Bankr. N.D. Illinois cuts bankruptcy fee award 2.6%, including for vague entries

What happened

Adelman & Gettleman, Ltd. sought $336,251.50 in fees. The court awarded $327,354.50, a reduction of $8,897.00, or 2.6%. It cut $7,884.00 for thirty-four entries spent on supplemental briefing defending the fee application, and $987.50 for five entries it found duplicative. It also cut $62.50 for two entries it found to have insufficient descriptions.

What the court said

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.

The court also reduced the award for: fees on fees, duplicative staffing.

Why it matters

The ruling shows that even a small share of a fee request can turn on how time entries are described. Entries lacking enough detail drew a specific, itemized cut, and the court separately identified entries for defending the fee request and for duplicated work rather than reducing the award across the board.

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

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.