Chamberlain v. Splashlight, LLC

Background

Lucas Cone Chamberlain filed a pro se lawsuit against Splashlight, LLC, Michaela Krebs, and Bijou Summers. He alleges that his former employer discriminated against him because of his sex, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws.

The court had previously granted Chamberlain permission to proceed in forma pauperis, meaning he could proceed without paying court fees upfront.

Service of Process

Because Chamberlain was allowed to proceed without prepaying fees, the court said he could rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve the defendants. The order specifically addressed service on Michaela Krebs.

The Clerk of Court was directed to complete the U.S. Marshals Service process form, issue a summons, and deliver the documents needed for the Marshals Service to serve Krebs. The court extended the service deadline to 90 days after the summons is issued, explaining that Chamberlain could not serve the summons and complaint before the court reviewed the complaint and ordered the summonses issued.

Disposition

The court entered an order of service. It directed the Clerk to send the necessary materials to the Marshals Service for service on Michaela Krebs and to mail Chamberlain an information package. The court stated that Chamberlain should request an extension if service is not completed within 90 days after the summons is issued. It also stated that he must notify the court in writing if his address changes and that the action may be dismissed if he fails to do so.

This order concerns service of the lawsuit; it does not decide whether the alleged discrimination occurred.