Supreme Court of the United States
Baker Botts L.L.P. v. Asarco LLC
June 15, 2015135 S. Ct. 2158
Summary
The Court held that 11 U.S.C. §330(a)(1) does not permit a bankruptcy court to award attorney’s fees for work defending a fee application, affirming the Fifth Circuit’s reversal. The decision relies on the American Rule and the statutory requirement that fees be for “actual, necessary services rendered.” Justice BREYER dissented, arguing that fee‑defense costs may be considered in determining reasonable compensation, while Justice SOTOMAYOR concurred in part and in the judgment.