Code of Federal Regulations Title 10. Energy § 10.719.41 How does the Department determine whether fees are reasonable?

(a) Whether the lowest reasonably achievable fees or rates (including any currently available or negotiable discounts) were obtained from retained legal counsel;

(b) Whether lower rates from other firms providing comparable services, at appropriate competency and experience levels, were available;

(c) Whether alternative rate structures such as flat, contingent, and other innovative proposals, were considered;  and

(d) The complexity of the legal matter and the expertise of the law firm in this area.