Love Tries Settling Dispute Out of Court

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Rocker Courtney Love's (search) attorneys and a prominent law firm have agreed to try settling a dispute over legal fees out of court.

Superior Court Judge Gerald Rosenberg on Thursday gave Love's lawyers and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP until Feb. 5 to reach a settlement.

The two sides must report back Feb. 9 to report on any agreement, said Dane Gambill, a courtroom assistant. If no agreement is reached, the judge could then set a trial date.

Last November, the firm sued Love, Hole band mate Eric Erlandson and a company that owns the recording services of the band's members over claims of unpaid attorney fees. The firm has represented Love in contractual matters.

A call to Robert Ring, a lawyer identified by court officials as Love's counsel in the case, was not immediately returned. Joseph Laska of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips declined to comment through a secretary.

The widow of Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain was formerly the lead singer of the band Hole. She had to delay a concert tour with her new band this year because of her legal problems in recent months.

She is schedule to return Oct. 27 for a preliminary hearing to determine if she should stand trial for allegedly attacking a woman with a liquor bottle. Love, 40, has pleaded not guilty to a felony assault charge and is free on $150,000 bail.

In July, Love was sentenced to 18 months in a drug rehabilitation program after pleading guilty to being under the influence of a controlled substance — a misdemeanor charge connected to an alleged break-in at the same ex-boyfriend's home where the woman allegedly was attacked.

Love also faces a Nov. 3 trial on felony charges for illegal possession of painkillers. And in New York City, she faces charges for allegedly striking a fan with a microphone stand at a club in March.