TRENDING AT ATTICUS
December 6, 2024 | Employee spotlight: Chris Longley, co-founder and CEO
What is your name?
Chris Longley
What is your title at Atticus Administration?
CEO and co-founder
Which means you do what, exactly?
Good question. No one really knows.
What’s the best part of your day?
Morning, before the chaos starts.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I like baseball, cycling, and exploring New York.
Tell us something nobody knows about you. Do it now!
I have been involved in 14 startup companies. I ran for political office in 1994.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done? Why was it the best?
Having kids. They are the best and they bring me great joy.
What three words best describe you?
Scattered. Creative. Perseverance.
December 2, 2024 | Happy Thanksgiving from Atticus Administration
In this season of gratitude, we are thankful for everyone who trusts Atticus with their class notice and settlement administration needs. We value your partnership and look forward to continued collaboration.
November 7, 2024 | Employee spotlight: Beth Paris, Project manager
What is your name?
Beth Paris
What is your title at Atticus Administration?
Project manager
Which means you do what, exactly?
I carry out the notice plan as defined in the court documents.
What’s the best part of your day?
Spending time with family and our dogs.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I enjoy kayaking, camping, dog training, traveling, and watching our grandson play hockey.
Tell us something nobody knows about you. Do it now!
My first job was mucking stalls at the stable my horse was boarded at. I would spend every day in the summer at the stable, sunrise to sundown.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done? Why was it the best?
Other than becoming a mother and grandmother, I would say opening my rescue. In 2017, I started a 501(c)(3) non-project animal rescue for bully breeds. Having a platform to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals that cannot speak for themselves, and are often judged unfairly, is incredibly rewarding. Through this journey I have learned so much about animal behavior and have met some incredible humans that I have made life-long connections with.
What three words best describe you?
Honest, kind, animal fanatic.
November 1, 2024 | Atticus sends checks in Sizzling Platter settlement
Atticus Administration has sent payments to nearly 3,000 current and former employees of Sizzling Platter in California as part of a settlement in the matter of Vitela v. Sizzling Platter, LLC, et al. The lawsuit alleged employment violations by the operator of Wingstop and other restaurants, including failure to pay overtime compensation or minimum wage, failure to pay wages in a timely manner, and failure to provide meal and rest periods.
Employees affected by this settlement received payment based on the number of pay periods they worked between Feb. 15, 2021 and Dec. 11, 2023.
October 24, 2024 | Hello, Nashville: Atticus attends ABA’s 2024 Class Actions National Institute
Atticus Administration CEO Chris Longley and VP of Business Development Bryn Bridley traveled to Music City this week for two days of learning, networking and more at the American Bar Association’s 2024 Class Actions National Institute. This year’s event covered topics ranging from class action trends to mass arbitration to ethics among class action lawyers and provided plenty of opportunities for Chris and Bryn to explain how Atticus’ Smart, Accountable, Better approach to settlement administration can benefit them.
October 17, 2024 | Atticus distributes payments to nonprofit employees in settlement for wage violations
Atticus Administration sent payment this week to more than 1,300 current and former hourly-paid and non-exempt employees of Los Angeles County-based nonprofit Lamp Community. The compensation comes as part of a settlement in a class action suit that alleged the organization did not properly pay minimum and overtime wages, pay reporting time pay, provide compliant meal or rest breaks, and more.
The settlement applies to employees who worked for Lamp Community, which helps people with severe mental illness move from the streets to homes, between Feb. 24, 2021 and Jan. 28, 2022. Participating class members received compensation based on the number of weeks they worked during that class period. Payments ranged from a low of $7.85 to a high of $2,025.96. Class members may also have been eligible for PAGA payments, which ranged from $1.24 to $124.98.
October 11, 2024 | Court Preliminarily Approves Aetna Settlement Guaranteeing Equitable Fertility Coverage for LGBTQ+ Families
In a landmark decision, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has preliminarily approved a settlement between Aetna and plaintiffs in Goidel v Aetna, a federal class action addressing claims of discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ policyholders seeking fertility treatments.
Under the settlement, Aetna will compensate individuals in the affected class, LGBTQ+ members of certain New York commercial and student insurance plans who were, or would have been, denied coverage for artificial insemination.
The lawsuit — filed in September 2021 by Emma Goidel, Ilana Lee, Madeleine Lee, and Lesley Brown — alleged that Aetna’s policies regarding artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF) discriminated against LGBTQ+ beneficiaries by subjecting them to higher out-of-pocket costs and longer waiting periods compared to heterosexual couples. The plaintiffs argued that these practices violated Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and various state and local laws.
Under settlement terms, if the settlement receives final court approval, Aetna will compensate members of the affected class as follows:
- Reprocess eligible insurance claims to reimburse class members for out-of-pocket expenses related to intrauterine insemination cycles paid for out-of-pocket, at a default amount of $2,300 per class member or up to the limits of their plans, whichever is greater.
