Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00584/USCOURTS-caed-1_24-cv-00584-3/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 42:402 Social Security Benefits

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Stipulation; Order Page 1 Case No. 1:24-cv-00584-KES-CDB

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PHILLIP A. TALBERT

United States Attorney

MATHEW W. PILE

Associate General Counsel

Office of Program Litigation, Office 7

MARGARET BRANICK-ABILLA (CABN 223600)

Special Assistant United States Attorney

Office of Program Litigation, Office 7

Office of the General Counsel

Social Security Administration

6401 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21235

Telephone: (510) 970-4809

Email: Margaret.Branick-Abilla@ssa.gov

Attorneys for Defendant

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

CHRISTI LYNNE REA,

Plaintiff,

vs.

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,

Defendant.

Civil No. 1:24-cv-00584-KES-CDB

STIPULATION FOR THE AWARD AND 

PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY FEES PURSUANT 

TO THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT, 

28 U.S.C. § 2412(d); ORDER

IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED by and between the parties, through their undersigned 

counsel, subject to the approval of the Court, that Plaintiff be awarded attorney fees in the 

amount of SEVEN THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS 

($7,300.00) under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d). This amount 

represents compensation for all legal services rendered on behalf of Plaintiff by counsel in 

connection with this civil action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d). 

After the Court issues an order for EAJA fees to Plaintiff, the government will consider 

the matter of Plaintiff’s assignment of EAJA fees to counsel Jonathan O. Pena (Counsel). 

Pursuant to Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586, 598 (2010), the ability to honor the assignment will

Case 1:24-cv-00584-KES-CDB Document 23 Filed 01/10/25 Page 1 of 3
Stipulation; Order Page 2 Case No. 1:24-cv-00584-KES-CDB

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depend on whether the fees are subject to any offset allowed under the United States Department 

of the Treasury’s Offset Program. After the order for EAJA fees is entered, the government will 

determine whether they are subject to any offset.

Fees shall be made payable to Plaintiff, but if the Department of the Treasury determines 

that Plaintiff does not owe a federal debt, then the government shall cause the payment of fees to 

be made directly to Counsel, pursuant to the assignment executed by Plaintiff. Any payments 

made shall be delivered to Counsel.

This stipulation constitutes a compromise settlement of Plaintiff’s request for EAJA 

attorney fees, and does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of Defendant under the 

EAJA or otherwise. Payment of the agreed amount shall constitute a complete release from, and 

bar to, any and all claims that Plaintiff and/or Counsel, including Counsel’s law firm and 

associates, may have relating to EAJA attorney fees in connection with this action. 

This award is without prejudice to the rights of Counsel to seek Social Security Act 

attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b), subject to the savings clause provisions of the EAJA.

Respectfully submitted,

Dated: January 10, 2025 PENA & BROMBERG, PLC

By: /s/ Jonathan O. Pena*

JONATHAN O. PENA

Attorneys for Plaintiff

[*As authorized by e-mail on Jan. 10, 2025] 

Dated: January 10, 2025 PHILLIP A. TALBERT

United States Attorney

MATHEW W. PILE

Associate General Counsel

Office of Program Litigation, Office 7

By: /s/ Margaret Branick-Abilla

MARGARET BRANICK-ABILLA

Special Assistant United States Attorney

Attorneys for Defendant

Case 1:24-cv-00584-KES-CDB Document 23 Filed 01/10/25 Page 2 of 3
Stipulation; Order Page 3 Case No. 1:24-cv-00584-KES-CDB

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ORDER

Pursuant to stipulation, IT IS SO ORDERED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: January 10, 2025 

 UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 1:24-cv-00584-KES-CDB Document 23 Filed 01/10/25 Page 3 of 3