Nevada § 18.010 - Award of attorney's fees

§ 18.010. Award of attorney's fees

1. The compensation of an attorney and counselor for his or her services is governed

by agreement, express or implied, which is not restrained by law. 2. In addition to the cases where an allowance is authorized by specific statute,

the court may make an allowance of attorney's fees to a prevailing party: (a) When the prevailing party has not recovered more than $20,000; or (b) Without regard to the recovery sought, when the court finds that the claim, counterclaim,

cross-claim or third-party complaint or defense of the opposing party was brought

or maintained without reasonable ground or to harass the prevailing party. The court shall liberally construe the provisions of this paragraph in favor of

awarding attorney's fees in all appropriate situations. It is the intent of the Legislature that the court award attorney's fees pursuant

to this paragraph and impose sanctions pursuant to Rule 11 of the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure in all appropriate situations to punish for and deter frivolous or vexatious claims

and defenses because such claims and defenses overburden limited judicial resources,

hinder the timely resolution of meritorious claims and increase the costs of engaging

in business and providing professional services to the public. 3. In awarding attorney's fees, the court may pronounce its decision on the fees at

the conclusion of the trial or special proceeding without written motion and with

or without presentation of additional evidence. 4. Subsections 2 and 3 do not apply to any action arising out of a written instrument

or agreement which entitles the prevailing party to an award of reasonable attorney's

fees.