- Establish a $2 million common fund to provide additional compensation to each class member.
- Cover all costs associated with the administrator and special master responsible for distributing the common fund.
Aetna has also implemented the following significant changes to its fertility coverage policies:
- Aligned its definition of infertility with the guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ensuring that all eligible plan members have equitable access to fertility treatments, regardless of sexual orientation.
- Introduced a new policy making intrauterine insemination a standard medical benefit covered for all members.
- Revised its requirements for progressing to IVF to ensure the treatment is more accessible for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“This decision solidifies a triumph for equitable access to healthcare services for everyone
looking to build their families,” said Alison Tanner, senior litigation counsel for reproductive rights and health at the National Women’s Law Center. “We are ready to help affected class members receive the compensation they deserve, and we remain committed to advocating for equitable access to fertility treatments for all.”
The Court’s preliminary approval allows us to move forward with distributing real compensation to the LGBTQ+ class members affected by this policy,” said Zoe Salzman, Partner at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP.
If you believe you are in the class of individuals covered by this settlement, please visit this
page or call: 1-800-205-6861.
October 1, 2024 |Employee spotlight: Bryn Bridley, Vice President of Business Development
What is your name?
Bryn Bridley
What is your title at Atticus Administration?
Vice President of Business Development
Which means you do what, exactly?
I work to establish and maintain client relationships, provide consultative and notice development services and collaborate with our marketing team to share our expertise and services with the legal sector.
What’s the best part of your day?
Honestly? The 30 minutes before I go to bed, as it’s often the only “quiet” time in my day. I LOVE my job and I l LOVE my family even more, but I look forward that peaceful part of the day when I can unwind, snuggle with my dogs, scroll through social media or read my book.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
So many things! I love exercise, camping, reading, and crafting, and have recently taken up knitting. I love to travel, too, but I don’t do it nearly enough!
Tell us something nobody knows about you. Do it now!
I am a self-diagnosed Type 1 diabetic. I babysat for a family with a diabetic son and was familiar with the symptoms, so at age 11 I told my mom I was diabetic. My persistence and demonstration of high blood sugar symptoms eventually led to a doctor’s appointment that resulted in a direct and immediate drive to the hospital, where I spent the next week being stabilized and educated. I came home on a Saturday and my oldest brother asked about my glucose monitor. I demonstrated on him. He was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic the following Monday.
I had a Japanese “sister” during my junior year of high school, as my family hosted a foreign exchange student for the year. I, in turn, traveled to Japan to attend her wedding.
I am obsessed with dachshunds, aka wiener dogs. I currently have three — Lily, Louie and Lola — and would have three more if I could.
I am left handed.
I was the KTTC News Athlete of the Week for volleyball in the fall of 1991 and was featured on the 10 p.m. news.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done? Why was it the best?
Gave birth to my son. I will never forget that moment or the overwhelming rush of emotions I experienced when my now 12-year-old son was placed in my arms.
What three words best describe you?
Competitive. Driven. Compassionate.
September 27, 2024 |Atticus sends notice in Buckhead Parking booting settlement
Atticus Administration sent notice on Sept. 27 to nearly 4,000 individuals affected by a class action settlement involving alleged illegal booting of cars in several Georgia cities. The settlement with Buckhead Parking Enforcement affects cars booted in Marietta since Nov. 14, 2014; and/or in Union City since Feb. 9, 2012; and/or outside of Atlanta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Union City, Doraville, Hapeville, Morrow, Riverdale, or Smyrna since Jan. 25, 2014.
Class members have until Dec. 26, 2024, to submit a claim and receive up to $60 for each time their car was booted in Marietta and up to $400 for each time their car was booted in the other listed locations. Final award amounts will depend on how many claims are submitted. Class members have until Feb. 2. 2025, to either exclude themselves from the settlement or object to its terms.
For more information and to submit a claim visit www.buckheadparkingsettlement.com.
September 18, 2024 | Atticus sends notice to individuals affected by furniture store data breach
Atticus Administration sent notice on Sept. 16 to nearly 4,200 current and former employees who were affected by a data breach at Florida furniture retailer Baer’s Furniture. The notice is part of a settlement in a class action lawsuit filed against the company by plaintiffs Gregory Pull and Paul Greene following the 2022 breach, which exposed sensitive personal information including name, social security number, address, and medical information.
Participating class members can file a claim to receive up to $5,000 each to cover unreimbursed losses stemming from the breach. They are also eligible to receive two free years of credit monitoring and $25 per hour for up to four hours spent dealing with the consequences of the breach. Alternatively, class members can choose to receive a cash payment of $50 in lieu of filing a claim for credit monitoring, unreimbursed losses, or lost time.
For more information, visit https://www.baerdatasettlement.com/.
