Case: EEOC v. International Profit Associates, Inc.

1:01-cv-04427 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Filed Date: June 12, 2001

Closed Date: 2014

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case was filed by the Chicago office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in June 2001 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The EEOC alleged that the defendant, a telemarketer of small business consulting packages based in Buffalo Grove, IL, violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by carrying out a pattern or practice of discrimination by subjecting female employees to sexual harassment. EEOC also alleged the defendant made favorable employment act…

This case was filed by the Chicago office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in June 2001 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The EEOC alleged that the defendant, a telemarketer of small business consulting packages based in Buffalo Grove, IL, violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by carrying out a pattern or practice of discrimination by subjecting female employees to sexual harassment. EEOC also alleged the defendant made favorable employment actions contingent upon the performance of sexual favors. The case was before Judge Joan B. Gottschall.

Two of the employees allegedly harassed filed related suits (see related cases Porter v. Intl Profit Assc Inc and Lopez v. Intl Profit Assc Inc), and two other employees intervened in the EEOC's suit. The discovery stage of this litigation was protracted, with several dozen discovery motions being filed over the course of a five-year period.

On October 23, 2007, the court divided the case into two phases to be tried before one jury. 2007 WL 3120067. In phase I, the EEOC had to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the sexual harassment that occurred at the defendant business during the relevant time period, taken as a whole, was so severe or pervasive that a reasonable woman would find the work environment to be hostile or abusive. EEOC also had to establish that the defendant knew, or should have known, that systematic sexual harassment was occurring in its offices but did not take adequate steps to address the problem. In Phase II, the EEOC had to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that each individual claimant seeking monetary damages experienced sex-based harassment that an objectively reasonable woman would find severe or pervasive enough to constitute a hostile work environment and demonstrate that each claimant subjectively perceived the harassment she experienced to be hostile or abusive.

The defendant sought summary judgment on the individual claims in this case in a series of motions spanning from 2006 to 2009. For the purpose of resolving the summary judgment motions, the court assumed that the EEOC had prevailed in their required showings at Phase I. The court entered orders on July 14, 2008, July 7, 2009, and August 13, 2009. Within these orders, the court granted and denied in part the defendant's summary judgment, finding the harassment was not sufficiently severe for all claimants and dismissing those claimants. 2008 WL 4876860; 654 F. Supp. 2d 767; 647 F. Supp. 2d 951. In 2004, before the filing of the summary judgment motions as to individual claimants began, there were approximately 121 claimants. By 2010, IPA obtained rulings dismissing 40 of those claimants based on summary judgment and statutes of limitations. 81 triable complaints proceeded.

On October 9, 2009, the defendants moved for summary judgment on the EEOC’s “pattern or practice” claim. The court considered only the defendant’s statistical arguments (the defendants claimed that the number of individual claimants was too statistically insignificant to present a triable claim for a “pattern or practice”), and did not consider the defendant's other arguments. The court found that the statistics alone did not entitle the defendant to judgment as a matter of law, and denied the motion on March 31, 2010. 2010 WL 1416153.

On April 9, 2010, the defendant requested that the court certify its March 31, 2010 order for interlocutory appeal. The court declined to do so on April 16, 2010. On June 14, 2010, the court found, upon the consent of the defendant, that an unlawful pattern or practice of tolerating sexual harassment existed at the business from November 25, 1997 to February 14, 2005. With the order entered on Phase I, the case proceeded toward trial on Phase II.

On June 16, 2010, the defendant moved to sever the individual claims for compensatory and punitive damages for the eighty-one remaining claimants, or, in the alternative, for separate trials. The court denied the motion on June 29, 2010.

Trial began in the case on July 6, 2010. After the start of jury selection, the parties reached a tentative settlement agreement, and the court stayed the trial. At that point, the parties began to work to finalize a consent decree. On February 9, 2011, the court entered an order granting the parties’ joint motion to enforce the settlement agreement reached in court on July 6, 2010.

