Virginia Law

A. In any action or proceeding brought under § 1415 of the Act, the court in its discretion may award reasonable attorneys' fees as part of the costs: (34 CFR 300.517(a))

1. To the prevailing party who is the parent(s) of a child with a disability;

2. To a prevailing party who is a local educational agency or the Virginia Department of Education against the attorney of a parent who files a request for due process or subsequent cause of action that is frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation, or against the attorney of a parent who continued to litigate after the litigation clearly became frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation; or

3. To a prevailing party who is a local educational agency or the Virginia Department of Education against the attorney of a parent, or against the parent, if the parent's request for a due process hearing, or subsequent cause of action was presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, to cause unnecessary delay, or to needlessly increase the cost of litigation.

B. Funds under Part B may not be used to pay attorneys' fees or costs of a party related to any action or proceeding under § 1415 and Subpart E of the Act. This section does not preclude a local educational agency from using funds under the Act for conducting an action or proceeding under § 1415 of the Act. (34 CFR 300.517(b))

C. A court awards reasonable attorneys' fees under § 1415 of the Act consistent with the following: (34 CFR 300.517(c))

1. Determination of amount of attorneys' fees. Fees awarded under § 1415(i)(3) of the Act shall be based on rates prevailing in the community in which the action or proceeding arose for the kind and quality of services furnished. No bonus or multiplier may be used in calculating the fees awarded under this subsection.

2. Prohibition of attorneys' fees and related costs for certain services.

a. Attorneys' fees may not be awarded and related costs may not be reimbursed in any action or proceeding under § 1415 of the Act for services performed subsequent to the time of a written offer of settlement to a parent(s) if:

(1) The offer is made within the time prescribed by Rule 68 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or, in the case of an administrative proceeding, at any time more than 10 calendar days before the proceeding begins;

(2) The offer is not accepted within 10 calendar days; and

(3) The court or administrative special education hearing officer finds that the relief finally obtained by the parent(s) is not more favorable to the parent(s) than the offer of settlement.

b. Attorneys' fees may not be awarded relating to any meeting of the IEP team unless the meeting is convened as a result of an administrative proceeding or judicial action, or for a mediation session.

c. A resolution session convened in accordance with 8VAC20-81-210 will not be considered:

(1) A meeting convened as a result of an administrative hearing or judicial action; or

(2) An administrative hearing or judicial action for purposes of this subsection.

3. Exception to prohibition on attorneys' fees and related costs. Notwithstanding subdivision 2 of this subsection, an award of attorneys' fees and related costs may be made to a parent(s) who is the prevailing party and who was substantially justified in rejecting the settlement offer.

4. Reduction of amount of attorneys' fees. Except as provided in subdivision 5 of this subsection, the court reduces, accordingly, the amount of the attorneys' fees awarded under this chapter if the court finds that:

a. The parent(s), or the parent's attorney, during the course of the action or proceeding, unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the controversy;

b. The amount of the attorneys' fees otherwise authorized to be awarded unreasonably exceeds the hourly rate prevailing in the community for similar services by attorneys of reasonably comparable skill, reputation, and experience;

c. The time spent and legal services furnished were excessive considering the nature of the action or proceeding; or

d. The attorney representing the parent(s) did not provide to the local educational agency the appropriate information in the request for a due process hearing in accordance with this chapter.

5. Exception to reduction in amount of attorneys' fees. The provisions of subdivision 4 of this subsection do not apply in any action or proceeding if the court finds that the Virginia Department of Education or the local educational agency unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the action or proceeding or there was a violation of § 1415 of the Act.