Slade v. Methodology, Inc.

Background

Linda Slade brought this case individually and as the representative of a proposed class of similarly situated people against Methodology, Inc. On August 21, 2023, the parties notified the court that they had reached an agreement in principle resolving all issues. The order does not describe the underlying claims or the settlement’s terms.

Court’s Orders

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

The parties may apply to reopen the case within 30 days of the order. Such an application must show good cause for keeping the case open despite the settlement. The order states that a request filed after 30 days, or without a showing of good cause, may be denied solely for that reason.

If the parties want the court to retain jurisdiction—the authority to oversee enforcement—to enforce their settlement agreement, they must, within the same 30-day period, submit the settlement agreement under Rule 7.A of the court’s Individual Practices and ask the court to issue an order expressly retaining jurisdiction.

Effect on the Proposed Class

The court ordered the caption amended to remove the language stating that Slade sued individually and on behalf of others similarly situated. The order says the parties did not notify the court that they intended to comply with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e), which governs certain class settlements and dismissals. As a result, the dismissal and any settlement operate only between Slade and Methodology, Inc. They do not bind absent members of the proposed class.