Judge: Peter Wilson, Case: 2020-01176087, Date: 2022-09-29 Tentative Ruling

Having reviewed the papers filed in connection with the unopposed Motion for Final Approval, the parties should be prepared to discuss the following issues at the hearing:

1.    Confirm that no opt outs, objections or disputes have been filed since the last declaration by the Settlement Administrator.

2.    How will notice of the judgment will be provided to the class? This information should be included in the proposed Order.

3.    The proposed Order should include the definition for Eligible Aggrieved Employees?

4.    The proposed Order should include that no disputes were submitted.

5.    Should the Settlement be approved, the Court will hold a status conference for a final accounting.  Counsel shall submit a final report at least 10 days prior to that conference regarding the status of the settlement administration. Counsel should include a date for the final accounting in the proposed order.  The Court holds final accounting hearings on Fridays at 9:00 am.  The final accounting should occur after the deadline for class members to cash their checks. The final report must include all information necessary for the Court to determine the total amount actually paid to class members and any amounts tendered to the State Controller’s Office under Unclaimed Property law.

If these issues are resolved to the Court’s satisfaction, the Court will GRANT the Motion subject to the following:

$ 7,500.00 for Plaintiff’s enhancement; 

$ 80,000.00 for Attorney’s fees, which is 30% of the gross settlement amount;

$10,350.79 for litigation costs; 

$ 8,500.00 for settlement administrator’s fees and costs; and

$ 15,000 total for PAGA penalties, allocated as follows: $11,250.00 to the LWDA (75%) and $3,750.00 to the Eligible Aggrieved Employees (25%).

Plaintiff is ordered to submit a revised proposed Order in accordance with the above within 5 court days. Should the proposed Order address the issues above to the satisfaction of the Court, the Court will sign the proposed Order.

Plaintiff is ordered to give notice, including to the LWDA and to file a proof of service within 5 court days.