(1) determine whether to require enhanced documentation, quarterly statements, or other procedures permitted by section (d) of this Rule;

(2) determine whether evidence regarding the party's entitlement to attorneys' fees or the amount thereof may practicably be submitted during the parties' cases-in-chief with respect to the underlying cause of action or should await a verdict by the jury or finding by the court with respect to that underlying cause of action; and

(3) in light of the determination made under subsection (c)(2), determine whether, pursuant to section (f) of this Rule, any award of attorneys' fees will be included in the judgment entered on the underlying cause of action or as a separate judgment.

Committee note: If the court intends to delay the presentation of evidence on the claim for attorneys fees until after a determination of the underlying cause of action, but desires to enter one judgment that would include the denial or grant of an award of attorneys' fees, the jury's verdict or court findings on the underlying cause of action should be docketed, but the court must assure that no judgment is entered on the verdict or findings until the claim for attorneys' fees is resolved.

(1) require parties seeking an award (A) to keep time records in a specific manner, and (B) to provide to parties against whom an award is sought quarterly statements showing the total amount of time all attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals have spent on the case during the quarter and the total value of that time;

(2) determine whether, and to what extent, the Guidelines Regarding Compensable and Non-Compensable Attorneys' Fees and Related Expenses contained in an Appendix to this Chapter shall be applied; and

(3) establish procedures and time schedules for the presentation of evidence and argument on issues relating to a party's entitlement to an award and the amount thereof.

(1) If No Award Permitted. If, under applicable law, the verdict of a jury or the findings of the court on the underlying cause of action do not permit an award of attorneys' fees, the court shall include in its judgment entered on the underlying cause of action the denial of such an award.

(2) If Award Permitted or Required. If, under applicable law, the verdict of the jury or the findings of the court on the underlying cause of action permit but do not require an award of attorneys' fees, the court shall determine whether an award should be made. If the court determines that a permitted award should be made or that under applicable law an award is required, the court shall apply the standards set forth in subsection (f)(3) of this Rule and determine the amount of the award.

Committee note: Where the claim for attorneys' fees is based on law, rather than a contract, the determination of whether, in light of the verdict or findings on the underlying cause of action, an award must or should be made and, if so, the amount thereof is for the court. See Admiral Mortgage v. Cooper, 357 Md. 533, 550-53 (2000); Friolo v. Frankel, 373 Md. 501, 519 (2003); Friolo v. Frankel, 403 Md. 443, 457, n.12 (2008).

(3) Factors to Be Considered.