Opinion ID: 156673
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Timeliness of Motion for Attorney's Fees

Text: 31 The plaintiff argues that the attorney's fees award was in error because the right to Rule 37 fees is waived upon entry of judgment. The text of Rule 37 itself contains no time limitations on motions, and there are no cases on point in this circuit. Nonetheless, the plaintiff cites several cases from other circuits in support of his position that Rule 37 motions must be filed before entry of judgment. See, e.g., Mercy v. County of Suffolk, 748 F.2d 52, 55-56 (2d Cir.1984). In the absence of Tenth Circuit precedent or a clear directive from Rule 37 itself, we decline to impose a flat prohibition on Rule 37 motions after entry of judgment. However, a Rule 37 motion for sanctions should be filed without unreasonable delay. Cf. Brandt v. Vulcan, 30 F.3d 752, 756 (7th Cir.1994) (party bringing motion for sanctions under Rule 37(b)(2) must do so without unreasonable delay). Defendants filed their motion about two weeks after summary judgment was entered and within four months after the notice by the judge that he would entertain such a motion. The plaintiff has not alleged prejudice as a result of the timing of the motion. Under these circumstances, we find no unreasonable delay.