Hopson v. Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.

Background

The case includes one or more claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act. On June 15, 2023, the parties informed the court that they had reached a settlement. The parties later consented to have all proceedings handled by Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.

Court’s Requirements

Because settlements of Fair Labor Standards Act claims require judicial review for fairness and reasonableness under the cited Second Circuit decision, Cheeks v. Freeport Pancake House, Inc., the court required the parties to submit a joint letter or motion. The submission must address:

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

The parties also must explain their attorney-fee arrangement, attach the retainer agreement, provide information about the actual attorney fees incurred and the attorneys’ relevant experience, and attach the settlement agreement.

Disposition

Judge Aaron required the joint letter or motion to be filed by July 20, 2023. The order did not approve or reject the settlement and did not decide the underlying claims or defenses.