September 6, 2024 | Atticus promotes Ann Linton to director of project management
Atticus Administration is thrilled to announce the promo
tion of Ann Linton to the position of director of project management.
Ann has worked as a project manager at Atticus since 2020. Prior to that, she held project management positions across a range of industries, from class action administration to paper distribution to diesel engine manufacturing. Regardless of the industry, though, she has excelled at providing the attention to minute details and problem-solving abilities that the position requires.
In her new position, Ann will manage Atticus’ growing team of project managers and be responsible for identifying and implementing solutions that support their everyday activities. Chief on that list will be ongoing implementation and enhancement of technology to make day-to-day work easier for project managers.
Ann lives in Saint Paul with her husband and three children – two college-age sons and a 3-year-old daughter.
August 22, 2024 | Employee spotlight: Mike Gelhar, Director of QSF and Treasury Services
What is your title at Atticus Administration?
I’m the Director of QSF & Treasury Services
Which means you do what, exactly?
I oversee the department that handles the funds, tax deposits, and tax reporting for all settlements that Atticus administers.
What’s the best part of your day?
Before I leave for work, I run into my 9-year-old daughter’s room and wrestle her to wake her up…. At her request. 🙂
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
In the summer, I enjoy camping, hiking, and playing tennis. In the winter, I enjoy snowmobiling. Year round, I enjoy taking walks around our 10-acre lot with our dog, Davis-Bacon.
Tell us something nobody knows about you. Do it now!
I won a karaoke contest for my rendition of Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-Lot.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done? Why was it the best?
I decided to have a child. I was never the person to want kids, but I am so glad that I changed my mind. I like hearing her outlook on things, her love of music, and sense of humor.
What three words best describe you?
Sarcastic, shy dog-lover
August 12, 2024 | Atticus sends payment to 27,000 in jail fine settlement
Atticus Administration has sent payment to 27,422 individuals who were either jailed in the City of Florissant, MO, or paid fines or to the city between Oct. 31, 2011, and Feb. 1, 2023.
The compensation stems from a settlement in the matter of Baker v. City of Florissant, which alleged the city violated the United States Constitution and Missouri law with detention policies and procedures that, among other things, held individuals pending payment of fines without first determining whether individuals had the financial means to pay. Class members in this case fall into one of four categories based on their specific circumstances, including whether they were jailed or paid a fine to avoid jail time.
The city did not admit fault in this matter but established a $2,890,000 Settlement Fund. Class members were compensated based on factors including the number of hours they were jailed and the amount of fines paid.
For more information visit https://www.florissantclassaction.com/.
August 1, 2024 | Atticus sends notice of settlement in limo driver pay dispute
Current and former limo drivers for Arizona-based transportation company The Driver Provider will receive compensation following partial settlement of a lawsuit alleging the company and its related entities in Utah and Wyoming did not pay them properly. The suit, Kelli Salazar, et al v The Driver Provider Phoenix, claims that between Dec. 6, 2016 and Jan. 5, 2024, the company did not pay drivers minimum wage in certain workweeks and did not pay overtime for weeks in which drivers worked more than 40 hours.
Atticus Administration sent notice to affected drivers on July 24. Drivers can get more information and file a claim form at driverprovidersettlement.com. Those who do not wish to participate must file a request for exclusion postmarked by Sept. 7. There is an Aug. 23 deadline for objecting to the settlement.
July 26, 2024 | Settlement provides compensation after allegations of unconstitutional towing fees
Atticus Administration has sent notice to nearly 1,700 individuals affected by an alleged tow-and-release scheme and $100 towing release fee that the suit argued allowed the city of St. Ann, MO, to improperly enrich itself. According to the lawsuit filed by plaintiff Akilah Smith, the towing release fee included in the city’s Ordinance No. 395.085 violated the Missouri Constitution and was invalid as a result.
In response to the settlement, the city has established a $145,000 settlement fund to compensate class members who paid a towing release fee between Jan. 9, 2015 and June 25, 2024. Affected class members are divided into three sub-classes:
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- Those who paid a towing release fee during the class period;
- Missouri citizens who had their vehicle towed by Doc’s Towing based on an Authorization to Tow form endorsed by St. Ann police and who either have not recovered their vehicle or had to pay a towing release fee; and
- Missouri citizens who have an equitable interest (as lessees, renters or minors, for example) in a vehicle towed by Doc’s Towing and who had to pay a towing release fee to have the vehicle released.
Class members have until Sept. 13, 2024, to exclude themselves or object to the settlement. Those who do not will receive payment based on the number of towing fees they were required to pay. Class members who do not opt out or exclude themselves do not need to take action in order to receive payment. Any funds not claimed by class members will be donated to Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. For additional information, visit towingfeelawsuit.com.
