Opinion ID: 1179423
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: is tait a public interest plaintiff?

Text: Johnson argues that the superior court awarded excessive attorney's fees because (1) Tait is not a public interest plaintiff and (2) the lawyer's time expended was excessive. Even though our decision requires the superior court to vacate the award of attorney's fees, we will address the public interest issue in the event that Johnson moves for an award of attorney's fees on remand. The court may not award attorney's fees against an unsuccessful public interest litigant. Hunsicker v. Thompson, 717 P.2d 358, 359 n. 2 (Alaska 1986). Tait qualifies as a public interest litigant if (1) the case effectuates a strong public policy, (2) numerous people will benefit from the litigation, (3) only a private party could be expected to bring the action, and (4) Tait did not have sufficient economic incentive to bring the lawsuit. Sisters of Providence v. Department of Health & Soc. Servs., 648 P.2d 970, 979-80 (Alaska 1982). We conclude that Judge Katz did not abuse her discretion in concluding that this suit to enjoin the arguable infringement of the right of free expression is public interest litigation. Therefore, Johnson is not entitled to an award of attorney's fees against Tait. The decision of the superior court is REVERSED and the case REMANDED with instructions to enter judgment for Johnson.