In 2018, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) found itself at a critical crossroads. Facing an estimated liability of $30 billion for wildfires it was held responsible for, the company had no choice but to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This decision triggered a deluge of fee applications, causing a significant backlog in the examination process.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the fee examiner embarked on a quest to find cutting-edge technology that could assist their team in efficiently managing and assessing the ever-expanding pool of fee applications. Their search eventually led them to Legal Decoder, a technology solution renowned for its robust analytics and alignment with the 2013 Bankruptcy Fee Guidelines.

Over the course of nearly 18 months, more than 30 professional firms submitted invoices, billing for the time and services of over 800 lawyers and other professionals. Legal Decoder's advanced technology played a pivotal role in analyzing a staggering sum of almost $500 million in fees. What set this technological solution apart was its ability to achieve an average fee reduction of 9%. It's important to note that the primary objective was not solely about slashing costs but rather ensuring that fees were reasonable, all while providing law firms with transparent and objective insights into appropriate billing practices.

The lessons learned from this case study extend far beyond bankruptcy proceedings. They highlight the potential for technology to enhance fee examination and its relevance in everyday write-off control or fee dispute activities within law firms. Legal Decoder has painstakingly crafted a comprehensive case study, delving into these invaluable insights. If you're eager to gain a deeper understanding of how cutting-edge technology can transform fee examination processes and promote fair billing practices, we invite you to download the PG&E Case Study Here.