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DIAZ v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, 2:14-cv-609-FtM-CM. (2015)

Court: District Court, M.D. Florida Number: infdco20150723794 Visitors: 5
Filed: Jul. 22, 2015
Latest Update: Jul. 22, 2015
Summary: ORDER CAROL MIRANDO , Magistrate Judge . Before the Court is Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion for Attorney's Fees Pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (Doc. 30), filed on July 21, 2015. Plaintiff moves pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act ("EAJA"), 28 U.S.C. 2412(d), for an award of attorney's fees in the amount of $5,115.00. Plaintiff attaches the Declaration of David F. Chermol, Esq. confirming a total of 27.5 hours worked on this matter at a rate of $186.00 per hour. Doc. 30
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ORDER

Before the Court is Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion for Attorney's Fees Pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (Doc. 30), filed on July 21, 2015. Plaintiff moves pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act ("EAJA"), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), for an award of attorney's fees in the amount of $5,115.00. Plaintiff attaches the Declaration of David F. Chermol, Esq. confirming a total of 27.5 hours worked on this matter at a rate of $186.00 per hour. Doc. 30-1 at 3. Plaintiff represents that the Commissioner has no objection to the Motion or relief requested. For the reasons stated herein, the Motion is granted.

Under the EAJA, a claimant is eligible for an attorney fee award where: (1) the claimant is a prevailing party in a non-tort suit involving the United States; (2) the Government's position was not substantially justified; (3) the claimant filed a timely application for attorney's fees; (4) the claimant had a net worth of less than $2 million at the time the complaint was filed; and (5) there are no special circumstances which would make the award of fees unjust. 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d).

In this case, the Commissioner filed an Unopposed Motion for Entry of Judgment with Remand (Doc. 27), and on July 15, 2015 the Court entered an Order reversing and remanding this case to the Commissioner for further proceedings pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Docs. 28. Judgment was entered the same day. Doc. 29. Thus, Plaintiff is the prevailing party in this litigation. Plaintiff also asserts that the Commissioner's position in the underlying action was not substantially justified and that his net worth at the time this proceeding was filed was less than two million dollars. Doc. 30. The Commissioner does not contest that Plaintiff meets the requirements under the EAJA, and the Court finds that all conditions have been met. Id.

EAJA fees are "based upon prevailing market rates for the kind and quality of services furnished," not to exceed $125.00 per hour unless the Court determines that an increase in the cost of living or a special factor justifies a higher fee. 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d)(2)(A). Determination of the appropriate hourly rate is thus a two-step process. The Court first determines the prevailing market rate; then, if the prevailing rate exceeds $125.00, the Court determines whether to adjust the hourly rate. Meyer v. Sullivan, 958 F.2d 1029, 1033-34 (11th Cir. 1992). The prevailing market rates must be determined according to rates customarily charged for similarly complex litigation and are not limited to rates specifically for social security cases. Watford v. Heckler, 765 F.2d 1562, 1568 (11th Cir. 1985).

As noted by Plaintiff's counsel, he is requesting an adjusted hourly rate that is authorized by applying the cost-of-living adjustment to the $125.00 ceiling for work he performed in 2014-2015. Because the Commissioner does not object to the adjusted hourly rate sought and it is within the rates permitted by the EAJA, the Court finds that $186.00 is an appropriate hourly rate. Plaintiff's counsel also has submitted a declaration that include an itemization of legal services performed. Doc. 30-1. Counsel spent a total of 27.5 hours of working on Plaintiff's case. Id. After reviewing the description of the services provided, the Court concludes that the time is reasonable and properly compensable.

ACCORDINGLY, it is hereby

ORDERED:

1. Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion for Attorney's Fees Pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (Doc. 30) is GRANTED. Attorney's fees in the amount of $5,115.00 shall be awarded to Plaintiff pursuant to the EAJA, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d). If the United States Department of the Treasury determines that Plaintiff does not owe a federal debt, the Government will accept Plaintiff's assignment of EAJA fees and pay fees directly to Plaintiff's counsel.

2. The Clerk is directed to enter a judgment for Plaintiff as to attorney's fees in the amount of $5,115.00 under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d).

DONE and ORDERED.

Source:  Leagle

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