The court entered the consent decree on March 2, 2011. The consent decree included injunctive provisions enjoining the defendant and its employees from retaliation and from discrimination against women on the basis of sex by sexually harassing female employees, harassing female employees on account of their sex, and/or creating, facilitating, or permitting the existence of a hostile work environment. The consent decree also required the defendant to implement and maintain compliance with a “statement of intolerance of sexual harassment,” establish a sexual harassment policy and complaint procedure, and provide training regarding sexual harassment. The defendant paid eight million dollars to a settlement fund to be distributed as compensatory damages to the eligible claimants, including the intervenors. The settlement fund also paid attorney’s fees and costs in the amount of $431,667 to attorneys for the plaintiff-intervenors. The consent decree appointed Nancy B. Kreiter and George F. Galland as Decree Monitors to oversee IPA’s implementation of the decree’s terms. The court retained jurisdiction over the consent decree for three years.

After the entry of the consent decree, the parties' outstanding motions were denied as moot on March 24, 2011. The Monitors’ reports of February 23, 2012 and March 4, 2013 both found the defendant in compliance with the consent decree and made certain recommendations, mostly concerning profanity, enforcement of the dress code, and restructuring of Human Resources.

On May 14, 2013, the plaintiffs moved to amend the consent decree. The motion, to which the defendants agreed, proposed an amendment to the payment schedule in the consent decree. Under the consent decree, the defendants were responsible for annual payments to a settlement account, but had not made its annual payments on time, and claimed financial hardship, so the parties agreed to allow weekly payments to ensure that final payment was fully and timely made in March 2014. Judge Gotschall granted the motion on May 22, 2013.

The defendants submitted their final payment into the settlement fund on March 3, 2014, and the Monitors submitted their final report on March 10, 2014, finding that the IPA complied fully with the decree. The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Jason Chester (8/27/2008)

Sarah McDonald (8/12/2018)

Related Cases

Porter v. Intl Profit Assc Inc, Northern District of Illinois (2002)

Lopez v. Intl Profit Assc Inc, Northern District of Illinois (2002)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4251049/parties/eeoc-v-intl-profit-assc-inc/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Bell, Ronald L. (Illinois)

Burgess, John (Illinois)

Cherry, Myron Milton (Illinois)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Chandrasekaran, Uma (Illinois)

Chung, Jin-Ho (Illinois)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:02-cv-02790

Docket [PACER]

EEOC v. International Profit (01-4428)

Oct. 30, 2001

Oct. 30, 2001

Docket

1:01-cv-01425

Docket [PACER]

EEOC v. International Profit

U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

July 1, 2003

July 1, 2003

Docket

1:01-cv-04427

Docket [PACER]

EEOC v. International Profit Associates, Inc. (01-4427)

March 13, 2014

March 13, 2014

Docket
1

1:01-cv-04428

Complaint

EEOC v. Int'l Profit Associatiates, Inc.

June 12, 2001

June 12, 2001

Complaint
26

1:01-cv-04427

[Intervenor's] Complaint

Jan. 17, 2002

Jan. 17, 2002

Complaint
41

1:01-cv-04427

Memorandum Opinion and Order [Denying Defendant's Motion to Compel]

March 27, 2002

March 27, 2002

Order/Opinion

206 F.R.D. 206

1

1:02-cv-02790

Complaint

Porter v. International Profit Associates, Inc.

April 18, 2002

April 18, 2002

Complaint
56

1:01-cv-04427

Order [Re: Motions to Compel; Contempt]

June 17, 2002

June 17, 2002

Order/Opinion
1

1:02-cv-04281

Complaint

Lopez v. International Profit Association

June 17, 2002

June 17, 2002

Complaint
1

1:02-cv-04281

Complaint

Lopez v. International Profit Associates Inc.

June 17, 2002

June 17, 2002

Complaint

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4251049/eeoc-v-intl-profit-assc-inc/

Last updated March 20, 2024, 3:06 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT; Jury demand - Civil cover sheet - Appearances of John C. Hendrickson, Gregory M. Gochanour, Diane Ilene Smason, Jeanne B. Szromba as attorneys for plaintiff (No summonses issued) (Documents: 1-1 through 1-3). (fce) (Entered: 06/13/2001)

June 12, 2001

June 12, 2001

PACER
2

MOTION by plaintiff-intervenor Marian Townson to intervene ; Notice. (cem) (Entered: 07/19/2001)

