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Hawthorne v. Municipality of Norristown

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Apr 29, 2016
CIVIL ACTION No. 15-01572 (E.D. Pa. Apr. 29, 2016)

Summary

finding that sanctions were warranted because counsel should have dismissed the case but instead maintained it by taking multiple depositions and proceeding to summary judgment

Summary of this case from Tsouli-Moufid v. Credit Control, LLC

Opinion

CIVIL ACTION No. 15-01572

04-29-2016

SALIMA HAWTHORNE, K.A., et al., Plaintiffs, v. MUNICIPALITY OF NORRISTOWN, et al., Defendants.


PAPPERT, J. MEMORANDUM

Subsequent to the Court granting summary judgment in its favor, Defendant Municipality of Norristown ("Norristown") filed a motion for sanctions pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1927. Norristown contends that Plaintiffs' counsel, Gregg L. Zeff ("Counsel" or "Zeff"), in bad faith continued to pursue a case he knew to be meritless. Norristown seeks reimbursement of attorneys' fees and costs incurred to defend the case for several months after Zeff should have voluntarily dismissed the Plaintiffs' complaint or withdrawn from his representation of the Plaintiffs. The Court grants the motion.

I.

This case involved the police pursuit of a stolen car whose occupants were injured when the car crashed. Throughout the litigation, Zeff maintained that Norristown police officers aggressively chased and rammed his clients' car, which led to a "catastrophic collision" and their injuries. Video from a dashboard camera in one of the officer's cars, however, revealed the Plaintiffs' allegations to be false. Based largely on that video, the Court granted Norristown's motion for summary judgment and dismissed the case on February 5, 2016. See Hawthorne v. Municipality of Norristown, No. 15-01572, 2016 WL 454401 (E.D. Pa. Feb. 5, 2016). The Court's Opinion includes a detailed recitation of the facts, which need not be repeated here. After dismissing the case, the Court issued an order to show cause why sanctions were not appropriate under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 11(b)(1)-(3), 28 U.S.C. Section 1927 and/or the Court's inherent powers. (ECF No. 44 at 1-3.) The Court ordered Counsel to respond by February 22, 2016, and held a hearing on February 24, 2016. (Id.)

At the hearing, Scott Gottel ("Gottel"), Norristown's attorney, stated that he sent the police pursuit video to Zeff with Norristown's initial disclosures on April 17, 2015. (Order to Show Cause Oral Arg. ("Second Oral Arg.") 39:20-21, ECF No. 52.) Sometime thereafter, Zeff's associate told Gottel's office that they did not receive the video. Gottel resent the video on May 7, 2015 and Zeff received it the same day. (Id. 40:3-5; see also Pls.' Opp. to Order to Show Cause at 2, 6, ECF No. 47-1) Represented by counsel at the hearing, Zeff acknowledged that he watched the video before K.A.'s deposition on July 21, 2015. (Second Oral Arg. 8:10-19, 18:20-19:4.) He admitted that the video contradicts his clients' allegations. (Id. 25:5-6.) He also stated that he failed to amend the complaint after viewing the video because he is one who doesn't "amend my Complaint regularly" and proceeds with the original pleading "whether it's true or false." (Id. 9:25-10:1, 33:18-22.) After Zeff deposed Norristown's police officers in early August and the beginning of September, 2015 it was "crystal clear" to him that "this was a police department that did everything by the book" and he was "actually shocked by it." (Id. 34:13-15.)

On February 26, 2016 Norristown filed its motion for sanctions. (Def.'s Mot. for Sanctions ("Def.'s Mot."), ECF No. 49-1.) It asks the Court to award $73,588.89 for costs and fees incurred from July 21, 2015 through February 24, 2016, in addition to $1,000.00 in fees for the preparation of its motion for sanctions, for a total of $74,588.89. (Id. at 9.) Zeff retained new counsel on March 4, 2016. (ECF No. 50.) Counsel requested additional time to respond to Norristown's motion, which the Court granted. (ECF No. 51.) The response filed on March 25, 2016 contends, among other things, that Zeff's conduct did not meet the statutory definition of "bad faith" under Section 1927. (Pls.' Opp. to Def.'s Mot. ("Pls.' Opp.") at 20-21, ECF No. 53.) Norristown replied a week later and the Court scheduled oral argument for April 13, 2016. (ECF Nos. 54-55.) At Zeff's request, the Court rescheduled the hearing to April 19, 2016. (Motion for Sanctions Oral Arg. ("Third Oral Arg."), ECF No. 58.)

II.

Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1927 states that "[a]ny attorney or other person admitted to conduct cases in any court of the United States . . . who so multiples the proceedings in any case unreasonably and vexatiously" may be required to "satisfy personally the excess costs, expenses, and attorneys' fees reasonably incurred because of such conduct." An attorney violates Section 1927 if he: "'(1) multiplied proceedings; (2) in an unreasonable and vexatious manner; (3) thereby increasing the cost of the proceedings; and (4) doing so in bad faith or by intentional misconduct.'" In re Schaefer Salt Recovery, Inc., 542 F.3d 90, 101 (3d Cir. 2008) (quoting In re Prudential Ins. Co. Am. Sales Practice Litig. Agent Actions, 278 F.3d 175, 188 (3d Cir. 2002)). The principal purpose of imposing sanctions under Section 1927 is the "'deterrence of intentional and unnecessary delay in the proceedings.'" In re Schaefer Salt Recovery, Inc., 542 F.3d at 101 (quoting Zuk v. E. Pa. Psychiatric Inst. of the Med. Coll., 103 F.3d 294, 297 (3d Cir. 1996)).

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has held that "'sanctions may not be imposed under § 1927 absent a finding that counsel's conduct resulted from bad faith, rather than misunderstanding, bad judgment, or well-intentioned zeal.'" Grider v. Keystone Health Plan Cent., Inc., 580 F.3d 119, 142 (3d Cir. 2009) (quoting LaSalle Nat'l Bank v. First Conn. Holding Group, L.L.C. XXIII, 287 F.3d 279, 289 (3d Cir. 2002)). The attorney's conduct "must be of egregious nature, stamped by bad faith that is violative of recognized standards in the conduct of litigation." Baker Indus., Inc. v. Cerberus, Ltd., 764 F.2d 204, 208 (3d Cir. 1985) (citation omitted). Bad faith may be inferred where a party pursues claims that are clearly frivolous. See In re Prudential, 278 F.3d at 188 ("Indications of this bad faith are findings that the claims advanced were meritless, that counsel knew or should have known this, and that the motive for filing the suit was for an improper purpose such as harassment.") (citation omitted); see also Murphy v. Hous. Auth. and Urban Redevelopment Agency of City of Atl. City, 51 F. App'x 82, 83 (3d Cir. 2002) ("[B]ad faith may be inferred from the record . . . .").

III.

