Williams v. Dahill-Fuchel

Background

Selena Williams filed a pro se action against her former employer, Counseling In Schools (CIS), and Kevin Dahill-Fuchel, whom the opinion identifies as CIS’s Chief Executive Officer and Williams’s supervisor. She asserted claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law.

In an earlier order dated November 12, 2019, the court granted Williams permission to proceed without prepaying filing fees. That status allowed her to rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve the defendants.

Service of Process

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4 generally requires service of the summons and complaint within 90 days after the complaint is filed. The court explained that Williams could not serve the defendants until the court reviewed the complaint and ordered summonses issued. The court therefore extended the service period until 90 days after the summonses for CIS and Dahill-Fuchel were issued.

The court stated that, if service was not completed within that period, Williams should request an extension of time. It also directed Williams to notify the court if her address changed and warned that the action could be dismissed if she failed to do so.

Order

The court directed the Clerk of Court to mail Williams a copy of the order and an information package. It also directed the Clerk to complete U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return forms, issue summonses, and deliver the documents needed for service to the U.S. Marshals Service. The order addressed service only; it did not rule on the merits of Williams’s discrimination claims.