July 18, 2024 | CentraCare settles with retirement plan participants
Atticus Administration sent notice on June 28 to more than 34,000 current and former employees of CentraCare Health System as part of a settlement in a class action lawsuit related to the company’s management of employee retirement plans. The suit alleged that CentraCare, a health care network with more than 25 clinics and several specialty care centers throughout central Minnesota, did not comply with their responsibilities under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which requires prudent management of funds. Angi Schave, who filed the initial complaint against CentraCare, alleged that the company did not provide adequate oversight of employees’ retirement plan portfolios, leading to excessive fees for employees who participated in the plan between June 13, 2016 and May 17, 2024.
As part of the settlement, CentraCare will establish an $800,000 fund to compensate class members and pay fees associated with the suit. Class members will be compensated based on factors including account balances and whether they are currently enrolled in a CentraCare retirement plan.
For more information, visit https://www.centracareerisasettlement.com/.
July 9, 2024 | Employee spotlight: Nathan Hansen, Marketing Project Manager
What is your title at Atticus Administration?
I’m the marketing project manager.
Which means you do what, exactly?
There are a couple of primary aspects to the job. I’m in charge of Atticus’ marketing and communications efforts, from social media to media relations to making sure we’re creating content that conveys Atticus’ expertise as class action administrators and helps build the business. I also manage external marketing firms for larger efforts.
What’s the best part of your day?
Aside from watching my kids grow and develop, I love telling stories. I get to do that every day in a multitude of ways.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I’m a lapsed biker. Back when I was in shape, I rode up some of the Tour de France’s most famous mountains. These days, most of my rides involve pulling kids in a trailer. I recently returned to playing soccer after about 30 years away, and I just started playing Dungeons & Dragons. Mostly, though, I spend time with my wife and our two kids, a 4-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son.
Tell us something nobody knows about you. Do it now!
I once wrote a letter to the U.S. Olympic Committee asking if I could be on the cycling team for the Athens Olympics. They declined, but they did send me a hat and pin. I also applied to be head football coach at the University of Minnesota despite never playing or coaching football. They hired PJ Fleck instead and didn’t even offer free tickets.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done? Why was it the best?
It’s got to be the kids, right? They’re both pretty much perfect. I also spent my junior year of high school in Sweden, which was its own kind of adventure and involved far fewer poopy diapers.
What three words best describe you?
Tall traveling parent.
July 4, 2024 | Happy Independence Day from Atticus Administration
Whether you celebrate with family, food and fun or friends and fireworks, we wish you a safe, happy, and meaningful Independence Day.
June 26, 2024 | Buffalo Wild Wings settles lawsuit regarding payment for tipped employees
Atticus Administration sent notice on June 21 to more than 70,000 current and former Buffalo Wild Wings employees in connection with a lawsuit that alleged servers, bartenders, and other tipped employees did not receive full minimum wage payment while performing untipped side work. According to the suit, these employees were asked to perform side work for at least 20% of their workweek and for at least 30 minutes at one time.
Buffalo Wild Wings argued that its pay policy was lawful but agreed to a $10 million settlement to compensate employees who worked for the company between Nov. 18, 2019, and Aug. 24, 2023. Class members will receive an average payment of $215, though individual payments may be higher or lower depending on the number of weeks or hours employees worked. Class members have until Aug. 20, 2024, to file a claim.
For more information visit https://www.bwwsettlement.com/.
June 19, 2024 | Celebrating Juneteenth Freedom Day
“You can’t separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” – Malcolm X
Today and every day, we celebrate freedom and equality and recommit to the ongoing work to achieve justice for all.
June 16, 2024 | Happy Father’s Day
Atticus Administration celebrates fathers and father figures everywhere. Thank you for all you do to nurture future generations. #FathersDay #Dad #HappyFathersDay
May 22, 2024 | Atticus Participates is Class Action Money & Ethics Conference
Atticus’ CEO Chris Longley and Vice President of Business Development Bryn Bridley participated in a panel discussion on Class Action Notice Challenges and Trends for 2024 at the 8th Annual Class Action Money & Ethics Conference in New York City on May 6, 2024. The topics addressed included reaching unknown classes, fraud, how notice approaches can impact claims take rates, effective published notice methods, and alternatives to traditional mailed notice.
Also participating on the panel were Christopher Roberts of Butsch Roberts & Associates in St. Louis, Missouri, Jessica Ranucci of New York Legal Assistance Group in New York City, New York, and Al Saikali of Shook Hard & Bacon, LLP in Miami, FL. Atticus was also an event sponsor.
May 10, 2024 | Atticus to Serve as Settlement Administrator in Class Action Lawsuit Aetna over LGBTQ+ Fertility Coverage
Plaintiffs filed a proposed settlement of a federal class action suit against Aetna in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on May 3, 2024. The proposed settlement, Goidel et al. v Aetna Life Insurance Co., addresses claims of discriminatory practices faced by LBGTQ+ policyholders seeking fertility treatment.