July 11, 2001

July 11, 2001

PACER
3

MINUTE ORDER of 7/18/01 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall : Motion by plaintiff-intervenor - Marian Townson to intervene [2-1] with respect to her claim under Title VII pursuant to Rule 24(a)(1) of the FRCP and Section 706(f)(1) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e-5(f)(1) is granted. Mailed notice (cem) (Entered: 07/19/2001)

July 18, 2001

July 18, 2001

PACER
4

WAIVER of service of summons as to defendant sent on 6/12/01. (cem) (Entered: 07/19/2001)

July 18, 2001

July 18, 2001

PACER
5

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc by Ronald Lee Bell (rmm) (Entered: 08/15/2001)

Aug. 14, 2001

Aug. 14, 2001

PACER
6

ANSWER by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc to complaint [1-1]; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 08/15/2001)

Aug. 14, 2001

Aug. 14, 2001

PACER
7

EXPEDITED REFERRAL ORDER: Case referred to Hon. Morton Denlow for discovery supervision, and mediation Mailed notice. (rj) (Entered: 08/16/2001)

Aug. 16, 2001

Aug. 16, 2001

PACER
8

JOINT INITIAL STATUS REPORT by plaintiff and defendant; Notice (yap) (Entered: 09/04/2001)

Aug. 31, 2001

Aug. 31, 2001

PACER
9

EMERGENCY MOTION by defendant for injunctive relief ; Affidavit by Ronald L. Bell (Attachments); Notice. (yp) (Entered: 09/26/2001)

Sept. 20, 2001

Sept. 20, 2001

PACER
10

MINUTE ORDER of 9/20/01 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall : Defendant's motion for injunctive relief is denied [9-1] as moot. All paties are to comply with the agreements set forth on the record in open court. No notice (yp) (Entered: 09/26/2001)

Sept. 20, 2001

Sept. 20, 2001

PACER
11

JOINT MOTION by EEOC and plaintiff-intervenor Marian Townson to reassign case 01 Cv 4428 (Attachments) ; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/04/2001)

Sept. 26, 2001

Sept. 26, 2001

PACER
12

MINUTE ORDER of 10/3/01 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall : Motion to reassign case 01 Cv 4428 [11-1] is taken under advisement. This Court will issue an order detailing procedural guidelines with reference to coordinating both cases 01 C 4427 (Judge Gottschall) and 01 C 4428 (Judge Castillo) for the purposes of coordinating discovery only. Mailed notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/04/2001)

Oct. 3, 2001

Oct. 3, 2001

PACER
13

MINUTE ORDER of 10/10/01 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall : Based upon the parties' statements to this court that they do not wish to have the subject cases reassigned pursuant to the court's relatedness rules, it appears that the convenience of all parties will best be served by the entry of a discovery coordination order. Judge Castillo has before him a motion to transfer venue of this case. If the motion is denied, this court and Judge Castillo will work out such an order. If the motion is granted, this court will, at the parties' request, initiate conversations with the judge to whom the case is transferred to achieve the same end. Mailed notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/11/2001)

Oct. 10, 2001

Oct. 10, 2001

PACER
14

AGREED MOTION by plaintiff and defendant for entry of protective order ; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/17/2001)

Oct. 15, 2001

Oct. 15, 2001

PACER
15

MINUTE ORDER of 10/16/01 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Agreed motion for entry of protective order is granted [14-1]. (Entered stipulated protective order); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/17/2001)

Oct. 16, 2001

Oct. 16, 2001

PACER
16

MOTION by defendant for leave to file additional appearance, instanter ; Notice. (lc) (Entered: 11/08/2001)

Nov. 1, 2001

Nov. 1, 2001

PACER
17

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for defendant by Myron M. Cherry, Cary Neal Goldberg. (lc) (Entered: 11/08/2001)

Nov. 7, 2001

Nov. 7, 2001

PACER
18

MINUTE ORDER of 11/7/01 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall : Motion by International Profit Associates Inc. for leave to file additional appearance of Myron M. Cherry and Cary Goldberg is granted [16-1]. Mailed notice (lc) (Entered: 11/08/2001)

Nov. 7, 2001

Nov. 7, 2001

PACER
19

MOTION by plaintiff to compel interrogatory answers and document production (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 11/20/2001)

