Tepepa v. The Ribbon Worldwide 44 LLC

Background

The plaintiffs brought one or more claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The parties reached a settlement at a settlement conference before Judge Stewart D. Aaron on July 29, 2024. They later agreed that all proceedings would take place before him.

On August 1, 2024, the Court directed the parties to submit the settlement agreement and explain why the agreement, including any attorneys’ fees and costs, was fair, reasonable, and adequate. The parties submitted the required letter on September 27, 2024, and filed a fully executed settlement agreement on September 30, 2024.

Court’s Analysis

The Court reviewed the proposed settlement under the required fairness review for FLSA settlements. It found the agreement fair and reasonable in light of the nature and scope of the plaintiffs’ claims and the risks and expenses of further litigation.

The plaintiffs requested approval of $13,116.75 in attorneys’ fees and costs. The amount consisted of one-third of the settlement amount in attorneys’ fees plus $616.75 in costs. The Court found the attorneys’ fees reasonable and noted that courts in the federal appellate region routinely approve one-third contingency fees in FLSA cases.

The requested costs included $405 in filing fees and $211.75 in service-of-process costs. The Court found those costs reasonable.

Ruling

Judge Stewart D. Aaron approved the settlement. The action was dismissed with prejudice and without costs except as provided in the settlement agreement. The Court retained jurisdiction to enforce the settlement agreement and requested that the Clerk of Court close the case.