Karl J. Kirchberg v. Joan Paillot Feenstra, Defendant-Third-Party v. David C. Treen and State of Louisiana, Third-Party

THORNBERRY, Circuit Judge:

INTRODUCTION:

Appellant Joan Feenstra appeals from the district court’s denial of attorney’s fees under 42 U.S.C.A. § 1988 (West 1981). We hold that the district court abused its limited discretion in denying attorney’s fees. Accordingly, we reverse and remand with instructions to award reasonable attorney’s fees in accordance with the guidelines set out in Johnson v. Georgia Highway Express, Inc., 488 F.2d 714 (5th Cir.1974).

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY:

In 1966, Joan and Harold Feenstra purchased a house in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. In 1974, Mrs. Feenstra filed a…