Can I get attorney’s fees if I’m representing myself?
What if I represent myself AND my spouse (both as plaintiffs)?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Check your local listings on this. In my jurisdiction, it’s a hard no. Fees cannot be awarded* in cases of self representation, because you did not pay yourself (and I’m guessing your wife didn’t pay your firm). There has to be an actual financial obligation due to a lawyer to sustain an award of fees.

*pro Bono counsel at legal aid can keep their time as if they were getting paid, and an award of fees can be granted to the legal aid center as part of the funding to keep legal aid available for future clients

like

In Florida they can be awarded to a pro se attorney.

like

It’s by JX. In Florida you can.

like

What about California?

No. Pro Per parties are not entitled to attorneys’ fees.

like

Related Posts

Flint sees spike in children needing special education services - TODAY

like

Hey everyone! Want to hear your thoughts on having to complete a sales test as last stage before an offer? They said it’s 7 general sales questions… no prior info needed. Any thoughts or advice? Is this normal?

like
like

Who let the ducks out

Post Photo
likefunny

What do strategy positions within health systems do? e.g. director of strategy...I work in HC strategy now and am curious how similar the roles/responsibilities are.

like

Can an American creative freelance in London? What visas do you need? Anyone done it?

like

I honestly feel my short term memory is just absolute trash. I can still think quickly on my feet with say quick mental math or new info, but retaining non-intuitive info like remembering how to do some admin tasks or even remembering what I did yesterday. Anyone experience anything similar or have tips? I hope this isn’t a long term thing but idk how to train my memory skills

like

Wishing your inboxes a quiet late afternoon on this fine Friday 😬

Post Photo
likefunny

What are everyone’s thought on Biden’s campaign being entirely anti-Trump. I hear nothing on any outlets (or on the app) that is pro-Biden. Will this strategy work?

like

Can scientists just chill for a bit?

Post Photo
likefunny

What is your avg working hours?
If other than mentioned do comment.

Post Photo
upliftingfunnyhelpfullike

I'm from a very conservative culture. I'm reluctant to have sex unless my SO and I already perceive each other as life partner (no need to be engaged or married). Would it be very hard for me to date here in the U.S.?

likefunny

Moving to Dallas soon. Does it make sense to buy a condo or house even if I dont think I'll stay there for more than 3 years? I have family there that can help me if I decide to leave and rent this property. Any thoughts? Just dont want to keep paying someone else mortgage. Also want to take advantage of low interest rates.

like

For those that want to chat or meet up. We had a few meetups recently.

Bowl invite code: belcp

like

How to put resignation in Thoughtworks?

I work in construction and spend a lot of time out in the field, can I get some recs for sturdy shoes that will last me a while?

like

What are some companies (big and small) working in interesting neuroscience/neurology related projects including pharma, med tech, ect.? How do you all keep up with neuroscience news to stay in the know?

like

Can anybody tell how long does government hire status take to approve in PWC SDC?

like

12 YOE as Assistant Professor (Embedded Systems) in a deemed university, pursuing Ph.D.

Please provide referrals to company-based jobs.

like

Who's our new joiner?

Additional Posts in Litigation & Arbitration

Anyone know a firm that’s still taking the ride share arbs (workers being misclassified as independent contractors)? I have approx 150 potential clients and have no home for them. States include IL, MA, CA, NJ, and NY. Called LLR in MA but they aren’t calling me back. 😑 Would love to refer these people to someone. Thanks in advance! 🚗

like

In a tiny (only $52,000 in damages) litigation matter that should have been a simple trial on a simple issue (breach of contract), OC has filed 9 unsupportable motions, 7 of which had prayers for fees, including one claiming an ethics violation by me. All overruled. OC's latest brief in opposition to our motion to compel is a 13-page, babbling, word-salad mess with 126 pages of exhibits. It does not address our arguments and any 1L could have written a better brief. Judge should punish her!

likefunny

Any insight on Amundsen & Davis? Salary, billable requirement, culture? Specifically looking at the Chicago office.

like

I’m starting a clerkship soon in a very busy district. What advice do you have to prepare?

like

Public entity defense- what are some interesting issues that arise in cases?

like

In general insurance defense for about two years. Have some second chair trial experience and a sleuth of other great experiences. Any tips on transferring to entertainment transactional work?

I’m a current biglaw associate thinking of lateraling to Quinn Emanuel. Looking for a more dynamic and trial-focused litigation practice, but I’m a little put off by how poorly Quinn seems to invest in support (tech, paralegals, etc) and generally seems to nickel and dime its associates. Curious how these issues feel for Quinn associates on a day to day basis.

like

Exit opportunities for litigation associates?

like

Tips on snacks/drinks that keep you going during trial?

like

What’s your go to process/steps for drafting an MSJ on a case you’re already familiar with?

like

I’m a sr litigation assistant at a boutique firm. I have been task to recruit, interview and hire new talent. I am shocked to hear that non-attorneys are seeking hourly rates and annual salaries higher than post-bar law clerks and first year attorneys. Is this the new norm???

like

Just started at a new firm today. Yearly billables are 1900. Since I started 2 months into the year, do I need to hit the 1900? To recoup the first two months of the year means billing 190 a month.

like

I need to send a lit writing sample asap. I haven’t done any significant memo writing or doc drafting as I’m looking to change practice groups (mostly did research sent via email) Do you have any suggestions or tips to bust out or modify a nice lit writing sample? Thanks everyone!

like

Junior litigators, how are you all doing? Am I the only one finding it impossible to manage my own caseload, take on new urgent assignments from partners, and not be burnt out right now? Getting to the point where I’m so behind that I sometimes feel too overwhelmed to even start on my task list. Doesn’t help that partners take forever to review my work so i can get the product to the client. Looking for commiseration & encouragement that things will look up lol!

like

Ethics Question: Is it ethical to interview at a firm that your in a case against? In other words, you represent the plaintiff and the firm you are interviewing with is representing a defendant. I can see how their might be the perception that you would "pull your punches" in order to not ruffle the feathers of your prospective employer. Thoughts?

like

I feel bad because I think I left money on the table. I demanded something (as a plantiffs PI) and the OC actually thought it was reasonable. This why we come in so high sometimes. Ugh.

likefunny

I want my exhibit numbers and declaration paragraph references to automatically update in my motion/MPA. Anyone have a way to do this? Trying Word’s Master Document feature, but seems buggy.

likehelpful

When OC is rude/aggressive/uncivil in an email (and the behavior is unprovoked), what’s the best way to respond? I usually ignore it and respond normally, but I won’t allow older attorneys to think that, just because I’m a young lawyer, they’re going to walk all over me. I’m still a lawyer with the same degree and younger lawyers know A LOT of stuff that many experienced attorneys do not (technology, doc management systems, how to edit and mark docs without cutting down the Amazon etc.)

like

Anyone know of labor and employment defense firms hiring in Miami? Aside from JL, OD, and Littler. I'm having a hard time finding other firms who practice L&E.

Deadline to Answer was missed, judicial default was entered, then a Default Final Judgment was entered without a hearing. Would this be an additional grounds for a Motion to Set Aside/Vacate? Assistant forgot to the calendar deadline, and when judicial default was issued, assistant was assigned to file the Answer/Counterclaim, but did not. Soon after, she quit. Was first put on notice when DFJ was issued.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal