Opinion ID: 523272
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Discretionary Fees

Text: 30 The court in its discretion may award fees to the prevailing defendant under Sec. 1132(g)(1). Carpenters S. California Admin. Corp. v. Russell, 726 F.2d 1410, 1414-15 (9th Cir.1984). Here, the court denied fees to both parties. UMC urges remand because the court failed to state its reasons for the denial. 31 We affirm the denial of fees. In Brick Masons Pension Trust v. Indus. Fence & Supply, Inc., 839 F.2d 1333, 1341 (9th Cir.1988), this court affirmed a denial of fees to the prevailing defendant under Sec. 1132(g)(1) because the district court found the defendant not legally liable ... [, but] factually culpable. UMC frequently paid its contributions late. Although UMC did not violate Sec. 1132(g)(2) and the MLA liquidated damages provision was unenforceable, it would undermine the Congressional purpose of encouraging timely payment to award fees after this behavior. Cf. Russell, 726 F.2d at 1416 (plaintiff-trustee more likely to recover fees than defendant-employer). 32 We decline to remand. See, e.g., Paddack v. Morris, 783 F.2d 844, 847 (9th Cir.1986) (affirming without remand because reasons for award apparent from record). UMC's continual late payments provide a basis for the denial. 33 We also deny fees on appeal. See Russell, 726 F.2d at 1417. 34 The judgment is AFFIRMED.