UNPUBLISHED

DECISION ON ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS1

NORA BETH DORSEY, Chief Special Master.

On January 23, 2017, Maria Peters ("petitioner") filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the "Vaccine Act"). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a left shoulder injury as the result of an influenza ("flu") vaccine she received on October 13, 2015. Petition at 1. On May 31, 2018, the undersigned issued a decision awarding compensation to petitioner based on the parties' stipulation. (ECF No. 34).

On July 2, 2018, petitioner filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs. (ECF No. 38). Petitioner requests attorneys' fees in the amount of $14,996.00 and attorneys' costs in the amount of $1,408.06. Id. at 1-2. In compliance with General Order #9, petitioner filed a signed statement indicating that petitioner incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. Id. at 2. Thus, the total amount requested is $16,404.06.

On July 16, 2018, respondent filed a response to petitioner's motion. (ECF No. 39). Respondent argues that "[n]either the Vaccine Act nor Vaccine Rule 13 contemplates any role for respondent in the resolution of a request by a petitioner for an award of attorneys' fees and costs." Id. at 1. Respondent adds, however, that he "is satisfied the statutory requirements for an award of attorneys' fees and costs are met in this case." Id. at 2. Respondent "respectfully recommends that the Chief Special Master exercise her discretion and determine a reasonable award for attorneys' fees and costs." Id. at 3.

On July 17, 2018, petitioner filed a reply. (ECF No. 40.) Petitioner disputes respondent's position that she has no role in resolving attorneys' fees and costs and further reiterates her view that her attorneys' fees and costs in this case are reasonable.

The undersigned has reviewed the billing records submitted with petitioner's request. In the undersigned's experience, the request appears reasonable, and the undersigned finds no cause to reduce the requested hours or rates, with the following exception.

Upon review of the records, a number of entries billed by the paralegals are for tasks better characterized as clerical or administrative. It is clearly established that secretarial work "should be considered as normal overhead office costs included within the attorneys' fee rates." Rochester v. U.S., 18 Cl. Ct. 379, 387 (1989); Dingle v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No. 08-579V, 2014 WL 630473, at *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 24, 2014). "[B]illing for clerical and other secretarial work is not permitted in the Vaccine Program." Mostovoy, 2016 WL 720969, at *5 (citing Rochester, 18 Cl. Ct. at 387). A total of 0.60 hours3 was billed by the attorney and paralegals on administrative tasks including, paying invoices, organizing documents, and submitting reimbursements. For these reasons the request for attorney's fees is reduced in the amount of $130.80.4

The full amount of costs sought, $1,408.06, is awarded.

The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. § 15(e). Based on the reasonableness of petitioner's request, the undersigned GRANTS petitioner's motion for attorneys' fees and costs.

Accordingly, the undersigned awards the total of $16,273.265 as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to petitioner and petitioner's counsel Amber Diane Wilson. Petitioner requests check be forwarded to Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, 1605 Main Street, Suite 710, Sarasota, Florida, 34236.

The clerk of the court shall enter judgment in accordance herewith.6

IT IS SO ORDERED.