Ethics

8th Circuit Jun 21, 2021

Eighth Circuit BAP Approves the Amount of Bifurcated Fees Paid After Filing

Courts are continuing to grapple with bifurcated fee arrangements allowing chapter 7 debtors to pay the entire fee after filing.

Standards Laid Down for Bifurcated Fee Arrangement in the Southern District of Florida

Local or state bar groups should work up standard-form retainer agreements and disclosures to facilitate bifurcated fee arrangements.

Costs of a Disciplinary Proceeding Held Nondischargeable Under Section 523(a)(7)

Another court strains to explain why costs incurred by disciplinary authorities were not in compensation for “actual pecuniary loss.”

Contested Matters Aren’t ‘Civil Actions’ Under the Equal Access to Justice Act

A contested matter in bankruptcy court isn’t a ‘civil action’ allowing the debtor to recover attorneys’ fees from the U.S. Trustee under the Equal Access to Justice Act.

Court Narrowly Construes Taggart to Find Contempt of the Discharge Injunction

Atlanta judge gave the benefit of the doubt to the debtor on a discharge violation, but limited damages to the recovery of attorneys’ fees.