What is the "lodestar" calculation used by courts to determine attorneys' fees?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from Camacho v. Bridgeport Financial, Inc., 523 F.3d 973 (9th Cir. 2008):

"District courts must calculate awards for attorneys' fees using the `lodestar' method," Ferland, 244 F.3d at 1149 n. 4, and the amount of that fee must be determined on the facts of each case, Hensley v. Eckerhart, 461 U.S. 424, 429, 103 S.Ct. 1933, 76 L.Ed.2d 40 (1983). "The `lodestar' is calculated by multiplying the number of hours the prevailing party reasonably expended on the litigation by a reasonable hourly rate." Ferland, 244 F.3d at 1149 n. 4 (citation and internal quotation marks omitted). "Although in most cases, the lodestar figure is presumptively a reasonable fee award, the district court may, if circumstances warrant, adjust the lodestar to account for other factors which are not subsumed within it." Id.

Other Questions


When determining attorneys' fees under the lodestar approach in a civil rights case, does the court apply the forum rule? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How have courts in the 9th Circuit treated attorney's fees when calculating the amount awarded by a district court? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
When will a court grant a motion for attorney's fees under Section 1988 of the Civil Rights Attorney's Fees Act? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the lodestar method used by courts to determine a plaintiff's attorney fees? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a claim that the district court erred in awarding attorneys' fees to and for the work of an attorney allegedly engaged in the unauthorized practice of law have merit? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for a federal district court to determine whether a state court or federal court has jurisdiction to rule on a federal Railroad Commission case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does the availability of a multiplier for attorneys' fees in a state court, but not in a federal court, lead to forum shopping? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a district court have jurisdiction to award attorneys' fees to the appellate court? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the effect of the Court of Appeal finding that the Court found that the Attorney General had a "significant and important" role in determining the amount of profit from the sale of a cannabis farm? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the timing of a motion for attorney's fees and costs in the wake of the Court of Appeal's decision of appeal against the Supreme Court of Justice's decision to dismiss the appeal? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.