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Attorney's Fee Declaration

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ATTORNEY'S FEE DECLARATION (Adult)

State of Alabama

Unified Judicial System

Form C-62A Rev.11/07

[For Work Performed On or After 10/1/2000]

County

Code

Case Number

Jurisdiction Year Case# Suffix

Mark Appropriate Court:

Circuit Court of

District Court of

Municipal Court of

Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals

Alabama Court of Civil Appeals

Supreme Court of Alabama

Indicate if Original Charge is: Limits

Capital Case (or charge (NO Limit) CC

carrying sentence of

life without parole)

Class A Felony ($3,500) FA

Class B Felony ($2,500) FB

Class C Felony ($1,500) FC

Other ($1,000) OT

Appeal ($2,000) AP

Petition for Writ of Certiorari ($2,000) WC

Post-Conviction/Habeas Corpus ($1,000) PC

Attorney Name (Please type or print)

Social Security Number or FEIN

STYLE OF CASE:

STATE OF ALABAMA

MUNICIPALITY OF

V.

Defendant

CHARGE:

Companion case numbers and charges or convictions:

The undersigned attorney declares that on (date) the Honorable

Judge, appointed the undersigned to represent the above-named defendant or appellant, and on (date)

the case was heard by the Honorable Judge. The

case was disposed of by

(1) In court Appearance (Trial Level or Post-Conviction Proceeding) Total Hours x $ 60.00 per hour =

(2) Out-of-Court Preparation (Trial Level or Post-Conviction Proceeding) Total Hours x $ 40.00 per hour =

(3) Preparation (Appellate Level) Total Hours x $ 60.00 per hour =

(4) Extraordinary Expenses (If approved in advance by court)

(5) Overhead Expenses (If approved in advance by court) Total Hours x $ Per hour =

TOTAL CLAIM OF ATTORNEY

NOTICE TO ATTORNEY: Complete this form. Attach a copy of a complete itemization of (1) in-court appearance; (2) out-of-court preparation; (3) preparation for appeals; (4) extraordinary expenses; and/or (5) overhead expenses reflecting the date of actions and amount of time involved in each activity. Make a copy of same for the court's record and a copy for your records.

The undersigned attorney further declares that the above claim is true and correct and represents the services actually rendered by him/her as an attorney and the amount is due and payable. I further declare that the above claim is not a duplication of charges and expenses in any case (companion or otherwise)

Sworn to and subscribed before me this

Day of

Notary Public

Signature of Attorney

Attorney Code

Mailing Address of Attorney

(please type or print) (including city, state, and zip code)

Telephone Number Fax Number

I, the undersigned judge, hereby certify that the foregoing claim has been presented to me, and I have reviewed the same and believe the same to be true and correct. I am further of the opinion that said attorney is not duplicating said charges and expenses in any case (companion or otherwise).

Based on the above, I hereby approve the declaration and claim in the amount of $

Done this day of

Judge's Signature

NOTICE TO ATTORNEY AND JUDGE: Sections 15-12-21 through 15-12-23, Ala. Code 1975, provide for the payment of attorney fees and extraordinary expenses incurred by counsel appointed to represent indigent defendants at the trial level on appeal (including petition for writ of certiorari to the Alabama Supreme Court) and in post-conviction proceedings.

THIS FORM MUST CONTAIN ORIGINAL SIGNATURES OF THE ATTORNEY AND THE JUDGE. THIS FORM WITH ATTACHED ITEMIZATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE TRIAL COURT JUDGE OR PRESIDING JUDGE OR CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE APPELLATE COURT FOR APPROVAL. AFTER APPROVAL, FILE WITH THE CLERK, WHO SHALL SUBMIT THE ORIGINAL DECLARATION TO THE STATE COMPTROLLER (EXCEPT IN MUNICIPAL CASES) FOR AUDIT.

Filed in the Clerk's Office at Alabama, on

EXCEPT IN MUNICIPAL CASES, MAIL TO: State Comptroller, Indigent Defense Section, P.O. BOX 302602, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2602.

Original: Comptroller

Yellow: Court File

Pink: Attorney

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What an Attorney's Fee Declaration Is and When It’s Used

An Attorney's Fee Declaration is a sworn statement submitted to a court or tribunal that itemizes legal work, hours, rates, and costs the attorney seeks to recover. It accompanies fee motions or judgments, explains billing methods, and provides evidentiary backing such as time records, retainer agreements, and lodestar calculations. Courts use the declaration to evaluate reasonableness under applicable fee-shifting statutes, contract provisions, or local rules. The declaration should be clear, well-supported, and compliant with rules on admissible evidence and professional responsibility.

