hours to 22.4 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.4, "quote": "The Court will also reduce the hours spent on Grandson's reply brief by one-third, from 34.3 hours to 22.9 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.4, "quote": "The Court will also reduce the hours spent on Grandson's reply brief by one-third, from 34.3 hours to 22.9 hours." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "the Court reduces the compensable time for travel to the hearing from 1.4 hours to 0.7 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "The Court has identified 2.3 hours of fees that lack a specific description of what type of work was done for Grandson's case." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court believes that hourly rates of $400 for Tataryn and $350 for Galman are reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts ERISA benefits fee award 20.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/grandson-v-western-lake-superior-piping-industry-pension-mnd-0-23-cv-00214-1" }, { "slug": "hyginus-v-ochsner-clinic-llc-laed-2-23-cv-02895-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_23-cv-02895-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_23-cv-02895/USCOURTS-laed-2_23-cv-02895-0", "case_name": "Hyginus v. Ochsner Clinic LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-02895", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Karen Wells Roby", "date_filed": "2025-03-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Jones Walker LLP", "fees_requested": 2530, "fees_awarded": 1720, "dollar_cut": 810, "pct_cut": 32.02, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants filed the subject Motion on October 17, 2024, requesting $2,530.00 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants are awarded reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $1,720.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.15, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the 0.5-hour entry to 0.35 2 for vagueness." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "Therefore, the Court reduces the 4.6-hour entry to 3 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.06, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce the 0.2-hour entry to 0.14 3 for vagueness." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.54, "quote": "Therefore, the Court reduces the 1.8-hour entry to 1.26 hours 4 for vagueness." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "Therefore, the Court reduces the 1.3-hour entry to 0.5 hours in accordance with the Court’s minute entry." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts employment fee award 32%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hyginus-v-ochsner-clinic-llc-laed-2-23-cv-02895-0" }, { "slug": "united-states-of-america-v-pathway-of-baldwin-county-llc-alsd-1-17-cv-00355-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-alsd-1_17-cv-00355-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-alsd-1_17-cv-00355/USCOURTS-alsd-1_17-cv-00355-8", "case_name": "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA et al v. Pathway of Baldwin County, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:17-cv-00355", "court_id": "alsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Alabama", "court_short": "S.D. Alabama", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kristi K. DuBose", "date_filed": "2025-03-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1110730, "fees_awarded": 395287.5, "dollar_cut": 715442.5, "pct_cut": 64.41, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "And then submitted another declaration and invoice from his counsel in the amount of $1,110,730.00 as the total amount of attorney and paralegal fees expended in this action", "fees_awarded_quote": "Sheppard is awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of $395,287.50 and expenses in the amount of $2,802.85.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Relying upon the Court’s own experience, generally and in this action, the Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate for Sheppard’s attorney is $350.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Sheppard’s request for 2,117.80 hour of work expended by his attorney is reduced by approximately 50% to 1,058 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time entries are excessive and duplicative for the preparation and drafting of the complaint and amended complaint, for responding to the motion for summary judgment, preparation (including research)" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "especially excessive for drafting the motion for attorney’s fees, and supporting documents (including the declarations), and revising the invoice to correct entries" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "an award of attorney’s fees for hours spent negotiating Sheppard’s percentage of the settlement amount with the United States is not recoverable" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are time entries which reflect non-recoverable clerical work" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "His request for 252.00 hours of work expended by paralegal Marshall is reduced by approximately 35% to 164 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "His request for 120.00 hours for work expended by paralegal French is reduced by approximately 35% to 78 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "His request for 16.10 hours for work expended by paralegal Waltman is reduced by approximately 35% to 10.5 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Alabama cuts fee award 64.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/united-states-of-america-v-pathway-of-baldwin-county-llc-alsd-1-17-cv-00355-8" }, { "slug": "us-right-to-know-v-united-states-department-of-defense-cand-3-23-cv-02956-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-02956-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-02956/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-02956-0", "case_name": "US Right to Know v. United States Department of Defense, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-02956", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Thomas S. Hixson", "date_filed": "2025-03-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": "Public Justice", "fees_requested": 77698.3, "fees_awarded": 74312.88, "dollar_cut": 3385.42, "pct_cut": 4.36, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 101.46, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests the Court award $77,698.30 in fees and $6,583.96 in costs, for a total of $84,282.26.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards $74,312.88 in attorneys’ fees and $688.96 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 236.61, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff has not shown that it typically bills its clients for ‘failed logins and frustration” and downloading issues, and the Court is not convinced that Plaintiff would pass these costs on to its client. Accordingly, the Court finds these fees should be eliminated." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 668.62, "hours": null, "quote": "billing “for purely clerical tasks such as filing documents and preparing and serving summons” is not. ... Accordingly, the Court shall deduct $668.62 for the following billing entries" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 372.99, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court shall deduct $372.99 for the following billing entries: 6/18/2023 ($23.31); 7/5/2023 ($46.62); 7/25/2023 ($23.32); 8/14/2023 ($77.70); 9/21/2023 ($23.32); 3/13/2024 ($23.32); 11/5/2024 ($155.40)." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2107.2, "hours": null, "quote": "In sum, the Court finds a deduction of $2,107.20 is warranted for entries where Plaintiff “fails to “provide a persuasive justification for” seeking these fees." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts FOIA fee award 4.4% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/us-right-to-know-v-united-states-department-of-defense-cand-3-23-cv-02956-0" }, { "slug": "agk-sierra-de-montserrat-l-p-v-comerica-bank-caed-2-15-cv-01280-14", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_15-cv-01280-14", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_15-cv-01280/USCOURTS-caed-2_15-cv-01280-14", "case_name": "AGK Sierra de Montserrat, L.P. v. Comerica Bank", "docket_number": "2:15-cv-01280", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dale A. Drozd", "date_filed": "2025-03-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Michelman & Robinson, LLP", "fees_requested": 1423058.36, "fees_awarded": 1394298.5, "dollar_cut": 28759.86, "pct_cut": 2.02, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 2466.7, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks an award of attorneys’ fees and costs in the total amount of $1,423,058.36.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court calculates the lodestar amount to be $1,394,298.50", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because plaintiff has not provided any evidence indicating the experience of these paralegals, the court will reduce the reasonable hourly rate to the low end of the range rate of $100 per hour in its calculation of the lodestar." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Cooper appears to have performed support staff work involving preparing electronic document databases for review and those hours are not recoverable as attorneys’ fees." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/agk-sierra-de-montserrat-l-p-v-comerica-bank-caed-2-15-cv-01280-14" }, { "slug": "banks-v-commissioner-of-social-security-kywd-3-23-cv-00650-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-kywd-3_23-cv-00650-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-kywd-3_23-cv-00650/USCOURTS-kywd-3_23-cv-00650-0", "case_name": "Banks v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00650", "court_id": "kywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Kentucky", "court_short": "W.D. Kentucky", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Regina S. Edwards", "date_filed": "2025-03-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9994, "fees_awarded": 6514, "dollar_cut": 3480, "pct_cut": 34.82, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "She also requests an additional 4.1 hours for drafting the reply, bringing the total EAJA amount requested to $9,994.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Banks' Counsel is to be paid a total of $6,514.00 pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d).", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2800, "hours": 20, "quote": "The Court finds that the number of hours credited to reviewing and writing notes on the record should be reduced by twenty hours, to 28.4 hours, resulting in the total attorney time spent on the case amounting to 39.5 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 680, "hours": 6.8, "quote": "The Court finds that the number of hours credited for paralegal work should be reduced from 10.9 hours to 4.1 hours. Accordingly, Atkins' fee award will be reduced by $680.00 (6.8 hours at $100.00/hour) for the clerical entries discussed above." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Kentucky cuts social security fee award 34.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/banks-v-commissioner-of-social-security-kywd-3-23-cv-00650-0" }, { "slug": "castillo-marenco-v-j-c-painting-contractor-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-21463-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-21463-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-21463/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-21463-1", "case_name": "Castillo Marenco v. J.C. Painting Contractor LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-21463", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Roy K. Altman", "date_filed": "2025-03-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "FairLaw Firm", "fees_requested": 22134.15, "fees_awarded": 10591, "dollar_cut": 11543.15, "pct_cut": 52.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 67.61, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Plaintiff seeks $22,134.15 in fees for 49.6 hours of attorney time at hourly rates of $500.00 and $325.00 and 19.1 hours of non-attorney professional time at an hourly rate of $165.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Magistrate Judge Sanchez determined that Plaintiff’s counsel was entitled to $10,591.00 in fees for the work he completed before the Offer of Judgment.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Pollock for the services rendered in this case is $450 per hour" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. LaRou is $275 per hour and a reasonable hourly rate for Ms. Sanguino is $150 per hour" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 17.8, "quote": "the 17.8 hours of fees incurred by Plaintiff’s counsel after July 11, 2024 (13.4 hours by Mr. Pollock, 3.2 hours by Mr. LaRou, and 1.2 hours by Ms. Sanguino) will not be awarded" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Mr. LaRou’s June 6, 2024, time entry for 0.3 hours for “Review of Defendant Cataldo’s edits to proposed order referring discovery matters to Magistrate Schwabedissen, and further revisions to the same” does not appear to be from the instant case and therefore cannot be recovered here." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time entries listed below are for non-attorney tasks that are clerical or secretarial in nature and therefore not recoverable" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 52.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/castillo-marenco-v-j-c-painting-contractor-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-21463-1" }, { "slug": "godonou-v-allied-transportation-group-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80239-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80239-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80239/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80239-0", "case_name": "Godonou v. Allied Transportation Group LLC", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-80239", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2025-03-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Cox Law Group", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 79.2, "hours_awarded": 67.4, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "So, the paralegals’ rates will be calculated at $125 for all paralegals." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "I find this practice excessive, and those hours should be reduced by one-third." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.6, "quote": "So, those time entries should be stricken." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.6, "quote": "So, those time entries should be stricken." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "Either way, most of the billing entries corresponding to those initials are clerical in nature and should be stricken." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/godonou-v-allied-transportation-group-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80239-0" }, { "slug": "klopfenstein-v-fifth-third-bank-ohsd-1-12-cv-00851-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ohsd-1_12-cv-00851-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ohsd-1_12-cv-00851/USCOURTS-ohsd-1_12-cv-00851-4", "case_name": "Klopfenstein et al v. Fifth Third Bank", "docket_number": "1:12-cv-00851", "court_id": "ohsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Ohio", "court_short": "S.D. Ohio", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael R. Barrett", "date_filed": "2025-03-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Spangenberg, Shibley, & Liber LLP", "fees_requested": 5638622.53, "fees_awarded": 3317128.6, "dollar_cut": 2321493.93, "pct_cut": 41.17, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs explain that the appropriate amount of fees is $5,638,622.53 for all attorney/paralegal work on the litigation.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, it is ORDERED that Defendant pay $3,317,128.60 in fees and $268,236.33 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Arthur Olsen opined as to the damages calculation for the breach of contract claim. His testimony can therefore only be applicable to the breach of contract claim. Accordingly, the Court has excluded any attorney time entries associated with this expert witness." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a number of entries that were duplicative services performed by various timekeepers as well as multiple attorney review of updates from other timekeepers." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "entries that only include descriptions such as “review” and “respond to” (usually .1 or .2 entries). Frankly, it is difficult to determine if a short “review” entry resulted in more substantive action" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Ohio cuts consumer protection fee award 41.2%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/klopfenstein-v-fifth-third-bank-ohsd-1-12-cv-00851-4" }, { "slug": "barbara-falatico-brodock-nynb-6-24-bk-60308-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynb-6_24-bk-60308-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynb-6_24-bk-60308/USCOURTS-nynb-6_24-bk-60308-0", "case_name": "Barbara Falatico-Brodock", "docket_number": "6:24-bk-60308", "court_id": "nynb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "Bankr. N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Robert E. Littlefield, Jr.", "date_filed": "2025-03-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "McManimon Scotland & Baumann, LLC", "fees_requested": 65513, "fees_awarded": 31925.7, "dollar_cut": 33587.3, "pct_cut": 51.27, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 150.3, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "On August 30, 2024 MSB filed the Fee App seeking $65,513.00 in fees and $507.07 in expenses from April 21, 2024 to August 15, 2024.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For all the reasons stated, MSB is awarded a total fee of $31,925.70 and $507.07 in expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "It should not take more than 0.4 hours to draft and send a letter to a state court judge advising of a bankruptcy filing. Thus, the time for this task is reduced to 0.4 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The next two (2) entries also deal with advising the state court of the bankruptcy filing. These are disallowed as being duplicative." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Likewise, the two (2) entries, “Email Judge Merril re: status of filing” and “Revise letter to court staying action,” are denied as excessive and duplicative." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The remaining miscellaneous requests are granted except for the April 29 and April 30, 2024 entries for ordering and reviewing a judgment search as this Court cannot determine their benefit to the estate." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "On May 15, 2024 MSB communicated with the Debtor regarding her “Florida Home.” This is denied as vague." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "From May 16, 2024 to May 21, 2024, MSB seeks 2 hours totaling $923.00 for matters that are not properly billed to the bankruptcy estate." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "A review of the docket does not indicate a motion to continue utilities was filed; those hours are denied." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The requested 3.8 hours is excessive. The Court grants 1.5 hours for this task as there was nothing unexpected in that motion." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This is excessive. A review of the documents filed on May 13, 2024 does not support a 10.8 hour request. (ECF No. 18). The schedules appear standard and this Court approves 5.5 hours for their preparation, review and filing." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "After review, this Court determines that of those hours requested, 5.5 hours are granted as being reasonable and necessary for the miscellaneous tasks." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "As noted, the Court finds it excessive for two (2) attorneys to bill for attending the §341 meeting of creditors. On May 22, 2024 both Attorney Placona and Attorney Sodono billed for their attendance at the hearing. The Court grants the request of Attorney Sodono for $973.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries are vague. The Court cannot discern how these activities benefitted the estate. Therefore, they are not reasonable or necessary and will not be allowed." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These amounts are excessive, especially since Attorney Loiodice spent significant time on these projects and they are neither overly complex nor novel. Therefore, the Court approves 2.8 hours for reviewing the pleadings and 1.5 hours to review and revise the adversary complaint." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "MSB billed the estate 7.6 hours for plan preparation yet failed to timely file same. The requests for plan preparation are denied as they did not benefit the estate." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "From that date until August 1, 2024, there are nine (9) entries regarding the motion totaling 5.8 hours. These requests are denied. As with the fees requested for plan preparation, the hours utilized did not benefit the estate." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "On July 18, 2024 there are two (2) entries regarding the motion to extend totaling $340.00. On July 19, 2024 there is another request for fees for the motion to extend in the amount of $362.50. Finally, there is the July 25, 2024 entry for $75.00. These did not benefit the estate and therefore they are denied." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court does not, absent unusual circumstances which do not exist here, approve remuneration for two (2) attorneys attending the same hearing. Thus, the Court grants the $973.00 request of Attorney Sodono." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will grant 1.5 hours for reviewing the pleadings that were prepared by an associate attorney." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based upon this Court’s discretion, the Fee App will be reduced by 5% for vagueness." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "As with the vague entries, this Court reduces the total fee awarded by 5%." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. N.D. New York cuts bankruptcy fee award 51.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/barbara-falatico-brodock-nynb-6-24-bk-60308-0" }, { "slug": "demarinis-v-anthem-insurance-companies-inc-pamd-3-20-cv-00713-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pamd-3_20-cv-00713-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pamd-3_20-cv-00713/USCOURTS-pamd-3_20-cv-00713-1", "case_name": "DeMarinis v. Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-00713", "court_id": "pamd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "M.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert D. Mariani", "date_filed": "2025-03-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 51704.6, "fees_awarded": 41804.6, "dollar_cut": 9900, "pct_cut": 19.15, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also requests an award of taxable costs in the amount of $2,056.52.63. (Id.)", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will award Plaintiff $41,804.60 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3793.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The value of the disputed time for the remaining twenty entries to which Defendant appropriately objects on vagueness grounds alone is $3,793.50. Therefore, Plaintiff's fee request will be reduced by this amount." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 309, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries do not identify a purpose for the calls, correspondence, and/or emails. Therefore, they lack the specificity required by Tenafly and the value of the seven entries will be deducted from Plaintiff's fee request." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 5617.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the total deduction for the three entries to which Defendant objects on a 'block-billed' basis $5,617.50," } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Pennsylvania cuts ERISA benefits fee award 19.1% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/demarinis-v-anthem-insurance-companies-inc-pamd-3-20-cv-00713-1" }, { "slug": "benavidez-hunt-v-g-b-g-ranch-ltd-txsb-5-16-ap-05005-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsb-5_16-ap-05005-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsb-5_16-ap-05005/USCOURTS-txsb-5_16-ap-05005-1", "case_name": "Benavidez-Hunt et al v. G.B.G. Ranch, Ltd. et al", "docket_number": "5:16-ap-05005", "court_id": "txsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Jeffrey Norman", "date_filed": "2025-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Jordan & Ortiz, P.C.", "fees_requested": 2579023.7, "fees_awarded": 1797561.45, "dollar_cut": 781462.25, "pct_cut": 30.3, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "BB and Jordan relied on their previous submitted billing entries, again requesting $2,579,023.70.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Ms. Hunt is awarded total attorneys’ fees and costs of $1,797,561.45 to be paid by Guero Benavides.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 312180.75, "hours": null, "quote": "The court will therefore reduce the fees requested for time that was block billed, vague or bundled by 35% or $312,180.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 312180.75, "hours": null, "quote": "The court will therefore reduce the fees requested for time that was block billed, vague or bundled by 35% or $312,180.75." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11719.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees that some of this time is duplicative, and reduces Jordan’s Billing by $4,207.00 and Broocks Billing by $7,512.50 for a total reduction of the fees requested of $11,719.50." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1862, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces the requested fees by $1,862.00 for November 6, 2019." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 36287.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court allows fees billed by SAJ, BB and CRM, disallowing the remaining requested fees of $36,287.50" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 20205, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court allows fees billed by SAJ, BB and CRM, disallowing the remaining requested fees of $20,205.00." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7792.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court allows fees billed by SAJ, BB and CRM, disallowing the remaining requested fees of $7,792.50." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 146630, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the amount requested for fees is reduced by $146,630.00 for these probate entries." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 185067.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The total deduction for unsuccessful appeals is $185,067.50." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 6630, "hours": null, "quote": "The total reduction for travel in the Jordan Billing is $6,630.00." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 43200, "hours": null, "quote": "the time requested for travel of 8 hours each on 27 entries will be reduced by half, or $43,200.00." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3600, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces the multiple entries for travel by other employees of the Broocks Firm for travel on the same dates totaling $3,600.00." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 6287.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces the requested fees by $6,287.50 for these clerical entries." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Texas cuts bankruptcy fee award 30.3%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/benavidez-hunt-v-g-b-g-ranch-ltd-txsb-5-16-ap-05005-1" }, { "slug": "kenan-advantage-group-v-bell-txnd-3-24-cv-02885-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02885-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02885/USCOURTS-txnd-3_24-cv-02885-2", "case_name": "Kenan Advantage Group et al v. Bell", "docket_number": "3:24-cv-02885", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ed Kinkeade", "date_filed": "2025-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Ayers & Ayers", "fees_requested": 4778, "fees_awarded": 4482, "dollar_cut": 296, "pct_cut": 6.2, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 21.9, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek to recover costs and actual expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, amounting to $4,778.00, a sum established by uncontested evidence.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court therefore AWARDS Defendants Old Republic Insurance Co. and Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. $4,482.00 in costs and actual expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, under 28 U.S.C. § 1447(c).", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 296, "hours": 3.7, "quote": "Based on the description provided, the paralegal fees Defendants seek appear to be solely for clerical work. So they should be excluded from the award." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts fee award 6.2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kenan-advantage-group-v-bell-txnd-3-24-cv-02885-2" }, { "slug": "morse-electric-inc-v-stearns-conrad-and-schmidt-consulting-oked-6-22-cv-00091-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-oked-6_22-cv-00091-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-oked-6_22-cv-00091/USCOURTS-oked-6_22-cv-00091-8", "case_name": "Morse Electric, Inc. v. Stearns Conrad and Schmidt Consulting Engineers, Inc.", "docket_number": "6:22-cv-00091", "court_id": "oked", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Oklahoma", "court_short": "E.D. Oklahoma", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gerald L. Jackson", "date_filed": "2025-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Jones Walker", "fees_requested": 59391, "fees_awarded": 18828.38, "dollar_cut": 40562.62, "pct_cut": 68.3, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 156.5, "hours_awarded": 61.025, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant filed its motion for attorney’s fees, seeking an award of attorney’s fees in the amount of $59,391.00 related to its motion to compel.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, Defendant is awarded reasonable attorneys’ fees in the amount of $18,828.38, for 61.025 hours of work related to the motion to compel.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court strikes such hours as not reasonably related to the motion to compel to be recoverable." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore reduces otherwise recoverable block billing entries by 25% and, where the requested block billed time includes allowed and disallowed time, the entry is reduced by 50%." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Court reduces vague time entries for otherwise recoverable tasks by 25%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Where multiple attorneys billed for the same task, the Court allows recovery of only one attorney’s time for such task." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "4.2 Excessive (25%) 3.15" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds Ms. Anderson’s reasonable hourly rate for purposes of the motion to compel is $390." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mr. Banner recommends that Ms. Kicklighter’s reasonable hourly rate is $255 and the Court agrees this aligns with her experience and Oklahoma market rates." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds Ms. Miller’s reasonably hourly rate for purposes of the motion to compel is $200." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Oklahoma cuts commercial fee award 68.3%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/morse-electric-inc-v-stearns-conrad-and-schmidt-consulting-oked-6-22-cv-00091-8" }, { "slug": "aecom-technical-services-inc-v-flatiron-aecom-llc-cod-1-19-cv-02811-16", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_19-cv-02811-16", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_19-cv-02811/USCOURTS-cod-1_19-cv-02811-16", "case_name": "AECOM Technical Services, Inc. v. Flatiron AECOM, LLC", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-02811", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William J. Martínez", "date_filed": "2025-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP", "fees_requested": 9981188.75, "fees_awarded": 8293733.56, "dollar_cut": 1687455.19, "pct_cut": 16.91, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 21428.6, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, in total, ATS seeks to recover $9,981,188.75 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "ATS is awarded $8,293,733.56 in attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred in this action.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 31272, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will accordingly deduct $31,272.00 from ATS’s First Fee Motion for its failure to provide the information required by Local Rule 54.3(b)" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 90900, "hours": null, "quote": "Applying this rate reduction amounts to a $90,900.00 deduction, bringing ATS’s total recoverable fees to $10,164,918.40." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1848.01, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will accordingly deduct an additional $1,848.01 from ATS’s post-trial fees." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 12926.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will deduct $12,926.50 in fees attributable to briefing on the show cause order." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4319.47, "hours": null, "quote": "This amounts to a further $4,319.47 reduction in ATS’s recoverable fees." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 62193, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court thus agrees with Flatiron that ATS should not be permitted to recover its fees incurred “redoing” its Costs Motion and thus deducts $62,193.00." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 3, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 301773.2, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes a global 3% reduction, amounting to a $301,773.20 deduction, is proportionate to redress the deficiencies identified in this section." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 3, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 301773.2, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes a global 3% reduction, amounting to a $301,773.20 deduction, is proportionate to redress the deficiencies identified in this section." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 3, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 301773.2, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes a global 3% reduction, amounting to a $301,773.20 deduction, is proportionate to redress the deficiencies identified in this section." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 3, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 301773.2, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes a global 3% reduction, amounting to a $301,773.20 deduction, is proportionate to redress the deficiencies identified in this section." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 1463600.04, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds a global 15% reduction, amounting to $1,463,600.04, to account for ATS’s counsel’s failure to diligently allocate its time between the affirmative and defensive matters" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts commercial fee award 16.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/aecom-technical-services-inc-v-flatiron-aecom-llc-cod-1-19-cv-02811-16" }, { "slug": "mullins-v-the-consol-energy-inc-long-term-disability-plan-pawd-2-20-cv-01883-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pawd-2_20-cv-01883-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pawd-2_20-cv-01883/USCOURTS-pawd-2_20-cv-01883-1", "case_name": "MULLINS v. THE CONSOL ENERGY, INC. LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-01883", "court_id": "pawd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "W.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "J. Nicholas Ranjan", "date_filed": "2025-03-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 243568.5, "fees_awarded": 241746, "dollar_cut": 1822.5, "pct_cut": 0.75, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The original fee request was for $243,568.50 in fees, and $9,590.34 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will award Mr. Mullins $241,746 in fees and $8,277.84 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3240, "hours": 5.4, "quote": "The Court will, however, reduce the fee award by 5.4 hours/ $3,240 for the time entries that appear to have occurred after the brief was filed." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 600, "hours": 1, "quote": "Both parties agree to a reduction of 50% of the two hours Attorney Glass spent reviewing routine filings." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2760, "hours": 4.6, "quote": "the Court will reduce the fee award by 4.6 hours/$2,760 as to the administrative tasks." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 2640, "hours": 4.4, "quote": "a reduction by 50% of the 8.8 hours/$5,280 Attorney Glass billed to specifically conduct legal research of Third Circuit and Western District of Pennsylvania ERISA cases is appropriate." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1290, "hours": 2, "quote": "Mr. Mullins has agreed to deduct two hours for Attorney Brett's attendance at the mediation, which the Court finds to be a reasonable reduction." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Pennsylvania cuts ERISA benefits fee award 0.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mullins-v-the-consol-energy-inc-long-term-disability-plan-pawd-2-20-cv-01883-1" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-great-food-choices-ii-llc-mdd-1-23-cv-02860-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-02860-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-02860/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-02860-0", "case_name": "G&G Closed Circuit Events, LLC v. Great Food Choices II, LLC , et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-02860", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephanie A. Gallagher", "date_filed": "2025-03-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4010, "fees_awarded": 2150, "dollar_cut": 1860, "pct_cut": 46.38, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 7, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "in two separate filings, G&G requests a total of $4010.00 in attorney's fees for its two attorneys, Richard M. Kind, Esq. and Ryan Carey Kind, Esq.", "fees_awarded_quote": "This Court will therefore award attorney's fees in the amount of $2,150.00, representing 4 hours at the rate of $350.00 per hour for Richard M. Kind, Esq. and 3 hours at the rate of $250.00 per hour for Ryan C. Kind, Esq.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the amount of time these attorneys are claiming for preparation of their identical complaints has grown exponentially" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "A number of the full and partial entries on the Kinds' fee statement are strictly clerical in nature and do not require a licensed attorney to perform the work." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts fee award 46.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-great-food-choices-ii-llc-mdd-1-23-cv-02860-0" }, { "slug": "equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-skywest-airlines-txnd-3-22-cv-01807-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01807-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01807/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01807-5", "case_name": "Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. SkyWest Airlines Inc", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01807", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sidney A. Fitzwater", "date_filed": "2025-03-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Zipin, Amster, & Greenberg, LLC", "fees_requested": 225590, "fees_awarded": 220132, "dollar_cut": 5458, "pct_cut": 2.42, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 400.24, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Budd seeks an award of attorney’s fees and costs totaling $230,701.99, which consists of $225,590.00 in attorney’s fees and $5,111.99 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court awards Budd attorney’s fees in the sum of $220,132.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.2, "quote": "The court finds that 4.5 hours is adequate to account for such legal work in this case." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "The court finds that 7 hours—almost an entire work day—are excessive, and that 5 hours were reasonably required to complete the services related to SkyWest’s interrogatories." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "The court finds that expenditure of 2.5 hours is adequate." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.8, "quote": "Accordingly, the court excludes 6.8 hours as purely clerical work that is not recoverable as attorney’s fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.66, "quote": "Accordingly, the court finds that a reduction of 3.66 hours is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts employment fee award 2.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-skywest-airlines-txnd-3-22-cv-01807-5" }, { "slug": "dilfanian-v-the-new-york-city-department-of-education-nyed-1-12-cv-06012-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_12-cv-06012-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_12-cv-06012/USCOURTS-nyed-1_12-cv-06012-1", "case_name": "Dilfanian v. The New York City Department of Education et al", "docket_number": "1:12-cv-06012", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Eric N. Vitaliano", "date_filed": "2025-02-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 368025, "fees_awarded": 128370.54, "dollar_cut": 239654.46, "pct_cut": 65.12, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 706, "hours_awarded": 252.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $368,025 for 696 hours of legal work done between January 31, 2012 and September 6, 2023, $2,625 for ten hours of travel time, and $4,333.08 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "grants plaintiff's motion to the extent that plaintiff is awarded $128,370.54 in fees and $2,120.80 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I therefore respectfully recommend setting Counsel's hourly rate at $475." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the extremity and breadth of improper billing practices here, I respectfully recommend that Counsel's hours be reduced by 70%." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the extremity and breadth of improper billing practices here, I respectfully recommend that Counsel's hours be reduced by 70%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the extremity and breadth of improper billing practices here, I respectfully recommend that Counsel's hours be reduced by 70%." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the extremity and breadth of improper billing practices here, I respectfully recommend that Counsel's hours be reduced by 70%." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I respectfully recommend that Counsel's total travel time be reduced by ten percent" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts employment fee award 65.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/dilfanian-v-the-new-york-city-department-of-education-nyed-1-12-cv-06012-1" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-diaz-azd-2-22-cv-01837-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01837-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01837/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01837-4", "case_name": "G&G Closed Circuit Events LLC v. Diaz et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01837", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2025-02-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 28942.25, "fees_awarded": 22731.75, "dollar_cut": 6210.5, "pct_cut": 21.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel seeks $28,942.25 in fees and $2,516.70 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED awarding Plaintiff $22,731.75 for attorney fees and $2,516.70 in costs, against Defendant Mariscos El Tiburon, LLC", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "1 hour from lead counsel’s 1.25-hour entry for the “Preparation, Review, Execution, Filing and Service of Motion for Pro Hac Vice.”" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court will strike lead counsel’s .2-hour, December 12, 2022, entry for the “Review and Filing of the Clerk’s Entry of Default as to Jose O. Diaz and Mariscos El Tiburon (ECF #11).”" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court will strike lead counsel’s .2-hour entry for the “Preparation, Review, and Filing of the Court’s Agreement to Magistrate Judge Jurisdiction (ECF # 15).”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.75, "quote": "The Court will strike lead counsel’s 1.5-hour entry from March 8, 2023, and .25-hour entry from March 9, 2023, pertaining to the preparation, review, and service of Plaintiff’s initial disclosures." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court will strike lead counsel’s .2-hour entry from March 20, 2023, for “Review and Filing of Defendants’ Initial Disclosures (ECF #22).”" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.33, "quote": "The Court will strike lead counsel’s .33-hour entry from March 31, 2023, for the “Review, Calendar Data Entry, and Filing of the Court’s Scheduling Order (ECF #26).”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.75, "quote": "The Court will strike lead counsel’s 2.25-hour entry for the “Preparation, Review, Execution, Filing and Service of Plaintiff’s First Request for Admissions, First Request for Special Interrogatories, and First Request for Production of Documents and Things.”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court will also strike lead counsel’s .2-hour entry from August 3, 2023, for the “Review and Filing of Defendants’ Responses to Plaintiff’s First Request [for] Admissions and Request for Production of Documents and Things” for this reason." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court will strike the .2-hour entry for the “Review and Filing of the Court’s Order re: Pending Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss (ECF #35).”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "The Court will strike research counsel’s 4-hour entry from February 1, 2024, for “Review[ing] Defendant’s Discovery Responses/Disclosures for MSJ.”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "The Court will strike research counsel’s 2.5-hour entry from March 1, 2024, for “Review[ing] Defendant Jose O. Diaz’s Opposition; Research re: Unverified Responses.”" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts fee award 21.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-diaz-azd-2-22-cv-01837-4" }, { "slug": "nextgear-capital-inc-v-tristate-auto-service-center-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-09458-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-09458-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-09458/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-09458-1", "case_name": "NextGear Capital, Inc. et al v. Tristate Auto Service Center, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-09458", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James R. Cho", "date_filed": "2025-02-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 26912.5, "fees_awarded": 25566.88, "dollar_cut": 1345.62, "pct_cut": 5, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 85.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Manheim requests $26,912.50 in attorneys’ fees and $4,165.36 in costs, for a total of $31,077.86, pursuant to the terms of Gao’s guaranty and the Terms and Conditions.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court respectfully recommends awarding Manheim $25,566.88 ($26,912.50 x 0.95) in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For the reasons discussed above, the Court respectfully recommends applying a 5 percent across the board reduction to the hours billed." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For the reasons discussed above, the Court respectfully recommends applying a 5 percent across the board reduction to the hours billed." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For the reasons discussed above, the Court respectfully recommends applying a 5 percent across the board reduction to the hours billed." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nextgear-capital-inc-v-tristate-auto-service-center-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-09458-1" }, { "slug": "disability-rights-new-mexico-v-tafoya-lucero-nmd-1-22-cv-00954-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nmd-1_22-cv-00954-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nmd-1_22-cv-00954/USCOURTS-nmd-1_22-cv-00954-0", "case_name": "Disability Rights New Mexico v. Tafoya Lucero et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00954", "court_id": "nmd", "court_name": "District Court, D. New Mexico", "court_short": "D. New Mexico", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William P. Johnson", "date_filed": "2025-02-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Law Office of Ryan Villa", "fees_requested": 170551, "fees_awarded": 71476, "dollar_cut": 99075, "pct_cut": 58.09, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 659.06, "hours_awarded": 263.63, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Attorneys’ fees total10", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Disability Rights’ Motion for Attorney’s Fees (Doc. 61) is GRANTED in part for a total amount of $71,476.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce Disability Rights hours to the usual number of workdays to respond (fourteen) multiplied by the number of reasonable billable hours (six)—for a total output of eighty-four hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some additional reduction for double billing is necessary—as counsel should have exercised better billing judgment." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some of this billed activity is excessive and need be reduced." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "billing entries for “co-counsel strategy” meetings and emails are not sufficiently particular as to this case." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 329.53, "quote": "Based on Disability Rights’ partial success, the Court finds that a reduction of 50% is appropriate." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 65.9, "quote": "reduced by 20% for excessive, vague, and duplicative billing" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 65.9, "quote": "reduced by 20% for excessive, vague, and duplicative billing" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 65.9, "quote": "reduced by 20% for excessive, vague, and duplicative billing" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Disability Rights billed about fifty hours for their fee petition. See Doc. 61-4 at 9–10; Doc. 69-1. This is excessive." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. New Mexico cuts civil rights fee award 58.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/disability-rights-new-mexico-v-tafoya-lucero-nmd-1-22-cv-00954-0" }, { "slug": "leon-v-grass-roots-complete-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-60474-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60474-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60474/USCOURTS-flsd-0_24-cv-60474-1", "case_name": "Leon v. Grass Roots Complete LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:24-cv-60474", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Panayotta Augustin-birch", "date_filed": "2025-02-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Koz Law, P.A.", "fees_requested": 12648.97, "fees_awarded": 2421.47, "dollar_cut": 10227.5, "pct_cut": 80.86, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 33.3, "hours_awarded": 9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Second, Plaintiffs seek $12,648.97 in fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are awarded $2,421.47 in sanctions.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.2, "quote": "The Court will not compensate Plaintiffs for 7.2 hours reflected on the billing statement for work performed prior to December 16." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.9, "quote": "the Court will not compensate Plaintiffs for 7.9 hours reflected on the billing statement to review Defendants' amended discovery responses between February 5 and 10." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "The 2.9 hours that Attorney Cuthbertson billed on January 16 and 17 to research and draft Plaintiffs' Motion for Discovery Hearing in advance of the February 11 hearing are reduced to 1.0 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "The 0.6 hours that Attorney Cuthbertson billed on February 4 and 5 to review an Order to Show Cause and Defendants' Response are reduced to 0.2 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The 1.3 hours that Attorney Cuthbertson billed on February 9 to review the docket in preparation for the February 11 hearing are reduced to 0.5 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The 0.7 hours that Attorney Cuthbertson billed on February 12 to draft a Motion for leave to file excess pages are reduced to 0.2 hours." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The 0.8 hours that Attorney Cuthbertson billed on February 12 to draft Plaintiffs' second Motion for Discovery Hearing [DE 78] are cut in their entirety." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.7, "quote": "The 6.7 hours that Attorney Cuthbertson billed on February 13 to research and draft the Motion for Sanctions are reduced to 3.0 hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "The Court will not compensate Plaintiffs for 1.1 hours that Attorney Cuthbertson billed on January 17 and February 10 and 12 to file the Motions ... The Court considers these to be clerical tasks" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court has held that an hourly rate of $375 is reasonable for Attorney Kozolchyk and will continue to utilize that rate as his reasonable hourly rate." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For the purpose of ruling on the Motion for Sanctions, the Court will utilize $250 as a reasonable hourly rate for Attorney Cuthbertson." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award 80.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/leon-v-grass-roots-complete-llc-flsd-0-24-cv-60474-1" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-sky-high-sports-mdd-8-23-cv-02820-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-02820-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-02820/USCOURTS-mdd-8_23-cv-02820-0", "case_name": "G&G Closed Circuit Events, LLC v. Sky High Sports & Entertainment, LLC", "docket_number": "8:23-cv-02820", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Paula Xinis", "date_filed": "2025-02-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3070, "fees_awarded": 1700, "dollar_cut": 1370, "pct_cut": 44.63, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel specifically requests $3,070 in attorneys’ fees and $1,262 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court concludes the requested attorneys’ fees are excessive and will reduce the award to $1,700.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 805, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the requested fee by $805 for Mr. Kind’s time spent performing obviously clerical work." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes the requested attorneys’ fees are excessive and will reduce the award to $1,700." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts fee award 44.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-sky-high-sports-mdd-8-23-cv-02820-0" }, { "slug": "sprint-communications-inc-v-calabrese-flsd-0-18-cv-60788-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_18-cv-60788-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_18-cv-60788/USCOURTS-flsd-0_18-cv-60788-2", "case_name": "Sprint Communications, Inc. v. Calabrese et al", "docket_number": "0:18-cv-60788", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Alicia O. Valle", "date_filed": "2025-02-20", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "McGuireWoods", "fees_requested": 2514612.19, "fees_awarded": 2388881.4, "dollar_cut": 125730.79, "pct_cut": 5, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 4502, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Sprint seeks $2,514,612.19 in attorneys’ fees and $22,381.71 in nontaxable costs, from all Defendants for litigating the case at the trial court level.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the undersigned recommends that counsel for Sprint be awarded $2,388,881.40 in attorneys’ fees for the trial court proceedings.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned recommends an across-the-board 5% reduction to the requested fees to account for counsel’s block billing." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 5% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sprint-communications-inc-v-calabrese-flsd-0-18-cv-60788-2" }, { "slug": "ferrari-financial-services-inc-v-yoo-txnd-3-23-cv-01572-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-01572-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-01572/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-01572-0", "case_name": "Ferrari Financial Services Inc v. Yoo et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-01572", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ed Kinkeade", "date_filed": "2025-02-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Snell & Wilmer", "fees_requested": 67645, "fees_awarded": 40218.9, "dollar_cut": 27426.1, "pct_cut": 40.54, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 177.3, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "FFS requests a total of $67,645.00 for attorney and paralegal fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying a 25 percent reduction to the loadstar results in a total attorney’s fee award of $40,218.90.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces both Jones’s and Comeau-Mayer’s rates to $190." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned applies a 20 percent reduction to the requested fees to account for billing judgment and vague time entries." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned applies a 20 percent reduction to the requested fees to account for billing judgment and vague time entries." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned finds that an additional downward adjustment of 25 percent is appropriate after considering the Johnson factors." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 40.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ferrari-financial-services-inc-v-yoo-txnd-3-23-cv-01572-0" }, { "slug": "goode-v-gaia-inc-cod-1-20-cv-00742-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-00742-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-00742/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-00742-5", "case_name": "Goode et al v. Gaia, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-00742", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kathryn A. Starnella", "date_filed": "2025-02-19", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "LaszloLaw", "fees_requested": 36949.5, "fees_awarded": 23623.5, "dollar_cut": 13326, "pct_cut": 36.07, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Zavodnick seeks $36,949.50 in fees for his three attorneys, Michael J. Laszlo (“M. Laszlo”), Theodore E. Laszlo, Jr. (“T. Laszlo”), and Veronica L. Vecchio (“Vecchio”).", "fees_awarded_quote": "Mr. Zavodnick be awarded partial attorneys’ fees in the amount of $23,623.50 from Plaintiffs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2883, "hours": 6.2, "quote": "Mr. Zavodnick is not entitled to the $2,883.00 in fees incurred in drafting the Reply [#422]" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1501.5, "hours": 3.9, "quote": "the Court eliminates the last four billing entries for Attorney Vecchio, all of which appear to directly relate to the drafting of the fees Motion [#396]." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2464.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court eliminates all billing entries for Attorney M. Laszlo from March 30 through April 12, 2024, except the two entries on April 8, 2024" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 9162.5, "hours": 24.6, "quote": "Because Mr. Zavodnick’s briefing fails to explain what the “Receive/Review Docket Entry” line-items are for, and because the billing entries are so vague, the Court finds that all time labeled as “Receive/Review Docket Entry” should be deducted." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts fee award 36.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/goode-v-gaia-inc-cod-1-20-cv-00742-5" }, { "slug": "the-estate-of-terry-gentry-v-hamilton-ryker-it-solutions-llc-txsd-3-19-cv-00320-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-3_19-cv-00320-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-3_19-cv-00320/USCOURTS-txsd-3_19-cv-00320-6", "case_name": "The Estate of Terry Gentry v. Hamilton-Ryker IT Solutions, LLC", "docket_number": "3:19-cv-00320", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jeffrey Vincent Brown", "date_filed": "2025-02-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Bruckner Burch PLLC", "fees_requested": 86065, "fees_awarded": 85035, "dollar_cut": 1030, "pct_cut": 1.2, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs now seek $86,065.00 for additional attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the 2022–2024 appeal to the Fifth Circuit and the remand to the district court to address the liquidated damages issue.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Hamilton-Ryker IT Solutions, LLC, is ordered to pay the plaintiffs attorneys’ fees in the amount of $85,035.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 715, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "I will, therefore, reduce the hours claimed by Mr. Burch by 1.1 hours ($715)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 315, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "HR-IT complains that I should slice off $315 for 0.7 hours of work performed by Plaintiffs’ counsel that was clerical in nature." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 1.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/the-estate-of-terry-gentry-v-hamilton-ryker-it-solutions-llc-txsd-3-19-cv-00320-6" }, { "slug": "hovagimian-v-home-exchange-nj-llc-paed-2-23-cv-04297-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-04297-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-04297/USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-04297-2", "case_name": "HOVAGIMIAN et al v. HOME EXCHANGE NJ LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-04297", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gerald Austin McHugh", "date_filed": "2025-02-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 13, "hours_awarded": 5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "But the invoice provided only substantiates five hours – one hour on October 24, three hours on November 12, and one hour on December 7." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts commercial fee award over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hovagimian-v-home-exchange-nj-llc-paed-2-23-cv-04297-2" }, { "slug": "lawson-v-rubin-nyed-1-17-cv-06404-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_17-cv-06404-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_17-cv-06404/USCOURTS-nyed-1_17-cv-06404-5", "case_name": "Lawson et al v. Rubin et al", "docket_number": "1:17-cv-06404", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Cogan", "date_filed": "2025-02-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8793940.8, "fees_awarded": 4815033.25, "dollar_cut": 3978907.55, "pct_cut": 45.25, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 12006.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $8,793,940.80 in attorneys’ fees based on 12,006.9 hours and $2,035,386.10 in costs and expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs’ motion for attorneys’ fees and costs is granted to the extent of $4,815,033.25 in attorneys’ fees and $15,114.90 in costs and expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Bearing in mind the most relevant Johnson factors, the usual hourly rates in this district, and the rates typically charged by plaintiffs’ law firm, I am reducing the claimed rates" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering defendant’s objections, I will apply an overall reduction of the time charges claimed of 15%." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts fee award 45.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lawson-v-rubin-nyed-1-17-cv-06404-5" }, { "slug": "romero-v-synergy-restoration-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01602-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01602-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01602/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-01602-1", "case_name": "Romero v. Synergy Restoration LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-01602", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael T. Liburdi", "date_filed": "2025-02-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7120, "fees_awarded": 6408, "dollar_cut": 712, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 16, "hours_awarded": 14.4, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "This request includes $7,120.00 for Plaintiff's attorney Clifford P. Bendau's (\"Counsel\") billed hours, as well as $803.00 for out-of-pocket costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "The revised total amount of Counsel's fees is $6,408.00 (reflecting 14.4 hours billed at $445.00 an hour).", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "Upon review of Counsel's time sheet, the Court finds Counsel billed for clerical and administrative tasks and will reduce Counsel's time for the following hours" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 10% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/romero-v-synergy-restoration-llc-azd-2-24-cv-01602-1" }, { "slug": "roberto-v-addison-place-apartments-property-owner-llc-flsd-0-23-cv-61579-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61579-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61579/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61579-0", "case_name": "Roberto v. Addison Place Apartments Property Owner LLC et al", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-61579", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Panayotta Augustin-birch", "date_filed": "2025-02-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 47060.25, "fees_awarded": 36075, "dollar_cut": 10985.25, "pct_cut": 23.34, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff reduces the amount of attorney's fees he seeks to $47,060.25 in his reply.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court recommends awarding Plaintiff $36,075 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 15.3, "quote": "the Court found that Plaintiff's counsel billed a total of 15.3 hours for reviewing NEFs, and the Court finds these hours to be unreasonable" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "the Court found that Attorney Newhart billed 1.2 hours where the billing entries are vague, and the Court recommends deducting these hours" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.2, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting .6 hours from Attorney Feygin's total hours and 3.6 hours from Attorney Feller's total hours to account for time billed for clerical work" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "the Court recommends reducing the hours Attorney Newhart billed for attending that Discovery Hearing from 1.4 hours to .9 hours" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.9, "quote": "because Attorney Feygin merely appeared for the May 15, 2024 Discovery Hearing and did not actively participate, the Court recommends deducting .9 hours from Attorney Feygin's total hours" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.2, "quote": "the Court recommends excluding all time billed by Plaintiff's attorneys to email one another. In total, the Court recommends deducting .6 hours from Attorney Newhart's total hours, 4.1 hours from Attorney Feygin's total hours, and .5 hours from Attorney Feller's total hours" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.7, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 7 hours from Attorney Newhart's total hours, 3.5 hours from Attorney Feygin's total hours, and 1.2 hours from Attorney Feller's total hours to account for the time they spent updating Plaintiff about the status of his case" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting .3 hours from Attorney Newhart's total hours, .6 hours from Attorney Feygin's total hours, and 1.4 hours from Attorney Feller's total hours to account for work done on motions for extension of time and responses to orders to show cause" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.6, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 9.6 hours from Attorney Newhart's total hours for time spent litigating the amount of attorney's fees after June 10, 2024" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.8, "quote": "As such, the Court recommends deducting 3.1 hours from Attorney Newhart's total hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "the Court finds the 3.1 hours Attorney Feller billed at such an early stage of the litigation to be excessive and unreasonable and recommends deducting 3.1 hours from Attorney Feller's total hours" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts consumer protection fee award 23.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/roberto-v-addison-place-apartments-property-owner-llc-flsd-0-23-cv-61579-0" }, { "slug": "davidson-v-dfw-drug-rehab-l-l-c-txnd-2-24-cv-00113-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-2_24-cv-00113-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-2_24-cv-00113/USCOURTS-txnd-2_24-cv-00113-0", "case_name": "Davidson v. DFW Drug Rehab, L.L.C.", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00113", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Matthew J. Kacsmaryk", "date_filed": "2025-02-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "SRIPLAW", "fees_requested": 2435, "fees_awarded": 1912.5, "dollar_cut": 522.5, "pct_cut": 21.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "The total listed expense for this work is $2,435.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the above reasons, the Court AWARDS $1,912.50 in attorneys’ fees and $405.00 in costs, totaling an amount of $2,317.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 395, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "the Court is unaware of precedent awarding attorneys’ fees for services of ‘Client Services Liaison.’ ... Thus, the Court DEDUCTS $395.00 from Plaintiff’s requested fees." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 127.5, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court further DEDUCTS $127.50 from Plaintiff’s requested attorneys’ fees." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts intellectual property fee award 21.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/davidson-v-dfw-drug-rehab-l-l-c-txnd-2-24-cv-00113-0" }, { "slug": "hill-v-provident-asset-management-llc-mied-5-24-cv-11500-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mied-5_24-cv-11500-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-5_24-cv-11500/USCOURTS-mied-5_24-cv-11500-2", "case_name": "Hill v. Provident Asset Management LLC", "docket_number": "5:24-cv-11500", "court_id": "mied", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Michigan", "court_short": "E.D. Michigan", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Judith E. Levy", "date_filed": "2025-02-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8085.2, "fees_awarded": 6370.32, "dollar_cut": 1714.88, "pct_cut": 21.21, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 16.72, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In this motion, Plaintiff requests $8,085.20 in attorney fees and $441.50 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the reasons set forth above, the Court will award $6,370.32 in attorney fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a rate of $381.00 per hour is appropriate in this case." