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BRAD BRIAN (State Bar No. 79001) 

Brad.Brian@mto.com 

THOMAS B. WALPER (State Bar No. 96667) 

thomas.walper@mto.com 

HENRY WEISSMANN (State Bar No. 132418) 

henry.weissmann@mto.com 

BRADLEY SCHNEIDER (State Bar No. 235296) 

bradley.schneider@mto.com 

MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP 

350 South Grand Avenue 

Fiftieth Floor 

Los Angeles, California 90071 

Telephone: (213) 683-9100 

Facsimile: (213) 683-3702 

Attorneys for Debtors 

and Debtors in Possession 

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT 

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION 

In re: 

PG&E CORPORATION, 

 - and – 

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC 

COMPANY, 

 Debtors. 

 Affects PG&E Corporation 

 Affects Pacific Gas and Electric 

Company 

 Affects both Debtors 

* All papers shall be filed in the Lead Case 

No. 19-30088 (DM).

Bankruptcy Case No. 19-30088 (DM) 

Chapter 11 

(Lead Case) 

(Jointly Administered) 

FIRST INTERIM FEE APPLICATION OF 

MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP FOR 

COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES AND 

REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES AS 

ATTORNEYS TO THE DEBTORS AND 

DEBTORS IN POSSESSION FOR CERTAIN 

MATTERS FROM JANUARY 29, 2019 

THROUGH MAY 31, 2019 

Hearing: 

Date: September 25, 2019 

Time: 9:30 a.m. (Pacific Time) 

Place: United States Bankruptcy Court 

 Courtroom 17, 16th Floor 

 San Francisco, CA 94102 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

Jurisdiction and Basis for Relief ............................................................................................................... 3

Background ............................................................................................................................................... 4

A. The Bankruptcy Filing and General Case Background .................................................... 4

B. Debtors’ Retention of MTO .............................................................................................. 4

C. No Adverse Interest with Respect to the Specific Matters ............................................... 7

Summary of Compliance with Interim Compensation Order ................................................................... 8

Fees and Expenses Incurred During the Fee Period ................................................................................. 8

A. Customary Billing Disclosures ......................................................................................... 8

B. Fees Incurred During the Fee Period ................................................................................ 9

C. Expenses Incurred During the Fee Period ........................................................................ 9

Summary of Legal Services Rendered During the Fee Period ............................................................... 10

Actual and Necessary Expenses Incurred by MTO ................................................................................ 12

Client Review of Billing Statements....................................................................................................... 13

Reasonable and Necessary Services Provided by MTO ......................................................................... 13

A. Reasonable and Necessary Fees and Expenses Incurred in Providing Services to 

the Debtors ...................................................................................................................... 13

MTO’s Requested Compensation and Reimbursement Should be Allowed .......................................... 13

Statement Regarding United States Trustee Guidelines ......................................................................... 16

Reservation of Rights .............................................................................................................................. 16

Notice .................................................................................................................................................... 17

No Prior Request ..................................................................................................................................... 17

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TABLE OF AUTHORITIES 

Page(s) 

FEDERAL CASES

American Benefit Life Ins. Co. v. Baddock (In re First Colonial Corp. of America), 

544 F.2d 1291 (5th Cir. 1977) .......................................................................................................... 15 

Burgess v. Klenske (In re Manoa Finance Co., Inc.), 

853 F.2d 687 (9th Cir. 1988) ............................................................................................................ 15 

Johnson v. Georgia Highway Express, Inc., 

488 F.2d 714 (5th Cir. 1974) ............................................................................................................ 15 

Kerr v. Screen Extras Guild, Inc., 

526 F.2d 67 (9th Cir. 1975), cert. denied, 425 U.S. 951 (1976): (1) ................................................ 15 

Roberts, Sheridan & Kotel, P.C. v. Bergen Brunswig Drug Co. (In re Mednet MPC 

Corp.), 

251 B.R. 103 (9th Cir. BAP 2000).................................................................................................... 15 

FEDERAL STATUTES

11 U.S.C. § 105(e) .................................................................................................................................... 3 

11 U.S.C. § 327 ....................................................................................................................................... 14 

11 U.S.C. § 327(e) .................................................................................................................................... 4 

11 U.S.C. § 330 ................................................................................................................................ passim 

11 U.S.C. § 330(a) ............................................................................................................................ 14, 15 

11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(1) .............................................................................................................................. 14 

11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(3) .............................................................................................................................. 14 

11 U.S.C. § 331 ......................................................................................................................................... 3 

11 U.S.C. § 1107(a) .................................................................................................................................. 4 

11 U.S.C. § 1108 ....................................................................................................................................... 4 

28 U.S.C. § 157 ......................................................................................................................................... 3 

28 U.S.C. § 157(b) .................................................................................................................................... 3 

28 U.S.C. § 1334 ....................................................................................................................................... 3 

28 U.S.C. § 1408 ....................................................................................................................................... 3 

28 U.S.C. § 1409 ....................................................................................................................................... 3 

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42 U.S.C. § 2000 ..................................................................................................................................... 15 

FEDERAL RULES

Fed. R. Bankr. P. 1015(b) ......................................................................................................................... 4 

Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2014(a) ......................................................................................................................... 4 

Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2016 .......................................................................................................................... 3, 4 

Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2016(b) ......................................................................................................................... 8 

Local Rules Rule 2016-1(a) ...................................................................................................................... 3 

Local Rules Rule 5011-1(a) ...................................................................................................................... 3 

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General Information 

Name of Applicant: Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP 

Authorized to Provide Services to: PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric 

Company 

Petition Date: January 29, 2019 

Date of Retention Order: April 25, 2019, nunc pro tunc to January 29, 20191

Summary of Fees and Expenses Sought In the Fee Application 

Period for Which Compensation and 

Reimbursement is Sought in the Fee 

Application: 

January 29, 2019 through May 31, 2019 

Amount of Compensation Sought as 

Actual, Reasonable, and Necessary for the 

Fee Period: 

$6,653,996.00

Amount of Expense Reimbursement 

Sought as Actual, Reasonable, and 

Necessary for the Fee Period: 

$99,363.65 

Total Compensation and Expense 

Reimbursement Requested for the Fee 

Period: 

$6,753,359.65 

Rate Increases Applicable to the Fee Period 

Total Amount of Compensation Sought 

For the Period, Calculated Using Rates as 

of the Date of Retention: 

There have not been any rate increases since the 

date of retention. 

Summary of Past Requests for Compensation and Prior Payments 

Total Amount of Compensation Previously 

Requested Pursuant to the Interim 

Compensation Order to Date: 

$0 

 

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 The Order Authorizing Debtors Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 327(e) and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2014(a) and 2016 for Authority to 

Retain and Employ Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP as Counsel for Certain Matters the Debtors Effective as of the Petition 

Date [Dkt No. 1677] was entered on April 25, 2019 (the “Retention Order”). 

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Total Amount of Expense Reimbursement 

Previously Requested Pursuant to the Interim 

Compensation Order to Date: 

$0 

Total Compensation Approved Pursuant to the 

Interim Compensation Order to Date: 

$0 

Total Expense Reimbursement Approved 

pursuant to the Interim Compensation Order to 

Date: 

$0 

Total Allowed Compensation Paid to Date: $0 

Total Allowed Expenses Paid to Date: $0 

Compensation Sought in This Fee Application 

Already Paid Pursuant to the Interim 

Compensation Order But Not Yet Allowed: 

$0 

Expenses Sought in This Fee Application 

Already Paid Pursuant to the Interim 

Compensation Order But Not Yet Allowed: 

$0 

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In accordance with the Local Rules for the Northern District of California (the “Local Rules”), 

Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (“MTO”), attorneys to the above-captioned debtors and debtors in 

possession (collectively, the “Debtors”) for certain matters, hereby submits its first interim fee 

application (this “Fee Application”) for allowance of compensation for professional services provided 

in the amount of $6,653,996.00 and reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses in the amount of 

$99,363.65 that MTO incurred for the period from January 29, 2019 through May 31, 2019 (the 

“Interim Fee Period” or “Fee Period”). In support of this Fee Application, MTO has filed the 

Declaration of Seth Goldman (the “Goldman Declaration”) concurrently with this Fee Application. 

In further support of this Fee Application, MTO respectfully states as follows. 

MTO submits the Fee Application as an interim fee application in accordance with the Order 

Pursuant to 11 U.S.C §§ 331 and 105(e) and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2016 for Authority to Establish 

Procedures for Interim Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses of Professionals, entered on 

February 28, 2019 [Docket No. 701] (the “Interim Compensation Procedures Order”). 

Jurisdiction and Basis for Relief 

The Court has jurisdiction over this Fee Application under 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334, the 

Order Referring Bankruptcy Cases and Proceedings to Bankruptcy Judges, General Order 24 (N.D. 

Cal.), and Rule 5011-1(a) of the Local Rules. This is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 

§ 157(b). Venue is proper before the Court under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409. 

