Louisiana Justice’s Lawyers Seek $380K in Fees, Expenses

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Lawyers for Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette Johnson are seeking more than $380,000 in attorneys' fees and expenses for work on her lawsuit over her bid to become the court's first black chief justice.

In a court filing Wednesday, Johnson's attorneys argue the amount they are seeking from the state of Louisiana is reasonable. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan didn't immediately rule on the request.

Morgan ruled in Johnson's favor earlier this month, concluding she has the seniority to succeed Chief Justice Catherine "Kitty" Kimball when she retires early next year. Lawyers for Gov. Bobby Jindal's office have appealed.

Justice Jeffrey Victory also argues he is legally entitled to succeed Kimball. The debate hinges on whether Johnson's first few years on the court count toward her seniority.