(SS) Jeffries v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction and Procedural Background

11 On June 26, 2023, Plaintiff Sean Thomas Jeffries (“Plaintiff”) sought judicial review of a 12 final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying 13 his application for social security benefits. Doc. 1. The Commissioner filed the Certified 14 Administrative Record on August 25, 2023. Doc. 12. On November 24, 2023, Plaintiff filed a 15 motion for summary judgment. Doc. 15. Defendant filed no response. Rather, on January 19, 16 2024, the parties stipulated to remand the matter to the agency for further proceedings under 17 sentence four of 42 U.S.C. 405(g). Doc. 19. Judgment was entered in Plaintiff’s favor. Doc. 21. 18 Plaintiff now moves for an award of attorneys’ fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice 19 Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), seeking $6,603.61 in fees and no costs. Doc. 22. In support of 20 the request, Plaintiff’s counsel attached the assignment agreement with Plaintiff and counsel’s 21 billing and time records. Doc. 22-1, 22-2. 22

II. Discussion

23 A. Substantial Justification 24 1. Legal Standard 25 A party seeking an award of fees and other…