A federal judge in Dallas, Texas, has approved the fee petition of plaintiff’s counsel in a discrimination and retaliation case that resulted in a $3.6 million jury verdict for the plaintiff.  Law.com has the story here.  The fee request was for $496,302.50, and the judge approved all but $6,375 of the request.  The decision is a stark reminder of the potential cost of employment litigation and the reason why prudent employers invest in proactive measures before a charge of discrimination is filed.