9th Circuit Tosses Fee Award as Unreasonably Low

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that an administrative law judge issued an award of costs and fees that was too low to be reasonable and apparently tainted by his “unwarranted irritation” with the attorney. Case: Seachris v. Brady-Hamilton Stevedore Co., No. 18-71807, 04/19/2021, published. Facts and procedural history: Ladonna Seachris’ husband worked for the Brady-Hamilton Stevedore Co. and was killed on the job. Seachris filed a claim for death benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Attorney Charles Robinowitz represent...