Rodriguez v. Cotto

Background

The case includes one or more claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act. On January 9, 2024, the parties informed the court that they had reached a settlement.

Court’s Order

The court cited the requirements of Cheeks v. Freeport Pancake House, Inc. and ordered the parties to file a joint letter or motion addressing whether the settlement is fair and reasonable. The filing must address the claims and defenses, the defendants’ potential monetary exposure and the basis for calculating it, the strengths and weaknesses of the plaintiffs’ case and the defendants’ defenses, reasons for any 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.

The parties must also explain the attorney-fee arrangement, attach the retainer agreement, provide information about the attorneys’ actual hours and relevant experience, and attach the settlement agreement. The filing deadline was Thursday, February 1, 2024. The order also reminded the parties that they could consent to have all proceedings conducted before the magistrate judge.

Disposition

Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron ordered the parties to submit the required settlement materials. The opinion did not approve or reject the settlement and did not decide the underlying Fair Labor Standards Act claims.