Opinion ID: 1843539
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Harper and ADAP

Text: In the trial court, Harper and ADAP sought fee awards under two theories: (1) § 1988, and (2) the common-fund/benefit theory. The `common fund' doctrine is an equitable principle designed to compensate an attorney whose services on behalf of his client created a fund to which others may also have a claim. City of Ozark v. Trawick, 604 So.2d 360, 364 (Ala.1992). The trial court awarded these parties fees only pursuant to § 1988. Harper and ADAP do not challenge the amount of fees awarded; rather, they cross appeal only on the issue whether the trial court erred in refusing to base its award on the common-fund/benefit theory. We conclude that the trial court did not err in this respect. The recovery of attorney fees in Alabama is allowed `only where authorized by statute, when provided in a contract, or by special equity, such as in a proceeding where the efforts of an attorney create a fund out of which fees may be paid.' Wiberg v. Sadoughian, 514 So.2d 940, 941 (Ala.1987) (emphasis added) (quoting Eagerton v. Williams, 433 So.2d 436, 450 (Ala.1983)). However, when a statute is applicable, fees should be awarded pursuant to the statute not pursuant to a judicially created exception to the general rule. Northcross v. Board of Educ. of the Memphis City Schools, 611 F.2d 624 (6th Cir.1979), cert. denied, 447 U.S. 911, 100 S.Ct. 2999, 3000, 64 L.Ed.2d 862 (1980). Congress's enactment of § 1988 did more than simply enable the lower courts once again to award fees. Id., 611 F.2d at 632. [R]ather than being an equitable remedy, flexibly applied in those circumstances which the court considers appropriate, it is now a statutory remedy, and the courts are obligated to apply the standards and guidelines provided by the legislature in making an award of fees. Id. (emphasis in original). Thus, because § 1988 is applicable to the claims of Harper and ADAP for attorney fees, the trial court did not err in refusing to consider alternative grounds for awards to those parties.