Dedicated to improving the quality of legal practice in Colorado's federal courts.
Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse in Courtroom A902 901 19th Street, Denver, (This will not be offered as a webinar.)
Join us for a special 1.5-hour CLE on seeking and fighting against attorney fees in federal court, presented as a candid, interactive discussion featuring Judge Wang and attorney/natural Paul Schwartz, moderated by Mike Laszlo.
Rather than a traditional lecture, this program brings the bench and bar into direct conversation. Our panelists will trade practical perspectives on common statutory and contractual fee-shifting provisions and the “prevailing party” standard, then dig into the real-world mechanics of calculating the lodestar, documenting fee applications, and the ethical considerations under Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.5, and 3.3, including the duty of competence when using AI tools and its implications for billing and candor to the court.
Expect a open exchange on what actually persuades a court: best practices for both seeking and defending against fee applications, the common pitfalls that cost applicants, and what judges really look for when reviewing fee petitions under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own questions and scenarios. Audience participation is not just welcome but central to the format.
Whether you represent plaintiffs or defendants, you’ll come away with practical strategies and local insights, straight from the bench and an experienced practitioner, to navigate attorney fee issues more effectively in both our district and on appeal.
NOTE: This program will go until 1:30 p.m. rather than the usual time of 1:15 p.m.
.4 Ethics/2 General CLE credits have been requested.