A state appeals court on Monday upheld a six-figure legal fee award in a dispute over the reasonableness of the rates charged by a major U.S. law firm.

The Second District Court of Appeal said Palm Desert homeowner Lawrence Pasternack must pay Thomas McCullough Jr. $146,610 in attorney fees even though the amount is more than what McCullough's insurer paid Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith to defend him.

The opinion affirms an award set by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Craig Karlan.