Garcia v. Qanoon, Corp

Background The parties appeared before United States Magistrate Judge James L. Cott for a settlement conference and reached a settlement in principle. The opinion does not identify the underlying claims or describe the proposed settlement’s terms.

The parties agreed to consent to Judge Cott’s jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) so that he could review the settlement agreement based on his familiarity with its terms. They submitted a consent form that Judge Cott said he would pass along to Judge Schofield.

Order Judge Cott ordered the parties to file a joint letter motion and their fully executed settlement agreement no later than April 4, 2024, requesting court approval. The letter motion must explain why the proposed settlement is fair and reasonable and otherwise complies with the Second Circuit’s decision in Cheeks v. Freeport Pancake House, Inc.

The order also directed the parties to review several prior decisions addressing settlement provisions involving confidentiality, public discussion, reemployment, releases, and non-disparagement. It identified two recently approved settlements as additional guidance.

Disposition The court directed the parties to submit settlement-approval materials. It did not approve or reject the settlement in this order. Judge Cott signed the order on March 5, 2024.