Judge: Stuart M. Rice, Case: 21STCV1508, Date: 2024-10-28 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 21STCV1508    Hearing Date: October 28, 2024    Dept: 1

Freeman v. Belcampo Group, Inc.

Case Number: 21STCV21508 

Hearing: October 28, 2024

TENTATIVE RULING

·        Provide an updated declaration from the administrator dated after the claim/response deadline of October 12, 2024.

·        There are apparently two objections from Class Members Benjamin Wood and Ingrid Gutierrez. Counsel should file them with the Court forthwith.

·        Counsel for Plaintiff should submit a declaration articulating the reasonableness of a class settlement where over 70% of the settlement funds are allocated for fees and costs.

Upon the Court’s approval of the above items, the following order may issue:

The Court hereby GRANTS final approval and awards/approves the following:

(1) $21,000 for attorney fees to Class Counsel, Oakwood Legal Group, LLP; (2) $10,944.85 for attorney costs to Class Counsel; (3) an enhancement payment of $2,500 to Plaintiff Justine Freeman; and (4) $30,000 for settlement administration costs to CPT Group.

Plaintiff’s counsel shall also file an Amended Proposed Order and Judgment, consistent with this ruling and containing the name of any class member who requested exclusion. In addition, a paragraph should be added which sets forth the Gross Settlement Amount, all deductions therefrom and the Net Settlement Amount available for distribution to the class.  Further, remove language from the Proposed Order at ¶10 indicating that Plaintiffs are ordered to dismiss their cases with prejudice. The Court orders class counsel to file a final report summarizing all distributions made pursuant to the approved settlement, supported by declaration. The Court will set a non-appearance date for submission of a final report for October 28, 2025.