More specifically, the plaintiffs challenged Aetna’s definition of infertility, alleging it led to unequal insurance coverage treatment for LGBTQ+ couples. Under Aetna’s policy, a female health plan beneficiary with a male partner could receive coverage for infertility treatments by claiming the couple had been unable to become pregnant after six or twelve months (depending on their age) of intercourse.
However, couples in LGBTQ+ relationships trying to conceive were required to pay out of pocket for their first six or twelve cycles of artificial insemination before they could get coverage for any additional rounds or become eligible for IVF if otherwise covered by their plan. Plaintiffs alleged this policy violated Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, as well as state and city law for some types of insurance plans.
Read the full press release HERE.
For more information visit www.infertilityinsurancesettlement.com or call 1-800-205-6861.
May 3, 2024 | White Paper on Civil Rights Matters Administration Release
Atticus’s Vice President of Business Development Bryn Bridley released a White Paper Civil Rights Visibility: Navigating Class Action Settlements in Present Times to address the challenges, observations, and successes associated with administrating Civil Rights class action settlements. Civil Rights cases represent one of our fastest growing practice areas as an administrator.
To request this White Paper click HERE.
April 29, 2024 | Class Action Notice Challenges and Trends
We look forward to sponsoring and participating in the Class Action Money & Ethics Conference on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the Harmonie Club in New York City. Join us for a great conference and to hear our panel discussion on Class Action Notice Challenges & Trends! Bryn and Chris would love to visit with you! www.ClassActionConference.com
September 1, 2023 | Happy Labor Day Weekend
June 30, 2023 | Happy Independence Day Weekend
May 27, 2023 | Memorial Day Weekend
May 12, 2023 | adidas Settles MO Sales Tax Lawsuit
Notice of a class action lawsuit settlement involving adidas, America, Inc. (“adidas”) was sent on May 11, 2023 to more than 150,000 individuals who lived in Missouri and purchased products from adidas online or remotely between October 1, 2016 and October 31, 2020. The lawsuit alleges that adidas charged a state tax rate higher than the Vendor’s Use Tax Rate on their purchases. adidas denies the allegations but agreed to settle the case. Automatic refunds will be provided to eligible consumers upon final approval of the settlement. The Final Approval Hearing in the matter of Sally v. adidas, America, Inc., Cause No. 20SL-CC03903, will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the St. Louis County Court of Missouri, Division 17, on August 31, 2023. Refunds will be issued after the Court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.
For more information visit www.missouritaxsettlementadidas.com.
April 21, 2023 | Two New Data Breach Settlements Underway
As data breach incidents continue to trend in the class action settlement market, so to does Atticus’s work in this arena. With more than a handful of settlements currently underway pending claim or payment deadlines or final orders from the Court, two new settlements recently got underway.
Notices were dispersed today to more than 150,000 Class Members in the settlement of In re: Medical Review Institute of America, LLC, Data Breach Litigation, Cause No. 2-22-cv-0082, pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah to resolve a Data Incident that occurred on or about November 9, 2021. In early May, nearly 17,000 Class Members will be informed of their inclusion of the Settlement Class in the matter of Abrams v. The Savannah College of Art & Design, Inc., No. 1:22-cv-04297-LMM, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The SCAD matter seeks resolution of the Data Security Incident of August 2022. In both actions, Class Members can submit claims to receive credit monitoring and monetary compensation for time spent, out of pocket expenses, and extraordinary losses related to the incidents.
Contact Us today for more information on how we can help administer your data breach settlement.
April 18, 2023 | Settlement Resolves Build-A-Bear TCPA Violations
Approximately 6,500 persons who received text messages from Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (“BABW”) after requesting not to receive them will be eligible to receive monetary payments in the Ruby v. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. class action lawsuit. The settlement, Case No. 4:21-CV-01152-JAR, pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, received Preliminary Approval on March 28, 2023. The complaint alleges that BABW sent text messages to consumers between September 24, 2017 and March 28, 2023 for the purpose of encouraging the purchase of property, goods, or services after the individuals had revoked consent to receiving these messages, in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Class Members who do not opt out of the settlement will be eligible for a payment of up to $500. A Final Fairness Hearing on the matter will take place on September 6, 2023.
April 13, 2023 | E-Sign: The Future
March 13, 2023 | McDonalds to Pay Nearly $2 Million to Settle Unlawful Employment Practice Claims Raised by the EEOC
McDonald’s entered into a Consent Decree with the EEOC earlier this year to resolve unlawful employment practice allegations made by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The settlement, titled U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, vs. AMTCR, Inc., AMTCR Nevada, Inc., AMTCR California, LLC, collectively dba McDonald’s, Case No. 2:21-cv-018808-JAD (NJK), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada to resolve the EEOC’s allegations that Defendants subjected individuals to a sexually hostile work environment, abusive working conditions, and failed to remedy the harassment. McDonald’s denies the allegations and any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $1,9997,500 to resolve the Commission’s Complaint. The Decree addresses current and former employees of 21 store locations in Arizona, California, and Nevada since 2017. Certain individuals will automatically qualify for payments and others will have the opportunity to file claim forms for monetary relief consideration by the EEOC. Notice of the Settlement is expected to be mailed later this Spring.
