Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_09-cv-00621/USCOURTS-azd-2_09-cv-00621-3/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 (DIWW)

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WO

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

John C. Hernandez, 

Plaintiff, 

vs. 

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social 

Security, 

Defendant. 

No. CV-09-621-PHX-DGC

ORDER 

 On January 15, 2010, the Court reversed Defendant’s decision denying social 

security benefits to Plaintiff. Doc. 32. On remand, Defendant awarded Plaintiff $55,996 

in past-due benefits, withholding 25 percent of that amount – $13,999 – for the 

payment of potential attorney’s fees. Doc. 43-1. 

 Plaintiff’s counsel, Mark Caldwell, has filed a motion for award of attorney’s fees 

under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b). Doc. 42. Defendant does not oppose the motion. Doc. 44. 

The requested fee award of $13,999 is consistent with the contingent fee agreement 

between Plaintiff and Mr. Caldwell (Doc. 43-2), and is reasonable in that it represents an 

hourly rate of $358. See Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789 (2002). 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

 1. The motion for award of attorney’s fees (Doc. 42) is granted pursuant to 

42 U.S.C. § 406(b). 

 2. Mark Caldwell, counsel for Plaintiff, is awarded $13,999.00 in attorney’s 

Case 2:09-cv-00621-DGC Document 46 Filed 03/24/11 Page 1 of 2
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fees, to be paid out of the sums withheld by Defendant from Plaintiff’s past-due benefits. 

 3. Mr. Caldwell shall, after receipt of the award under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b), 

refund to Plaintiff the $6,734.58 previously awarded under the Equal Access to Justice 

Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412. Doc. 41. 

 Dated this 24th day of March, 2011. 

Case 2:09-cv-00621-DGC Document 46 Filed 03/24/11 Page 2 of 2