Opinion
Case No: 06-12151.
November 1, 2006
ORDER
Having considered the motion for an award of attorneys' fees and costs, and notice of that motion having been directed through the Class Notice to the class members in a reasonable manner, the Court makes the following findings of fact and conclusions of law:
1. Class counsel are entitled to fees and nontaxable costs pursuant to ERISA.
2. The hourly rates they seek are reasonable pursuant to Northcross v. Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools, 611 F.2d 624, 638 (6th Cir. 1979):
a. $390/hour for William T. Payne and Stember Feinstein partners;
b. $325/hour for Stember Feinstein associates;
c. $95/hour for Stember Feinstein law clerks; and
d. $80/hour for Stember Feinstein paralegals.
3. Class counsel claim that given the size and complexity of this case, counsels' estimated fees are approximately $151,595 and estimated costs are $3,000. The Court will make a final determination on the issue of attorney fees upon the filing of the appropriate affidavits and appropriate documentation pursuant to Northcross, 611 F.2d at 638 and costs upon the filing of the appropriate documentation pursuant to ERISA, 28 U.S.C. § 1920, E.D. Mich. L.R. 54.1, and the Bill of Costs Handbook.
4. Class counsel may supplement their motion fourteen (14) days after judgment pursuant to Rule 54(d)(2).
Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Attorney Fees (Docket No. 21, filed August 18, 2006) is GRANTED. The Court will determine the amount after Class counsel files the appropriate documentation.