Fees in FairPoint case hit $500K
Legal fees for two state offices representing Maine consumers in FairPoint's bankruptcy case have topped $500,000, and that amount is expected to rise.
Fees from Portland law firm Bernstein Shur, hired by the Maine Public Utilities Commission for the bankruptcy proceedings, last week totaled nearly $378,000, according to Capitol News Service. The Maine Public Advocate's Office hired Washington, D.C., law firm Arent Fox and has been billed nearly $154,000. Public Advocate Richard Davies told the news service more bills are expected as the bankruptcy case continues, but that the office believes its firm is charging a fair price. An agreement signed by FairPoint, the PUC and the Public Advocate's Office would allow FairPoint to reimburse the state for those costs, but it has not yet been approved by the New York bankruptcy court.
Representatives for both groups said it's important that ratepayers be represented during the proceedings, in order to save customers money and ensure public safety, according to the news service. FairPoint Communications in February filed its bankruptcy reorganization plan after delaying it for two months.
Go to the article from Capitol News Service >>
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