Coastal Energy Corporation v. Heavy Constructors of Arkansas, LLC et al

Filing 31

ORDER DIRECTING PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES in favor of Coastal Energy Corporation against Heavy Constructors of Arkansas, LLC, Jimmy Jones Excavation, Inc., Brittini R. Sabatini, James L. Jones in the amount of $4,862.65. Signed by Honorable Timothy L. Brooks on October 1, 2021. (tg)

The Court reviewed Plaintiff's counsel's request for fees related to this
enforcement action. See Doc. 29-1. The descriptions of the legal work and number of
hours spent by counsel are both fair and reasonable. As for counsel's hourly rates, Mr.
Scott's rate of $290.00 per hour and Mr. Wisley's rate of $260.00 per hour are both
reasonable. Mr. Wooten's hourly rate of $425.00 per hour is somewhat excessive when
compared to the cost of comparable legal services in the Northwest Arkansas legal
market; accordingly, the Court reduces Mr. Wooten's rate to $350.00 per hour, which
results in net decrease of $105.00 from counsel's bill. This means that the total approved
fee award for bringing this enforcement action is $4,858.00. The Court also approves a
copying charge of $4.65, which appears on counsel's bill. Therefore, the total amount of
fees and costs owed to Plaintiff by Defendants, jointly and severally, is $4,862.65. This
amount is contractually owed pursuant to the parties' settlement agreement and
promissory note, and it is to be paid immediately.
As for Plaintiff's counsel's suggestion that the Court tack on another $532.35 in
fees for attorney work "estimated" to have been performed since September 1, 2021, the
Court declines the suggestion. This estimated additional fee is not substantiated by any
time records. Moreover, the Court finds a total fee and cost award of $4,862.65 is
reasonable under the circumstances.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Plaintiff Coastal Energy Corporation's Motion
for Attorney's Fees (Doc. 29) is GRANTED, and Defendants, jointly and severally, are
ordered to immediately pay Plaintiffs reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in the total
amount of $4,862.65.

2