Opinion ID: 1443016
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: was the award of attorney's fees reasonable?

Text: FDC contends that the attorney's fees awarded, $9,750, were excessive, arguing that it does not believe that the hours that Smith's attorney claims were spent in preparation for this case were accurate and that two of Smith's causes of action, under 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e (1964) and 42 U.S.C. Section 1981 (1870), were dismissed. Reasonable attorney's fees may be awarded at the court's discretion to a prevailing complainant pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 28-1-13(D) (Repl.Pamp. 1987). As we have recently stated: [T]he allowance of attorney fees is discretionary, but the exercise of that discretion must be reasonable when measured against objective standards and criteria. Lenz v. Chalamidas, 109 N.M. 113, 118, 782 P.2d 85, 90 (1989) (construing materialmen's lien statute). In determining the reasonableness of a fee award, a court should consider a variety of factors, including: (1) the time and effort required, considering the complexity of the issues and the skill required; (2) the customary fee in the area for similar services; (3) the results obtained and the amount of the controversy; (4) time limitations; and (5) the ability, experience, and reputation of the attorney performing the services. Id. at 118, 782 P.2d at 90; Thompson Drilling, Inc. v. Romig, 105 N.M. 701, 705, 736 P.2d 979, 983 (1987). In this case, the court made a finding of fact that, after considering the above factors and the hourly records submitted by Smith's attorney, the fee award was appropriate. The award was less than that requested by Smith's attorney. Additionally, Smith prevailed at trial on his claims of age and race discrimination, and the fee awarded was reasonable in terms of the total damage award to Smith. Although Smith did not prevail on his claims based on federal law, those claims involved the same underlying occurrences and similar relief  Smith's attorney did not waste time pursuing spurious claims. Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in awarding attorney fees, especially in light of the attorney's efforts subsequent to trial both in pursuing this appeal and in attempting to collect upon the judgment.