Legal Document

471 U.S. 234 105 S.Ct. 1923 85 L.Ed.2d 233 Leonard WEBB, Petitionerv.BOARD OF EDUCATION DYER COUNTY, TENNESSEE, et al. No. 83-1360. Argued Oct. 29, 1984. Decided April 17, 1985. Syllabus After respondent Board of Education Dyer County, Tennessee, terminated petitioner's employment as a schoolteacher in 1974, he retained counsel to represent him administrative proceedings before the Board. Petitioner contended, inter alia, that his discharge was racially motivated and constitutional rights had been violated. In 1978, ultimately decided adhere its decision. 1979, petitioner instituted this action Federal District Court, seeking relief under various civil statutes, including 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The case subsequently settled 1981 by entry consent order awarding damages other relief, reserving matter an award attorney's fees for future resolution parties or court. negotiations proved unsuccessful, filed motion Civil Rights Attorney's Fees Awards Act 1976, 1988, which provides "[i]n any proceeding enforce" certain 1983, "the court, discretion, may allow prevailing party . reasonable fee part costs." Court awarded fee, but rejected contention it should cover services performed proceedings. Appeals affirmed. Held: 1. is not entitled counsel's during hearings on theory they were "proceeding[s] 1983 within meaning 1988. reasoning New York Gaslight Club, Inc. v. Carey, 447 54, 100 2024, 64 723—which held provision Title VII 1964 authorized work pursuing state remedy—is applicable since statute involved Carey expressly required claimant pursue remedies commencing federal forum, whereas there no comparable requirement Cf. Smith Robinson, 468 992, 104 3457, 82 746. here simply do have same integral function VII. Pp. 240-241. 2. Nor recover time spent "reasonably expended" preparation court therefore compensable rationale Hensley Eckerhart, 461 424, 103 1933, 76 40. emphasized amount be 1988 necessarily depends facts each case, exercise discretion district must respected. expended litigation." Id., at 433, S.Ct., 1939 (emphasis added). difficulty identifying dividing line between judicial proceeding. did suggest discrete portion product from both useful type ordinarily necessary advance litigation stage reached settlement. Thus Court's decision deny 1974 1979 optional well range discretion. 241-244. 715 F.2d 254 (CA6 1983) Charles Stephen Ralston, petitioner. S. Russell Headrick, Memphis, Tenn., respondents. Justice STEVENS delivered opinion Court. 1 90 Stat. 2641, authorizes "any proceeding" enforce 1983.1 represented local subsequent challenging termination public school teacher. He prevailed lawyer proceedings, denied School question presented whether correctly excluded calculation "reasonable fee" party. 2 spring County Education, petitioner, who black elementary teacher with tenure. assist demonstrating unjustified obtain appropriate relief. 3 A Tennessee teachers only dismissed specific causes, guarantees hearing charges warranting dismissal.2 sought eventually obtained series testimony supporting claim dismissal unjustified. Because provided written pre-termination hearing, because reason believe Board's motivated,3 also claimed Negotiations continued until summer 1978 when finally dismiss 4 On August 13, commenced United States Western Tennessee. alleged unconstitutional §§ 1981, 1982, 1985, afforded basis monetary equitable against individual defendants associated dismissal.4 respondents answer complaint, summary judgment, discovery requests responded. App. 21-29, 48. March partial record 30-31. 5 October 14, $15,400 dismissing prejudice.5 Under decree, agreed reinstate treat having resigned day dismissal. Adverse comments removed file. reserved 6 During negotiations, conceded "prevailing party" fees, could agree award. supported affidavit containing itemized description 5, through September 11, 1981.6 set forth professional qualifications regular period involved.7 requested total $21,165, based hourly rate $120 upward adjustment 25% "in light peculiar difficulties particular kind unusual nature hours proceedings." 56. 