Lockhart v. Commissioner of Social Security

Opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI GREENVILLE DIVISION

VANTREETA LOCKHART PLAINTIFF

v. CIVIL ACTION NO. 4:23-cv-163-JMV

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY DEFENDANT

ORDER ON PETITION FOR ATTORNEY FEES

Before the Court are Plaintiff’s motion [22] for attorney fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), and Defendant’s response [23]. For the reasons that follow, the motion is granted. In these proceedings Plaintiff sought judicial review of the Social Security Commissioner’s final decision denying a claim for benefits. This Court’s Order [20] reversed the Commissioner’s decision and remanded to the Social Security Administration on April 17, 2024, for further proceedings. A party who obtains a remand in a social security appeal pursuant to the fourth sentence of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) qualifies as a prevailing party for purposes of fees under the EAJA. Breaux v. U.S.D.H.H.S, 20 F.3d 1324, 1324 (5th Cir. 1994) (per curiam). Plaintiff, through her motion, seeks attorney fees in the amount of $8,040.70. In support of the motion, Plaintiff’s counsel submitted a statement regarding the time expended litigating this action. According to the motion, Plaintiff’s attorney spent a total of 33.2 hours on this case at a rate of $242.19 per hour. The Court, having thoroughly considered the motion, noting that the defendant does not oppose the motion, and the applicable law, finds the requested award is reasonable; and no special circumstance would make the award unjust. Therefore, it is ordered that the Commissioner shall promptly pay Plaintiff $8,040.70 in attorney fees for the benefit of her counsel. As a matter of practice, an EAJA fee made payable

to Plaintiff may properly be mailed to Plaintiff’s attorney. SO ORDERED, this the 20th day of June, 2024. /s/ Jane M. Virden UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE