Lucas

ORDER

This matter comes before the Court on the plaintiffs’ Motion for Interim Attorneys’ Fees, Litigation Expenses and Costs under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2412 (d) of the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”). Having carefully considered the parties’ written and oral arguments, the supporting documentation before the Court, and the record herein, the Court grants plaintiffs’ request for interim attorneys’ fees and costs consistent with this Order.

I. BACKGROUND

Plaintiffs Robin Lucas, Valerie Merea-del, and Raquel Douthit, filed this action on August 13, 1996, seeking damages and injunctive relief from present and former officials of the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Prison (“BOP”). The complaint alleges that BOP officials violated their constitutional rights by subjecting them to a pattern of serious sexual assaults, sexual harassment and unwelcome sexual advances orchestrated and facilitated by prison officials. Amended Complaint ¶¶ 33-35, 61-63, 90-92,127-165.

Specifically, plaintiffs allege the following: In August and September of 1995, they were each transferred to the J-2 Special Housing Unit (“SHU”) at Federal Detention Center (“FDC”) Pleasanton. FDC Pleasanton,…