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 attorney's 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 attorney's fees in civil actions. Prescribes guidelines under which courts and administrative officers are authorized to deny or reduce attorney's fees. Requires monetary judgments to be reduced by the amount of attorney's 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 attorney's fees to be made within a specified time after a decision on the merits has been entered.
Specifies circumstances under which the award of attorney's fees is prohibited.
Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the President and the Congress on the amount of attorney's fees awarded in judicial or administrative proceedings against Federal, State, or local governments.
Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.
Subcommittee on Constitution. Hearings held.
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