Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-05081/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-05081-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 42:416 Denial of Social Security Benefits

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JOINT STIPULATION TO AWARD ATTORNEY FEES UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT 

AND PROPOSED ORDER 

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HARVEY P. SACKETT (72488) 

1055 Lincoln Avenue 

Post Office Box 5025 

San Jose, California 95150-5025 

Telephone: (408) 295-7755 

Facsimile: (408) 295-7444 

Attorney for Plaintiff 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

LAURIE PAUER, ) 

 ) Case No. 5:15-cv-05081-BLF 

 Plaintiff, ) 

 ) 

v. ) 

 ) JOINT STIPULATION TO AWARD 

CAROLYN W. COLVIN, ) PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY FEES 

Acting Commissioner of ) UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS 

Social Security, ) TO JUSTICE ACT AND PROPOSED 

 ) ORDER 

 Defendant. ) 

 ) 

 On June 2, 2016 this Court issued an order reversing the final decision of the Defendant, 

Carolyn W. Colvin, the Acting Commissioner of Social Security (Commissioner), with a remand 

for a rehearing. Judgment for Plaintiff was entered on that same date. 

 In the interest of administrative and judicial economy, the parties have agreed to stipulate 

that an award of FIVE THOUSAND, SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($5,600.00) in attorney fees 

and FOUR HUNDRED ($400.00) in costs under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 

U.S.C. § 2412(d), are reasonable in this case. This award is without prejudice to Plaintiff’s right 

to seek attorney’s fees under section 206(b) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 406(b), 

subject to the offset provisions of the EAJA. However, this award shall constitute a complete 

release from and bar to any and all claims Plaintiff may have relating to EAJA fees and costs in 

Case 5:15-cv-05081-BLF Document 23 Filed 08/02/16 Page 1 of 3
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JOINT STIPULATION TO AWARD ATTORNEY FEES UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT 

AND PROPOSED ORDER 

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connection with this action. Further, such award shall not be used as precedent in any future 

cases, nor be construed as a concession by the Commissioner that the original administrative 

decision denying benefits to Plaintiff was not substantially justified. 

 Under Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586 (2010), EAJA fees awarded by this Court belong to 

the Plaintiff and are subject to offset under the Treasury Offset Program (31 U.S.C. § 

3716(c)(3)(B) (2006)). This Court should therefore order the EAJA fees to be paid to Plaintiff. 

The Commissioner recognizes that Plaintiff assigned his right to EAJA fees to her attorney. If, 

after receiving the Court’s EAJA fee order, the Commissioner (1) determines that Plaintiff does 

not owe a debt that is subject to offset under the Treasury Offset Program; and (2) agrees to 

waive the requirements of the Anti-Assignment Act, then the EAJA fees will be made payable to 

Plaintiff’s attorney. However, if there is a debt owed under the Treasury Offset Program, the 

Commissioner does not waive the requirements of the Anti-Assignment Act, and the remaining 

EAJA fees after offset will be paid by a check made out to Plaintiff but delivered to Plaintiff’s 

attorney. 

Accordingly, Defendant agrees to pay Plaintiff $5,600.00 in attorney’s fees and $400.00 

in costs. 

All parties whose signature lines appear in this document have consented to its filing. 

Dated: August 1, 2016 By: s/ Harvey P. Sackett 

 HARVEY P. SACKETT 

 Attorney for Plaintiff 

 LAURIE PAUER 

 BRIAN STRETCH 

 United States Attorney 

 DEBORAH L. STACHEL 

 Acting Regional Chief Counsel, region IX 

 Social Security Administration 

 

Dated: August 1, 2016 By: s/ Jennifer Tarn 

 JENNIFER TARN 

 Special Assistant United States Attorney 

 (as authorized via e-mail 7/1/16) 

 Attorneys for Defendant 

Case 5:15-cv-05081-BLF Document 23 Filed 08/02/16 Page 2 of 3
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JOINT STIPULATION TO AWARD ATTORNEY FEES UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT 

AND PROPOSED ORDER 

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IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated: _____________________________ 

 HON. BETH LABSON FREEMAN 

 United States District Court Judge 

$XJXVW

Case 5:15-cv-05081-BLF Document 23 Filed 08/02/16 Page 3 of 3