Judge may order review of NorthWestern's legal fees

HELENA (AP) - The judge in NorthWestern Corp.'s bankruptcy case may call in an outside expert to review millions of dollars in company expenses, including more than $5 million in legal fees last fall.

The Montana Public Service Commission discussed the fees at a meeting here Wednesday. The idea of a fee examiner first came up at a hearing in the case that took place in Delaware bankruptcy court on Tuesday, said Al Brogan, a commission lawyer.

At the hearing, Brogan said, Judge Charles Case told NorthWestern officials to ask other parties in the case, such as the PSC, if they want to appoint an...