K.I. v. Wagner

Opinion

HALLER, J.

An individual who is denied state or local social services may challenge the denial through an administrative hearing process administered by the Director of the State Department of Social Services (Director). If the party receives an unfavorable administrative decision, the exclusive remedy is a petition for writ of mandate in the superior court. (Welf. & Inst. Code, 1 § 10962.) Section 10962 governs this judicial review process and provides: “The applicant or recipient shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, if he obtains a decision in his favor.”

In this…