Counsel's conduct in continuing to pursue the claims against Norristown after watching the dash cam video on or before July 21, 2015 merits the imposition of sanctions under Section 1927. (Pls.' Opp. at 10) ("In preparation for the depositions of his [Zeff's] clients on July 21, 2015, he viewed the video.") The case, or at a minimum Counsel's participation in it, should have ended very shortly thereafter. Instead, the proceedings were extended by more than six months. Activity in the litigation included: Plaintiffs K.A. and Johnson's depositions on July 21, 2015 and September 1, 2015 respectively, the depositions of various Norristown police officers on August 11, 2015 and September 1, 2015, briefing on Norristown's motion for summary judgment, oral argument on the motion on January 19, 2016 and the Court's considerable time spent preparing for and conducting oral argument and writing its summary judgment opinion. (Id. at 11-14.) All of this was, by definition, a multiplication of these proceedings which obviously increased the costs incurred by Norristown as it continued to defend itself and the conduct of its officers. That multiplication was unreasonable and vexatious. Counsel knew or should have known from the instant he watched the video that his clients' claims were frivolous. He instead forged ahead until the Court's dismissal of the case. (Id. at 17.)

Counsel also continued to pursue a settlement throughout this extended timeframe. He participated in a settlement conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Caracappa on October 8, 2015, and following the summary judgment oral argument negotiated with Norristown's insurer a de minimis settlement on or around January 19, 2016. (Pl.'s Opp. at 6, 17.) Gottel was unaware of any settlement offer made on behalf of his client. (Second Oral Arg. 27:8-23.) He stated at oral argument that the insurer only extended the offer "because of the approaching trial and the increasing costs of having to continue with the litigation." (Id. 27:15-16.) The offer was made "without [Gottel's] consultation." (Id. 27:22-23.) In any event, the Court dismissed the Plaintiffs' complaint before the parties agreed to any settlement. See Hawthorne, No. 15-01572, 2016 WL 454401, at *8.

The Court regrettably concludes that Counsel acted in bad faith in pursuing the case after the dash cam video revealed the falsity of the complaint's central allegations. While the Court may infer bad faith from the record, here no such inference is required; the record speaks for itself. See Murphy, 51 F. App'x at 83. Zeff knew or reasonably should have known that his claims had no basis in law or fact after viewing the video. For one thing, Counsel never amended the complaint, specifically paragraph fourteen which states:

Ultimately, a Norristown police vehicle struck the back of the vehicle driven by Bailey causing that vehicle to strike another vehicle and roll over in a catastrophic collision. Plaintiffs Ameer Johnson and K.A. suffered serious injuries including but not limited to head, brain, neck, back, arm, leg and other injuries, resulting in a lengthy hospitalizations, rehabilitation and surgeries, some or all of which may be permanent.
(Pls.' Compl. ¶ 14, ECF No. 1) (emphasis added.)

Perhaps most troubling, Counsel discussed and reviewed the video with his clients, K.A. and Johnson, and then sat silently through their depositions while they testified to a version of the case which was flatly contradicted by the video. (Second Oral Arg. 16:11-13.) Specifically, K.A. testified that although he did not see it, a police car hit their car, which caused it to lose control, hit a "big bump" in the road and crash. See Hawthorne, No. 15-01572, 2016 WL 454401, at *2. Johnson testified that their car hit a "little bump" and police cars hit the car "like three times" after the bump. Id. Counsel maintained his original theory of the case through every deposition, summary judgment brief, oral argument and settlement negotiation. None of that should have ever happened. Upon watching the dash cam video as part of its review of the record in deciding Norristown's summary judgment motion, the Court knew—immediately and without any doubt or question—that the car in which the Plaintiffs were riding crashed because the driver was speeding, not because a police car "rammed" it.

Zeff argues that he had to proceed with the case and could not withdraw because his clients "did not provide . . . authorization [to withdraw] in time for oral argument" and that there was a "lack of guidance from his clients." (Pls.' Opp. at 13.) If Counsel's clients were unwilling to withdraw their claims, he had a duty under the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct to withdraw from their representation. Rule 1.16(a) states that:

A lawyer shall . . . withdraw from the representation of a client if: (1) the representation will result in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law . . . (4) the client insists upon taking action that the lawyer considers repugnant or with which the lawyer has a fundamental disagreement . . . (7) other good cause for withdrawal exists.

The comments to Rule 1.16 state that a lawyer "ordinarily must decline or withdraw" from representation if his clients "demand[] that the lawyer engage in conduct that . . . violates the Rules of Professional Conduct." Moreover, "[w]ithdrawal is also justified if the client persists in a course of action that the lawyer reasonably believes is . . . fraudulent." Pa. Rules of Professional Conduct 1.16 cmts. 2, 7.

Rule 3.1 addresses "meritorious claims and contentions" and instructs that "[a] lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous . . . ." The comments to Rule 3.1 clarify that lawyers are required to "determine that they can make good faith arguments in support of their clients' positions" and that an action is frivolous if the lawyer is unable "to make a good faith argument on the merits of the action taken . . . ." Pa. Rules of Professional Conduct 3.1 cmt. 2.

Zeff contends that the totality of his conduct does not constitute bad faith, and relies upon Maule v. Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC, No. 08-3357, 2009 WL 129759 (E.D. Pa. Jan. 16, 2009) and Barbee v. Se. Pa. Transp. Auth., No. 04-4063, 2007 WL 403881 (E.D. Pa. Feb. 1, 2007)—cases in which our Court did not find bad faith under Section 1927. (Pls.' Opp. at 22-23.) Neither decision changes the Court's assessment of Counsel's conduct in this case. In Maule, the defendant argued that the plaintiffs should be sanctioned for "attempting to hold" the defendant liable under several legal theories it viewed as improper. Maule, 2009 WL 129759, at *1. The court found that while the plaintiffs' claims may not ultimately prevail, there was a "reasonable basis in law" for the assertions and therefore their conduct could not "be characterized as unreasonable or vexatious." Id. at *2-3. Likewise, in Barbee, the defendant argued that because six of the plaintiff's seven claims were dismissed on summary judgment, he should be sanctioned. Barbee, 2007 WL 403881, at *3. The court found that while the plaintiff's claims "may appear frivolous in hindsight, at the outset there appeared to be a genuine issue in need of jury resolution." Id. at *2. The fact that "six of his seven claims were dismissed on summary judgment" is not proof that he "advanced meritless claims." Id. at *3.

Zeff also argues that courts must "avoid chilling an attorney's legitimate ethical obligation to represent his client zealously" and that an attorney's "well-intentioned zeal" does not equate to bad faith. (Pls.' Opp. at 19.) The Court agrees with Counsel and the Court's decision today should in no way be interpreted to hinder zealous advocacy, which is an indispensable component of our civil justice system. Zealous advocacy, however, does not mean unbounded advocacy. Counsel must be mindful of the basic purpose of the adversary system—as a means of promoting the discovery of truth—and of their obligations as officers of the court. See Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc. v. Pacific Indem. Co., 557 F.2d 51, 58 (3d Cir. 1977) ("[I]t may be expected that the attorneys, as officers of the court, will adhere to the rightful boundaries of zealous advocacy . . . .").