Nov. 15, 2001

Nov. 15, 2001

PACER
20

MINUTE ORDER of 11/20/01 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing held and continued to 10:00 a.m. on 12/20/01., Settlement conference held. Substantial progress made. All pending motions are withdrawn without prejudide [11-1], [19-1]. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 11/20/2001)

Nov. 20, 2001

Nov. 20, 2001

PACER
21

MINUTE ORDER of 11/20/01 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Plaintiff to submit written itemization of damages and settlement demand by 12/11/01. Defendant to submit written settlement offer by 12/18/01. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 11/21/2001)

Nov. 20, 2001

Nov. 20, 2001

PACER
22

MINUTE ORDER of 12/20/01 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing held and continued to 10:00 1/15/02. Marian Townson is granted leave to file an intervening complaint on or before 1/18/02. The discovery schedule will be set at the 1/15/02 status hearing. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 12/21/2001)

Dec. 20, 2001

Dec. 20, 2001

PACER
24

MOTION by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc to compel answers to discovery requests ; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 01/10/2002)

Dec. 26, 2001

Dec. 26, 2001

PACER
23

RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC to defendant International Profit Associates, Inc.'s motion to compel (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 01/09/2002)

Jan. 8, 2002

Jan. 8, 2002

PACER
25

MINUTE ORDER of 1/9/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing reset for 10:00 2/28/02. Motion hearing held. Defendant International Profit Associates, Inc.'s motion to compel answers to discovery requests is granted in part and denied in part [24-1]. The EEOC is required to file supplemental answers on or before 2/13/02 which: 1) itemizes any out-of-pocket damages; and 2) provides a general description of the nature of the emotional distress, if any, caused by defendants conduct. (e.g., headaches, loss of sleep, loss of concentration) The EEOC is not required to provide a dollar quantification of the emotional distress damages. The EEOC shall also identify 5-10 representatives class members by 2/13/02. Status hearing set for 1/15/02 is stricken. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 01/10/2002)

Jan. 9, 2002

Jan. 9, 2002

PACER
26

COMPLAINT by intervenor plaintiff Marian Townson (rmm) (Entered: 01/18/2002)

Jan. 17, 2002

Jan. 17, 2002

PACER
27

MOTION by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc to compel plaintiff to produce certain documents (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 01/29/2002)

Jan. 22, 2002

Jan. 22, 2002

PACER
28

MINUTE ORDER of 1/28/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Answer brief to motion to compel plaintiff to produce certain documents [27-1] due 2/19/02. Reply to answer brief due 3/1/02. Oral argument on motion to compel plaintiff to produce certain documents [27-1] set for 10:30 3/14/02. Plaintiff to give to Judge Denlow a copy of each type of document that they are withholding for an in camera insepction. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 01/29/2002)

Jan. 28, 2002

Jan. 28, 2002

PACER
29

ANSWER by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc and affirmative defenses to plaintiff-intervenor's complaint; Notice. [26-1] (hmb) (Entered: 02/12/2002)

Feb. 11, 2002

Feb. 11, 2002

PACER
31

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for an extension of time to produce to defendant International Profit Associates, Inc. summaries of class members' emotional damages ; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 02/21/2002)

Feb. 14, 2002

Feb. 14, 2002

PACER
30

RESPONSE by plaintiff to motion to defendant, International Profit Associates, Inc.'s to compel plaintiff to produce certain documents [27-1] (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 02/20/2002)

Feb. 19, 2002

Feb. 19, 2002

PACER
32

MINUTE ORDER of 2/20/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's motion for an extension of time to 3/15/02 to produce to defendant International Profit Associates, Inc. summaries of class members' emotional damages is granted [31-1]. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 02/21/2002)

Feb. 20, 2002

Feb. 20, 2002

PACER
33

MOTION by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc to compel in camera documents (Attachment) ; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 03/01/2002)

Feb. 27, 2002

Feb. 27, 2002

PACER
34

MINUTE ORDER of 2/28/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing held. Motion hearing held. Defendant's motion to compel in camera documents to be produced to the court by 3/4/02 is granted [33-1]. Oral argument on motion to compel plaintiff to produce certain documents [27-1] is reset for 8:45 3/13/02. Oral argument set for 3/14/02 is stricken. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 03/01/2002)

