ORDERS:
ORDER
This matter is before me pursuant to the motion of the Petitioner for an award of attorney fees and costs incurred in this
matter subsequent to the denial of certiorari by the South Carolina Supreme Court on April 7, 1999. Petitioner's entitlement
to an award of attorney fees was previously determined by this Court in its Order of June 2, 1999. A hearing to determine
the amount of the award was held at the offices of the Administrative Law Judge Division in Columbia, South Carolina, on
August 19, 1999.
Counsel for the Respondent stated that the Respondent does not oppose an award of attorney fees to Petitioner in the
amount of Thirteen Thousand Four Hundred Seventy and 46/100 Dollars ($13,470.46), as set forth in the affidavit of
Petitioner's counsel, filed with this Division on June 3, 1999. Upon careful analysis of the factors set forth in Blumberg v.
Nealco, Inc., 310 S.C. 492, 427 S.E.2d 659 (1993), and similar cases, I find that this amount is appropriate, based upon the
nature, extent, and difficulty of the legal services rendered, as evidenced by the several hearings held before this Court, which
resulted in this Court's Orders of May 13, 1999, June 2, 1999, and August 6, 1999; the time and labor devoted to the case
by Petitioner's counsel, as set forth in his affidavit; the professional standing of Petitioner's counsel; and the favorable results
obtained on behalf of the Petitioner. I further find that the fees requested are commensurate with the fees customarily
charged in the Columbia area for similar legal services.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Petitioner is hereby awarded attorney fees in the amount of Thirteen Thousand
Four Hundred Seventy and 46/100 Dollars ($13,470.46).
AND IT IS SO ORDERED.
__________________________________
Marvin F. Kittrell
Chief Judge
Columbia, South Carolina
August 19, 1999 |
