Signed by Governor Scott Walker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits attorney fees to no more than 3 times the amount of compensatory damages awarded.

Highlights:

• Limits attorney fees to no more than 3 times the amount of compensatory damages awarded (Sec. 1).

• Requires the court to determine attorney fees, if compensatory damages are not awarded but injunctive or declaratory relief, rescission or modification, or specific performance is ordered, by considering factors including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):
• The time and labor required by the attorney;
• The novelty and difficulty of the questions involved in the action;
• The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
• The results obtained and the amount of damages involved in the action;
• The experience, reputation, and ability of the attorney;
• The complexity of the case;
• The legitimacy or strength of any defenses or affirmative defenses asserted in the action; and
• Other factors the court deems important or necessary to consider under the circumstances of the case.

• Authorizes the court to determine attorney fees at an amount greater than 3 times the amount of the awarded compensatory damages after considering the factors when compensatory damages, injunctive or declaratory relief, rescission or modification, or specific performance are ordered (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text