Davis v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration

Filing 23

ORDER granting 21 Motion for Attorney Fees. It is ORDERED that Plaintiff is awarded the $2,913.69 for attorneys fees and $350 in costs for a total award of $3263.69. Signed by Honorable Mary G Lewis on 7/28/2014.(gnan )

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
ORANGEBURG DIVISION
LEON DAVIS,
Plaintiff,
vs.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN, ACTING
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION,
Defendant.

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Civil Action No.: 5:13-cv-2430-MGL

ORDER

This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiff Leon Davis’(“Plaintiff”) motion for
an award of attorney’s fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C.
§2412. (ECF No. 17). Plaintiff seeks an award of two thousand, nine hundred thirteen
dollars and 69/100 ($2,913.69) attorney’s fees representing 15.5 hours of attorney’s time at a
rate of $187.98 per hour and Three Hundred and Fifty dollars ($350) for costs.. Id. Plaintiff
asserts he is entitled to an award under EAJA because Plaintiff was the prevailing party
and the Defendant's position was not substantially justified. The Commissioner does
not oppose Plaintiff’s motion for attorney fees or the amount of attorney’s fees and
costs., (ECF No. 22.)
Under the provisions of EAJA, parties prevailing against the United States are
entitled to an award of attorney's fees unless the Government can carry its burden of

demonstrating that its litigation position was substantially justified. 28 U.S.C. §
2412(d)(1)(A); Crawford v. Sullivan, 935 F.2d 655, 658 (4th Cir.1991). “Substantial
justification” is more than “merely undeserving of sanctions for frivolousness” and the
Government's position must be “reasonable . . . both in law and in fact.” Pierce v.
Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565–66, 108 S.Ct. 2541, 101 L.Ed.2d 490 (1988).
The court has made an independent review of the itemized Plaintiff’s attorney
time and rates, as well as the costs sought, and finds them reasonable and in accord
with applicable law. Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789, 122 S.Ct. 1817, 152 L.Ed.2d
996 (2002). Based on the foregoing, the Court GRANTS Plaintiff’s motion for
attorney’s fees and costs under the EAJA
Accordingly, it is ORDERED that Plaintiff is awarded the$2,913.69 for attorney’s fees
and $350 in costs for a total award of $3263.69.
The Commissioner is directed to make the check payable to the Plaintiff and to deliver
the check to the office of Plaintiff’s counsel.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Mary G. Lewis
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Spartanburg, South Carolina
July 28, 2014