Koutsoudakis & Iakovou Law Group, PLLC v. Bulent

Purpose of the order

The case was referred to Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave to conduct an inquest—an evidentiary process for determining the amount of damages—and to prepare a report and recommendation concerning the plaintiff’s damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

Required submissions

The order directs the plaintiff to:

- Order a transcript of the September 28, 2023 show-cause hearing by June 14, 2024, using the court’s seven-day transcript-service option. - Submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law concerning damages by July 10, 2024. - Support factual assertions with affidavits or other evidence. - Record requested attorneys’ fees and costs using the forms included in the order, with supporting evidence. - Serve the order on the defendants and file proof of service by July 10, 2024.

The defendants may respond to the plaintiff’s submissions by July 24, 2024. They may also contact Judge Cave’s chambers by that date to request an in-court hearing.

Possible written-submissions process

If the defendants do not respond or request an in-court hearing by July 24, 2024, Judge Cave stated that she intends to issue a report and recommendation concerning damages based only on the plaintiff’s written submissions, without an in-court hearing. The order cites appellate authority stating that a damages hearing is not necessarily required if the court ensures that there is a basis for the damages awarded.

Disposition and effect

This order does not set or award a specific amount of damages, attorneys’ fees, or costs. It establishes the procedures and deadlines for determining those amounts and for preparing a later report and recommendation.