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "It would not serve the interests of justice for Defendant to pay Plaintiff for this filing." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "As such, the September 6, 2024 entry for “file entry of default” is vague and will not be awarded." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Michigan cuts civil rights fee award 21.2%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hill-v-provident-asset-management-llc-mied-5-24-cv-11500-2" }, { "slug": "gamon-v-shriners-hospitals-for-children-ord-3-23-cv-00216-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00216-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00216/USCOURTS-ord-3_23-cv-00216-2", "case_name": "Gamon v. Shriners Hospitals for Children", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00216", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Karin J. Immergut", "date_filed": "2025-02-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 28115, "fees_awarded": 19742.55, "dollar_cut": 8372.45, "pct_cut": 29.78, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 40.6, "hours_awarded": 37.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant timely filed a statement for attorney’s fees (“Stmt.”), ECF 53, seeking an award of $28,115 in attorney’s fees incurred in briefing and arguing its motion to compel, ECF 37, reply, ECF 44, and sur-reply, ECF 49.", "fees_awarded_quote": "This Court accordingly awards $19,742.55 in fees and costs to Defendant’s counsel.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "2.7 hours were spent on matters that are not compensable under Rule 37(a)(5), such as clerical tasks, conferral to resolve the dispute, discovery analysis, and communication with Defendant’s client." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "2.7 hours were spent on matters that are not compensable under Rule 37(a)(5), such as clerical tasks, conferral to resolve the dispute, discovery analysis, and communication with Defendant’s client." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Additionally, this Court reduces the hourly billing rate of the two associate attorneys who prepared and argued the motion because defense counsel did not provide information justifying billing for hourly rates above the 95th percentile for attorneys in Portland with the same years of experience." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts fee award 29.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gamon-v-shriners-hospitals-for-children-ord-3-23-cv-00216-2" }, { "slug": "tecnoglass-llc-v-paredes-flsd-1-22-cv-22356-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-22356-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-22356/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-22356-5", "case_name": "Tecnoglass, LLC v. Paredes et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-22356", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "K. Michael Moore", "date_filed": "2025-02-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Duane Morris", "fees_requested": 347609.5, "fees_awarded": 243326.65, "dollar_cut": 104282.85, "pct_cut": 30, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $347,609.50 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $243,326.65 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that an across-the-board reduction of 30 percent to the total fee award sought by Plaintiff is reasonable." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that an across-the-board reduction of 30 percent to the total fee award sought by Plaintiff is reasonable." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that an across-the-board reduction of 30 percent to the total fee award sought by Plaintiff is reasonable." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that an across-the-board reduction of 30 percent to the total fee award sought by Plaintiff is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 30%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tecnoglass-llc-v-paredes-flsd-1-22-cv-22356-5" }, { "slug": "blue-chip-alliance-llc-v-chetu-inc-flsd-0-22-cv-61602-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-61602-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-61602/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-61602-7", "case_name": "Blue Chip Alliance, LLC v. CHETU, Inc.", "docket_number": "0:22-cv-61602", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lisette M. Reid", "date_filed": "2025-02-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 28675, "fees_awarded": 24373.75, "dollar_cut": 4301.25, "pct_cut": 15, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "the Court will analyze the reasonableness of Plaintiff’s requested fees of $28,675.00 and costs of $572.14.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff’s counsel can recover $24,373.75 in fees for work conducted by its team related to Defendant’s discovery violations.", "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff’s attorney—whose firm has offices in Newport Beach, CA, Coral Gables, FL, and Tampa, FL— billed 10.2 hours of travel to and from Tampa for a case filed in this district. This travel time should be limited." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff’s request for fees associated with its Motion for Attorneys’ Fees (approximately 20 hours) is warranted but should be limited to a reasonable amount of hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff used block billing on at least a single entry of 3.9 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 15%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/blue-chip-alliance-llc-v-chetu-inc-flsd-0-22-cv-61602-7" }, { "slug": "maxwell-v-pacione-caed-1-24-cv-00409-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00409-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00409/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00409-6", "case_name": "Maxwell v. Pacione et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00409", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2025-02-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.8, "quote": "Because these entries are too vague to properly assess whether the work therein was in furtherance of either the anti-SLAPP motion to strike or the instant motion, the Court deducts these hours from the total listed in the billing records." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "the Court will decline to include the three (3) additional hours requested to prepare a potential reply brief in Ms. McTeer’s total time billed." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/maxwell-v-pacione-caed-1-24-cv-00409-6" }, { "slug": "abularach-v-high-wing-aviation-llc-nyed-1-22-cv-01266-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01266-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01266/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01266-2", "case_name": "Abularach v. High Wing Aviation LLC", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01266", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Margo K. Brodie", "date_filed": "2025-02-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 24480, "fees_awarded": 22032, "dollar_cut": 2448, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 54.4, "hours_awarded": 48.96, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests the Court order Defendant \"to promptly pay Plaintiff the $24,480.00 which Plaintiff incurred in responding to the [Defendant's] motion\" to vacate the default judgment.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the foregoing reasons, the Court grants Plaintiff's motion for attorneys' fees in the amount of $22,032.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff's fee request is relatively high, incorporates block billing, includes noncompensable administrative tasks, and is the result of Defendant's willful default that delayed this litigation by over two years — the Court reduces Plaintiff's hours by 10%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff's request includes two administrative tasks that are similar to work that courts in this Circuit have found to be noncompensable" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds the 54.4 hours invoiced to be excessive" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 10%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/abularach-v-high-wing-aviation-llc-nyed-1-22-cv-01266-2" }, { "slug": "the-estate-of-terry-gentry-v-hamilton-ryker-it-solutions-llc-txsd-3-19-cv-00320-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-3_19-cv-00320-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-3_19-cv-00320/USCOURTS-txsd-3_19-cv-00320-5", "case_name": "The Estate of Terry Gentry v. Hamilton-Ryker IT Solutions, LLC", "docket_number": "3:19-cv-00320", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Andrew M. Edison", "date_filed": "2025-01-31", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 86065, "fees_awarded": 85035, "dollar_cut": 1030, "pct_cut": 1.2, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs now seek $86,065.00 for additional attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the 2022–2024 appeal to the Fifth Circuit and the remand to the district court to address the liquidated damages issue.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs should thus be awarded $85,035.00 in reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 715, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "I will, therefore, reduce the hours claimed by Mr. Burch by 1.1 hours ($715)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 315, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "Plaintiffs dispute HR-IT’s “characterization,” but “agree to a [$315] reduction in the interest of bringing this case to a timely end.”" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 1.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/the-estate-of-terry-gentry-v-hamilton-ryker-it-solutions-llc-txsd-3-19-cv-00320-5" }, { "slug": "national-council-of-the-united-states-society-of-st-vincent-cand-3-23-cv-01556-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-01556-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-01556/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-01556-1", "case_name": "National Council of The United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Inc. v. The Del Norte Council of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-01556", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Richard Seeborg", "date_filed": "2025-01-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "UB Greensfelder", "fees_requested": 128299.25, "fees_awarded": 117989.03, "dollar_cut": 10310.22, "pct_cut": 8.04, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "National Council now moves to recover attorney fees and costs in the amount of $128,299.25 incurred in this action.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $117,989.03 in attorney's fees (representing a 10% reduction in UB Greensfelder's lodestar) and $407.00 in costs, totaling $118,396.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "an across-the-board reduction of UB Greensfelder's bill by 10 percent, from $99,032.25 to $89,129.03, is proper" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts intellectual property fee award 8% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/national-council-of-the-united-states-society-of-st-vincent-cand-3-23-cv-01556-1" }, { "slug": "hava-v-city-of-hollywood-flsd-0-23-cv-60537-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60537-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60537/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60537-0", "case_name": "Hava v. City of Hollywood et al", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-60537", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Alicia O. Valle", "date_filed": "2025-01-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 22260, "fees_awarded": 20034, "dollar_cut": 2226, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 111.3, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant Otwell seeks $22,260 in fees incurred for 111.3 hours of work expended during this case.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Consequently, the undersigned recommends that Defendant Otwell be awarded $20,034 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing records reflect certain billing inefficiencies that require downward adjustment. More specifically, several of the time entries reflect time spent on clerical work" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts civil rights fee award 10% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hava-v-city-of-hollywood-flsd-0-23-cv-60537-0" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-diaz-azd-2-22-cv-01837-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01837-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01837/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01837-3", "case_name": "G&G Closed Circuit Events LLC v. Diaz et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01837", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "John Z. Boyle", "date_filed": "2025-01-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 28942.25, "fees_awarded": 22731.75, "dollar_cut": 6210.5, "pct_cut": 21.46, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel seeks $28,942.25 in fees and $2,516.70 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED awarding Plaintiff $22,731.75 for attorney fees and $2,516.70 in costs, against Defendant Mariscos El Tiburon, LLC", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "1 hour from lead counsel’s 1.25-hour entry for the “Preparation, Review, Execution, Filing and Service of Motion for Pro Hac Vice.”" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court considers this to be a clerical task." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "This is a clerical task." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "This particular entry does not apply to Defendant Mariscos El Tiburon, and the Court considers it clerical in this case." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.33, "quote": "The Court deems this clerical." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.75, "quote": "Plaintiff’s discovery was propounded to Jose O. Diaz, who is still a party to this suit, not Mariscos El Tiburon, who never appeared." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "This discovery does not apply to the party against whom fees are sought." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "Counsel should not be compensated for his error." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment only applied to Defendant Diaz. Mariscos El Tiburon, LLC was defaulted in the case at that time." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "The motion for summary judgment pertained only to Defendant Jose O. Diaz." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts fee award 21.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-diaz-azd-2-22-cv-01837-3" }, { "slug": "pliteq-inc-v-mostafa-flsd-1-23-cv-24868-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24868-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24868/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24868-2", "case_name": "Pliteq, Inc. et al v. Mostafa", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-24868", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marty Fulgueira Elfenbein", "date_filed": "2025-01-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 11893, "fees_awarded": 4760, "dollar_cut": 7133, "pct_cut": 59.98, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "the total legal fees incurred by Plaintiffs for the services described\" are \"$11,893.00, which Plaintiffs have paid or are obligated to pay in full.", "fees_awarded_quote": "That makes the lodestar a total of $4,760.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds it appropriate to reduce Kaplan's hourly rate to $700 and Whaley's hourly rate to $550." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it also includes time spent on tasks that fall outside of those four areas. As a result, the Court chooses to identify specific hours that should be eliminated" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the only time entry that mentions attendance at the Hearing engages in the sin of block billing, meaning it includes several tasks, many of which are unrelated to attending the Hearing" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given the distance between Plaintiffs' counsel's law firm office and the courthouse, the Court finds that one hour of travel time is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts sanctions fee award 60%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pliteq-inc-v-mostafa-flsd-1-23-cv-24868-2" }, { "slug": "castillo-marenco-v-j-c-painting-contractor-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-21463-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-21463-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-21463/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-21463-0", "case_name": "Castillo Marenco v. J.C. Painting Contractor LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-21463", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Eduardo I. Sanchez", "date_filed": "2025-01-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "FairLaw Firm", "fees_requested": 22134.15, "fees_awarded": 10591, "dollar_cut": 11543.15, "pct_cut": 52.15, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 67.61, "hours_awarded": 39.09, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Plaintiff seeks $22,134.15 in fees for 49.6 hours of attorney time at hourly rates of $500.00 and $325.00 and 19.1 hours of non-attorney professional time at an hourly rate of $165.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Magistrate Judge Sanchez determined that Plaintiff’s counsel was entitled to $10,591.00 in fees for the work he completed before the Offer of Judgment.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Pollock for the services rendered in this case is $450 per hour" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. LaRou is $275 per hour and a reasonable hourly rate for Ms. Sanguino is $150 per hour" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 17.8, "quote": "the 17.8 hours of fees incurred by Plaintiff’s counsel after July 11, 2024 (13.4 hours by Mr. Pollock, 3.2 hours by Mr. LaRou, and 1.2 hours by Ms. Sanguino) will not be awarded." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Mr. LaRou’s June 6, 2024, time entry for 0.3 hours for “Review of Defendant Cataldo’s edits to proposed order referring discovery matters to Magistrate Schwabedissen, and further revisions to the same” does not appear to be from the instant case and therefore cannot be recovered here." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time entries listed below are for non-attorney tasks that are clerical or secretarial in nature and therefore not recoverable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 52.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/castillo-marenco-v-j-c-painting-contractor-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-21463-0" }, { "slug": "amanda-smith-v-commissioner-of-social-security-ca11-24-11233-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca11-24-11233-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca11-24-11233/USCOURTS-ca11-24-11233-0", "case_name": "Amanda Smith v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "24-11233", "court_id": "ca11", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit", "court_short": "Eleventh Circuit", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "PER CURIAM (JORDAN, LUCK, and WILSON, Circuit Judges)", "date_filed": "2025-01-22", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7289.68, "fees_awarded": 5567.56, "dollar_cut": 1722.12, "pct_cut": 23.62, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 29.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Smith sought fees in the amount of $7,289.68 based on 29.8 hours of representation.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The court awarded Smith $5,567.56 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The court explained that those entries would be reduced by 40% \"because there is no way to determine the amount of time counsel spent on each of the specific tasks mentioned in the block-billed entries.\"" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Eleventh Circuit cuts social security fee award 23.6% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/amanda-smith-v-commissioner-of-social-security-ca11-24-11233-0" }, { "slug": "vlad-malenko-usa-llc-v-shvartsman-caed-2-24-cv-00121-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-00121-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-00121/USCOURTS-caed-2_24-cv-00121-2", "case_name": "Vlad Malenko (USA) LLC v. Shvartsman et al", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00121", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dale A. Drozd", "date_filed": "2025-01-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 25555, "fees_awarded": 7312, "dollar_cut": 18243, "pct_cut": 71.39, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests attorney fees at an hourly rate of $650 for 11.50 hours of work for counsel J. Edward Brooks and $400.00 for 45.2 hours of work for associate counsel Aleksandra Kostoreva for a total award of $25,555.00 in legal fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the undersigned finds the appropriate attorneys fee award to be $7,312.00 ((9.2 x 500 = 4,600) + (13.56 x 200 = 2,712) = $7,312.00).", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Counsel in this case provided a block bill, warranting a 20% reduction." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the requested hours of Ms. Kostoreva, 45.2, are wholly unreasonable for a factually straightforward case that exclusively involved a motion for default judgment." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court reduces Mr. Brooks’ awarded rate to $500 per hour and Ms. Kostoreva’s rate to $200 per hour." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 71.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/vlad-malenko-usa-llc-v-shvartsman-caed-2-24-cv-00121-2" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-pamd-1-23-cv-02137-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pamd-1_23-cv-02137-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pamd-1_23-cv-02137/USCOURTS-pamd-1_23-cv-02137-0", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-02137", "court_id": "pamd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "M.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Daryl F. Bloom", "date_filed": "2025-01-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 12309.37, "fees_awarded": 10352.5, "dollar_cut": 1956.87, "pct_cut": 15.9, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 41, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Moyer also avers that Marzzacco spent five hours researching and preparing a reply brief to Defendant's instant brief in opposition, increasing his bill by $1,262.50 for a total of $12,309.37.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The result is an aggregate award of 41 hours at $252.50, totaling $10,352.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "We therefore hold that review of those two items, combined, accounts for half an hour of the four-hour block." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "we find that two hours is a more appropriate amount of time for the combined tasks of intake calls and reviewing a winning three-page complaint. To that end, we will reduce this line item by one- and one-half hours" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 2.25, "quote": "we will reduce each line item by 25%: two and a quarter hours reduction for the RFC argument, two hours reduction for the obesity argument." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "we will reduce each line item by 25%: two and a quarter hours reduction for the RFC argument, two hours reduction for the obesity argument." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "we will reduce this fee by one hour, down to two and a half hours. That brings the total number of hours reduced to seven and three quarters." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Pennsylvania cuts social security fee award 15.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-pamd-1-23-cv-02137-0" }, { "slug": "seawalk-investments-llc-flmb-3-19-bk-01010-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flmb-3_19-bk-01010-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flmb-3_19-bk-01010/USCOURTS-flmb-3_19-bk-01010-1", "case_name": "Seawalk Investments, LLC", "docket_number": "3:19-bk-01010", "court_id": "flmb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, M.D. Florida", "court_short": "Bankr. M.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2025-01-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Lienhart Law Firm", "fees_requested": 294383.39, "fees_awarded": 48663, "dollar_cut": 245720.39, "pct_cut": 83.47, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Sky now sought: 1) $294,383.39 for its attorney’s fees, comprised of $72,858.59 for attorney David Lienhart of the Lienhart Law Firm, and $221,524.80 for the Ferrelle Burns Law Firm", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court finds that Sky is allowed $48,663.00 in attorney’s fees and $926.78 in costs, for a total of $49,589.78.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "An experienced bankruptcy lawyer representing a similarly situated wholly oversecured creditor would have incurred less fees during this time period in the bankruptcy case." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing here includes amounts for unnecessary discovery, appointment of a trustee or examiner, and dismissal or conversion of the bankruptcy case." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Simply stated, it was not necessary for both LLF and FB to attend the confirmation trial and to challenge confirmation of Debtor’s plan." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Most of these time entries have multiple tasks lumped together with no associated specific time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "An experienced bankruptcy lawyer should have been able to easily accomplish these tasks in less than 15 hours of time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "An experienced bankruptcy lawyer should have been able to easily accomplish these tasks in less than 6 to 8 hours of time in addition to 3 to 4 hours for preparing and participating in the § 341 Meeting of Creditors." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "will approve two-thirds of the $8,354.50 requested in this category, allowing $5,570.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds 25 hours of time for Sky to attend the confirmation hearing and related matters is more than reasonable in this case and awards $8,750.00" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This work seems to overlap and be duplicative of the work for confirmation hearings" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds Sky should not be awarded any fees in connection with its plan and disclosure statement." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. M.D. Florida cuts bankruptcy fee award 83.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/seawalk-investments-llc-flmb-3-19-bk-01010-1" }, { "slug": "alan-grayson-v-no-labels-inc-ca11-24-10777-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ca11-24-10777-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ca11-24-10777/USCOURTS-ca11-24-10777-0", "case_name": "Alan Grayson v. No Labels, Inc., et al", "docket_number": "24-10777", "court_id": "ca11", "court_name": "Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit", "court_short": "Eleventh Circuit", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Per Curiam", "date_filed": "2025-01-15", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1173346, "fees_awarded": 740710, "dollar_cut": 432636, "pct_cut": 36.87, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The defendants filed supplemental motions for $1,173,346 in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The magistrate judge recommended an award of attorney's fees of $740,710.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "struck two entries because they included both compensable and non-compensable clerical tasks" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "cut the hours of one law firm as duplicative" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "determined that the defendants provided insufficient evidence regarding the reasonableness of their hourly rates ... referred to rates from previous decisions in the district court" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Eleventh Circuit cuts fee award 36.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/alan-grayson-v-no-labels-inc-ca11-24-10777-0" }, { "slug": "betancourt-colon-v-supermercados-maximo-inc-prd-3-22-cv-01548-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01548-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01548/USCOURTS-prd-3_22-cv-01548-1", "case_name": "Betancourt-Colon v. Supermercados Maximo, Inc.", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01548", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Bruce J. McGiverin", "date_filed": "2025-01-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 33600, "fees_awarded": 15004, "dollar_cut": 18596, "pct_cut": 55.35, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 84, "hours_awarded": 72.8, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Betancourt-Colón initially sought a total of $33,600 in attorney's fees", "fees_awarded_quote": "The amount of attorney's fees awarded will be $15,004.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Attorney work hours will be credited at a rate of $200 per hour, rather than the requested rate of $400 per hour." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 6.1, "quote": "The total hours listed for these entries, 12.2 hours, will be reduced to 6.1 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "1.2 hours drafting the written discovery request form, which appears to be largely boilerplate, is excessive, and reduce these to 0.6 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "These hours, 0.8 in total, will not be credited in the attorney's fee award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.7, "quote": "Therefore, 3.7 hours of work will be counted as clerical and credited at a rate of $120 per hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts disability access fee award 55.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/betancourt-colon-v-supermercados-maximo-inc-prd-3-22-cv-01548-1" }, { "slug": "maxwell-v-pacione-caed-1-24-cv-00409-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00409-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00409/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00409-4", "case_name": "Maxwell v. Pacione et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00409", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "United States Magistrate Judge", "date_filed": "2025-01-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.8, "quote": "Because these entries are too vague to properly assess whether the work therein was in furtherance of either the anti-SLAPP motion to strike or the instant motion, the Court deducts these hours from the total listed in the billing records." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "It follows that the Court will decline to include the three (3) additional hours requested to prepare a potential reply brief in Ms. McTeer’s total time billed." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/maxwell-v-pacione-caed-1-24-cv-00409-4" }, { "slug": "ctd-networks-llc-v-google-llc-txwd-6-22-cv-01042-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-6_22-cv-01042-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-6_22-cv-01042/USCOURTS-txwd-6_22-cv-01042-1", "case_name": "CTD Networks, LLC v. Google, LLC", "docket_number": "6:22-cv-01042", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Xavier Rodriguez", "date_filed": "2025-01-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": "35 U.S.C. § 285", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 100285.47, "fees_awarded": 60171.28, "dollar_cut": 40114.19, "pct_cut": 40, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 137, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Google seeks $100,285.47 in attorney's fees, which it contends represent only those fees incurred \"directly in connection with Google's Motion to Dismiss the SAC.\"", "fees_awarded_quote": "As a result, the Court will award Google $60,171.28 in attorney's fees for activities and projects related to the motion to dismiss the SAC.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the declarations provided do not allow the Court to review the particular tasks performed by each attorney to properly assess the reasonableness of any one attorney's time, the Court finds it appropriate to reduce Google's requested fee award by 40% across the board." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts intellectual property fee award 40% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ctd-networks-llc-v-google-llc-txwd-6-22-cv-01042-1" }, { "slug": "tecnoglass-llc-v-paredes-flsd-1-22-cv-22356-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-22356-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-22356/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-22356-4", "case_name": "Tecnoglass, LLC v. Paredes et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-22356", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "K. Michael Moore", "date_filed": "2025-01-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Duane Morris", "fees_requested": 347609.5, "fees_awarded": 243326.65, "dollar_cut": 104282.85, "pct_cut": 30, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now brings this Amended Motion for an Award of Attorneys' Fees, in which it seeks a total award of $347,609.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $243,326.65 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering the non-compensable billing entries discussed above, I find that an across-the-board reduction of 30 percent to the total fee award sought by Plaintiff is reasonable." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Many of Ms. Castillo's billing entries constitute impermissible block billing, with individual entries covering the gamut from exchanging emails, phone calls, performing research, reading the Court's rules, preparing documents and binders" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In this case, Plaintiff's counsel billed hundreds of hours for time spent in conference with one another. Plaintiff has offered no explanation or justification as to why so many conferences, frequently with three or more timekeepers in attendance, were necessary." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These are three of many examples where Plaintiff has billed for non-compensable clerical tasks." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the fee applicant bears the burden of establishing the time reasonably expended on this litigation, the time incurred for calls and emails with the client, without more detail, is not compensable." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 30%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tecnoglass-llc-v-paredes-flsd-1-22-cv-22356-4" }, { "slug": "u-s-bank-national-association-v-chenango-place-llc-nynd-3-23-cv-00928-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynd-3_23-cv-00928-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynd-3_23-cv-00928/USCOURTS-nynd-3_23-cv-00928-0", "case_name": "U.S. Bank National Association v. Chenango Place, LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00928", "court_id": "nynd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Mae A. D'Agostino", "date_filed": "2025-01-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Ballard Spahr LLP", "fees_requested": 88493.3, "fees_awarded": 82479.6, "dollar_cut": 6013.7, "pct_cut": 6.8, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $96,258.56 in attorneys' fees and costs for work performed from July 2023 through October 2024, comprising $88,493.30 in fees and $7,765.26 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "When these reductions are factored in, the attorneys' fees award is reduced to $82,479.60.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, the rates listed at the higher end of the ranges provided and without the twenty-percent discount are unreasonable and the total attorneys' fees award will be reduced accordingly." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 25000, "hours": null, "quote": "The request for this additional $25,000.00 in attorneys fees is not accompanied by contemporaneous time records and the Court is therefore unable to determine whether the request is reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 6.8%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/u-s-bank-national-association-v-chenango-place-llc-nynd-3-23-cv-00928-0" }, { "slug": "the-johns-law-firm-llc-v-pawlik-txsd-4-22-cv-01877-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_22-cv-01877-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_22-cv-01877/USCOURTS-txsd-4_22-cv-01877-9", "case_name": "The Johns Law Firm, LLC v. Pawlik", "docket_number": "4:22-cv-01877", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Yvonne Y. Ho", "date_filed": "2025-01-08", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 75030, "fees_awarded": 59962.5, "dollar_cut": 15067.5, "pct_cut": 20.08, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 115.7, "hours_awarded": 92.25, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "TJLF’s fee application seeks $75,030 in attorneys’ fees incurred through entry of final judgment.", "fees_awarded_quote": "it is recommended that TJLF’s motion be granted in material part, and that TJLF be awarded $59,962.50 in reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees as the prevailing party", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 20.2, "quote": "TJLF’s billing records include 20.2 hours of legal work on cases other than the one on which TJLF prevailed" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.25, "quote": "The Court therefore deducts 1.25 hours from this item, as .25 hours would be sufficient to review the two-page May 4, 2023 order." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "the Court finds that these entries should be reduced by 2 hours to eliminate those unnecessary to this case" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 20.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/the-johns-law-firm-llc-v-pawlik-txsd-4-22-cv-01877-9" }, { "slug": "jolie-v-nick-s-management-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00481-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00481-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00481/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00481-2", "case_name": "Jolie et al v. Nick's Management Inc et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00481", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jane J. Boyle", "date_filed": "2025-01-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Lichten & Liss-Riordan, P.C.", "fees_requested": 104968.5, "fees_awarded": 82634.5, "dollar_cut": 22334, "pct_cut": 21.28, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 203.75, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, the total adjusted lodestar fee requested in this matter is $104,968.50 ($84,997.50 + 19,971.00).", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court calculates the lodestar to be $82,634.50, which represents 203.75 hours of attorney time (after counsels' voluntary adjustments) at the reasonable rate billed by each attorney and 3.69 hours of legal support staff time at the reasonable hourly rate billed by support staff for a total of $104,968.50, from which the Court has made the following deductions:", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7077.5, "hours": 14.9, "quote": "The Court disallows as excessive and duplicative all amounts sought by Mr. Herrmann for attending either mediation—10 hours for the August 8, 2023 mediation (10 x $475 = $4,750.00) and 4.9 hours for the March 21, 2024 mediation (4.9 x $475 = $2,327.50)." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2992.5, "hours": 6.3, "quote": "In addition, the Court disallows Mr. Herrmann’s time spent preparing for the two mediations as duplicative of Mr. Thomson’s preparation as follows: 2.3 hours preparing for the August 8, 2023 mediation (2.3 x $475 = $1,092.50) and 4 hours preparing for the March 21, 2024 mediation (4 x 475 = $1,900.00)." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3465, "hours": 6.6, "quote": "And because counsel represented three Plaintiffs at the August 8, 2023 mediation, the Court disallows 6.6 hours of the 10 hours Mr. Thomson billed for his attendance at the August 8, 2023 mediation (6.6 x $525 = $3,465.00)." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 8153.25, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will impose a 10% reduction for failure to demonstrate the exercise of billing judgment." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 645.75, "hours": 3.69, "quote": "Thus, the $645.75 attributed to the anonymous legal support staff for clerical work should be excluded." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 21.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/jolie-v-nick-s-management-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00481-2" }, { "slug": "3d-systems-inc-v-wynne-casd-3-21-cv-01141-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_21-cv-01141-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_21-cv-01141/USCOURTS-casd-3_21-cv-01141-9", "case_name": "3D Systems, Inc. v. Wynne et al", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-01141", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hon. David D. Leshner", "date_filed": "2025-01-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 432269.07, "fees_awarded": 153680.5, "dollar_cut": 278588.57, "pct_cut": 64.45, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 588.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "3D Systems seeks $432,269.07 in attorneys’ fees and costs “for 588.4 hours incurred in relation to its Motion.”", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants Wynne and Tanner must pay 3D Systems a total of $166,173.93 (reflecting $153,680.50 in fees and $12,493.43 in costs) jointly and severally within 60 days of the date of this order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court declines to award fees for time expended by Ms. Vicente in revising Mr. Quigley’s deposition outline and “conferring” with him given the inadequate showing of why that review and conferral was warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the 72.3 hours spent by Mr. Quigley, Mr. Juarez, and Ms. Vicente (the senior attorneys) revising the motion were excessive." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court declines to award fees for time spent by Mr. Borja “analyzing” documents and “strategizing” in connection with the motion, as those descriptions do not adequately describe the nature of his work" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with Defendants that a reduction in the number of hours is warranted given that the drafting of the reply brief could have been accomplished more efficiently by the attorney who drafted the motion." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The fees sought by 3D Systems are excessive. No reason is given as to why 3D Systems elected not to have Mr. Quigley argue the motion" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that allocating two days to prepare for a one-hour cross-examination is reasonable, meaning the total time for Ms. Vicente and Mr. Juarez would be 21 hours" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds the reasonable number of hours to be 40 hours for Mr. Quigley to draft the brief, 2 hours each for Ms. Vicente and Mr. Juarez to review the brief, and 2.9 hours for Mr. Pearlson to perform legal research." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a total of 5 hours each for Ms. Vicente and Mr. Quigley to revise the petition and review billing records is reasonable" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that an hourly rate of $200, which is slightly higher than the midpoint, is appropriate for Mr. Moon." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts fee award 64.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/3d-systems-inc-v-wynne-casd-3-21-cv-01141-9" }, { "slug": "fisk-v-maricopa-county-of-azd-2-21-cv-01914-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_21-cv-01914-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_21-cv-01914/USCOURTS-azd-2_21-cv-01914-1", "case_name": "Fisk v. Maricopa, County of et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-01914", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Honorable Roslyn O. Silver", "date_filed": "2025-01-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Barton Mendez Soto PLLC", "fees_requested": 106277.5, "fees_awarded": 88545, "dollar_cut": 17732.5, "pct_cut": 16.69, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $106,277.50 in attorneys' fees and $795.85 in non-taxable costs pursuant to the offer of judgment and Fed. R. Civ. P. 68.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will award Plaintiff $88,545.00 in attorneys' fees and $283.35 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8122.5, "hours": 28.2, "quote": "the Court will reduce the number of fee hours expended by 28.2 hours and $8122.50 and reduce expense hours by 4.1 hours and $512.50 to account for non-compensable clerical and administrative tasks." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2150, "hours": 8.6, "quote": "Plaintiff does not object to Defendants' requested reduction for associate Daniella Fernandez Lertzman's attendance at depositions and mediation on 2/21/23, 4/27/23, 5/4/23, and 7/28/23, totaling 8.6 hours and a sum of $2,150.00." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts civil rights fee award 16.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/fisk-v-maricopa-county-of-azd-2-21-cv-01914-1" }, { "slug": "us-med-equip-llc-v-kpc-promise-healthcare-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80753-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80753-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80753/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80753-1", "case_name": "US Med-Equip, LLC et al v. KPC PROMISE HEALTHCARE, LLC", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-80753", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2025-01-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 42.8, "hours_awarded": 31.1, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The associate’s rate should be reduced to $225, the senior attorney rate should be $325, and the partner rate should be $425." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the paralegal’s rate should be reduced to $125." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some of the attorneys’ billing entries charge excessive time for simple tasks (i.e., .1 hour reviewing a paperless order, .2 hour on an email). I find this practice excessive, and those hours should be reduced by one third." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other time entries are vague (i.e., time entry titled “attention to filing of motion for default judgment” for .3 hour and “communications and related analysis to finalize Florida complaint” for .7 hours)." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other time entries are duplicative (i.e., the associate billed for an identical time entry both on May 29, 2024 and May 31, 2024; a partner and the senior attorney billed for reviewing and revising the motion for default judgment on the same day; ...)" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.9, "quote": "the paralegal’s 2.90 hours should be stricken as clerical in nature." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/us-med-equip-llc-v-kpc-promise-healthcare-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80753-1" }, { "slug": "alvarez-v-counter-tops-of-broward-corp-flsd-1-19-cv-20054-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_19-cv-20054-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_19-cv-20054/USCOURTS-flsd-1_19-cv-20054-1", "case_name": "Alvarez v. Counter Tops of Broward Corp et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-20054", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rodney Smith", "date_filed": "2025-01-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8329.5, "fees_awarded": 7496.55, "dollar_cut": 832.95, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 23.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks to recover $8,329.50 in attorneys’ fees for 23.2 hours expended litigating this case and $1,470.00 in costs incurred.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $7,496.55 in attorney’s fees and $790.00 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Rather than conduct an hourly analysis of Plaintiff’s submission to account for all deficient time entries, the Undersigned will instead reduce the requested fees by 10%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Rather than conduct an hourly analysis of Plaintiff’s submission to account for all deficient time entries, the Undersigned will instead reduce the requested fees by 10%." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 10% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/alvarez-v-counter-tops-of-broward-corp-flsd-1-19-cv-20054-1" }, { "slug": "block-v-arsh-jot-llc-caed-1-24-cv-00812-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00812-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00812/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00812-2", "case_name": "Block v. Arsh & Jot LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00812", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stanley A. Boone", "date_filed": "2024-12-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1624.5, "fees_awarded": 1562.5, "dollar_cut": 62, "pct_cut": 3.82, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees and paralegals’ fees in the amount of $1,624.50, and costs of $765.75, for a total award $2,390.25 in fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, the Court will recommend that Plaintiff be awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $1562.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The Court finds these entries to be generally clerical work and recommends reducing them to 0 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 3.8% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/block-v-arsh-jot-llc-caed-1-24-cv-00812-2" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-chahal-roadlines-inc-caed-1-24-cv-00788-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00788-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00788/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00788-1", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Chahal Roadlines Inc, et al.", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00788", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jlt", "date_filed": "2024-12-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP", "fees_requested": 4387.5, "fees_awarded": 3412.5, "dollar_cut": 975, "pct_cut": 22.22, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 13.5, "hours_awarded": 10.5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's request for attorney's fees in the amount of $4,387.50 is not supported by the record.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying the requested hourly rate of $325, which the Court agrees is reasonable, Plaintiff is entitled to the modified fee award of $3,412.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 975, "hours": 3, "quote": "Although Mr. Ito anticipated 3 additional hours related to the pending motion (id. at 3, ¶ 7), there is no evidence to support this estimate." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 22.2% over reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-chahal-roadlines-inc-caed-1-24-cv-00788-1" }, { "slug": "pc-doe-v-state-of-california-caed-1-24-cv-00337-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00337-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00337/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00337-3", "case_name": "(PC) Doe et al v. State of California et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00337", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2024-12-20", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 40768.15, "fees_awarded": 35246.25, "dollar_cut": 5521.9, "pct_cut": 13.54, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 70, "hours_awarded": 63, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs' counsel claims her requested fees of $40,768.15 are less than what she actually incurred in this action", "fees_awarded_quote": "The lodestar is $35,246.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "A review of the attached billing records (Doc. 19-3 at 1-18) suggests inclusion of improper tasks billed by paralegals and legal assistants, such as clerical work" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Also included are a number of entries evidencing work done, it appears, on the related criminal matter, as well as discussion with prosecutors and criminal counsel on that matter" }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "though Plaintiffs' counsel has provided billing records, the amounts listed are not clearly totaled, nor are total summed hours provided by category" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce Ms. Bertrand's hourly rate to $550 per hour (see Z.F., 2017 WL 1064679, at *3) and her paralegals' rate to $125 per hour" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts civil rights fee award 13.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pc-doe-v-state-of-california-caed-1-24-cv-00337-3" }, { "slug": "industrial-park-center-llc-v-great-northern-insurance-azd-2-22-cv-01196-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01196-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01196/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01196-2", "case_name": "Industrial Park Center LLC v. Great Northern Insurance Company et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01196", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael T Liburdi", "date_filed": "2024-12-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 237160, "fees_awarded": 198234, "dollar_cut": 38926, "pct_cut": 16.41, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "GNIC requests a total of $237,160.00 for its attorneys’ fees and $45,820.00 for its nontaxable costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "GNIC is awarded $198,234.00 in attorneys’ fees, only.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 35010, "hours": null, "quote": "Industrial Park identified in Exhibit 1 of its sur-reply $35,010.00 from GNIC’s exhibits that include vague descriptions and duplicative entries." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 35010, "hours": null, "quote": "Industrial Park identified in Exhibit 1 of its sur-reply $35,010.00 from GNIC’s exhibits that include vague descriptions and duplicative entries." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3916, "hours": null, "quote": "Industrial Park also identified sixteen entries with no description that totaled $3,916.00 in fees." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts commercial fee award 16.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/industrial-park-center-llc-v-great-northern-insurance-azd-2-22-cv-01196-2" }, { "slug": "us-med-equip-llc-v-kpc-promise-healthcare-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80753-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80753-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80753/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80753-0", "case_name": "US Med-Equip, LLC et al v. KPC PROMISE HEALTHCARE, LLC", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-80753", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-12-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 42.8, "hours_awarded": 31.1, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find the rates charged for the associate and partners to be excessive. The associate's rate should be reduced to $225, the senior attorney rate should be $325, and the partner rate should be $425." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some of the attorneys' billing entries charge excessive time for simple tasks (i.e., .1 hour reviewing a paperless order, .2 hour on an email). I find this practice excessive, and those hours should be reduced by one third." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other time entries are vague (i.e., time entry titled \"attention to filing of motion for default judgment\" for .3 hour and \"communications and related analysis to finalize Florida complaint\" for .7 hours)." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other time entries are duplicative (i.e., the associate billed for an identical time entry both on May 29, 2024 and May 31, 2024; a partner and the senior attorney billed for reviewing and revising the motion for default judgment on the same day" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Counsel includes billing entries for the initials PWIL without an explanation of who the initials belong to and what role, if any, that person holds in the firm." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.9, "quote": "the paralegal's 2.90 hours should be stricken as clerical in nature" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/us-med-equip-llc-v-kpc-promise-healthcare-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80753-0" }, { "slug": "pickering-v-u-s-department-of-justice-nywd-1-19-cv-00417-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-00417-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-00417/USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-00417-2", "case_name": "Pickering v. U.S. Department of Justice et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-00417", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Richard J. Arcara", "date_filed": "2024-12-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4439.6, "fees_awarded": 1666.67, "dollar_cut": 2772.93, "pct_cut": 62.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "leaving a balance of $ 4,439.60 as attorney fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff should be awarded $ 1,666.67 in attorney fees and costs incurred in connection with the part of this action directed toward Plaintiff’s FBI request", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, however, Kuzma has not submitted any contemporaneous time records" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds it is appropriate to award as attorney fees and costs one-third of the $ 5,000 paid by Crow or $ 1,666.67." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts FOIA fee award 62.5%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pickering-v-u-s-department-of-justice-nywd-1-19-cv-00417-2" }, { "slug": "mccullough-v-roby-mad-1-22-cv-10177-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-10177-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-10177/USCOURTS-mad-1_22-cv-10177-1", "case_name": "McCullough v. Roby et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-10177", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Richard G. Stearns", "date_filed": "2024-12-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Boston Defender", "fees_requested": 79500, "fees_awarded": 25800, "dollar_cut": 53700, "pct_cut": 67.55, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 150, "hours_awarded": 150, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "plaintiff John McCullough moves pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988 and Rule 54 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for an award of $79,500 in attorney's fees, $1,210 in litigation expenses, and $2,663.90 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Clerk will award McCullough $25,800 in attorney's fees, $1,210 in expenses, and $2,663.90 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds a further adjustment to $430 per hour is reasonable" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "given all the above — the block-billed entries that erroneously bill non-core tasks at core rates, the success of only one out of five of the claims, and the non-complex nature of the dispute — the court will impose a 60 percent reduction to the total requested attorney fee" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "given all the above — the block-billed entries that erroneously bill non-core tasks at core rates, the success of only one out of five of the claims, and the non-complex nature of the dispute — the court will impose a 60 percent reduction to the total requested attorney fee" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "given all the above — the block-billed entries that erroneously bill non-core tasks at core rates, the success of only one out of five of the claims, and the non-complex nature of the dispute — the court will impose a 60 percent reduction to the total requested attorney fee" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "given all the above — the block-billed entries that erroneously bill non-core tasks at core rates, the success of only one out of five of the claims, and the non-complex nature of the dispute — the court will impose a 60 percent reduction to the total requested attorney fee" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts civil rights fee award 67.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mccullough-v-roby-mad-1-22-cv-10177-1" }, { "slug": "john-patrick-lowe-chapter-7-trustee-for-cinch-wir-v-cinch-txwb-5-24-ap-05011-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwb-5_24-ap-05011-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwb-5_24-ap-05011/USCOURTS-txwb-5_24-ap-05011-0", "case_name": "John Patrick Lowe, Chapter 7 Trustee for Cinch Wir v. Cinch Energy Services, LLC et al", "docket_number": "5:24-ap-05011", "court_id": "txwb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "Bankr. W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Craig A. Gargotta", "date_filed": "2024-12-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 260000, "fees_awarded": 22127.5, "dollar_cut": 237872.5, "pct_cut": 91.49, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Trustee later submitted a large volume of evidence to show the harm experienced by Trustee, including Trustee's counsels' lodestars that indicated attorney's fees totaling over $260,000.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court orders Shumate pay $22,127.50 in monetary sanctions to Trustee within 14 days of the entry of this order.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Both lodestars include entries for work performed in connection with Debtor's underlying bankruptcy petition and the initial filing of this adversary proceeding. Such entries have nothing to do with the events that precipitated a need for sanctions" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For both lodestars, the Court did not consider block-billed entries where it was not clear to the Court the amount of time Trustee's counsel spent on activities related to enforcing the Court's orders." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. W.D. Texas cuts bankruptcy fee award 91.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/john-patrick-lowe-chapter-7-trustee-for-cinch-wir-v-cinch-txwb-5-24-ap-05011-0" }, { "slug": "hwang-v-o-malley-utd-1-23-cv-00124-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-utd-1_23-cv-00124-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-utd-1_23-cv-00124/USCOURTS-utd-1_23-cv-00124-0", "case_name": "Hwang v. O'Malley", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00124", "court_id": "utd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Utah", "court_short": "D. Utah", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dustin B. Pead", "date_filed": "2024-12-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 16238, "fees_awarded": 8826.78, "dollar_cut": 7411.22, "pct_cut": 45.64, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's Counsel seeks an award of EAJA fees in the amount of $16,238.00 for 1.9 hours of attorney time at the rate of $258.82 per hour, 56 hours of attorney time at $265.29 per hour, and 8.9 paralegal hours billed at $100 per hour.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $8,826.78 in total fees for attorney and paralegal time as the court finds that amount reasonable under the circumstances.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 27.25, "quote": "Commissioner requests the hours sought for review and briefing (54.5 hours) be reduced by half to 27.25 hours of attorney time." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Commissioner also requests the court strike time spent by the attorney and paralegal in clerical or overhead tasks which are not compensable under the EAJA." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Finally, Commissioner requests that the requested paralegal time also be reduced in certain areas." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Utah cuts social security fee award 45.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hwang-v-o-malley-utd-1-23-cv-00124-0" }, { "slug": "smith-v-united-states-trustee-azd-2-24-cv-00839-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-00839-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-00839/USCOURTS-azd-2_24-cv-00839-0", "case_name": "Smith v. United States Trustee", "docket_number": "2:24-cv-00839", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kml", "date_filed": "2024-12-04", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 43000, "fees_awarded": 17308.75, "dollar_cut": 25691.25, "pct_cut": 59.75, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Smith performed work and eventually asked the bankruptcy court for an award of approximately $43,000 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "After all the reductions, Smith was awarded $17,308.75 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the bankruptcy court held the amount of fees Smith incurred in connection with litigating Rico’s interest in the home was “unreasonable.”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The bankruptcy court also concluded the fees incurred in connection with the adversary proceeding Smith filed and dismissed the same day were “unreasonable.”" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the bankruptcy court held the fees associated with the adversary proceeding regarding the class action settlement “were not necessary and provided no benefit to the Estate.”" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the bankruptcy court held Smith was seeking to recover attorneys’ fees for services that he performed in his capacity as trustee. Those fees were not recoverable because of the general “prohibition against attorney compensation for the performance of trustee duties.”" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "additional reductions were necessary because Smith requested fees at his hourly rate for tasks he performed that could have been performed by a non-lawyer, such as a paralegal." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts fee award 59.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/smith-v-united-states-trustee-azd-2-24-cv-00839-0" }, { "slug": "bigcommerce-inc-v-cover-genius-warranty-services-llc-txwd-1-23-cv-00298-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-1_23-cv-00298-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-1_23-cv-00298/USCOURTS-txwd-1_23-cv-00298-0", "case_name": "BigCommerce, Inc. v. Cover Genius Warranty Services, LLC", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00298", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Susan Hightower", "date_filed": "2024-12-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, LLP", "fees_requested": 17141.85, "fees_awarded": 4592.25, "dollar_cut": 12549.6, "pct_cut": 73.21, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 9.8, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant now seeks $17,141.85 in fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying Defendant’s 10% discount yields a lodestar of $4,592.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "First, the Court disallows the .4 hours billed for paralegal time spent calendaring and reviewing response times under the Local Rules. Dkt. 45-1 at 13. These tasks are clerical, not legal." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6, "quote": "The Court eliminates the 6 hours Patton spent preparing for and attending the hearing on Plaintiff’s motion to reconsider and Defendant’s fee request as duplicative of Sode’s time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.6, "quote": "6.6 hours to draft a response to Plaintiff’s motion to compel. No response was filed because this Magistrate Judge denied the motion to compel two days before the response deadline" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.3, "quote": "5.3 hours for travel from Dallas to Austin for the hearing." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7, "quote": "7 hours to prepare a PowerPoint presentation that was not shown during the hearing." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts fee award 73.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bigcommerce-inc-v-cover-genius-warranty-services-llc-txwd-1-23-cv-00298-0" }, { "slug": "wong-v-white-rock-phlebotomy-llc-azd-4-23-cv-00234-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00234-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00234/USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00234-4", "case_name": "Wong v. White Rock Phlebotomy LLC et al", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-00234", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Raner C. Collins", "date_filed": "2024-12-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Farhang & Medcoff", "fees_requested": 22339.54, "fees_awarded": 10400.63, "dollar_cut": 11938.91, "pct_cut": 53.44, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $22,339.54.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $10,400.63 in attorneys’ fees and $700.54 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.9, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will disallow the 9.9 hours Mr. Bugden spent learning the fundamentals." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Completing this form is a clerical task which should not have been billed to the client. Accordingly, the Court will strike this entry." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "The Court finds that this is also an administrative task which could have been performed by an assistant. Accordingly, the Court will strike 0.6 hours for these entries." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "As such, the Court will decrease the entry by 0.2 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The Court finds that this was a clerical task which was improperly billed to the client. Accordingly, the Court will strike this entry." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The court find this duplicative and otherwise excessive." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "The Court will reduce Mr. Bugden’s May 12th entry by 2.0 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.8, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will also strike Mr. Bugden’s May 15, 2023 entry of 2.8 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "As such, the Court will strike Mr. Bugden’s 0.5 hour entry." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "Therefore, the Court will reduce Mr. Bugden’s May 19, 2023 entry by 0.5 hours" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "and strike his May 23, 2023 entry in its entirety." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will strike 0.7 hours from Mr. Bugden’s July 12, 2023." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court will strike 2.3 hours from Mr. Bugden’s July 24, 2023 entries." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court will strike the 0.2 hours billed by Ms. Brown." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on the foregoing, the Court will apply a 25% reduction to the lodestar amount which results in a total fee award of $10,400.63." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 53.