The basis for the relief requested herein are sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, rule 

2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the “Bankruptcy Rules”), Rule 2016-1(a) of the 

Local Rules, and the Interim Compensation Procedures Order. Except where noted in the Goldman 

Declaration regarding non-working travel time, MTO has also prepared this Fee Application in 

accordance with the United States Bankruptcy Court Northern District of California Guidelines for 

Compensation and Expense Reimbursement of Professionals and Trustees, effective February 19, 2014 

(the “Local Guidelines”), and the U.S. Trustee Guidelines for Reviewing Applications for 

Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses Filed under 11 U.S.C. § 330 by Attorneys in Larger 

Chapter 11 Cases, effective November 1, 2013 (the “U.S. Trustee Guidelines,” and together with the 

Local Guidelines, the “Fee Guidelines”). 

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Background 

A. The Bankruptcy Filing and General Case Background 

On January 29, 2019 (the “Petition Date”), the Debtors commenced voluntary cases under 

chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors continue to operate their businesses and manage their 

properties as debtors in possession pursuant to sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. No 

trustee, or examiner has been appointed in either of the chapter 11 cases. The Debtors’ chapter 11 cases 

are being jointly administered for procedural purposes only, pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 1015(b). 

On February 12, 2019, the United States Trustee (the “U.S. Trustee”) appointed an Official 

Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Creditors Committee”). On February 15, 2019, the U.S. 

Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Tort Claimants (the “Tort Claimants Committee” and, 

together with the Creditors Committee, the “Committees”). Additional information regarding the 

circumstances leading to the commencement of the chapter 11 cases and information regarding the 

Debtors’ businesses and capital structure is set forth in the Amended Declaration of Jason P. Wells in 

Support of the First Day Motions and Related Relief [Docket No. 263] (the “Wells Declaration”). 

B. Debtors’ Retention of MTO 

On April 1, 2019, the Debtors filed the Application of Debtors Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 327(e) 

and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2014(a) and 2016 for Authority to Retain and Employ Munger, Tolles & Olson 

LLP as Attorneys for Certain Matters for the Debtors Effective as of the Peittion Date [Docket No. 

1167] (the “Retention Application”). The declaration of Janet Loduca was filed on April 1, 2019

[Docket No. 1169] in support of the Retention Application. The declaration of Henry Weissmann was 

filed in support of the Retention Application on April 1, 2019 [Docket No. 1168], as amended and 

supplemented by the amended declaration filed on April 2, 2019 [Docket No. 1181], and first and 

second supplemental declarations of Henry Weissmann filed on April 10, 2019 [Docket No. 1301] and 

June 14, 2019 [Docket No. 2522] (collectively, the “Weissmann Declarations”). 

The Order Authorizing Debtors Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 327(e) and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2014(a) 

and 2016 for Authority to Retain and Employ Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP as Counsel for Certain 

Matters for the Debtors Effective as of the Petition Date [Docket No. 1677] was entered on April 25, 

2019 (the “Retention Order”). The Retention Order is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Retention 

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Order authorizes MTO to provide services as described in the Retention Application and Weissmann 

Declarations (the “Specific Matters”), including: 

a. Advising and representing the Debtors with respect to federal, state, and local laws and 

regulations as they relate to (1) wildfires and the effects of wildfire liabilities on the 

Debtors’ businesses; (2) the relative jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities 

Commission (“CPUC”), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”), and 

federal courts, including the Bankruptcy Court; and (3) motions and other negotiations 

and proceedings in the chapter 11 cases, and other legal proceedings, that may affect the 

interests of the CPUC and/or parties in CPUC proceedings involving the Debtors, 

including matters that may affect or relate to the Debtors’ management, governance, 

structure, and rates; 

b. Advising and representing the Debtors in CPUC Proceedings, including but not limited 

to: (a) R.19-01-006, Order Instituting Rulemaking to Implement Public Utilities Code 

Section 451.2 Regarding Criteria and Methodology for Wildfire Cost Recovery 

Pursuant to Senate Bill 901 (“CPUC Proceeding R.19-01-006”); (b) I.15-08-019, 

Order Instituting Investigation on the Commission’s Own Motion to Determine 

Whether Pacific Gas and Electric Company and PG&E Corporation’s Organizational 

Culture and Governance Prioritize Safety (“CPUC Proceeding I.15-08-019”); (c) 

A.19-02-016, Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company for a Waiver of the 

Capital Structure Condition (“CPUC Proceeding A.19-02-016”); (d) A.18-11-001, 

Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company to issue, sell, and deliver one or more 

series of Debt Securities and to guarantee the obligations of others in respect of the 

issuance of Debt Securities; to execute and deliver one or more indentures; to sell, lease, 

assign, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of or encumber utility property; to issue, sell and 

deliver in one or more series, cumulative Preferred Stock -- $25 Par Value, Preferred 

