Velma Portis v. Harris County, Texas

On June 27, 1975 Velma Portis filed this class action against Harris County and its Manpower Agency alleging racial discrimination in employment. The case went to trial in November 1979 and on November 21, 1979, the district judge filed findings of fact and conclusions of law wherein he found that Portis was entitled to back pay and attorney’s fees. A hearing on attorney’s fees was held in January 1980 and final judgment was filed on February 22, 1980. On March 4,1980, Harris County, the appellants here, filed a timely motion to reform the judgment. Fed.R.Civ.P. 59(e). At the same time they…