IV.

The appropriateness of assessing attorneys' fees against counsel under Section 1927 is a matter for the district court's discretion. See Ford v. Temple Hosp., 790 F.2d 342, 347 (3d Cir. 1986) (citing Baker, 764 F.2d at 210). To properly exercise this discretion, the Court must "balance the equities between the parties and may award attorney's fees whenever overriding considerations indicate the need for such a recovery." Id. Sanctions levied under Section 1927 must only impose costs and expenses that result from the particular misconduct, see Martin v. Brown, 63 F.3d 1252, 1264 (3d Cir. 1995), and are limited to those taxable under 28 U.S.C. Section 1920. See In re Prudential, 278 F.3d at 188; see also Martin, 63 F.3d at 1264.

A.

The starting point for determining reasonable attorneys' fees is the lodestar method. See Loftus v. Se. Pa. Transp. Auth., 8 F. Supp. 2d 458, 463 (E.D. Pa. 1998) (citing Matthews v. Freedman, 128 F.R.D. 194, 207 (E.D. Pa. 1989), aff'd, 919 F.2d 135 (3d Cir. 1990)). The lodestar formula multiplies the reasonable number of hours expended by a reasonable hourly rate. See Hensley v. Eckerhart, 461 U.S. 424, 433 (1983). The prevailing party bears the burden of establishing with satisfactory evidence, in addition to the attorney's own affidavits, that the requested hourly rate meets this standard. See Washington v. Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, 89 F.3d 1031, 1035 (3d Cir. 1996).

The Third Circuit has held that "it is necessary that the Court 'go line, by line, by line' through the billing records supporting the fee request." Evans v. Port. Auth. of N.Y. & N.J., 273 F.3d 346, 362 (3d Cir. 2001) (emphasis in original). The district court considers whether the time charged is reasonable, excluding "'hours that are excessive, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary, just as a lawyer in private practice ethically is obligated to exclude such hours from his fee submission' to his client." Tenafly Eruv Ass'n, Inc. v. Borough of Tenafly, 195 F. App'x 93, 96 (3d Cir. 2006) (quoting Hensley, 461 U.S. at 434). To challenge the fee request, plaintiffs must state their grounds with "sufficient specificity." Bell v. United Princeton Props., Inc., 884 F.2d 713, 715 (3d Cir. 1989).

Gottel submitted an affidavit to the Court. (Gottel Aff., ECF No. 60.) He is an attorney with Holsten & Associates, where he has worked since March 2003. (Id. ¶ 2.) He graduated from the University of Richmond in 1995 and Dickinson School of Law in 1998 and has been admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1998, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since 2003 and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals since 2004. (Id. ¶¶ 3-4.) Megan Scott ("Scott"), a paralegal with Holsten & Associates, assisted Gottel in the matter. (Id. ¶ 11.) Scott attended Neumann University and is a certified paralegal. (Id.)

Legal work performed by paralegals may be recovered under "reasonable attorneys' fees." See, e.g., Missouri v. Jenkins by Agyei, 491 U.S. 274, 297-98 (1989); Zavodnick v. Gordon & Weisberg, P.C., No. 10-7125, 2012 WL 2036493, at *6-8 (E.D. Pa. June 6, 2012).

Community Legal Services ("CLS") of Philadelphia lists a rate of $435-$505 per hour for attorneys with between 16 and 20 years of experience. (Def.'s Mot., Ex. G.) The fee schedule established by CLS "has been approvingly cited by the Third Circuit as being well developed and has been found by [the Eastern District of Pennsylvania] to be a fair reflection of the prevailing market rates in Philadelphia." Maldonado v. Houstoun, 256 F.3d 181, 187 (3d Cir. 2001) (citations and internal quotation marks omitted). The Court uses the median of this range, $470, as Gottel has practiced for 18 years. Gottel spent 230.40 billable hours on the matter between July 21, 2015 and February 24, 2016. (Def.'s Mot., Ex. H at 53.) The lodestar calculation is therefore 230.40 x $470 = $108,288.00. Gottel's rate of $155 per hour is unquestionably reasonable given the lodestar rate of $470.

Zeff does not contest the reasonableness of Gottel's fees or the number of hours billed. (Pls.' Opp. at 22) ("[N]o contest is asserted regarding the reasonability of the hourly rates or the amount of time spent on the asserted tasks.") After a line by line examination of the fees, however, the Court adjusts the following entries which the Court deems excessive, redundant or otherwise unnecessary:

• The analysis and review of Salima Hawthorne's deposition is adjusted downward from 8.1 hours to 4 hours. See infra Appendix A ("App. A") at 20-21.

• The analysis and review of Lieutenant Todd Dillon's deposition is adjusted downward from 4.4 hours to 2.2 hours. See infra App. A at 20-21.

• The time entry with the narrative "Reviewed the complaint to find where the plaintiff fell to see if there is a common walkway easement" is eliminated as it appears to pertain to another matter. See infra App. A at 24.

• The time spent drafting and preparing Norristown's motion for summary judgment is adjusted downward from 27.7 hours to 18 hours. See infra App. A at 22-27.

• Several time entries are for costs properly taxable under 28 U.S.C. Section 1920 and are therefore addressed in the Court's costs analysis infra Part IV.B. See infra App. A at 13, 18, 32, 34.

• Several time entries are for costs not recoverable under 28 U.S.C. Section 1920 and are therefore eliminated. See infra App. A at 14, 22, 25, 33.

Multiplying Gottel's $155 per hour rate by the hours reasonably expended after the above downward adjustments yields a total of $29,166.00 in attorneys' fees. See infra App. A at 34. The Court exercises its discretion and declines to award Norristown the estimated $1,000.00 incurred in drafting its motion for sanctions.

B.

Any costs awarded pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1927 must be taxable under Section 1920, which lists six categories of such costs:

(1) Fees of the clerk and marshal; (2) Fees for printed or electronically recorded transcripts necessarily obtained for use in the case; (3) Fees and disbursements for printing and witnesses; (4) Fees for exemplification and the costs of making copies of any materials where the copies are necessarily obtained for use in the case; (5) Docket fees under section 1923 of this title; and (6) Compensation of court appointed experts, compensation of interpreters, and salaries, fees, expenses, and costs of special interpretation services under section 1828 of this title.
Norristown included in its motion a listing of the expenditures it incurred in defending this matter from July 21, 2015 through February 24, 2016. The Court conducted a line by line review and finds those costs taxable under Section 1920, listed infra Appendix B ("App. B"), total $4,351.99.

The Court, under its inherent powers, may also award those costs not compensable under Section 1920, since Counsel acted in bad faith. See In re Prudential, 278 F.3d at 189 (stating that courts may impose sanctions pursuant to their inherent authority "'where a party has acted in bad faith, vexatiously, wantonly, or for oppressive reasons'") (quoting Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 45-46 (1991)). Norristown also seeks reimbursement of $35,522.49 in costs incurred after July 21, 2015 for services and retention of its non-court appointed experts. (Def.'s Mot. at 3-4.) Zeff opposes those costs and argues that there is no "verification as to the necessity, reasonability or requirement of those services." (Pls.' Opp. at 21-24.) The Court, while understanding that Norristown did what if felt necessary and appropriate to defend the case, nonetheless declines to award these additional costs and finds sufficient those costs which are compensable under Section 1920.

C.

The Court awards Norristown $29,166.00 in attorneys' fees and $4,351.99 in costs, for a total of $33,517.99. The Court takes no pleasure in issuing this Opinion or entering this award, but is confident that both reflect Section 1927's purposes and objectives. An appropriate order follows.

BY THE COURT:

/s/ Gerald J . Pappert

GERALD J. PAPPERT, J.

Appendix A. Fees.


Initials

Date

Narrative

HoursClaimed

HoursRevised

Rate

Subtotal

SCG

7/21/2015

Additional preparation fordepositions, analyze evidence andissues of juvenile criminal records

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

7/21/2015

Attend and represent insured atdeposition of Salima Hawthorne

3.5

155

$542.50

SCG

7/21/2015

Attend and represent insured atdeposition of Kalee Adger

1.5

155

$232.50

SCG

7/21/2015

Attend and represent insured atdeposition of Nikeen Flagg

1.0

155

$155.00

SCG

7/21/2015

Attend and represent insured atdeposition of Tasheen Overton (noshow)

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

7/22/2015

Begin preparation ofcorrespondence to claim rep,discuss and analyze testimony ofSalima Hawthorne, strategy andstatus

1.4

155

$217.00

SCG

7/23/2015

Review case law regardingstandards for police pursuit cases

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

7/23/2015

Complete correspondence to claimrep, discuss and analyze testimonyof Kalee Adger and strategy

1.2

155

$186.00

SCG

7/24/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze notice ofdeposition for chief of police

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

7/24/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from claim rep,discuss and analyze testimony andstrategy for case

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

7/24/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

WFH

7/23/2015

Service of Subpoena - FredContino / Service of Subpoena toN. Fagg - Norristown / Service ofSubpoena to T. Overton -Norristown

1

0

300

$0.00

MS

7/27/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to The PowellCenter for records of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/27/2015

Prepared/issued 4 recordsubpoenas on Ameer Johnson

0.3

100

$30.00

SCG

7/28/2015

Telephone call with claim rep,discuss and analyze [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

7/28/2015

Receive and analyze Plaintiff'srule 30 b deposition request

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

7/28/2015

Prepare for meeting with Chief ofPolice for deposition preparation,analyze evidence and potentialtopics

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

7/28/2015

Attend meeting with Chief ofPolice for deposition preparation,analyze evidence and potentialtopics

2.3

155

$356.50

SCG

7/29/2015

Prepare correspondence toplaintiff, discuss and analyze rule30b6 notice for testimony

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

7/29/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze notices ofdepositions for officers

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

7/30/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from attorney,discuss and analyze rule 30bnotice of testimony and request forChief

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

7/31/2015

Analyze CVs of various experts inOrtho and Neuropysch and selectpotential experts for conductingIMEs of plaintiffs

0.5

155

$77.50

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to St.Christopher's Hospital for recordsof Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Prepared / issued 8 subpoenas forAmeer Johnson

0.7

100

$70.00

WFH

7/28/2015

Local Travel at .575/mile - travelto / from Norristown P.D. forpreparation of Police Chief forDeposition

44

0

0.575

$0.00

WFH

7/29/2015

Local Travel at .575/mile - travelto / from Phila for hearing withJudge at Federal Courthouse

42

0

0.575

$0.00

WFH

7/29/2015

Parking - Phila

1

0

16.00

$0.00

MS

7/27/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to EisenhowerSchool for records of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/27/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to Dr. Gupta,Community Health andDevelopment for records ofPlaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/27/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to NorristownArea School District for records ofPlaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/27/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to Dr. Gupta,Community Health andDevelopment for records ofAmeer Johnson

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/27/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to CentralMontgomery MH/MR Center forrecords of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

8/4/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to SocialSecurity Administration forrecords of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to Dr. MichaelKwon for records of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to Dr. Hermanfor records of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to ProgressTherapy for records of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to MSTTherapy Center for records ofPlaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to CentralMontgomery for records ofPlaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to Universityof Pennsylvania for records ofPlaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to MossRehabilitation Center for recordsof Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to EinsteinMoss Rehab for records ofPlaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to ConcussionClinic for records of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to CentralMontgomery Psychiatry forrecords of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

MS

7/29/2015

Drafted Subpoenas to Dr. Glassfor records of Plaintiff

0.2

100

$20.00

SCG

8/4/2015

Prepare correspondence toplaintiff attorney, discuss andanalyze Ameer Johnson depositionnotice

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/4/2015

Prepare correspondence to Bailey,discuss and analyze depositionnotice

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/4/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze Ameerunavailable to testify, potentialmedical issues precludingtestimony

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

8/4/2015

Prepare email to plaintiff, discussand analyze need for medical noteregarding inability to testify andneed for conference with court todiscuss same

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

8/5/2015

Telephone call with vocationalexpert Ford, [redacted]

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

8/5/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from attorney,discuss and analyze rule 30(6)(b)notice of deposition and testimonyof chief

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

8/5/2015

Prepare correspondence to clients,[redacted]

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

8/5/2015

Receive and analyze email fromattorney, discuss and analyze issueof testimony of Bailey and AmeerJohnson and conference with court

0.5

155

$77.50

MS

8/4/2015

Drafted a letter to Plaintiff'sattorney regarding a subpoena formedical records

0.3

100

$30.00

MS

8/7/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze conferencewith judge

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

8/7/2015

Telephone call to judge's clerk,discuss and analyze conferencewith judge

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

8/7/2015

Prepare correspondence to Judge,discuss and analyze conferenceand issues

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/10/2015

Receive and analyze court orderfor conference with judge

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

8/10/2015

Telephone call from attorney,discuss and analyze testimony ofofficer witnesses

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/11/2015

Additional preparation fordepositions of clients analyzeevidence and issues

0.7

155

$108.50

SCG

8/11/2015

Attend deposition of Lt. Dillon

1.5

155

$232.50

SCG

8/11/2015

Attend deposition of Chief Talbot

0.8

155

$124.00

SCG

8/11/2015

Attend deposition of CorporalBrooke

2.0

155

$310.00

SCG

8/11/2015

Attend deposition of CorporalBenson

2.0

155

$310.00

SCG

8/11/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Dillon;[redacted]

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

8/11/2015

Conference call with Judge,discuss and analyze testimony ofAmeer Johnson and issues

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

8/11/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Talbot,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/12/2015