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wong-v-white-rock-phlebotomy-llc-azd-4-23-cv-00234-4" }, { "slug": "muehe-v-boston-city-of-mad-1-21-cv-11080-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_21-cv-11080-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_21-cv-11080/USCOURTS-mad-1_21-cv-11080-3", "case_name": "Muehe et al v. Boston, City of", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-11080", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Richard G. Stearns", "date_filed": "2024-11-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2539, "hours": 6.2, "quote": "The court will consequently reduce Attorney Murphy's billing by 6.2 hours and deduct $2,539 from the fee request." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2579.23, "hours": null, "quote": "The court will disallow entries 29-36, 41, 91, 97, 164, 166-167, 173, 176, and 178, thus deducting $2,579.23 from the requested fee." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 9402.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Applying the two-thirds non-core rate requested by the City to the flagged entries, the court will deduct $9,402.50 from plaintiffs' fee request." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will impose a 40 percent across-the-board deduction to plaintiffs' requested fees, resulting in an award of $41,867.42." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 147.96, "hours": null, "quote": "both Attorneys Fox and Murphy billed their time discussing with each other Boston's draft consent implementation plan. ... $147.96 will be deducted from the requested fee award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2228.74, "hours": null, "quote": "The court will apply the non-core two-thirds rate to entries 2-5, 7-9, 46, 53, 54, 62, and 67, deducting $2,228.74 from the fee request." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 731.39, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will omit entries 28-30 and $731.39 from the requested award." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1179.99, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will disallow the $1,179.99 in requested fees for work calculating the CPI to update timekeeper rates." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 1.74, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "After including the above revisions, the court will reduce the second fees award by 1.74% to $14,733.52." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts disability access fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/muehe-v-boston-city-of-mad-1-21-cv-11080-3" }, { "slug": "gerard-and-heather-ann-hart-living-trust-v-legends-idd-1-22-cv-00323-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-idd-1_22-cv-00323-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-idd-1_22-cv-00323/USCOURTS-idd-1_22-cv-00323-2", "case_name": "Gerard and Heather Ann Hart Living Trust, et al. v. Legends Development Company, et al.", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00323", "court_id": "idd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Idaho", "court_short": "D. Idaho", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Cwd", "date_filed": "2024-11-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 91315.5, "fees_awarded": 88300.5, "dollar_cut": 3015, "pct_cut": 3.3, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek an award of $91,315.50 in attorney fees for work performed through September 10, 2024, claiming that this sum represents a reasonable fee.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Judgment will be amended to reflect an award of $88,300.50 in attorney fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3015, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff's counsel did not submit any billing records to substantiate the additional $3,015.00 requested for the time period following August 13, 2024. Accordingly, the request for these fees will be denied" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Idaho cuts commercial fee award 3.3% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gerard-and-heather-ann-hart-living-trust-v-legends-idd-1-22-cv-00323-2" }, { "slug": "radiant-plumbing-service-inc-v-reliant-plumbing-drain-txwd-1-17-cv-00274-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00274-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00274/USCOURTS-txwd-1_17-cv-00274-2", "case_name": "Radiant Plumbing Service, Inc. v. Reliant Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, LLC", "docket_number": "1:17-cv-00274", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Mark Lane", "date_filed": "2024-11-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 321505, "fees_awarded": 282921.76, "dollar_cut": 38583.24, "pct_cut": 12, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 644.5, "hours_awarded": 644.5, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Radiant is seeking $321,505 in attorneys’ fees related to the investigation and prosecution of Defendants’ breach.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court AWARDS Plaintiff Radiant Plumbing Service, Inc. attorneys’ fees in the amount of $282,921.76.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 7, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court finds that a 7% reduction to the lodestar is appropriate to reflect the amount involved and the results obtained." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reduction of 5% to the lodestar is warranted to compensate for block-billing, duplicative and redundant entries, and administrative work." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reduction of 5% to the lodestar is warranted to compensate for block-billing, duplicative and redundant entries, and administrative work." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reduction of 5% to the lodestar is warranted to compensate for block-billing, duplicative and redundant entries, and administrative work." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 12%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/radiant-plumbing-service-inc-v-reliant-plumbing-drain-txwd-1-17-cv-00274-2" }, { "slug": "wyatt-b-v-kotek-ord-6-19-cv-00556-16", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-6_19-cv-00556-16", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-6_19-cv-00556/USCOURTS-ord-6_19-cv-00556-16", "case_name": "Wyatt B. et al v. Kotek et al", "docket_number": "6:19-cv-00556", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aiken", "date_filed": "2024-11-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "A Better Childhood", "fees_requested": 10920301, "fees_awarded": 10826835.5, "dollar_cut": 93465.5, "pct_cut": 0.86, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 23081.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek a total award of fees in the amount of $10,920,301.00 through July 3, 2024.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are awarded attorney fees in the amount of $10,826,835.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 80, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce Mr. Ernst's rate to $600, consistent with the rate awarded to Mr. McCracken and the customary rates reflected in the OSB Economic Survey." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2680, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce this rate to $450, the median rate charged by corporate litigation attorneys in downtown Portland ... this will reduce the fee paid to Davis Wright Tremaine by $2,680." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3011, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce this rate to $450 ... At the hours claimed, this will reduce the fee paid to Davis Wright Tremaine by $3,011." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 288.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce this rate to $450 ... At the hours claimed, this will reduce the fee paid to Davis Wright Tremaine by $288.50." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 966, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce this rate to $450 ... At the hours claimed, this will reduce the fee paid to Davis Wright Tremaine by $966." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 397.5, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce this rate to $450 ... At the hours claimed, this will reduce the fee paid to Davis Wright Tremaine by $397.50." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 42392, "hours": null, "quote": "At the claimed hours, this will reduce the fees awarded to Davis Wright Tremaine by $42,392.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3832.5, "hours": null, "quote": "At the hours claimed, this will reduce the fee awarded to Davis Wright Tremaine by $3,832.50." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 72, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that this is not a reasonable fee and will reduce the rate to $250 consistent with the fees awarded to paralegals ... reduce the fee awarded to Davis Wright Tremaine by $72." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7166, "hours": null, "quote": "Clerical tasks are properly subsumed within the firm overhead ... The Court will disallow separate fees for document clerks. This will reduce the fees claimed by Davis Wright Tremaine by $7,166.00." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7980, "hours": 10, "quote": "This will reduce the fees awarded to Rizzo Bosworth Eraut by $7,980.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 24600, "hours": 98.4, "quote": "the hours devoted to media tasks by Rizzo Bosworth Eraut paralegals are excessive. The Court will reduce the paralegal hours ... by 98.4 hours ... reduce the fee awarded to Rizzo Bosworth Eraut by $24,600.00." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts civil rights fee award 0.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wyatt-b-v-kotek-ord-6-19-cv-00556-16" }, { "slug": "blood-v-mercedez-benz-usa-llc-casd-3-23-cv-01463-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-01463-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-01463/USCOURTS-casd-3_23-cv-01463-0", "case_name": "Blood v. Mercedez-Benz, USA, LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-01463", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hayes", "date_filed": "2024-11-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Auto Fraud Legal Center LLP", "fees_requested": 27608, "fees_awarded": 23138, "dollar_cut": 4470, "pct_cut": 16.19, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 69, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff contends that, as the prevailing party, she is entitled to attorneys' fees in the amount of $27,608.00 pursuant to California Civil Code § 1794(d).", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court's adjustments result in a total of $23,138.00 in recoverable attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds the following hourly rates to be reasonable: $605/hour for both Babbitt and Barry; $475/hour for Green; $395/hour for Klitzke; and $250/hour for Gaudet." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The Court cannot determine, due to the lack of description in these billing entries, whether this correspondence with Plaintiff was clerical or non-clerical in nature. The Court accordingly deducts 0.3 hours of Rodriguez's time" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts 0.4 hours of Rodriguez's time from Plaintiff's fee award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts 0.2 hours of Abbenhaus's time and 0.6 hours of Rodriguez's time from Plaintiff's fee award." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts 1.3 hours of Green's time from Plaintiff's fee award." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "The Court agrees that billing a total of 0.4 hours to draft and edit the jury demand appears excessive and accordingly deducts 0.1 hours of Green's time and 0.1 hours of Gaudet's time" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The Court accordingly reduces Babbitt's time by 1.5 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The Court accordingly deducts 1.5 hours of Gaudet's time from Plaintiff's fee award." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 16.2%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/blood-v-mercedez-benz-usa-llc-casd-3-23-cv-01463-0" }, { "slug": "block-v-arsh-jot-llc-caed-1-24-cv-00812-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00812-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00812/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00812-1", "case_name": "Block v. Arsh & Jot LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00812", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stanley A. Boone", "date_filed": "2024-11-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1624.5, "fees_awarded": 1562.5, "dollar_cut": 62, "pct_cut": 3.82, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys' fees and paralegals' fees in the amount of $1,624.50, and costs of $765.75, for a total award $2,390.25 in fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, the Court will recommend that Plaintiff be awarded attorneys' fees in the amount of $1562.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The Court finds these entries to be generally clerical work and recommends reducing them to 0 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "The Court shall add 0.1 hours for the time Moore expended attending the hearing via videoconference, which lasted less than five minutes." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 3.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/block-v-arsh-jot-llc-caed-1-24-cv-00812-1" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-00740-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00740-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00740/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00740-1", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Singh", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00740", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2024-11-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 12.4, "hours_awarded": 6.4, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Although Mr. Ito anticipated 3 additional hours related to the pending motion (Doc. 12 at 3, ¶ 7), there is no evidence to support this estimate. The Court declines to speculate as to time related to this motion" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "The 8.4 total on the chart referenced by the magistrate judge relates to firm units—not simply billed hours—and includes 1.0 unit at the rate of $405.00 (for the filing fee) and 1.0 unit at the rate of $99.68 (for service), as well as the 6.4 units at the rate of $325" } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award, including for reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-00740-1" }, { "slug": "escobedo-v-blessing-co-inc-caed-1-24-cv-00390-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00390-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00390/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00390-2", "case_name": "Escobedo v. Blessing-Co,Inc et al", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00390", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stanley A. Boone", "date_filed": "2024-11-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 2925.5, "fees_awarded": 2610, "dollar_cut": 315.5, "pct_cut": 10.78, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees in the amount of $2,925.50, and costs in the", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court therefore will recommend awarding Plaintiff $2,610.00 in reasonable attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.7, "quote": "clerical in nature, and therefore will reduce the fee awards for those entries accordingly" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 10.8% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/escobedo-v-blessing-co-inc-caed-1-24-cv-00390-2" }, { "slug": "sanchez-juarez-v-156-40-grill-llc-nyed-2-15-cv-05081-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081-4", "case_name": "Sanchez Juarez et al v. 156-40 Grill LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:15-cv-05081", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Amon", "date_filed": "2024-11-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Troy Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 110239.5, "fees_awarded": 57670, "dollar_cut": 52569.5, "pct_cut": 47.69, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 261.62, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "They sought $110,239.50 in attorney's fees, breaking down to $55,661.67 in fees for John Troy for 85.63 hours at an hourly rate of $650", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying the above, I award attorney's fees in the total amount of $57,670, broken down as follows:", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "His reduced hourly rates were $400 for Mr. Troy, $300 for Mr. Schweitzer, $150 for Mr. Byun, $100 for Ms. Troy, and $75 for the paralegals and clerks." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the prevalence of improper billing in Mr. Troy's invoices, balanced against Plaintiffs' success in this case, I will reduce only his hours by 25%." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the prevalence of improper billing in Mr. Troy's invoices, balanced against Plaintiffs' success in this case, I will reduce only his hours by 25%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the prevalence of improper billing in Mr. Troy's invoices, balanced against Plaintiffs' success in this case, I will reduce only his hours by 25%." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.63, "quote": "For Mr. Schweitzer: 0.63 hours for reviewing signature pages (Invoice 9)" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.83, "quote": "his request for 0.83 hours for downloading, logging, and calendaring an order is reduced by 25% as excessive (id. 13)" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "For Mr. Byun: 1.5 hours of travelling to a deposition will be reduced by 50% as travel time (id. 5)" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.64, "quote": "For Ms. Troy: entries totaling 0.3 hours for reviewing notices of appearance and zoom requests and entries for calendaring an order totaling 0.34 hours are reduced by 25% as excessive" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 5.11, "quote": "For Ms. Kilaru: entries totaling 5.11 hours for downloading various documents (id. 8-12) are reduced by 25% as excessive" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "For Mr. Lou: 3.0 hours of travelling to and from this Court will be reduced by 50% as travel time (id. 5)" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "0.33 hours for preparing a laptop for a settlement conference (id. 7), and 0.17 for mailing documents (id. 8)" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "For Mr. Dass: 1.5 hours of travel time to deliver a courtesy copy will be reduced by 50% as travel time (id. 12)." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.25, "quote": "he denied the billings for Mr. Troy and Mr. Schweitzer's entries for \"Other\" tasks, totaling 6.25 hours at half of their proposed billing rates" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 47.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sanchez-juarez-v-156-40-grill-llc-nyed-2-15-cv-05081-4" }, { "slug": "by-equities-llc-v-carver-theater-productions-llc-laed-2-20-cv-01290-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-01290-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-01290/USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-01290-5", "case_name": "BY Equities, LLC v. Carver Theater Productions, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-01290", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Carl J. Barbier", "date_filed": "2024-11-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 141064, "fees_awarded": 140220.8, "dollar_cut": 843.2, "pct_cut": 0.6, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an award of $141,064.00 in attorney’s fees and $22,660.00 in costs and expenses, for a total award of $163,724.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, an attorney’s fees award of $140,220.80 is appropriate.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 5.27, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces the paralegal hours by 10% (or 5.27 hours), for a total of 47.38 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts commercial fee award 0.6% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/by-equities-llc-v-carver-theater-productions-llc-laed-2-20-cv-01290-5" }, { "slug": "alvarez-v-counter-tops-of-broward-corp-flsd-1-19-cv-20054-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_19-cv-20054-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_19-cv-20054/USCOURTS-flsd-1_19-cv-20054-0", "case_name": "Alvarez v. Counter Tops of Broward Corp et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-20054", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rodney Smith", "date_filed": "2024-11-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8329.5, "fees_awarded": 7496.55, "dollar_cut": 832.95, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 23.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks to recover $8,329.50 in attorneys’ fees for 23.2 hours expended litigating this case and $1,470.00 in costs incurred.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $7,496.55 in attorney’s fees and $790.00 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Rather than conduct an hourly analysis of Plaintiff’s submission to account for all deficient time entries, the Undersigned will instead reduce the requested fees by 10%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Rather than conduct an hourly analysis of Plaintiff’s submission to account for all deficient time entries, the Undersigned will instead reduce the requested fees by 10%." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 10% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/alvarez-v-counter-tops-of-broward-corp-flsd-1-19-cv-20054-0" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-chahal-roadlines-inc-caed-1-24-cv-00788-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00788-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00788/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00788-0", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Chahal Roadlines Inc, et al.", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00788", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2024-11-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP", "fees_requested": 4387.5, "fees_awarded": 3412.5, "dollar_cut": 975, "pct_cut": 22.22, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 13.5, "hours_awarded": 10.5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also seeks $4,387.50 in attorney’s fees and $620.09 in costs under the Agreements for bringing this Motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is entitled to the modified fee award of $3,412.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 975, "hours": 3, "quote": "Although Mr. Ito anticipated 3 additional hours related to the pending motion, there is no evidence to support this estimate." } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 22.2% over reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-chahal-roadlines-inc-caed-1-24-cv-00788-0" }, { "slug": "ca-open-lands-v-butte-county-dept-of-public-works-caed-2-20-cv-00123-24", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_20-cv-00123-24", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_20-cv-00123/USCOURTS-caed-2_20-cv-00123-24", "case_name": "CA Open Lands v. Butte County Dept. of Public Works et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-00123", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Daniel J. Calabretta", "date_filed": "2024-11-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Environmental", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Law Offices of Andrew L. Packard", "fees_requested": 1049280.03, "fees_awarded": 697148.64, "dollar_cut": 352131.39, "pct_cut": 33.56, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "asking the Court to award fees and costs totaling $1,049,280.03", "fees_awarded_quote": "Fees $697,148.64", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will apply a 10% reduction to the requested rates in recognition of this fact." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.4, "quote": "the Court will deduct only 2.8 hours from Mr. Acree and 5.6 hours from Mr. Carlon for billing of duplicative intra-office conferences." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10.3, "quote": "the Court will deduct 10.3 hours from Mr. Carlon’s total." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a modest 10% reduction to the lodestar fee award to account for any duplication that may not have been readily identifiable in Plaintiff’s billing records." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a further 10% reduction to fee award." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts environmental fee award 33.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ca-open-lands-v-butte-county-dept-of-public-works-caed-2-20-cv-00123-24" }, { "slug": "barney-v-goldoro-developments-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81007-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81007-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81007/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81007-2", "case_name": "Barney v. Goldoro Developments, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-81007", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-11-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Brennan, Manna, and Diamond Law Firm", "fees_requested": 35082, "fees_awarded": 27268, "dollar_cut": 7814, "pct_cut": 22.27, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 140.3, "hours_awarded": 123.32, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Ms. Barney seeks $35,787.00 which includes $35,082.00 in attorneys’ fees, and $705.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff shall be awarded $27,268.00 for attorneys’ fees and $685.00 in costs for a total award of $27,953.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the associate’s rate should be reduced $225 and all the partners’ rates should be $300" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the paralegal’s rate should e reduced to $125 and the law clerk’s rate to $75" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find this practice excessive, and those hours should be reduced by one third." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "And, without sufficient particularity, I cannot assess the time claimed for each activity. Barnes, 168 F.3d at 427. So, those time entries should be stricken." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other time entries are vague (i.e., time entry titled “attention to computer return issues” for .5 hours, or “attention to discovery issues” for .5 hours) and or duplicative" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 22.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/barney-v-goldoro-developments-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81007-2" }, { "slug": "pickering-v-u-s-department-of-justice-nywd-1-19-cv-00417-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-00417-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-00417/USCOURTS-nywd-1_19-cv-00417-1", "case_name": "Pickering v. U.S. Department of Justice et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-00417", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Leslie G. Foschio", "date_filed": "2024-11-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4439.6, "fees_awarded": 1666.67, "dollar_cut": 2772.93, "pct_cut": 62.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "leaving a balance of $ 4,439.60 as attorney fees", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court finds it is appropriate to award as attorney fees and costs one-third of the $ 5,000 paid by Crow or $ 1,666.67", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, however, Kuzma has not submitted any contemporaneous time records" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Judge Arcara determined Plaintiff was entitled to attorney fees on Plaintiff's action only as against the FBI, the court finds it is appropriate to award as attorney fees and costs one-third of the $ 5,000 paid by Crow" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts FOIA fee award 62.5%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pickering-v-u-s-department-of-justice-nywd-1-19-cv-00417-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-laed-2-23-cv-01852-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_23-cv-01852-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_23-cv-01852/USCOURTS-laed-2_23-cv-01852-2", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-01852", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Carl J. Barbier", "date_filed": "2024-11-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 24749.23, "fees_awarded": 8311.53, "dollar_cut": 16437.7, "pct_cut": 66.42, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 94, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Martinez requested $21,017.98 for 94 hours of attorney work and $3,731.25 for 49.75 hours of law student work for a combined total of $24,749.23.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney’s Fees (Rec. Doc. 27) is GRANTED, and Plaintiff is awarded reasonable attorney’s fees in the amount of $8,311.53.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 70.25, "quote": "Martinez failed to present any evidence of the adequacy of the hours charged by Jesse Lind, who billed 65.2 hours, or Lily McHaley, who billed 5 hours. The applications as to Lind and McHaley are therefore inadequate and should be denied." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 34.15, "quote": "A review of the time sheets indicates that many of the entries by Hebert and Rees are vague." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that the rate of $233.94 is the reasonable rate for the billing attorney, adjusted by the CPI-U." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts social security fee award 66.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-laed-2-23-cv-01852-2" }, { "slug": "moore-v-mw-servicing-llc-laed-2-20-cv-00217-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-00217-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-00217/USCOURTS-laed-2_20-cv-00217-9", "case_name": "Moore v. MW Servicing, LLC, et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-00217", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael B. North", "date_filed": "2024-11-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Stiegler Law Firm, L.L.C.", "fees_requested": 159225, "fees_awarded": 147245, "dollar_cut": 11980, "pct_cut": 7.52, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $92,212.50 in attorney’s fees and $2,832.25 in costs on behalf of Stiegler Law Firm, L.L.C., and $67,012.50 in attorney’s fees and $3,518.11 in costs on behalf of Kenneth C. Bordes, Attorney at Law, L.L.C.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Motion for Attorneys’ Fees (rec. doc. 289) is GRANTED IN PART and Plaintiffs are awarded a total of $153,595.36 ($147,245.00 + $6,350.36) in attorneys’ fees and costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that Plaintiff’s proposed rate should be reduced slightly, to $350.00/hour" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "Two entries related to the conditional certification and one related to communications with an opt-in plaintiff, totaling 3.5 hours, did not contribute to the claims of the individual Plaintiffs." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "only the 0.4 hours identified are disallowed as clerical, bringing Stiegler’s hours down from 240.3 to 239.9" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts wage and hour fee award 7.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/moore-v-mw-servicing-llc-laed-2-20-cv-00217-9" }, { "slug": "apache-corporation-v-zurich-american-insurance-company-txsb-4-23-ap-03137-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsb-4_23-ap-03137-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsb-4_23-ap-03137/USCOURTS-txsb-4_23-ap-03137-1", "case_name": "Apache Corporation v. Zurich American Insurance Company et al", "docket_number": "4:23-ap-03137", "court_id": "txsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Marvin Isgur", "date_filed": "2024-11-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Susman Godfrey L.L.P.", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 58287.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Apache seeks $58,287.50 in fees and $5,429.88 in costs billed by Susman Godfrey for the period prior to the Sureties' state court petition. ECF No. 122-3 at 12–28. These fees and costs are not recoverable." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 169779.68, "hours": null, "quote": "Susman Godfrey's, Hunton Andrews Kurth's, and Bracewell's block-billed entries are each reduced by 15% due to the extensive nature of the block billing. ... A total $169,779.68 is disallowed due to block billing" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 17930, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court only allows travel at 50% of each attorney's rate. A total of $17,930.00 in fees is disallowed from the $35,860.00 billed by Susman Godfrey for travel." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 218739.06, "hours": null, "quote": "Apache's request for $218,739.06 in compensation for its personnel is denied." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Texas cuts bankruptcy fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/apache-corporation-v-zurich-american-insurance-company-txsb-4-23-ap-03137-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ared-4-23-cv-00241-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ared-4_23-cv-00241-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ared-4_23-cv-00241/USCOURTS-ared-4_23-cv-00241-3", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-00241", "court_id": "ared", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Arkansas", "court_short": "E.D. Arkansas", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lee P. Rudofsky", "date_filed": "2024-11-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7439.75, "fees_awarded": 6867.25, "dollar_cut": 572.5, "pct_cut": 7.7, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 30.25, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests an award of $7,439.75, representing fees for 30.25 hours of work performed during the years 2023 and 2024, at hourly rates of $245 in 2023 and $251 in 2024.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is thus awarded $6,867.25 in attorney fees pursuant to the EAJA.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.25, "quote": "The billing entry from 2/7/23, which concerns attorney-client correspondence about the IFP application, is duplicative of the 1/31/23 billing entry concerning the same." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.25, "quote": "And the billing entry from 3/17/23, which concerns preparing the IFP application for FedEx delivery, is indeed clerical and thus not compensable." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The Court has reviewed the challenged entries and agrees that these entries are duplicative and somewhat excessive. The Court therefore finds that a reduction of 0.30 hours is warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The Court has reviewed the challenged entries and agrees that these entries are duplicative and somewhat excessive. The Court therefore finds that a reduction of 0.30 hours is warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.75, "quote": "The Court finds that only half of this time was reasonably spent on furthering the litigation of this case. Therefore, the Court will reduce the requested hours for the 1/22/24 and 2/9/24 entries by 0.75 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.25, "quote": "because it does not explain what the phone discussion with Plaintiff was about, and because the subject of the call is not otherwise apparent from reviewing the timeline of litigation, the Court cannot assess its reasonableness" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "Similar circumstances govern this case, and the Commissioner’s objection is well-taken. The Court will reduce this entry by 0.50 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Arkansas cuts social security fee award 7.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ared-4-23-cv-00241-3" }, { "slug": "jolie-v-nick-s-management-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00481-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00481-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00481/USCOURTS-txnd-3_23-cv-00481-1", "case_name": "Jolie et al v. Nick's Management Inc et al", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00481", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jane J. Boyle", "date_filed": "2024-11-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Lichten & Liss-Riordan, P.C.", "fees_requested": 104968.5, "fees_awarded": 82634.5, "dollar_cut": 22334, "pct_cut": 21.28, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 203.75, "hours_awarded": 203.75, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, the total adjusted lodestar fee requested in this matter is $104,968.50 ($84,997.50 + 19,971.00).", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court calculates the lodestar to be $82,634.50, which represents 203.75 hours of attorney time (after counsels’ voluntary adjustments) at the reasonable rate billed by each attorney and 3.69 hours of legal support staff time at the reasonable hourly rate billed by support staff for a total of $104,968.50, from which the Court has made the following deductions:", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7077.5, "hours": 14.9, "quote": "The Court disallows as excessive and duplicative all amounts sought by Mr. Herrmann for attending either mediation—10 hours for the August 8, 2023 mediation (10 x $475 = $4,750.00) and 4.9 hours for the March 21, 2024 mediation (4.9 x $475 = $2,327.50)." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2992.5, "hours": 6.3, "quote": "In addition, the Court disallows Mr. Herrmann’s time spent preparing for the two mediations as duplicative of Mr. Thomson’s preparation as follows: 2.3 hours preparing for the August 8, 2023 mediation (2.3 x $475 = $1,092.50) and 4 hours preparing for the March 21, 2024 mediation (4 x 475 = $1,900.00)." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3465, "hours": 6.6, "quote": "And because counsel represented three Plaintiffs at the August 8, 2023 mediation, the Court disallows 6.6 hours of the 10 hours Mr. Thomson billed for his attendance at the August 8, 2023 mediation (6.6 x $525 = $3,465.00)." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 8153.25, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will impose a 10% reduction for failure to demonstrate the exercise of billing judgment." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 645.75, "hours": 3.69, "quote": "Thus, the $645.75 attributed to the anonymous legal support staff for clerical work should be excluded." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 21.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/jolie-v-nick-s-management-inc-txnd-3-23-cv-00481-1" }, { "slug": "hignell-v-city-of-new-orleans-laed-2-19-cv-13773-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_19-cv-13773-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_19-cv-13773/USCOURTS-laed-2_19-cv-13773-6", "case_name": "Hignell et al v. City of New Orleans", "docket_number": "2:19-cv-13773", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2024-11-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 29670.3, "fees_awarded": 26770.3, "dollar_cut": 2900, "pct_cut": 9.77, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The sum of those figures equals $32,967.00 less a voluntary \"Ten Percent 'Margin of Error' Reduction\" of $3,296.70, for a \"Revised Total\" of $29,670.30, representing the fee amount at issue.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant City of New Orleans is hereby ordered to pay plaintiff $26,770.30 in reasonable attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "We are able to discern at most four (4) hours of time as reasonable for the above-noted tasks." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, although counsel has block-billed and not adequately documented those tasks, it would appear the entries are, nevertheless, compensable at reduced levels." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Further, for the above-noted tasks, we find two (2) hours of time reasonable." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For the above tasks, we find that four (4) hours of time expended to be reasonable." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2900, "hours": null, "quote": "However, the 15.62 spent on two motions for attorney's fees on and other work is excessive." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts civil rights fee award 9.8%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hignell-v-city-of-new-orleans-laed-2-19-cv-13773-6" }, { "slug": "garcia-colon-v-corporation-of-the-state-insurance-fund-prd-3-21-cv-01211-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_21-cv-01211-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_21-cv-01211/USCOURTS-prd-3_21-cv-01211-4", "case_name": "Garcia-Colon v. Corporation of the State Insurance Fund", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-01211", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach", "date_filed": "2024-11-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "González Muñoz Law Offices, PSC", "fees_requested": 380100, "fees_awarded": 297328.16, "dollar_cut": 82771.84, "pct_cut": 21.78, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "bringing Plaintiff's requested award of $380,100.00 in attorneys' fees and $4,312.90 in litigation expenses, totaling $384,412.90", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will therefore award Ms. García $297,328.16 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 13.84, "quote": "the Court will simply reduce each block-billed entry by twenty percent overall, for a reduction of 13.84 hours from Mr. González's time" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "Eight of Mr. González's problematic time entries consisted of a single task description and will be reduced by thirty percent, for a reduction of 0.60 hours" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 0.15, "quote": "to adjust for the lack of detail in the above entries provided by Mr. Rivero, the Court will reduce them by thirty percent, for a reduction of 0.15 hours" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 74332.04, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court exercises its discretion to reduce the initial lodestar amount by twenty percent, for a reduction of $74,332.04." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts employment fee award 21.8%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/garcia-colon-v-corporation-of-the-state-insurance-fund-prd-3-21-cv-01211-4" }, { "slug": "metropolitan-fair-housing-council-of-oklahoma-inc-v-feiock-oked-6-23-cv-00115-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-oked-6_23-cv-00115-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-oked-6_23-cv-00115/USCOURTS-oked-6_23-cv-00115-2", "case_name": "Metropolitan Fair Housing Council of Oklahoma, Inc et al v. Feiock et al", "docket_number": "6:23-cv-00115", "court_id": "oked", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Oklahoma", "court_short": "E.D. Oklahoma", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gerald L. Jackson", "date_filed": "2024-11-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8529, "fees_awarded": 6055.5, "dollar_cut": 2473.5, "pct_cut": 29, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 51.1, "hours_awarded": 36.5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants seek a total of $8,529.00 in attorneys’ fees for 51.1 hours of work attributable to their Motion for Partial Summary Judgment and Brief in Support", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants’ Motion for the Recovery of Legal Fees and Brief in Support [Docket No. 85] is GRANTED to the extent Defendants are entitled to recover $6,055.50 in attorneys’ fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.8, "quote": "Without additional information other than what is in the time entry, the Court cannot evaluate this entry for reasonableness. The Court therefore finds the 3.8 hour entry on April 26, 2024 is not necessary and reasonable and should not be allowed." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.6, "quote": "Mr. Danz billed significant time on January 3, 2024 for reviewing and selecting medical records of Mr. Feiock for the reply, although only three pages of VA records were ultimately attached to the reply brief. These entries total 7.6 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "Additionally, Mr. Danz billed 2.7 hours for analyzing the April 8, 2024 Order, which was a duplicate task also billed by Mr. Caywood." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Oklahoma cuts civil rights fee award 29%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/metropolitan-fair-housing-council-of-oklahoma-inc-v-feiock-oked-6-23-cv-00115-2" }, { "slug": "gumm-v-jacobs-gamd-5-15-cv-00041-21", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-gamd-5_15-cv-00041-21", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-gamd-5_15-cv-00041/USCOURTS-gamd-5_15-cv-00041-21", "case_name": "GUMM v. JACOBS et al", "docket_number": "5:15-cv-00041", "court_id": "gamd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Georgia", "court_short": "M.D. Georgia", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marc T. Treadwell", "date_filed": "2024-10-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Prisoner rights", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Southern Center for Human Rights", "fees_requested": 764121.66, "fees_awarded": 708690, "dollar_cut": 55431.66, "pct_cut": 7.25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 4564.8, "hours_awarded": 4083.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The plaintiffs request a total award of $764,121.66 using Settlement Agreement rates, with $628,190.30 for the period from May 7, 2022 to April 19, 2024, and $135,931.28 for the period from April 20, 2024 to July 19, 2024.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The combined total for both periods results in a lodestar amount of $708,690.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because Paragraph 73 expressly states that the terms apply to fees incurred during enforcement, i.e., contempt proceedings, the Court will apply the Settlement Agreement rates." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, to account for possible inefficiencies and/or block billing, as it relates to this period, the Court applies a 10% reduction to the total hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, to account for possible inefficiencies and/or block billing, as it relates to this period, the Court applies a 10% reduction to the total hours." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Georgia cuts prisoner rights fee award 7.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gumm-v-jacobs-gamd-5-15-cv-00041-21" }, { "slug": "barney-v-goldoro-developments-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81007-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81007-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81007/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-81007-1", "case_name": "Barney v. Goldoro Developments, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-81007", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-10-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Brennan, Manna, and Diamond Law Firm", "fees_requested": 35082, "fees_awarded": 27268, "dollar_cut": 7814, "pct_cut": 22.27, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 140.3, "hours_awarded": 123.32, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Ms. Barney seeks $35,787.00 which includes $35,082.00 in attorneys’ fees, and $705.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff shall be awarded $27,268.00 for attorneys’ fees and $685.00 in costs for a total award of $27,953.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the associate’s rate should be reduced $225 and all the partners’ rates should be $300." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the paralegal’s rate should e reduced to $125 and the law clerk’s rate to $75." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find this practice excessive, and those hours should be reduced by one third." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "So, those time entries should be stricken." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "So, those time entries should be stricken." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 22.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/barney-v-goldoro-developments-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-81007-1" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-00740-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00740-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00740/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00740-0", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Singh", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00740", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2024-10-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP", "fees_requested": 3152.5, "fees_awarded": 2080, "dollar_cut": 1072.5, "pct_cut": 34.02, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 12.4, "hours_awarded": 6.4, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also seeks $3,152.50 in attorney's fees and $504.68 in court costs under the Agreement for bringing this Motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying the requested hourly rate of $325, which the Court agrees is reasonable here, Plaintiff is entitled to the modified fee award of $2,080.", "reasons": [ { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Although Mr. Ito anticipated 3 additional hours related to the pending motion (Doc. 12 at 3, ¶ 7), there is no evidence to support this estimate. The Court declines to speculate as to time related to this motion" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "The 8.4 total on the chart referenced by the magistrate judge relates to firm units—not simply billed hours—and includes 1.0 unit at the rate of $405.00 (for the filing fee) and 1.0 unit at the rate of $99.68 (for service), as well as the 6.4 units at the rate of $325" } ], "primary_reason": "reconstructed_time", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 34%, including for reconstructed time", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-singh-caed-1-24-cv-00740-0" }, { "slug": "lakaeva-v-mockingbird-tiny-homes-llc-hid-1-22-cv-00424-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_22-cv-00424-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_22-cv-00424/USCOURTS-hid-1_22-cv-00424-2", "case_name": "Lakaeva v. Mockingbird Tiny Homes LLC", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00424", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kenneth J. Mansfield", "date_filed": "2024-10-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Schlack Ito", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.4, "quote": "the following deductions are appropriate for clerical tasks: 0.4 hours of Mr. Kobayashi's time, 1.7 hours of Ms. Wu's time, and 1.3 hours of Ms. Ham's time" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts consumer protection fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lakaeva-v-mockingbird-tiny-homes-llc-hid-1-22-cv-00424-2" }, { "slug": "sellers-v-kaur-caed-2-23-cv-00337-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00337-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00337/USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-00337-7", "case_name": "Sellers v. Kaur", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00337", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Magistrate Judge (signed order; signature block not naming judge in provided text)", "date_filed": "2024-10-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": "Moore Law Firm, P.C.", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 300, "hours": 1, "quote": "The Court reduces the attorney time for this task by 1.0 hour ($300)." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 300, "hours": 1, "quote": "there is some vagueness in the description of tasks, as over 2 hours of attorney time includes the description of \"attention to preparation\" of the FAC, which does not describe a specific task." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1800, "hours": 6, "quote": "The Court reduces the attorney time for discovery by 6 hours ($1,800) and the paralegal time by 2 hours ($230)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 230, "hours": 2, "quote": "The Court reduces the attorney time for discovery by 6 hours ($1,800) and the paralegal time by 2 hours ($230)." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some of the billing descriptions are also vague, or could be considered block billing, such as two hours for continued preparation of discovery requests on 1/30/24 and 4.5 hours \"preparation for deposition\" on 3/26/24." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some of the billing descriptions are also vague, or could be considered block billing, such as two hours for continued preparation of discovery requests on 1/30/24 and 4.5 hours \"preparation for deposition\" on 3/26/24." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1050, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "The Court finds a reduction of 3.5 hours is appropriate ($1,050)." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1150, "hours": 10, "quote": "The Court finds the hours expended are excessive and reduces Ms. Law's hours by 10 ($1,150) and Ms. Moore's by 0.5 ($150)." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 150, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The Court finds the hours expended are excessive and reduces Ms. Law's hours by 10 ($1,150) and Ms. Moore's by 0.5 ($150)." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sellers-v-kaur-caed-2-23-cv-00337-7" }, { "slug": "kunze-v-baylor-scott-white-health-txnd-3-20-cv-01276-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-01276-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-01276/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-01276-5", "case_name": "Kunze et al v. Baylor Scott & White Health et al", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-01276", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David C. Godbey", "date_filed": "2024-10-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Kern Law Firm, PC", "fees_requested": 3131091, "fees_awarded": 919000, "dollar_cut": 2212091, "pct_cut": 70.65, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 3991.65, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs then filed this motion for attorneys' fees and costs, requesting $3,131,091 in attorneys' fees and $100,971.15 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiffs $919,000 in attorneys' fees and $16,519.82 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces Kern and Fabry's hourly rate to $500, Munoz's rate to $300, and Ferrell's rate to $275." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given Saucedo's experience, the Court reduces her hourly rate to $125. Plaintiffs did not provide evidence regarding the Kern Law Firm paralegal's experience. Without this information, the Court reduces their hourly rate to the $100 baseline." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces the lodestar by 10%, which, along with the adjusted hourly rates, results in an adjusted lodestar of $1,548,125.55" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces the lodestar by 10%, which, along with the adjusted hourly rates, results in an adjusted lodestar of $1,548,125.55" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces the adjusted lodestar by approximately 40% and awards Plaintiffs $919,000 in attorneys' fees" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 70.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kunze-v-baylor-scott-white-health-txnd-3-20-cv-01276-5" }, { "slug": "ct-install-america-llc-v-boryszewski-paed-5-22-cv-04557-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-5_22-cv-04557-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-5_22-cv-04557/USCOURTS-paed-5_22-cv-04557-6", "case_name": "CT INSTALL AMERICA, LLC v. BORYSZEWSKI et al", "docket_number": "5:22-cv-04557", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lynne A. Sitarski", "date_filed": "2024-10-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 14490, "fees_awarded": 7560, "dollar_cut": 6930, "pct_cut": 47.83, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 48.3, "hours_awarded": 25.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks recovery of 48.3 hours of attorney time expended at a rate of $300 per hour in conjunction with the motion and related briefing, totaling $14,490.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For these reasons, the Court awards Plaintiff $7560.00 in fees, representing 25.2 compensable hours of attorney time spent in conjunction with the motion to compel", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "Thus, the Court halves this entry, to 1.1 hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.4, "quote": "Thus, the Court excludes the 6.4-hour entry in its entirety." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.5, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court strikes the entries, totaling 7.5 hours, in their entirety." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.5, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court strikes the entries, totaling 7.5 hours, in their entirety." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.1, "quote": "Due to the excessive nature of the reply, the Court further halves the compensable time for this task to eight hours." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts fee award 47.8%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ct-install-america-llc-v-boryszewski-paed-5-22-cv-04557-6" }, { "slug": "zhulin-v-i-q-data-international-inc-mnd-0-23-cv-02387-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-02387-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-02387/USCOURTS-mnd-0_23-cv-02387-0", "case_name": "Zhulin v. I.Q. Data International, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-02387", "court_id": "mnd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Minnesota", "court_short": "D. Minnesota", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jeffrey M. Bryan", "date_filed": "2024-10-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": "The Barry Law Office, Ltd.", "fees_requested": 60765, "fees_awarded": 39408, "dollar_cut": 21357, "pct_cut": 35.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 94.4, "hours_awarded": 65.68, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Zhulin requests an award of $4,262 in costs and $60,765 in attorney's fees, which represents approximately ninety-four hours of attorney time at a billing rate of $650 per hour.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, the Court will award Barry attorney's fees in the amount of $39,408, which represents 65.68 hours of legal work at $600 per hour, and costs in the amount requested of $4,262.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court cannot approve the requested hourly rate of $650 because Barry has provided the Court with no evidence or explanation of why his rate has substantially increased since the decision in Kelly." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10.6, "quote": "Thus, in total, the Court will discount 10.6 hours from Barry's time entries, because this time comprises administrative and clerical work." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "the Court initially discounts the entry dated July 26, 2024, in the amount of 2.5 hours for \"[a]nticipated time for preparation, travel, and attendance at oral argument on October 15, 2024.\"" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "First, many of Barry's time entries are too vague for the Court to discern whether the work performed was reasonably performed." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Barry has not provided the Court with any basis on which to award fees for costs incurred to prosecute the state tort claim." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the tasks Barry undertook did not require his level of legal expertise—he performed work that otherwise could have been performed by a paralegal or a less experienced attorney who commands a lower rate." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Minnesota cuts consumer protection fee award 35.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/zhulin-v-i-q-data-international-inc-mnd-0-23-cv-02387-0" }, { "slug": "hernandez-v-welcome-sacramento-llc-caed-2-20-cv-02061-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_20-cv-02061-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_20-cv-02061/USCOURTS-caed-2_20-cv-02061-7", "case_name": "Hernandez v. Welcome Sacramento LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-02061", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Senior United States District Judge", "date_filed": "2024-10-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 53236.27, "fees_awarded": 49029, "dollar_cut": 4207.27, "pct_cut": 7.9, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Hernandez seeks $53,236.27 in attorney's fees, costs and litigation expenses plus additional fees incurred defending this motion", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court awards Hernandez 126.4 hours for Moore ( $300 hourly rate) and paralegal time comprising 87.5 hours for Law ($115.00 hourly rate) and 9.1 hours for Medrano ($115.00 hourly rate) for a total of $49,029.00 in attorney fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "Given Moore's experience with filing ADA complaints and the substantially similar nature of this complaint to those filed in prior cases, the court finds a reduction of Moore's time by 1.3 hours is warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "Given the boilerplate nature of the complaint and the overlap of the time Moore spent on related tasks, the court finds a reduction of Law's time by 1.0 hours is warranted." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "the court does find some of the time entries related to preparing and filing the stipulation are unreasonably duplicative and excessive given the tasks performed." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "Accordingly, the court deducts 0.7 hours for Moore and 0.1 hours for Medrano." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "the court will not award Moore's 0.3 hour entry on October 11, 2021, for making an unanswered call or Moore's 0.1 hour entry on March 1, 2022, for \"attention to lack of response\"" }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9, "quote": "the court will deduct the 8.0 hour time entry Moore billed on December 21, 2022, for \"losing the entire day to no show,\" and the 1.0 hour time entry Moore billed the same day for waiting for the witness to appear." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Law's 0.4 hour entry on April 8, 2022, for time spent reviewing a scheduling order and calendaring deadlines, which the court reduces to 0.1 hours" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "Moore's 0.1 hour entry on May 24, 2022, for instruction to Law, which the court reduces by 0.1 hours as unnecessary and duplicative" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "Moore's 0.3 hours entry on June 3, 2023, for reviewing correspondence with Stillman, which the court reduces by 0.3 hours as duplicative of work completed the day prior" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "Moore's 1.5 hours entry on June 5, 2022, which the court reduces by 1.2 hours as duplicative of an entry billed by Law the next day." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "the court will not award the 0.3 hours Moore billed on June 26, 2023, for preparing the stipulation for dismissal, because Medrano had previously billed 0.3 hours for the exact same task" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 7.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hernandez-v-welcome-sacramento-llc-caed-2-20-cv-02061-7" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-22-cv-21480-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-21480-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-21480/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-21480-3", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-21480", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert N. Scola, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-10-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 12650.98, "fees_awarded": 12018.43, "dollar_cut": 632.55, "pct_cut": 5, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 52.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Accordingly, as the prevailing party, Molina seeks $12,650.98 in attorneys’ fees and $907.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiff $12,018.43 in attorneys’ fees and $907.00 in costs, contingent upon a determination by Defendant that Plaintiff owes no qualifying preexisting debt(s) to the Government.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 632.55, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, while the five entries identified by Judge Goodman do constitute impermissible block billing (see ECF No. 33 at 6), a five-percent reduction across the board suffices to offset the harm of block billing." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts social security fee award 5% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-22-cv-21480-3" }, { "slug": "kpm-analytics-north-america-corporation-v-blue-sun-mad-4-21-cv-10572-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-4_21-cv-10572-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-4_21-cv-10572/USCOURTS-mad-4_21-cv-10572-5", "case_name": "KPM Analytics North America Corporation v. Blue Sun Scientific, LLC et al", "docket_number": "4:21-cv-10572", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Margaret R. Guzman", "date_filed": "2024-10-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Sunstein", "fees_requested": 3799531, "fees_awarded": 1519800, "dollar_cut": 2279731, "pct_cut": 60, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "KPM has asked this Court to award $3,799,531 in purportedly reasonable attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will impose an approximately 60 percent global reduction of KPM’s requested attorneys’ fees amount (i.e., $3,799,531) such that KPM is due a total of $1,519,800 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will impose an approximately 60 percent global reduction of KPM’s requested attorneys’ fees amount (i.e., $3,799,531) such that KPM is due a total of $1,519,800 in attorneys’ fees." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a non-negligible amount of KPM’s entries were either too heavily redacted and/or too vague to pass muster." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Another deficiency with KPM’s submission was the too common use of block billing." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts intellectual property fee award 60%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kpm-analytics-north-america-corporation-v-blue-sun-mad-4-21-cv-10572-5" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-brothers-bar-grill-llc-mied-5-23-cv-12999-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mied-5_23-cv-12999-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-5_23-cv-12999/USCOURTS-mied-5_23-cv-12999-1", "case_name": "G&G Closed-Circuit Events, LLC v. Brothers Bar & Grill, LLC et al", "docket_number": "5:23-cv-12999", "court_id": "mied", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Michigan", "court_short": "E.D. Michigan", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Judith E. Levy", "date_filed": "2024-10-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8729.3, "fees_awarded": 3839.5, "dollar_cut": 4889.8, "pct_cut": 56.02, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 37.526, "hours_awarded": 18.763, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The total amount of fees is $8,729.30, and the total amount of costs is $633.71.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Additionally, Brothers Bar & Grill, LLC, and Derrick Griffin are directed to compensate Plaintiff for $3,839.50 in fees and $644.71 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a rate of $200.00 per hour is appropriate for Ms. Lawrence given her level of experience." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given Plaintiff’s failure to provide adequate information about the legal assistants who worked on this case, the Court finds that Plaintiff should be awarded a rate that is toward the bottom of the scale in this District. Accordingly, Plaintiff is awarded $125.00 per hour for legal assistant work." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court similarly finds that 37.526 hours of work is excessive under the circumstances." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff’s request for fees for both the motion and the amended motion are redundant." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court is concerned with the accuracy of the billing records submitted by Plaintiff. There are inconsistencies between the initial and current request for attorney fees as to which attorney completed certain tasks." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some of Plaintiff’s entries are so vague that the Court cannot determine with certainty that those requests are related to this case or are reasonable." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Michigan cuts fee award 56%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-brothers-bar-grill-llc-mied-5-23-cv-12999-1" }, { "slug": "brown-v-freedom-of-expression-llc-azd-2-21-cv-01318-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_21-cv-01318-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_21-cv-01318/USCOURTS-azd-2_21-cv-01318-5", "case_name": "Brown et al v. Freedom of Expression LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-01318", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael T Liburdi", "date_filed": "2024-10-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 31775.25, "fees_awarded": 28822.75, "dollar_cut": 2952.5, "pct_cut": 9.29, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 94.25, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants submitted their fee application requesting $31,775.25 in fees based on 94.25 billable hours.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Plaintiffs listed in the Court's April 26, 2024, Order (Doc. 210) shall reimburse Defendants in the amount of $28,822.75", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 542.5, "hours": 1.6, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court deducts 1.50 hours from the January 1, 2024, entry and 0.10 hours from the February 2, 2024, entry. Defendants' fee request is reduced by $542.50." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2135, "hours": 6.1, "quote": "Therefore, the Court deducts 0.70 hours from the December 7, 2023, entry; 0.30 hours from the December 8, 2023, entry; and 1.50 hours from the December 14, 2024, entry." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 175, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "Attorneys, however, cannot recover fees \"for the performance of administrative tasks which could and should be performed by secretarial or paralegal staff.\"" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 100, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "Therefore, the Court deducts 0.10 hours from both the February 1, 2024, and April 10, 2024, entries of attorney Dennis Wilenchik (DIW). Defendants' fee request is reduced by $100.00." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts fee award 9.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/brown-v-freedom-of-expression-llc-azd-2-21-cv-01318-5" }, { "slug": "parks-v-saltsman-nywd-6-20-cv-06384-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-6_20-cv-06384-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-6_20-cv-06384/USCOURTS-nywd-6_20-cv-06384-5", "case_name": "Parks v. Saltsman et al", "docket_number": "6:20-cv-06384", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Frank P. Geraci, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-10-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP", "fees_requested": 784795, "fees_awarded": 509058.63, "dollar_cut": 275736.37, "pct_cut": 35.13, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1323.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $784,795 in attorney’s fees and $24,051.19 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court applies a 15% reduction, which yields a total lodestar amount of $509,058.63.