A bill to provide for comprehensive reforms and to achieve greater equity in the compensation of attorneys pursuant to federal statute in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings in which the United States is a party, and in civil proceedings involving state and local governments.
Legal Fees Equity Act - Delineates criteria for the award of attorneys' fees to parties in judicial and administrative proceedings against the United States and State or local governments.
Sets a maximum hourly rate of $75 for the award of attorneys' fees in civil actions. Prescribes guidelines under which courts and administrative officers are authorized to deny or reduce attorneys' fees. Requires monetary judgments to be reduced by the amount of attorneys' fees otherwise authorized against a governmental entity. Specifies exceptions. Increases the rates for fees of court appointed attorneys in criminal cases.
Requires applications for an award of attorneys' fees to be made within a specified time after a decision on the merits has been entered.
Specifies circumstances under which the award of attorneys' fees is prohibited.
Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the President and the Congress on the amount of attorneys' fees awarded in judicial or administrative proceedings against Federal, State, or local governments.
Subcommittee on Constitution. Hearings held.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice.
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