Advance Release Opinions – April 13

Review of the Connecticut Supreme Court’s advance release opinion about an award of attorney’s fees under CGS § 42-150bb.

Attorney’s Fees

Meadowbrook Center, Inc. v. Buchman – Trial court rejected defendant’s claim for attorney’s fees under CGS § 42-150bb as untimely under Practice Book § 11-21. Appellate Court reversed, finding that the 30-day time limit under Practice Book § 11-21 is directory, not mandatory, so the court has discretion to consider motions filed after 30 days. Because the trial court failed to exercise its discretion, Appellate Court remanded the case with direction to conduct a hearing on defendant’s motion for attorney’s fees. Supreme Court affirmed for the same reasons.