Feb. 28, 2002

Feb. 28, 2002

PACER
35

REPLY by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc in support of its motion to compel notes of interviews [27-1](Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 03/04/2002)

March 1, 2002

March 1, 2002

PACER
36

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for plaintiff by Ethan M.M. Cohen, Ann M Henry; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 03/11/2002)

March 8, 2002

March 8, 2002

PACER
37

MOTION by defendant to amend protective order (Attachments); Notice (yap) (Entered: 03/14/2002)

March 8, 2002

March 8, 2002

PACER
38

MOTION by plaintiff for leave to file sur-reply instanter ; Notice (yap) (Entered: 03/14/2002)

March 12, 2002

March 12, 2002

PACER
39

MINUTE ORDER of 3/13/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing set to 5/16/02 at 10:00 a.m. Oral argument held. EEOC's motion for leave to file sur-reply instanter [38-1] is granted. Defendant's motion to compel plaintiff to produce certain documents [27-1] is taken under advisement. Written ruling by mail on or by 3/27/02. Defendant's motion to amend protective order [37-1] is granted to the extent the parties agree and submit an amended protective order. Mailed notices by judge's staff (yap) (Entered: 03/14/2002)

March 13, 2002

March 13, 2002

PACER
40

SUR-REPLY by plaintiff in support of its opposition to IPA's motion to compel plaintiff to produce certain documents [27-1]; Declaration of Diane L. Smason (yap) (Entered: 03/14/2002)

March 13, 2002

March 13, 2002

PACER
41

MINUTE ORDER of 3/27/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Defendant's motion to compel plaintiff's production of interview notes is denied [27-1]. Entered Memorandum Opinion and Order. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 04/03/2002)

March 27, 2002

March 27, 2002

RECAP
42

MOTION by plaintiff to compel production of documents prior to deposition (Attachments); Notice. (vmj) (Entered: 05/02/2002)

April 25, 2002

April 25, 2002

PACER
45

MOTION by EEOC to compel answers to EEOC's second set of interrogatories (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 05/09/2002)

April 30, 2002

April 30, 2002

PACER
43

MINUTE ORDER of 5/1/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Motion hearing held. EEOC's motion to compel production of documents prior to deposition is denied [42-1] except to written policies, procedures and guidelines previously submitted. Notices mailed by judge's staff (vmj) (Entered: 05/02/2002)

May 1, 2002

May 1, 2002

PACER
46

MOTION by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc for protective order (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 05/09/2002)

May 3, 2002

May 3, 2002

PACER
44

RESPONSE by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc to EEOC's motion to compel answers to EEOC's second set of interrogatories (Attachments). (rmm) (Entered: 05/08/2002)

May 7, 2002

May 7, 2002

PACER
47

MINUTE ORDER of 5/8/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Motion hearing held. EEOC's motion to compel answers to EEOC's second set of interrogatories [45-1] is denied because Interrogatory No. 12 was inartfully drafted. Defendant has until May 29, 2002 to supplement Interrogatory No. 8. Defendant's motion for a protective order [46-1] is denied subject to the clarification made in open court. The Parties shall each be allowed to take in excess of ten depositions. The parties shall meet to agree on a number. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 05/09/2002)

May 8, 2002

May 8, 2002

PACER
48

MINUTE ORDER of 5/16/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing held and continued to 10:00 7/25/02. Ross Peters, counsel for plaintiff in case 02 C 2790, is allowed to become party to the current existing protective order in this case. Fact discovery cutoff in case 02 C 2790 is 09/30/02. Rhonda Porter's deposition to be taken on or by 06/03/02. Time for defendant to supplement Interrogatory No. 8 is extended to 06/10/02. Deendant to supplement Interrogatory No. 8 with respect to deponent Williams by 05/20/02. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 05/17/2002)

May 16, 2002

May 16, 2002

PACER
51

MOTION by defendant to compel more specific answers to defendants first set of interrogatories four and five and for attorney fees (Attachment) (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 06/18/2002)

June 10, 2002

June 10, 2002

PACER
52

MOTION by plaintiff for order to show cause why defendant should not be held in contempt (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 06/18/2002)

June 13, 2002

June 13, 2002

PACER
53

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for an order to show cause why defendant should not be held in contempt (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 06/18/2002)