Attend deposition of Bailey, noshow

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

8/12/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

1.2

155

$186.00

SCG

8/13/2015

Prepare correspondence to expertStine, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

MS

8/11/2015

Prepared the necessary documentsfor the IME of Dr. Ford

2.1

100

$210.00

MS

8/12/2015

Prepared documents for theupcoming IME of Dr. Mack

2.1

100

$210.00

MS

8/13/2015

Continued to prepare informationfor the upcoming IMEs

3.1

100

$310.00

SCG

8/13/2015

Review and analyze IME noticesprepared by paralegal [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

8/13/2015

Prepare motion to compeldeposition of Bailey and requestfor sanctions for failure to appear

1.1

155

$170.50

SCG

8/13/2015

Prepare correspondence to IMEvocational expert, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

8/18/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Center CityLegal Reproductions - , discussand analyze need forauthorizations of records forplaintiffs

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/18/2015

Prepare correspondence toplaintiff attorney, discuss andanalyze need for authorizations ofrecords for plaintiffs

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/19/2015

Conference with expert Ford,[redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

8/19/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from attorney,discuss and analyze additionalrecords requests and informationon Lt. Shannon

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

8/19/2015

Prepare correspondence to client,[redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

WFH

8/19/2015

Deposition transcript - DiamondCourt Reporting / Depositions ofDaquan Bailey - no show /invoice

1

0

100

$0.00

SCG

8/20/2015

Telephone call with Lt. Shannon,[redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

8/20/2015

Prepare correspondence to client,[redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

8/20/2015

Receive and analyze email from LtDillon, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

8/21/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Dillon,[redacted]

2.8

155

$434.00

SCG

8/25/2015

Receive and analyze plaintiff'snotice of deposition for testimonyof Officer Robinson

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/24/2015

Prepare correspondence toplaintiff, discuss and analyzeadditional documents responsiveto requests for incident reports forpolice pursuits

0.4

155

$62.00

MS

8/24/2015

Prepared the necessary documentsto send out to the doctor regardingan upcoming IME

1.1

100

$110.00

MS

8/25/2015

Prepared the necessarytransportation for the Plaintiff's togo to the IMEs

0.6

100

$60.00

SCG

8/25/2015

Complete preparation ofcorrespondence to plaintiff,discuss and analyze informationon contact with Lt. Shannon

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/25/2015

Prepare correspondence to Dr.Yucha, [redacted]

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

8/25/2015

Prepare correspondence to Dr.Mack, [redacted]

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

8/25/2015

Prepare correspondence toplaintiff, discuss and analyze IMEnotices and status of case,testimony of Johnson

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

8/27/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze releases formedical records requested

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

8/28/2015

Telephone call from claim rep,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

8/28/2015

Prepare for correspondence toattorney, discuss and analyzetestimony of Ameer

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

9/1/2015

Prepare for deposition of AmeerJohnson, analyze evidence andquestions

0.8

155

$124.00

SCG

9/1/2015

Meeting with Officer Robinson[redacted]

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

9/1/2015

Attend deposition of OfficerRobinson

0.8

155

$124.00

SCG

9/1/2015

Attend deposition of AmeerJohnson

1.7

155

$263.50

SCG

9/2/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

9/2/2015

Prepare correspondence to expertStine [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

MS

9/2/2015

Analyze and Review thedeposition of Nikeen Flagg inpreparation of a summary

1.9

100

$190.00

MS

9/3/2015

Analyze and Review thedeposition of Salima Hawthorne inpreparation of page & line

3.1

100

$310.00

SCG

9/3/2015

Prepare correspondence toNeuropsych, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

9/3/2015

Prepare correspondence toVocational Expert for Ameer[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

9/8/2015

Telehpone call from expert Mack,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

9/9/2015

Receive and analyze records ofProgress PT for Kalee Adger

0.4

155

$62.0

SCG

9/9/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Dr. Mack,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

9/9/2015

Receive and analyze NorristownSchool District records for AmeerJohnson

0.8

155

$124.00

SCG

9/9/2015

Prepare correspondence to IMEdoctor Yucha, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

MS

9/8/2015

Analyzed the deposition of KaleeAdger in preparation of adeposition summary

2.1

100

$210.00

MS

9/9/2015

Drafted a revised Notice of anIME for Ameer Johnson

0.3

100

$30.00

MS

9/9/2015

Analyzed / Reviewed thedeposition of Kalee Adger inpreparation of a depositionsummary

1.1

100

$110.00

MS

9/10/2015

Analyzed / Reviewed thedeposition of Salima Hawthorne inpreparation of a depositionsummary

3.1

1.0

100

$100.00

MS

9/11/2015

Analyzed / Reviewed Depositionof Lt. Todd Dillon in preparationof a deposition summary

1.1

1.0

100

$100.00

SCG

9/11/2015

Conference with counsel forplaintiff regarding status of case

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

9/11/2015

Prepare correspondence to expertStine, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

9/17/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Lt. Dillon,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

9/16/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Lt. Dillon,[redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

9/16/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Lt. Dillon,[redacted]

1.2

155

$186.00

SCG

9/16/2015

Prepare correspondence toplaintiff, discuss and analyze priorpursuit policies

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

9/17/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from attorney,discuss and analyze release forpsychologist treatment records

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

9/17/2015

Prepare correspondence to CenterCity Legal Reproductions - ,discuss and analyze release forpsychologist treatment records

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

9/18/2015

Telephone call from expert Dr.Mack, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

9/21/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze authorizationfor Disability Care Managementrecords

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

9/21/2015

Prepare correspondence to CenterCity Legal Reproductions, discussand analyze authorization forDisability Care Managementrecords

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

9/22/2015

Telephone call from Center CityLegal Reproductions, discuss andanalyze authorization

0.1

155

$15.50

MS

9/21/2015

Analyze / Reviewed the depositionof Salima Hawthorne inpreparation of a depositionsummary

1.1

1.0

100

$100.00

MS

9/22/2015

Analyze / Reviewed the depositionof Salima Hawthorne inpreparation of a depositiontestimony

3.9

2.0

100

$200.00

SCG

9/22/2015

Receive and analyze email fromplaintiff, discuss and analyzerequest for conference call

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

9/22/2015

Telephone call from plaintiff,discuss and analyze status of case,discovery, potential demand andpotential request to judge forsubmission of liability issues tojudge

0.5

155

$77.50

MS

9/23/2015

Analyzed / Reviewed thedeposition of Lieutenant ToddDillon in preparation of adeposition summary

3.3

1.2

100

$120.00

MS

9/23/2015

Analyzed / Reviewed thedeposition of Lieutenant ChiefMark Tallbottom in preparation ofa deposition summary

0.9

100

$90.00

SCG

9/25/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Lt. Dilon:[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

MS

9/24/2015

Analyzed / Reviewed thedeposition of Corporal JosephBenson in preparation of adeposition summary

