Local Rule 54.3: Award of Attorney's Fees and Nontaxable Expenses

54.3 Award of Attorney's Fees and Nontaxable Expenses.

(a) Time and Method.

Where a party may be entitled to receive attorney's fees and related nontaxable expenses, the court may order, on its own or a party's motion, the time and method of making showings regarding a fee award. Otherwise, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d)(2) controls the time and method for filing a claim for attorney's fees and related nontaxable expenses.

(b) Support for Application.

A party applying for attorney's fees and related nontaxable expenses must support the application with appropriate and reliable evidence and authority, including affidavits and any written argument. "Block billing"—meaning an entry containing multiple tasks with only one increment of time noted (like 3.20 hours) and one amount billed ($304.00) for the collection of listed tasks—is prohibited. Attorneys should follow appropriate criteria in connection with fee applications.

(c) Potential Award Issues.

Where a potential fee award issue exists, attorneys should consult the Fee Application Guidelines in Nebraska Civil Rule 54.4.