Stock -- $100 Par Value, Preference Stock or any combination thereof; to utilize various 

debt enhancement features; and enter into interest rate hedges (“CPUC Proceeding 

A.18-11-001”); (e) A.18-10-003, Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company to 

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increase its authority to finance short-term borrowing needs and procurement-related 

collateral costs by $2.0 billion to an aggregate amount not to exceed $6.0 billion 

(“CPUC Proceeding A.18-10-003”); and (f) any other related or similar CPUC 

proceeding or other CPUC proceeding arising from the matters for which MTO is 

representing the Debtors; 

c. Advising and representing the Utility regarding its rights and obligations under various 

power purchase agreements, including in connection with NextEra Energy, Inc., et al. v. 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, FERC Docket No. 19-35-000, and PG&E Corp. et 

al. v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Adv. Proc. No. 19-03003 (N.D. Cal.); 

advising and representing the Utility on any appeal from these matters and, potentially, 

as an amicus curiae in other proceedings involving similar legal issues; 

d. Advising the Debtors regarding compliance with laws and regulations governing public 

utilities, including Division 1, Part 1 of the California Public Utilities Code and the 

CPUC’s affiliate transaction rules (including Decision 06-12-029 and related decisions); 

e. Advising and representing the Debtors as necessary and appropriate with respect to 

potential actions by state government actors, including the legislature and the CPUC, 

that may affect or relate to the Debtors’ reorganization, plan, and operations, including 

with respect to liability standards, insurance and related cost-spreading regimes, 

recovery of costs in rates and the Debtors’ management, governance and structure; 

f. Advising and representing the Debtors with respect to issues arising under California 

law that may affect or relate to the Debtors’ reorganization, plan and operations; 

California corporate law including but not limited to fiduciary duties and opinions 

regarding due authority; California law governing corporate forms; the California 

Public Records Act; 

g. Advising and representing the Debtors with regard to potential criminal, civil, and 

administrative liability in connection with the 2017 and 2018 Northern California 

wildfires, including: 

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i. Advising and representing the Debtors in civil or administrative proceedings 

relating to the 2017 and 2018 Northern California wildfires; 

ii. Advising and representing the Debtors concerning the Butte County Settlement; 

iii. Coordinating with Debtors’ counsel in civil actions and administrative 

proceedings arising from wildfires to provide advice regarding potential impact 

on and coordination with the Debtors’ response to and positions in the criminal 

investigations and any resulting prosecutions; 

iv. Advising and representing the Debtors and coordinating with other counsel in 

connection with any possible or proposed resolutions or settlements of criminal, 

civil, or administrative liability arising from California wildfires; and 

h. Providing all other necessary legal services for the Debtors, as related to the above 

matters, in connection with the above captioned chapter 11 cases, including fact 

investigation, legal researching, briefing, argument, discovery, reorganization, plan and 

disclosure statement matters, appearance and participation in hearings, and 

communications and meetings with parties in interest. 

The terms of MTO’s engagement are detailed in the engagement letters attached as Exhibits 1 

through 6 to the initial Weissmann Declaration. 

C. No Adverse Interest with Respect to the Specific Matters 

To the best of the Debtors’ knowledge and as disclosed in the Weissmann Declarations, MTO 

does not hold or represents an interest adverse to the Debtors or their estates with respect to the Specific 

Matters. MTO may have in the past represented, may currently represent, and likely in the future will 

represent parties in interest in connection with matters unrelated to the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases. 

In the Weissmann Declarations, MTO disclosed its connections with parties in interest that it has been 

able to ascertain using its reasonable efforts. MTO will update its disclosures as appropriate if MTO 

becomes aware of relevant and material new information. 

MTO performed the services for which it is seeking compensation on behalf of the Debtors and 

their estates, and not on behalf of any committee, creditor, or other entity. 

Except to the extent of the advance payments paid to MTO that MTO previously disclosed to 

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this Court in the Weissmann Declarations, MTO has received no payment and no promises for 

payment from any source other than the Debtors for services provided or to be provided in any 

capacity whatsoever in connection with these chapter 11 cases. 

Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2016(b), MTO has not shared, nor has MTO agreed to share (a) 

any compensation it has received or may receive with another party or person other than with the 

partners, counsel, and associates of MTO or (b) any compensation another person or party has received 

or may receive. 

Summary of Compliance with Interim Compensation Order 

This Fee Application has been prepared in accordance with the Interim Compensation Order. 