3.7

100

$370.00

MS

9/25/2015

Analyzed / reviewed thedeposition of Corporal DavidBrookes in preparation for adeposition summary

3.1

100

$310.00

SCG

9/21/2015

Expert Witness Fee - PremierOrthopedics / IME / Kalee Adger

1

0

250

$0.00

SCG

9/28/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Center CityLegal Reproductions - , discussand analyze needed authorizationfor records

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

9/28/2015

Begin preparation of statement ofmaterial facts for motion forsummary judgment

1.0

1

155

$155.00

SCG

9/30/2015

Receive and analyze testimonydigests of witnesses and review forevidence to present for Motion forSummary Judgment Statement ofMaterial facts

1.0

155

$155.00

SCG

9/30/2015

Continue preparation of Motionfor Summary Judgment Statementof Material facts

0.9

0

155

$0.00

SCG

10/1/2015

Continue preparation of Statementof Material Facts for Motion forSummary Judgment

1.8

1

155

$155.00

SCG

10/2/2015

Complete draft of statement ofmaterial facts for Motion forSummary Judgment

1.6

1

155

$155.00

SCG

10/2/2015

Begin preparation of memo of lawfor motion for summary judgment

1.9

1

155

$155.00

SCG

10/5/2015

Telephone call from Dr. Mack,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/5/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from DPW,discuss and analyze lien

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/5/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/5/2015

Continue preparation of Motionfor Summary Judgment and memoof law

2.2

1

155

$155.00

SCG

10/6/2015

Telephone call to court reporter,discuss and analyze testimonytranscripts

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

10/6/2015

Receive and analyze records fromCentral Montgomery MR MHfacility and conduct preliminaryreview

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/6/2015

Prepare correspondence to Dr.Mack, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

10/6/2015

Telephone call from claim rep,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/6/2015

Continue preparation of argumentfor memo of law for Motion forSummary Judgment

3.2

2

155

$310.00

MS

10/6/2015

Analyzed medical records fromCentral Montgomery MH / MR ofAmeer Johnson in preparation of amedical record summary

3.3

100

$330.00

SCG

10/7/2015

Prepare correspondence to expertStine, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

10/7/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from expert Stine,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

10/7/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

10/7/2015

Prepare correspondence tovocational expert, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/7/2015

Prepare correspondence toplaintiff, discuss and analyzeexpert ortho report on Adger

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/7/2015

Continue preparation of memo oflaw argument for Motion forSummary Judgment

4.2

155

$651.00

SCG

10/8/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from courtreporter, discuss and analyzetranscripts from testimony ofAmeer Johnson and OfficerRobinson

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/8/2015

Continue preparation of memo oflaw for Motion for SummaryJudgment

4.6

3

155

$465.00

SCG

10/8/2015

Telephone call from Ian at JudgeCaracappa's chambers, discussand analyze settlement conference

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/8/2015

Prepare correspondence to Stine,expert, [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/8/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from expert Ford,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

MS

10/13/2015

Analyzed / reviewed thedeposition of Sargent CarlRobinson in preparation ofdeposition summary

3.1

100

$310.00

MS

10/13/2015

Reviewed the complaint to findwhere the plaintiff fell to see ifthere is a common walkwayeasement

0.6

0

100

$0.00

MS

10/13/2015

Analyzed / reviewed deposition ofAmeer Johnson in preparation of adeposition summary

0.9

100

$90.00

MS

10/14/2015

Analyzed / reviewed deposition ofAmeer Johnson in preparation of adeposition summary

2.9

100

$290.00

SCG

10/14/2015

Prepare correspondence to Dr.Mack, [redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

10/14/2015

Prepare correspondence tovocational expert Ford, [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

MS

10/16/2015

Analyzed / reviewed pages 1through 200 of medical recordsfrom University of Penn Hospitalof the Plaintiff in preparation of amedical record summary

3.1

100

$310.00

SCG

10/16/2015

Review digest of testimony ofAmeer Johnson and OfficerRobinson for Motion for SummaryJudgment, select portions requiredfor statement of material facts

0.7

155

$108.50

SCG

10/16/2015

Continue preparation of Motionfor Summary Judgment

3.1

2

155

$310.00

SCG

10/16/2015

Receive and analyze additionalrecords from Moss Rehab forAmeer

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/16/2015

Prepare correspondence to experts,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/16/2015

Pay to: Zeff Law Firm /Reimbursement for transportationof Ameer to evaluation (to &from)

1

0

118.54

$0.00

SCG

10/16/2015

Reproduction Services from -Center City Legal Reproductions -Medical Records from ProgressPhysical therapy for Kalee Adger.Medical records from ConcussionClinic, Univ of PA (Radiology),Jefferson Univ Hosp for AmeerJohnson. Student records fromNorristown SD for AmeerJohnson. Student records fromEisenhower School, Powell CenterRecords for Kalee Adger. invoice462408

1

494.96

$0.00

MS

10/19/2015

Continued to Analyze / reviewmedical records from Universityof Pennsylvania of Plaintiff inpreparation of a medical recordsummary

2.1

100

$210.00

SCG

10/19/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from expert Stine,[redacted]

0.7

155

$108.50

SCG

10/19/2015

Prepare correspondence to expertStine, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/19/2015

Receive and analyze final expertreport from Stine

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

10/19/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/19/2015

Prepare correspondence toattorney, discuss and analyzeexpert report from Stine

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

10/19/2015

Continue preparation of Motionfor Summary Judgment and memoof law

0.7

0

155

$0.00

MS

10/20/015

Analyze / reviewed volume 2, 590pages of medical records fromUniversity of Pen hospital ofAmeer Johnson in preparation ofmedical record summary

2.1

100

$210.00

MS

10/20/2015

Analyze / reviewed medicalrecords from Moss Rehab -Drucker Brain Injury Center ofAmeer Johnson in preparation ofmedical record summary

1.1

100

$110.00

MS

10/20/2015

Analyze / reviewed medicalrecords from Moss Rehab Centerfor Ameer Johnson in preparationof medical record summary

2.1

100

$210.00

SCG

10/20/2015

Continue preparation of Motionfor Summary Judgment, selectionand insertion of exhibit references

2.0

1

155

$155.00

MS

10/21/2015

Continued to Analyze / reviewedmedical record from Moss RehabCenter - Volume 1 of 2 of AmeerJohnson in preparation of amedical record summary

3.3

100

$330.00

SCG

10/21/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from attorney,discuss and analyze subpoena onBailey probation officer seekinglocation

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/21/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from expert Ford,[redacted]

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

10/21/2015

Prepare correspondence to expertFord, [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/26/2015

Receive and analyze final reportfrom Expert Ford

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

10/26/2015

Prepare correspondence toattorney, discuss and analyzeexpert report of Ford

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/26/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

10/26/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from court,discuss and analyze order againstBailey

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

10/26/2015

Prepare correspondence to Bailey,discuss and analyze court orderand deposition and discovery

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/27/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze notice toBailey probation officer

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/27/2015

Continue preparation of Motionfor Summary Judgment and memoof law, complete argument andreferences to record

3.8

3

155

$465.00

MS

10/26/2015

Analyzed / reviewed medicalrecords from Moss Rehab Volume2 of 2 of the Plaintiff inpreparation of a medical recordsummary

1.6

100

$160.00

MS

10/27/2015

Continued to analyze / reviewmedical records from Moss RehabVolume 2 of 2 of the Plaintiff inpreparation of a medical recordsummary

2.6

100

$260.00

SCG

10/28/2015

Continue preparation of Motionfor Summary Judgment and memoof law with references to record,conclusion and added argumentregarding Stine expert report

0.7

0

155

$0.00

SCG

10/28/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Dr. Mack,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/28/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

10/28/2015

Telephone call from claim rep,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

10/29/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from claim rep,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

10/30/2015

Prepare for potential deposition ofBailey, analyze evidence andquestions

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

10/30/2015

Attend deposition of Bailey, noshow

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

10/30/2015

Prepare email to attorneyregarding Bailey no show atdeposition

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

11/3/2015

Complete Motion for SummaryJudgment and memo of law withexhibit selection

2.2

2

155

$310.00

SCG

11/3/2015

Prepare correspondence to judge,discuss and analyze Motion forSummary Judgment

0.2

155

$31.00

MAR

11/11/2015

Reviewed & exchanged emails[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

11/16/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

11/16/2015

Telephone call from Bailey,discuss and analyze evidence,issues and need for deposition

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

11/16/2015

Prepare email and receive replyfrom plaintiff attorney regardingcontact with Bailey, status of caseand Motion for SummaryJudgment

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

11/16/2015

Prepare correspondence to Bailey,discuss and analyze depositiontestimony

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

11/17/2015

Deposition transcript - MediaCourt Reporting / Deposition -statement of Counsel - noappearance of Defendant Bailey /invoice 12105

1

123.50

$0.00

SCG

11/30/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff,discuss and analyze request foradditional time to respond toMotion for Summary Judgment

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

11/30/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from court,discuss and analyze granting ofrequest for additional time torespond to Motion for SummaryJudgment

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

12/3/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff tojudge, discuss and analyze requestfor additional time to respond toMotion for Summary Judgmentpending testimony of Bailey

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

12/8/2015

Telephone call from attorney,discuss and analyze request forextension to Motion for SummaryJudgment response

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

12/10/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiffregarding deposition of Bailey

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

12/10/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from plaintiff tojudge, discuss and analyze requestfor extension for response toMotion for Summary Judgment

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

12/10/2015

Prepare for deposition of Bailey,analyze evidence and issues

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

12/10/2015

Attend deposition of Bailey, noshow

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

12/11/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

12/11/2015

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from court,discuss and analyze order grantingplaintiff additional time to respondto Motion for Summary Judgment

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

12/15/2015

Receive and analyze plaintiff'sresponse to Motion for SummaryJudgment

0.9

155

$139.50

SCG

12/15/2015

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

12/18/2015

Receive and analyze court ordersealing documents on docket

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

12/30/2015

Deposition transcript - Diamondcourt Reporting / Attendance feefor appearing for Deposition of DBailey & prepared Statement onrecord / invoice 14095

1

108

$0.00

SCG

1/5/2016

Receive and analyze court orderregarding oral argument

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/5/2016

Prepare correspondence to court,discuss and analyze oral argumentrequest for continuance

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/5/2016

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/5/2016

Telephone call from Court, discussand analyze oral argument

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/5/2016

Telephone call to and fromattorney, discuss and analyze oralargument

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

1/6/2016

Begin preparation for oralargument, review dash cam videoand case law

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

1/6/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from court,discuss and analyze amendedorder regarding change of oralargument

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/6/2016

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/6/2016

Telephone call from claim rep,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/6/2016

Prepare email to attorney andreceive reply, discuss and analyzeamended order regarding changeof oral argument and potentialpostponement of other trialdeadlines

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/6/2016

Prepare correspondence to court,discuss and analyze amendedorder regarding change of oralargument and potentialpostponement of other trialdeadlines

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

1/6/2016

Prepare draft of pre-trialmemorandum

3.0

155

$465.00

SCG

1/11/2016

Begin preparation of juryinstructions for pre-trial

2.3

155

$356.50

SCG

1/11/2016

Begin preparation of voir dire forpre-trial

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

1/7/2016

Reproduction Service from -Center City Legal Reproductions -Medical Records from DisabilityCare Mgt / invoice 472041

1

30

$0.00

SCG

1/12/2016

Conference call with judge andcounsel regarding Motion forSummary Judgment oral argumentand trial issues

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

1/12/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from court,discuss and analyze request forconference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/12/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from attorney,discuss and analyze reply tocourt's request for conference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/12/2016

Prepare correspondence to court,discuss and analyze reply tocourt's request for conference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/12/2016

Receive and analyze email andcourt order from court regardingconference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/12/2016

Prepare draft of proposed verdictsheet

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

1/13/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from claim rep,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/13/2016

Receive and analyze court orderregarding conference and trialassignment

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/13/2016

Complete pre-trial memo requiredby court

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

1/13/2016

Prepare correspondence to claimrep [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

1/13/2016

Prepare correspondence to clients,[redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

1/13/2016

Prepare for oral argument onMotion for Summary Judgment,analyze evidence and case law

3.0

155

$465.00

MS

1/13/2016

Analyze / review medical recordsfrom Medical Rehab Center of PAof Plaintiff in preparation of amedical record summary

1.9

100

$190.00

SCG

1/14/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence form claim rep,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

1/14/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from client,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/14/2016

Prepare correspondence to claimrep [redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/14/2016

Prepare correspondence to Dr.Yucha, [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/17/2016

Prepare for oral argument, reviewand analyze plaintiff's response tomotion and arguments

1.2

155

$186.00

SCG

1/18/2016

Telephone call with plaintiffregarding potential resolution

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/18/2016

Prepare correspondence to claimrep, [redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/18/2016

Prepare for oral argument onMotion for Summary Judgment,analyze and prepare outline ofargument

3.4

155

$527.00

SCG

1/18/2016

Prepare for oral argument onMotion for Summary Judgment,prepare case summary list

1.1

155

$170.50

SCG

1/18/2016

Receive and analyze plaintiff'spre-trial memo

0.5

155

$77.50

SCG

1/11/2016

Deposition transcript - FerrignoCourt Reporting / Depositions ofAmeer Johnson & Carl Robinson /invoice of 150902

1

0

375.90

$0.00

SCG

1/19/2016

Begin preparation of questions fortrial for Officers

1.0

155

$155.00

SCG

1/19/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence form claim rep,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/19/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from court,discuss and analyze location oforal argument

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/19/2016

Additional preparation for oralargument, analyze case law andlegal issues and arguments