June 13, 2002

June 13, 2002

PACER
49

RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC to defendant International Profit Associates, Inc.'s motion to compel more specific answers to defenant's first set of interrogatories four and five and for attorney fees (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 06/17/2002)

June 14, 2002

June 14, 2002

PACER
54

REPLY by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc in support of motion to compel more specific answers to defendants first set of interrogatories four and five [51-1] (rmm) (Entered: 06/18/2002)

June 14, 2002

June 14, 2002

PACER
50

Document Sealed (pursuant to Court Order) (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 06/17/2002)

June 14, 2002

June 14, 2002

PACER
55

RESPONSE by Intl Profit Assc Inc to EEOC's motion for order to show cause why defendant should not be held in contempt [52-1] [53-1] (rmm) (Entered: 06/18/2002)

June 14, 2002

June 14, 2002

PACER
56

MINUTE ORDER of 6/17/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Motion hearing held. Oral motion to extend the time to take the deposition of Ms. Porter's on or by 7/31/02 is granted. Mr. Cherry is to proceed first. Parties to complete deposition in one sitting, if possible, subject to her physical limitations. Defendant International Profit Associates, Inc.'s motion to compel more specific answers to defendants first set of interrogatories four and five [51-1] and for attorney fees [51-2] is denied. Plaintiff EEOC's motion for an order to show cause why defendant should not be held in contempt [52-1], [53-1] is denied, however, defendant is to supplement responses to Interrogatory #8 and Rule 26(a) production on or before 7/1/02 with respect to no less than 20 claims. Enter agreed order sealing defendant's motion to compel. (Entered agreed order.) Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 06/18/2002)

June 17, 2002

June 17, 2002

PACER
57

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 05/08/02 Before Honorable Morton Denlow (ntf) (Entered: 06/20/2002)

June 19, 2002

June 19, 2002

PACER
58

OBJECTIONS by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc to Magistrate Judge's Order, dated June 17, 2002 (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 06/25/2002)

June 24, 2002

June 24, 2002

PACER
59

MOTION by plaintiff for an order holding defendant in violation of the 10/16/01 protective order (RESTRICTED) (rmm) Modified on 07/10/2002 (Entered: 07/03/2002)

July 1, 2002

July 1, 2002

PACER
60

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for an order holding defendant in violation of the 10/16/01 protective order (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 07/10/2002)

July 1, 2002

July 1, 2002

PACER
61

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for an order holding defendant in violation of the 10/16/01 protective order ; Notice (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 07/10/2002)

July 1, 2002

July 1, 2002

PACER
62

MOTION by EEOC for entry protective order (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 07/10/2002)

July 3, 2002

July 3, 2002

PACER
67

RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC to defendant International Profit Association Inc.'s objections to Magistrate Judge's order, dated 6/17/02 [58-1] (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 07/12/2002)

July 3, 2002

July 3, 2002

PACER
72

Document Sealed (pursuant to Court Order) (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 07/16/2002)

July 3, 2002

July 3, 2002

PACER
63

MOTION by EEOC for entry of a protective order ; (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 07/10/2002)

July 3, 2002

July 3, 2002

PACER
64

EXHIBIT F by EEOC to motion for entry protective order [62-1], [63-1] (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 07/10/2002)

July 3, 2002

July 3, 2002

PACER
65

MINUTE ORDER of 7/9/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing held and continued to 10:00 7/30/02. EEOC's motion for entry protective order [62-1], [63-1] is granted in part and denied in part. Defendant is only allowed to ask deponents questions regarding drug use related to the workplace. Defendant is only allowed to ask questions regarding arrests and convictions admissible for impeachment purposes. EEOC's motion limiting the time of deposition of EEOC class members is denied without prejudice. Plaintiff's motion for holding defendant in violation of the 10/16/01 protective order [59-1] [60-1] [61-1] is denied as stated in open court. Defendant is to supplement responses to Interrogatory #8 with another 20 claims on or by 9/10/02. (Entered order sealing the defendant IPA's response to EEOC's motion regarding contempt.) Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 07/10/2002)

July 9, 2002

July 9, 2002

PACER
66

REPLY by Intl Profit Assc Inc to objections to Magistrate's order of 6/17/02 [58-1] (rmm) (Entered: 07/11/2002)