MTO will file a consolidated monthly fee statement for January 29, 2019 through May 31, 

2019 shortly after this Fee Application has been filed. 

MTO seeks interim compensation for professional services rendered to the Debtors during the 

Fee Period in the amount of $6,653,996.00, which includes the 20% holdback under the Interim 

Compensation Order, and reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses incurred in connection with 

providing such services in the amount of $99,363.65. During the Fee Period, MTO attorneys and 

paraprofessionals expended a total of 9,244.60 hours for which compensation is requested. 

As disclosed in the Weissmann Declarations, as of the Petition Date, the retainer balance was 

$790,678.66. MTO has reconciled the final fees and expenses incurred before the Petition Date. The 

total fees and expenses incurred but unpaid as of the time of the filing of these cases was $39,933.05. 

Per the Retention Order, the retainer has been applied to those fees and expenses, and the balance of 

$750,745.61 is being held by MTO until the conclusion of its engagement and applied to any fees or 

expenses awarded in a final fee application, with the remaining balance, if any, to be returned to the 

Debtors. 

Fees and Expenses Incurred During the Fee Period 

A. Customary Billing Disclosures 

MTO’s hourly rates are set at a level designed to compensate MTO fairly for the work of its 

attorneys and paraprofessionals and to cover overhead and operating expenses. The hourly rates and 

corresponding rate structure utilized by MTO in these chapter 11 cases are the same as the hourly rates 

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and corresponding rate structure MTO uses for other corporate, regulatory, litigation, and restructuring 

related matters, whether in court or otherwise, regardless of whether a fee application is required. 

MTO’s rates and rate structure reflect the complex and time sensitive nature of the matters handled by 

MTO. For the convenience of the Bankruptcy Court and all parties in interest, attached hereto as 

Exhibit B is MTO’s budget and staffing plan for this Interim Fee Period, and attached hereto as 

Exhibit C is a summary of blended hourly rates for timekeepers who billed to the Debtors during the 

Fee Period and a comparison to blended hourly rates on other matters. 

B. Fees Incurred During the Fee Period 

MTO maintains computerized records of the time expended to render the professional services 

required by the Debtors and their estates. For the convenience of the Court and all parties in interest, 

attached hereto as Exhibit D is a summary of fees incurred and hours expended during the Fee Period, 

setting forth the following information: 

 the name of each attorney and paraprofessional for whose work on these chapter 11 

cases compensation is sought; 

 each attorney’s year of bar admission and area of practice concentration; 

 the aggregate time expended and fees billed by each attorney and each 

paraprofessional during the Interim Fee Period; 

 the hourly billing rate for each attorney and each paraprofessional at MTO’s current 

billing rates; and 

 the number of rate increases since the inception of the cases (of which there were 

none). 

C. Expenses Incurred During the Fee Period 

MTO maintains a record of expenses incurred in the rendition of the professional services 

required by the Debtors and their estates and for which reimbursement is sought. For the convenience 

of the Court and all parties in interest, attached hereto as Exhibit E is a summary, setting forth the total 

amount of reimbursement for the Fee Period with respect to each category of expenses for which MTO 

is seeking reimbursement. 

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Summary of Legal Services Rendered During the Fee Period 

Below is a summary, by subject matter categories (each, a “Matter Category”) that MTO 

established for these chapter 11 cases in consultation with the Debtors, of the fees and hours billed for 

each Matter Category in the Fee Period (see Exhibit F):2

Matter 

Number 

Project Category 

Description 

Hours Total Compensation 

Budgeted Billed Budgeted Billed Expenses Total 

020 Legislative 505 472.20 $428,425 $402,118.00 - $402,118.00 

021 

Non-Bankruptcy Litigation – 

Criminal Wildfire 

Investigation 

8,270 6,432.70 $5,605,275 $4,339,428.00 - $4,339,428.00 

022 

Non-Working Travel 

(hours at 1⁄2 amount 

budgeted/recorded by 

timekeeper) 

160 217.50 $164,125 $200,770.50 - $200,770.50 

023 

Power Purchase Agreements 

(including Adversary 

Proceedings) 

215 299.90 $233,150 $213,429.50 - $213,429.50 

025 Regulatory 1,880 1,691.10 $1,504,875 $1,396,705.00 $1,396,705.00 

026 

MTO Retention and Fee 

Applications 245 131.20 $218,600 $101,545.00 - $101,545.00 

Total 11,275 9,244.60 $8,154,450 $6,653,996.00 $99,363.65 $6,753,359.65 

A schedule setting forth a description of the Matter Categories utilized in this case, the number 

of hours expended by MTO partners, associates and paraprofessionals by Matter Category, and the 

aggregate fees associated with each Matter Category is attached hereto as Exhibit G. In addition, 

MTO’s computerized records of time expended and expenses incurred providing professional services 

to the Debtors and their estates are attached hereto as Exhibit H. 

