Steinberg v. Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.

Background

Ahouva Steinberg sued Cushman & Wakefield PLC, Cushman & Wakefield Global, Inc., Cushman & Wakefield U.S., Inc., Pinnacle Property Management Services, LLC, Cappelli Development LLC, Cappelli Organization LLC, and RFMCH Huguenot Property Owner, LLC. She alleged that the defendants discriminated against her during her employment because of her sex, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Her claims arose under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, and the New York State Human Rights Law.

Motion and Recommendation

On January 31, 2025, the C&W Defendants moved to dismiss all claims against them. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave issued a Report and Recommendation on March 11, 2025. She recommended that the C&W Defendants’ motion to dismiss be denied and that Cushman & Wakefield National Corporation be dismissed as a defendant.

Review of the Recommendation

The district court explained that it reviews properly challenged portions of a magistrate judge’s recommendation anew, while reviewing unchallenged portions for clear error. The parties were given 14 days to object and were warned that failing to object would waive the right to object. No objections or requests for more time were filed. The court therefore stated that the defendant had waived the right to object to the recommendation or obtain appellate review.

Ruling

Despite the waiver, the court reviewed the Report and Recommendation and found it well reasoned and grounded in fact and law. The court adopted the Report and Recommendation in its entirety. Thus, the C&W Defendants’ motion to dismiss was denied, and Cushman & Wakefield National Corporation was dismissed as a defendant.