July 10, 2002

July 10, 2002

PACER
68

MINUTE ORDER of 7/10/02 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall: Enter order on reverse side of original minute order. Defendant Profit Associates, Inc. has timely filed objections to the magistrate judge's order [56-1] denying defendant's motion to compel more specific answers to defendant's first of interrogatories four and five [51-1], and for attorney fees [51-2]. For the reasons on the reverse of this minute order, this court holds that the magistrate judge's order is not clearly erroneous or contrary to law. The court declines to modify or set aside the magistrate judge's order. (See reverse of minute order.) Mailed notice (rmm) (Entered: 07/12/2002)

July 10, 2002

July 10, 2002

PACER
69

REDACTED OBJECTIONS by Intl Profit Assc Inc to Magistrate Judge's order, dated 06/17/02 [56-1] (Attachments); Redacted notice of filing; Notice of filing (ar) Modified on 07/15/2002 (Entered: 07/15/2002)

July 12, 2002

July 12, 2002

PACER
70

REDACTED response by Intl Profit Assc Inc to EEOC's motion regarding contempt [52-1] [53-1]; Notice (ar) (Entered: 07/15/2002)

July 12, 2002

July 12, 2002

PACER
71

MOTION by Intl Profit Assc Inc to compel more specific answers to defendant's first set for interrogatories Four and five, and for attorney's fees (Attachment); Redacted notice of motion; Notice of motion (ar) (Entered: 07/15/2002)

July 12, 2002

July 12, 2002

PACER
73

EMERGENCY MOTION by EEOC for an order to show cause why IPA should not be held in contempt (RESTRICTED) (rmm) (Entered: 07/18/2002)

July 16, 2002

July 16, 2002

PACER
74

EMERGENCY MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for and order to show cause why defendant should not be held in contempt (Attachments); Notice [Redacted] (rmm) (Entered: 07/18/2002)

July 17, 2002

July 17, 2002

PACER
75

RESPONSE by Intl Profit Assc Inc to plaintiff's emergency motion regarding (Attachments); Restricted documents pursuant to LR26.2 (Attachments) [Redacted} (rmm) (Entered: 07/18/2002)

July 17, 2002

July 17, 2002

PACER
76

MINUTE ORDER of 7/17/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Oral argument held. Plaintiff EEOC's emergency motion for an order to show cause why defendant should not be held in contempt [73-1] [74-1] is denied, however, defendant is required to explain its position in response to allegations of paragraphs 10a thru 10g 13, 14, 15, and 16 of Rhonda Porters complaint. Case No. 02 C 2790, ad discovery. Such answer to be delivered to plaintiff's counsel and EEOC by fax on or before the close of business 7/19/02. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 07/18/2002)

July 17, 2002

July 17, 2002

PACER
77

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 6/17/02 before Honorable Magistrate Judge Morton Denlow (rmm) (Entered: 07/25/2002)

July 24, 2002

July 24, 2002

PACER
78

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC to compel defendant IPA to supplement its response to EEOC interrogatory No. 2 (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 07/31/2002)

July 25, 2002

July 25, 2002

PACER
79

MINUTE ORDER of 7/30/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow : Status hearing held and continued to 10:09 12/5/02. Motion hearing held. For reasons stated in open court, plaintiff, EEOC's motion to compel defendant IPA to supplement its response to EEOC interrogatory No. 2 is denied [78-1]. Deendant is to supplement responses to Interrogatory No. 8 with another 20 claims on or by 11/12/02. Notices mailed by judge's staff (rmm) (Entered: 07/31/2002)

July 30, 2002

July 30, 2002

PACER
80

MOTION by defendant for protective order ; Notice. (air) (Entered: 08/13/2002)

Aug. 7, 2002

Aug. 7, 2002

PACER
81

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 05/16/02 Before Honorable Morton Denlow. (air) (Entered: 08/13/2002)

Aug. 12, 2002

Aug. 12, 2002

PACER
82

MINUTE ORDER of 8/12/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Motion hearing held. Defendant's motion for protective order [80-1] is entered and continued to 9:15 a.m. on 8/21/02. All attorneys are to read the Seventh Circuit Standard for Professional Conduct, in particular, Lawyers Duty to other Counsel. All counsel are to certify in writing on or by 8/21/02 that they have read the Standards for Professional Conduct and believe that their conduct in the discovery phase of this case complies with the requirements of the Seventh Circuit. Notice mailed by judge's staff (air) (Entered: 08/13/2002)