The following paragraphs provide summary descriptions of the most significant services 

rendered by MTO during the Fee Period. The descriptions are organized by Matter Category. 

Legislative Issues [Matter No. 020] 

Total Fees: $402,118.00 

Total Hours: 472.20 

This Matter Category represents time spent by MTO attorneys and paraprofessionals related to 

legislative issues being considered by the state of California. This work included review, analysis, 

 

2

 For each Matter Category, the chart also shows the amount budgeted by MTO in accordance 

with the staffing and budget plan provided to the Debtors as required under the guidelines adopted by 

the Office of the United States Trustee. 

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research, and revision of proposed legislation related to wildfire liabilities and utility entities and their 

affiliates. This work included advising the Debtors on these matters and representing the interests of 

the Debtors with the state of California and other stakeholders. 

Non-Bankruptcy Litigation / Wildfire (Criminal) [Matter No. 021] 

Total Fees: $4,339,428.00 

Total Hours: 6,432.70 

This Matter Category relates to criminal investigations and potential criminal liability in 

connection with the 2017 and 2018 Northern California wildfires. This work includes extensive 

investigation and other discovery by MTO of the Debtors and communications with district attorneys 

offices within California and the Office of the Attorney General of the State of California. It also 

involves the provision of information and documents to those offices, including in response to specific 

requests for documents and other information. The investigation and discovery have required 

extensive travel by MTO and numerous interviews of the Debtors’ personnel and former personnel and 

review of numerous records and documents. This matter category also includes time spent performing 

legal research and analysis and advising the Debtors on these matters and the October 2018 settlement 

with Butte County relating to the 2017 wildfires. 

Non-Working Travel [Matter No. 022] 

Total Fees: $200,770.50 

Total Hours: 217.50 

This Matter Category reflects non-working travel time of MTO attorneys in providing services 

to the Debtors. This includes travel to Nothern California and other locations for board meetings, court 

hearings, and various interviews, data or document collection, and other meetings related to the 

Specific Matters. The amount requested reflects a reduction of one half of the hours recorded by MTO 

timekeepers. 

Power Purchase Agreements (including Adversary Proceedings) [Matter No. 023] 

Total Fees: $213,429.50 

Total Hours: 299.90 

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This Matter Category includes time spent by MTO attorneys and paraprofessionals providing 

services related to analysis of issues regarding potential appeals of disputes over the potential rejection 

of power purchase agreements in the Debtors’ cases. This work has included anlaysis of legal issues, 

precedent, and the pending adversary proceedings involving counterparties to these agreements and 

FERC, as well as strategic advice to the Debtors regarding these matters. 

Regulatory Issues [Matter No. 025] 

Total Fees: $1,396,705.00 

Total Hours: 1,691.10 

This Matter Category includes time spent by MTO attorneys and paraprofessionals regarding 

regulatory matters before the CPUC. This work has involved a number of CPUC matters, including 

those referenced above under Specific Matters, the customer harm threshold proceeding,3

 and the 

safety culture investigation. MTO spent time reviewing filings and actions by the CPUC as well as 

other parties, conducting research on the issues raised by the CPUC, and preparing submissions and 

responses by the Debtors. MTO has also provided advice to the Debtors regarding these matters. 

Retention / Billing / Fee Applications: MTO [Matter No. 026] 

Total Fees: $101,450.00 

Total Hours: 131.20 

This Matter Category reflects time spent by MTO attorneys and paraprofessionals related to the 

retention of MTO by the Debtors. This category includes time spent preparing the Retention 

Application, and filing an amended, and two supplemental declarations in support of the Retention 

Application. This category also includes time spent preparing the budget and staffing plans as required 

by the U.S. Trustee and working with the Debtors to establish the Matter Categories, and budget and 

billing procedures required by the Debtors, and preparing monthly and interim fee application exhibits. 

Actual and Necessary Expenses Incurred by MTO 

As set forth in Exhibit H attached hereto, and as summarized in Exhibit E attached hereto, 

MTO has incurred a total of $99,363.65 in expenses on behalf of the Debtors during the Fee Period. 

 

3

 MTO will record time related to the customer harm proceeding under Matter Category 21 

beginning with time recorded on or after July 1, 2019 per discussion with the Debtors. 

