Opinion
19-CV-552S
12-16-2021
CHRISTOPHER S., Plaintiff, v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.
DECISION AND ORDER
WILLIAM M. SKRETNY UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Plaintiff Christopher S. is a prevailing party in this social security benefits action. Presently before this Court is Plaintiff's counsel's timely Motion for Attorney Fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406 (b)(1)(A). (Docket No. 28.) Defendant does not oppose the motion. (Docket No. 30.)
In accordance with this district's Standing Order of November 18, 2020, and consistent with guidance from the Committee on Court Administration and Case Management of the Judicial Conference of the United States, this Decision and Order identifies the plaintiff by first name and last initial only.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has clarified that § 406 (b) motions must be filed within 14 days (plus three days for mailing) after the claimant receives notice of the Commissioner's favorable award on remand, consistent with Rule 54 (d)(2)(B) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and equitable tolling principles. See Sinkler v. Berryhill, 932 F.3d 83, 86 (2d Cir. 2019); see also Rule 5.5 (g) of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure for the Western District of New York.
Forty-two U.S.C. § 406 (b)(1)(A) provides as follows:
Whenever a court renders a judgment favorable to a claimant under this subchapter who was represented before the court by an attorney, the court may determine and allow as part of its judgment a reasonable fee for such representation, not in excess of 25 percent of the total of the past-due benefits to which the claimant is entitled by reason of such judgment, and the Commissioner of Social Security may, notwithstanding the provisions of section 405(i) of this title, but subject to subsection (d) of this section, certify the amount of such fee for payment to such attorney out of, and not in addition to, the amount of such past-due benefits. In case of any such judgment, no other fee may be payable or certified for1
payment for such representation except as provided in this paragraph.
The Social Security Administration awarded Plaintiff past-due benefits by letter dated October 6, 2021. (Docket No. 28-3.) The agency withheld $21, 145 for attorney fees, representing 25% of the past-due benefits. Id. Plaintiff's counsel seeks $21, 145 in attorney fees, consistent with the contingent-fee agreement that provides for attorney fees not to exceed 25% of any recovery. (Docket No. 28-4.)
Having thoroughly reviewed counsel's fee request and supporting documentation, this Court finds that the requested fee is reasonable based on counsel's experience in social security law, the character of the representation provided, and the favorable results achieved. See Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789, 808, 1122 S.Ct. 1817, 152 L.Ed.2d 996 (2002). Moreover, there is no indication that this fee is a windfall. Id. Plaintiff's counsel's $21, 145 fee request is therefore granted under 42 U.S.C. § 406 (b)(1)(A).
By stipulation approved and ordered on October 7, 2020, this Court previously awarded Plaintiff's counsel $6, 655.94 in fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412 (d). (Docket Nos. 26, 27.) Because the fee granted herein exceeds the EAJA fee, Plaintiff's counsel must refund the $6, 655.94 EAJA fee to Plaintiff. See Wells v. Bowen, 855 F.2d 37, 42 (2d Cir. 1988).
IT HEREBY IS ORDERED, that counsel's Motion for Attorney Fees in the amount of $21, 145 under 42 U.S.C. § 406 (b)(1)(A) (Docket No. 28) is GRANTED. 2
FURTHER, that Plaintiff's counsel is directed to refund to Plaintiff the $6, 655.94 EAJA award within 14 days after receiving the § 406 (b) award.
SO ORDERED. 3