Opinion ID: 2033293
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Cross-Appeal Issue: Attorney Fees.

Text: Iowa Code section 572.32 authorizes the district court to award reasonable attorney fees to the successful plaintiff in an action to enforce a mechanic's lien. The award is mandatory, see § 572.32, but the amount is vested in the district court's broad, but not unlimited, discretion. Gabelmann v. NFO, Inc., 606 N.W.2d 339, 342 (Iowa 2000). Reversal is warranted only when the court rests its discretionary ruling on grounds that are clearly unreasonable or untenable. Id. Baumhoefener's counsel submitted a statement of fees and costs totaling $5797.50. The bill included preparatory work on the file, as well as six and one-half hours of trial time, at the rate of $125 per hour. The record also reveals that, due to considerable turnover in counsel's office, three different attorneys had handled the matter over a period of two years. Opposing counsel argued this duplication of effort and expense should not be visited on his client. The district court agreed and, thereafter, entered a fee award of $3500. Baumhoefener appeals the size of the court's award, claiming the complexity of the case, and the time spent in pursuing it, justifies an award of no less than $5000. We think, however, that the court's explanation for paring the fee is neither unreasonable nor untenable. It was fair for the court to assume that turnover in counsel's office had, indeed, increased the fees in advance of trial. Moreover the size of the award is reasonable in relation to the difficulty of the case and results obtained. No abuse of discretion has been shown. Cf. Gabelmann, 606 N.W.2d at 344 (arbitrary reduction of fees from $29,000 to $3500 reversed on appeal). Having prevailed on appeal, Baumhoefener is entitled to an award of appellate attorney fees. Id. We therefore remand to the district court for entry of an additional judgment to compensate plaintiff for the reasonable expense of these appellate proceedings. Costs on appeal shall be shared equally by the parties. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. All justices concur except CADY, J., who takes no part.