Opinion ID: 216849
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Proceedings Regarding Attorneys' Fees

Text: Returning to the motion for fees, Murray timely filed objections, arguing that Plaintiff's counsel should not receive an award of fees under California Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5 because the settlement (1) places no new obligations on VW that could be considered a significant benefit to the class or public, and (2) potentially affects only a small subset of the class. Murray also argued in the alternative that any award of fees should be significantly reduced below the lodestar amount. Notably, Murray did not claim in his objection to the fee application that any reduction in fees could or should benefit the class in any way. On September 11, 2009, the district court awarded Plaintiff attorneys' fees in the amount of $417,663.75, costs and expenses in the amount of $16,614.40, and an incentive award to Plaintiff in the amount of $2,500. This appeal from Murray followed.