7 Respondents, hand, took position would exceed $5,000. They objected rate,8 miscellaneous, unrecorded hours, request 25%. addition, contended receive 8 $9,734.38 plus expenses. making award, accepted respondents' excluded, otherwise resolved all issues favor.9 1983).10 apparent conflict authority availability prior filing action,11 we granted certiorari. 466 935, 1906, 80 456 (1984). 9 argues either two theories: (1) those [§ 1983]" 1988; (2) 1939, 40 (1983). We consider these theories. 10 * relevant language 198812 similar 706(k) 1964, Title.13 723 (1980), remedy "to complainant referred pursuant provisions VII." 71, 2034. supports case. 11 however, arose requires available forum.14 There As noted 746 (1984): "The difference VII, plaintiff remedies. contrast, nothing exhaust bringing suit. See Patsy Florida Regents, 457 496 [102 2557, 73 172] (1982)." 1011, n. 3469, 14. 12 stands "as independent avenue relief" "could go straight assert it," ibid., 13 Congress courts "action 1983]." Administrative established tenure created law are 1983,15 even though later action, automatically process theory.16 II 14 supra, U.S., discussed method employed determining covered At outset, "on case," 429, 1937, respected, id., 432, 1939. explained "most starting point number reasonably multiplied rate." observed has burden submitting "evidence worked rates claimed." Ibid. 15 contends attorney protected More specifically, witnesses examined opposing arguments considered refuted analogous discovery, investigation, research litigated proceeding, after lawsuit actually filed. "In sum," concludes, "Hensley done onset attorney-client relationship if related enforcement unless not, normal billing 'properly billed one's client.' " Brief 19 (quoting 434, 1940). 16 does sweep so broadly. When allowed costs"—to use statute—it difficult years complaint "expended litigation" fairly comprehended "part costs" action. 17 Of course, some formally Most obvious examples drafting initial pleadings development case.17 neither trial judge nor five easily separated thereafter.18 made suggestion below argued included entirety entirety. record, compensable.19 18 "We reemphasize award."20 437, 1941. such appealed, reviewing evaluate reasonableness deference. Considering governing legal principles, establishing entitlement evidence below, conclude Accordingly, judgment 20 It ordered. 21 MARSHALL consideration 22 BRENNAN, whom BLACKMUN joins, concurring dissenting part. 23 concludes today "automatically" awardable litigant "discrete portion" extent "useful necessary" successful outcome litigation. Ante, 241, 243. I conclusions write separately counts. First, important American Rule confusion among lower identify precision why awards ever 1988.1 Second, disagree conclusion insufficient justify level. evidentiary merits issue, holding instead bars plaintiffs recovering Pet. Cert. 40a. rejects reasoning, reversed remanded what Webb additional standards announced today. 24 A. 25 Although decides litigants "discrete" seek refute advanced policies affirmatively bar fees. 1988's intended breadth arises variety contexts, divided over proper analysis apply considering beyond four corners ante, 239, 11. viewed prescribing threshold requirements recovery collateral action: first, second, demonstrably contributed enforce[ment of] provision" laws.2 application analytic framework limited 26 With respect first requirement, our compels "proceeding" fall definition phrase used provision, 78 261, 2000e-5(k). 61-66, 2029-2032. reasoned "[i]t cannot assumed words 'or proceeding' mere surplusage," "Congress' broadly inclusive disjunctive 'action demonstrated intent permit itself. 61, 2029. This applies squarely employs precisely phraseology provision. Committee Reports emphasize Congress' pattern provision,3 include citations cases proceedings.4 argue "or merely refer federal-court matters technically "actions," bankruptcy Respondents argument presumably about well; parsimonious construction accord general broadest most effective achieve goals laws." S.Rep. 94-1011, p. (1976), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 5910. 27 emphasizes today, distinction authorized: governed exhaustion while generally not. 240-241; see 3468, (1984).5 issue bear proceeding," cuts second requirement: pursued laws. 2, supra. Where resort predicate invoking remedies, obviously That Carey. 63, 65, 2030, 2032. 