Local Rule RULE 2016–1: Compensation for Services Rendered; Reimbursing Expenses

RULE 2016–1 Compensation for Services Rendered; Reimbursing Expenses

(a) Attorney's Disclosure Statement. An attorney representing a debtor under any chapter of the Bankruptcy Code shall file a Bankruptcy Rule 2016(b) Disclosure of Compensation, substantially in the form of Local Form 102 (the "Attorney Disclosure Statement"), irrespective of the amount of fees received or requested, if any. The Attorney Disclosure Statement, if not filed with the petition, shall be filed no later than fourteen (14) days after the later of the filing of the petition or the date that an attorney is engaged.

(1) Continuing Duty to Update. An attorney for the debtor shall have a continuing duty to timely update the Attorney Disclosure Statement, as prescribed by Bankruptcy Rule 2016(b)(2), if additional compensation is paid after the initial filing of the Attorney Disclosure Statement.

(2) Sanctions for Noncompliance. Failure to comply with this Local Bankruptcy Rule may result in the entry of an order for the disgorgement and/or denial of all fees.

(b) Applications for Compensation. All applications, whether interim or final, shall contain the amounts requested, and a detailed itemization of the work performed including, but not limited to: (1) the name of the individual(s) performing the work; (2) if applicable, the amount of time expended for each task of work billed in tenths of an hour increments and separated by each task (i.e., no "block billing" or "lumping"); (3) if applicable, the hourly rate(s) requested (nonworking travel and administrative tasks should be billed at less than the full hourly rate of the applicant); (4) the date of employment; (5) a discussion of the criteria that are relevant in determining the compensation to be awarded; (6) a detailed list of reimbursable costs; and (7) a statement that the fees and costs for which reimbursement is sought are reasonable for the work performed, and that the application is true and accurate.

(c) Applications for Compensation in Chapter 7 Cases. In addition to the requirements in subsection (b) above, professionals employed by a chapter 7 trustee shall file final applications for fees and expenses incurred during a chapter 7 case upon completion of services or upon notification by the trustee that the case is ready to close. In cases that have been converted to chapter 7, all final applications of professionals for fees and expenses incurred in the case prior to conversion shall be filed within ninety (90) days after the date of the order converting the case.