Why a Clear, Compliant Declaration Matters

A properly prepared Attorney's Fee Declaration improves the court's ability to assess reasonableness, reduces challenges from opposing counsel, and documents the factual and legal basis for the requested award.

Why a Clear, Compliant Declaration Matters

Who Prepares and Who Reviews These Declarations

Typical parties who prepare or rely on an Attorney's Fee Declaration include litigating counsel, billing attorneys, and firm accountants.

  • Lead counsel preparing the fee motion and supporting records for court review.
  • Billing attorney or timekeeper who verifies hours and attaches contemporaneous time entries.
  • Opposing counsel and the court reviewing reasonableness and potential objections to hours or rates.

The declaration must be signed under penalty of perjury and served according to local rules so judges and adversaries can evaluate fee entitlement and amount.

Representative Signatories and Their Roles

Lead Counsel

A partner or associate responsible for the case signs to attest to time records, reasonableness of rates, and compliance with professional obligations; the statement typically includes a certification under penalty of perjury and identifies the declarant's role and billing practices.

Firm Accountant

A billing specialist or firm accountant may sign to confirm the accuracy of attached time logs, the method of calculating totals, and that invoice or retainer credits have been applied consistent with firm records and client instructions.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Declaration

A complete Attorney's Fee Declaration presents factual detail, legal argument, and supporting exhibits so a court can determine reasonableness under governing standards and rules.

Identity and Capacity

State declarant's full name, firm, bar status, role in the matter, and whether the signer is familiar with the timekeeping system and billing practices that produced the attached records.

Case and Procedural Context

Identify the case caption, court, docket number, nature of the litigation, the fee-shifting statute or contractual provision authorizing fees, and the specific relief requested in the accompanying fee motion.

Detailed Time Records

Attach contemporaneous time entries or a time-summary exhibit showing dates, tasks, hours, and task descriptions; explain any redactions, block billing policies, or rounding practices used in compiling totals.

Rates and Lodestar Calculation

State each attorney's hourly rate, any paralegal rates, total hours per timekeeper, and the lodestar calculation (reasonable hours multiplied by hourly rates), including justification for rates based on local market or experience.

Costs and Expenses

Itemize non-fee costs sought for reimbursement (filing fees, expert fees, courier charges), indicate which costs are taxable or discretionary, and attach receipts where required by local rules.

Declaration and Signature

End with a sworn statement under penalty of perjury, the declarant's signature and date, and a certificate of service indicating how and when the declaration was served on opposing parties.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Filing an Attorney's Fee Declaration

Follow a clear sequence to assemble records, calculate amounts, and submit the declaration in compliance with local rules and service requirements.

  • 01
    Assemble Records: Gather contemporaneous time entries, retainer agreements, and receipts.
  • 02
    Compute Fees: Calculate lodestar and summarize totals by timekeeper.
  • 03
    Draft Declaration: Explain methodology, attach exhibits, and state basis for recovery.
  • 04
    File and Serve: File with the clerk and serve opposing counsel per local rules.

How to Configure an Online eSigning Workflow for This Declaration

Set up a repeatable template for declarations to minimize manual errors and ensure consistent attachments and authentication.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require signer name, date, and signature block.
Routing Order Set declarant signs first, then counsel and filing attorney.
Authentication Use email plus SMS code or advanced verifier.
Retention Setting Enable audit trail and save PDF/A for archival.

Digital Signing Requirements and Common Integrations

Choose a platform that supports secure eSignatures, tamper-evident PDFs, and an auditable certificate of completion.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML, Excel supported
  • Authentication Options: Email link, SMS code, or advanced KBA

Ensure the chosen provider supports the evidence you need for court (audit trail, timestamping, and tamper-evident signed PDF) and check local court e-filing rules before electronic submission.

Typical eSubmission Flow for an Attorney's Fee Declaration

An electronic workflow mirrors manual processes while preserving proof of execution; use steps that courts accept for filing and service.

