Opinion ID: 770326
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Exception for Certain IEP Meetings

Text: 27 Finally, Defendant argues that, even if a CRP is an action or proceeding brought under this section  for purposes of S 1415(i)(3)(B), S 1415(i)(3)(D)(ii) precludes an award of attorney fees for a lawyer's attendance at IEP meetings that are ordered by an SEA pursuant to a CRP. Section 1415(i)(3)(D)(ii) provides: 28 Attorneys' fees may not be awarded relating to any meeting of the IEP Team unless such meeting is convened as a result of an administrative proceeding or judicial action, or, at the discretion of the State, for a mediation described in subsection (e) of this section that is conducted prior to the filing of a complaint under subsection (b)(6) or (k) of this section. 29 (Emphasis added.); see also C.F.R. S 300.513(c)(2)(ii) (same). Under S 1415(i)(3)(D)(ii), Plaintiffs may recover their attorney fees only if the IEP meeting is convened as a result of an administrative proceeding under S 1415(i)(3)(D)(ii). 7 30 The first criterion, convened as a result, is met, because the IEP meetings were ordered by the Department pursuant to Oregon's CRP, after Plaintiffs properly initiated a complaint. Defendant's argument centers on the second criterion, namely, whether the CRP is an administrative proceeding. 31 We already have concluded that a CRP is a proceeding for which attorney fees may be recovered in subsection (B). We need only decide whether this proceeding is administrative. 32 Black's Law Dictionary defines administrative procedure as [m]ethods and processes before administrative agencies as distinguished from judicial procedure which applies to courts. Black's Law Dictionary 46 (6th ed. 1990). Both the CRP and the due process hearing fall within that general definition, and nothing in the IDEA suggests that Congress had in mind a more restrictive definition. In conclusion, S 1415(i)(3)(D)(ii) does not preclude Plaintiffs from recovering their attorney fees for their lawyer's attendance at the IEP meetings that were convened by order of the Department as a result of Oregon's CRP. 33 AFFIRMED.