Opinion ID: 35560
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses

Text: Last, ConAgra argues that it is entitled to attorneys’ fees and expenses under the Leasing Agreement. The Leasing Agreement provides that: “In any action to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, the party seeking to enforce this Agreement shall be entitled to recover costs and expenses of any such litigation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, in addition to all of the rights and remedies at law.” Under Mississippi law, “[i]t is well settled that attorney’s fees are not to be awarded unless a statute or other authority so provides.” Miss. Dep't of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks v. Miss. Wildlife Enforcement Officers Ass’n, 740 So. 2d 925, 937 (Miss. 1999). “In breach of contract cases, attorney fees generally are not awarded absent provision for such in the contract or a finding of conduct so outrageous as to support an award of punitive damages.” Garner v. Hickman, 733 So.2d 191, 198 (Miss. 1999). 9 The district court alternatively held that ConAgra failed to state a claim for unjust enrichment because there was an express written agreement between the parties. However, having affirmed the district court’s denial of ConAgra’s motion to amend its complaint, we need not reach this issue. 14 Here, the Lease Agreement specifically afforded “reasonable attorneys’ fees” and “expenses” to the party seeking to “enforce” the contract. ConAgra sought to enforce the Lease Agreement, and it has prevailed on two of its substantive claims. Consequently, it is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses related to its successful enforcement efforts.