28 require nevertheless able demonstrate ancillary played critical role "enforc[ing] For example, sometimes choose make occasionally exercised their abstain clarify state-law forums actions.6 Similarly, might developing implementing remedial plan comply court's injunction complex case.7 Reliance frequently 'use combination law, common State will best adapted object laws.' 3, 1, 5911, incorporates adjudicatory scheme, surely laws If adopted term concluded includes "actions" normally touching tangentially rights, reliance severely undermined. Ninth Circuit Bartholomew Watson, 665 910, 913 (1982), incurred Pullman abstention recoverable contrary rule "would encourage forum shopping interfere efficient allocation systems."8 legislative history read anomalous result. 29 rests solely plaintiff, presumed integrally rights. observes, board scheme. 241. Nothing logic Smith, cases, excluded. Once recognized rubric circumstances, strike uneasy balance arguably conflicting considerations. one clearly enable proceed expeditiously unnecessary vindication claims. can fruits antecedent directly obviated need penalizing gone into provide unwise incentive every potential commence earliest possible moment steer himself safe harbor. 30 certainly limits formal commencement interviews, investigation viability claims, accompanying documents, dealing expected preliminary motions requests. M. Derfner Wolf, Awarded Attorney ¶ 16.02[2][b], 16-15 litigation," (1983), careful prefiling ethical rules profession,9 Rules Procedure,10 realities litigation.11 sort preparatorywork, along typically occurs commences, often accomplished course precede Taking reduce eliminate interviewing deposing suit filed, negotiation officials narrow disputes sharpen very way settlement discussions begins. compensable, draw artificial distinctions preparing led litigation.12 31 requiring absolutely bypass wished become eligible create skewed incentives possibly intended. enables them prevail short full-blown claims thereby "help[s] lessen docket congestion."13 least debatable offer swifter cheaper means sharpening discovering than Moreover, although notions comity properly impose enhance disputes.14 Unless willing positively discourage circumstances context, fashioned.15 B 32 leads me concur recovered standard encompass three factors. portions independently reasonable.16 find work, it, significantly success eliminated connection litigation.17 Finally, equally more cost-effective 1-day eliciting eliminates days depositions something encouraged rewarded, produced information depositions, taken conduct depositions. matters, broad "zone discretion" resolving disputes. 442, 1944 (BRENNAN, J., part). Mathematical impossible, enough "has articulated fair explanation" documentation applying own experience sense. 455, 1950. 33 33a-40a. Today absolute prohibition holds informed "useful" substituted "ordinarily outcome. reversal remand correct regarding Webb's 34 amply establish prima facie above. specified detail affidavits work. 35 strong showing extensive elicit substantial administrators, teachers, students allegation fired teaching job discriminatory reasons.18 devote virtually commenced. Webb, meet "set[ting] [was] genuine trial," Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 56(e), transcript brief opposition. Thereafter, full advisement several weeks scheduled commence. experienced attorneys testified "substantial part" appears rely interrogatories, affidavits, devices unquestionably 1988.19 elicited presumptively settlement; sense, defendant likely settle ruling developed credible case.20 36 transcripts given familiarity practices, sound adjust accordingly. 37 least, appear relating transcribed relied upon litigating settling Notwithstanding showing, affirms denial reasons "[t]he entirety." consistently "excluded entirety" proposition unable anything suggesting all-or-nothing resolution. chastises failure "suggestion settlement." counsel, submitted detailing "necessary" litigation, fail how differs sorting out superfluous, unnecessary, unreasonable. evaluation petitions committed courts.21 Many meritorious contain decide excessive, up adjustments. Surely submission good-faith petition downward grounds hierarchy "next-best" desired petitioned entirety."22 38 reasons, 'should result major litigation,' 244, 20, quoting 1941, "was discretion," 244. respect, escapes me. previously enjoy appellate deference accordingly approach zenith context. 