Opinion ID: 1530733
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Attorney's Fees Denied By Board Superior Court Affirmed

Text: Before the Board, Brice argued that it was empowered to make an award of attorney's fees pursuant to the enabling statute's authorization to otherwise make employees whole. The Board denied Brice's request on the basis that the statute does not confer express power on the Board to make an award of attorney's fees. In the Superior Court, Brice again argued that the phrase otherwise make employees whole, by necessary implication, vests the Board with the power to award a successful grievant attorney's fees. The Superior Court judge rejected that contention also, stating: I regret having to reach that conclusion in this case where it appears from the Board's opinion that Mr. Brice was subjected to the most blatant discrimination on account of nepotism and favoritism employed by those involved in the selection process. I also sympathize with his argument that the State refused to recognize this situation and unreasonably litigated the matter causing him to incur unnecessary legal expenses in order to vindicate his rights. However, the statute does not empower the Board to award attorney's fees.... Brice v. State, Dept. of Correction, Del.Super., C.A. No. 96A-09-004, Terry, J., 1997 WL 524053 (June 23, 1997) (ORDER). The Superior Court affirmed the Board's construction of Section 5931. Id.