  • Prepare Document: Upload declaration and exhibits as merged PDF.
  • Place Fields: Insert signature, initials, and date fields.
  • Authenticate Signer: Choose email, SMS, or stronger verification.
  • Capture Audit Trail: Store timestamps, IP, and completion certificate.

Common Timing Considerations and Local Deadlines

Timing for fee declarations depends on court orders, local rules, and any statutory deadlines tied to fee-shifting statutes or post-judgment motions.

Filing Window:

File contemporaneous with fee motion or as ordered by the court.

Opposition Period:

Allow the time the local rules provide for opposing briefs and objections.

Hearing Scheduling:

Hearing dates depend on court calendar and motion practice.

Judicial Ruling Timeline:

Courts vary; rulings may follow within weeks or months.

Post-Judgment Deadline:

Follow any separate deadlines for fee enforcement or collection.

Key Processing Stages from Draft to Final Award

Track milestones so the declaration, supporting exhibits, and service align with motion calendars and reply briefing schedules.

01

Draft and Verify

Compile exhibits, verify hours, and prepare sworn statements.

02

File Motion

Submit the fee motion and declaration to the clerk per e-filing rules.

03

Opposition and Reply

Opposing parties may object; file a reply addressing reasonableness.

04

Court Ruling

Judge issues award, reductions, or sets hearing for further inquiry.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reduce Fee Awards

  • Omitting contemporaneous time entries or attaching summaries that lack detail for judicial review.
  • Filing unsupported or inflated rates without market evidence or declarations from local practitioners.
  • Failing to redact privileged material properly, leading to motions to strike and evidentiary disputes.
  • Not serving opposing counsel per local rules, resulting in procedural objections or rejected filings.

Risks of Faulty Declarations and Potential Consequences

Sanctions Risk: Courts may impose monetary sanctions or fee reductions.
Perjury Exposure: False sworn statements risk perjury or adverse credibility findings.
Fee Reduction: Unreasonable hours or rates may be disallowed.
Motion Denial: Incomplete declarations can result in denial of fees.
Privileged Disclosure: Improper exhibits can waive privilege unintentionally.
Service Defects: Improper service may void filing and delay awards.

Electronic Signature vs Digital Signature: What Judges Consider

Understand the technical and legal distinction so your e-signed declaration provides admissible evidence of the signer and execution.

Criteria Electronic Signature Digital Signature
Definition any electronic process pki-based cryptographic seal
Legal Acceptance yes under esign/ueta yes; stronger technical proof
Authentication email/sms/kba options certificate authority verification
Non-repudiation audit trail evidence cryptographic non-repudiation guarantees

eSignature Provider Comparison: Pricing and Key Capabilities

Cost and capability differences matter when choosing an eSignature provider for court filings and repeated declarations; signNow appears first for comparison purposes.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

How Declarations Function in Different Case Types

Two short scenarios show how declarations support fee motions across case types.

Civil Rights Matter

A plaintiff's counsel files a fee motion after prevailing at summary judgment with itemized time records and expert billing rates

  • The court examines lodestar and multiplier arguments
  • The declaration's detail and contemporaneous time entries supported a partial fee award and narrowed the scope of contested hours.

Employment Class Action

Class counsel submits a declaration summarizing thousands of hours and a proposed allocation among timekeepers

  • The court scrutinizes rates against local market data
  • A clear declaration reduced objections, allowing settlement administration costs and substantial attorney fees to be approved.

Practical Tips to Improve Accuracy and Judicial Acceptance

Apply these best practices when preparing declarations to strengthen admissibility and reduce disputes over amounts sought.

Use Contemporaneous Records
Rely on contemporaneous time entries rather than reconstructed summaries; courts favor entries kept in the ordinary course of business and may discount or exclude reconstructed hours when time records are vague or assembled after the fact.
Explain Billing Conventions
Disclose policies like block billing, rounding, and task descriptions so the court understands how totals were derived and can assess whether reductions for vagueness or duplication are appropriate.
Provide Market Support
Attach declarations or rate surveys from local practitioners or bar associations to justify hourly rates, especially for specialty work; unsupported out-of-market rates are commonly reduced.
Redact Privileged Material Carefully
When attaching exhibits that may contain privileged communications, redact only the privileged portions and provide a privilege log to avoid waiver while furnishing the court enough information to evaluate fee components.

Frequently Asked Questions About Attorney's Fee Declarations

Answers to common procedural and drafting questions when preparing declarations for filing and service.


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