442 (concurring Such appropriate, where "a explanation case." Here premise forbidden law. concluding claimants barred freshly coined opinion. thought logical proceeded erroneous premise. mission courts' de novo petitions; appropriately left remand. 1941 (remanding standards) (discretion "appropriate[ly]" lies view superior understanding litigation"). successfully persuaded grant certiorari resolve unsettled entitlement, convinced us sole ground erroneous, further am loss refuse "deference" errors desire however be.23 legerdemain squares behind 198824 fairness undergird system. part, provides: 1985 1986 title, title IX Public Law 92-318, VI party, States, Tenn.Code Ann. 49-5-511(a) (1983) ("No shall except causes follows: incompetence, inefficiency, neglect duty, unprofessional conduct, insubordination"); 49-5-512 ("A teacher, received notice him, demand board"). discharged, complaints white parents administration corporal punishment children. engaging activities reprimanded, singled race. 8-9. Specifically, reinstatement, backpay, $1 million damages. behalf class consisting applicants positions, allegedly practices. 14-17. 32-34. 39-55. schedule reconstruction matter. Tr. Fee Hearing 10. Contemporaneously recorded sheets preferred practice. 441, 1943, (BURGER, C.J., concurring). detailed "total" 141.1 82.8 specifically attributable 1978. 58.3 treated Counsel's stated routine commercial $60 1974-1976, $90 1977-1979, $105 1980, 1981. 55. Two expert per hour reasonable. 3-23, 30-46. respondent's experts offered varying opinions said $50 $100 63-72; 108-114. calculating applied $125 allegations small sought. $625 (5 hours) application. unsuccessfully challenged calculations appeal. F.2d, 259-260. rendered without guidance decisions Blum Stenson, 465 886, 1541, 79 891 (1984), file adverse Appeals, review consequently Compare Ciechon City Chicago, 686 511, 524-525 (CA7 1982), (case below), Horacek Thone, 710 496, 499-500 (CA8 1983), Latino Project, Camden, 701 262, 264-265 (CA3 Estes Tuscaloosa 696 898, 900 (CA11 (per curiam ), Redd Lambert, 674 1032, 1036-1037 (CA5 Blow Lascaris, 668 670, 671 (CA2) cert. denied, 459 914, 225, 74 179 (1982). 912-914 (CA9 1982); Brown Bathke, 588 634, 638 1978). 2000e-5(k) ("In [Title VII] [Equal Employment Opportunity] Commission costs ."). Carey: "It clear scheme interrelated complementary EEOC supplements discrimination. Initial mandated, recourse prompt complete relief." competent interests client believes prove successful. assume advise forgo forum. interpretation consistent numerous references promoting statutes suits," "through courts" "judicial process." See, e.g., pp. (1976); H.R.Rep. 94-1558, 5908. Burnett Grattan, 42, 50, 2924, 2930, (1984) ("[T]he dominant characteristic actions" "they belong court"). (providing procedure preserving cause action). Indeed, months late became final, brought less one-quarter case—to letter renewing previous offer. 47. BRENNAN suggests response judgment. Post, 255. motion, defendants, addressed limitations defense. 27. indication equivalent respond purpose. judge's questions extremely favorable quite probable influenced representing serve prolong "what socially productive types imaginable: appeals concluded, affect final fee." "should Judge admonished limit adversary hostilities avoid excessive cross-examination witnesses. E.g., 141. repeatedly that, exceptions, absence express statutory authorization. Summit Valley Industries, Carpenters, 717, 721, 102 2112, 2114, 72 511 (1982); Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. Wilderness Society, 421 240, 247, 95 1612, 1616, 44 141 (1975). Section 4, (1976) (Title "appropriate standards" 1988); 70, 9, 2034, (1980). emphasizing "not victor following merits," House Report cited approvingly Parker Matthews, 411 F.Supp. 1059 (DC 1976), aff'd sub nom. Califano, 182 U.S.App.D.C. 322, 561 320 (1977). 7. her Shortly agency itself settled. F.Supp., 1065-1066. 