Opinion ID: 209534
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Rothe’s Request for Attorney Fees

Text: There is one more matter we must address. Rothe argues that DOD’s defense of Section 1207 in this litigation is not substantially justified, and seeks attorney fees and costs under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”). Section 2412 (d)(1)(A) of Title 28 sets forth the basis for attorney’s fees under the EAJA: Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, a court shall award to a prevailing party other than the United States fees and other expenses . . . incurred by that party in any civil action (other than cases sounding in tort) . . . brought by or against the United States in any court having jurisdiction of that action, unless the court finds that the position of 2008-1017 46 the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. We deny Rothe’s request as premature. EAJA provides that a party seeking an award of fees and other expenses shall submit an application therefore “within thirty days of final judgment in the action.” Id. § 2412(d)(1)(B). There is not yet a final judgment in this case. We will remand the case for the district court to enter judgment; Rothe may submit an application for attorney fees at the appropriate time, though we take no position on the merits of such an application.