Local Rule LR 3.17 / LR 2016-1: Fee Applications

The debtor's attorney must file Bankruptcy Form BK 92 "Disclosure of Compensation Under 11 U.S.C. § 329 and Bankruptcy Rule 2016(b)" at the time of filing the debtor's petition. The United States Trustee reviews initial retainers for propriety.

In a case under Chapter 11, fee applications after the initial disclosure should not be filed earlier than every 120 days, unless the Court allows consideration of applications at an earlier time. Any professional seeking early consideration of fee applications shall file a motion to shorten the filing period which states the grounds for such early consideration.

All fee applications shall conform with the Bankruptcy Code and Rules. A fee application shall contain, at a minimum, the following: (1) description of services rendered sufficient to inform parties in interest of the work performed; (2) time expended for each task; (3) hourly rate for each partner, associate and paralegal rendering services for which compensation is requested; (4) an itemization of expenses incurred; and (5) a statement as to the amount of retainers or other payments made or promised to the applicant for services, together with applicable information as to the source of compensation paid or promised, whether any compensation previously received has been shared, and a disclosure of any understanding which exists regarding the requested compensation.

Fee applications for attorneys' fees and expenses incurred up to the date of conversion or the effective date of a plan shall be filed with the Court within sixty (60) days after entry of a conversion order or order approving plan of reorganization.

Cross reference 11 U.S.C. §§ 329 and 330