172 Exceptions adult prisoners imposed 1997e; 507-512, 2563-2566, see, Trainor Hernandez, 431 97 1911, 52 486 (1977); Huffman Pursue, Ltd., 420 592, 1200, 43 482 Harrison NAACP, 360 167, 1025, 1152 (1959); 910 Neal Brim, 506 6, 9-11 1975); Blouin Dembitz, 489 488, 491-492 (CA2 1973). Bond Stanton, 630 1231, 1233 1980) (participation agency's plan); Northcross 611 624, 637 1979), 911, 3000, 862 "[p]laintiffs section compelled oppose move despite fact determination simplify moot right plaintiff's penalized client's disposed ability suffer." 913. ABA Model Code Professional Responsibility EC 7-4, 7-25, DR 7-102(A), 2-109(A) (1980); Conduct, 3.1 (attorney's signature constitutes certification "pleading, paper" "well grounded warranted existing good faith extension, modification, law"). Advisory Note U.S.C.App., (1982 ed., Supp. I). (mechanism initiation 50-51, recently observed: "Litigating considerable preparation. An injured person recognize dimensions injury. prepare pro se. draft rules. time, look ahead responsibilities immediately follow complaint. prepared withstand responses, dismiss, undertake discovery." 525 1982) (sustaining interest served encouraging vigorous representation context "is enforcement"); 1978) ("The court"; sustained). Natural Resources Defense Council, EPA, 703 700, 713 (interpreting Equal Access permitting obtaining Freedom Information "that route conventional discovery"; FOIA "may expeditious discovery"); Chrapliwy Uniroyal, Inc., 670 760, 767 (awarding "contributed ultimate action"), 956, 2428, 77 1315 'prevailing' out-of-court settlement, thus helping congestion"). (if "common nucleus operative fact" non-constitutional nonconstitutional grounds); 5912 ("[P]arties vindicate relief"). 513, 2566 policy considerations invariably direction, vehement disagreement validity assumptions underlying many them"); 516-517, 2568-2569 (O'CONNOR, concurring); 517-518, (WHITE, part); 519, 532-536, 2569, 2576-2579 (POWELL, dissenting). rather detracts analysis. complainants actions 240 initiate strict preventing doubtful systems days," 66, 2032, 6; years. past exhaustion, noting existence get ensure almost abandon soon possible." pragmatic govern procedures length time. requesting submit documenting claimed, inadequate, "excessive, redundant, unnecessary," 433-434, 1939-1940, (1983); Copeland Marshall, 205 390, 401-402, 641 880, 891-892 (1980) (en banc). 16.02[5], 16-29 16-36 redundant 16, supra; ground. discharged insubordination, specification charges. parents' paddling hearings, widely discipline Newborne Elementary School. 72, 99-100, 102-103, 113, 118, 122-123, 126, attached Affidavit Avon N. Williams, Jr., Record Doc. 73. paddle harshly disciplined even-handed manner, reprimanded students. 73-74, 78, 81, 83-84, 86, 119, 123-124, 150. significant recent wake desegregation, misbehaved classroom, administrators maintaining classroom order, support complained disciplining 29-30, 77-78, 162, 208. "You aspects, inevitably always you take place. "Facts discovered, positions taken, then held, regardless result, is, factual trial. So safely statement plowed 13-14. (hours reasonable), (hearings hopefully or, foreshorten court"), 41 "essential" "intrinsic" litigation), 45 "just parcel entire package case"). defense acknowledged "after affirmative act Plaintiff made, ." 19. effect veteran litigator testified: "I don't think occurred other. made. Defendant access weigh, perhaps body emotion risk opposed taking account usual factors, going cost litigate forth. And bases happened down effect." 16-17. 856, 902, 19, 1550, ("District empowered reasonableness"); 433-437, 1939-1941 (especially "necessarily judgment"); 443, (Congress "leav[e] judge"). notes elapsed observes "it 'expended litigation.' 242. passage factor deciding laws; increases, misplaced, however. 1979. delay resulted factors control: long rendering decision, responding precomplaint attempts. 46-47 (summary services). Another passed settled, again much consumed discussions. 50-54. Given inquiry relevance emphasis readily discernable "dividing line" apparent. turn drag attempted reach again, makes sense compelling opportunity attempting controversy means. track newly today's opinion, inappropriate penalize lack prescience. purpose "promote acts, intended, uniformity justice citizens." 9. ("[F]ee essential private citizens meaningful Congressional contain"). These appeal interpretations benefit standards.

Classification Label: 5