State Equal Access to Justice Act 

In a full-fledged opinion by Justice Mazzarelli, the First Department interpreted the State Equal Access to Justice Act to allow the award of attorney’s fees under the “catalyst theory.” The petitioner had brought an Article 78 proceeding to compel the City to reinstate public assistance benefits after the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance had ordered the City to do so. Two weeks after the Article 78 proceeding was started, the City complied with the order and reinstated the benefits.  The First Department determined the Article 78 proceeding was the “catalyst” for the City’s reinstatement of the benefits and, under the State Equal Access to Justice Act, the petitioner was entitled to attorney’s fees.  In re Luz Solla v Berlin, et al, 7847 & 401178/11, 2259, 1st Dept. 3-5-13