Opinion ID: 3012662
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: MetLife’s Costs and Fees

Text: Having received attorneys fees and costs with respect to the proceedings in the District Court, MetLife now seeks attorneys fees and costs relating to Brennan’s appeal, claiming that it is still an interpleader plaintiff with no interest in the disposition of the proceeds already deposited with the District Court. A court has the discretion to award to an interpleader plaintiff attorneys fees and costs if the plaintiff is (1) a disinterested stakeholder, (2) who had conceded liability, (3) has deposited the disputed funds with the court, and (4) has sought a discharge from liability. Septembertide Publ’g, B.V. v. Stein & Day, Inc., 884 F.2d 675, 683 (2d Cir 1989) (citing 3A M OORE’S F EDERAL P RACTICE ¶ 2.16[2] (2d ed. 1989)). 11 MetLife meets these criteria on appeal, just as it did for the proceedings in the District Court. Although MetLife surely has an interest in having us affirm the grant of the injunction, its participation in this appeal is merely a continuation of its role as a disinterested interpleader plaintiff that has discharged its obligations. Because we find no merit in Brennan’s argument that the injunction was an abuse of discretion, MetLife is entitled to its costs and attorneys fees for this appeal. TO THE CLERK OF THE COURT: Kindly file the foregoing Opinion. /s/ Maryanne Trump Barry