Bankr. D. Maine cuts bankruptcy fee award, including for vague entries

What happened

Shankman & Associates sought fees in the Waylan Phillips bankruptcy case. The court did not state totals. Judge Michael A. Fagone disallowed $430.00 in fees that the trustee objected to, finding the trustee's objection persuasive. The court disallowed a further $100.00 because the billing detail and context did not let the court determine whether certain services were necessary.

What the court said

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

The court also reduced the award for: other.

Why it matters

The ruling shows that a fee applicant's billing detail must let the court see why each service was needed. Where the entries and context leave that unclear, the court can strike the charge even without a percentage or hours analysis, and a trustee's objection can carry the rest.

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.