This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Petitioner, the case involves Richlin Security Service Co. seeking attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).
According to Petitioner, the Federal Circuit affirmed the award of attorney fees but denied an award for paralegal services, holding that EAJA does not cover paralegal work.
The EAJA fee cap has been present since the statute’s inception.
The theory presented was that attorney fees should be based on prevailing market rates, which could include certain costs.
The respondent was represented by Anthony Yang in oral argument.
According to Mr. Wolfman, the legislative history includes an extensive House report but no Senate report.
- [1] 42ed63b77e721d7e697a-r1-fde073e9851ff52b.pdf, p. 3
- [2] 42ed63b77e721d7e697a-r1-fde073e9851ff52b.pdf, p. 3
- [3] 42ed63b77e721d7e697a-r1-fde073e9851ff52b.pdf, p. 42
- [4] 42ed63b77e721d7e697a-r1-fde073e9851ff52b.pdf, p. 41
- [5] 42ed63b77e721d7e697a-r1-fde073e9851ff52b.pdf, p. 26
- [6] 42ed63b77e721d7e697a-r1-fde073e9851ff52b.pdf, p. 56
Background and question before the Court
According to Petitioner, the dispute centers on whether the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) fee award provision can include paralegal services performed at market rates.
According to Petitioner, the legal question is whether EAJA’s statutory attorney‑fee award includes work done by paralegals.
What each side argues
Richlin Security Service Co. (Petitioner)
The petitioner argues that EAJA should provide attorney fees for its services.
According to Mr. Wolfman, the petitioner contends that the legislative history, including an extensive House report, supports a broader interpretation of EAJA fees.
Chertoff (Respondent)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
Anthony Yang presented oral argument on behalf of the respondent.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 42ed63b77e721d7e697a-r1-fde073e9851ff52b.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 22, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.