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These charges are intended to reimburse MTO’s direct operating costs, which are not incorporated into 

the MTO hourly billing rates. MTO charges external copying at the provider’s cost without markup. 

Only clients who actually use services of the types set forth in Exhibit H of this Fee Application are 

separately charged for such services. 

Client Review of Billing Statements 

Pursuant to the Local Guidelines, a cover letter was sent to the Debtors with a copy of the Fee 

Application concurrently with the filing of this Fee Application. The letter invites the Debtors to 

discuss with MTO and/or the U.S. Trustee any objections, concerns, or questions the Debtors may 

have with regard to the requested compensation and reimbursement set forth in the Fee Application. A 

copy of the transmittal letter is attached hereto as Exhibit I.

Reasonable and Necessary Services Provided by MTO 

A. Reasonable and Necessary Fees and Expenses Incurred in Providing Services to the 

Debtors 

MTO respectfully submits that the professional services provided to the Debtors during the Fee 

Period were reasonable, necessary, and appropriate to the administration of these chapter 11 cases and 

related matters. MTO makes every reasonable effort to ensure that travel meals, hotel rates, and 

airfares are reasonable and appropriate expenses for which to seek reimbursement.

MTO regularly reviews its bills to ensure that the Debtor is only billed for services that were 

actual and necessary and, where appropriate, prorates expenses. 

MTO’s Requested Compensation and Reimbursement Should be Allowed 

Section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code provides that a court may award a professional employed 

under section 327 of the Bankruptcy Code “reasonable compensation for actual, necessary services 

rendered . . . and reimbursement for actual, necessary expenses.” 11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(1). Section 330 

also sets forth the criteria for the award of such compensation and reimbursement: 

In determining the amount of reasonable compensation to be awarded to 

an examiner, trustee under chapter 11, or professional person, the court 

shall consider the nature, the extent, and the value of such services, 

taking into account all relevant factors, including – 

(a) the time spent on such services; 

(b) the rates charged for such services; 

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(c) whether the services were necessary to the administration 

of, or beneficial at the time at which the service was 

rendered toward the completion of, a case under this title; 

(d) whether the services were performed within a reasonable 

amount of time commensurate with the complexity, 

importance, and nature of the problem, issue, or task 

addressed; 

(e) with respect to a professional person, whether the person is 

board certified or otherwise has demonstrated skill and 

experience in the bankruptcy field; and

(f) whether the compensation is reasonable based on the 

customary compensation charged by comparably skilled 

practitioners in cases other than cases under this title. 

11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(3). 

In determining the amount of allowable fees under Bankruptcy Code section 330(a), courts are 

to be guided by the same “general principles” as are to be applied in determining awards under the 

federal fee-shifting statutes, with “some accommodation to the peculiarities of bankruptcy matters.” 

Burgess v. Klenske (In re Manoa Finance Co., Inc.), 853 F.2d 687, 691 (9th Cir. 1988). In assessing 

the propriety of an award of attorneys’ fees, twelve factors relevant to determining such fees were 

identified in Johnson v. Georgia Highway Express, Inc., 488 F.2d 714, 717-719 (5th Cir. 1974), a Title 

VII class action case under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000 et seq., and Kerr v. Screen 

Extras Guild, Inc., 526 F.2d 67, 70 (9th Cir. 1975), cert. denied, 425 U.S. 951 (1976): (1) the time and 

labor required, (2) the novelty and difficulty of the questions, (3) the skill requisite to perform the 

service properly, (4) the preclusion of other employment by the professional due to acceptance of the 

case, (5) the customary fee, (6) whether the fee is fixed or contingent, (7) time limitations imposed by 

the client or the circumstances, (8) the amount involved and the results obtained, (9) the experience, 

reputation, and ability of the professionals, (10) the undesirability of the case, (11) the nature and 

length of the professional relationship with the client, and (12) awards in similar cases. See American 

Benefit Life Ins. Co. v. Baddock (In re First Colonial Corp. of America), 544 F.2d 1291 (5th Cir. 1977) 

(Johnson criteria applicable in bankruptcy cases.). 

In making a fee award, bankruptcy courts should consider the circumstances of the case, and 

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the manner in which professional services were performed, as well as the results achieved. Roberts, 

Sheridan & Kotel, P.C. v. Bergen Brunswig Drug Co. (In re Mednet MPC Corp.), 251 B.R. 103, 108 

(9th Cir. BAP 2000). When determining whether the services were actual and necessary, “a 

professional need demonstrate only that the services were reasonably likely to benefit the estate at the 

time rendered.” Id. at 108. Thus, while it is a relevant factor, § 330(a) “does not require that the 

services result in a material benefit to the estate in order for the professional to be compensated.” Id.