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that they are excessive. Rather, consistent with other awards for attorneys practicing in the Southern District of New York, the Court concludes that an hourly rate of $650 per hour is appropriate for Attorney Celli, lead counsel." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For these reasons, the Court agrees with Defendants that a 15% across-the-board reduction of hours is appropriate." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concurs with Defendants that many entries are vague, see, e.g., ECF No. 162 at 1, 11, 12, 18, 22, 24, 34, which impedes the Court’s “ability to decipher whether the time expended has been reasonable.”" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts civil rights fee award 35.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/parks-v-saltsman-nywd-6-20-cv-06384-5" }, { "slug": "precise-innovations-llc-v-aerospace-engineering-support-inc-idd-4-21-cv-00420-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-idd-4_21-cv-00420-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-idd-4_21-cv-00420/USCOURTS-idd-4_21-cv-00420-2", "case_name": "Precise Innovations, LLC v. Aerospace Engineering & Support, Inc., et al.", "docket_number": "4:21-cv-00420", "court_id": "idd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Idaho", "court_short": "D. Idaho", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William G. Young", "date_filed": "2024-10-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Beard St. Clair Gaffney PA", "fees_requested": 139670.67, "fees_awarded": 62360.5, "dollar_cut": 77310.17, "pct_cut": 55.35, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "In this revised memorandum, Precise is now requesting $139,670.67 in attorneys' fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "this Court awards a total of $62,360.50 in fees and costs: $20,485.00 in attorneys' fees for Beard St. Clair Gaffney PA; $41,830.50 in attorneys' fees for Echo Hawk & Olsen, PPLC; and $45.00 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court does not award fees for entries that reference filings that, upon checking the filing, show that they involved, at least in part, the tortious interference claim." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court also does not award fees for entries that are too general and could reasonably include work performed on the tortious interference claim or block-billed entries" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court also does not award fees for entries that are too general and could reasonably include work performed on the tortious interference claim or block-billed entries" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Idaho cuts commercial fee award 55.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/precise-innovations-llc-v-aerospace-engineering-support-inc-idd-4-21-cv-00420-2" }, { "slug": "hawaii-masons-plasterers-trust-funds-v-808-maintenance-hid-1-24-cv-00280-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_24-cv-00280-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_24-cv-00280/USCOURTS-hid-1_24-cv-00280-0", "case_name": "Hawaii Masons & Plasterers Trust Funds v. 808 Maintenance & Flooring, Inc.", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-00280", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Wes Reber Porter", "date_filed": "2024-10-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 19019.65, "fees_awarded": 14868, "dollar_cut": 4151.65, "pct_cut": 21.83, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 60, "hours_awarded": 50.4, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request an award of $19,019.65 in attorneys' fees, taxes, and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court recommends that the district court award Plaintiffs $14,868.00 in attorneys' fees, $700.58 in taxes, and $485.63 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.6, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court deducts 9.6 hours from the time billed." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts ERISA benefits fee award 21.8% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hawaii-masons-plasterers-trust-funds-v-808-maintenance-hid-1-24-cv-00280-0" }, { "slug": "lonnie-dean-carpenter-pamb-4-19-bk-03194-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pamb-4_19-bk-03194-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pamb-4_19-bk-03194/USCOURTS-pamb-4_19-bk-03194-0", "case_name": "Lonnie Dean Carpenter", "docket_number": "4:19-bk-03194", "court_id": "pamb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, M.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "Bankr. M.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Mjc", "date_filed": "2024-09-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 36691.4, "fees_awarded": 20011.8, "dollar_cut": 16679.6, "pct_cut": 45.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Gurdin seeks approval of $36,691.40 in compensation and reimbursement of expense of $753.42 for the period from April 29, 2019 through December 16, 2022", "fees_awarded_quote": "Court finds that Mr. Gurdin's Application is excessive and hereby reduces compensation requested therein to the sum of $20,011.80 and reimbursement of expenses in the sum of $753.42", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "designated certain of Mr. Gurdin's time entries on the attached marked-up Invoice as work that should have been delegated to a paralegal as \"P\"" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "non-billable or overhead as \"O\"" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "excessive time spent as \"E\" with an appropriate deduction" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "counsel error as \"CE\"" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. M.D. Pennsylvania cuts bankruptcy fee award 45.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lonnie-dean-carpenter-pamb-4-19-bk-03194-0" }, { "slug": "brinkmann-v-town-of-southold-new-york-nyed-2-21-cv-02468-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-02468-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-02468/USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-02468-4", "case_name": "Brinkmann et al v. Town of Southold, New York", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-02468", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "LaShann DeArcy Hall", "date_filed": "2024-09-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP", "fees_requested": 191264, "fees_awarded": 102100.8, "dollar_cut": 89163.2, "pct_cut": 46.62, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "As to the fees portion, Defendant requests a total of $191,264", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying the 20% across-the-board reduction, the undersigned respectfully recommends Defendant’s counsel be awarded $102,100.80 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned finds that even the negotiated blended rate of $800 per hour here is nearly twice as much as the hourly partner rate approved in this District." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned has carefully reviewed the time sheets submitted, considered the deficiencies noted above and concludes an across-the-board reduction is indeed appropriate for the clerical tasks and block billing." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned has carefully reviewed the time sheets submitted, considered the deficiencies noted above and concludes an across-the-board reduction is indeed appropriate for the clerical tasks and block billing." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts civil rights fee award 46.6%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/brinkmann-v-town-of-southold-new-york-nyed-2-21-cv-02468-4" }, { "slug": "aguilar-v-david-e-harvey-builders-inc-mdd-8-18-cv-03953-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-8_18-cv-03953-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-8_18-cv-03953/USCOURTS-mdd-8_18-cv-03953-4", "case_name": "Aguilar et al v. David E. Harvey Builders, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "8:18-cv-03953", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gina L. Simms", "date_filed": "2024-09-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 409944.96, "fees_awarded": 349944.96, "dollar_cut": 60000, "pct_cut": 14.64, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1276.3, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In sum, then, Plaintiffs seek a total of $409,944.96 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, the Court finds that an overall reduction of $60,000, or about a 14 percent reduction, to yield a final fee award of $349,944.96.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11000, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, this Court agrees that all of the fees related to these entries shall be deducted (approximately $11,000) because they were unnecessary." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court’s general impression was that this case was frequently overstaffed" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court does agree that several descriptions are vague" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will deduct the time associated with counsel’s presentation, and part of the trial preparation time billed which failed to prevent a waste in trial time" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because some part of the litigation in this case resulted in two years’ worth of fees related to Mrs. Marceron, yet Plaintiffs’ drop their case against her, a deduction is warranted." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will only make a further minor deduction when it applies “rough justice” to arrive at the overall reduction." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts wage and hour fee award 14.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/aguilar-v-david-e-harvey-builders-inc-mdd-8-18-cv-03953-4" }, { "slug": "trustees-of-the-iam-national-pension-fund-v-m-k-employee-dcd-1-20-cv-00433-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_20-cv-00433-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_20-cv-00433/USCOURTS-dcd-1_20-cv-00433-6", "case_name": "TRUSTEES OF THE IAM NATIONAL PENSION FUND v. M & K EMPLOYEE SOLUTIONS, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-00433", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Royce C. Lamberth", "date_filed": "2024-09-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "Proskauer Rose LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8640, "hours": 13.5, "quote": "The Court will therefore void the 13.5 attorney hours spent on e-filing and reduce the final recovery by $8,640, but leave the remainder of the e-filing entries, billed at proper rates, intact." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 23823.36, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce IAM's supplemental fee request by a relatively modest 20% to bring its cost-per-unit-time into alignment with the rest of this dispute." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/trustees-of-the-iam-national-pension-fund-v-m-k-employee-dcd-1-20-cv-00433-6" }, { "slug": "estate-of-gabriel-strickland-v-nevada-county-caed-2-21-cv-00175-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00175-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00175/USCOURTS-caed-2_21-cv-00175-7", "case_name": "Estate of Gabriel Strickland et al v. Nevada County et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-00175", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2024-09-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 10.5, "hours_awarded": 7.35, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because plaintiffs provide no basis for their assertion that they billed 10.5 hours, the court determines it is appropriate to reduce the award by 30%." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts civil rights fee award over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/estate-of-gabriel-strickland-v-nevada-county-caed-2-21-cv-00175-7" }, { "slug": "studio-six-productions-ltd-v-sargsyan-nyed-1-19-cv-02685-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_19-cv-02685-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_19-cv-02685/USCOURTS-nyed-1_19-cv-02685-0", "case_name": "Studio Six Productions, Ltd. v. Sargsyan", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-02685", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marcia M. Henry", "date_filed": "2024-09-26", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 69825, "fees_awarded": 41895, "dollar_cut": 27930, "pct_cut": 40, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 199.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Studio Six seeks an award of $69,825 in attorneys' fees based on an hourly rate of $350 and 199.5 hours expended", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court respectfully recommends that Studio Six should be awarded $41,895 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These repetitive and vague descriptions warrant a reduction in hours expended." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "24 hours is an excessive amount of time, especially given that the court proceeding itself was likely a very short one." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, this practice is not the most problematic aspect of counsel's billing records and is not the sole basis for a 40% reduction in hours." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 40%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/studio-six-productions-ltd-v-sargsyan-nyed-1-19-cv-02685-0" }, { "slug": "mcdonough-v-the-city-of-homestead-florida-flsd-1-21-cv-21538-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_21-cv-21538-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_21-cv-21538/USCOURTS-flsd-1_21-cv-21538-6", "case_name": "McDonough et al v. The City of Homestead, Florida et al", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-21538", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "K. Michael Moore", "date_filed": "2024-09-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Gelber Schachter & Greenberg, P.A.", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To remedy the excessive number of hours billed as a result of more than one attorney working on the same task, I recommend that the Court award all hours incurred by Mr. Figueroa, who incurred the majority of time billed on the matter, but not the time incurred by Mr. Greenberg on those same tasks." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.2, "quote": "Many of his entries provide only the vague description of “follow up on” issues regarding the motion for fees (or “review and analyze”). Collectively, none of his time entries are sufficient for me to understand his contribution to this part of the litigation, and I have not included his time in the calculation." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Rather than attempt to cut the entries by line, I recommend splitting the total number of hours billed by Ms. Flanigan and Mr. Mandel to account for the apparent duplicity in their efforts, which is not otherwise substantiated by descriptive time entries to justify both of their hours." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts civil rights fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mcdonough-v-the-city-of-homestead-florida-flsd-1-21-cv-21538-6" }, { "slug": "bluegreen-vacations-unlimited-inc-v-timeshare-lawyers-p-a-flsd-1-20-cv-24681-17", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-24681-17", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-24681/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-24681-17", "case_name": "Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. et al v. Timeshare Lawyers, P.A. et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-24681", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert N. Scola, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-09-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1721873, "fees_awarded": 1377498.4, "dollar_cut": 344374.6, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "The Plaintiffs requested $1,721,873.00 in attorneys' fees and $34,967.53 in non-taxable costs under the Lanham Act and FDUTPA.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court grants in part and denies in part the Plaintiffs' motion, awarding the Plaintiffs $1,377,498.40 in attorneys' fees and $1,619.72 in non-taxable costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 344374.6, "hours": null, "quote": "the Undersigned will instead reduce the requested fees by 20%." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 344374.6, "hours": null, "quote": "these erroneous entries throughout Bluegreen's submissions warrant further reduction in fees." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award 20% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bluegreen-vacations-unlimited-inc-v-timeshare-lawyers-p-a-flsd-1-20-cv-24681-17" }, { "slug": "ime-watchdog-inc-v-gelardi-nyed-1-22-cv-01032-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01032-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01032/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-01032-6", "case_name": "IME WatchDog, Inc. v. Gelardi et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01032", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2024-09-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Milman Labuda Law Group", "fees_requested": 72802.5, "fees_awarded": 47321.63, "dollar_cut": 25480.87, "pct_cut": 35, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requested $72,802.50 in attorneys’ fees for MLLG’s work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, MLLG’s fee award is $47,321.63.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "As a result, the Court reduces Plaintiff’s attorney fee award by 30%." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court further reduces Plaintiff’s attorneys’ fee award by 5% because of these redacted entries." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts fee award 35%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ime-watchdog-inc-v-gelardi-nyed-1-22-cv-01032-6" }, { "slug": "rodriguez-v-pride-dealer-services-incorporated-azd-2-23-cv-01955-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01955-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01955/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01955-1", "case_name": "Rodriguez v. Pride Dealer Services Incorporated", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-01955", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Honorable Roslyn O. Silver", "date_filed": "2024-09-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Frankel Syverson PLLC", "fees_requested": 22270, "fees_awarded": 11538.02, "dollar_cut": 10731.98, "pct_cut": 48.19, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 68.8, "hours_awarded": 34.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $22,270.00 in attorneys’ fees and $562.09 in costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiff $11,538.02 in attorneys’ fees and $562.09 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.4, "quote": "the Court will reduce the number of hours expended by an additional 8.4 hours to account for non-compensable clerical and administrative tasks." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 34, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will further reduce the fee award by adjusting the unreasonable entries as denoted in purple coloring in the Table, marking a 34 percent reduction in compensable hours (after subtracting the non-compensable fees motion and clerical tasks)." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 48.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/rodriguez-v-pride-dealer-services-incorporated-azd-2-23-cv-01955-1" }, { "slug": "bakken-contracting-llc-v-the-venue-at-werner-park-llc-ned-8-21-cv-00269-10", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00269-10", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00269/USCOURTS-ned-8_21-cv-00269-10", "case_name": "Bakken Contracting, LLC v. The Venue at Werner Park, LLC", "docket_number": "8:21-cv-00269", "court_id": "ned", "court_name": "District Court, D. Nebraska", "court_short": "D. Nebraska", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Brian C. Buescher", "date_filed": "2024-09-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 37694.55, "fees_awarded": 33925.09, "dollar_cut": 3769.46, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 194.09, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "SNC also seeks an award of attorney's fees in the amount of $37,694.55 representing 188.99 hours of attorney time at the rate of $195.00 per hour for partner attorneys and 5.10 hours of attorney time at the rate of $165.00 per hour for associate attorneys", "fees_awarded_quote": "SNC is awarded $33,925.09 in attorney's fees pursuant to the NCPPA to be added to the judgment in this case.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 3769.46, "hours": null, "quote": "SNC's award for attorney's fees will be reduced from the $37,694.55 requested by 10% ($3,769.46) to $33,925.09 for block billing and vague records." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 3769.46, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court is not able to conclude that all the time claimed is reasonable due to the vagueness resulting from block billing which has deprived the Court of sufficient information and description for a more precise determination of reasonableness." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Nebraska cuts commercial fee award 10% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bakken-contracting-llc-v-the-venue-at-werner-park-llc-ned-8-21-cv-00269-10" }, { "slug": "perea-v-commissioner-social-security-administration-cod-1-20-cv-03441-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-03441-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-03441/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-03441-1", "case_name": "Perea v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-03441", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kathryn A. Starnella", "date_filed": "2024-09-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8730.09, "fees_awarded": 8458.1, "dollar_cut": 271.99, "pct_cut": 3.12, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 42.2, "hours_awarded": 39.6, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $8,730.09 in fees for 42.2 hours of work performed.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $8,458.10 14 in attorney fees, under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.6, "quote": "The deductible clerical billing entries thus total 2.6 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts social security fee award 3.1% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/perea-v-commissioner-social-security-administration-cod-1-20-cv-03441-1" }, { "slug": "charter-practices-international-llc-v-robb-ctd-3-12-cv-01768-10", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ctd-3_12-cv-01768-10", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ctd-3_12-cv-01768/USCOURTS-ctd-3_12-cv-01768-10", "case_name": "Charter Practices International, LLC et al v. Robb", "docket_number": "3:12-cv-01768", "court_id": "ctd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Connecticut", "court_short": "D. Connecticut", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert N. Chatigny", "date_filed": "2024-09-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Quarles & Brady, LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that the total amount of time devoted to the motions for a preliminary injunction and contempt is excessive." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that it is not. Judge Martinez recommended that the motion to dismiss the amended counterclaims be denied, and her recommendation was adopted without objection." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 34, "quote": "Of the remaining hours billed during this period, 34 were spent on the motion to compel for which plaintiffs have already been compensated. Accordingly, these hours are subtracted." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Numerous entries for this period are not fully compensable because they fail to provide sufficient information to support an award, involve matters collateral to the litigation, or appear excessive." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that the fees incurred by plaintiffs in connection with this unsuccessful motion cannot reasonably be shifted to Dr. Robb." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I decline to shift the fees for this unsuccessful motion." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that fees for time spent on the unsuccessful motion to exclude Dr. Dodds should not be shifted to Dr. Robb." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Further reductions are warranted for time spent on the unsuccessful motion for sanctions discussed earlier" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other entries for this period are not fully compensable because block billing and a lack of specificity prevent me from finding that the time spent was reasonably necessary to effectively litigate the case. Accordingly, a further reduction of 33% is warranted." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 33, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Other entries for this period are not fully compensable because block billing and a lack of specificity prevent me from finding that the time spent was reasonably necessary to effectively litigate the case. Accordingly, a further reduction of 33% is warranted." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that a reduction of 50% is warranted under the circumstances as follows" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "no fees are awarded for time spent in connection with the unsuccessful motion for sanctions." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Connecticut cuts commercial fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/charter-practices-international-llc-v-robb-ctd-3-12-cv-01768-10" }, { "slug": "infogroup-inc-v-office-depot-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80358-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80358-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80358/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80358-11", "case_name": "Infogroup Inc. v. Office Depot, Inc.", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-80358", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2024-09-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hogan Lovells", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that the involvement of 16 timekeepers reflects significant overstaffing of this matter and that it would be unreasonable to award reimbursement for all of them." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend a blended hourly rate of $900." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that a 50% reduction in the number of hours billed by these five timekeepers is appropriate." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The billing records reveal numerous instances of excessive billing, redundancies, vague entries, and redactions that make it difficult for the Court to assess the validity of the time spent." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries lack specificity and the work appears to be duplicative." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend reducing the 'fees on fees' award to $50,000." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/infogroup-inc-v-office-depot-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80358-11" }, { "slug": "let-s-go-aero-inc-v-forcome-ltd-cod-1-23-cv-00045-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_23-cv-00045-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_23-cv-00045/USCOURTS-cod-1_23-cv-00045-0", "case_name": "Let's Go Aero, Inc. v. Forcome, Ltd.", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00045", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Regina M. Rodriguez", "date_filed": "2024-09-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 47933, "fees_awarded": 33707.25, "dollar_cut": 14225.75, "pct_cut": 29.68, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 121.3, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "LGA seeks an award of $47,933.00 in attorneys’ fees and $21,854.13 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the total amount of reasonable attorneys’ fees comes out to $33,707.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.3, "quote": "the Court will not award the 3.3 hours billed by Ms. Vos and the 0.3 hours billed by Ms. Davis for calendaring of deadlines." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "the Court will not award the 3.3 hours billed by Ms. Vos and the 0.3 hours billed by Ms. Davis for calendaring of deadlines." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 20, "quote": "the Court will not award the “estimated” 20 hours requested for work on this motion because a party seeking an award of attorney’s fees must establish the reasonableness of each dollar and each hour" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the remaining total requested hours by 10% to reflect unnecessary billing related to duplicative billing entries, including internal communications and work on the same tasks." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce Ms. Khan’s billing rate to $150/hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Both rates will be reduced to $75/hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts commercial fee award 29.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/let-s-go-aero-inc-v-forcome-ltd-cod-1-23-cv-00045-0" }, { "slug": "kadiyala-v-pupke-flsd-9-17-cv-80732-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_17-cv-80732-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_17-cv-80732/USCOURTS-flsd-9_17-cv-80732-8", "case_name": "Kadiyala et al v. Pupke et al", "docket_number": "9:17-cv-80732", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kenneth A. Marra", "date_filed": "2024-08-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 640922.75, "fees_awarded": 484623.95, "dollar_cut": 156298.8, "pct_cut": 24.39, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff is seeking a total attorneys’ fees award of $640,922.75.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The fee award of $432,123.95 plus the $52,500.00 in flat fees results in a total fee award of $484,623.95.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Undersigned will award Mr. Mandel a rate of $400 per hour and Mr. Seiden a rate of $450 per hour (for all years that he billed in this case)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Undersigned finds that an across-the-board reduction in hours is appropriate to account for the excessive hours billed, block billing, and other billing deficiencies. The Court will reduce the hours claimed by 25%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Undersigned finds that an across-the-board reduction in hours is appropriate to account for the excessive hours billed, block billing, and other billing deficiencies. The Court will reduce the hours claimed by 25%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Undersigned finds that an across-the-board reduction in hours is appropriate to account for the excessive hours billed, block billing, and other billing deficiencies. The Court will reduce the hours claimed by 25%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Undersigned finds that an across-the-board reduction in hours is appropriate to account for the excessive hours billed, block billing, and other billing deficiencies. The Court will reduce the hours claimed by 25%." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 24.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kadiyala-v-pupke-flsd-9-17-cv-80732-8" }, { "slug": "louise-trauma-center-llc-v-united-states-citizenship-and-mdd-1-23-cv-01561-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01561-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01561/USCOURTS-mdd-1_23-cv-01561-0", "case_name": "Louise Trauma Center LLC v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01561", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Richard D. Bennett", "date_filed": "2024-08-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 54560, "fees_awarded": 21090, "dollar_cut": 33470, "pct_cut": 61.35, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 88.8, "hours_awarded": 44.4, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Center replied (ECF No. 19), representing that it had done additional work and was now requesting $54,560 in attorney's fees and $402 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "At bottom, the Court finds that Center is entitled to $21,090 in fees and $402 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will award hourly rates in the amount set forth at the high end of Appendix B of the Local Rules—$475 an hour." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for overbilling, the Court will reduce Plaintiff's claimed hours by 25%." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for these insufficient descriptions, the Court will further reduce the Center's claimed hours by an additional 25%." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts FOIA fee award 61.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/louise-trauma-center-llc-v-united-states-citizenship-and-mdd-1-23-cv-01561-0" }, { "slug": "douglas-v-commissioner-of-social-security-nywd-6-23-cv-06150-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-6_23-cv-06150-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-6_23-cv-06150/USCOURTS-nywd-6_23-cv-06150-1", "case_name": "Douglas v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "6:23-cv-06150", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "David G. Larimer", "date_filed": "2024-08-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 14015.63, "fees_awarded": 13341.53, "dollar_cut": 674.1, "pct_cut": 4.81, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 59.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks an additional $1063.22 for time spent in drafting a reply to the Commissioner's response, bringing the total to $14,015.63.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The total fee award, then, amounts to $13,341.53.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.6, "quote": "After reviewing the challenged entries, I agree with the Commissioner that they represent non-compensable, clerical tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts social security fee award 4.8% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/douglas-v-commissioner-of-social-security-nywd-6-23-cv-06150-1" }, { "slug": "waller-v-the-salvation-army-txnd-3-20-cv-01336-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-01336-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-01336/USCOURTS-txnd-3_20-cv-01336-2", "case_name": "Waller v. The Salvation Army", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-01336", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-08-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 155200, "fees_awarded": 99456, "dollar_cut": 55744, "pct_cut": 35.92, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 388, "hours_awarded": 248.64, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff Kimberly Waller moves for an award of $155,200.000 in attorney’s fees and $2,039.67 in taxable costs under 29 U.S.C. § 2617(a)(3).", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the reasons stated below, the Court awards Plaintiff $99,456.00 in attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10, "quote": "The Court excludes 10.0 hours for entries of Plaintiff’s counsel that are impermissibly vague." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 10, "quote": "the Court reduces this entry by 20%, or 10 hours. The Court, therefore, excludes 20 hours in total for vague entries." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 10% reduction is applied to the total remaining hours that were not already excluded for being unreasonably vague." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This issue is exacerbated by the fact that Plaintiff offers no contemporaneous billing records." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore applies an additional 15% reduction to the total remaining hours for a lack of billing judgment." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces 136.8 hours of Plaintiff’s 155.0 hour entry by an additional 20% for block billing" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts employment fee award 35.9%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/waller-v-the-salvation-army-txnd-3-20-cv-01336-2" }, { "slug": "joe-hand-promotions-inc-v-allure-jazz-cigars-llc-txnd-3-22-cv-00514-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00514-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00514/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-00514-2", "case_name": "Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Allure Jazz & Cigars, LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00514", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Renée Harris Toliver", "date_filed": "2024-08-23", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4950, "fees_awarded": 3317.5, "dollar_cut": 1632.5, "pct_cut": 32.98, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 19.8, "hours_awarded": 13.27, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $4,950.00 (19.8 hours at a rate of $250.00 per hour) and costs in the amount of $847.00", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, awarding $3,317.50 in such fees is proper due to the undersigned's experience in determining reasonable attorneys' fees based on time expended and the fee awards in similar cases.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.8, "quote": "The first two entries for which she seeks fees here (totaling 2.8 hours) are duplicative of earlier entries that she already received fees for." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Ms. King's time entries include descriptions of work done such as \"Email correspondence with counsel,\" \"Review file,\" \"Prepare report\" and others that cannot be apportioned appropriately per defendant." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Consequently, vague entries and work completed for additional defendants here should be divided and reduced to accurately reflect the work done specifically for Allure." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts fee award 33%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/joe-hand-promotions-inc-v-allure-jazz-cigars-llc-txnd-3-22-cv-00514-2" }, { "slug": "ovation-services-llc-txsd-4-23-cv-00325-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-00325-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-00325/USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-00325-0", "case_name": "Ovation Services, LLC", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-00325", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Charles Eskridge", "date_filed": "2024-08-21", "ruling_type": "appellate", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7324.56, "fees_awarded": 5077.5, "dollar_cut": 2247.06, "pct_cut": 30.68, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "It requested a further $7,324.56 in attorney fees and $672.06 in expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In total, it granted Ovation services $5,077.50 in attorney fees and $672.06 in expenses, which was $1,575 less than requested.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1012.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Specifically, it adjusted the bill by $1,012.50, finding that it couldn't determine how much time was spent on individual tasks due to counsel to Ovation Services \"lumping services.\"" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 562.5, "hours": null, "quote": "It also disallowed fees \"on account of clerical work\" in the amount of $562.50." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts fee award 30.7% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ovation-services-llc-txsd-4-23-cv-00325-0" }, { "slug": "infogroup-inc-v-office-depot-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80358-10", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80358-10", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80358/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80358-10", "case_name": "Infogroup Inc. v. Office Depot, Inc.", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-80358", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Bruce E. Reinhart", "date_filed": "2024-08-21", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hogan Lovells", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that the involvement of 16 timekeepers reflects significant overstaffing of this matter and that it would be unreasonable to award reimbursement for all of them." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend a blended hourly rate of $900." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that a 50% reduction in the number of hours billed by these five timekeepers is appropriate." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These entries lack specificity and the work appears to be duplicative." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The billing records reveal numerous instances of excessive billing, redundancies, vague entries, and redactions that make it difficult for the Court to assess the validity of the time spent." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend reducing the “fees on fees” award to $50,000." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/infogroup-inc-v-office-depot-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80358-10" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ared-4-23-cv-00715-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ared-4_23-cv-00715-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ared-4_23-cv-00715/USCOURTS-ared-4_23-cv-00715-2", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-00715", "court_id": "ared", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Arkansas", "court_short": "E.D. Arkansas", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jerome T. Kearney", "date_filed": "2024-08-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 10197.95, "fees_awarded": 7794.09, "dollar_cut": 2403.86, "pct_cut": 23.57, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Smith requests an award of fees in the amount of $10,197.95; costs of $402; and expenses of $32.28.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Mr. Smith is therefore awarded attorney's fees in the amount of $7,794.09; costs of $402; and expenses of $32.28 for a combined total of $8,228.37.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "As to the Commissioner's first set of reduction requests, the Court will reduce the total paralegal hours by 1.8." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.6, "quote": "the Court will reduce the total attorney hours by 7.6 to 25 hours, which is slightly above this District's typical range and is still in line with Bane." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "The Court will therefore reduce the total paralegal hours by an additional 0.6." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "The Court will instead award three hours, thus, reducing the total attorney hours by 1.3." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Arkansas cuts social security fee award 23.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ared-4-23-cv-00715-2" }, { "slug": "alzal-corp-v-killer-carz-llc-nyed-1-15-cv-04968-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_15-cv-04968-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_15-cv-04968/USCOURTS-nyed-1_15-cv-04968-0", "case_name": "Alzal Corp. v. Killer Carz, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:15-cv-04968", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marcia M. Henry", "date_filed": "2024-08-19", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Kleyman Law Group", "fees_requested": 111428.2, "fees_awarded": 77984.5, "dollar_cut": 33443.7, "pct_cut": 30.01, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Alzal also seeks $111,428.20 in attorneys' fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the foregoing reasons, the Court respectfully recommends a total attorneys' fees award of $77,984.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 10000, "hours": null, "quote": "recommends that Alzal's request for attorneys' fees for Kleyman Law Group should be denied." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore respectfully recommends that the fees for King should be reduced by 40% and that Alzal should awarded $9,000 for King's services." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1000, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court respectfully recommends that Alzal's request for attorneys' fees for Faga's services should be denied." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a reduced attorneys' fee award is warranted for Arthur Morrison's services reflected in the docket and filings in this case." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the requested $350 exceeds the hourly rate awarded in this district for associates with comparable years of practice. Therefore, the Court instead finds that an hourly rate of $300 for Laird is reasonable." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "As for the remaining unidentified persons, Alzal does not attempt to justify their hourly rates, which range from $105 to $450 per hour. Thus, the Court does not consider them in its calculation" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "an hourly rate of $200 for law clerks exceeds the prevailing hourly rate of $70 to 100 for legal support staff and, absent further justification, the Court recommends a reduced rate of $70 per hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an appropriate hourly rate for Androphy is $375" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court recommends a reduced hourly rate of $450 because Alzal does not offer any evidence of Lawrence Morrison's specialized experience to justify the higher hourly rate." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 30%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/alzal-corp-v-killer-carz-llc-nyed-1-15-cv-04968-0" }, { "slug": "cohan-v-host-110-atlantic-ave-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80068-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80068-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80068/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80068-3", "case_name": "Cohan v. Host 110 Atlantic Ave LLC", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-80068", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-08-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5290, "fees_awarded": 3500, "dollar_cut": 1790, "pct_cut": 33.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 15, "hours_awarded": 10, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's motion seeking reimbursement of $5,290.00 in attorney's fees and $2,356.65 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff shall be awarded $3,500.00 for attorneys' fees and $2,356.65 in costs for a total award of $5,856.65.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that some of Mr. Sconzo's billing entries reflect excessive time spent on simple tasks, particularly given Mr. Sconzo's familiarity with ADA cases (i.e., filling out a cover sheet and summons form, reviewing routine Court orders and clerk's office entries on the docket, etc.)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend that the time spent by Mr. Sconzo's legal assistant be denied because it was clerical in nature." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts disability access fee award 33.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cohan-v-host-110-atlantic-ave-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80068-3" }, { "slug": "lima-v-lee-flsd-9-20-cv-82399-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_20-cv-82399-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_20-cv-82399/USCOURTS-flsd-9_20-cv-82399-5", "case_name": "Lima et al v. Lee", "docket_number": "9:20-cv-82399", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William Matthewman", "date_filed": "2024-08-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Rosenthal Rosenthal Rasco LLC", "fees_requested": 76630, "fees_awarded": 49420, "dollar_cut": 27210, "pct_cut": 35.51, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "which fees total $76,630.00 and costs totaling $10,843.37", "fees_awarded_quote": "RECOMMENDS that the District Judge award Defendant Lee a total of $49,420.00 in attorneys’ fees, and $10,843.37 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mr. Rasco’s $600.00 hourly rate should be reduced to $500.00, which the Undersigned finds to be reasonable in this case." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mr. Serbin’s $250.00 hourly rate is excessive and should be reduced to $150.00, which the Undersigned finds to be reasonable in this case." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing logs reflect several instances of Mr. Rasco and Mr. Bimston billing for the same task." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This use of block billing warrants a reduction in Defendant Lee’s requested fees, as it leaves the Court unable to determine how long counsel spent on each specific task." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing logs, such as they are, contain unnecessary or excessive hours." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 35.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lima-v-lee-flsd-9-20-cv-82399-5" }, { "slug": "chrisman-v-austin-txnd-6-22-cv-00049-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-6_22-cv-00049-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-6_22-cv-00049/USCOURTS-txnd-6_22-cv-00049-2", "case_name": "Chrisman et al v. Austin et al", "docket_number": "6:22-cv-00049", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "H", "date_filed": "2024-08-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Siri & Glimstad LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1871.3, "hours_awarded": 1097.96, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 75.6, "quote": "This results in the elimination of 75.6 hours." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given these factors, a 20% reduction in the hours billed for the attorneys’ fees litigation is appropriate." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, the entries for his travel to and from Lubbock for the mediation do not indicate that he was working while traveling. Dkt. No. 167 at 13. Thus, those entries for 5.1 and 5.6 hours are reduced by 50%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "The Court finds that 0.7 hours of clerical work should be deducted from her hours on the fee motion." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "A 10% deduction in Cox’s hours, applied after all other deductions, is appropriate to account for the vagueness of her entries." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.8, "quote": "Accordingly, 4.7 hours are deducted from her hours on Chrisman’s claims and 0.1 hour is deducted from her hours on the fee motion." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "the Court has identified 0.7 hours of clerical work that are thus deducted from Smith’s hours on the fee motion." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "However, the Court does find that 3.0 hours billed are non-compensable clerical work because they relate to preparing or assembling appendices." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Further, three of Wiest’s billings for travel time do not indicate that he was working during that time, so the Court reduces those hours by 50%." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "However, Bruns’ travel entries do not indicate that he worked while traveling, so a 50% reduction to those hours is appropriate." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 3.3, "quote": "the Court determines that the hearing lasted 6 hours and concludes that the remaining 3.3 hours in that entry represent Sullivan’s travel time. ... Those 3.3 hours are reduced by 50%." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "Further, the Court found one 0.1 entry of non-billable clerical work, correspondence about service, which it deducts from Sullivan’s hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.3, "quote": "The Court has identified 7.3 hours related to clerical tasks that must be deducted from Mannella’s hours on Chrisman’s claims and 1.0 hour that must be deducted from her time on the fee motion." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "The Court’s review of the records revealed 0.4 hours of non-billable clerical work, which it deducts from her hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts civil rights fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/chrisman-v-austin-txnd-6-22-cv-00049-2" }, { "slug": "kadiyala-v-pupke-flsd-9-17-cv-80732-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_17-cv-80732-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_17-cv-80732/USCOURTS-flsd-9_17-cv-80732-7", "case_name": "Kadiyala et al v. Pupke et al", "docket_number": "9:17-cv-80732", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kenneth A. Marra", "date_filed": "2024-08-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 640922.75, "fees_awarded": 484623.95, "dollar_cut": 156298.8, "pct_cut": 24.39, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff is seeking a total attorneys' fees award of $640,922.75.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The fee award of $432,123.95 plus the $52,500.00 in flat fees results in a total fee award of $484,623.95.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Undersigned will award Mr. Mandel a rate of $400 per hour and Mr. Seiden a rate of $450 per hour (for all years that he billed in this case)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce the hours claimed by 25%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there is a plethora of block billing throughout the invoices" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the attorneys, legal assistants, and paralegals in this case performed a great deal of duplicative work" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "counsel and/or their assistants billed for tasks such as filing various documents with the Court. Entries for clerical or administrative tasks should be excluded." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 24.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kadiyala-v-pupke-flsd-9-17-cv-80732-7" }, { "slug": "autoficio-llc-v-cimble-corp-txed-4-17-cv-00404-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txed-4_17-cv-00404-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txed-4_17-cv-00404/USCOURTS-txed-4_17-cv-00404-9", "case_name": "Autoficio, LLC, et al., v. Cimble Corp., et al.", "docket_number": "4:17-cv-00404", "court_id": "txed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Texas", "court_short": "E.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kimberly C. Priest Johnson", "date_filed": "2024-08-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Harper Bates", "fees_requested": 749719, "fees_awarded": 604624.4, "dollar_cut": 145094.6, "pct_cut": 19.35, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 2036.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Whiteside further amended his requested attorney fees to $749,719 based upon the fee totals identified in the First Supplemental Brief (Dkt. 360).", "fees_awarded_quote": "The above grand total is reduced by 20% to account for the block billed entries and the overly redacted entries, resulting in a final lodestar figure of $604,624.40.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court concludes that a reduction on the low-end of the range of 10% is appropriate here." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds that a 10% reduction to the lodestar is appropriate to account for the redacted entries." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 19.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/autoficio-llc-v-cimble-corp-txed-4-17-cv-00404-9" }, { "slug": "li-v-spa-nail-9-inc-nynd-1-19-cv-00873-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynd-1_19-cv-00873-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynd-1_19-cv-00873/USCOURTS-nynd-1_19-cv-00873-0", "case_name": "Li v. Spa Nail 9, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-00873", "court_id": "nynd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Anne M. Nardacci", "date_filed": "2024-08-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Troy Law, PLLC", "fees_requested": 133172.33, "fees_awarded": 15963.16, "dollar_cut": 117209.17, "pct_cut": 88.01, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $133,172.33 in attorney’s fees and $5,561.10 in costs, for a total attorney recovery of $138,733.43.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is entitled to an additional $15,963.16 in attorney’s fees and $5,381.10 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will award fee rates as follows: $300 per hour for Mr. Troy’s hours worked; $150 per hour for Mr. Troy’s travel time; $200 per hour for Mr. Schweitzer’s hours worked; $100 per hour for Mr. Schweitzer’s travel time; $125 per hour for Ms. Troy’s hours worked on legal tasks and $80 for all others; and $80 per hour for Ms. Kilaru’s hours worked." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "the Court will reduce Mr. Troy’s hours by this amount before applying the discount described below." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.25, "quote": "This is not work that an attorney should be doing, let alone a senior attorney, and accordingly the Court will reduce Mr. Troy’s hours by this amount before applying the discount described below." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.25, "quote": "These entries appear to show Mr. Troy largely conducting administrative tasks, which are tasks not appropriately compensated at any attorney billing rate, let alone the rate requested for Mr. Troy’s time." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.06, "quote": "No motion for class or collective certification was ever filed, and as such this work is not compensable." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.25, "quote": "Because the Court cannot infer from these entries what time, if any, was spent on these tasks for the benefit of Plaintiff, and because Plaintiff has made no argument in his Motion supporting an award of fees for unfiled motions, the Court also reduces Mr. Troy’s hours by these amounts" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6, "quote": "the Court will reduce Mr. Schweitzer’s hours by 6.0 hours before applying a discount." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 6637.74, "hours": null, "quote": "Since Plaintiff indicates that Troy Law is entitled to one-third of Plaintiff’s judgment in compensation for their work on Plaintiff’s case, the Court will deduct the difference of $6,637.74 from the final fee award for the instant Motion." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 88%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/li-v-spa-nail-9-inc-nynd-1-19-cv-00873-0" }, { "slug": "bala-v-oregon-health-science-university-ord-3-18-cv-00850-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_18-cv-00850-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_18-cv-00850/USCOURTS-ord-3_18-cv-00850-4", "case_name": "Bala v. Oregon Health & Science University et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00850", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Hernández", "date_filed": "2024-08-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Matthew C. Ellis, PC", "fees_requested": 3139489.25, "fees_awarded": 1295328.29, "dollar_cut": 1844160.96, "pct_cut": 58.74, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $3,139,489.25 in attorney fees, 1 $535 in out-of-pocket expenses, and $312,368.08 in expert witness fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiff $1,295,328.29 in attorney fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that the rate of $554 per hour is reasonable for Mr. Ellis given his experience." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court concludes that this rate is reasonable for Mr. Brischetto given his experience." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "The Court accordingly excludes the 4-hour entry and reduces the other entry by 4 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce each counsel’s fee award by 50 percent as Defendants suggest." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "The Court therefore excludes 2 hours of Mr. Brischetto’s time and 1.5 hours of Mr. Ellis’s time on 1/3/24 to account for time spent on Dr. Carnes." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 12, "quote": "In sum, the Court excludes 12 hours of Mr. Brischetto’s time associated with Dr. Carnes." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.25, "quote": "In sum, the Court will award 8.25 hours of time at $175 per hour and reduce counsel’s hours at their attorney rates as explained above (3 hours for Mr. Ellis, 5.25 hours for Mr. Brischetto)." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5, "quote": "The Court has reviewed the records and concludes that Mr. Ellis’s hours for that entry should be 4 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts employment fee award 58.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bala-v-oregon-health-science-university-ord-3-18-cv-00850-4" }, { "slug": "midfirst-bank-v-huff-txed-6-23-cv-00443-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txed-6_23-cv-00443-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txed-6_23-cv-00443/USCOURTS-txed-6_23-cv-00443-0", "case_name": "MIDFIRST BANK v. HUFF", "docket_number": "6:23-cv-00443", "court_id": "txed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Texas", "court_short": "E.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "J. Campbell Barker", "date_filed": "2024-08-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 2640, "fees_awarded": 2310, "dollar_cut": 330, "pct_cut": 12.5, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's motion requests an award of $2,640 in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's motion should be GRANTED as to $2,310.00 in attorney's fees and $402.00 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.8, "quote": "Accordingly, the court finds an appropriate reduction of time in the amount of 1.80 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.2, "quote": "the court finds that Plaintiff has failed to carry its burden to show that the requested paralegal award is reasonable. Therefore, the court recommends that the requested paralegal hours in this case, totaling 9.2 hours, be denied." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 12.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/midfirst-bank-v-huff-txed-6-23-cv-00443-0" }, { "slug": "cohan-v-subculture-coffee-pga-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80509-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80509-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80509/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80509-1", "case_name": "Cohan v. Subculture Coffee PGA, Inc.", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-80509", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2024-08-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9085, "fees_awarded": 8015, "dollar_cut": 1070, "pct_cut": 11.78, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 26.7, "hours_awarded": 20.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Cohen filed his renewed motion on June 24, 2024, asking for $9,085.00 in attorneys’ fees, which includes $195 for legal assistant fees, and $2,804.25 for litigation expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "recover attorney’s fees in the amount of $8,015.00 and costs in the amount of $2,171.25 for a total of $10,186.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find this practice to be excessive and reduce these hours by two-thirds." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 195, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "The $195 for legal assistant services are not compensable because they are for clerical work not traditionally done by an attorney." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "I find that the two hours spent were for litigating the fees to be awarded and I recommend that Mr. Sconzo’s time be reduced to 20.9 hours for a total of $8,015.00" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts disability access fee award 11.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cohan-v-subculture-coffee-pga-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80509-1" }, { "slug": "trustees-of-the-national-asbestos-workers-medical-fund-v-a1-flsd-0-23-cv-61637-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61637-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61637/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61637-1", "case_name": "Trustees of the National Asbestos Workers Medical Fund v. A1 Mechanical Insulation LLC", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-61637", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-08-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "O'Donoghue & O'Donoghue LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court recommends deducting 2.7 hours (.5 + 1 + .4 +.3 +. 5) from Attorney Venable's total hours billed to account for the billing of clerical work." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 1 hour from the total hours billed by Attorney Venable because Attorney Venable fails to specify what Order he reviewed and because any Order he may have reviewed did not necessitate 1 hour for review." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 2 hours from the total hours billed by Attorney Venable to account for excessive billing for work done on the Motion for Attorney's Fees and Costs." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 3 hours from the total hours billed by Attorney Venable to account for excessive billing for work done on the Amended Motion for Default Judgment." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/trustees-of-the-national-asbestos-workers-medical-fund-v-a1-flsd-0-23-cv-61637-1" }, { "slug": "davis-v-mar-jac-poultry-al-llc-alnd-6-18-cv-01433-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-alnd-6_18-cv-01433-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-alnd-6_18-cv-01433/USCOURTS-alnd-6_18-cv-01433-1", "case_name": "Davis v. Mar-Jac Poultry AL, LLC", "docket_number": "6:18-cv-01433", "court_id": "alnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Alabama", "court_short": "N.D. Alabama", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "L. Scott Coogler", "date_filed": "2024-08-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Wiggins Childs", "fees_requested": 1613798, "fees_awarded": 1079155.32, "dollar_cut": 534642.68, "pct_cut": 33.13, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 1997.97, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "they contend that Attorney Camp has spent an additional 20.9 hours, which increases the attorneys’ fees request by $11,495.00 to $1,613,798.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court further awards attorneys’ fees of $1,079,155.32 and costs of $64,917.19 to Plaintiffs’ counsel.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 117.8, "quote": "The total number of hours spent on these efforts was 117.8 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 153, "quote": "This results in a reduction of 153 hours billed by Wiggins." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.5, "quote": "Therefore, the 4.5 hours spent in this effort are not compensable." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a 10% across-the-board cut in the block-billed hours is appropriate" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court believes the lodestar should be reduced by 15%, which amounts to an attorneys’ fee of $1,079,155.32." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Alabama cuts employment fee award 33.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/davis-v-mar-jac-poultry-al-llc-alnd-6-18-cv-01433-1" }, { "slug": "lynch-v-leatherheads-sports-grill-utd-2-23-cv-00343-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-utd-2_23-cv-00343-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-utd-2_23-cv-00343/USCOURTS-utd-2_23-cv-00343-0", "case_name": "Lynch v. Leatherheads Sports Grill", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00343", "court_id": "utd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Utah", "court_short": "D. Utah", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jill N. Parrish", "date_filed": "2024-08-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 23410, "fees_awarded": 7500, "dollar_cut": 15910, "pct_cut": 67.96, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, Lynch requests a fee award in the amount of $23,410.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In this case, the court finds that rough justice is satisfied by a fee award of $7,500 for the UTAA and the UAPIA claims.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court must allocate fees for the time spent on the Utah law claims, for which Lynch is entitled to recover fees, and fees for time spent on the Lanham Act claims, for which Lynch is not entitled to recover fees." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Lynch did not submit billing records for the work that his attorneys performed. Instead, he provided a cursory grid stating that he incurred fees of \"[a]t least $10,000\"..." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Utah cuts intellectual property fee award 68%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lynch-v-leatherheads-sports-grill-utd-2-23-cv-00343-0" }, { "slug": "william-l-sciba-jr-txsb-6-20-bk-60052-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsb-6_20-bk-60052-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsb-6_20-bk-60052/USCOURTS-txsb-6_20-bk-60052-0", "case_name": "William L. Sciba, Jr.", "docket_number": "6:20-bk-60052", "court_id": "txsb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Marvin Isgur", "date_filed": "2024-08-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 15992.99, "fees_awarded": 15067.49, "dollar_cut": 925.5, "pct_cut": 5.79, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Prosperity Bank, N.A. seeks $15,992.99 in post-petition attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Prosperity $15,067.49 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 925.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The entry on 11/22/21 for 0.2 hours labeled as \"gathering fee invoices\" is denied." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. Texas cuts bankruptcy fee award 5.8% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/william-l-sciba-jr-txsb-6-20-bk-60052-0" }, { "slug": "tb-holding-company-llc-v-j-s-siding-idd-4-22-cv-00307-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-idd-4_22-cv-00307-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-idd-4_22-cv-00307/USCOURTS-idd-4_22-cv-00307-6", "case_name": "TB Holding Company LLC v. J&S Siding", "docket_number": "4:22-cv-00307", "court_id": "idd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Idaho", "court_short": "D. Idaho", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "B. Lynn Winmill", "date_filed": "2024-08-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 84192.84, "fees_awarded": 14071.5, "dollar_cut": 70121.34, "pct_cut": 83.29, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 145.4, "hours_awarded": 67.8, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "TB Holding seeks a total of $84,192.84 in fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "As such, TB Holding will be awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $14,071.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 13.8, "quote": "the Court will exclude a total of 13.8 hours from the lodestar calculation as unrelated to the underlying dispute or motion to compel." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 18.1, "quote": "The 18.1 hours included in entries 9, 10, 13, 16, 21, and 23 will be excluded because these entries “encompass[] work that falls outside. . . the scope of the work caused by [the discovery violation].”" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.7, "quote": "The Court will also exclude the 4.7 hours reflected in entries 29 and 36 because it is unclear which discovery disputes these entries relate to." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.7, "quote": "Because the Court cannot tell from the time entries how these 7.7 hours were spent, they will be excluded." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 18.1, "quote": "Given the motion to compel concerned only a subset of these issues, the Court will exclude these entries as it is not possible to determine the amount of time attributable to each dispute." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10.6, "quote": "The Court will reduce the 20.6 hours spent by Mr. Camacho working on the motion to compel to 10 hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.6, "quote": "it will exclude the 2.7 hours spent polishing and the 1.9 hours finalizing the application from the lodestar calculation." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because Mr. Camacho’s experience falls somewhere between the attorneys in Composite Resources, the Court will reduce Mr. Camacho’s rate to $425 per hour." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will award TB Holding one half of its reasonable fees" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Idaho cuts fee award 83.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tb-holding-company-llc-v-j-s-siding-idd-4-22-cv-00307-6" }, { "slug": "moonbug-entertainment-limited-v-babybus-fujian-network-cand-3-21-cv-06536-21", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_21-cv-06536-21", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_21-cv-06536/USCOURTS-cand-3_21-cv-06536-21", "case_name": "Moonbug Entertainment Limited et al v. Babybus (Fujian) Network Technology Co., Ltd", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-06536", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Edward M. Chen", "date_filed": "2024-08-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Tyz Law Group", "fees_requested": 7547156.84, "fees_awarded": 5972559.85, "dollar_cut": 1574596.99, "pct_cut": 20.86, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Moonbug now moves for a total attorney fees award of $7,547,156.84.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The total attorney fee award is therefore $5,972,559.85 ($5,963.684.85 in attorney fees plus $8,875.00 in expert witness fees for the motion for sanctions).", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, an award of $5,963,684.85 in this copyright infringement case is reasonable after a 20% reduction for all block billing entries." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts intellectual property fee award 20.9% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/moonbug-entertainment-limited-v-babybus-fujian-network-cand-3-21-cv-06536-21" }, { "slug": "american-small-business-league-v-small-business-cand-3-20-cv-04619-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_20-cv-04619-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_20-cv-04619/USCOURTS-cand-3_20-cv-04619-1", "case_name": "American Small Business League v. Small Business Administration", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-04619", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Maxine M. Chesney", "date_filed": "2024-08-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": "Cannata O'Toole & Olson LLP", "fees_requested": 514392.5, "fees_awarded": 203596.4, "dollar_cut": 310796.1, "pct_cut": 60.42, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "ASBL seeks an award of attorney’s fees in the amount of $514,392.50, and an award of costs in the amount of $2,691.40.", "fees_awarded_quote": "ASBL is hereby awarded $203,596.40 in fees and $2,691.40 in costs, for a total award of $206,287.80.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will award fees for only one-third of the time billed during this period, or $14,890." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court has found ASBL is ineligible for fees based on such work, and, accordingly, will award fees for one-third of the work done in this time period, or $50,293." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 76134, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will award fees for one-half of the work done in this time period, or $76,134." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 53399, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will award fees for one-half of the work done in this period, or $53,399." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "as to the hours awarded that were block billed, the Court reduces its award by 20%, resulting in a fee award of $203,596.40." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts FOIA fee award 60.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/american-small-business-league-v-small-business-cand-3-20-cv-04619-1" }, { "slug": "cohan-v-host-110-atlantic-ave-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80068-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80068-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80068/USCOURTS-flsd-9_24-cv-80068-2", "case_name": "Cohan v. Host 110 Atlantic Ave LLC", "docket_number": "9:24-cv-80068", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-08-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5290, "fees_awarded": 3500, "dollar_cut": 1790, "pct_cut": 33.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 15, "hours_awarded": 10, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's motion seeking reimbursement of $5,290.00 in attorney's fees and $2,356.65 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff shall be awarded $3,500.00 for attorneys' fees and $2,356.65 in costs for a total award of $5,856.65.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find that some of Mr. Sconzo's billing entries reflect excessive time spent on simple tasks, particularly given Mr. Sconzo's familiarity with ADA cases (i.e., filling out a cover sheet and summons form, reviewing routine Court orders and clerk's office entries on the docket, etc.)." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I recommend that the time spent by Mr. Sconzo's legal assistant be denied because it was clerical in nature." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts disability access fee award 33.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cohan-v-host-110-atlantic-ave-llc-flsd-9-24-cv-80068-2" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-22-cv-21480-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-21480-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-21480/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-21480-2", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-21480", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert N. Scola, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-07-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 12650.98, "fees_awarded": 12018.43, "dollar_cut": 632.55, "pct_cut": 5, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 52.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Molina seeks $12,650.98 in attorneys’ fees and $907.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiff $12,018.43 in attorneys’ fees 3 and $907.00 in costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 632.55, "hours": null, "quote": "while the five entries identified by Judge Goodman do constitute impermissible block billing (see ECF No. 33 at 6), a five-percent reduction across the board suffices to offset the harm of block billing" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts social security fee award 5% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-22-cv-21480-2" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-saghir-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-01950-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-01950-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-01950/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-01950-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Saghir Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-01950", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "that results in $11,625.00 of additional unrecoverable fees incurred by FBFK beginning in June of 2019, which should be subtracted from FBFK’s lodestar" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records ... undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-saghir-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-01950-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-wahab-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-01949-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-01949-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-01949/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-01949-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Wahab Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-01949", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "that results in $11,625.00 of additional unrecoverable fees incurred by FBFK beginning in June of 2019, which should be subtracted from FBFK’s lodestar" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that the Movants’ lodestar figures should be adjusted downward to account for duplication of work and inefficiencies that are apparent to the Court" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records... undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-wahab-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-01949-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-imran-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00921-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00921-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00921/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00921-4", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Imran Transitions MHT, LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00921", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys’ fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "If the Court assumes that each entry reflects one hour of work, billed at Balboa’s requested hourly rate of $375 per hour, that results in $11,625.00 of additional unrecoverable fees incurred by FBFK beginning in June of 2019" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-imran-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00921-4" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-sozi-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00919-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00919-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00919/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00919-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Sozi Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00919", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys' fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants' lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the billing entries reflect block billing—i.e., a single block of time attributed to multiple discrete tasks—and thus hamper the ability of the Court to discern the exact amount of unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants' billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court's ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-sozi-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00919-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-opaigbeogu-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00918-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00918-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00918/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00918-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Opaigbeogu MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00918", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys’ fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the billing entries reflect block billing—i.e., a single block of time attributed to multiple discrete tasks—and thus hamper the ability of the Court to discern the exact amount of unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-opaigbeogu-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00918-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-poku-home-visits-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00917-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00917-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00917/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00917-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Poku Home Visits MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00917", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys’ fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "If the Court assumes that each entry reflects one hour of work, billed at Balboa’s requested hourly rate of $375 per hour, that results in $11,625.00 of additional unrecoverable fees incurred by FBFK beginning in June of 2019" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court concludes that the Movants’ lodestar figures should be adjusted downward to account for duplication of work and inefficiencies that are apparent to the Court" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-poku-home-visits-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00917-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-el-salibi-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00916-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00916-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00916/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00916-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. El-SalibI Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00916", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys' fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants' lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the billing entries reflect block billing—i.e., a single block of time attributed to multiple discrete tasks—and thus hamper the ability of the Court to discern the exact amount of unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants' billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court's ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-el-salibi-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00916-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-las-vegas-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00910-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00910-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00910/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00910-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Las Vegas Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00910", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys' fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants' lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the billing entries reflect block billing—i.e., a single block of time attributed to multiple discrete tasks—and thus hamper the ability of the Court to discern the exact amount of unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants' billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court's ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-las-vegas-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00910-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-ortega-home-visits-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00909-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00909-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00909/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00909-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Ortega Home Visits MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00909", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1886.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys' fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants' billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court's ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-ortega-home-visits-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00909-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-siddiqui-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00908-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00908-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00908/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00908-2", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Siddiqui Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00908", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Ferguson Braswell Fraser & Kubasta PC", "fees_requested": 666363.8, "fees_awarded": 456333.17, "dollar_cut": 210030.63, "pct_cut": 31.52, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1691.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, the requested lodestar for work performed on behalf of the FBFK Defendants is $666,363.80.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the FBFK Defendants are entitled to recover $456,333.17.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the billing entries reflect block billing—i.e., a single block of time attributed to multiple discrete tasks—and thus hamper the ability of the Court to discern the exact amount of unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 31.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-siddiqui-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00908-2" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-woldegiorgis-transitions-mht-txnd-3-18-cv-00907-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00907-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00907/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00907-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Woldegiorgis Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00907", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys’ fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the billing entries reflect block billing—i.e., a single block of time attributed to multiple discrete tasks—and thus hamper the ability of the Court to discern the exact amount of unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-woldegiorgis-transitions-mht-txnd-3-18-cv-00907-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-patel-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00902-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00902-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00902/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00902-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Patel Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00902", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys’ fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "If the Court assumes that each entry reflects one hour of work, billed at Balboa’s requested hourly rate of $375 per hour, that results in $11,625.00 of additional unrecoverable fees incurred by FBFK beginning in June of 2019" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-patel-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00902-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-butt-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00901-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00901-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00901/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00901-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Butt Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00901", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Ferguson Braswell Fraser & Kubasta PC", "fees_requested": 666363.8, "fees_awarded": 456333.17, "dollar_cut": 210030.63, "pct_cut": 31.52, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1691.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, the requested lodestar for work performed on behalf of the FBFK Defendants is $666,363.80.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the FBFK Defendants are entitled to recover $456,333.17.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the FBFK Defendants’ lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "If the Court assumes that each entry reflects one hour of work, billed at Balboa’s requested hourly rate of $375 per hour, that results in $11,625.00 of additional unrecoverable fees incurred by FBFK beginning in June of 2019" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants’ billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court’s ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 31.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-butt-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00901-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-shafie-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00900-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00900-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00900/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00900-3", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Shafie Transitions MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00900", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": 742434.66, "fees_awarded": 556826, "dollar_cut": 185608.66, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1886.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In total—including all fees incurred by HamptonHolley, Hall Griffin, and for preparation of the motion for fees—the Hall Griffin Defendants calculate the lodestar based on hours billed to be $742,434.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Hall Griffin Defendants are collectively entitled to recover $556,826.00 in reasonable attorneys' fees, and $16,882.12 in litigation expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants' billing records, discussed previously, undermines the Court's ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 25%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-shafie-transitions-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00900-3" }, { "slug": "balboa-capital-corporation-v-okoji-home-visits-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00898-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00898-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00898/USCOURTS-txnd-3_18-cv-00898-5", "case_name": "Balboa Capital Corporation v. Okoji Home Visits MHT LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00898", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara M. G. Lynn", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hall Griffin LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 46294.57, "hours": null, "quote": "the FBFK Defendants' lodestar should, at minimum, be reduced by $46,294.57 to reflect unrecoverable fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 11625, "hours": null, "quote": "that results in $11,625.00 of additional unrecoverable fees incurred by FBFK beginning in June of 2019, which should be subtracted from FBFK's lodestar." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce the lodestars in this case by 25%, and apply a multiplier of 0.75." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the vagueness of certain entries in Movants' billing records ... undermines the Court's ability to determine the extent to which the lodestar should be reduced" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/balboa-capital-corporation-v-okoji-home-visits-mht-llc-txnd-3-18-cv-00898-5" }, { "slug": "cui-v-d-prime-inc-nyed-1-20-cv-03667-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-03667-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-03667/USCOURTS-nyed-1_20-cv-03667-1", "case_name": "Cui et al v. D Prime, Inc.", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-03667", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Orelia E. Merchant", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Troy Law PLLC", "fees_requested": 84196.2, "fees_awarded": 28808.5, "dollar_cut": 55387.7, "pct_cut": 65.78, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff Cui seeks $84,196.20 in attorney's fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "prevailing Plaintiff Cui is entitled to $28,808.50 in attorney's fees and $3,125.40 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, under the Arbor factors, an hourly rate of $350 for John Troy is warranted." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, an hourly rate of $200 for Mr. Schweitzer is warranted." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds an hourly rate of $150 for Eric Chen and Tiffany Troy is appropriate." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Court finds that an hourly rate of $75" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering Troy Law's incontrovertible inflation of hours, inappropriate delegation of rudimentary work to more senior attorneys, non-compensable time requested for translation and purely clerical tasks, and ambiguous billing entries" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "non-compensable time requested for translation and purely clerical tasks" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "ambiguous billing entries (including those implicating work for non-prevailing Plaintiff Zheng not necessary to Plaintiff Cui's success)" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "including those implicating work for non-prevailing Plaintiff Zheng not necessary to Plaintiff Cui's success" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 65.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cui-v-d-prime-inc-nyed-1-20-cv-03667-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ksd-2-23-cv-02437-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ksd-2_23-cv-02437-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ksd-2_23-cv-02437/USCOURTS-ksd-2_23-cv-02437-0", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-02437", "court_id": "ksd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Kansas", "court_short": "D. Kansas", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "John W. Lungstrum", "date_filed": "2024-07-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 46946.31, "fees_awarded": 18750.4, "dollar_cut": 28195.91, "pct_cut": 60.06, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 200.3, "hours_awarded": 80, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "The Commissioner does not suggest a fee award is improper but argues that the amount requested, $46,946.31, is unreasonable", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court PARTIALLY GRANTS Plaintiff=s motion for attorney fees to the extent of 80 hours at the rate of $234.38 per hour, resulting in a fee award of $18,750.40", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time expended in researching, reviewing, and briefing was very excessive and unreasonable for a case of this level of difficulty and an attorney of counsel's experience and expertise" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Most of that time is block billed, and the court is therefore unable to ascertain which tasks required how much time and which tasks reflect an unreasonable amount of time." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Kansas cuts social security fee award 60.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ksd-2-23-cv-02437-0" }, { "slug": "xerox-corporation-v-conduit-global-inc-nywd-6-21-cv-06467-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-6_21-cv-06467-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-6_21-cv-06467/USCOURTS-nywd-6_21-cv-06467-0", "case_name": "Xerox Corporation v. Conduit Global, Inc.", "docket_number": "6:21-cv-06467", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pedersen, M.J.", "date_filed": "2024-07-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Nixon Peabody LLP", "fees_requested": 51951.2, "fees_awarded": 42527.5, "dollar_cut": 9423.7, "pct_cut": 18.14, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Xerox cross-moved for $51,951.20 in reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 37(a)(5)(C) and/or Rule 37(a)(5)(B)", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court GRANTS Xerox's motion for fees, awarding the reduced amount of $42,527.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a rate of $300 is reasonable for Mr. Ferrante." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a rate of $285 per hour is reasonable for Ms. Tufano as an associate having less experience than Mr. Ferrante." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces Ms. Demanchick's hourly rate to $140." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a 5% across-the-board reduction is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 18.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/xerox-corporation-v-conduit-global-inc-nywd-6-21-cv-06467-0" }, { "slug": "trujillo-v-gogna-caed-1-22-cv-00707-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-00707-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-00707/USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-00707-7", "case_name": "Trujillo v. Gogna et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00707", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer L. Thurston", "date_filed": "2024-07-25", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4799, "fees_awarded": 1965, "dollar_cut": 2834, "pct_cut": 59.05, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff is requesting attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees in the amount of $4,799.00, and costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "3. Plaintiff be awarded attorneys’ fees in the amount of $1,965.00;", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "reduction of all hours related to Akbar Huda is reasonable given Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "duplicative in nature: Law and Moore’s July 13, 2022 entries, each for 0.2 hours, regarding issues with service" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "courts have found that such a task is purely clerical and one a non-attorney could perform at a much" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "hours in relation to the initiation and filing of the complaint to be excessive given the almost entirely" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the cumulative 3.5 hours spent on a motion to amend and an amended complaint to be unreasonable" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "reducing Law’s aggregate 1.8 hours on May 14, 2024 and May 22, 2024 to one hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 59%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/trujillo-v-gogna-caed-1-22-cv-00707-7" }, { "slug": "cohan-v-subculture-coffee-pga-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80509-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80509-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80509/USCOURTS-flsd-9_23-cv-80509-0", "case_name": "Cohan v. Subculture Coffee PGA, Inc.", "docket_number": "9:23-cv-80509", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Bruce E. Reinhart", "date_filed": "2024-07-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9085, "fees_awarded": 8015, "dollar_cut": 1070, "pct_cut": 11.78, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 26.7, "hours_awarded": 20.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Cohen filed his renewed motion on June 24, 2024, asking for $9,085.00 in attorneys’ fees, which includes $195 for legal assistant fees, and $2,804.25 for litigation expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "I recommend that Mr. Sconzo’s time be reduced to 20.9 hours for a total of $8,015.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.7, "quote": "I find this practice to be excessive and reduce these hours by two-thirds." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 195, "hours": 1.3, "quote": "The $195 for legal assistant services are not compensable because they are for clerical work not traditionally done by an attorney." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "I find that the two hours spent were for litigating the fees to be awarded and I recommend that Mr. Sconzo’s time be reduced to 20.9 hours for a total of $8,015.00" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts disability access fee award 11.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/cohan-v-subculture-coffee-pga-inc-flsd-9-23-cv-80509-0" }, { "slug": "parks-v-social-security-administration-oked-6-23-cv-00041-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-oked-6_23-cv-00041-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-oked-6_23-cv-00041/USCOURTS-oked-6_23-cv-00041-1", "case_name": "Parks v. Social Security Administration", "docket_number": "6:23-cv-00041", "court_id": "oked", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Oklahoma", "court_short": "E.D. Oklahoma", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Gerald L. Jackson", "date_filed": "2024-07-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 10669.95, "fees_awarded": 9620, "dollar_cut": 1049.95, "pct_cut": 9.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 43.95, "hours_awarded": 39.1, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "She now seeks an award of attorney’s fees in the amount of $10,669.95, pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d).", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Government is hereby ordered to pay attorneys’ fees in the amount of $9,620.00 to Claimant as the prevailing party herein.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 8.3, "quote": "the Court finds 41.3 hours is unreasonable for preparation of the briefing in this case, but a reduction of 20%, or 8.3 hours, for a total of 33 hours for the original briefing" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "the time billed for tasks such as logging into CM/ECF, filing and downloading documents, and preparing the civil coversheet and summons are clerical in nature and not compensable." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 845.25, "hours": null, "quote": "Finally, Claimant requests an additional $1,690.50, for 6.9 hours defending the EAJA fee application. Here the Court finds a reduction of 50% is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Oklahoma cuts social security fee award 9.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/parks-v-social-security-administration-oked-6-23-cv-00041-1" }, { "slug": "kubas-v-331b-llc-mdd-1-20-cv-02456-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_20-cv-02456-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_20-cv-02456/USCOURTS-mdd-1_20-cv-02456-2", "case_name": "Kubas v. 331B, LLC", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-02456", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Erin Aslan", "date_filed": "2024-07-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 260572.5, "fees_awarded": 91320, "dollar_cut": 169252.5, "pct_cut": 64.95, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 654.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Ms. Kubas now seeks $260,572.50 in attorney’s fees and $11,139.09 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Ms. Kubas shall be awarded $91,320.00 in attorney’s fees and $7,705.38 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Ms. Shuntich’s hourly rate will be reduced to $200 and Ms. Gough’s will be reduced to $150." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Ms. Kubas’s attorneys billed for a variety of non-compensable clerical tasks, including calendaring court deadlines" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Ms. Kubas’s attorneys improperly billed two attorneys for certain tasks such as attending client meetings, hearings, depositions, and trial" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will disregard time associated with witnesses who were not deposed or did not testify at trial and time associated with a motion in limine" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the $228,300.00 lodestar amount will be reduced by 60 percent to $91,320.00" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts employment fee award 65%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kubas-v-331b-llc-mdd-1-20-cv-02456-2" }, { "slug": "trustees-of-the-national-asbestos-workers-medical-fund-v-a1-flsd-0-23-cv-61637-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61637-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61637/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-61637-0", "case_name": "Trustees of the National Asbestos Workers Medical Fund v. A1 Mechanical Insulation LLC", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-61637", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-07-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": "O'Donoghue & O'Donoghue LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.7, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court recommends deducting 2.7 hours (.5 + 1 + .4 +.3 +. 5) from Attorney Venable's total hours billed to account for the billing of clerical work." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 1 hour from the total hours billed by Attorney Venable because Attorney Venable fails to specify what Order he reviewed and because any Order he may have reviewed did not necessitate 1 hour for review." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 2 hours from the total hours billed by Attorney Venable to account for excessive billing for work done on the Motion for Attorney's Fees and Costs." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "the Court recommends deducting 3 hours from the total hours billed by Attorney Venable to account for excessive billing for work done on the Amended Motion for Default Judgment." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/trustees-of-the-national-asbestos-workers-medical-fund-v-a1-flsd-0-23-cv-61637-0" }, { "slug": "bluegreen-vacations-unlimited-inc-v-timeshare-lawyers-p-a-flsd-1-20-cv-24681-16", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-24681-16", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-24681/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-24681-16", "case_name": "Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. et al v. Timeshare Lawyers, P.A. et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-24681", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert N. Scola, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-07-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 344374.6, "hours": null, "quote": "Rather than conduct an hour-by-hour analysis of Bluegreen’s submissions to account for all deficient time entries, the Undersigned will instead reduce the requested fees by 20%." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 344374.6, "hours": null, "quote": "The Undersigned finds that these erroneous entries throughout Bluegreen’s submissions warrant further reduction in fees." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award 20%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bluegreen-vacations-unlimited-inc-v-timeshare-lawyers-p-a-flsd-1-20-cv-24681-16" }, { "slug": "tac-holdings-llc-v-atlatl-group-llc-azd-2-22-cv-02150-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-02150-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-02150/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-02150-2", "case_name": "TAC Holdings LLC v. Atlatl Group LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-02150", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Steven P. Logan", "date_filed": "2024-07-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Strong & Hanni, PC", "fees_requested": 48176.78, "fees_awarded": 21328, "dollar_cut": 26848.78, "pct_cut": 55.73, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 80.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an award of $48,176.78 in attorney fees and costs for the cost it has incurred from Strong & Hanni.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court awards Plaintiff $21,328.00 in reasonable attorneys' fees and $1,261.03 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court has identified that there are five entries that are unrelated to the discovery dispute regarding the Bravada Defendants' missing bank statements. The Bravada Defendants are not required to reimburse Plaintiff for these fees." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2000, "hours": null, "quote": "The time record reflects that the majority of the entries are either heavily redacted, billed in block format, or both." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2000, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff's post hoc reduction of the time entries creates legitimate concerns about the time record's accuracy and reliability." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts commercial fee award 55.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tac-holdings-llc-v-atlatl-group-llc-azd-2-22-cv-02150-2" }, { "slug": "ez-pawn-corporation-v-city-of-new-york-nyed-1-16-cv-03852-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_16-cv-03852-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_16-cv-03852/USCOURTS-nyed-1_16-cv-03852-1", "case_name": "EZ Pawn Corporation v. City of New York", "docket_number": "1:16-cv-03852", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2024-07-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 341640, "fees_awarded": 160899.38, "dollar_cut": 180740.62, "pct_cut": 52.9, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 667.4, "hours_awarded": 429.065, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel, Paul Solda, Esq., seeks $341,640 in fees and $5,338.60 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $160,899.38 in fees and $3,197.40 in costs, for a total of $164,096.78.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate for Solda is $375 per hour." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "As such, the Court reduces Solda's overall hours by 10% for vagueness." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Consequently, the Court's reduction on this ground is limited to 20%." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 54.45, "quote": "Solda's total billable number of hours is reduced by 54.45 hours, which is the number of hours Solda billed after November 9, 2023." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts civil rights fee award 52.9%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ez-pawn-corporation-v-city-of-new-york-nyed-1-16-cv-03852-1" }, { "slug": "rubin-v-carvi-s-custom-painting-llc-txnd-4-24-cv-00005-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-4_24-cv-00005-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-4_24-cv-00005/USCOURTS-txnd-4_24-cv-00005-0", "case_name": "Rubin v. Carvi's Custom Painting, LLC", "docket_number": "4:24-cv-00005", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2024-07-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "SRIPLAW", "fees_requested": 3653.5, "fees_awarded": 3278.5, "dollar_cut": 375, "pct_cut": 10.26, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 11.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Rubin presents verified evidence of $675.50 in costs and $3,653.50 in attorneys' fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court DENIES Rubin's request for $3,653.50 in fees and AWARDS $3,278.50 in reasonably incurred attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 175, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "The Court DEDUCTS those fees accordingly." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 200, "hours": 1, "quote": "Thus, the Court further DEDUCTS one hour of Ms. Pollack's time." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts intellectual property fee award 10.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/rubin-v-carvi-s-custom-painting-llc-txnd-4-24-cv-00005-0" }, { "slug": "townson-v-garland-alsd-1-22-cv-00251-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-alsd-1_22-cv-00251-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-alsd-1_22-cv-00251/USCOURTS-alsd-1_22-cv-00251-7", "case_name": "Townson v. Garland et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00251", "court_id": "alsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Alabama", "court_short": "S.D. Alabama", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kristi K. DuBose", "date_filed": "2024-07-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 145198.78, "fees_awarded": 79971.75, "dollar_cut": 65227.03, "pct_cut": 44.92, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In addition to the $145,198.78 in attorney’s fees, Preston requests reimbursement of $3,239.94 in expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Preston is entitled to an EAJA award of $79,971.75 in attorney’s fees and $3,239.94 in expenses, for a total of $83,211.69.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 53.107, "quote": "Accordingly, Mr. Harris’s requested hours are reduced by 43.407 and the requested paralegal hours are reduced by 9.7." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 16.5, "quote": "Preston is not entitled to recover for 15.6 hours of Mr. Harris’s work and 0.9 hours of paralegal work spent on opposition to the United States’ ultimately successful Motion to Dismiss Count 3." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a rate of $300 per hour for Mr. Harris is appropriate here." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a paralegal rate of $100 per hour is reasonable under the circumstances." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": 19.32, "quote": "Instead of assessing each paralegal time entry line-by-line and excluding purely clerical tasks, the Court will reduce the remaining paralegal hours by 30%." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.5, "quote": "it is unwilling to do the same for the 7.5 hours of law student work, which the Court finds are not recoverable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Alabama cuts fee award 44.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/townson-v-garland-alsd-1-22-cv-00251-7" }, { "slug": "a-h-an-infant-under-the-age-of-18-years-by-his-mother-and-nyed-1-23-cv-04509-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-04509-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-04509/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-04509-0", "case_name": "A.H., an infant under the age of 18 years by his Mother and Natural Guardian, JOAN ASLARONA v. The Board of Education of The City of New York et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-04509", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Cogan", "date_filed": "2024-07-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 47499.9, "hours": null, "quote": "because plaintiff's counsel has failed to provide adequate contemporaneous records, the Court reduces his requested fee by 30%, to $110,833.10" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts civil rights fee award 30% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/a-h-an-infant-under-the-age-of-18-years-by-his-mother-and-nyed-1-23-cv-04509-0" }, { "slug": "stuhmer-v-girdner-cod-1-20-cv-00486-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-00486-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-00486/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-00486-2", "case_name": "Stuhmer v. Girdner et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-00486", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "S. Kato Crews", "date_filed": "2024-07-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 225723, "fees_awarded": 182944.5, "dollar_cut": 42778.5, "pct_cut": 18.95, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 857.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "This figure represents 857.7 hours of attorney and paralegal time for a total of $225,723 in fees", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the following reasons, the Court awards Plaintiff reasonable attorney fees in the amount of $182,944.50, and his expert witness costs in the amount of $32,566.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 51.6, "quote": "the Court attributes the following hours to work done in the separate state court action—these hours will be deducted from those reasonably expended in Plaintiff's prosecution of his civil theft claim" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 99, "quote": "many of these redactions make it impossible to determine whether the billing was reasonably necessary to the prosecution of the civil theft claim" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts fee award 18.9%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/stuhmer-v-girdner-cod-1-20-cv-00486-2" }, { "slug": "stored-solar-enterprises-series-llc-meb-1-22-bk-10191-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-meb-1_22-bk-10191-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-meb-1_22-bk-10191/USCOURTS-meb-1_22-bk-10191-4", "case_name": "Stored Solar Enterprises, Series LLC", "docket_number": "1:22-bk-10191", "court_id": "meb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Maine", "court_short": "Bankr. D. Maine", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Michael A. Fagone", "date_filed": "2024-07-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Drummond Woodsum", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2835, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court disallows fees of $2,835.00 for time unreasonably or unnecessarily spent by counsel working on fee applications" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 30.9, "quote": "Drummond Woodsum billed a total of 30.9 hours, and more than $11,500.00 on two fee applications during the Second Interim Compensation Period. An unreasonable amount of time was spent" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 265, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court also disallows fees of $265.00 for time billed by counsel for the administrative task of filing items on the docket" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 525, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court further disallows fees of $525.00 for an entry made by Attorney Fisher on November 23, 2022, for participating in a hearing on that date" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 115, "hours": null, "quote": "Fees of $115.00 are disallowed for time billed by counsel on December 12, 2022, drafting, revising, and reviewing a certificate of no objection. That service was neither necessary not beneficial" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 490, "hours": null, "quote": "Fees of $490.00 are disallowed for an entry made by Attorney Fisher on March 9, 2023, for participating in a hearing on that date" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 70, "hours": null, "quote": "Fees of $70.00 are disallowed for an entry made by Attorney Fisher on August 28, 2023, for participating in a conference with Attorney Fischer. This reduction is made to render the entries by the two attorneys for that conference consistent" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 595, "hours": null, "quote": "Compensation of $595.00 and reimbursement of $38.25 are disallowed for November 16, 2023. This reduction is made in light of the order that issued on November 13, 2023, requiring in-person attendance at that hearing" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Unnecessary duplication of services occurred when Committee counsel engaged in tasks that" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "shareholder rates should not be charged for all, or virtually all, of the services provided to the client" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "several instances of impermissible block-billing by Attorney Fisher" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. D. Maine cuts bankruptcy fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/stored-solar-enterprises-series-llc-meb-1-22-bk-10191-4" }, { "slug": "louise-trauma-center-llc-v-united-states-department-of-dcd-1-21-cv-02371-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_21-cv-02371-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_21-cv-02371/USCOURTS-dcd-1_21-cv-02371-1", "case_name": "LOUISE TRAUMA CENTER LLC v. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-02371", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "John D. Bates", "date_filed": "2024-07-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "FOIA", "fee_basis": "FOIA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "First, around eight hours were improperly billed for clerical tasks or motions on which plaintiff was ultimately unsuccessful." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 25, "quote": "Second, around twenty-five hours were billed for excessive or unnecessary tasks, including some time spent drafting the complaint and time spent preparing single-party status reports, or replies to status reports submitted by DHS." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Third, many of counsel’s time entries were not sufficiently detailed to allow the Court to determine with a “high degree of certainty” that the hours in this case were reasonably and actually expended." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Fourth, counsel has previously been chastised by another judge in this District for many of the same issues encountered here." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The fees-on-fees petition was only partially successful, justifying only 50% of the hours sought." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "One important reason is that the records included in the petition were not sufficiently well-described to provide the Court with the requisite certainty that the hours were reasonably expended." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts FOIA fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/louise-trauma-center-llc-v-united-states-department-of-dcd-1-21-cv-02371-1" }, { "slug": "marrero-v-social-security-administration-commissioner-arwd-5-23-cv-05091-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-arwd-5_23-cv-05091-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-arwd-5_23-cv-05091/USCOURTS-arwd-5_23-cv-05091-2", "case_name": "Marrero v. Social Security Administration Commissioner", "docket_number": "5:23-cv-05091", "court_id": "arwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Arkansas", "court_short": "W.D. Arkansas", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Christy Comstock", "date_filed": "2024-07-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7644.75, "fees_awarded": 7172.75, "dollar_cut": 472, "pct_cut": 6.17, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "On June 13, 2024, Plaintiff filed a Motion seeking an award of attorney fees in the amount of $7,644.75 under 28 U.S.C. § 2412, the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).", "fees_awarded_quote": "The undersigned recommends that Plaintiff's Motion for Attorney Fees (ECF No. 20) be GRANTED, and Plaintiff awarded $7,172.75 in fees", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "The Court will reduce the compensable hours claimed – 3.75 hours – down to 2.25 hours, a reduction of 1.5 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "Another .5 hours will be reduced from the billing for counsel's billing for clerical tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Arkansas cuts social security fee award 6.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/marrero-v-social-security-administration-commissioner-arwd-5-23-cv-05091-2" }, { "slug": "carrero-v-molina-healthcare-of-puerto-rico-inc-prd-3-21-cv-01605-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-prd-3_21-cv-01605-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-prd-3_21-cv-01605/USCOURTS-prd-3_21-cv-01605-4", "case_name": "Carrero v. Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico, Inc.", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-01605", "court_id": "prd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Puerto Rico", "court_short": "D. Puerto Rico", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach", "date_filed": "2024-06-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "King & Spalding LLP", "fees_requested": 575022, "fees_awarded": 205131.5, "dollar_cut": 369890.5, "pct_cut": 64.33, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendant seeks $575,022.00 in attorney's fees for the work of four attorneys at King & Spalding LLP", "fees_awarded_quote": "Given the Court's determination that a proper attorney's fee award is $205,131.50 and a proper costs award is $16,877.91", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 3.33, "quote": "To adjust for the problematic King & Spalding entries' lack of detail, the Court will reduce them by thirty percent, for a reduction of 3.33 hours from Mr. Unger's time." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.33, "quote": "Because the vague PMA entry was one of three task descriptions for a single hour, the Court will simply reduce that hour by 0.33 hours." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Defendant fails to meet its burden of showing that California rates were reasonable in this case." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Puerto Rico cuts commercial fee award 64.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/carrero-v-molina-healthcare-of-puerto-rico-inc-prd-3-21-cv-01605-4" }, { "slug": "hateley-v-ford-motor-company-cand-3-23-cv-00790-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00790-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00790/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-00790-0", "case_name": "Hateley v. Ford Motor Company", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-00790", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Edward M. Chen", "date_filed": "2024-06-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 42900.5, "fees_awarded": 38610.45, "dollar_cut": 4290.05, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In the case at bar, Plaintiff seeks: (1) $42,900.50 in fees and (2) $5,756.47 in costs/expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "This reduction to the fee request of $42,900.50 results in a fee award of $38,610.45.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some (though not all) involve administrative tasks, and some are excessive given the specific work conducted" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some are excessive given the specific work conducted" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the number of timekeepers (five total) is unusual given the relative straightforwardness of this case, and there are some instances in which this staffing has given rise to inefficiencies" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts commercial fee award 10%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/hateley-v-ford-motor-company-cand-3-23-cv-00790-0" }, { "slug": "arrivia-incorporated-v-rowley-azd-2-23-cv-01039-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01039-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01039/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01039-1", "case_name": "arrivia Incorporated et al v. Rowley et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-01039", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Douglas L. Rayes", "date_filed": "2024-06-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Kirkland & Ellis LLP", "fees_requested": 72014, "fees_awarded": 29541.83, "dollar_cut": 42472.17, "pct_cut": 58.98, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 178, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek an award of $72,014.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court reduces the lodestar amount by one third, bringing Plaintiffs' award to a sum of $29,541.83.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 15721.5, "hours": 31.1, "quote": "These 24 entries total 31.1 hours and, based on each attorney's billing rate, $15,721.50 in fees. Accordingly, $15,721.50 will be reduced from Plaintiffs' award." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given that Plaintiffs' counsel overstaffed this specific matter and submitted block-billed time entries that involves redundant work, the Court will apply a one-third reduction to every block-billed time entry." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given that Plaintiffs' counsel overstaffed this specific matter and submitted block-billed time entries that involves redundant work, the Court will apply a one-third reduction to every block-billed time entry." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces the lodestar amount by one third, bringing Plaintiffs' award to a sum of $29,541.83." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts fee award 59%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/arrivia-incorporated-v-rowley-azd-2-23-cv-01039-1" }, { "slug": "strong-v-commissioner-of-social-security-nywd-1-22-cv-00033-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywd-1_22-cv-00033-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywd-1_22-cv-00033/USCOURTS-nywd-1_22-cv-00033-1", "case_name": "Strong v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00033", "court_id": "nywd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Elizabeth A. Wolford", "date_filed": "2024-06-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 10880.8, "fees_awarded": 9992.71, "dollar_cut": 888.09, "pct_cut": 8.16, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 46.8, "hours_awarded": 42.12, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks a total of $10,880.80 in attorney's fees and $402.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Commissioner shall pay $9,992.71 in attorney's fees and $402.00 in costs to Plaintiff's counsel subject to offset under the Treasury Offset Program, if any.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a 10% across-the-board reduction to Plaintiff's counsel's hours is appropriate under the circumstances" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "reusing significant portions of Plaintiff's prior filings and billing for clerical tasks associated with organizing such filings was not" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. New York cuts social security fee award 8.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/strong-v-commissioner-of-social-security-nywd-1-22-cv-00033-1" }, { "slug": "head-kandy-llc-v-mcneill-flsd-0-23-cv-60345-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60345-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60345/USCOURTS-flsd-0_23-cv-60345-5", "case_name": "Head Kandy LLC v. McNeill", "docket_number": "0:23-cv-60345", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jared M. Strauss", "date_filed": "2024-06-11", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 50326, "fees_awarded": 25000, "dollar_cut": 25326, "pct_cut": 50.32, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 107.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, Plaintiff seeks to recover $50,326.00 in attorney fees and $1,794.66 in costs for a grand total of $52,120.66.", "fees_awarded_quote": "As a result, I find the reasonable amount of attorney’s fees for bringing the Motion to Enforce and attend the evidentiary hearing is $25,000.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Plaintiff’s billing records show that its three attorneys engaged in overlapping and sometimes duplicative tasks." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Loeb also billed over twenty hours for “prepare for hearing on contempt motion,” with no further explanation as to what was done during that time." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Moreover, the records reflect a handful of hours on tasks not related to the Motion to Enforce." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 50.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/head-kandy-llc-v-mcneill-flsd-0-23-cv-60345-5" }, { "slug": "leo-v-province-therapeutics-llc-nyed-2-23-cv-05418-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-05418-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-05418/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-05418-3", "case_name": "Leo v. Province Therapeutics, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-05418", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nusrat J. Choudhury", "date_filed": "2024-06-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Anderson Dodson, P.C.", "fees_requested": 17178.5, "fees_awarded": 14009.5, "dollar_cut": 3169, "pct_cut": 18.45, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 73, "hours_awarded": 71.5, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel seeks a total of $17,178.50 in fees for 73 hours of work performed in this matter.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court also awards Leo's counsel $14,009.50 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Jess Velez: reduced from $175.00 to $125.00" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Jessica Balint: reduced from $175.00 and $195.00 to $150.00" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Billy Hernandez: reduced from $95.00 and $125.00 to $75.00." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "the Court completely excludes entirely the blank entry submitted by Balint (0.2 hours)" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.7, "quote": "assigns a $45.00 hourly rate to all of the aforementioned clerical tasks (11.7 hours)" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 18.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/leo-v-province-therapeutics-llc-nyed-2-23-cv-05418-3" }, { "slug": "roytlender-v-d-malek-realty-llc-et-al-nyed-2-21-cv-00052-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-00052-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-00052/USCOURTS-nyed-2_21-cv-00052-5", "case_name": "Roytlender v. D. Malek Realty, LLC et. al.", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-00052", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James M. Wicks", "date_filed": "2024-06-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Meltzer Lippe Goldstein & Breitstone LLP", "fees_requested": 17898.5, "fees_awarded": 15910, "dollar_cut": 1988.5, "pct_cut": 11.11, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 59, "hours_awarded": 53.3, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel states that they have expended 65.8 hours in attempts to gain Nicole’s compliance (ECF No. 118 at 6), and although their efforts total $22,792.50, they only request $17,898.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Below is a summary of the rates and hours awarded per individual that worked on this matter:", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Mark Radi: $350 per hour for 2022 and $400 for 2023; Daniel Carrascal: $275 per hour for 2022 and $300 for 2023; Yvonne Blaise: $175.00 per hour for both 2022 and 2023" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "the Court eliminates all 2.3 hours worked for both of these individuals" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.3, "quote": "These administrative entries will be assigned an hourly rate of $100." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are several entries which list the time expended for a particular task, but the respective hourly rate is redacted. Therefore, the Court deducts these entries from the fee award altogether." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Radi, Carrascal, and Blaise often double and even triple billed for reviewing certain Court notifications and orders. In lieu of applying an across-the-board reduction for all fees, the Court applies the highest rate of those billed to these tasks and counts them only once" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts fee award 11.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/roytlender-v-d-malek-realty-llc-et-al-nyed-2-21-cv-00052-5" }, { "slug": "k-bar-a-ranch-mtb-1-22-bk-10004-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mtb-1_22-bk-10004-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mtb-1_22-bk-10004/USCOURTS-mtb-1_22-bk-10004-0", "case_name": "K BAR A RANCH", "docket_number": "1:22-bk-10004", "court_id": "mtb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Montana", "court_short": "Bankr. D. Montana", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2024-06-07", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 45510.2, "fees_awarded": 12500, "dollar_cut": 33010.2, "pct_cut": 72.53, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 152.3, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "The Supplemental Table explains that after additional discounts or reductions, the Total Amount sought is $45,510.20.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the reasons stated below, this Court approves $12,500, in fees and denies the remainder as unreasonable for purposes of § 506(b).", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the only conclusion it can draw is that an award of $10,000 – $15,000 is reasonable" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court has scrutinized the time records and concluded duplication occurred." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Although not a persistent problem, Applicant’s time records included lumped entries." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Applicant requests $132 in fees for reviewing and discussing with Creditor the Order confirming Debtor’s Amended Plan. § 506(b) only applies to those fees post-petition and pre-confirmation." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. D. Montana cuts bankruptcy fee award 72.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/k-bar-a-ranch-mtb-1-22-bk-10004-0" }, { "slug": "sanchez-juarez-v-156-40-grill-llc-nyed-2-15-cv-05081-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-05081-3", "case_name": "Sanchez Juarez et al v. 156-40 Grill LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:15-cv-05081", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lee G. Dunst", "date_filed": "2024-06-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Troy Law LLC", "fees_requested": 110239.5, "fees_awarded": 40150.5, "dollar_cut": 70089, "pct_cut": 63.58, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 261.62, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Troy Law requests a grand total of $113,968.07—$110,239.50 in attorney’s fees and $3,728.57 in litigation costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court awards attorney’s fees in the total amount of $40,150.50", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $400.00 for John Troy is warranted" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $300.00 for Aaron Schweitzer is warranted" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $150.00 for George Byun is warranted" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $100.00 is warranted" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an hourly rate of $75.00 for Ms. Kilaru, Mr. Lou, and Mr. Das is warranted" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.25, "quote": "Because the Court cannot effectively evaluate these requests, the Court declines to award fees to Mr. Troy and Mr. Schweitzer at those rates and hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.25, "quote": "Because the Court cannot effectively evaluate these requests, the Court declines to award fees to Mr. Troy and Mr. Schweitzer at those rates and hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds that a 40% across-the-board reduction in hours billed is appropriate for this case" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the time records contain redundancies and inefficiencies, including several sets of meetings and rounds of reviewing Defendants’ summary judgment motion" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "he switched and charged a full-rate for travelling one month later in February 2017" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 63.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sanchez-juarez-v-156-40-grill-llc-nyed-2-15-cv-05081-3" }, { "slug": "clark-v-employee-funding-of-america-llc-txsd-4-23-cv-03031-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-03031-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-03031/USCOURTS-txsd-4_23-cv-03031-3", "case_name": "Clark et al v. Employee Funding of America, LLC", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-03031", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Keith P. Ellison", "date_filed": "2024-06-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Clark, Love & Hutson, GP", "fees_requested": 99126, "fees_awarded": 74344.5, "dollar_cut": 24781.5, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 158.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Clark and Flowers timely filed the instant motion, seeking $99,126 in attorneys’ fees and $141 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "EFOA be ordered to pay Clark and Flowers’s reasonable attorneys’ fees in the amount of $74,344.50 and costs in the amount of $141.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This amount represents 20% for excessive or redundant billing, including issues of overstaffing, and 5% for billing administrative, clerical, or menial tasks." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This amount represents 20% for excessive or redundant billing, including issues of overstaffing, and 5% for billing administrative, clerical, or menial tasks." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This amount represents 20% for excessive or redundant billing, including issues of overstaffing, and 5% for billing administrative, clerical, or menial tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts fee award 25%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/clark-v-employee-funding-of-america-llc-txsd-4-23-cv-03031-3" }, { "slug": "staton-v-city-and-county-of-butte-silver-bow-mtd-2-20-cv-00060-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mtd-2_20-cv-00060-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mtd-2_20-cv-00060/USCOURTS-mtd-2_20-cv-00060-7", "case_name": "Staton v. City and County of Butte-Silver Bow, et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-00060", "court_id": "mtd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Montana", "court_short": "D. Montana", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Brian Morris", "date_filed": "2024-06-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 688845.66, "fees_awarded": 294000, "dollar_cut": 394845.66, "pct_cut": 57.32, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 2065.4, "hours_awarded": 1400, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Staton claims, however, 2,065.4 hours and $688,845.66 total in legal fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court will award $294,000 in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 40, "quote": "The Court finds that reducing Staton's claimed hours by 40 proves appropriate to account for these clerical billing entries." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10, "quote": "The Court accordingly will reduce the claimed billable hours by 10 to avoid excessive and redundant billing." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will further reduce the hours claimed by Staton to 1,400 hours." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering the limited success of Staton, as the Court must, an additional 30% reduction in this amount of time proves warranted." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the reasonable rates for Staton's counsel are as follows: Rabb - $375 per hour, Rupprecht, Byron, and Driggers - $375 per hour, Fuller - $250 per hour, and Russell - $175 per hour." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Montana cuts employment fee award 57.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/staton-v-city-and-county-of-butte-silver-bow-mtd-2-20-cv-00060-7" }, { "slug": "diaz-mancilla-v-chesapeake-outdoor-services-llc-mdd-1-22-cv-00032-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_22-cv-00032-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_22-cv-00032/USCOURTS-mdd-1_22-cv-00032-5", "case_name": "Diaz Mancilla v. Chesapeake Outdoor Services, LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00032", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "J. Mark Coulson", "date_filed": "2024-05-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 92371.2, "fees_awarded": 62846.3, "dollar_cut": 29524.9, "pct_cut": 31.96, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "requests $101,578.70 ($92,371.20 in fees and $9,207.50 in costs) after applying a 15% reduction", "fees_awarded_quote": "With this adjustment, the Court will award attorney fees in the amount of $62,846.30.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.4, "quote": "The above tasks are clerical in nature or otherwise non-compensable and therefore no compensation to Plaintiff's counsel for those tasks is appropriate." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore concludes that 25% fee reduction is warranted for counsels' ADR efforts given their misrepresentation in their initial demand letter, making their compensable ADR costs $825.00." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.9, "quote": "because counsels' use of block billing in this entry makes it impossible to separate the compensable work from the non-compensable work, the entire 2.5 hours will be disallowed." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 130, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "The Court therefore removes those 0.4 hours of requested attorney compensation with respect to preparing for and attending hearings, making $2,300.00 the total compensable amount for hearing-related activities in this case." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1827.5, "hours": 4.3, "quote": "since counsels' block billing practices make it impossible to determine what portion of that time was impermissibly charged for organizing documents, the Court removes the entire 4.3 hours of requested attorney compensation with respect to that entry" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 4939.75, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore reduce the amount of fees recoverable regarding the motion for summary judgment by 25%, making $14,819.25 the total amount of fees recoverable regarding the same instead of $19,759.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1997.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will therefore award Plaintiff's counsel only 2 hours in fees regarding that motion (1 hour for each attorney), or $850.00 total. In other words, the Court will reduce the recoverable fee regarding the motion in limine by $1,997.50." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1770, "hours": 11.8, "quote": "The Court therefore removes the above 11.8 hours of time from Plaintiff's fee petition (worth $1,770.00 in charges), making $45,559.50 the total amount recoverable in fees regarding trial." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the award regarding the present fee petition by 25%, thereby entitling Plaintiff's counsel to recover $4,366.86 regarding the same." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts wage and hour fee award 32%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/diaz-mancilla-v-chesapeake-outdoor-services-llc-mdd-1-22-cv-00032-5" }, { "slug": "bnsf-railway-company-v-the-center-for-asbestos-related-mtd-9-19-cv-00040-19", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mtd-9_19-cv-00040-19", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mtd-9_19-cv-00040/USCOURTS-mtd-9_19-cv-00040-19", "case_name": "BNSF Railway Company et al v. The Center for Asbestos Related Disease, Inc.", "docket_number": "9:19-cv-00040", "court_id": "mtd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Montana", "court_short": "D. Montana", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dana L. Christensen", "date_filed": "2024-05-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1468371.5, "fees_awarded": 1101279.38, "dollar_cut": 367092.12, "pct_cut": 25, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 7333.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "BNSF seeks $1,468,371.50 in attorneys’ fees and $322,657.20 in costs after having successfully litigated a False Claims Act (“FCA”) qui tam action against Defendant Center for Asbestos Related Disease, Inc. (“CARD”).", "fees_awarded_quote": "CARD shall pay BNSF $1,101,279.38 in attorneys’ fees and $322,657.20 in costs, for a total award of $1,423,936.58.", "reasons": [ { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a 25% reduction from BNSF’s submitted hours is appropriate and sufficiently accounts for the above mentioned factors." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "BNSF’s documentation is therefore inadequate because it leaves the Court unable to determine for itself what hours were spent reasonably, especially considering that BNSF did not succeed on all claims." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Montana cuts fee award 25%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bnsf-railway-company-v-the-center-for-asbestos-related-mtd-9-19-cv-00040-19" }, { "slug": "christopher-drennen-v-fresenius-medical-care-holdings-inc-mad-1-09-cv-10179-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_09-cv-10179-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_09-cv-10179/USCOURTS-mad-1_09-cv-10179-4", "case_name": "Christopher Drennen v. Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.,", "docket_number": "1:09-cv-10179", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "George A. O'Toole, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-05-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Parsons Behle & Latimer", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 11630, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But such errors or issues—even if inadvertent or possibly excusable—call into question the overall care or accuracy of the recordkeeping, especially for entries that are not so easily contradicted by other accounts. To adjust for this, the Court will reduce the fee request by five percent." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Indeed, routinely billing in twelve-minute increments risks the same \"upward bias\" criticized by courts regarding fifteen-minute increments. See, e.g., Pérez-Sosa, 22 F.4th at 331. Consequently, the Court will reduce the fee by ten percent." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "There is also evidence in the billing records of practices that make it difficult—if not impossible—for the Court to conduct meaningful review, such as block billing, vague time entries, and some indications of a lack of contemporaneous record keeping." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "There is also evidence in the billing records of practices that make it difficult—if not impossible—for the Court to conduct meaningful review, such as block billing, vague time entries, and some indications of a lack of contemporaneous record keeping." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "There is also evidence in the billing records of practices that make it difficult—if not impossible—for the Court to conduct meaningful review, such as block billing, vague time entries, and some indications of a lack of contemporaneous record keeping." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Consequently, the Court reduces the total fee request by five percent." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 3, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Consequently, the Court reduces the total fee request by three percent." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 6, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce the total fee by six percent to account for partner-level attorneys conducting basic legal tasks more cost-effectively done by associates billing at associate-level rates." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 1, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The time spent negotiating, reviewing, and drafting a fee arrangement with Relator should be disallowed. ... Therefore, the Court will reduce the overall request by one percent." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts fee award, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/christopher-drennen-v-fresenius-medical-care-holdings-inc-mad-1-09-cv-10179-4" }, { "slug": "leo-v-province-therapeutics-llc-nyed-2-23-cv-05418-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-05418-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-05418/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-05418-2", "case_name": "Leo v. Province Therapeutics, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-05418", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James M. Wicks", "date_filed": "2024-05-24", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Anderson Dodson, P.C.", "fees_requested": 17178.5, "fees_awarded": 14009.5, "dollar_cut": 3169, "pct_cut": 18.45, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 73, "hours_awarded": 71.5, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff’s counsel seeks a total of $17,178.50 in fees for 73 hours of work performed in this matter.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the undersigned recommends granting Plaintiff’s counsel’s motion for attorney’s fees in the total amount of $14,009.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Jess Velez: reduced from $175.00 to $125.00" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Jessica Balint: reduced from $175.00 and $195.00 to $150.00" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Billy Hernandez: reduced from $95.00 and $125.00 to $75.00." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.7, "quote": "assigns a $45.00 hourly rate to all of the aforementioned clerical tasks (11.7 hours)." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "the Court completely excludes entirely the blank entry submitted by Balint (0.2 hours)" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "and nag opposing counsel (0.2 hours)" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 18.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/leo-v-province-therapeutics-llc-nyed-2-23-cv-05418-2" }, { "slug": "frey-v-health-management-systems-inc-txsd-4-21-cv-02024-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-02024-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-02024/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-02024-4", "case_name": "Frey et al v. Health Management Systems, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "4:21-cv-02024", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dena Palermo", "date_filed": "2024-05-23", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Husch Blackwell, LLP", "fees_requested": 875106.75, "fees_awarded": 474283.75, "dollar_cut": 400823, "pct_cut": 45.8, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1370.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In sum, Defendants seek $875,106.75 in attorneys’ fees and $5,372.47 in expenses,3 for a total of $880,479.22.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Adding all three amounts together, $162,458.10 + $165,566.25 + $146,259.40, the total lodestar is $474,283.75.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court follows Miniex’s guidance and its own understanding of the current legal market’s paralegal rates and reduces Ms. Werner’s rate from $260 per hour to $235 per hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.8, "quote": "the Court finds that the following time was spent on non-legal work: (1) 2.1 hours of Ms. Holloway’s time ($500/hour); (2) 4.4 hours of Ms. Werner’s time ($235/hour); (3) 0.5 hours of Ms. Rudman’s time ($575/hour); and (4) 2.8 hours of Ms. Brakefield’s time ($395/hour)." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "After reviewing HMS’s billing records, the Court reduces HMS’s attorney fees by 10%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds that a further reduction of 20% to the lodestar amount is reasonable to adjust for the number of hours billed." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that the following rates are reasonable:" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Upon review of Cotiviti’s vague entries, the Court reduces Cotiviti’s attorney fees by 5%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds that a reduction of 20% to the lodestar amount is reasonable to adjust for the number of duplicative and excessive hours billed." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To determine the reasonable hourly rates for CGI’s counsel, the Court has reviewed the record in this case, the skill and experience of its counsel, and the rates awarded in qui tam and other comparable cases decided in this district." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 17, "quote": "the Court finds that the following time was spent on non-legal work: (1) 5.3 hours of Hickey’s time; (2) 2.7 hours of Farmer’s time; (3) 7.8 hours of Farrell’s time; and (4) 1.2 hours of Sweet’s time." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces CGI’s attorney fees by 10%." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court finds that a further reduction of 20% to the lodestar amount is reasonable to adjust for the number of hours billed." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts fee award 45.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/frey-v-health-management-systems-inc-txsd-4-21-cv-02024-4" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ohsd-2-22-cv-03458-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ohsd-2_22-cv-03458-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_22-cv-03458/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_22-cv-03458-1", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-03458", "court_id": "ohsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Ohio", "court_short": "S.D. Ohio", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Peter B. Silvain, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-05-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8404.86, "fees_awarded": 8148.86, "dollar_cut": 256, "pct_cut": 3.05, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an award of attorney fees under the EAJA in the amount of $8,404.86.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Commissioner shall pay Plaintiff’s attorney fees under the EAJA in the amount of $8,148.86;", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 256, "hours": 3.2, "quote": "the first, third, fourth, and fifth entry are clerical and therefore not compensable under the EAJA" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Ohio cuts social security fee award 3% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ohsd-2-22-cv-03458-1" }, { "slug": "emerson-electric-co-v-holmes-nyed-2-16-cv-01390-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_16-cv-01390-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_16-cv-01390/USCOURTS-nyed-2_16-cv-01390-3", "case_name": "Emerson Electric Co. v. Holmes et al", "docket_number": "2:16-cv-01390", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2024-05-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Simon Lesser PC", "fees_requested": 425992.5, "fees_awarded": 416926.8, "dollar_cut": 9065.7, "pct_cut": 2.13, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1277.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests an award of $425,992.50 in attorneys’ fees and $275,281.52 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For the reasons contained herein, Plaintiff’s motion for attorneys’ fees and costs is granted in part. The Court awards $416,926.80 in attorneys’ fees and $249,866.21 in costs, for a total of $666,793.01.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 2, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court applies a 2% reduction 5 to the fees requested by Lesser." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 2, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court applies a 2% reduction 5 to the fees requested by Lesser." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 10.5, "quote": "the Court deducts a total of 10.5 hours of work performed by Eric Snyder, Jonah Zweig, and Susan Ghim as there is no explanation regarding the identity of these individuals, their level of experience, or their relation to the case." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts fee award 2.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/emerson-electric-co-v-holmes-nyed-2-16-cv-01390-3" }, { "slug": "morfitt-shumway-v-commissioner-social-security-cod-1-21-cv-00744-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_21-cv-00744-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_21-cv-00744/USCOURTS-cod-1_21-cv-00744-0", "case_name": "Morfitt-Shumway v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-00744", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William J. Martínez", "date_filed": "2024-05-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 57.1, "hours_awarded": 51, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.55, "quote": "Plaintiff concedes the 0.55 hours she billed for clerical tasks are noncompensable." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces Plaintiff’s requested hours by 10% to account for inadequately detailed billing statements and litigation inefficiency." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces Plaintiff’s requested hours by 10% to account for inadequately detailed billing statements and litigation inefficiency." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.39, "quote": "The Court rounds down the calculated compensable hours to the nearest whole hour for administrative purposes" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts social security fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/morfitt-shumway-v-commissioner-social-security-cod-1-21-cv-00744-0" }, { "slug": "yarovoy-v-tesla-motors-inc-cand-3-23-cv-04182-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-04182-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-04182/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-04182-1", "case_name": "Yarovoy v. Tesla Motors, Inc.", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-04182", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jacqueline Scott Corley", "date_filed": "2024-05-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 37462.5, "fees_awarded": 14436.25, "dollar_cut": 23026.25, "pct_cut": 61.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 79.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $37,462.50 in total reimbursement, including $24,962.50 in attorney s fees, $554.60 in costs and $12,500 for briefing this motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiff $14,436.25 in fees and $554.60 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14, "quote": "the Court reduces hours spent drafting the complaint to five hours total." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "the Court deducts all hours spent on the auto warranty complaint." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 845, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces the attorney s fees award by $845," }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court makes a 50% deduction of counsel s $5,207.50 in excessive billing for internal" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court makes a 50% deduction of counsel s $5,207.50 in excessive billing for internal" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 61.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/yarovoy-v-tesla-motors-inc-cand-3-23-cv-04182-1" }, { "slug": "bmo-bank-n-a-v-royal-road-line-inc-caed-1-23-cv-01714-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01714-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01714/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01714-0", "case_name": "BMO Bank N.A. v. Royal Road Line Inc et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01714", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "United States Magistrate Judge", "date_filed": "2024-05-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP", "fees_requested": 7897.5, "fees_awarded": 5460, "dollar_cut": 2437.5, "pct_cut": 30.86, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 24.3, "hours_awarded": 16.8, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "The total amount of attorney fees sought in this action is $7,897.50 for a total of 24.30 hours of work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court recommends Plaintiff be awarded 16.8 hours of attorney time at a rate of $325.00, for a total fee amount of $5,460.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.5, "quote": "the Court did not hold a hearing on the motion for default judgment. (ECF No. 15). Accordingly, the total amount of hours must be reduced by Attorney Ito’s estimate of time spent in connection to a hearing before the court, i.e., 3.50 hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "The Court finds that the complaint in this case should not have taken more than 3.0 hours to prepare and will accordingly reduce the award amount." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.9, "quote": "These entries are either excessive, duplicative or are clerical tasks that should not be billed at an attorney rate. The Court finds these tasks should not have taken more than 1.00 hours to complete and will reduce the award amount accordingly." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts commercial fee award 30.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bmo-bank-n-a-v-royal-road-line-inc-caed-1-23-cv-01714-0" }, { "slug": "goldstein-v-fortador-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-20116-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-20116-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-20116/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-20116-0", "case_name": "Goldstein v. Fortador, LLC", "docket_number": "1:24-cv-20116", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jonathan Goodman", "date_filed": "2024-05-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3915, "fees_awarded": 3567, "dollar_cut": 348, "pct_cut": 8.89, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 15.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In the instant case, Plaintiff seeks $3,915.00 in attorney’s fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, the Undersigned respectfully recommends that Plaintiff recover $3,567.00 (instead of $3,915.00) in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because of the caselaw within this circuit and the difference in experience between Ms. Tcacisina and Mr. Gordon, Ms. Tcacisina should be awarded $150.00 an hour and Mr. Gordon $100.00 an hour." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These problematic entries will be reduced by 40% because there is no way to determine on this record the amount of time counsel spent on each of the specific tasks mentioned in the block-billed entry or whether these tasks were necessary." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These problematic entries will be reduced by 40% because there is no way to determine on this record the amount of time counsel spent on each of the specific tasks mentioned in the block-billed entry or whether these tasks were necessary." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 8.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/goldstein-v-fortador-llc-flsd-1-24-cv-20116-0" }, { "slug": "bojicic-v-dewine-ohnd-3-21-cv-00630-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ohnd-3_21-cv-00630-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ohnd-3_21-cv-00630/USCOURTS-ohnd-3_21-cv-00630-4", "case_name": "Bojicic et al v. DeWine et al", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-00630", "court_id": "ohnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Ohio", "court_short": "N.D. Ohio", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James G. Carr", "date_filed": "2024-05-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 43111, "fees_awarded": 42762.3, "dollar_cut": 348.7, "pct_cut": 0.81, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The remaining Defendants seek attorneys’ fees totaling $43,111 and costs totaling $5,220.20.", "fees_awarded_quote": "I award them $42,762.30 in attorneys’ fees and $5,220.20 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 62.7, "hours": 0.38, "quote": "I reduce Keene’s hours for the eleven entries Respondents identify by 20%, or 0.38 hours (1.9 hours x 0.2 = 0.38 hours). Keene’s related fees for those entries fall by $62.70 to $250.80." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 203.5, "hours": null, "quote": "I therefore will not award Defendant counsel’s fees that relate to addressing Respondents’ appeal of my dismissal of their complaint." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 82.5, "hours": null, "quote": "A time entry without a description provides no basis for me to determine with a high degree of certainty that such hours were actually and reasonably expended in the prosecution of the litigation." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Ohio cuts civil rights fee award 0.8%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/bojicic-v-dewine-ohnd-3-21-cv-00630-4" }, { "slug": "toups-v-social-security-administration-commissioner-arwd-5-23-cv-05006-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-arwd-5_23-cv-05006-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-arwd-5_23-cv-05006/USCOURTS-arwd-5_23-cv-05006-2", "case_name": "Toups v. Social Security Administration Commissioner", "docket_number": "5:23-cv-05006", "court_id": "arwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Arkansas", "court_short": "W.D. Arkansas", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Timothy L. Brooks", "date_filed": "2024-05-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7097.25, "fees_awarded": 6605.4, "dollar_cut": 491.85, "pct_cut": 6.93, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "On April 22, 2024, Plaintiff filed a Motion seeking an award of attorney's fees in the amount of $7,097.25 under 28 U.S.C. § 2412, the Equal Access to Justice Act", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court hereby orders that Plaintiff is entitled to compensation under the EAJA for attorney's fees in the total amount of $6,605.40", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.25, "quote": "an entry on November 18, 2022, regarding reviewing notes, correcting a calendar entry, and instructing paralegals (.25) should be excluded" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.85, "quote": "several entries (totaling .85 hours) during 2023 relating to continued efforts by staff and counsel to contact Plaintiff (as well as staff communications) should be excluded" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "During 2023, there is also a small measure of double-billing, and the undersigned recommends that a 1.0 hour reduction of time during 2023 be made to correct for this." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Arkansas cuts social security fee award 6.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/toups-v-social-security-administration-commissioner-arwd-5-23-cv-05006-2" }, { "slug": "sisk-v-commissioner-of-social-security-tnmd-3-22-cv-00958-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00958-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00958/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_22-cv-00958-1", "case_name": "Sisk v. Commissioner of Social Security", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00958", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara D. Holmes", "date_filed": "2024-05-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 8909.65, "fees_awarded": 6743.99, "dollar_cut": 2165.66, "pct_cut": 24.31, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 34.1, "hours_awarded": 31.3, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff asks the Court to award her a total of $8,929.36, which is comprised of attorney's fees in the amount of $8,909.65 and expenses in the amount of $19.71.", "fees_awarded_quote": "an EAJA attorney fee of $6,743.99, based on 31.3 hours of work at three separate rates (1.6 hours at a rate of $232.67 per hour; 24.1 hours at a rate of $241.15 per hour; and 5.6 hours at a rate of $100 per hour), plus $19.71 in expenses", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.4, "quote": "the Court will reduce this amount of time by one third and reduce the total number of 2023 attorney hours requested by 8.4 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.4, "quote": "paralegal Brenden Perrigo's billing entry of 1.4 hours on March 24, 2023 to \"combine, OCR [Optical Character Recognition], and live bookmark Federal Court transcript\" is a clerical task not compensable under EAJA." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts social security fee award 24.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/sisk-v-commissioner-of-social-security-tnmd-3-22-cv-00958-1" }, { "slug": "epsilantis-v-scozzari-roof-services-contracting-consulting-flsd-2-21-cv-14195-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-2_21-cv-14195-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-2_21-cv-14195/USCOURTS-flsd-2_21-cv-14195-1", "case_name": "Epsilantis v. Scozzari Roof Services Contracting & Consulting, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-14195", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Aileen M. Cannon", "date_filed": "2024-05-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "USA Employment Lawyers", "fees_requested": 230156.25, "fees_awarded": 161113.5, "dollar_cut": 69042.75, "pct_cut": 30, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 741.69, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In the Motion, Plaintiff seeks $230,156.25 in attorney’s fees and $14,506.28 in costs, for a total amount of $244,662.53.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of $161,113.50 plus costs in the amount of $11,070.64 to be taxed against Defendants [ECF No. 218].", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on my finding of redundant hours, excessive billing, and time billing for clerical tasks, I find that a 30% across-the-board reduction of the hours is justified." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on my finding of redundant hours, excessive billing, and time billing for clerical tasks, I find that a 30% across-the-board reduction of the hours is justified." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on my finding of redundant hours, excessive billing, and time billing for clerical tasks, I find that a 30% across-the-board reduction of the hours is justified." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts wage and hour fee award 30%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/epsilantis-v-scozzari-roof-services-contracting-consulting-flsd-2-21-cv-14195-1" }, { "slug": "roor-international-bv-v-stinky-s-smoke-shop-llc-txed-4-18-cv-00735-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txed-4_18-cv-00735-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txed-4_18-cv-00735/USCOURTS-txed-4_18-cv-00735-8", "case_name": "Roor International BV, et al., v. Stinky's Smoke Shop, LLC, et al.", "docket_number": "4:18-cv-00735", "court_id": "txed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Texas", "court_short": "E.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kimberly C. Priest Johnson", "date_filed": "2024-05-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "On this basis, the Court concludes that an across-the-board reduction of 10% is necessary to account for the incomplete entries." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that an across-the-board reduction of 5% appropriately accounts for the large billing increments." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the Court concludes that a significant across-the-board reduction of 30% adequately accounts for the block-billed entries." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Texas cuts intellectual property fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/roor-international-bv-v-stinky-s-smoke-shop-llc-txed-4-18-cv-00735-8" }, { "slug": "nixon-v-bevini-s-r-l-tnmd-3-20-cv-01103-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_20-cv-01103-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_20-cv-01103/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_20-cv-01103-3", "case_name": "Nixon v. Bevini, S.R.L.", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-01103", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara D. Holmes", "date_filed": "2024-05-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 45600, "fees_awarded": 8000, "dollar_cut": 37600, "pct_cut": 82.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 96.6, "hours_awarded": 20, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Court has revised the total amount sought from $48,000.00 to $45,600.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Based on an hourly rate of $400 and compensable time of 20 hours, the Court finds that a reasonable attorney’s fee amount in connection with the motion to compel in this case is $8,000.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The time spent on a motion to amend the scheduling order and at least some of the time spent on researching appropriate actions, which included a reference to the motion to amend the scheduling order, are not compensable under Rule 37(a)(5)(A)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the amount of time spent drafting a 2-page motion, 13-page memorandum of law, and 5-page reply is far beyond the range of reasonableness." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "none of these time entries were “incurred with respect to the Motion to Compel (Docket No. 96), including any pre-filing attempts at resolution.”" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "the 2.5 hours billed by attorney Leniski to prepare for and attend the discovery hearing, although, perhaps, not unreasonable standing alone, are unreasonably duplicative." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6, "quote": "in the absence of any description of the 6.0 hours billed by paralegal Scott, the Court will not reallocate payment to Defendant." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that 20 hours is a reasonable, compensable amount of time spent preparing for and attending the various discovery conferences and hearings." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate is $400." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts sanctions fee award 82.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nixon-v-bevini-s-r-l-tnmd-3-20-cv-01103-3" }, { "slug": "canon-u-s-a-inc-v-sysorex-government-services-inc-nyed-2-23-cv-08001-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-08001-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-08001/USCOURTS-nyed-2_23-cv-08001-0", "case_name": "Canon U.S.A., Inc. v. Sysorex Government Services, Inc.", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-08001", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Lee G. Dunst", "date_filed": "2024-05-01", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Dorsey & Whitney", "fees_requested": 38053.84, "fees_awarded": 18985, "dollar_cut": 19068.84, "pct_cut": 50.11, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 65.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In support of its Motion, Plaintiff calculates total attorney’s fees of $38,053.84.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court respectfully recommends an award of attorney’s fees in the total amount of $18,985.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a range of $400.00 to $450.00 per hour for partners, $300.00 per hour for associates, and $100.00 per hour for paralegals are more reasonable hourly rates that should apply here." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing of over thirty hours devoted to preparing, drafting, and filing the Complaint, which is eight pages and asserts three straightforward claims, and, more than fifteen hours spent drafting the memorandum of law and declarations for the default motion, are somewhat high." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the records contain block-billing, which “makes it difficult if not impossible for [the Court] to determine the reasonableness of the time spent on each of the individual services or tasks provided.”" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 50.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/canon-u-s-a-inc-v-sysorex-government-services-inc-nyed-2-23-cv-08001-0" }, { "slug": "wilson-v-kijakazi-utd-2-23-cv-00247-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-utd-2_23-cv-00247-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-utd-2_23-cv-00247/USCOURTS-utd-2_23-cv-00247-0", "case_name": "Wilson v. Kijakazi", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00247", "court_id": "utd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Utah", "court_short": "D. Utah", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jared C. Bennett", "date_filed": "2024-04-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 9983.4, "fees_awarded": 7490.49, "dollar_cut": 2492.91, "pct_cut": 24.97, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks an EAJA fee award of $9,983.40.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $7,490.49 in fees under the EAJA.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": 7.8, "quote": "Thus, the court reduces those hours by roughly 25%, or 7.8 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.75, "quote": "the court reduces Plaintiff's claimed attorney time by 0.75 hours and paralegal time by 2.8 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.8, "quote": "the court reduces Plaintiff's claimed attorney time by 0.75 hours and paralegal time by 2.8 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Utah cuts social security fee award 25%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/wilson-v-kijakazi-utd-2-23-cv-00247-0" }, { "slug": "nixon-v-bevini-s-r-l-tnmd-3-20-cv-01103-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-tnmd-3_20-cv-01103-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_20-cv-01103/USCOURTS-tnmd-3_20-cv-01103-2", "case_name": "Nixon v. Bevini, S.R.L.", "docket_number": "3:20-cv-01103", "court_id": "tnmd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Tennessee", "court_short": "M.D. Tennessee", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara D. Holmes", "date_filed": "2024-04-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 45600, "fees_awarded": 8000, "dollar_cut": 37600, "pct_cut": 82.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 96.6, "hours_awarded": 20, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "The Court has revised the total amount sought from $48,000.00 to $45,600.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Based on an hourly rate of $400 and compensable time of 20 hours, the Court finds that a reasonable attorney’s fee amount in connection with the motion to compel in this case is $8,000.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The time spent on a motion to amend the scheduling order and at least some of the time spent on researching appropriate actions, which included a reference to the motion to amend the scheduling order, are not compensable under Rule 37(a)(5)(A)." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the amount of time spent drafting a 2-page motion, 13-page memorandum of law, and 5-page reply is far beyond the range of reasonableness." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "none of these time entries were “incurred with respect to the Motion to Compel (Docket No. 96), including any pre-filing attempts at resolution.”" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "the 2.5 hours billed by attorney Leniski to prepare for and attend the discovery hearing, although, perhaps, not unreasonable standing alone, are unreasonably duplicative." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6, "quote": "in the absence of any description of the 6.0 hours billed by paralegal Scott, the Court will not reallocate payment to Defendant." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that 20 hours is a reasonable, compensable amount of time spent preparing for and attending the various discovery conferences and hearings." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate is $400." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Tennessee cuts fee award 82.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nixon-v-bevini-s-r-l-tnmd-3-20-cv-01103-2" }, { "slug": "early-v-keystone-restaurant-group-llc-caed-2-16-cv-00740-15", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_16-cv-00740-15", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_16-cv-00740/USCOURTS-caed-2_16-cv-00740-15", "case_name": "Early et al v. Keystone Restaurant Group, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:16-cv-00740", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dale A. Drozd", "date_filed": "2024-04-30", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 630387, "fees_awarded": 346192.5, "dollar_cut": 284194.5, "pct_cut": 45.08, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "has reduced her requested fees by 10% for a total request of $630,387.00 in attorneys' fees and $19,516.32 in costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court will grant plaintiff's motion for an award of attorneys' fees in part and award plaintiff a total of $346,192.50 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The court finds that application of the previously-approved hourly rates remains appropriate for the attorney and paralegal hours spent from August 2015 through October 30, 2018." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.55, "quote": "plaintiff apparently again seeks attorneys' fees for 4.55 hours spent by attorney Burton on tasks pertaining to the Sonic defendants, not defendant Keystone." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 20, "quote": "the court's February 25, 2019 order reduced attorney Nakama's hours due to excessive billing (20 hours)" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 38, "quote": "time spent on tasks pertaining to the Sonic defendants (38 hours)" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 19.5, "quote": "time unreasonably spent to review the transcript of the trial that he attended each day (19.5 hours)" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 21.7, "quote": "the court has carefully reviewed plaintiff's counsel's billing records and determined that at least 21.7 hours expended by attorney Burton were spent on tasks pertaining solely to the Sonic defendants." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 190, "quote": "plaintiff offers no argument or basis as to why she should be deemed to be the prevailing party with respect to her appeal, given that she obtained limited success" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some of those entries include vague descriptions, such as \"case file,\" \"mail,\" and \"NC\"—which understandably cast further doubt on the reliability of plaintiff's counsel's billing records." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are no billing records at all to substantiate the time purportedly spent by attorney Nakama and paralegal O'Keefe during this time period" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 90.9, "quote": "plaintiff has not offered any persuasive, non-conclusory argument to support a fee award during this period of time in which the parties negotiated a settlement of plaintiff's claims." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the docket reflects no activity from plaintiff in this action for nearly three years following the Ninth Circuit's decision, and yet somehow plaintiff's counsel's billing records include five pages worth of entries for attorney Burton during that period of dormancy." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts employment fee award 45.1%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/early-v-keystone-restaurant-group-llc-caed-2-16-cv-00740-15" }, { "slug": "swanton-v-zou-cod-1-20-cv-01742-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-01742-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-01742/USCOURTS-cod-1_20-cv-01742-1", "case_name": "Swanton v. Zou et al", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-01742", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nina Y. Wang", "date_filed": "2024-04-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 306842.5, "fees_awarded": 167093.75, "dollar_cut": 139748.75, "pct_cut": 45.54, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Swanton moves for $306,842.50 in attorneys’ fees for the FCA action overall; $964.32 in expenses; and attorneys’ fees for the preparation and litigation of this instant Motion.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff-Relator Bryan Swanton is AWARDED the amount of $167,093.75 in attorneys’ fees and $964.32 in costs, for a total amount of $168,058.07.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court concludes that any hours associated with the service of the Complaint, the resulting Motion to Dismiss, and the Status Conference with this Court are also not reasonable." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "to the extent that Plaintiff-Relator seeks any attorneys’ fees and costs associated with an attempt to pursue non-asserted, employment-related causes of action – whether under the FCA, other statute, or common law, such relief is not appropriate under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(d)" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Similarly, any fees or costs associated with pursuing Defendants for alleged bribery of Chinese officials and possible FCPA claims are not recoverable." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This Court is not persuaded that counsel should be compensated for hours devoted to seeking extensions of time from the Court, researching “meet and confer” obligations, or researching this Court’s Civil Practice Standards" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court has reduced the amount of time for Messrs. Colapinto and Harmon associated with the filing of this instant Motion, which is excessive" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Administrative tasks, like preparing invoices and calculating hours, are also not recoverable." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts fee award 45.5%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/swanton-v-zou-cod-1-20-cv-01742-1" }, { "slug": "jiangmen-benlida-printed-circuit-co-ltd-v-circuitronix-llc-flsd-0-21-cv-60125-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_21-cv-60125-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_21-cv-60125/USCOURTS-flsd-0_21-cv-60125-9", "case_name": "Jiangmen Benlida Printed Circuit Co., Ltd. v. Circuitronix, LLC", "docket_number": "0:21-cv-60125", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert N. Scola, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-04-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1883635.5, "fees_awarded": 1786565.25, "dollar_cut": 97070.25, "pct_cut": 5.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "In sum, the Undersigned respectfully recommends that CTX-US recover $1,786,565.25 (instead of $1,883,635.50) in attorney's fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Circuitronix $43,635.01 in taxable costs, $1,786,565.25 in attorney's fees, and $638,102.14 in contractual costs, to be paid by Benlida", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 3037.5, "hours": 4.5, "quote": "the Undersigned will first reduce Attorney Weinshall's total hours by 4.5 due to his double-billed entries" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Due to the sheer amount of block billing present in both declarations, the Undersigned will first reduce Attorney Weinshall's total hours by 4.5 due to his double-billed entries, and then proceed to discount the total amount of fees from each declaration by 5%." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 5.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/jiangmen-benlida-printed-circuit-co-ltd-v-circuitronix-llc-flsd-0-21-cv-60125-9" }, { "slug": "yarovoy-v-tesla-motors-inc-cand-3-23-cv-04182-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-04182-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-04182/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-04182-0", "case_name": "Yarovoy v. Tesla Motors, Inc.", "docket_number": "3:23-cv-04182", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jacqueline Scott Corley", "date_filed": "2024-04-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 24962.5, "fees_awarded": 14436.25, "dollar_cut": 10526.25, "pct_cut": 42.17, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 79.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks $37,462.50 in total reimbursement. (Dkt. No. 30 at 7.) This amount includes $24,962.50 in attorney's fees, $554.60 in \"costs incurred prior to filing this motion,\" and $12,500 \"for fully briefing and arguing this motion.\"", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards a total of $14,436.25 in fees and $554.60 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces hours spent drafting the complaint to five hours total." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 5572.5, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "Without further details, 9.7 hours on an undefined auto warranty complaint—totaling over $5,572.50 in fees—is unreasonable. Accordingly, the Court deducts all hours spent on the auto warranty complaint." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 845, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces the attorney's fees award by $845, reflecting the total time billed for overly vague, clerical entries attributed to counsel's paralegal." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 2603.75, "hours": null, "quote": "For the reasons above, the Court makes a 50% deduction of counsel's $5,207.50 in excessive billing for internal messages and \"matter admin.\"" }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 100, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 12500, "hours": null, "quote": "For the above reasons, the Court declines to award Plaintiff fees for time spent litigating the present motion." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 42.2%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/yarovoy-v-tesla-motors-inc-cand-3-23-cv-04182-0" }, { "slug": "ps-dozier-v-mai-caed-1-23-cv-00759-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00759-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00759/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00759-4", "case_name": "(PS) Dozier v. Mai et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00759", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Carolyn K. Delaney", "date_filed": "2024-04-22", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5000, "fees_awarded": 1785, "dollar_cut": 3215, "pct_cut": 64.3, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 14, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "plaintiff requests attorneys’ fees at a rate $357 per hour for work by attorneys Rick Morin and Bryce Fick for 14 hours of legal services, totaling $5,000 (rounded up).", "fees_awarded_quote": "the court recommends an award of $1,785 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.2, "quote": "Because the above time entries are for purely clerical tasks, 2.2 hours should be reduced from Mr. Morin’s hours spent on this matter." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.1, "quote": "The court finds it proper to reduce this entry by 0.1 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The undersigned recommends that this entry be reduced by 0.5 hours, as it includes purely clerical tasks and because it concerns prosecution of a defendant who has now been dismissed from this case." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "The 1.1 hours billed for this entry is therefore not recoverable." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "The court finds a reduction of 0.4 hours is appropriate." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.9, "quote": "the court finds it appropriate to reduce the hours spent on preparing and drafting the motion by 2.9 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award 64.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ps-dozier-v-mai-caed-1-23-cv-00759-4" }, { "slug": "reed-v-larson-ilsd-3-18-cv-01182-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ilsd-3_18-cv-01182-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ilsd-3_18-cv-01182/USCOURTS-ilsd-3_18-cv-01182-11", "case_name": "Reed v. Larson", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-01182", "court_id": "ilsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Illinois", "court_short": "S.D. Illinois", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "J. Phil Gilbert", "date_filed": "2024-04-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Prisoner rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 463990.87, "fees_awarded": 170000, "dollar_cut": 293990.87, "pct_cut": 63.36, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 820.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "This includes attorney, paralegal, and secretarial fees in the gross amount of $618,654.50, 25% of which is assessed against Reed under 42 U.S.C. § 1997e, and results in a net amount of $463,990.87", "fees_awarded_quote": "Attorney’s fees are awarded in the total amount of $170,000.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The PLRA rate cap still applies and limits this Court’s ability to award attorney’s fees based on hourly rates that exceed the ones listed in the table above." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will exclude a portion of these hours, while also recognizing that the work performed on the claims against Dr. Larson was legally and factually related and even necessary for success on Count 1 against Wexford." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that the reasonable percentage reduction is 12%." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 12, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "These times are excessive or redundant, and the documentation offered in support of them is vague." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Illinois cuts prisoner rights fee award 63.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/reed-v-larson-ilsd-3-18-cv-01182-11" }, { "slug": "noble-house-llc-v-derecktor-florida-inc-flsd-0-20-cv-62438-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_20-cv-62438-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_20-cv-62438/USCOURTS-flsd-0_20-cv-62438-1", "case_name": "Noble House, LLC v. Derecktor Florida, Inc.", "docket_number": "0:20-cv-62438", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Darrin P. Gayles", "date_filed": "2024-04-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Fowler White Burnett, P.A.", "fees_requested": 294440.75, "fees_awarded": 280194.25, "dollar_cut": 14246.5, "pct_cut": 4.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1060.85, "hours_awarded": 1007.15, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Pursuant to the Motion, Defendant seeks an award of attorneys’ fees in the amount of $294,440.75.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendants are hereby awarded $280,194.25 in attorneys’ fees plus $40,686.70 in non-taxable costs, for a total award of $320,880.95", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.2, "quote": "These entries, totaling 3.2 hours, are duplicative of work performed by other attorneys." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "0.2 hours for drafting a notice of appearance on 2/10/21 as such work is clerical" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 31.7, "quote": "31.7 hours for entries where the Court cannot conclude that the time was reasonably expended in connection with the litigation due to information that is redacted" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1, "quote": "his 3/14/23 entry for 0.7 hours and his 3/24/23 entry for 2.4 hours redact information such that the Court cannot conclude that all such hours were reasonably incurred" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "I also deducted 2.5 hours from the 5.5 hours that Mr. Smith spent (in August 2023) in connection with replying to Plaintiff’s response to Defendant’s motion to tax costs." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "I have deducted 0.6 hours from Mr. Smith’s 8/30/23 entry for 0.7 hours as the entry (“Assess court’s docket re: status of . . .”) is vague" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.2, "quote": "3/22/21 entry for 0.2 hours for reviewing pro hac vice motion (excessive and duplicative)" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "3.1 hours for vague entries that do not describe the tasks actually performed" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "0.8 hours for excessive and unreasonable time reviewing brief minute entries on 6/7/23" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "0.8 hours for duplicative time spent in connection with the motion to tax costs" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.6, "quote": "9.6 hours for entries where the Court cannot conclude that the time was reasonably expended in connection with the litigation due to information that is redacted" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 4.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/noble-house-llc-v-derecktor-florida-inc-flsd-0-20-cv-62438-1" }, { "slug": "silicon-genesis-corporation-v-ev-group-e-thallner-gmbh-cand-3-22-cv-04986-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-3_22-cv-04986-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_22-cv-04986/USCOURTS-cand-3_22-cv-04986-5", "case_name": "Silicon Genesis Corporation v. EV Group E.Thallner GmbH", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-04986", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jacqueline Scott Corley", "date_filed": "2024-04-15", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Gaw | Poe LLP", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.5, "quote": "The billable amount of Gaw | Poe hours expended is reduced by 11.5 hours because the Court declines to award fees for SiGen's counsel's time traveling to and from this District" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because the Court lacks information on the experience, skill, and reputation of Austrian counsel, the reasonable rate for Austrian counsel's work is $300 per hour." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "SiGen fails to provide contemporaneous records of the 21.167 hours spent preparing a response to EVG's Austrian complaint." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Austrian counsel's description of services fails to 'segregate the fees by task or category, which makes it difficult to evaluate the reasonableness of the time expended'" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts commercial fee award, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/silicon-genesis-corporation-v-ev-group-e-thallner-gmbh-cand-3-22-cv-04986-5" }, { "slug": "shaw-v-alpha-air-heating-air-conditioning-llc-laed-2-22-cv-03953-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-laed-2_22-cv-03953-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-laed-2_22-cv-03953/USCOURTS-laed-2_22-cv-03953-1", "case_name": "Shaw et al v. Alpha Air Heating & Air Conditioning LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-03953", "court_id": "laed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "E.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael B. North", "date_filed": "2024-04-10", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Law Office of Kevin S. Vogeltanz, L.L.C.", "fees_requested": 36225, "fees_awarded": 21950, "dollar_cut": 14275, "pct_cut": 39.41, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 81.75, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "This fee application followed, in which Plaintiffs seek a total of $36,225.00 in attorneys’ fees and $1,436.22 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS ORDERED that the Motion for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (rec. doc. 45) is GRANTED IN PART, and Plaintiffs be awarded $21,950.00 in fees and $1,436.22 in costs for a total of $23,386.22.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on this case law, the Court finds an hourly rate of $325.00 reasonable for an attorney with 13 to 14 years of experience at the time of this litigation." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.25, "quote": "The Court cannot award these 8.25 hours given that there is no description of the legal services performed." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Louisiana cuts wage and hour fee award 39.4%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/shaw-v-alpha-air-heating-air-conditioning-llc-laed-2-22-cv-03953-1" }, { "slug": "baxter-construction-company-llc-v-sf-construction-inc-cod-1-22-cv-01117-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-01117-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-01117/USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-01117-2", "case_name": "Baxter Construction Company, LLC v. SF Construction, Inc.", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-01117", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nina Y. Wang", "date_filed": "2024-04-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 42730, "fees_awarded": 26097.5, "dollar_cut": 16632.5, "pct_cut": 38.92, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "attorney's fees in the amount of $42,730.00; and costs in the amount of $1,517.00. [Doc. 49 at 9]; see also [Doc. 45 at 6–7].", "fees_awarded_quote": "After the Court's reductions, the Court finds that Plaintiff is entitled to an award of $26,097.50 in reasonable attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7155, "hours": null, "quote": "Because Plaintiff has only submitted supporting information for $35,575.00 worth of billed fees, the Court limits its analysis to this portion of the requested fee award." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 852.5, "hours": 3.1, "quote": "the Court declines to award any fees for hours billed by Mr. Kirchmeier or Mr. Hermosillo." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7140, "hours": 47.6, "quote": "Mr. Kirchmeier billed 47.6 hours at a rate of $150 per hour, see [id. at 5, 10, 15, 22, 28, 33, 38, 56, 60, 63], for a total of $7,140. The Court will reduce the fees awarded by these amounts." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 825, "hours": 5.5, "quote": "the Court reduces the requested award by $825, the amount billed for technical services by Mr. Wang." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 630, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court cannot conclude from the invoices that the calls to a clerk's office called upon Mr. Evans's legal expertise, and so the Court will reduce Plaintiff's fee award accordingly by $630." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 30, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will also reduce the fee award by an additional $30 to account for a redacted time entry from Ms. Wiese dated August 5, 2022" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts commercial fee award 38.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/baxter-construction-company-llc-v-sf-construction-inc-cod-1-22-cv-01117-2" }, { "slug": "reeves-v-reeves-nysb-1-23-ap-01028-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nysb-1_23-ap-01028-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nysb-1_23-ap-01028/USCOURTS-nysb-1_23-ap-01028-1", "case_name": "Reeves v. Reeves et al", "docket_number": "1:23-ap-01028", "court_id": "nysb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. New York", "court_short": "Bankr. S.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Martin Glenn", "date_filed": "2024-04-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": "Pryor Cashman LLP", "fees_requested": 95028.36, "fees_awarded": 45691.7, "dollar_cut": 49336.66, "pct_cut": 51.92, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 143.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Exhibits D and E to the Levy Declaration provide two PCLLP invoices in the total amount of $95,028.36 in legal fees for 143.9 hours of work, and $2,520.95 for expenses, including a 15% \"courtesy fee discount.\"", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, the Court expressly determines that there is no just reason for delay in entering a final judgment against Douglass in the amount of $45,691.70, payable to Karl.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Upon close inspection of PCLLP's time entries, the Court finds that the following entries (the \"Extraneous Entries\") do not sufficiently relate to Count 3:" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the Court concludes that a 50% reduction in fees is appropriate to account for PCLLP's block billing and failure to apportion time." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Here, the Court concludes that a 50% reduction in fees is appropriate to account for PCLLP's block billing and failure to apportion time." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. S.D. New York cuts bankruptcy fee award 51.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/reeves-v-reeves-nysb-1-23-ap-01028-1" }, { "slug": "giacometto-ranch-inc-v-denbury-onshore-llc-mtd-1-16-cv-00145-14", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mtd-1_16-cv-00145-14", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mtd-1_16-cv-00145/USCOURTS-mtd-1_16-cv-00145-14", "case_name": "Giacometto Ranch Inc. et al v. Denbury Onshore LLC. et al", "docket_number": "1:16-cv-00145", "court_id": "mtd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Montana", "court_short": "D. Montana", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kathleen L. DeSoto", "date_filed": "2024-04-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 20095.93, "fees_awarded": 10000, "dollar_cut": 10095.93, "pct_cut": 50.24, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Giacomettos seek $20,095.93 in attorney fees and costs related to both their motion to compel and motion for sanctions.", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Denbury shall pay to Giacomettos the sum of $10,000.00, which represents a reasonable apportionment of attorney fees expended by Giacomettos in addressing the issue of spoliated text messages.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Both firms block-bill to some extent, further calling into question whether the entire $100,479.66 is truly attributable to the motions filed by Giacomettos or a mixed bag of other tasks lumped together." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it certainly is not reasonable to seek fees for attending a mediation and reviewing unrelated documents. Because the entry is block-billed, the Court has no way to discern the appropriate breakdown of the fees." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Montana cuts sanctions fee award 50.2%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/giacometto-ranch-inc-v-denbury-onshore-llc-mtd-1-16-cv-00145-14" }, { "slug": "rodriguez-v-d-auto-boys-llc-azd-2-22-cv-01420-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01420-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01420/USCOURTS-azd-2_22-cv-01420-2", "case_name": "Rodriguez v. D'Auto Boys LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01420", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Stephen M. McNamee", "date_filed": "2024-04-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6586, "fees_awarded": 5530, "dollar_cut": 1056, "pct_cut": 16.03, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 14, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "seeking attorneys’ fees in the amount of $6,586.00, and costs in the amount of $2,601.00", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED awarding Plaintiff $5,530.00 for attorney fees and $2,601.00 in costs pursuant to the FLSA and AMWA.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce Plaintiff’s counsel’s requested hourly rate—consistent with the weight of authority in this district —to $395 per hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The Court will reduce counsel’s requested hours to account for non-compensable, clerical tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 16%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/rodriguez-v-d-auto-boys-llc-azd-2-22-cv-01420-2" }, { "slug": "gilmore-v-beveridge-ksd-2-22-cv-02032-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ksd-2_22-cv-02032-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ksd-2_22-cv-02032/USCOURTS-ksd-2_22-cv-02032-5", "case_name": "Gilmore v. Beveridge et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-02032", "court_id": "ksd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Kansas", "court_short": "D. Kansas", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Holly L. Teeter", "date_filed": "2024-04-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 317140, "fees_awarded": 259233, "dollar_cut": 57907, "pct_cut": 18.26, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 792.85, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now moves under 42 U.S.C. § 1988 for $317,140 in attorney’s fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court exercises its discretion and awards Plaintiff $259,233 in reasonable attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.45, "quote": "The Court agrees that a 9.45-hour reduction for the vague entries identified in Doc. 190-2 is appropriate." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 20.95, "quote": "The Court agrees that the identified entries are for time spent on clerical or administrative tasks and deducts 20.95 hours." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court therefore applies a 15% reduction to the lodestar. This adequately balances the significance of Plaintiff’s success on the merits against the occasionally scattershot way in which the case was prosecuted." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Kansas cuts civil rights fee award 18.3%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gilmore-v-beveridge-ksd-2-22-cv-02032-5" }, { "slug": "partners-friends-holding-corporation-v-cottonwood-minerals-txnd-3-22-cv-02502-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-02502-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-02502/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-02502-0", "case_name": "Partners & Friends Holding Corporation v. Cottonwood Minerals LLC et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-02502", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Matthew J. Kacsmaryk", "date_filed": "2024-04-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 104429.5, "fees_awarded": 102201, "dollar_cut": 2228.5, "pct_cut": 2.13, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants request $104,429.50 in appellate fees billed from February through December 2023.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is therefore ORDERED to pay Defendants' $102,201.00 in appellate fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 367.5, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "Bullock's February 8, 2023 entry is unrecoverable because these redactions \"effectively render the billing entries unintelligible.\"" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1581, "hours": 3.4, "quote": "Defendants failed to demonstrate that such fees for purely clerical tasks are either reasonable or necessary, making them unrecoverable." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 280, "hours": 1, "quote": "Her March 7 and 22 entries are block-billed with purely clerical tasks, e.g., calendaring deadlines, meaning this Court cannot adequately identify the reasonable rate for each particular service performed." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 280, "hours": 1, "quote": "Her March 7 and 22 entries are block-billed with purely clerical tasks, e.g., calendaring deadlines, meaning this Court cannot adequately identify the reasonable rate for each particular service performed." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 2.1% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/partners-friends-holding-corporation-v-cottonwood-minerals-txnd-3-22-cv-02502-0" }, { "slug": "ousley-v-cg-consulting-llc-ohsd-2-19-cv-01744-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ohsd-2_19-cv-01744-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_19-cv-01744/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_19-cv-01744-6", "case_name": "Ousley v. CG Consulting, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:19-cv-01744", "court_id": "ohsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Ohio", "court_short": "S.D. Ohio", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sarah D. Morrison", "date_filed": "2024-04-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 32.2, "quote": "the Court determines that it is appropriate to reduce Attorney Hanselman's billed time by 32.2 hours." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 60, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the time billed by each timekeeper before May 16, 2023, by 60%." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Ohio cuts employment fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ousley-v-cg-consulting-llc-ohsd-2-19-cv-01744-6" }, { "slug": "watson-v-philadelphia-parking-authority-paed-2-21-cv-01514-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_21-cv-01514-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_21-cv-01514/USCOURTS-paed-2_21-cv-01514-4", "case_name": "WATSON v. PHILADELPHIA PARKING AUTHORITY et al", "docket_number": "2:21-cv-01514", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rufe", "date_filed": "2024-03-29", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": "Derek Smith Law Group", "fees_requested": 228193.3, "fees_awarded": 132043, "dollar_cut": 96150.3, "pct_cut": 42.14, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $228,193.30 in attorneys' fees and $6,882.73 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The total for all fees is $132,043.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that Plaintiff's proposed hourly rates are excessive in light of the prevailing market rate and based on the moderate level of experience of counsel." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with the Defendant that the below timesheet filings are administrative tasks for which Plaintiff's counsel should not be compensated." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court agrees with Defendant that the below time calculations are unreasonably duplicative" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Next, the Court must \"exclude those [hours] that are excessive . . . .\" The Court finds the below hours to be excessive." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.9, "quote": "However, the initial file review of Nathaniel Peckham for 4.9 hours is unreasonable because the records do not show that he ever took any other substantive action on the case." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4, "quote": "the Court in its discretion will make a downward adjustment of 4 hours in relation to attorney time spent on issues relating to Dr. Glick" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts employment fee award 42.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/watson-v-philadelphia-parking-authority-paed-2-21-cv-01514-4" }, { "slug": "marquis-v-sadeghian-txed-4-19-cv-00626-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txed-4_19-cv-00626-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txed-4_19-cv-00626/USCOURTS-txed-4_19-cv-00626-9", "case_name": "Marquis et al v. Sadeghian et al", "docket_number": "4:19-cv-00626", "court_id": "txed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Texas", "court_short": "E.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kimberly C. Priest Johnson", "date_filed": "2024-03-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 23300.4, "fees_awarded": 19805.34, "dollar_cut": 3495.06, "pct_cut": 15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, Billy requests 67.9 attorney hours and 36.63 paralegal hours. The Court agrees that these hours are reasonable for Plaintiffs' FLSA claims.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Applying this reduction to the lodestar figure, the total award of attorney's fees is $19,805.34.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "While it is clear that Plaintiffs' counsel spent significant time preparing for the FLSA claims, this does not excuse the vague entries in the invoices. Thus, the Court finds it appropriate to reduce the lodestar by five percent." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, the lodestar should be reduced by five percent in addition to the five percent reduction for the vague entries, bringing the total reduction to ten percent." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Thus, because Plaintiffs' FLSA claims shared a common core of facts and related legal theories, the Court concludes that a minor reduction of five percent is appropriate." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 15%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/marquis-v-sadeghian-txed-4-19-cv-00626-9" }, { "slug": "tamara-wareka-v-excel-aesthetics-llc-flsd-1-23-cv-24652-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24652-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24652/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-24652-0", "case_name": "TAMARA WAREKA v. EXCEL AESTHETICS LLC et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-24652", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jonathan Goodman", "date_filed": "2024-03-28", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1557.15, "fees_awarded": 1347.5, "dollar_cut": 209.65, "pct_cut": 13.46, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 4.45, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "In the instant case, Plaintiff seeks $1,557.15 in attorney’s fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "In sum, the Undersigned respectfully recommends that Plaintiff recover $1,347.50 (instead of $1,557.15) in attorney's fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 210, "hours": 1.5, "quote": "This block billed entry will be reduced by 40%" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts intellectual property fee award 13.5% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/tamara-wareka-v-excel-aesthetics-llc-flsd-1-23-cv-24652-0" }, { "slug": "black-rock-city-llc-v-bernhardt-dcd-1-19-cv-03729-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-dcd-1_19-cv-03729-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-dcd-1_19-cv-03729/USCOURTS-dcd-1_19-cv-03729-1", "case_name": "BLACK ROCK CITY LLC v. BERNHARDT et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-03729", "court_id": "dcd", "court_name": "District Court, District of Columbia", "court_short": "District of Columbia", "circuit": "DC", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dabney L. Friedrich", "date_filed": "2024-03-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Environmental", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "First, the Court will discount the award for time spent on public relations." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Second, the Court will not credit unduly vague entries." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Further, a great many entries teeter over the line between proper billing and “block billing,” or “lumping together multiple tasks,” which is disfavored." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Such mismatches call into question the reliability of the billing records." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "District of Columbia cuts environmental fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/black-rock-city-llc-v-bernhardt-dcd-1-19-cv-03729-1" }, { "slug": "martinez-de-maldonado-v-i-c-system-inc-caed-1-23-cv-00186-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00186-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00186/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00186-2", "case_name": "Martinez De Maldonado v. I.C. System, Inc.", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00186", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara A. McAuliffe", "date_filed": "2024-03-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 16166.25, "fees_awarded": 6522.5, "dollar_cut": 9643.75, "pct_cut": 59.65, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 34.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $16,166.25, consisting of: (1) $10,777.50 in lodestar fees representing 34.7 hours of work expended; (2) a lodestar enhancement of $5,388.75", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is AWARDED the modified amount of $7,114.82, including fees in the amount of $6,522.50 and costs in the amount of $592.32.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Cardoza is $400 per hour, a reasonable hourly rate for Ms. Veggian is $325 per hour, a reasonable hourly rate for Ms. Gaviola is $200 per hour, a reasonable hourly rate for paralegal Keanu Hakimian is $125, a reasonable hourly rate for paralegal Aimee Cody is $100 per hour, and a reasonable hourly rate for legal assistant Laura Woods is $95 per hour." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.1, "quote": "the Court finds that the 8.1 hours billed by paralegal Keanush Hakimian on clerical tasks was not reasonable, and therefore recommends reducing Mr. Hakimian's billed 11.8 hours to 3.7 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.9, "quote": "the Court further finds that the 0.9 hours billed by paralegal Aimee Cody on clerical tasks was also not reasonable, and therefore recommends reducing Ms. Cody's billed 2.0 hours to 1.1 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 59.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/martinez-de-maldonado-v-i-c-system-inc-caed-1-23-cv-00186-2" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-port-city-sports-bar-and-caed-2-22-cv-01059-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-2_22-cv-01059-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_22-cv-01059/USCOURTS-caed-2_22-cv-01059-7", "case_name": "G & G Closed Circuit Events, LLC v. Port City Sports Bar and Grill, LLC, et al.", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-01059", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": null, "date_filed": "2024-03-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Law Offices of Thomas P. Riley", "fees_requested": 12818.4, "fees_awarded": 7293.75, "dollar_cut": 5524.65, "pct_cut": 43.1, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $12,818.40 in attorneys’ fees and $2,338.47 in costs under 47 U.S.C. section 605(e)(3)(B)(iii).", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded $7,293.75 in attorneys’ fees and $1,331.60 in costs, for a total sum of $8,625.35.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds an hourly rate of $375.00 to be reasonable and consistent with other courts in this District" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court joins the other courts in this District that previously found an hourly rate of $225.00 to be reasonable" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court declines to award the administrative assistant’s fees given the clerical and duplicative nature of the tasks billed" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "many of the administrative assistant’s entries are duplicative of Mr. Riley’s entries" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts fee award 43.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-port-city-sports-bar-and-caed-2-22-cv-01059-7" }, { "slug": "mcclinton-v-cogency-global-inc-alnd-2-20-cv-00543-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-alnd-2_20-cv-00543-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-alnd-2_20-cv-00543/USCOURTS-alnd-2_20-cv-00543-0", "case_name": "McClinton v. Cogency Global Inc", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-00543", "court_id": "alnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Alabama", "court_short": "N.D. Alabama", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Anna M. Manasco", "date_filed": "2024-03-27", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 666.8, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 53.8, "quote": "First, 53.8 hours spent on preparing the stricken summary judgment response, Doc. 189 at 11, and 4.3 hours spent in relation to the sanction imposed on Mr. McClinton’s counsel should be excluded." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 4.3, "quote": "Hours that were spent as a result of counsel’s deliberate violation of a court order are not hours reasonably spent." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.3, "quote": "Second, the 6.3 hours that Mr. McClinton does not contest as being “clerical” in nature should be excluded." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The same applies to the 0.8 hours that Mr. McClinton does not contest “could be performed by a paralegal.”" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Alabama cuts employment fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/mcclinton-v-cogency-global-inc-alnd-2-20-cv-00543-0" }, { "slug": "skyline-trucking-inc-v-freightliner-truck-center-companies-ksd-5-22-cv-04052-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ksd-5_22-cv-04052-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ksd-5_22-cv-04052/USCOURTS-ksd-5_22-cv-04052-2", "case_name": "Skyline Trucking, Inc. v. Freightliner Truck Center Companies et al", "docket_number": "5:22-cv-04052", "court_id": "ksd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Kansas", "court_short": "D. Kansas", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Daniel D. Crabtree", "date_filed": "2024-03-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Moye White", "fees_requested": 53301, "fees_awarded": 43280.1, "dollar_cut": 10020.9, "pct_cut": 18.8, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 159, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Transwest now requests $53,301.00 for attorneys’ fees as costs incurred defending against plaintiff Skyline Trucking, Inc.’s claims.", "fees_awarded_quote": "And so, the court awards Transwest $43,280.10 in attorneys’ fees under the contract.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.4, "quote": "In total, the court reduces DGV’s hours billed by 2.4 hours, as reflected in the Fees Table in the court’s conclusion, § V." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "The court thus deducts 1.1 hours from KIJ’s total billing hours—again reflected in the Fees Table in § V." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.9, "quote": "In total, the court deducts 2.9 hours at varying attorneys’ rates. The court records these deductions in the Fees Table... Then, the court adds 2.9 hours at the paralegal rate." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This reduces her rate from $295 to $225 an hour." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "This reduces DS’s rate from $260 to $150, DV’s from $200 to $150, and RLC’s from $260 to $150." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will reduce the total fee award by 5% in light of its conclusions about this first factor." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Kansas cuts commercial fee award 18.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/skyline-trucking-inc-v-freightliner-truck-center-companies-ksd-5-22-cv-04052-2" }, { "slug": "meggs-v-joalto-group-ltd-cod-1-22-cv-03054-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-03054-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-03054/USCOURTS-cod-1_22-cv-03054-0", "case_name": "Meggs v. Joalto Group, LTD", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-03054", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Philip A. Brimmer", "date_filed": "2024-03-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5065, "fees_awarded": 4480, "dollar_cut": 585, "pct_cut": 11.55, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Meggs requests $5,065 in attorneys' fees, $635 in costs, and $2,400 in expert fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court finds that the proper lodestar amount of attorneys' fees is $4,480.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "The Court agrees with Joalto that these entries are duplicative. Accordingly, the Court will deny fees for the second entry on September 16, 2022 and will reduce Mr. Perez's hours by 1.2 hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "the Court will reallocate the 2.2 hours between Mr. Perez and the law firm's paralegal who could have conducted this basic research. The Court will award 1.0 hour for Mr. Perez and 1.2 hours for the paralegal, Ms. Peraza." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts disability access fee award 11.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/meggs-v-joalto-group-ltd-cod-1-22-cv-03054-0" }, { "slug": "child-evangelism-fellowship-of-rhode-island-inc-v-providence-rid-1-23-cv-00099-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-rid-1_23-cv-00099-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-rid-1_23-cv-00099/USCOURTS-rid-1_23-cv-00099-0", "case_name": "Child Evangelism Fellowship of Rhode Island, Inc v. Providence Public School District", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00099", "court_id": "rid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Rhode Island", "court_short": "D. Rhode Island", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Mary S. McElroy", "date_filed": "2024-03-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 96162.5, "fees_awarded": 39577.18, "dollar_cut": 56585.32, "pct_cut": 58.84, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "CEF now moves pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 54 and Local Rules 54 and 54.1 for entry of an order awarding it attorneys’ fees in the amount of $96,162.50 and costs in the amount of $3,413.79.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards CEF $39,577.18 in attorneys’ fees and $3,413.79 in costs for a total award of $42,990.97.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 34.5, "quote": "the Court will strike the 34.5 hours attributed to the legal assistants." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 34.5, "quote": "the legal assistants’ time, if not purely secretarial work such as updating the file, appears redundant of attorney time" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 34.5, "quote": "many of these entries—such as “file notes” or “email to client”—are “too generic and, thus insufficient as a practical matter to permit a court to answer questions about excessiveness, redundancy, and the like.”" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.4, "quote": "The Court will, however, strike the 3.4 hours devoted to review of the draft complaint and motion for preliminary injunction as this is duplicative of extensive work billed on those pleadings discussed in the next category below." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 48.4, "quote": "The Court can only conclude that these entries are duplicative or inefficiently devoted to the case and concludes that a total of 20 hours for the preparation of these two documents is appropriate." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8.3, "quote": "But the 18.3 total hours for the hearing (which lasted approximately an hour) and the preparation (which only would have included CEF’s filings as the defendants never objected in writing) is facially excessive." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.9, "quote": "The Court finds that the 3.5 hours is reasonable for the drafting and other tasks related to the four-page consent order and therefore strikes the 3.9-hour entry." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 31.7, "quote": "The Court finds that 15 hours is acceptable for the instant motion which would afford five hours each for negotiations, research, and drafting." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.8, "quote": "This is facially excessive—and duplicative for multiple attorneys to be working on this routine issue—and the Court reduces the time allowed on the default motion to five hours." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 11.8, "quote": "This is facially excessive—and duplicative for multiple attorneys to be working on this routine issue—and the Court reduces the time allowed on the default motion to five hours." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.3, "quote": "This excessive amount of time for these routine motions will be reduced to two hours, which at the billed rate equals $400." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 5464.53, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will reduce these miscellaneous charges by 50% at the average billing rate of the three attorneys making these entries, for a total of $5,464.53." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Rhode Island cuts civil rights fee award 58.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/child-evangelism-fellowship-of-rhode-island-inc-v-providence-rid-1-23-cv-00099-0" }, { "slug": "gaines-v-moore-city-of-okwd-5-20-cv-00851-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-okwd-5_20-cv-00851-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-okwd-5_20-cv-00851/USCOURTS-okwd-5_20-cv-00851-4", "case_name": "Gaines et al v. Moore City of et al", "docket_number": "5:20-cv-00851", "court_id": "okwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Oklahoma", "court_short": "W.D. Oklahoma", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "TIMOTHY D. DeGIUSTI", "date_filed": "2024-03-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 12702, "fees_awarded": 6351, "dollar_cut": 6351, "pct_cut": 50, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "The City seeks $12,702 in attorney fees and $293.66 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will, therefore, apply a 50% deduction to the $12,702 sought, which reduces the City's attorney fee award to $6,351.", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 6351, "hours": null, "quote": "a number of entries lack clarity that would allow the Court to determine how much time spent was associated with the City's motion to strike, as opposed to other legal work" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Oklahoma cuts civil rights fee award 50% over vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gaines-v-moore-city-of-okwd-5-20-cv-00851-4" }, { "slug": "lexfit-llc-v-bond-street-fund-20-llc-kyeb-5-23-ap-05052-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-kyeb-5_23-ap-05052-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-kyeb-5_23-ap-05052/USCOURTS-kyeb-5_23-ap-05052-1", "case_name": "LexFit, LLC et al v. Bond Street Fund 20, LLC et al", "docket_number": "5:23-ap-05052", "court_id": "kyeb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Kentucky", "court_short": "Bankr. E.D. Kentucky", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Tracey N. Wise", "date_filed": "2024-03-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP", "fees_requested": 254089.95, "fees_awarded": 210000, "dollar_cut": 44089.95, "pct_cut": 17.35, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Bond Street's demand for an award of legal fees and costs against Debtor in the amount of $254,089.95 will be reduced to account for these three billing concerns.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Bond Street is entitled to recover $210,000.00 from Debtor in billable time spent and court costs incurred by WTC attorneys in enforcing the Lease Documents.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Bond Street's demand will be reduced by the amount sought for Mr. Abrams' fees and costs." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 25000, "hours": null, "quote": "Bond Street's demand for fees against Debtor will be reduced by this amount." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The unrelated time appears to comprise about 5-10% of the overall WTC attorney time for which Bond Street seeks reimbursement." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some involve block billing where a portion of the attorney time spent appears unrelated to the instant litigation" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some are vague, making it difficult to determine whether they relate to the instant litigation" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. E.D. Kentucky cuts bankruptcy fee award 17.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lexfit-llc-v-bond-street-fund-20-llc-kyeb-5-23-ap-05052-1" }, { "slug": "fraternal-order-of-police-pennsylvania-v-township-of-paed-2-23-cv-00332-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-00332-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-00332/USCOURTS-paed-2_23-cv-00332-8", "case_name": "Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania et al v. TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGFIELD et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00332", "court_id": "paed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "E.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marston", "date_filed": "2024-03-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Zimolong, LLC", "fees_requested": 228081, "fees_awarded": 213654, "dollar_cut": 14427, "pct_cut": 6.33, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 395.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs request reimbursement for $228,081 in fees and $2,708.38 in costs incurred by their counsel, Attorneys Walter S. Zimolong III and James J. Fitzpatrick III of Zimolong, LLC.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are awarded $213,654.00 in attorneys' fees and $2,708.38 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court slightly reduces Mr. Zimolong's hourly rate to $690." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds it appropriate to reduce the requested rate slightly to $390 per hour, which better reflects Mr. Fitzpatrick's years of experience." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.7, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces Mr. Zimolong's time by 2.4 hours and Mr. Fitzpatrick's time by 4.3 hours for the entries reflected in the table below" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.4, "quote": "The Court reduces Mr. Zimolong's time by 1.9 hours and Mr. Fitzpatrick's time by 0.5 hours for the entries reflected in the table below" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.2, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court reduces Mr. Fitzpatrick's time by 7.2 hours for the entries reflected in the table below" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Pennsylvania cuts civil rights fee award 6.3%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/fraternal-order-of-police-pennsylvania-v-township-of-paed-2-23-cv-00332-8" }, { "slug": "murphy-v-schaible-russo-company-c-p-a-s-l-l-p-cod-1-19-cv-02808-8", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cod-1_19-cv-02808-8", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cod-1_19-cv-02808/USCOURTS-cod-1_19-cv-02808-8", "case_name": "Murphy v. Schaible, Russo & Company, C.P.A.'s, L.L.P. et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-02808", "court_id": "cod", "court_name": "District Court, D. Colorado", "court_short": "D. Colorado", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "William J. Martínez", "date_filed": "2024-03-21", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Baker & Hostetler LLP", "fees_requested": 798627.75, "fees_awarded": 585660.35, "dollar_cut": 212967.4, "pct_cut": 26.67, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 1556.25, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "she seeks $798,627.75 in fees and $40,051.80 in costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will award her 55% of her fee total, or $585,660.35", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Murphy's counsel's bills are replete with improper block billing" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "any hourly rate over $750 for attorneys, and any hourly rate in excess of $230-240 for paralegals, will be critically taken into account in assessing the appropriate fee" }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Rather than the 75% of billed time she requests, the Court will award her 55% of her fee total, or $585,660.35." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Colorado cuts fee award 26.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/murphy-v-schaible-russo-company-c-p-a-s-l-l-p-cod-1-19-cv-02808-8" }, { "slug": "north-american-specialty-flooring-inc-v-humane-manufacturing-wiwd-3-22-cv-00244-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-wiwd-3_22-cv-00244-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-wiwd-3_22-cv-00244/USCOURTS-wiwd-3_22-cv-00244-1", "case_name": "North American Specialty Flooring, Inc. et al v. Humane Manufacturing Company, LLC", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-00244", "court_id": "wiwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Wisconsin", "court_short": "W.D. Wisconsin", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James D. Peterson", "date_filed": "2024-03-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Leo Law Firm", "fees_requested": 80791, "fees_awarded": 60701.1, "dollar_cut": 20089.9, "pct_cut": 24.87, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Humane voluntarily reduced its request to a total of $85,410.85, comprising $80,791 in attorney fees, $1,631 in travel expenses, and $2,988.85 in transcript costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The court will award Humane $22,526.50 in attorney fees for its local counsel and $38,174.60 for its national counsel, for a total of $60,701.10 in attorney fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 3913.23, "hours": null, "quote": "Approximately 30 percent of Leo Law's fees are associated with entries that have partial redactions, so the court will reduce the fee award for Leo Law's work by an additional five percent, which amounts to $3,913.23." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 11739.67, "hours": null, "quote": "The court concludes that an additional 15 percent reduction for the unredacted block billed entries is appropriate, which amounts to $11,739.67." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4437, "hours": null, "quote": "So the court will further reduce Humane's award by $4,437." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Wisconsin cuts commercial fee award 24.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/north-american-specialty-flooring-inc-v-humane-manufacturing-wiwd-3-22-cv-00244-1" }, { "slug": "lunceford-v-carson-ord-3-22-cv-01387-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-01387-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-01387/USCOURTS-ord-3_22-cv-01387-1", "case_name": "Lunceford v. Carson et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01387", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael H. Simon", "date_filed": "2024-03-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 22320, "fees_awarded": 20007, "dollar_cut": 2313, "pct_cut": 10.36, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, including the amount requested for Mr. Bragg's time preparing this motion and the Bragg Declaration, the total lodestar calculation is $22,320.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards to Plaintiff attorney's fees in the amount of $20,007.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for the clerical tasks in Plaintiff's timekeeping records and the inadequate apportionment of time, the Court applies a 10 percent \"haircut\" reduction to the lodestar." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for the clerical tasks in Plaintiff's timekeeping records and the inadequate apportionment of time, the Court applies a 10 percent \"haircut\" reduction to the lodestar." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts consumer protection fee award 10.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/lunceford-v-carson-ord-3-22-cv-01387-1" }, { "slug": "spectrum-scientifics-llc-v-celestron-acquisition-llc-cand-5-20-cv-03642-40", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-5_20-cv-03642-40", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-5_20-cv-03642/USCOURTS-cand-5_20-cv-03642-40", "case_name": "Spectrum Scientifics, LLC et al v. Celestron Acquisition, LLC et al", "docket_number": "5:20-cv-03642", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Edward J. Davila", "date_filed": "2024-03-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": "Sanctions", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 311714.5, "fees_awarded": 199644.82, "dollar_cut": 112069.68, "pct_cut": 35.95, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants requested a total of $311,714.50.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court therefore awards Defendants $199,644.82 in attorneys' fees arising from Plaintiffs' discovery misconduct.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 48638.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Therefore, the Court denies Defendants' request for $48,638.50, and the Court will exclude hours spent on the deposition in its reasonableness analysis below." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 41178.85, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds it appropriate to apply a downward adjustment of 25% to each block-billed entry." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 6666.6, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will deduct 10% from the following vague entries" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 15585.73, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will impose an additional discretionary reduction of 5% for the reasons explained below." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 15585.73, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will impose an additional discretionary reduction of 5% for the reasons explained below." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 15585.73, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will impose an additional discretionary reduction of 5% for the reasons explained below." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts fee award 36%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/spectrum-scientifics-llc-v-celestron-acquisition-llc-cand-5-20-cv-03642-40" }, { "slug": "securian-life-insurance-company-v-gillis-cand-4-23-cv-03585-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-cand-4_23-cv-03585-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-4_23-cv-03585/USCOURTS-cand-4_23-cv-03585-1", "case_name": "Securian Life Insurance Company v. Gillis et al", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-03585", "court_id": "cand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. California", "court_short": "N.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kandis A. Westmore", "date_filed": "2024-03-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "McDowell Hetherington", "fees_requested": 25122.5, "fees_awarded": 22610.25, "dollar_cut": 2512.25, "pct_cut": 10, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 79.6, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $25,122.50 in attorneys' fees as follows:", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards Securian reasonable attorneys' fees in the amount of $22,610.25.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2512.25, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that some of the time billed to be excessive, while the descriptive \"narrative\" for other entries is deficient" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 2512.25, "hours": null, "quote": "Other billing entries are so redacted that the Court cannot possibly ascertain their reasonableness." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. California cuts fee award 10%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/securian-life-insurance-company-v-gillis-cand-4-23-cv-03585-1" }, { "slug": "prison-legal-news-v-ryan-azd-2-15-cv-02245-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_15-cv-02245-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_15-cv-02245/USCOURTS-azd-2_15-cv-02245-4", "case_name": "Prison Legal News v. Ryan et al", "docket_number": "2:15-cv-02245", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Honorable Roslyn O. Silver", "date_filed": "2024-03-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP", "fees_requested": 2523914, "fees_awarded": 2370881.67, "dollar_cut": 153032.33, "pct_cut": 6.06, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requested $2,523,914.00 in fees and expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Thus, the Court will award Plaintiff $2,370,881.67 in fees and expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 16709, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a 10% reduction to the $167,090.00 of billing entries Defendants challenge to account for impermissible block billing, yielding a reduction of $16,709.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 28790.5, "hours": null, "quote": "Taken together, $143,952.50 for preparing these filings is too high. The Court will apply a 20% reduction to these entries, yielding a reduction of $28,790.50." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 20843.2, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will reduce the purportedly clerical hours identified by Defendants by 70%, yielding a reduction of $20,843.20." }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 70, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 86668.75, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will apply a 70% reduction to both the entries totaling $74,052.00 and the entries totaling $49,760.50 to account for work not reasonably connected to the merits of a claim for which Plaintiff ultimately received relief, yielding a reduction of $86,668.75." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 20.88, "hours": null, "quote": "It is unclear how this charge relates to this litigation and the Court will deny it, yielding a total reduction of Plaintiff’s non-taxable expenses of $20.88." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts civil rights fee award 6.1%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/prison-legal-news-v-ryan-azd-2-15-cv-02245-4" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-0-22-cv-62104-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-62104-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-62104/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-62104-2", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "0:22-cv-62104", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robert N. Scola, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-03-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7219.12, "fees_awarded": 4808.89, "dollar_cut": 2410.23, "pct_cut": 33.39, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 29.6, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $7,219.12 in attorney’s fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d).", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court awards $4,808.89 in attorney’s fees to Plaintiff Suzanne Wheeler-McCorvey", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 2410.23, "hours": 9.88, "quote": "the block billed entries will be reduced by 40% because there is no way to determine the amount of time counsel spent on each of the specific tasks mentioned in the block-billed entries." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts social security fee award 33.4% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-0-22-cv-62104-2" }, { "slug": "segovia-v-fuelco-energy-llc-txwd-5-17-cv-01246-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txwd-5_17-cv-01246-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txwd-5_17-cv-01246/USCOURTS-txwd-5_17-cv-01246-2", "case_name": "Segovia et al v. Fuelco Energy LLC", "docket_number": "5:17-cv-01246", "court_id": "txwd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Texas", "court_short": "W.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jkp", "date_filed": "2024-03-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": "Sanford Law Firm", "fees_requested": 379738, "fees_awarded": 189978.3, "dollar_cut": 189759.7, "pct_cut": 49.97, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $401,584.60, representing $379,738.00 in fees and $21,846.60 in out-of-pocket costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "For all hours reasonably expended, the Court calculates total fees (attorneys, law clerks, and paralegals) to be $189,978.30.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1415, "hours": 4.6, "quote": "Plaintiffs do not intend to quibble over the 4.6 hours totaling $1,415.00 identified by Defendant and therefore agree to a reduction to Plaintiffs' fee request in this amount." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "With respect to travel time, Plaintiffs agree to a 50% reduction \"and accepts Defendant's Exhibit 9 (ECF No. 179-10) as an accounting of travel time billed.\"" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering all matters of record, the Court finds the following fee rates reasonable: $350 for Sanford, $300 for Kinney (in part because she has experience as a lead counsel in addition to her fifteen years of practicing), $275 for McEntire, and $255 for Short." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of all the reasons for reduction, the Court finds an across-the-board reduction of 40% warranted for this case." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds a reduction warranted for duplicative billing." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 40, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds some reduction for these matters warranted." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Texas cuts wage and hour fee award 50%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/segovia-v-fuelco-energy-llc-txwd-5-17-cv-01246-2" }, { "slug": "g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-finch-casd-3-22-cv-02063-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-casd-3_22-cv-02063-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-casd-3_22-cv-02063/USCOURTS-casd-3_22-cv-02063-0", "case_name": "G & G Closed Circuit Events, LLC v. Finch et al", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-02063", "court_id": "casd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. California", "court_short": "S.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Anthony J. Battaglia", "date_filed": "2024-03-18", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 3946.3, "fees_awarded": 1050, "dollar_cut": 2896.3, "pct_cut": 73.39, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Here, Plaintiff seeks attorneys' fees in the amount of $3,946.30 and costs in the amount of $2,037.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court awards Plaintiff $1,050.00 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "To mitigate the risks of non-contemporaneous and duplicative billing, the Court deems it appropriate to apply a 0.5-hour reduction in Mr. Riley's total hours" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "To mitigate the risks of non-contemporaneous and duplicative billing, the Court deems it appropriate to apply a 0.5-hour reduction in Mr. Riley's total hours" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1787.5, "hours": 5.5, "quote": "the Court finds that Plaintiff failed to meet its burden of proving that the requested $325.00 hourly rate is reasonable for the research attorney. Accordingly, the Court does not award attorneys' fees for the unnamed research attorney." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 808.8, "hours": 6.74, "quote": "the Court declines to award fees for tasks completed by the unidentified administrative assistants." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 808.8, "hours": 6.74, "quote": "The description of tasks performed, however, are duplicative of many of the tasks billed for by Mr. Riley and the unnamed research attorney" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. California cuts fee award 73.4%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/g-g-closed-circuit-events-llc-v-finch-casd-3-22-cv-02063-0" }, { "slug": "nationwide-property-casualty-insurance-company-v-the-mdd-1-20-cv-00684-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-1_20-cv-00684-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-1_20-cv-00684/USCOURTS-mdd-1_20-cv-00684-1", "case_name": "Nationwide Property & Casualty Insurance Company v. The Fireline Corporation", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-00684", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Julie R. Rubin", "date_filed": "2024-03-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 225, "hours": null, "quote": "Because Fireline expressly exceeded the number of interrogatories permitted by the Federal Rules, the court will accordingly adopt Plaintiff's calculation and reduce Fireline's fees by $225." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 531, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will deduct $531.00 from the total award to account for the December 14, 2020 entry, which specifically concerns additional interrogatories that Fireline intended to propound despite having already exceeded the limit permitted by Rule 33." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2360, "hours": null, "quote": "The court therefore finds it fair and reasonable to deduct the fees associated with Mr. Kelly's preparation of his deposition outlines (on April 2, April 16, and May 14, 2021). The court will reduce the award by $2,360.00 based on his rates and hours spent." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1000, "hours": null, "quote": "the court will allot two hours for the first consent motion, and two hours for the second consent motion applying Mr. Golding's rate. The court will thus reduce the award by $1,000.00." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1357, "hours": null, "quote": "The court will accordingly deduct $1,357.00 from Fireline's total award." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 988.25, "hours": null, "quote": "The court finds it to be reasonable to reduce the expenses on these two days by half, deducting $988.25 from the total award." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts commercial fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nationwide-property-casualty-insurance-company-v-the-mdd-1-20-cv-00684-1" }, { "slug": "escobedo-v-singh-caed-1-23-cv-01302-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01302-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01302/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-01302-2", "case_name": "Escobedo v. Singh", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-01302", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara A. McAuliffe", "date_filed": "2024-03-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.3, "quote": "The Court therefore will deduct .30 hours from Whitney Law’s time and exclude the .30 hours requested for Isaac Medrano’s time." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts disability access fee award over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/escobedo-v-singh-caed-1-23-cv-01302-2" }, { "slug": "martinez-de-maldonado-v-i-c-system-inc-caed-1-23-cv-00186-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00186-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00186/USCOURTS-caed-1_23-cv-00186-1", "case_name": "Martinez De Maldonado v. I.C. System, Inc.", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00186", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Barbara A. McAuliffe", "date_filed": "2024-03-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 16166.25, "fees_awarded": 6522.5, "dollar_cut": 9643.75, "pct_cut": 59.65, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 34.7, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $16,166.25, consisting of: (1) $10,777.50 in lodestar fees representing 34.7 hours of work expended", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court recommends awarding fees of $6,522.50, consisting of: $2,360.00 for Mr. Cardoza's 5.9 hours at a $400 per hour rate", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Cardoza is $400 per hour, a reasonable hourly rate for Ms. Veggian is $325 per hour, a reasonable hourly rate for Ms. Gaviola is $200 per hour" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9, "quote": "recommends reducing Mr. Hakimian's billed time by 8.1 hours and reducing Ms. Cody's billed time by 0.9 hours" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts consumer protection fee award 59.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/martinez-de-maldonado-v-i-c-system-inc-caed-1-23-cv-00186-1" }, { "slug": "freeman-v-smith-ord-3-18-cv-00372-11", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_18-cv-00372-11", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_18-cv-00372/USCOURTS-ord-3_18-cv-00372-11", "case_name": "Freeman et al v. Smith et al", "docket_number": "3:18-cv-00372", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Beckerman", "date_filed": "2024-03-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 725140.5, "fees_awarded": 556853, "dollar_cut": 168287.5, "pct_cut": 23.21, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs argue that as the prevailing parties in this FLSA case, they are entitled to an award of $725,140.50 in attorney's fees and $83,377.79 in costs", "fees_awarded_quote": "the lodestar figure (and ultimate attorney's fee award) is $556,853.00 based on a judgment of $108,959.77 after nearly five and a half years of litigation", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that an hourly rate of $530 (as opposed to $630) is reasonable given Egan's experience, unique expertise, the issues presented, skill required to try a collective action" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Consistent with the district court's decision in Huyck, this Court finds that $200 is a reasonable hourly rate for the work Lauzier performed in this case." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for counsel's vague, inadequately described, clerical, and incremental billings entries, the Court imposes a reduction of approximately thirty percent to the routine email and phone call entries" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 30, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for counsel's vague, inadequately described, clerical, and incremental billings entries, the Court imposes a reduction of approximately thirty percent to the routine email and phone call entries" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 149.8, "quote": "the Court concludes that Lauzier's forty-nine entries and 149.8 hours reviewing, proofreading, and finalizing case documents are not compensable because they are clerical tasks" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts wage and hour fee award 23.2%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/freeman-v-smith-ord-3-18-cv-00372-11" }, { "slug": "local-807-labor-management-health-fund-v-showtime-on-the-nyed-1-21-cv-03677-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_21-cv-03677-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_21-cv-03677/USCOURTS-nyed-1_21-cv-03677-1", "case_name": "local 807 Labor-Management Health Fund et al v. Showtime on the Piers LLC", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-03677", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James R. Cho", "date_filed": "2024-03-11", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Friedman and Anspach", "fees_requested": 6300, "fees_awarded": 2520, "dollar_cut": 3780, "pct_cut": 60, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 10.5, "hours_awarded": 8.4, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek $6,300 for 10.5 hours of work at an hourly rate of $600.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, the Court recommends awarding attorney's fees in the amount of $2,520 (8.4 hours x $300).", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The undersigned recommends awarding attorney's fees for these two associates at the rate of $300 per hour, which this Court previously approved for associates in granting, in part, an award of fees in connection with plaintiffs' motion for default judgment." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "The Court recommends a twenty-percent reduction in the number of hours billed for work in connection with the contempt motion from 10.5 to 8.4 hours (10.5 x 0.8 = 8.4)." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts ERISA benefits fee award 60%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/local-807-labor-management-health-fund-v-showtime-on-the-nyed-1-21-cv-03677-1" }, { "slug": "valerie-yvette-martinez-nmb-1-20-bk-12360-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nmb-1_20-bk-12360-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nmb-1_20-bk-12360/USCOURTS-nmb-1_20-bk-12360-0", "case_name": "Valerie Yvette Martinez", "docket_number": "1:20-bk-12360", "court_id": "nmb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, D. New Mexico", "court_short": "Bankr. D. New Mexico", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Hon. David T. Thuma", "date_filed": "2024-03-11", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "New Mexico Financial and Family Law, P.C.", "fees_requested": 2950, "fees_awarded": 747, "dollar_cut": 2203, "pct_cut": 74.68, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "seeking allowance of $2,950 in professional fees, $61 in costs, and New Mexico gross receipts tax", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court therefore will allow $747 in fees, plus applicable gross receipts tax, for the third fee application.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 375, "hours": null, "quote": "the following fees should be disallowed as unnecessary: $375 for clerical work" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 600, "hours": null, "quote": "$600 to fix the mistake about Wells Fargo’s small secured claim." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 175, "hours": null, "quote": "$175 in fees billed for attending preliminary hearing/341 meeting" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 875, "hours": null, "quote": "$875 in fees billed for proof of claim review" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2363, "hours": null, "quote": "$2,363 in fees billed for sending and reviewing emails." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. D. New Mexico cuts bankruptcy fee award 74.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/valerie-yvette-martinez-nmb-1-20-bk-12360-0" }, { "slug": "freedom-mortgage-corporation-v-rich-nyed-2-22-cv-04827-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04827-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04827/USCOURTS-nyed-2_22-cv-04827-0", "case_name": "Freedom Mortgage Corporation v. Rich et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-04827", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Steven Tiscione", "date_filed": "2024-03-08", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5650, "fees_awarded": 3650, "dollar_cut": 2000, "pct_cut": 35.4, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $5,650.00 in attorneys' fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "this Court recommends a reduced award of attorneys' fees here of $3,650.00.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2000, "hours": null, "quote": "Because this office charges a flat fee for foreclosure work, individual time sheets are not maintained." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts commercial fee award 35.4% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/freedom-mortgage-corporation-v-rich-nyed-2-22-cv-04827-0" }, { "slug": "buettner-iii-v-residential-funding-corporation-caeb-2-22-ap-02015-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caeb-2_22-ap-02015-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caeb-2_22-ap-02015/USCOURTS-caeb-2_22-ap-02015-1", "case_name": "Buettner, III et al v. Residential Funding Corporation et al", "docket_number": "2:22-ap-02015", "court_id": "caeb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "Bankr. E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Christopher M. Klein", "date_filed": "2024-03-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 59475, "fees_awarded": 47580, "dollar_cut": 11895, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 117, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel seeks in these two adversary proceedings a total of $59,475 for 117 billable hours at $350/hour, plus 10.5 paralegal hours at $75/hour.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, fees in the amount of $47,580 are awarded to the fee applicant.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the deficient documentation warrants the exercise of discretion to make a downward adjustment in the fee request of twenty percent" }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "They bear some evidence of having been reconstructed by counsel who does not routinely bill consumer clients by the hour and include some approximations." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. E.D. California cuts bankruptcy fee award 20% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/buettner-iii-v-residential-funding-corporation-caeb-2-22-ap-02015-1" }, { "slug": "brandon-w-stevens-and-elizabeth-s-stevens-nywb-2-22-bk-20579-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nywb-2_22-bk-20579-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nywb-2_22-bk-20579/USCOURTS-nywb-2_22-bk-20579-0", "case_name": "Brandon W. Stevens and Elizabeth S. Stevens", "docket_number": "2:22-bk-20579", "court_id": "nywb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, W.D. New York", "court_short": "Bankr. W.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Paul R. Warren", "date_filed": "2024-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5590, "fees_awarded": 3985, "dollar_cut": 1605, "pct_cut": 28.71, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 30.7, "hours_awarded": 12.3, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel, on the other hand, asserts that he is owed a total fee of $5,590.00, less credit for the $1,200.00 retainer paid by the Debtors, leaving a balance due of $4,390.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Counsel's Application for Compensation for all legal services performed for the Debtors through the date of this Decision is GRANTED, under § 330 of the Code, for the reduced amount of $3,985.00, less the $1,200.00 paid as a retainer", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the entries are unacceptably vague (e.g. \"emails\")" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "or for services that are clerical in nature (e.g. \"file\")" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "or excessive for the task performed (e.g. \"amend plan 3.0 hours\")" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "or were necessary to correct an error by Counsel (e.g. amend Plan four times to correct errors by Counsel)" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "this Court will allow debtor's counsel a § 503(b) administrative expense claim equal to a maximum of 50% of the agreed full case no-look fee amount" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. W.D. New York cuts bankruptcy fee award 28.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/brandon-w-stevens-and-elizabeth-s-stevens-nywb-2-22-bk-20579-0" }, { "slug": "acqis-llc-v-emc-corporation-mad-1-14-cv-13560-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mad-1_14-cv-13560-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mad-1_14-cv-13560/USCOURTS-mad-1_14-cv-13560-5", "case_name": "ACQIS, LLC v. EMC Corporation", "docket_number": "1:14-cv-13560", "court_id": "mad", "court_name": "District Court, D. Massachusetts", "court_short": "D. Massachusetts", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Allison D. Burroughs", "date_filed": "2024-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": "35 U.S.C. § 285", "firm": "Gibson Dunn", "fees_requested": 5864743.72, "fees_awarded": 4044180.15, "dollar_cut": 1820563.57, "pct_cut": 31.04, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 6967.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "EMC's renewed motion, supported by additional documentation, now seeks an award of $5,864,743.72 for 6,967.4 hours billed", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court will thus award EMC $4,044,180.15 in attorneys' fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 472503.53, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court relies on the same estimate and will not award fees prior to January 22, 2018." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court will impose a twenty-percent global reduction to account for block billing." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court also finds that the time spent on both summary judgment and expert motions, as estimated by EMC, was excessive, and the Court will therefore impose an additional five percent global reduction." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Massachusetts cuts intellectual property fee award 31%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/acqis-llc-v-emc-corporation-mad-1-14-cv-13560-5" }, { "slug": "louisiana-state-conference-of-the-national-association-for-lamd-3-19-cv-00479-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-lamd-3_19-cv-00479-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-lamd-3_19-cv-00479/USCOURTS-lamd-3_19-cv-00479-3", "case_name": "Louisiana State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, et al v. State of Louisiana, et al", "docket_number": "3:19-cv-00479", "court_id": "lamd", "court_name": "District Court, M.D. Louisiana", "court_short": "M.D. Louisiana", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "JUDGE JOHN W. deGRAVELLES", "date_filed": "2024-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 41845, "fees_awarded": 36442.25, "dollar_cut": 5402.75, "pct_cut": 12.91, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 237.2, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Intervenors filed the present Motion for Attorney’s Fees, requesting fees from Defendants totaling $41,845.00.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will award $36,442.25 for Intervenors’ attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "To account for potential unreasonableness that may have been found if these entries had not been block billed, the block billed hours will be reduced by a fixed percentage of 15%." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "M.D. Louisiana cuts civil rights fee award 12.9% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/louisiana-state-conference-of-the-national-association-for-lamd-3-19-cv-00479-3" }, { "slug": "williams-v-allen-gand-1-20-cv-00186-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-gand-1_20-cv-00186-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-gand-1_20-cv-00186/USCOURTS-gand-1_20-cv-00186-1", "case_name": "Williams v. Allen", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-00186", "court_id": "gand", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Georgia", "court_short": "N.D. Georgia", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "J. P. Boulee", "date_filed": "2024-03-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "The Court does not find mere presence in the courthouse to be sufficient to carry Plaintiff's burden and will thus deduct 2.5 hours each from Mr. Keebaugh's and Mr. Radford's time." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.8, "quote": "Plaintiff did not meet her burden, and the Court further reduces Mr. Keebaugh's billed time by 2.8 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5.6, "quote": "the Court finds—in line with other courts that have addressed this issue—that this proceeding is not compensable. Accordingly, the Court excludes 5.6 hours from Mr. Keebaugh's recorded time." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.6, "quote": "The Court excludes 0.6 hours from this entry as relating to the unemployment compensation proceeding and addresses block billing below." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.1, "quote": "the Court will reduce 1.1 hours (0.1 hours deducted from each entry) and 0.1 hours from Mr. Keebaugh's and Mr. Radford's time for document filing, respectively." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 20, "quote": "the Court will reduce Edna Trutt's time by 5 hours and Ila Wade's time by 15 hours to eliminate the costs associated with these tasks." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.5, "quote": "The Court will, however, deduct 0.5 hours from Mr. Keebaugh's time to account for the preparation of exhibits, which the Court has already determined constitutes a clerical task." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "the Court also finds that it is appropriate to reduce Mr. Keebaugh's time by 2 hours to deduct the May 9, 2023 entry for \"travel to courthouse to test audio/visual equipment.\"" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "Plaintiff, in her reply brief, suggested that a 2-hour reduction for Mr. Knanishu's travel time may be appropriate. See [Doc. 184, p. 12]. Thus, the Court will reduce Mr. Knanishu's fees by 2 hours." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court will impose only an additional 5% reduction to total fees and costs on top of the specific deductions for block billing in this case." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Georgia cuts employment fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/williams-v-allen-gand-1-20-cv-00186-1" }, { "slug": "xalamihua-v-ggc-legacy-janitorial-services-llc-azd-4-23-cv-00009-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00009-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00009/USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00009-1", "case_name": "Xalamihua v. GGC Legacy Janitorial Services LLC et al", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-00009", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Bgm", "date_filed": "2024-03-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 16.8, "hours_awarded": 14.7, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court awards Plaintiff reasonable attorney fees in the amount of $395 per hour, which is the identical rate for the same attorney in two FLSA suits resolved less than a year ago" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.1, "quote": "The Court deducts 2.1 hours from the total billed amount for the following nonreimbursable tasks" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "courts may decline to award attorney fees for time associated with defendants who were voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/xalamihua-v-ggc-legacy-janitorial-services-llc-azd-4-23-cv-00009-1" }, { "slug": "flores-v-elite-commercial-cleaning-llc-mdd-8-20-cv-03600-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mdd-8_20-cv-03600-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mdd-8_20-cv-03600/USCOURTS-mdd-8_20-cv-03600-1", "case_name": "Flores v. Elite Commercial Cleaning, LLC et al", "docket_number": "8:20-cv-03600", "court_id": "mdd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Maryland", "court_short": "D. Maryland", "circuit": "4", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Ajmel A. Quereshi", "date_filed": "2024-03-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 75916, "fees_awarded": 67920.72, "dollar_cut": 7995.28, "pct_cut": 10.53, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff submitted a fee petition in which she seeks recovery of $75,916.00 in attorneys' fees and $8,228.62 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel will be awarded $67,920.72, which reflects an exclusion of particular time entries, as well as an overall reduction of 5% as discussed above.", "reasons": [ { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 6.4, "quote": "The Court finds that much of the time Plaintiff spent responding to Defendants' interrogatories was duplicative and will accordingly adjust the recoverable time spent on this task to 7 hours." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.4, "quote": "the Court will reduce Plaintiff's fee petition by .4 hours." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 5, "quote": "Given the ambiguity, the Court will exclude from the recoverable time 2.5 hours at Mr. Kurzyna's billing rate and 2.5 hours at the paralegal's billing rate." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds that a reduction to the lodestar value of 5% is appropriate given the results that Plaintiff achieved in this case." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Maryland cuts wage and hour fee award 10.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/flores-v-elite-commercial-cleaning-llc-mdd-8-20-cv-03600-1" }, { "slug": "shuford-v-new-york-city-department-of-corrections-nyed-1-17-cv-06349-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_17-cv-06349-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_17-cv-06349/USCOURTS-nyed-1_17-cv-06349-2", "case_name": "Shuford v. New York City Department Of Corrections", "docket_number": "1:17-cv-06349", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "James R. Cho", "date_filed": "2024-02-28", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 366206.5, "fees_awarded": 268547.4, "dollar_cut": 97659.1, "pct_cut": 26.67, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 663.08, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $366,206.50 in attorney’s fees and $5,477.52 in costs for a total of $371,684.02.", "fees_awarded_quote": "this Court awards plaintiff $268,547.40 in attorney’s fees (663.08 x $450 = $298,386; $298,386 x 0.9 = $268,547.40).", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court finds plaintiff’s attorney’s requested rate of $550 per hour to be unreasonable in light of the current practices of the Eastern District of New York." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.75, "quote": "Plaintiff’s merit hours billed is therefore reduced by plaintiff to 614.05 hours (616.8 - 2.75)." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court finds plaintiff’s allotted attorney’s fees should be reduced by 10 percent." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts civil rights fee award 26.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/shuford-v-new-york-city-department-of-corrections-nyed-1-17-cv-06349-2" }, { "slug": "jon-floyd-crunk-and-paula-jane-crunk-nmb-1-23-bk-10235-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nmb-1_23-bk-10235-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nmb-1_23-bk-10235/USCOURTS-nmb-1_23-bk-10235-0", "case_name": "Jon Floyd Crunk and Paula Jane Crunk", "docket_number": "1:23-bk-10235", "court_id": "nmb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, D. New Mexico", "court_short": "Bankr. D. New Mexico", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Hon. David T. Thuma", "date_filed": "2024-02-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "New Mexico Financial and Family Law, P.C.", "fees_requested": 11020, "fees_awarded": 5980, "dollar_cut": 5040, "pct_cut": 45.74, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 36.5, "hours_awarded": 27.1, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Counsel seeks allowance of $11,020 in professional fees, $3531 in costs, and applicable New Mexico gross receipts tax.", "fees_awarded_quote": "At $250 per hour for attorney work, the total allowable fees are $5,980.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "As discussed elsewhere, the Court will reduce the attorney hourly rate to $250." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Some of the time charged in this case is excessive." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "First, Counsel billed 0.7 hours drafting a second amended plan that was not filed. The work did not benefit of the estate or the Debtor and was unnecessary." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "Second, Counsel billed 0.7 hours trying to coordinate calls or meetings. Such clerical tasks are not compensable and therefore considered unnecessary." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. D. New Mexico cuts bankruptcy fee award 45.