Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-arwd-2_04-cv-02120/USCOURTS-arwd-2_04-cv-02120-2/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (SSID)

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AO72A

(Rev. 8/82)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS

FORT SMITH DIVISION

DEBORAH J. GOBLE PLAINTIFF

v. CIVIL NO. 04-2120

JO ANNE B. BARNHART, Commissioner

Social Security Administration DEFENDANT

O R D E R 

On October 17, 2005, plaintiff filed a petition for attorney’s fees pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 2412, the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), requesting compensation for 22.00 hours of

work before the court at an hourly rate of $150.44. (Doc. # 17). Attorney's fees may not be

awarded in excess of $125.00 per hour - the maximum statutory rate under § 2412(d)(2)(A) -

unless the court finds that an increase in the cost of living or a special factor such as the limited

availability of qualified attorneys justifies a higher fee. 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d)(2)(A). The hourly

rate may be increased when there is uncontested proof of an increase in the cost of living

sufficient to justify hourly attorney's fees, such as a copy of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Plaintiff’s counsel submitted a CPI but did not address the need for an increase in the allowed

hourly rate due to a cost of living increase in his supporting brief, a statutory requirement.

Plaintiff’s counsel has until April 18, 2006, to amend his petition to include the proper language

addressing the cost of living increase. Defendant will have ten days to respond to plaintiff’s

amended motion. In the future, along with the submission of the CPI, plaintiff’s counsel is

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AO72A

(Rev. 8/82)

2

reminded that he is statutorily required to specifically discuss why he should be granted an

increase in the established hourly rate. 

IT IS SO ORDERED this 4 day of April 2006. th

/s/ Beverly Stites Jones 

HON. BEVERLY STITES JONES

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 

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