Judge: Eddie C. Sturgeon, Case: 37-2021-00006391-CU-BC-CTL, Date: 2023-09-15 Tentative Ruling

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA,

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HALL OF JUSTICE

TENTATIVE RULINGS - September 14, 2023

09/15/2023  09:00:00 AM  C-67 COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

JUDICIAL OFFICER:Eddie C Sturgeon

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Civil - Unlimited  Breach of Contract/Warranty Motion Hearing (Civil) 37-2021-00006391-CU-BC-CTL PEREZ VS. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA INC [IMAGED] CAUSAL DOCUMENT/DATE FILED: Motion for Attorney Fees, 08/23/2023

Plaintiff Leslie Perez's Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Expenses is GRANTED in the reduced amount of $61,179.68.

In awarding fees, the trial court must first determine a 'lodestar' figure based on the reasonable time spent and reasonable hourly compensation for each attorney involved in the case. (Press v. Lucky Stores, Inc. (1983) 34 Cal.3d 311, 322.) The court may then apply a multiplier after considering various factors. (Id.) Plaintiff states that he incurred $61,179.68 litigating this action. The amount is comprised of 109.6 hours of attorney and paralegal time at a blended rate of $538.88 per hour for a total of $59,061.50 and $2,118.18 in costs. The court has reviewed the billing records and finds the amount of time billed for the tasks reasonable. Consistent with its experience in lemon law matters, the court finds the rate of $550.00 to be reasonable for the work performed and experience of Plaintiff's counsel. (See PLCM Group, Inc. v. Drexler (2000) 22 Cal.4th 1084, 1094-1095 [trial courts have broad discretion to determine the amount of reasonable fees].) As such, the fee and cost request is granted in full.

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