Mejia v. Drinks Insiders, LLC

Background

On September 22, 2022, the parties notified the court that they had reached an agreement in principle resolving all issues. The order does not analyze the underlying claims.

Court’s Orders

The court canceled all previously scheduled conferences and other deadlines. It dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, including attorneys’ fees, to either party. The clerk was directed to terminate all open motions and close the case.

The parties could apply to reopen the case within 30 days. Such an application had to show good cause for keeping the case open in light of the settlement. The court also stated that, if the parties wanted the court to retain jurisdiction—authority to enforce the settlement agreement—they had to submit the agreement and request an order expressly retaining that authority within the same 30-day period.

Putative Class Members

The court directed the clerk to remove the language “individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated” from the caption. Because the parties had not notified the court that they intended to comply with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e), which governs certain class settlements and dismissals, the dismissal and any settlement operated only between Jose Mejia and Drinks Insiders, LLC. They did not bind absent putative class members.

Disposition

Judge Valerie Caproni dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, directed that the case be closed, and stated that the settlement did not bind absent putative class members.