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/jon-floyd-crunk-and-paula-jane-crunk-nmb-1-23-bk-10235-0" }, { "slug": "ramos-v-probuilds-llc-azd-2-23-cv-01111-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01111-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01111/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-01111-2", "case_name": "Ramos v. Probuilds LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-01111", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Deborah M. Fine", "date_filed": "2024-02-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7342.5, "fees_awarded": 6043.5, "dollar_cut": 1299, "pct_cut": 17.69, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 16.5, "hours_awarded": 15.3, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel's request includes $7,342.50 in attorneys' fees, comprised of 16.5 hours of labor billed at $445 per hour", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED awarding Plaintiff $6,043.50, plus interest accruing at the statutory rate, for attorney fees for work already performed jointly and severally against Defendants", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.2, "quote": "Accordingly, a total of 1.2 hours for these administrative entries are appropriately deducted from the 16.5 hours billed by Plaintiff's counsel." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Given previous awards to Plaintiff's counsel in this District, a reduced hourly rate of $395 is in line with prevailing community rates." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 17.7%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ramos-v-probuilds-llc-azd-2-23-cv-01111-2" }, { "slug": "flying-r-aviation-llc-v-bondio-llc-txnd-3-22-cv-01341-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01341-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01341/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01341-2", "case_name": "Flying R Aviation LLC v. Bondio LLC", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01341", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jane J. Boyle", "date_filed": "2024-02-22", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 214832, "fees_awarded": 211922, "dollar_cut": 2910, "pct_cut": 1.35, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 398.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Flying R seeks $214,832.00 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court also awards Flying R $211,922.00 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, the Court cannot award Flying R the fees for work done by the paralegal or legal assistant." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 1.4% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/flying-r-aviation-llc-v-bondio-llc-txnd-3-22-cv-01341-2" }, { "slug": "nogara-v-lynn-law-office-p-c-flsd-1-22-cv-23142-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-23142-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-23142/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-23142-1", "case_name": "Nogara v. Lynn Law Office, P.C. et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-23142", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Melissa Damian", "date_filed": "2024-02-21", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 22640, "fees_awarded": 6355, "dollar_cut": 16285, "pct_cut": 71.93, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Defendants request a total of $22,640.00 in fees incurred for the depositions and preparation time of for these experts.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the undersigned respectfully recommends that Defendants' Motion to Compel Payment of Expert Fees be granted in part, and that the Court enter a fee award in the amount of $6,355.00", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned finds that the hourly rate charged for Mr. Burlington's expert services in this matter should be reduced and that a rate of $500.00 per hour is reasonable for Mr. Burlington's expertise" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14.9, "quote": "Mr. Burlington's time entries include \"block billing,\" which is the disfavored practice of including multiple distinct tasks within the same time entry without specifying the amount of time spent on each task." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 14.9, "quote": "the undersigned concludes that Mr. Burlington's deposition preparation time should be reduced from 22.9 hours to 8 hours." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the undersigned finds that $350.00 is a reasonable hourly rate for the work provided by Mr. Alerding in this matter." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.4, "quote": "Mr. Alerding's time entries also include instances of block billing. Therefore, the undersigned finds that Mr. Alerding's preparation time should be reduced from 6.9 hours to 3.5 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts fee award 71.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nogara-v-lynn-law-office-p-c-flsd-1-22-cv-23142-1" }, { "slug": "henni-v-rotana-cafe-restaurant-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-05277-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-05277-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-05277/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-05277-0", "case_name": "Henni v. Rotana Cafe & Restaurant Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-05277", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Cogan", "date_filed": "2024-02-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5250, "fees_awarded": 2000, "dollar_cut": 3250, "pct_cut": 61.9, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff has also requested $5,250 in attorneys’ fees based on 11 2/3 hours of alleged work at $450 per hour.", "fees_awarded_quote": "His request for fees is therefore reduced to $2,000, which is more than reasonable.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The lack of quality and documentation for the work on this case does not support either the rate or the time requested." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it is clear he kept no such records." }, { "code": "reconstructed_time", "label": "Reconstructed time", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "What he submitted is an obvious reconstruction of tasks undertaken with no dates appended to any of the reconstructed tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 61.9%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/henni-v-rotana-cafe-restaurant-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-05277-0" }, { "slug": "pich-v-queens-garden-nursery-inc-nyed-1-22-cv-03362-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-03362-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-03362/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-cv-03362-0", "case_name": "Pich v. Queens Garden Nursery Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-03362", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marcia M. Henry", "date_filed": "2024-02-20", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5848, "fees_awarded": 3057.5, "dollar_cut": 2790.5, "pct_cut": 47.72, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 13.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks compensation for $5,848.00 in attorneys’ fee based on 13.4 hours of work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Accordingly, the Court respectfully recommends an award of $3,057.50 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of the record in this case, Mr. Samuel’s requested hourly rate of $450 is more appropriately reduced to $400." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Instead, the Court finds that an hourly rate of $350 is reasonable." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "three of Mr. Samuel’s four time entries state the same action: “correspondence review.” This description is too vague for the Court to determine its reasonableness" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 47.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pich-v-queens-garden-nursery-inc-nyed-1-22-cv-03362-0" }, { "slug": "thompson-v-capital-link-management-llc-txsd-4-21-cv-03130-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-03130-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-03130/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-03130-2", "case_name": "Thompson v. Capital Link Management LLC", "docket_number": "4:21-cv-03130", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Keith P. Ellison", "date_filed": "2024-02-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": "Lemberg Law, LLC", "fees_requested": 10417.5, "fees_awarded": 10117.5, "dollar_cut": 300, "pct_cut": 2.88, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 36.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff timely filed the instant motion, requesting $10,417.50 in attorney’s fees 3 and $402.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant is ordered to pay Plaintiff’s reasonable attorney’s fees in the amount of $10,117.50 and costs in the amount of $402.00, for a total amount of $10,519.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "Based on the provided descriptions, the Court finds that 3.0 hours of paralegal time was spent on clerical tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts consumer protection fee award 2.9% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/thompson-v-capital-link-management-llc-txsd-4-21-cv-03130-2" }, { "slug": "jane-doe-v-golden-krust-caribbean-bakery-grill-inc-nyed-1-18-cv-05734-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_18-cv-05734-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_18-cv-05734/USCOURTS-nyed-1_18-cv-05734-1", "case_name": "Jane Doe v. Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill Inc. et al", "docket_number": "1:18-cv-05734", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Taryn A. Merkl", "date_filed": "2024-02-16", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Employment", "fee_basis": "Title VII", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 32670, "fees_awarded": 13824, "dollar_cut": 18846, "pct_cut": 57.69, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 72.6, "hours_awarded": 46.08, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $32,670 in attorneys' fees and $567.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Multiplying the reasonable number of hours spent on this case (46.08) by $300 per hour, the Court respectfully recommends awarding attorneys' fees of $13,824 in this case.", "reasons": [ { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 15, "quote": "The Court finds it inappropriate to seek reimbursement from one set of defendants for fees incurred trying to assert claims that were dismissed against another set of defendants entirely, and recommends subtracting these hours" }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing records were not created contemporaneously, as required in the Second Circuit" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the billing records appear to include inappropriate billing for administrative tasks and overbilling related to correspondence" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the hours billed for preparation of the motion for default judgment appear to be excessive" }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court recommends using a rate of $300 per hour for work performed" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts employment fee award 57.7%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/jane-doe-v-golden-krust-caribbean-bakery-grill-inc-nyed-1-18-cv-05734-1" }, { "slug": "fontes-v-anita-s-street-market-llc-azd-4-23-cv-00383-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00383-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00383/USCOURTS-azd-4_23-cv-00383-0", "case_name": "Fontes v. Anita's Street Market LLC et al", "docket_number": "4:23-cv-00383", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jennifer G Zipps", "date_filed": "2024-02-16", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 5785, "fees_awarded": 5429, "dollar_cut": 356, "pct_cut": 6.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 13, "hours_awarded": 12.2, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $5,785.00 in attorneys’ fees, $614.20 in costs, and $2,000.00 in fees and costs to be incurred in potential collection efforts", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court will award Plaintiff $5429.00 in attorneys’ fees and $614.20 for costs", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.8, "quote": "The Court will exclude 0.8 hours billed by Mr. Bendau, as the Court deems the following entries as purely administrative or clerical in nature" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 6.2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/fontes-v-anita-s-street-market-llc-azd-4-23-cv-00383-0" }, { "slug": "ladino-v-cordova-nyed-1-21-cv-02449-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_21-cv-02449-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_21-cv-02449/USCOURTS-nyed-1_21-cv-02449-1", "case_name": "Ladino v. Cordova et al", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-02449", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Sanket J. Bulsara", "date_filed": "2024-02-14", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 37593.8, "fees_awarded": 19140.8, "dollar_cut": 18453, "pct_cut": 49.09, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 123.12, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "(7) $37,593.80 in attorney’s fees; (8) $3,904.10 in costs;", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court recommends that a total of $19,140.80 be awarded for attorney’s fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court reduces Mr. Aronauer’s hourly rate to $315 for all hours expended on this case." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court recommends that their hourly billing rate be reduced across the board to $70 per hour." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "In light of the non-legal work included in counsel’s time logs and the unmeritorious motion practice, the Court recommends that the total amount of hours be reduced by 25% across the board." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Second, counsel has billed time for clerical tasks." }, { "code": "limited_success", "label": "Limited success", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Third, a reduction is warranted because a significant number of hours were expended on meritless and unsuccessful motion practice." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts wage and hour fee award 49.1%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/ladino-v-cordova-nyed-1-21-cv-02449-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-20-cv-21733-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-21733-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-21733/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-21733-1", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-21733", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Edwin G. Torres", "date_filed": "2024-02-13", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7308.17, "fees_awarded": 7162.72, "dollar_cut": 145.45, "pct_cut": 1.99, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff’s motion for an award of $7,308.17 in attorneys’ fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d) (“EAJA”).", "fees_awarded_quote": "make Plaintiff’s total fee award of $7,162.72 payable directly to Plaintiff’s counsel.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "Because we agree that some of the time entries identified by Defendant are clerical, we recommend reducing the total compensable hours billed in 2020 from 4.2 hours to 3.5 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts social security fee award 2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-20-cv-21733-1" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ord-3-21-cv-01831-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-3_21-cv-01831-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-3_21-cv-01831/USCOURTS-ord-3_21-cv-01831-1", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "3:21-cv-01831", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Adrienne Nelson", "date_filed": "2024-02-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 34188, "fees_awarded": 15090.06, "dollar_cut": 19097.94, "pct_cut": 55.86, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 64.6, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff now seeks a reward for $34,188 in attorney fees, $402 in costs, and $25.68 in expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act (\"EAJA\"), 28 U.S.C. § 2412.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is awarded attorney fees under the EAJA in the amount of $15,090.06, expenses in the amount of $25.68, and costs in the amount of $402.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3.2, "quote": "As an initial matter, reductions are necessary for hours spent on clerical tasks, as these are not compensable attorney time under the EAJA." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the following entries are each reduced by 0.3 because they represent a mixture of compensable and non-compensable services that the Court cannot accurately separate due to block billing" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.04, "quote": "Therefore, the 13.6 hours for drafting the complaint are reduced by fifteen percent, leaving 11.56 hours compensable for drafting the complaint." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 7.16, "quote": "Thus, the Court reduces the hours billed for drafting the opening brief by fifteen percent. This reduces the billed hours for drafting the opening brief to 40.55 hours." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "plaintiff has not established that her attorney possessed distinctive knowledge or special skills that would warrant an hourly rate enhancement greater than the cost-of-living adjustment." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts social security fee award 55.9%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-ord-3-21-cv-01831-1" }, { "slug": "zhongli-science-and-technology-group-co-ltd-v-fir-tree-nyed-1-22-mc-02795-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-mc-02795-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-mc-02795/USCOURTS-nyed-1_22-mc-02795-1", "case_name": "Zhongli Science and Technology Group Co. Ltd. et al v. Fir Tree Partners", "docket_number": "1:22-mc-02795", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Nicholas G. Garaufis", "date_filed": "2024-02-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Other", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 381745, "fees_awarded": 43900, "dollar_cut": 337845, "pct_cut": 88.5, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "In total, Respondents sought $391,643-$381,745 in attorneys' fees and $9,898 in other expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Magistrate Judge Levy found that Rule 45 fee shifting was appropriate and awarded Respondents $43,900.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 62, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But interpreted as an across-the-board reduction in hours, Magistrate Judge Levy reduced the fee by 62%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But many of these hours were block-billed or otherwise vague and imprecise." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "But many of these hours were block-billed or otherwise vague and imprecise." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Respondent's counsel spent over 80 partner/counsel hours on document review and relied on an associate for only nine hours. Petitioner should not bear the cost of Respondent's counsel's inefficient use of resources." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts fee award 88.5%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/zhongli-science-and-technology-group-co-ltd-v-fir-tree-nyed-1-22-mc-02795-1" }, { "slug": "krueger-v-experian-information-solutions-inc-mied-5-19-cv-10581-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mied-5_19-cv-10581-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-5_19-cv-10581/USCOURTS-mied-5_19-cv-10581-2", "case_name": "Krueger v. Experian Information Solutions, Inc. et al", "docket_number": "5:19-cv-10581", "court_id": "mied", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. Michigan", "court_short": "E.D. Michigan", "circuit": "6", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Judith E. Levy", "date_filed": "2024-02-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 442196.45, "fees_awarded": 196034.8, "dollar_cut": 246161.65, "pct_cut": 55.67, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": 858.4, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests that the Court award him \"$442,196.45 in attorney[] fees and taxable costs\" from Defendant Cenlar.", "fees_awarded_quote": "awards $196,034.80 in attorney fees and $2,643.95 in costs.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The rates that Plaintiff requests do not align with the prevailing market rate." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "due to the Court’s concerns about block-billing, excessive billing, vagueness, and billing accuracy, a 35 percent reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "due to the Court’s concerns about block-billing, excessive billing, vagueness, and billing accuracy, a 35 percent reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "due to the Court’s concerns about block-billing, excessive billing, vagueness, and billing accuracy, a 35 percent reduction is warranted." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 35, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "due to the Court’s concerns about block-billing, excessive billing, vagueness, and billing accuracy, a 35 percent reduction is warranted." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. Michigan cuts consumer protection fee award 55.7%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/krueger-v-experian-information-solutions-inc-mied-5-19-cv-10581-2" }, { "slug": "privratsky-v-liberty-mutual-fire-insurance-company-hid-1-21-cv-00390-4", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_21-cv-00390-4", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_21-cv-00390/USCOURTS-hid-1_21-cv-00390-4", "case_name": "Privratsky v. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company", "docket_number": "1:21-cv-00390", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Derrick K. Watson", "date_filed": "2024-02-06", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel", "fees_requested": 1742745, "fees_awarded": 367524.91, "dollar_cut": 1375220.09, "pct_cut": 78.91, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "its attorneys and paralegals performed a total of $1,742,745.00 of legal work in this", "fees_awarded_quote": "Pursuant to HRS Section 607-14, Liberty is entitled to a fees award of $367,524.91.", "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": 676.2, "quote": "the Court finds it appropriate to reduce the total fees ($1,703,367.00) by an across-the-board percentage of 10%." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 20% reduction of the lodestar amount of $1,533,030.30 is $1,226,424.24 ($1,533,030.30 x 80%)." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court thus elects to apply a 5% reduction to the lodestar amount to account for the inability of the Court to determine whether the hours expended on the billing entries marked" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 5, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that a 5% across-the-board reduction of the lodestar amount is proportional to the amount of clerical work billed." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds it appropriate to reduce the hourly rates requested for these paralegals to $100.00" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1427.5, "hours": 8, "quote": "the Court finds that this category, which amounts to eight hours of time and, more relevantly, $1,427.50 of fees, shall be excluded from the fees attributable to Count 1." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Because this amount is more than the statutory cap, as found above, of $367,524.91, the statutory cap applies here." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts commercial fee award 78.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/privratsky-v-liberty-mutual-fire-insurance-company-hid-1-21-cv-00390-4" }, { "slug": "michelle-corbin-hillman-nynb-1-22-bk-10175-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nynb-1_22-bk-10175-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nynb-1_22-bk-10175/USCOURTS-nynb-1_22-bk-10175-1", "case_name": "Michelle Corbin Hillman", "docket_number": "1:22-bk-10175", "court_id": "nynb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, N.D. New York", "court_short": "Bankr. N.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Robert E. Littlefield, Jr.", "date_filed": "2024-02-02", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Pick & Zabicki LLP", "fees_requested": 93615.5, "fees_awarded": 67261.05, "dollar_cut": 26354.45, "pct_cut": 28.15, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 200.5, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "PZ filed its Fee App requesting $93,615.50 in fees and $2,799.20 in expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the total award amount is $70,060.25 broken down as follows: $67,261.05 (fees) and $2,799.20 (expenses).", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 7473.45, "hours": null, "quote": "utilizing its discretion, this Court reduces the total fee awarded by 10% to address the insufficiencies in the Fee App." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": 7473.45, "hours": null, "quote": "utilizing its discretion, this Court reduces the total fee awarded by 10% to address the insufficiencies in the Fee App." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. N.D. New York cuts bankruptcy fee award 28.1% over block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/michelle-corbin-hillman-nynb-1-22-bk-10175-1" }, { "slug": "rmk-merrill-stevens-llc-v-anthony-monaco-flsd-1-22-cv-23210-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-23210-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-23210/USCOURTS-flsd-1_22-cv-23210-3", "case_name": "RMK MERRILL STEVENS LLC v. ANTHONY MONACO", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-23210", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kathleen M. Williams", "date_filed": "2024-02-01", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 21376.75, "fees_awarded": 19376.75, "dollar_cut": 2000, "pct_cut": 9.36, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 82.39, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "the instant Motion, which include $21,376.75 in attorneys’ fees and $837.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court awards $19,376.75 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "Therefore, based on a review of the billing entries, a 15% reduction of the time performed by Associates (at a rate of $250 per hour) for time spent on the Complaint is appropriate here." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 15, "pct_base": "one_timekeeper", "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "a significant amount of time was spent on conducting research and drafting a five-page Complaint, warranting a reduction in fees." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 9.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/rmk-merrill-stevens-llc-v-anthony-monaco-flsd-1-22-cv-23210-3" }, { "slug": "thompson-v-capital-link-management-llc-txsd-4-21-cv-03130-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-03130-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-03130/USCOURTS-txsd-4_21-cv-03130-1", "case_name": "Thompson v. Capital Link Management LLC", "docket_number": "4:21-cv-03130", "court_id": "txsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Texas", "court_short": "S.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Dena Hanovice Palermo", "date_filed": "2024-01-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": "Lemberg Law, LLC", "fees_requested": 10417.5, "fees_awarded": 10117.5, "dollar_cut": 300, "pct_cut": 2.88, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 36.9, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff timely filed the instant motion, requesting $10,417.50 in attorney’s fees 3 and $402.00 in costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Defendant is ordered to pay Plaintiff’s reasonable attorney’s fees in the amount of $10,117.50 and costs in the amount of $402.00, for a total amount of $10,519.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 3, "quote": "the Court finds that 3.0 hours of paralegal time was spent on clerical tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Texas cuts consumer protection fee award 2.9% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/thompson-v-capital-link-management-llc-txsd-4-21-cv-03130-1" }, { "slug": "milko-v-excalibur-mediation-group-pawd-2-20-cv-01789-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pawd-2_20-cv-01789-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pawd-2_20-cv-01789/USCOURTS-pawd-2_20-cv-01789-2", "case_name": "MILKO v. EXCALIBUR MEDIATION GROUP et al", "docket_number": "2:20-cv-01789", "court_id": "pawd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "W.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "W. Scott Hardy", "date_filed": "2024-01-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", "firm": "Centennial Law Offices", "fees_requested": 12313.25, "fees_awarded": 10768.25, "dollar_cut": 1545, "pct_cut": 12.55, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff also claims attorneys’ fees in the amount of $12,313.25 and costs of $150.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff is instead entitled to a total of $10,768.25 in attorney fees, for the reasons set forth in the R&R.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 1.08, "quote": "Time spent on administrative tasks as opposed to legal work: “Process initial intake report/initiate representation/create file” (paralegal): .75 hours at $75.00 per hour: $56.25. “Mailing 3 of demand letter to Defendant/update file” (paralegal): .33 hours at $75.00 per hour: $24.75." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1464, "hours": 3.66, "quote": "Based upon the duplication and overlap in these memoranda, the Court concludes that billing 6.66 hours for the preparation of the present motion is excessive. Therefore, it recommends reducing the time spent to 3 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Pennsylvania cuts consumer protection fee award 12.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/milko-v-excalibur-mediation-group-pawd-2-20-cv-01789-2" }, { "slug": "case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-20-cv-21733-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-21733-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-21733/USCOURTS-flsd-1_20-cv-21733-0", "case_name": "Case Name in Social Security Case - Unavailable", "docket_number": "1:20-cv-21733", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Edwin G. Torres", "date_filed": "2024-01-31", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Social Security", "fee_basis": "Equal Access to Justice Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 7308.17, "fees_awarded": 7162.72, "dollar_cut": 145.45, "pct_cut": 1.99, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff’s motion for an award of $7,308.17 in attorneys’ fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act", "fees_awarded_quote": "make Plaintiff’s total fee award of $7,162.72 payable directly to Plaintiff’s counsel", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.7, "quote": "Because we agree that some of the time entries identified by Defendant are clerical, we recommend reducing the total compensable hours billed in 2020 from 4.2 hours to 3.5 hours." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts social security fee award 2% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/case-name-in-social-security-case-unavailable-flsd-1-20-cv-21733-0" }, { "slug": "finkel-v-ks-ss-associates-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-02484-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-02484-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-02484/USCOURTS-nyed-1_23-cv-02484-0", "case_name": "Finkel v. KS&SS Associates, Inc.", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-02484", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Taryn A. Merkl", "date_filed": "2024-01-29", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 31.1, "hours_awarded": 27.1, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Considering the procedural posture of a default motion on a petition to confirm an arbitration award, the Court concludes that 25 hours of work on the default motion alone is excessive." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "16 hours were billed by associates at a rate of $310, despite the fact that some of this work was administrative in nature." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 1240, "hours": 4, "quote": "the Court recommends applying an across-the-board reduction of 25% to the 16 hours associates billed toward the default motion" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 1240, "hours": 4, "quote": "the Court finds the billing records to be unclear and vague because the description for a single entry often included numerous tasks." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts ERISA benefits fee award, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/finkel-v-ks-ss-associates-inc-nyed-1-23-cv-02484-0" }, { "slug": "gulf-building-llc-v-philadelphia-indemnity-insurance-company-flsd-0-22-cv-60573-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-60573-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-60573/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-60573-3", "case_name": "Gulf Building LLC v. Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company", "docket_number": "0:22-cv-60573", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rodolfo A. Ruiz Ii", "date_filed": "2024-01-26", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP", "fees_requested": 484298.5, "fees_awarded": 400502.5, "dollar_cut": 83796, "pct_cut": 17.3, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $484,298.50 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiff shall be awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of $400,502.50", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find it appropriate to reduce Wong’s hourly rate to $250.00 for work performed as a licensed attorney." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find it is reasonable to award Plaintiff $350.00 per hour for DeJager’s work." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Cherubin’s and Alvarez’s rates (as well as Wong’s rate for work performed prior to her admittance to the Florida Bar) should be reduced to $125.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a rate of $916.00 is unreasonable. Instead, a rate of $700.00 is more consistent with the highest rates awarded to highly experienced attorneys in this District." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Maya’s and Kreiling’s paralegal rate of $240.00 should be reduced." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are some unreasonable hours billed which necessitate a 10% across-the-board reduction." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are several occasions where Smith Currie billed hours for ministerial clerical tasks that litigation support specialist Alvarez performed." }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "some of the billed travel time is unreasonable for a local counsel." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there were several instances where attorney Scherer engaged in impermissible block-billing." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "paralegal Maya billed an hour for purely ministerial clerical tasks" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "various time entries either solely entail or at the very least discuss researching “bad faith conduct.”" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "attorney Silver’s five separate time entries – totaling 9.7 hours – are duplicative and vague." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "None of these entries explain which issues or documents he is analyzing or reviewing." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "the two hours paralegal Aldama billed were entirely clerical" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 17.3%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gulf-building-llc-v-philadelphia-indemnity-insurance-company-flsd-0-22-cv-60573-3" }, { "slug": "renova-energy-corp-v-cuevas-caed-1-22-cv-00999-7", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-00999-7", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-00999/USCOURTS-caed-1_22-cv-00999-7", "case_name": "Renova Energy Corp. v. Cuevas et al", "docket_number": "1:22-cv-00999", "court_id": "caed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. California", "court_short": "E.D. California", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Erica P. Grosjean", "date_filed": "2024-01-23", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 25661, "fees_awarded": 9065, "dollar_cut": 16596, "pct_cut": 64.67, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 25.9, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff requests $25,661 in attorney fees for this case.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Multiplied by the rate of $350 per hour yields $9,065 in attorney fees that were reasonably incurred.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court determines that a rate of $350 is appropriate, which is within the range of rates afforded to attorneys with similar levels of experience" }, { "code": "unrelated_claims", "label": "Unrelated claims", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a sizeable amount of attorney fees sought appear unrelated to this case" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "will exclude fees for all such entries where the description is insufficient to show that the work" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court has taken the potential duplicate work into consideration when awarding fees." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. California cuts intellectual property fee award 64.7%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/renova-energy-corp-v-cuevas-caed-1-22-cv-00999-7" }, { "slug": "william-rodriguez-maldonado-and-jennifer-ann-rodriguez-nmb-1-19-bk-12335-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nmb-1_19-bk-12335-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nmb-1_19-bk-12335/USCOURTS-nmb-1_19-bk-12335-0", "case_name": "William Rodriguez Maldonado and Jennifer Ann Rodriguez", "docket_number": "1:19-bk-12335", "court_id": "nmb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, D. New Mexico", "court_short": "Bankr. D. New Mexico", "circuit": "10", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Hon. David T. Thuma", "date_filed": "2024-01-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "New Mexico Financial and Family Law, P.C.", "fees_requested": 5165, "fees_awarded": 74, "dollar_cut": 5091, "pct_cut": 98.57, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Before the Court is the second fee application of debtors’ counsel, seeking allowance of $5,165 in professional fees, $60 in costs, and New Mexico gross receipts tax for post-confirmation work.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court therefore will allow only $74 in fees, $60 in costs, and applicable gross receipts tax for the second fee application.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 608, "hours": null, "quote": "$608 in fees billed for clerical work;" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1080, "hours": null, "quote": "$1,080 in fees billed for other work that was corrective or duplicative." }, { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 445, "hours": null, "quote": "$445 in fees billed for fee applications;" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 168, "hours": null, "quote": "$168 in fees billed for attending a preliminary hearing;" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 833, "hours": null, "quote": "$833 in fees billed for proof of claim review;" }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1957, "hours": null, "quote": "$1,957 in fees billed for sending and reviewing emails." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. D. New Mexico cuts bankruptcy fee award 98.6%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/william-rodriguez-maldonado-and-jennifer-ann-rodriguez-nmb-1-19-bk-12335-0" }, { "slug": "philips-medical-systems-cleveland-inc-v-buan-ilnd-1-19-cv-02648-9", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ilnd-1_19-cv-02648-9", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_19-cv-02648/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_19-cv-02648-9", "case_name": "Philips Medical Systems (Cleveland), Inc. et al v. Buan et al", "docket_number": "1:19-cv-02648", "court_id": "ilnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Illinois", "court_short": "N.D. Illinois", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marvin E. Aspen", "date_filed": "2024-01-19", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Intellectual property", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.", "fees_requested": 1894327.15, "fees_awarded": 1892979.15, "dollar_cut": 1348, "pct_cut": 0.07, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 3333.13, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek an attorneys' fees award of $1,894,327.15 for 3,333.13 hours of legal work on their trade secret claims against GL Leading", "fees_awarded_quote": "We therefore award Plaintiffs and order Defendant GL Leading to pay attorneys' fees in the amount of $1,892,979.15.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 1348, "hours": 7.8, "quote": "Steptoe's records include entries totaling 7.8 hours for paralegal work that is clerical in nature (preparing courtesy copies, electronically filing and serving documents, and creating calendar notifications)." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Illinois cuts intellectual property fee award 0.1% over clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/philips-medical-systems-cleveland-inc-v-buan-ilnd-1-19-cv-02648-9" }, { "slug": "gilman-v-shellpoint-mortgage-servicing-txnd-3-22-cv-01283-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01283-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01283/USCOURTS-txnd-3_22-cv-01283-0", "case_name": "Gilman v. Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing", "docket_number": "3:22-cv-01283", "court_id": "txnd", "court_name": "District Court, N.D. Texas", "court_short": "N.D. Texas", "circuit": "5", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rebecca Rutherford", "date_filed": "2024-01-18", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Akerman, LLP", "fees_requested": 39946.5, "fees_awarded": 31946.5, "dollar_cut": 8000, "pct_cut": 20.03, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 123.5, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Shellpoint requests judgment awarding it $39,946.50 in reasonable attorneys' fees and $1,138.72 in costs incurred to litigate this action.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court should hold that Shellpoint is entitled to an award of $31,946.50 in attorneys' fees plus $1,138.72 in costs, for a total of $33,085.22.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 8000, "hours": 25, "quote": "Without invoices, time sheets, or other record of how these hours were spent, there is inadequate documentation for the Court to meaningfully review the reasonableness of these hours, and the Court should exclude them from the lodestar rate." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court should also exclude any award for the expense of litigating post-judgment motions, as Shellpoint has similarly failed to attach any documentation or record that would justify the amounts requested." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 20%, including for missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gilman-v-shellpoint-mortgage-servicing-txnd-3-22-cv-01283-0" }, { "slug": "honigman-vs-kimberly-clark-nyed-2-15-cv-02910-3", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-02910-3", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-02910/USCOURTS-nyed-2_15-cv-02910-3", "case_name": "Honigman vs. Kimberly-Clark", "docket_number": "2:15-cv-02910", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2024-01-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP", "fees_requested": 3961668.77, "fees_awarded": 3169335.02, "dollar_cut": 792333.75, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 5662.88, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek a total fee award of $4,100,000, consisting of $3,961,668.77 in attorneys’ fees, $138,331.23 in litigation expenses and charges, and $10,000 and $5,000 in incentive awards", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court awards $3,169,335.02 in attorneys’ fees and $138,331.23 in litigation expenses to Class Counsel", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that the unjustifiably inflated hourly rates being claimed by Class Counsel warrant a reduction in the attorneys’ fees to be awarded in this case." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the partner-heavy billing, the vagueness of the timekeeping, the block billing, and the billing of a summer associate" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Class Counsel’s billing records contain vague entries that “lack sufficient specificity to enable a court to assess what tasks were completed.”" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Class Counsel often engaged in block billing by combining several tasks into a single entry." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 20, "pct_base": "total_fee", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court exercises its informed discretion to impose an across-the-board reduction of 20% to Class Counsel’s fee application." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts consumer protection fee award 20%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/honigman-vs-kimberly-clark-nyed-2-15-cv-02910-3" }, { "slug": "kurtz-v-kimberly-clark-corporation-nyed-1-14-cv-01142-6", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-nyed-1_14-cv-01142-6", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-nyed-1_14-cv-01142/USCOURTS-nyed-1_14-cv-01142-6", "case_name": "Kurtz v. Kimberly-Clark Corporation et al", "docket_number": "1:14-cv-01142", "court_id": "nyed", "court_name": "District Court, E.D. New York", "court_short": "E.D. New York", "circuit": "2", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Pamela K. Chen", "date_filed": "2024-01-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP", "fees_requested": 3961668.77, "fees_awarded": 3169335.02, "dollar_cut": 792333.75, "pct_cut": 20, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 5662.88, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek a total fee award of $4,100,000, consisting of $3,961,668.77 in attorneys’ fees, $138,331.23 in litigation expenses and charges, and $10,000 and $5,000 in incentive awards", "fees_awarded_quote": "the Court awards $3,169,335.02 in attorneys’ fees and $138,331.23 in litigation expenses to Class Counsel, and incentive awards of $10,000 and $5,000", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds that the unjustifiably inflated hourly rates being claimed by Class Counsel warrant a reduction in the attorneys’ fees to be awarded in this case." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the partner-heavy billing, the vagueness of the timekeeping, the block billing, and the billing of a summer associate—the Court exercises its informed discretion to impose an across-the-board reduction of 20%" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Class Counsel’s billing records contain vague entries that “lack sufficient specificity to enable a court to assess what tasks were completed.”" }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Class Counsel often engaged in block billing by combining several tasks into a single entry." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Class Counsel billed for work performed by a summer associate, which typically is not done." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "E.D. New York cuts consumer protection fee award 20%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/kurtz-v-kimberly-clark-corporation-nyed-1-14-cv-01142-6" }, { "slug": "carson-v-citadel-federal-solutions-llc-mowd-5-23-cv-06015-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-mowd-5_23-cv-06015-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mowd-5_23-cv-06015/USCOURTS-mowd-5_23-cv-06015-0", "case_name": "Carson v. Citadel Federal Solutions, LLC", "docket_number": "5:23-cv-06015", "court_id": "mowd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Missouri", "court_short": "W.D. Missouri", "circuit": "8", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Greg Kays", "date_filed": "2024-01-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Consumer protection", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 43285, "fees_awarded": 24480, "dollar_cut": 18805, "pct_cut": 43.44, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 61.2, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsels' revised request 1 seeks $43,285 in attorneys' fees and expenses.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards $105.39 in costs and $24,480 in attorneys' fees for a total of $24,585.39.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court finds $400 an hour is an appropriate hourly rate here." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 8, "quote": "Plaintiff's counsel concedes in their reply brief this was a mistake, and they adjusted their request downwards by eight hours to compensate for it." }, { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "it leaves the Court (1) wondering whether these time entries were made contemporaneously and (2) generally doubting their accuracy." } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Missouri cuts consumer protection fee award 43.4%, including for missing records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/carson-v-citadel-federal-solutions-llc-mowd-5-23-cv-06015-0" }, { "slug": "otto-v-city-of-boca-raton-florida-flsd-9-18-cv-80771-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-9_18-cv-80771-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-9_18-cv-80771/USCOURTS-flsd-9_18-cv-80771-5", "case_name": "Otto et al v. City of Boca Raton, Florida et al", "docket_number": "9:18-cv-80771", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Robin L. Rosenberg", "date_filed": "2024-01-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Civil rights", "fee_basis": "42 U.S.C. § 1988", "firm": "Liberty Counsel", "fees_requested": 2225018, "fees_awarded": 736227.53, "dollar_cut": 1488790.47, "pct_cut": 66.91, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 2274.8, "hours_awarded": 1515, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "They request $2,225,018 in fees and $12,864.30 in expenses and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Plaintiffs are awarded $736,887.45 in costs consisting of $736,227.53 in attorneys' fees and $659.92 in non-taxable expenses.", "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 169.5, "quote": "Plaintiffs have waived any right to recover Section 1988 costs from the City for any time after January 27, 2023, and from the County for any time after February 22, 2023. Plaintiffs did not contest Defendants' calculation of 169.5 hours for fees-on-fees, so I accept that number." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Based on my review of the billing records, I find that there should be a 25% across-the-board reduction of Counsel's Remaining Requested Hours due to the billing issues discussed above." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For all these reasons, Plaintiffs have not justified all of the time that was blocked billed. A fee reduction for block billing is therefore appropriate." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "because Plaintiffs have not offered evidence to explain why all of this work was necessary to their representation, these entries likewise justify a reduction in compensable hours." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a reduction of hours based on time spent on clerical tasks, rather than a reduction based on entries that include clerical tasks, is appropriate." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "For pre-February 2020 time, I award the rates requested in the Vazzo fee request. Based on my personal knowledge of the Palm Beach County legal market, those rates are commensurate with rates charged in that market in 2017-19 for lawyers of similar experience. Plaintiffs have not shown that higher rates are warranted." } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts civil rights fee award 66.9%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/otto-v-city-of-boca-raton-florida-flsd-9-18-cv-80771-5" }, { "slug": "robinson-v-beyond-food-llc-azd-2-23-cv-00443-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-00443-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-00443/USCOURTS-azd-2_23-cv-00443-2", "case_name": "Robinson v. Beyond Food LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00443", "court_id": "azd", "court_name": "District Court, D. Arizona", "court_short": "D. Arizona", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Camille D. Bibles", "date_filed": "2024-01-17", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Wage and hour", "fee_basis": "Fair Labor Standards Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 6319, "fees_awarded": 4800, "dollar_cut": 1519, "pct_cut": 24.04, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 14.2, "hours_awarded": 12, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff's counsel seeks an award of $8,797.40, which includes $6,319 in fees (14.2 hours at $445 per hour)", "fees_awarded_quote": "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff be awarded: 1. Attorney fees in the amount of $4,800.00;", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Accordingly, awarding fees at an hourly rate of $400, slightly higher than previously awarded, would be reasonable and in accordance with prior decisions of the District of Arizona bench." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.2, "quote": "Accordingly, counsel's billed hours in this matter will be reduced by 2.2 hours, the amount of time charged for the following:" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Arizona cuts wage and hour fee award 24%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/robinson-v-beyond-food-llc-azd-2-23-cv-00443-2" }, { "slug": "pamcah-ua-local-675-pension-fund-v-creative-plumbing-inc-a-hid-1-23-cv-00241-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-hid-1_23-cv-00241-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-hid-1_23-cv-00241/USCOURTS-hid-1_23-cv-00241-0", "case_name": "PAMCAH-UA Local 675 Pension Fund v. Creative Plumbing, Inc., a Hawaii corporation", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-00241", "court_id": "hid", "court_name": "District Court, D. Hawaii", "court_short": "D. Hawaii", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Rom A. Trader", "date_filed": "2024-01-12", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "ERISA benefits", "fee_basis": "ERISA", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 1569.33, "fees_awarded": 568.06, "dollar_cut": 1001.27, "pct_cut": 63.8, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": true, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiffs seek 1,160.00 in delinquent contributions, $62,573.09 in liquidated damages, and $1,569.33 in attorney's fees and costs.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The total amount of attorneys' fees and GET is $568.06.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2.5, "quote": "this Court may not award hours for clerical work performed" }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 0.9, "quote": "The Court thus reduces the hours requested for work performed by timekeeper “A1” as follows" } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Hawaii cuts ERISA benefits fee award 63.8%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pamcah-ua-local-675-pension-fund-v-creative-plumbing-inc-a-hid-1-23-cv-00241-0" }, { "slug": "pinero-v-cobre-corporation-flsd-1-23-cv-20060-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-20060-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-20060/USCOURTS-flsd-1_23-cv-20060-1", "case_name": "Pinero v. Cobre Corporation", "docket_number": "1:23-cv-20060", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Kathleen M. Williams", "date_filed": "2024-01-09", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Disability access", "fee_basis": "Americans with Disabilities Act", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 4311.5, "fees_awarded": 3735, "dollar_cut": 576.5, "pct_cut": 13.37, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 11.7, "hours_awarded": 9, "cut_method": "across_the_board", "fees_requested_quote": "Thus, Plaintiff requests $ 4,311.50 in attorney’s fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Therefore, this Court awards $3,735 in attorneys’ fees.", "reasons": [ { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court has carefully reviewed Mr. Goldstein’s time entries and finds that some of the billing entries are for clerical and administrative work, such as billing 0.2 hours for filing the complaint, civil cover, and proposed summonses, and creating a file folder using the assigned case number." }, { "code": "excessive_hours", "label": "Excessive hours", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Further, this Court finds that several tasks billed seemed to have taken longer than what can be considered reasonable, such as billing 0.2 hours for receiving and reviewing the Order of Referral to Magistrate for Certain Matters/Issues and another 0.2 hours for receiving and reviewing the Order Requiring Filing of Motion for Default Judgment." } ], "primary_reason": "clerical_tasks", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts disability access fee award 13.4%, including for clerical work", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/pinero-v-cobre-corporation-flsd-1-23-cv-20060-1" }, { "slug": "marshall-spiegel-ilnb-1-20-bk-21625-5", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ilnb-1_20-bk-21625-5", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ilnb-1_20-bk-21625/USCOURTS-ilnb-1_20-bk-21625-5", "case_name": "Marshall Spiegel", "docket_number": "1:20-bk-21625", "court_id": "ilnb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Illinois", "court_short": "Bankr. N.D. Illinois", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Timothy A. Barnes", "date_filed": "2024-01-08", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Adelman & Gettleman, Ltd.", "fees_requested": 336251.5, "fees_awarded": 327354.5, "dollar_cut": 8897, "pct_cut": 2.65, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "The Application is seeking compensation for the period of August 1, 2022, to and including August 31, 2023, on an interim basis in the amount of $ 336,251.50 in fees", "fees_awarded_quote": "TOTAL FEES AND COSTS ALLOWED: $ 327,664.33", "reasons": [ { "code": "fees_on_fees", "label": "Fees on fees", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 7884, "hours": null, "quote": "The court has identified thirty-four time entries which were spent on supplemental briefing defending the fee application which seek a total amount of $ 7,884.00. Therefore, the court will reduce the total fees allowed by $ 7,884.00." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 987.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The court has identified five time entries which the court finds to be duplication of services which seek a total amount of $ 987.50." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 62.5, "hours": null, "quote": "The court has identified two time entries which the court finds provide an insufficient description. Those entries requested a total amount of $62.50 and therefore, the court will reduce the total fees allowed by an additional $62.50." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. N.D. Illinois cuts bankruptcy fee award 2.6%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/marshall-spiegel-ilnb-1-20-bk-21625-5" }, { "slug": "gulf-building-llc-v-philadelphia-indemnity-insurance-company-flsd-0-22-cv-60573-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-60573-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-60573/USCOURTS-flsd-0_22-cv-60573-2", "case_name": "Gulf Building LLC v. Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company", "docket_number": "0:22-cv-60573", "court_id": "flsd", "court_name": "District Court, S.D. Florida", "court_short": "S.D. Florida", "circuit": "11", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Jared M. Strauss", "date_filed": "2024-01-08", "ruling_type": "report_and_recommendation", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": "Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP", "fees_requested": 484298.5, "fees_awarded": 400502.5, "dollar_cut": 83796, "pct_cut": 17.3, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff seeks $484,298.50 in attorneys’ fees.", "fees_awarded_quote": "the total amount of attorneys’ fees Plaintiff should recover after calculating the lodestar for all three firms is $400,502.50.", "reasons": [ { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find it appropriate to reduce Wong’s hourly rate to $250.00 for work performed as a licensed attorney." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "I find it is reasonable to award Plaintiff $350.00 per hour for DeJager’s work." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Cherubin’s and Alvarez’s rates (as well as Wong’s rate for work performed prior to her admittance to the Florida Bar) should be reduced to $125.00." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a rate of $916.00 is unreasonable. Instead, a rate of $700.00 is more consistent with the highest rates awarded to highly experienced attorneys in this District." }, { "code": "rate_reduced", "label": "Hourly rate reduced", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "Maya’s and Kreiling’s paralegal rate of $240.00 should be reduced." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 10% across-the-board reduction is more appropriate. This reduction reflects the fact that Smith Currie did engage in some inappropriate block-billing and other impermissible billings" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 10% across-the-board reduction is more appropriate. This reduction reflects the fact that Smith Currie did engage in some inappropriate block-billing and other impermissible billings" }, { "code": "travel_time", "label": "Travel time", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "a 10% across-the-board reduction is more appropriate. This reduction reflects the fact that Smith Currie did engage in some inappropriate block-billing and other impermissible billings" }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are several issues with their timesheets regarding block-billing, unnecessary research, and the performing of ministerial clerical tasks. Consequently, a 25% across-the-board is appropriate." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are several issues with their timesheets regarding block-billing, unnecessary research, and the performing of ministerial clerical tasks. Consequently, a 25% across-the-board is appropriate." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": 25, "pct_base": "total_hours", "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "there are several issues with their timesheets regarding block-billing, unnecessary research, and the performing of ministerial clerical tasks. Consequently, a 25% across-the-board is appropriate." }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "attorney Silver’s five separate time entries – totaling 9.7 hours – are duplicative and vague." }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 9.7, "quote": "attorney Silver’s five separate time entries – totaling 9.7 hours – are duplicative and vague." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": 2, "quote": "the two hours paralegal Aldama billed were entirely clerical, as they consisted of “review of docket and preparation of document binder for attorney review,”" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "S.D. Florida cuts commercial fee award 17.3%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/gulf-building-llc-v-philadelphia-indemnity-insurance-company-flsd-0-22-cv-60573-2" }, { "slug": "waylan-phillips-meb-1-23-bk-10094-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-meb-1_23-bk-10094-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-meb-1_23-bk-10094/USCOURTS-meb-1_23-bk-10094-0", "case_name": "Waylan Phillips", "docket_number": "1:23-bk-10094", "court_id": "meb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Maine", "court_short": "Bankr. D. Maine", "circuit": "1", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Michael A. Fagone", "date_filed": "2024-01-05", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Shankman & Associates", "fees_requested": null, "fees_awarded": null, "dollar_cut": null, "pct_cut": null, "amounts_verified": false, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": null, "fees_awarded_quote": null, "reasons": [ { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 430, "hours": null, "quote": "the Court has disallowed $430.00 in fees that were objected to by the Trustee because the Court finds the Trustee's objection to be persuasive" }, { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 100, "hours": null, "quote": "disallowed a further $100.00 in fees because the Court cannot determine, from the information and context provided in the billing detail, whether certain services rendered were necessary" } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. D. Maine cuts bankruptcy fee award, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/waylan-phillips-meb-1-23-bk-10094-0" }, { "slug": "nufarm-americas-inc-v-delta-ridge-holdings-llc-ord-2-22-cv-00581-2", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ord-2_22-cv-00581-2", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ord-2_22-cv-00581/USCOURTS-ord-2_22-cv-00581-2", "case_name": "Nufarm Americas, Inc v. Delta Ridge Holdings, LLC et al", "docket_number": "2:22-cv-00581", "court_id": "ord", "court_name": "District Court, D. Oregon", "court_short": "D. Oregon", "circuit": "9", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Michael H. Simon", "date_filed": "2024-01-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": "Contract fee clause", "firm": null, "fees_requested": 27122.75, "fees_awarded": 25384.5, "dollar_cut": 1738.25, "pct_cut": 6.41, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": 78.8, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Plaintiff moves for attorney's fees and costs, requesting attorney's fees totaling $27,122.75 and costs totaling $1,048.99, for a total sum of $28,171.74.", "fees_awarded_quote": "The Court awards Plaintiff attorney's fees in the amount of $25,384.50 and costs in the amount of $1,048.99, for a total award of $26,433.49.", "reasons": [ { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 50, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 1020.25, "hours": null, "quote": "Mr. Ripp submits two block-billed time entries exceeding three hours, one for November 29, 2022, and the other for December 2, 2022. The Court reduces each of these two entries by 50 percent, thereby reducing Plaintiff's fee award by $1,020.25." }, { "code": "clerical_tasks", "label": "Clerical work billed as legal work", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 315, "hours": null, "quote": "The Court reduces Plaintiff's award by $315, the amount related to the above-identified purely clerical tasks." }, { "code": "other", "label": "Other", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 403, "hours": null, "quote": "Because it is unclear whether Plaintiff intended these entries to be compensable, the Court finds it reasonable to exclude these entries from Plaintiff's attorney's fees award. The Court reduces Plaintiff's award by $403" } ], "primary_reason": "block_billing", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "D. Oregon cuts commercial fee award 6.4%, including for block billing", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/nufarm-americas-inc-v-delta-ridge-holdings-llc-ord-2-22-cv-00581-2" }, { "slug": "evangelical-retirement-homes-of-greater-chicago-i-ilnb-1-23-bk-07541-0", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-ilnb-1_23-bk-07541-0", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-ilnb-1_23-bk-07541/USCOURTS-ilnb-1_23-bk-07541-0", "case_name": "Evangelical Retirement Homes Of Greater Chicago, I", "docket_number": "1:23-bk-07541", "court_id": "ilnb", "court_name": "United States Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Illinois", "court_short": "Bankr. N.D. Illinois", "circuit": "7", "bankruptcy": true, "judge": "Timothy A. Barnes", "date_filed": "2024-01-04", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Bankruptcy", "fee_basis": null, "firm": "Polsinelli PC", "fees_requested": 505602.5, "fees_awarded": 498093.5, "dollar_cut": 7509, "pct_cut": 1.49, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": 656.1, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "mixed", "fees_requested_quote": "TOTAL FEES REQUESTED:\nTOTAL FEES REDUCED:\nTOTAL FEES ALLOWED:\n\n$ 505,602.50\n$ 7,509.00\n$ 498,093.50", "fees_awarded_quote": "TOTAL FEES REQUESTED:\nTOTAL FEES REDUCED:\nTOTAL FEES ALLOWED:\n\n$ 505,602.50\n$ 7,509.00\n$ 498,093.50", "reasons": [ { "code": "vague_entries", "label": "Vague entries", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 4499, "hours": null, "quote": "The court has identified seven time entries which have an insufficient description, which seek a total amount of $ 4,499.00. Therefore, the court will reduce the total fees allowed by $ 4,499.00" }, { "code": "duplicative_staffing", "label": "Duplicative staffing", "recordkeeping": false, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": 2597, "hours": null, "quote": "The court has identified two time entries which are a duplication of services, which seek a total amount of $ 2,597.00. Therefore, the court will further reduce the total fees allowed by $ 2,597.00." }, { "code": "block_billing", "label": "Block billing", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": 10, "pct_base": "subset_of_entries", "amount": 413.15, "hours": null, "quote": "The court has identified five time entries which are lumping, which seek a total amount of $ 4,132.00. Therefore, in light of the lumping, that amount will be reduced by $ 413.15 [10%]." } ], "primary_reason": "vague_entries", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "Bankr. N.D. Illinois cuts bankruptcy fee award 1.5%, including for vague entries", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/evangelical-retirement-homes-of-greater-chicago-i-ilnb-1-23-bk-07541-0" }, { "slug": "davison-design-development-inc-v-scorza-pawd-2-23-cv-00644-1", "cluster_id": "USCOURTS-pawd-2_23-cv-00644-1", "source_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-pawd-2_23-cv-00644/USCOURTS-pawd-2_23-cv-00644-1", "case_name": "DAVISON DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT, INC. v. SCORZA", "docket_number": "2:23-cv-00644", "court_id": "pawd", "court_name": "District Court, W.D. Pennsylvania", "court_short": "W.D. Pennsylvania", "circuit": "3", "bankruptcy": false, "judge": "Marilyn J. Horan", "date_filed": "2024-01-03", "ruling_type": "order", "practice_area": "Commercial", "fee_basis": null, "firm": null, "fees_requested": 49619.73, "fees_awarded": 17837.83, "dollar_cut": 31781.9, "pct_cut": 64.05, "amounts_verified": true, "amounts_include_costs": false, "hours_requested": null, "hours_awarded": null, "cut_method": "line_item", "fees_requested_quote": "Mr. Scorza's counsel also claimed supplemental fees of $13,234.23 to bring the total award request for additional attorney fees to $49,619.73.", "fees_awarded_quote": "Said necessary and reasonable fees are in the amount of $17,837.83.", "reasons": [ { "code": "no_contemporaneous_records", "label": "Missing contemporaneous records", "recordkeeping": true, "pct": null, "pct_base": null, "amount": null, "hours": null, "quote": "the record does not support any additional billing or time records beyond this total" } ], "primary_reason": "no_contemporaneous_records", "hold_lifted": "user chose to publish existing rulings at launch (2026-10-20)", "published_at": "2026-10-20", "pipeline_version": 1, "title": "W.D. Pennsylvania cuts commercial fee award 64% over missing contemporaneous records", "tracker_url": "https://www.legaltime.ai/fee-cuts/davison-design-development-inc-v-scorza-pawd-2-23-cv-00644-1" } ] }