1979 Family Trust Licensor, LLC v. Darji

Background

On September 14, 2020, the court had granted the plaintiffs’ motion for an order finding the defendants in contempt for violating the court’s prior default judgment. The plaintiffs then moved for attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in preparing and filing that contempt motion.

The plaintiffs initially requested $17,633.26. On September 22, 2020, the court denied that application and directed the plaintiffs to submit detailed billing records. The court also stated that the number of hours counsel reportedly spent on the case was excessive. The plaintiffs later submitted a revised motion requesting $12,282.99.

Fee Analysis

Three paralegals worked a combined 8.7 hours on the contempt motion. Their billed hourly rates ranged from $315 to $330. The court found those rates inflated and reduced them to $175 per hour. It also found a reduction warranted because the plaintiffs had not provided the paralegals’ qualifications. After applying the reduced paralegal rates, the attorneys’ fees totaled $15,451. The court then applied the plaintiffs’ agreed 30% reduction, resulting in $10,815.70 in attorneys’ fees. The court also awarded $555.89 for costs and expenses.

Ruling

Judge Valerie Caproni ordered that the plaintiffs’ motion for attorneys’ fees and costs was granted in part. The court awarded the plaintiffs $11,371.59 in total: $10,815.70 in attorneys’ fees and $555.89 in costs and expenses. Consistent with the prior order, the defendants were required to pay that amount by October 30, 2020.