March 3, 2023 | Employment Agency To Pay $200k to Settle IL Vacation Pay Lawsuit
The Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois issued its final approval order on Tuesday in the matter of Edgar Maldonado v. Total Staffing Solutions, Inc., Case No. 2017 CH 01786. The settlement puts to rest allegations that Defendant Total Staffing (TSSI) failed to pay laborers employed in Illinois all of their earned vacation pay, in violation of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Class Members who submitted timely and valid Claim and Release Forms in accordance with the terms of the Settlement are eligible to receive a portion of the monetary recovery. Settlement Payments are tentatively scheduled for distribution in mid to late April. Visit www.total-settlement.com for more information.
February 17, 2023 | AutoZone Employment Settlement Preliminarily Approved
A Preliminary Approval Order in the Alvarez, et al., v. AutoZone, Inc. et al. Class Action and PAGA settlement was entered in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, California on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. More than 60,0000 former California-based employees of AutoZone, Inc. and AutoZoners, LLC have been identified as eligible Class Members and/or Aggrieved Employees in the hybrid class-PAGA settlement. The complaint alleges claims of unfair business practices, failure to reimburse business expenses, and claims under the California Private Attorneys General Act of 2004. Defendants have agreed to pay $6,500,000 in exchange for the release of claims and final judgment on the Action. The hearing on the Motion for Final Approval is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on June 14, 2023.
January 27, 2023 | Team Building Event
Atticus celebrated the Holiday Season by hosting a team building Paint and Sip event. We bring you our versions of a “Snowy Colorful Day.”
December 22, 2022 | Holiday Wishes
December 21, 2022 | Toyota Motor Credit Corp. (TMCC) Settlement Class Paid
Payments totaling over $46 million were made to more than 113,000 Class Members on December 16, 2022 in the William Martin, et al. v Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, et al. class action settlement. The settlement resolves claims that TMCC failed to refund customers for Guaranteed Asset Protection or “GAP” coverage on vehicles financed through TMCC on or after January 1, 2016 when their finance agreements were paid off early. Class Members were designated as “Statutory” or “Non-Statutory” Class Members according to when and in which state the vehicle financing occurred, as defined by the Settlement Agreement. Non-Statutory Class Members were required to complete and file claims to be eligible for a refund from the settlement. Statutory Class Members were automatically eligible for compensation and their payments were funded separate from and in-addition to the $59 million Settlement Fund. For more information about this settlement, visit www.TMCCGAP.com or call 1-888-321-1272.
December 1, 2022 | $59M Settlement Approved with Toyota Motor Credit Corp (TMCC)
The William Martin, et al. v Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, et al, nationwide class action settlement was awarded final approval on November 15, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. TMCC agreed to pay $59 million to settle claims alleging the company failed to provide customers with a partial refund of the fees paid for Guaranteed Asset Protection or “GAP” coverage following the early pay off of customers’ finance agreements. All qualifying Statutory Class Members and Non-Statutory Class Members who timely filed valid Claim Forms are slated to receive refund payments beginning in mid-December. For more information about this settlement, visit www.TMCCGAP.com or contact Atticus’ office at 1-888-321-1272.
November 23, 2022 | Happy Thanksgiving
November 8, 2022 | Atticus Launches Customer Portal App
July 27, 2022 | Toyota Motor Credit Corp Enters $59M GAP Refund Settlement
Atticus sent Notice of a $59 million class action lawsuit settlement yesterday to more than 654,000 consumers nationwide who entered into Guaranteed Asset Protection or “GAP” agreements with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMCC) from January 1, 2016 through October 25, 2021. The lawsuit alleges that TMCC wrongfully collected and failed to refund unearned GAP fees when consumers paid off their finance agreements before maturity.
The case is entitled Martin et al. v. Toyota Motor Corporation, Case No. 2:20:cv-10518-JVS-MRW and was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The court preliminarily approved the proposed settlement on July 11, 2022 and will finally consider its terms at the Final Approval Hearing scheduled for October 31, 2022.
“Non-Statutory” Class Members who are required to complete claim forms to receive settlement payments have until September 26, 2022 to make their claims. “Statutory” Class Members will automatically receive refund payments pursuant to the settlement agreement if the Court entered a final approval order.