MTO respectfully submits that the services for which is seeks compensation in this Fee 

Application were, at the time rendered, beneficial to the Debtors and necessary to the administration of 

these chapter 11 cases. MTO believes that it performed the services for the Debtors economically, 

effectively, and efficiently, and the results obtained benefited not only the Debtors, but were necessary 

for the administration of the Debtors’ cases. MTO further submits that the compensation requested 

herein is reasonable in light of the nature, extent and value of such services to the Debtors, and all 

parties in interest and satisfy the Johnson factors. 

During the First Interim Fee Period, MTO’s hourly billing rates for attorneys ranged from 

$460.00 to $1,500.00. Exhibit C contains information regarding the blended hourly rates for MTO 

professionals and paraprofessionals who rendered services to the Debtors in the First Interim Fee 

Period. The hourly rates and corresponding rate structure utilized by MTO in these chapter 11 cases 

are equivalent to the hourly rates and corresponding rate structure used by MTO for corporate, 

regulatory, litigation, and restructuring related matters, whether in court or otherwise, regardless of 

whether a fee application is required. MTO strives to be efficient in the staffing of matters. These 

rates and the rate structure reflect that such matters are typically national in scope and involve great 

complexity, are of significant and material importance to our clients, and involve severe time 

pressures—all of which are present in these chapter 11 cases. MTO believes that its hourly rates are 

consistent with the rates charged elsewhere by comparable professionals, including those retained in 

these chapter 11 cases. 

In sum, MTO respectfully submits that the professional services provided by MTO on behalf of 

the Debtors and their estates during these chapter 11 cases were necessary and appropriate given the 

complexity of these chapter 11 cases, the time expended by MTO, the nature and extent of MTO’s 

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services provided, the value of MTO’s services, and the cost of comparable services outside of 

bankruptcy, all of which are relevant factors set forth in section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code. 

Accordingly, MTO respectfully requests approval of the compensation sought herein. 

Statement Regarding United States Trustee Guidelines 

The following information is provided in response to information requested in the guidelines 

promulgated by the U.S. Trustee: 

Question: Did MTO agree to any variations from, or alternatives to, MTO’s

standard or customary billing arrangements for this engagement?

Response: No. 

Question: If the fees sought in this Fee Application as compared to the fees 

budgeted for the time period covered by this Fee Application are higher by 10% or 

more, did you discuss the reasons for the variation with the Debtors? 

Response: The fees sought are not higher by 10% or more than budgeted. 

Question: Have any of the professionals whose fees are sought in the Fee

Application varied their rate based on the geographic location of the Debtors 

chapter 11 cases? 

Response: No. 

Question: Does the Fee Application include time or fees related to reviewing or 

revising time records or preparing, reviewing, or revising invoices? (This is limited 

to work involved in preparing and editing billing records that would not be 

compensable outside of bankruptcy and does not include reasonable fees for 

preparing a fee application). If so, please quantify by hours and fees. 

Response: MTO is seeking compensation with respect to the approximately 31.7 

hours and $21,747.00 in fees spent reviewing or revising time records and 

preparing, reviewing, and revising invoices for privileged or confidential 

information during the First Interim Fee Period. 

Question: If the Fee Application includes any rate increase since retention, (i) Did 

your client review and approve those rate increases in advance?; and (ii) Did your 

client agree when retaining the law firm to accept all future rate increases? 

Response: The Fee Application does not include any rate increases since retention. 

Reservation of Rights 

It is possible that some professional time expended or expenses incurred during the Interim Fee 

Period are not reflected in this Application. MTO reserves the right to include such amounts in future 

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fee applications. 

Notice 

The Debtors will provide notice of this Fee Application in accordance with the Interim 

Compensation Order. 

No Prior Request 

No prior application for the relief requested herein has been made to this or any other court. 

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WHEREFORE, MTO respectfully requests that the Bankruptcy Court enter an order: (a) 

awarding MTO compensation for professional and paraprofessional services provided during the 

Interim Fee Period in the amount of $6,653,996.00, and reimbursement of actual, reasonable and 

necessary expenses incurred in the Interim Fee Period in the amount of $99,363.65; (b) authorizing and 

directing the Debtor to remit payment to MTO for such fees and expenses; and (c) granting such other 

relief as is appropriate under the circumstances. 

Dated: July 15, 2019 Respectfully submitted, 

MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON LLP 

By: /s/ Bradley Schneider 

 Bradley Schneider 

Attorneys for Debtors and Debtors in Possession 

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