Summary
This federal district court order resolves a motion for attorney’s fees and costs arising from litigation alleging violations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applying the lodestar method, the court adjusts hourly rates for counsel and a paralegal, reduces the award for limited success and disallowed block billing, and calculates final compensation. The court ultimately awards $37,835.20 in combined attorney’s fees and costs.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether the plaintiffs are entitled to attorney's fees and costs under 20 U.S.C. §1415(i)(3)(B)(i) and the applicable fee‑shifting standards.
Holdings
- The court partially grants the motion, awarding $800.64 in costs and $37,034.56 in attorney's fees after applying a ten‑percent reduction for excessive time and disfavored block billing practices.
Key quotations
“Theresa Caldwell 101.46 x $275/hour = $27,901.50 hours Clay Fendley 49.66 x $250/hour = $12,415.00 hours Darlene Hogancamp 6.12 x $100/hour = $612.00 hours $40,928.50” (Doc. 33-1 at 12-16)
Factual background
The parents alleged that the Vilonia School District violated §504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The hearing officer found those claims non‑justiciable. The case involved extensive individualized education plans and assessments over a five‑year period.
Procedural history
The plaintiffs filed a motion for attorney's fees and costs after a hearing officer found their §504 and ADA claims non‑justiciable. The district court considered the motion and issued this order.