Griffin v. Copper Cellar Corporation
3:21-cv-00100
E.D. Tenn.Sep 23, 2025Background
- Griffin sued Copper Cellar for hostile work environment and retaliation arising from a coworker’s harassment.
- Jury found hostile environment liable but retaliation not proven; awards included back pay and $179,000 in compensatory damages.
- Court entered an unopposed reinstatement order and later judgment on February 14, 2025.
- Griffin moved for attorney’s fees and expenses; Copper Cellar objected to hours and other costs.
- Magistrate Judge recommended partially granting fees and expenses and ordering a bill of costs; Copper Cellar objected to several aspects.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasonableness of Underwood hours | Underwood’s hours were reasonable and necessary. | Underwood’s hours were not reasonable and should be reduced. | Hours upheld; no reduction. |
| Reasonableness of Hyman hours | Hyman’s time was reasonable and appropriately billed. | Hyman’s time included duplicative or unnecessary work; hours should be reduced. | Hours upheld; no reduction. |
| Bill of costs | Plaintiff should be permitted to recover costs; bill of costs filed timely. | Bill of costs should be addressed; timing and recoverability questioned. | Bill of costs sustained as to Defendant's objection; Plaintiff must file bill of costs per Rule 54.1. |
Key Cases Cited
- Hensley v. Eckerhart, 461 U.S. 424 (Supreme Court, 1983) (reasonableness of fees depends on success and related factors)
- Fox v. Vice, 563 U.S. 826 (Supreme Court, 2011) (rough justice acceptable; perfection not required in fee awards)
- Isabel v. City of Memphis, 404 F.3d 404 (6th Cir. 2005) (full recovery possible where claims share a common factual basis)
- Ne. Ohio Coal. for the Homeless v. Husted, 831 F.3d 686 (6th Cir. 2016) (multilawyer litigation is common and not inherently unreasonable)
- Bisig v. Time Warner Cable, Inc., 940 F.3d 205 (6th Cir. 2019) (review of fee determinations; deference to magistrate findings)
- Heights Cmty. Cong. v. Hilltop Realty, Inc., 774 F.2d 135 (6th Cir. 1985) (factors for evaluating reasonableness of legal fees)
- Jones v. Cent. Soya Co., 748 F.2d 586 (11th Cir. 1984) (multi-attorney billing permissible if distinct contributions shown)