Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-5_02-cv-00315/USCOURTS-cand-5_02-cv-00315-0/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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28 This disposition is not designated for publication and may not be cited. 1

Case No. C 02-315 JF

ORDER DENYING AMENDED MOTION FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES

(JFLC2)

**E-Filed 3/12/07**

NOT FOR CITATION

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SAN JOSE DIVISION

RUBEN ARMENTA,

 Plaintiff,

 v.

JOANNE B. BARNHART, Commissioner of

Social Security,

 Defendant.

Case Number C 02-315 JF

ORDER DENYING AMENDED 1

MOTION FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES

[re: doc. no. 17 ]

On December 6, 2002, the Court remanded this case for further development of the

vocational expert’s testimony regarding Plaintiff’s ability to work. On September 5, 2006,

Plaintiff’s counsel filed a motion for attorneys’ fees. Because it appeared that the motion had not

been served upon counsel for Defendant, the Court ordered the Clerk to serve the motion upon

counsel for Defendant and set a briefing schedule granting Defendant thirty days within which to

respond to the motion. On October 20, 2006, Plaintiff’s counsel filed an amended motion for

attorneys’ fees. That motion was filed electronically and thus was served by email upon counsel

Case 5:02-cv-00315-JF Document 18 Filed 03/12/07 Page 1 of 3
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Case No. C 02-315 JF

ORDER DENYING AMENDED MOTION FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES

(JFLC2)

for Defendant. Counsel for Defendant has not filed any response to the motion.

When a claimant recovers past-due benefits under 42 U.S.C. § 406, the claimant’s

attorney may seek payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees out of those benefits, such payment not

to exceed twenty-five percent of the total past-due benefits recovered. 42 U.S.C. § 406(b). 

Contingent fee agreements that are within the twenty-five percent statutory ceiling generally are

enforced. Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789, 792 (2002).

Plaintiff’s counsel has submitted a declaration stating that Plaintiff was awarded past-due

benefits in the amount of $14,661.15; that there was a twenty-five percent contingent fee

agreement in this case; and that counsel has been paid fees in the amount of $3,925 for work

done in this case. Because it appears that counsel already has recovered fees in excess of twentyfive percent of the total past-due benefits awarded to Plaintiff, the Court HEREY DENIES

counsel’s motion for additional attorneys’ fees.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: 3/12/07

__________________________________

JEREMY FOGEL

United States District Judge

Case 5:02-cv-00315-JF Document 18 Filed 03/12/07 Page 2 of 3
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Case No. C 02-315 JF

ORDER DENYING AMENDED MOTION FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES

(JFLC2)

Copies of Order served on:

Jocelyn Burton Jocelyn.Burton@usdoj.gov

Arthur L. Johnson jain@bjlaw.com,

Alex G. Tse alex.tse@usdoj.gov, claire.muller@usdoj.gov 

Case 5:02-cv-00315-JF Document 18 Filed 03/12/07 Page 3 of 3