Puma v. Dream Team Partners, LLC

Background

German Puma brought this case on behalf of himself and others similarly situated against Dream Team Partners LLC and Sally Chironis. The case includes one or more claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act. After a settlement conference on May 25, 2021, the parties reached a settlement. On June 17, 2021, they consented to have a United States magistrate judge handle the case for all purposes.

Order

Because the case includes Fair Labor Standards Act claims, the court required the parties to file a joint letter-motion addressing whether their settlement is fair and reasonable, as required by the court's cited authority. The filing must address the claims and defenses, the defendants' potential monetary exposure and the basis for those calculations, the strengths and weaknesses of the plaintiffs' case and defendants' defenses, any reasons for a difference between the potential value of the claims and the settlement amount, the litigation and negotiation process, and other relevant issues, including whether a judgment would be collectible after trial.

The parties must also explain their attorney-fee arrangement, attach any retainer agreement, and provide information about actual attorney fees and costs, including billing records and cost documentation. A copy of the settlement agreement must accompany the filing.

Deadline and Disposition

Judge Sarah L. Cave ordered the parties to file the joint letter-motion by July 27, 2021. The order directed the submission of settlement materials; it did not state that the court approved or rejected the settlement.