N.D. Texas cuts commercial fee award 11.5% over vague entries

What happened

In EHO360 LLC v. Opalich, the fee applicant sought $642,545.40 under a contract fee clause for 1,100 hours. Judge Jane J. Boyle awarded $568,862.40, a reduction of $73,683 or 11.5%. The court found that redactions in the time records made it impossible to determine whether the entries were reasonable and properly segregated, and reduced the award on that basis. The figures do not include costs.

What the court said

Here, the redactions make it impossible for the Court to determine if these entries were reasonable and properly segregated.

Why it matters

The ruling shows that a fee applicant's time records must let the court assess each entry. Where redactions or vague descriptions prevent that review, the court may reduce the award even when the overall request is otherwise supported.

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 N.D. Texas approves and attorney fee motions in Texas 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.