Opinion ID: 3013652
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Basis for monetary sanctions

Text: Finally, Leinbach claims that, even if sanctions were proper, the bankruptcy court erred in imposing the particular sum of $5,512.50 because “the record does not contain any evidence upon which to calculate any monetary amount.” Appellant’s Br. at 14. Leinbach states that the only basis for these sanctions were the documents attached as exhibits to Fein’s motion calculating the amount she charged her client for the unnecessary work resulting from Leinbach’s problematic filings. Leinbach argues that because these exhibits were not stipulated by the parties or admitted into evidence, they cannot support the court’s sanctions. 13 However, Leinbach does not appear to have made this argument in the bankruptcy court or district court and it is therefore waived. Even if this claim had not been waived, it would be without merit. The bankruptcy court specifically found that Fein’s hourly rate was reasonable, Op. at 1 n.1. The court then determined the number of hours that related to Leinbach’s improper conduct, and thereby calculated the amount Leinbach’s sanctionable conduct cost Fein’s client. The bankruptcy court acted appropriately in accepting Fein’s affidavit and reviewing the hourly rate and hours charged to determine if they were reasonable. The court concluded that both were, and ordered Leinbach to pay that amount as a sanction for his conduct. There was neither error nor an abuse of discretion.