Bankruptcy

Fifth Circuit Says "No" To Full Hourly Rate For Travel Time

By Scott Riddle

From the Wall Street Journal Legal Blog -

Tax firm Caplin & Drysdale was appointed national counsel for the asbestos claimants’ committee in the bankruptcy of Babcock & Wilcox, a maker of boilers and generators. The firm sought about $6.3 million in fees and costs for it services, and charged its full hourly-rate for travel time. The bankruptcy trustee objected to paying the full hourly rate for travel time not spent working, and the bankruptcy judge agreed, awarding attorney’s fees at 50% for those hours — trimming $135,685.80 from Caplin & Drysdale’s tab. The district and appellate courts agreed.

In re Babcock & Wilcox, Inc., Case No. 07-30377 (5th Cir. May 1, 2008).

Full post as published by Georgia Bankruptcy Blog on May 02, 2008 (boomark / email).