Opinion ID: 611820
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Title VII Prevailing Party

Text: 35 Title VII provides that the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party ... a reasonable attorney's fee.... 42 U.S.C.A. § 2000e-5(k) (West Supp.1993). In Christiansburg Garment Co. v. EEOC, 434 U.S. 412, 421-22 (1978), the United States Supreme Court determined under what circumstances a court may award attorney's fees when the prevailing party is the defendant. Where the Title VII action is frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation, or where the plaintiff maintains the suit after this becomes clear, an award of fees is appropriate. Bad faith on the part of the plaintiff is not required. Under this provision, it is the party and not the party's attorney against whom sanctions are imposed. Again, the magistrate judge relied on the reasons for denying Rule 11 sanctions to deny Title VII attorneys' fees. This was error. While the award of Title VII fees is discretionary, the same reasons that support the imposition of sanctions under section 1927, support the award of fees under Title VII.