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Feb. 3, 2026

Now that's interesting: Timing is everything for interest on attorney fees

Post-judgment interest on attorney fees is simple but sneaky: if the law makes fees automatic (like anti-SLAPP), the meter starts at judgment; if a judge must later decide entitlement, the clock doesn't start until the fee award.

Benjamin G. Shatz

Partner in the Appellate Division of Duane Morris LLP's Trial Practice Group in the Los Angeles office, and leader of the firm's West Coast appellate practice.

Appellate Law (Certified), Litigation

Exceptionally Appealing appears the first Tuesday of the month.

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Zoe L. Ginsberg

Associate
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

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Now that's interesting: Timing is everything for interest on attorney fees
Shutterstock

Looking to grow your capital? How does 10% annual interest sound? Pretty good, right? The trick to interest, of course, is to get it to start running. So when does interest begin to accumulate on a valuable asset, say an award of anti-SLAPP attorney fees? Does interest start running when the anti-SLAPP motion is granted? Or when the fees award is made? Or at some other time?...

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