Court Reduces Fee Award to "Ponderous" Lawyer
This lien case arose out of a bridge project in Duvall where the subcontractor claimed a lien under RCW 60.28 (retainage) and RCW 39.08 (bond) for sums due from the general contractor. The case went to trial for 15 days and the jury awarded the sub an amount not specified in the opinion.
As the prevailing party, the sub moved for its fees in the claimed amount of $213,770. The Court awarded only $135,000. Part of the rationale was the lawyer's "ponderous questioning" which needlessly extended the trial. Another major factor was that 7 professionals (four lawyers, three paralegals) billed time to the case for the claimaint.