<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 28.05.01.07" title_num="28" subtitle_num="05" chapter_num="01" heading="Application for Reasonable Attorney’s Fees and Expenses.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Within 15 days of the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the claimant may file a written request for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses under State Finance and Procurement Article, §10-501(c)(3) or (d)(1)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The claimant shall submit supporting documentation, including time records, with the application.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The claimant shall serve the application and supporting documentation on all parties to the proceeding.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A party may file a response to the application within 15 days after the date the application was filed.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>If the ALJ determines that the record is insufficient for review of the application, the ALJ may order the claimant or petitioner to supplement the record.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The ALJ shall include a ruling on the application in the final order pursuant to State Finance and Procurement Article, §10-501(d)(1)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Only one attorney will be compensated unless the participation of more than one attorney is justified for a specific purpose.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>The ALJ may consider the following factors when awarding attorney’s fees:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The time and labor required;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The novelty and difficulty of the questions;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The skill required to perform the legal service properly;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Whether acceptance of the case precluded other employment by the attorney;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The customary fee for similar legal services;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Any time limitations imposed by the client or the circumstances;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>The amount of compensation involved and the results obtained;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>The experience, reputation, and ability of the attorneys;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>The undesirability of the case;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>Awards in similar cases.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>Guidelines regarding hourly rates are as follows:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Lawyers admitted to the bar for less than or equal to 8 years: $125—$225.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Lawyers admitted to the bar for 9—14 years: $165—$300.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Lawyers admitted to the bar for 15 years or more: $200—$400.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Paralegals and law clerks: $75—$100.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>