Reasonableness Of Fees: Reduction Of Requested Contractual Fees Award By Over $250,000 For Excessive Collaboration And Block Billing Was No Abuse Of Discretion

Defendants’ Final Award Was $410,115.50.

            In Barto/Signal Petroleum, Inc. v. Boneyard, LLC, Case No. B299794 (2d Dist., Div. 8 Apr. 29, 2021) (unpublished), defendants prevailed and sought attorney’s fee under a contractual fees clause in a settlement agreement.   They were awarded $410,115.50 in fees, a reduction of over $250,000.  That result was affirmed on appeal.  The reasons?  Excessive collaboration and block billing, with the trial judge reducing the block billed entries by 65%.