GAP protection is an addendum to the finance agreement that provides that the creditor (TMCC) will waive certain amounts owed under the terms of the agreement if the customer’s vehicle is totaled, stolen or if the loan is paid off early. Settlement class members may be entitled to a full or partial credit or refund of the purchase price of the GAP protection under the terms of the settlement.
More information can be found online at www.TMCCGAP.com.
July 25, 2022 | Court Approves $2.25M Costco Employee Pay Settlement
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California entered a preliminary approval order on July 25, 2022 in the action entitled Benjamin Fernando Martinez v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, Case No. 3:19-cv-05624-EMC. The settlement is intended to resolve allegations that Costco did not properly include the “Extra Check Bonus” in the regular rate of pay for purposes of calculating overtime wages for approximately 29,000 nonexempt California employees working for Costco from July 11, 2015 through July 25, 2022.
Notice of the lawsuit and proposed settlement will be sent to Class Members later this summer.
July 1, 2022 | Happy 4th of July
May 27, 2022 | Wishing You a Safe Holiday Weekend
April 18, 2022 | Atticus CEO to Speak at NYC Class Action Conference
Atticus Administration, LLC co-founder and CEO Christopher Longley will be speaking at the 6th Annual Class Action Money & Ethics Conference in New York City, NY on May 2, 2022. Chris will be moderating a panel discussion on the effectiveness and abuses of TCPA and how to address TCPA legislation with today’s technological advances. Chris will be joined by Christopher E. Roberts, Partner at Butsch Roberts & Associates LLC and Eric J. Troutman, Partner at Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP. Chris is a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law and the University of St. Thomas. He is a member of the Minnesota Bar (retired status), and the American Bar Association where he serves as membership chair of the Consumer Litigation Committee for the 8th Circuit Court and the United States Supreme Court.
April 14, 2022 | Activision Blizzard Enters Agreement with EEOC
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California approved a settlement between the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and global entertainment development company Activision Blizzard, Inc. and several of its entities on March 29, 2022. The lawsuit alleged that Activision Blizzard Entities engaged in unlawful employment practices but subjecting certain employees to sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, or retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Notice of the Settlement and claim forms are slated for distribution to eligible claimants on April 15, 2022. The claims of employees who choose to participate will be evaluated by the EEOC for eligibility and to determine each eligible claimant’s portion of the $18,000,000 Settlement Fund. For more information about the settlement, visit the settlement website at www.EEOCActivisionBlizzardConsentDecree.com. A March 29, 2022 PRESS RELEASE can was also shared on the Activision Blizzard website.
February 9, 2022 | Rite Aid Corp. Employment Settlement Receives Preliminary Approval
U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler of the U.S. District Court for the North District of California, San Francisco Division, issued an order granting preliminary settlement approval of the class action titled Nucci, et al. v. Rite Aid Corporation, Thrifty Payless, Inc. et al., Case No. 19-cv-01434-LB on February 3, 2022. Plaintiffs in the action claim that non-expect retail store associates employed by Rite-Aid in California during the relevant time period were required to wear uniforms resulting in numerous employee related wage, business practice, reimbursement, indemnification, penalties. Eligible Class Members will receive a minimum of $25.00. Notice will be sent to eligible Settlement Class Members no later than March 18, 2022. Read the Law360 article here: Judge Gives Initial OK To $12M Rite Aid Uniform Settlement
February 7, 2022 | First in Series of Vehicle Booting Class Actions Approved in Georgia
Individuals who had vehicles booted by Castle Parking Solutions (“CPS”) in Atlanta, Georgia or Decatur, Georgia from October 10, 2014 to October 10, 2019 and paid CPS to have the boot removed will be notified of their right to participate as Class members in a class action lawsuit settlement titled Youmans, et al. v. Castle Parking Solutions, LLC, Civil Action No. 19EV001823 pending in the Georgia State Court of Fulton County, later this month. Class members who choose to participate can received up to $45.00 per claim if the Settlement receives final approval. Visit www.bootingclassaction.com after February 18, 2022 for details.
January 31, 2022 | Dismissed Appeal Ends Nearly 5 Years of Litigation for The Body Shop FACTA Settlement
The St. Clair County Trial Court entered an order today that granted and dismissed Objector-Appellant Jenna Dickenson’s motion to voluntarily dismiss her appeal in the settlement of the Henry Lee, et. al, v. Buth-Na-Bodhaige, Inc., d/b/a THE BODY SHOP (Case No. 2017-000604) class action lawsuit. This dismissal brings nearly five years of litigation in the trial and appellate courts to an end. The initial Class Action Complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court – Southern District of New Year in February 2016 and Preliminary Approval was entered in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois in March 2017. Settlement Class Members who filed valid and timely Claim Forms asserting use of a debit or credit card for a purchase at any of The Body Shop retail locations in the U.S. and received an electronically-printed receipt displaying more than five digits of the debit or credit card number between April 23, 2014 and January 14, 2016 will receive a $12.00 gift card for use at The Body Shop. Gift Certificates will be issued no later than March 9, 2022. Settlement information can be found at www.thebodyshopfactasettlement.com .
