Ramirez v. QFlorist Inc.

Background

The case includes one or more claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The opinion is an order requiring the parties to submit information about a settlement. It cites Cheeks v. Freeport Pancake House, Inc., which requires review of certain Fair Labor Standards Act settlements for fairness and reasonableness.

Required filing

The parties must jointly file a letter-motion by March 18, 2020. The letter-motion must address whether the settlement is fair and reasonable, including:

- the claims and defenses; - the defendants’ possible monetary exposure and the basis for calculating it; - the strengths and weaknesses of the plaintiff’s claims and the defendants’ defenses; - reasons for any difference between the potential value of the claims and the settlement amount; - the litigation and negotiation process; and - other relevant issues, such as whether a judgment would be collectible if the case went to trial.

The parties must also explain the attorney-fee arrangement, attach the retainer agreement, provide information about the attorney fees actually incurred, and attach the settlement agreement.

Ruling

Judge Sarah L. Cave ordered the parties to submit the joint letter-motion and accompanying materials by the stated deadline. The order does not determine whether the settlement is fair or reasonable and does not decide the underlying claims.