Opinion ID: 2352490
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Modification of the proposed compromise of Ashley's claim

Text: To recall, the proposed compromise of Ashley's claim allocated $109,187.26 to petitioner Gellner and $20,100 to petitioner Haley. In approving the compromise, the district court reallocated $63,466.77 as fees and costs to attorneys without further explanation. Petitioners now assert that the modified distribution was unfair, arguing that it unreasonably reduced Gellner's recovery and failed to provide compensation for Haley as guardian ad litem. [4] Although NRS 41.200 is silent as to the standard for a district court to apply when reviewing a petition to approve the compromise of a minor's claim, we have otherwise applied a fair and reasonable approach for reviewing a lower court's decision to approve a settlement in which incompetent parties are involved. Mainor v. Nault, 120 Nev. 750, 758-59, 101 P.3d 308, 314 (2004). Similarly, district courts have great discretion to award attorney fees, and this discretion is tempered only by reason and fairness. Shuette v. Beazer Homes Holdings Corp., 121 Nev. 837, 864, 124 P.3d 530, 548-49 (2005). [I]n determining the amount of fees to award, the court is not limited to one specific approach; its analysis may begin with any method rationally designed to calculate a reasonable amount, so long as the requested amount is reviewed in light of the factors set forth in Brunzell v. Golden Gate National Bank, 85 Nev. 345, 349, 455 P.2d 31, 33 (1969). Shuette, 121 Nev. at 864-65, 124 P.3d at 549. Here, the record demonstrates the district court's requisite consideration of the Brunzell factors in reaching its decision. See Brunzell, 85 Nev. at 349, 455 P.2d at 33 (directing the district court to consider four factors in calculating the reasonableness of attorney fees: (1) the qualities of the attorney, (2) the character of the work to be done, (3) the actual work performed by the attorney, and (4) the case's result). To begin, the district court reviewed Gellner's contingency fee agreement and the extensive briefing by the parties before reaching its decision. The district court then referenced Gellner's limited experience as a medical malpractice attorney. In considering the complex nature of Ashley's claims, the district court also highlighted Gellner's role in complicating the matter by noting the many amended motions, dismissals, and time-barred complaints resulting from attorney oversight. Finally, the district court balanced Ashley's lifelong special needs and potential for a multimillion dollar judgment against the proposed payment. Thus, in light of this case's surrounding circumstances, the district court acted within its broad discretion by concluding that the proposed allocation to petitioner Gellner was unreasonable. Accordingly, we deny writ relief in this regard. The problem with the district court's reallocation, however, is that it did not allocate the attorney fees and costs awarded to petitioner Gellner separately from any guardian ad litem fees awarded to petitioner Haley. See NRS 159.0455(1) (The guardian ad litem is entitled to reasonable compensation from the estate of the ward or proposed ward.). Instead, the district court's order simply combined Gellner and Haley's recovery, treating them both as attorneys. Thus, based upon the district court's order, it is unclear whether Haley's guardian ad litem fees are included within the allocation of attorney fees, and if so, in what amount. Because the guardian ad litem is statutorily entitled to a reasonable amount in compensation, we grant petitioners' request for mandamus relief in this respect. Accordingly, the clerk of this court shall issue a writ of mandamus instructing the district court to provide a distribution of the $63,466.67 that fairly and reasonably accounts for duties performed by Gellner and Haley in their roles as attorney and guardian ad litem, respectively. See NRS 159.0455(3).