Mathew Reinhardt v. General Motors LLC

Calendar Line 4 Case Name: Mathew Reinhardt v. General Motors LLC Case No 25CV465577

The Court has reviewed the moving papers, opposition, reply, declarations, and billing records submitted. The Court finds that this action involved a routine Song-Beverly repurchase claim that was resolved relatively early in the litigation after approximately 6 months. While the Court does not undermine the effort put forth by Plaintiff, the Court agrees with Defendant that the case did not present novel or particularly complex issues that would justify the application of a multiplier. Plaintiff has not demonstrated circumstances warranting enhancement of the lodestar, and the request for a 1.5 multiplier is therefore DENIED.

With respect to hourly rates, the Court finds that the requested rate of $500 per hour for the number of years the attorneys have been in practice is consistent with prevailing market rate in Santa Clara County. The Court finds $150 per hour to be a reasonable rate for paralegal work. These rates reflect the prevailing market rates for comparable services in this community.

The Court finds that the number of hours claimed is excessive for the anticipated additional hours requested for preparation of the reply and attendance at the hearing on this motion. The hours shall be reduced from 10 hours to 3.5 - 4.5 hours (see below.)

The Court requires documentation or explanation of costs for “other” in the amount of $200 of the requested $823.44 in costs.

Accordingly, the motion for attorney’s fees and costs is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART, as follows:

1. The Court grants the reasonable hourly rates at $500 per hour for partner level attorney work and $150 an hour for paralegal work.

2. Plaintiff’s request for a 1.5 multiplier is denied.

3. The requested fees of 10 hours anticipated to prepare for, present, and argue this motion shall be reduced to 4.5 hours. If no one contests this tentative ruling, it shall be further reduced by 1 hour.

4. Plaintiff shall submit documentation supporting the claimed costs with the proposed order.

Plaintiff shall prepare and submit a proposed order consistent with this ruling, including the recalculated fee award and supporting documentation for costs, accompanied by Form EFS-020 within 10 days of this hearing.