D. Maryland cuts commercial fee award 16.2% over vague entries

What happened

The fee applicant sought $12,360 under a contract fee clause for 41.2 hours of work. The court awarded $10,360, a reduction of $2,000, or 16.2%. The court found the time entries vague and exercised its discretion to reduce the award by that amount. The figures do not include costs.

What the court said

the Court exercises its discretion and finds that a reduction in the amount of $2,000 is appropriate

Why it matters

The ruling shows that a court will reduce a contract fee award when time entries lack enough detail to assess the work performed, even where the total reduction is modest.

How to keep this out of your fee petition

• Name the task, the document or person involved, and the purpose.
• Avoid stock phrases that could describe any day in any matter.
• Keep privileged detail general, but specific enough to show the work.

Cite this ruling

See hourly rates the D. Maryland approves and attorney fee motions in Maryland federal courts.

Figures and quotes are taken from the opinion and checked against its text. Spot an error? Email team@legaltime.ai with the case name and we will correct it. Summaries of public court opinions. Not legal advice.