Quilodran v. 764 Third Avenue Wine & Liquor Inc.

Background

Cesar Quilodran's case included one or more claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act. On March 4, 2025, the parties notified the court that they had reached a settlement. The court then directed them to submit the settlement agreement and explain why the agreement, including attorney fees and costs, was fair and reasonable. The parties later consented to have all proceedings handled by Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.

Settlement review

After reviewing the parties' submissions and a supplemental letter with the relevant attorney-retainer agreement, the court found the proposed settlement fair and reasonable. The court considered the nature and scope of the claims, the risks of further litigation, and the related expenses. It also found that the settlement did not raise concerns about overbroad releases or restrictive confidentiality provisions.

The settlement requested $10,646.66 in attorney fees and $470 in costs. The fees represented one-third of the settlement amount after costs under a contingency-fee agreement. The court found the agreement reasonable and the requested fees consistent with it. The court also found the requested costs reasonable, including $405 in filing fees and $65 in service-of-process costs.

Ruling

Judge Aaron approved the settlement. The action was dismissed with prejudice and without costs except as stated in the settlement agreement. The court retained jurisdiction to enforce the settlement agreement and requested that the clerk close the case.