2.5

155

$387.50

SCG

1/19/2016

Travel and attend extensive oralargument on Motion for SummaryJudgment

4.6

155

$713.00

SCG

1/20/2016

Review and analyze recentSupreme Court case Plumoff v.Rickard for potential juryinstruction

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

1/20/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from attorney,discuss and analyze pre-trialconference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/20/2016

Prepare correspondence toattorney, discuss and analyze pre-trial conference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/20/2016

Prepare correspondence to court,discuss and analyze pre-trialconference

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/20/2016

Prepare correspondence to claimrep [redacted]

0.7

155

$108.50

SCG

1/20/2016

Continue preparation of questionsfor officers for trial

3.0

155

$465.00

SCG

1/21/2016

Prepare correspondence to IMEdoctor, [redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/21/2016

Telephone call with expert Stine[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

1/21/2016

Telephone call with claim rep,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

1/21/2016

Receive and analyze court orderwith modified trial schedule

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/21/2016

Prepare correspondence to clients,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/22/2016

Continue preparation for trial withquestions for Lt. Dillon

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

1/22/2016

Begin preparation of trialquestions for Kalee Adger

1.3

155

$201.50

SCG

1/26/2016

Complete draft questions for trialfor Kalee Adger

2.1

155

$325.50

SCG

1/26/2016

Complete draft questions for trialfor Ameer Johnson

2.4

155

$372.00

SCG

1/26/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from court,discuss and analyze order forconference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/26/2016

Prepare correspondence toattorney regarding order forconference

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

1/19/2016

Local Travel at .54/mile - travel to/ from Federal Court in Phila forOral argument

44

0

0.54

$0.00

SCG

1/27/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from claim rep[redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

1/30/2016

Prepare for doctor trial depositionof Yucha, prepare questions andanalyze evidence

2.0

155

$310.00

SCG

2/1/2016

Begin trial questions for SalimaHawthorne

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

2/1/2016

Continue preparation of trialquestions for Ameer Johnson

2.3

155

$356.50

SCG

2/1/2016

Telephone call from claim rep,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

2/2/2016

Continue trial prepared questionsfor Salima Hawthorne

1.7

155

$263.50

SCG

2/2/2016

Conference call initiated by Judge,discuss and analyze dismissal ofcase

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

2/2/2016

Telephone call to claim rep[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

2/2/2016

Prepare email to plaintiff, discussand analyze rescission of offer

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

2/2/2016

Prepare email to clients, [redacted]

0.4

155

$62.00

SCG

2/2/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from clients,[redacted]

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

2/2/2016

Prepare email to expert Stine,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

2/4/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence from Stine,[redacted]

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

2/5/2016

Receive and analyze court opinionand order granting Motion forSummary Judgment

0.7

155

$108.50

SCG

2/5/2016

Receive and analyze court orderregarding potential sanctionsagainst plaintiff attorney

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

2/5/2016

Prepare correspondence to claimrep and clients, [redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

2/8/2016

Telephone call from claim rep,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

2/5/2016

Reproduction Services from -Center City Legal Reproductions -Medical records from Moss RehabHosp / invoice 473641

1

0

54.50

$0.00

SCG

2/23/2016

Receive and analyze email fromcourt, discuss and analyze locationof hearing for potential sanctionsagainst plaintiff

0.1

155

$15.50

SCG

2/23/2016

Receive and analyzecorrespondence to attorney forplaintiff attorney, discuss andanalyze representation forpotential sanctions against counsel

0.2

155

$31.00

SCG

2/24/2016

Prepare email to claim rep,[redacted]

0.3

155

$46.50

SCG

2/24/2016

Prepare timeline for sanctionshearing on issues of presentationof video

0.6

155

$93.00

SCG

2/24/2016

Travel and attend sanctionshearing against counsel

3.0

155

$465.00

Total: $29,166.00

The "Narrative" column is a transcription of Holsten and Associates' time entry descriptions. (Def.'s Mot., Ex. H at 11-53.)

This column lists the Court's downward revisions, if any, to the hours claimed. --------

Appendix B. Costs.

Date Narrative Citation Cost 7/12/2015 Fees for service of subpoenas of Jasha Overton and Nikeen Flagg ECF No. 49-3 at 54-56. $300.00 7/21/2015 Diamond Court Reporting - Depositions of Salima Hawthorne, Kalee Adger and Nikeen Flagg ECF No. 49-2 at 20. $916.70 8/12/2015 Diamond Court Reporting - Deposition of Bailey (no show) ECF No. 49-3 at 57-58. $100.00 10/1/2015 Center City Legal Reproductions - Fees and costs for copies of documents relating to Ameer Johnson and Kalee Adger ECF No. 49-3 at 59-61. $494.96 10/29/2015 Ferringo Court Reporting - Depositions of Chief Tallbottom, Corporal Benson, Corporal Brooke and Chief Tallbottom (Rule 30(b)(6)) ECF No. 49-2 at 21-22. $598.50 11/1/2015 Center City Legal Reproductions, Inc. - Fees and costs for copies of documents relating to Ameer Johnson and Kalee Adger ECF No. 49-3 at 2-4. $1,027.78 11/9/2015 Media Court Reporting - Deposition of Bailey (no show) ECF No. 49-3 at 67-68. $123.50 12/1/2015 Center City Legal Reproductions, Inc. - Fees and costs for copies of documents relating to Kalee Adger and Ameer Johnson ECF No. 49-3 at 5-7. $598.05 12/10/2015 Diamond Court Reporting - Deposition of Bailey (no show) ECF No. 49-3 at 69. $108.00 1/1/2016 Center City Legal Reproductions, Inc. - Fees and costs for copies of documents relating to Ameer Johnson ECF No. 49-3 at 70-71. $30.00 2/1/2016 Center City Legal Reproductions, Inc. - Fees and costs for copies of documents relating to Ameer Johnson ECF No. 49-3 at 72-73. $54.50 Total: $4,351.99


Summaries of

Hawthorne v. Municipality of Norristown

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Apr 29, 2016
CIVIL ACTION No. 15-01572 (E.D. Pa. Apr. 29, 2016)

finding that sanctions were warranted because counsel should have dismissed the case but instead maintained it by taking multiple depositions and proceeding to summary judgment

Summary of this case from Tsouli-Moufid v. Credit Control, LLC

finding that an attorney acted in bad faith in continuing to pursue a civil rights action against a town and its police officers after the attorney obtained a police dash cam video that disproved his client's claims

Summary of this case from Allied Servs. Div. Welfare Fund v. GSK (In re Avandia Mktg., Sales Practices & Prods. Liab. Litig.)
Case details for

Hawthorne v. Municipality of Norristown

Case Details

Full title:SALIMA HAWTHORNE, K.A., et al., Plaintiffs, v. MUNICIPALITY OF NORRISTOWN…

Court:UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

Date published: Apr 29, 2016

Citations

CIVIL ACTION No. 15-01572 (E.D. Pa. Apr. 29, 2016)

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