FTX Grapples with Hefty Legal Expenses

posted  18 Dec 2023
Photo - FTX Grapples with Hefty Legal Expenses
Cryptocurrency exchange FTX is facing a significant financial burden, shelling out approximately $53,000 per hour on legal counsel for its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. From August to October 2023, the exchange's new leadership has already expended over $118 million in legal fees.

Leading law firms like Alvarez & Marsal, Sullivan & Cromwell, and AlixPartners have billed the exchange $81 million collectively. The cumulative expenses since the declaration of bankruptcy are estimated to be approaching $350 million.

Katherine Stadler, a court-appointed fee examiner, has raised concerns about excessive staffing, numerous after-hours meetings, and resultant financial strain. She also highlighted discrepancies in some timekeeping records.