In this retaliation claim, the successful plaintiff petitioned for attorneys' fees as entitled under Title VII. The attorneys had presented hourly fees ranging from $250 for court time to $175 per hour. The trial court reduced the attorney fee demand as being too high, finding that Southern Illinois rates ranged from $150 per hour for court time to $100 per hour. The Seventh Circuit vacated this ruling finding that when a trial court reduces either the rate or time offered by an attorney, it must provide a clear and concise statement why. This ruling was based upon the recognition that an attorney is not barred from charging more than the community's average if there is a basis for doing so. Mathur v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, No. 01-3336, 317 F.3d 738 (7th Cir. Jan. 24, 2003).