January 10, 2022 | BMW N63TU1 Engine Settlement Receives Final Approval
The Honorable Edward S. Kiel, Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey entered an order certifying the settlement class and granting final approval of the settlement in the matter of Isley, et al., v. BMW of North America, LLC, on January 10, 2022. Current and former owners and lessees of certain model-year 2013 through 2019 BMW vehicles that contain the N63TU1 engine have until Feb. 9, 2022 to file claims for the reimbursement of engine related expenses.
For more information visit www.IsleySettlement.com
December 30, 2021 | Happy New Year
November 23, 2021 | Happy Thanksgiving
November 12, 2021 | Notice Campaign Underway in Walmart Prepaid Wireless Products Class Action
Digital and published notice campaigns began today in the Turner v. Wal-Mart Stores East, LP class action settlement pending in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri (Case No. 20SL-CC00466). The preliminarily approved settlement includes all persons who purchased a Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications Service Product from a Walmart Store or a Sam’s Club store in the state of Missouri for a purpose other than resale, between January 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020. The action alleges that Class Members were over-charged for the Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications Service Charge (PWETSC) pursuant to state statutes.
Qualifying Class Members can submit or file an online claim to receive a payment of up to $20.
For more information go to www.pwetsc-moclassaction.com.
October 29, 2021 | Metropolitan Transportation Network (MTN) Settles with School Bus Drivers
Notice was mailed on October 25, 2021 in the matter of Noridin Warsame, et al., v. Metropolitan Transportation Network, Inc., Case No. 20-cv-1318 (ECW). The lawsuit alleges that MTN school bus drivers were not compensated for all time worked under state and federal labor and wage acts. Eligible class members will receive payments if the settlement receives final approval. The settlement received preliminary approval in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota earlier this month. Visit www.mtnbusdriversettlement.com for more information.
October 29, 2021 | Notice Dispersed in BMW Engine N63TU1 Engine Settlement
Notices of a class action settlement and claim forms were mailed to owners and lessees of certain model-year 2013 through 2019 BMW vehicles with the N63UT1 engines today. Class Members who wish to receive reimbursement for engine expenses raised in the settlement have until February 9, 2022 to submit claims. For more information go to www.isleysettlement.com.
October 15, 2021 | Walmart Prepaid Phone Products Settlement Gets Preliminary Approval
The Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri filed and order preliminarily approving a class action settlement involving Wal-Mart Stores East, LP on October 13, 2021. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, persons who purchased Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications Service Products in-store from a Walmart or Sam’s Club store in the state of Missouri for a purpose other than resale between January 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 can submit claims for monetary benefits. The Notice Period will commence next month at which time more information will be available.
October 8, 2021 | Notice Mailing This Month in BMW Vehicle N63TU1 Engine Settlement
Notice of a nationwide settlement in a class action lawsuit against BMW of North America, LLC is scheduled to mail to more than 181,000 individuals who are current or former owners or lessees of certain model-year 2013 through 2019 BMW vehicles that contain the N63TU1 engine (“Class Members”) at the end of the month. Class Members will have the opportunity to submit claims for reimbursement of related engine expenses. The notice mailing follows U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel’s preliminary settlement approval order entered in late July. Visit http://www.isleysettlement.com/ for more information.
August 25, 2021 | $750K in Student Loan Debt Relief Refunded
$750,000 in Settlement Funds were dispersed to participating Class Members today, following the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York’s entry of a final approval order earlier this month. Payments were issued to more than 17,500 Class Members in the Williams v. Equitable Acceptance Corporation, et al. settlement, Case No. 18 Civ. 7537 who filed claims to receive refunds of some of the money paid to Equitable for accounts used to finance student loan debt relief services. Refunds were issued in the form of electronic payments through PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle, as well as e-Mastercard, ACH transfers, and paper checks by mail, at each Class Member’s choice. Late claim forms will be considered for reimbursement at a later date. Visit https://www.equitablesettlement.com/ for more information.
August 20, 2021 | Atticus Adds Electronic Document Signatures to Service Options
Atticus is excited to announce that it launched its new electronic signature software today with the dissemination of the FLSA Notice and Consent to Join Form in the matter of Victoria Roberts, et al., v Paragon Metals LLC, Case No. 1:21-cv-000426-HYJ-RSK pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Southern Division. Contact Us to learn more about this and other convenient options for obtaining Class Member signatures!
August 16, 2021 | Happy Anniversary!
FIVE YEARS ago today Atticus joined the market as a Class Action Settlement Administration firm. Thank you to all of our valued clients for letting us serve you, then and now. Happy 5th Anniversary to us!