Ripps v. Powers

Filing 169

Order, awarding attorneys fees and expenses in the amount of $6,404.51 (Six Thousand Four Hundred Four and 51/100 Dollars) as a Rule 11 sanction. Signed by Judge Callie V. S. Granade on 6/10/2011. (copy to deft) (mab)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION

GORDON RIPPS,
Plaintiff,
v.
D. LEON POWERS,
Defendant.

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CIVIL ACTION NO. 07-0832-CG-B

ORDER
This matter is before the court on plaintiff’s statement of fees and expenses
(Doc. 168), filed in response to this court’s order granting Rule 11 sanctions (Doc. 166).
This court previously granted plaintiff’s motion for Rule 11 sanctions (Doc. 148)
and awarded plaintiff attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in having to respond to
and file motions dealing with defendant’s post-trial motions and other post-trial
pleadings. (Doc. 166). The court stated that such fees and expenses “shall include the
cost of preparing a fee statement with supporting documents.” (Doc. 166, p. 8).
Plaintiff submitted an itemized billing statement and affidavits showing he incurred
$6,404.51 in attorneys’ fees and expenses in addressing defendant’s post-trial motions.
(Doc. 168-1).
The starting point for determining a “reasonable” fee is the “number of hours
reasonably expended on the litigation multiplied by a reasonable hourly rate.” Hensley
v. Eckerhart, 461 U.S. 424, 433 (1983). The “applicant bears the burden of

establishing entitlement” and “documenting reasonable hours expended and
reasonable hourly rates.” See ACLU of Georgia v. Barnes, 168 F.3d 423, 427 (11th Cir.
1999) . After review of the affidavits and billing statement submitted by plaintiff, the
court finds that the hourly rates charged and time expended were reasonable.
Therefore, plaintiff is hereby awarded attorneys’ fees and expenses in the
amount of $6,404.51 (Six Thousand Four Hundred Four and 51/100 Dollars) as
a Rule 11 sanction.
DONE and ORDERED this 10th day of June, 2011.

/s/ Callie V. S. Granade
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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