Aug. 12, 2002

Aug. 12, 2002

PACER
83

CERTIFICATION OF COUNSEL by defendant's counsel; Notice. (air) (Entered: 08/20/2002)

Aug. 19, 2002

Aug. 19, 2002

PACER
84

MINUTE ORDER of 8/19/02 by Hon. Morton Denlow: Defendant's motion for protective order [80-1] filed 8/7/02 is withdrawn. Hearing on defendant's motion for protective order [80-1] set for 8/21/02 is stricken. (Entered Order.) Notice mailed by judge's staff (air) (Entered: 08/20/2002)

Aug. 19, 2002

Aug. 19, 2002

PACER
85

CERTIFICATION by Jeanne B Szromba (rmm) (Entered: 08/22/2002)

Aug. 21, 2002

Aug. 21, 2002

PACER
86

CERTIFICATION by Ann Henry (rmm) (Entered: 08/22/2002)

Aug. 21, 2002

Aug. 21, 2002

PACER
87

CERTIFICATION by Diane I Smason; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 08/22/2002)

Aug. 21, 2002

Aug. 21, 2002

PACER
88

MOTION by defendant Intl Profit Assc Inc to withdraw as counsel the law firm of Ronald L. Bell & Associates, P.C. ; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 09/26/2002)

Sept. 9, 2002

Sept. 9, 2002

PACER
89

MINUTE ORDER of 9/25/02 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall: Filed motion by plaintiff to intervene and other relief. Plaintiff's reply to IPA's opposition to plaintiff's motion to intervene is due 10/9/02. Motion of the law firm of Ronald L. & Associates, P.C. for leave to withdraw as attorney for the defendant, International Profit Associates, Inc., is granted [88-1]. Mailed notice (rmm) (Entered: 09/26/2002)

Sept. 25, 2002

Sept. 25, 2002

PACER
92

MOTION by Intl Profit Assc Inc for leave to file a supplemental opposition to plaintiff's motion to intervene (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/08/2002)

Sept. 27, 2002

Sept. 27, 2002

PACER
90

RESPONSE by plaintiff EEOC in support of Rhonda Porter's motion to intervene (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/04/2002)

Oct. 3, 2002

Oct. 3, 2002

PACER
93

MINUTE ORDER of 10/4/02 by Hon. Joan B. Gottschall : Motion by defendant, International Profit Association, Inc. for leave to file a supplemental opposition to plaintiff's motion to intervene is granted [92-1]. Mailed notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/08/2002)

Oct. 4, 2002

Oct. 4, 2002

PACER
91

REPLY brief by Rhonda Porter in support of the motion to intervene (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/08/2002)

Oct. 7, 2002

Oct. 7, 2002

PACER
94

LETTER from Ross J Peters to Judge Gottschall dated 10/7/02 (rmm) (Entered: 10/08/2002)

Oct. 7, 2002

Oct. 7, 2002

PACER
95

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 7/30/02 before Honorable Morton Denlow. (rmm) (Entered: 10/17/2002)

Oct. 16, 2002

Oct. 16, 2002

PACER
97

MOTION by EEOC to compel production of certain pre-1997 documents, and to supplement to its earlier production of personnel files (Attachments); Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/29/2002)

Oct. 21, 2002

Oct. 21, 2002

PACER
98

MOTION by EEOC to set a discovery cutoff date ; Notice (rmm) (Entered: 10/29/2002)

Oct. 21, 2002

Oct. 21, 2002

PACER
99

AMENDED NOTICE by EEOC of motion to set a discovery cutoff date [98-1] (rmm) (Entered: 10/29/2002)

Oct. 22, 2002

Oct. 22, 2002

PACER
100

AMENDED NOTICE by EEOC of motion to compel production of certain pre-1997 documents [97-1] and to supplement to its earlier production of personnel files [97-2] (rmm) (Entered: 10/29/2002)

Oct. 22, 2002

Oct. 22, 2002

PACER
96

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for unknown Phyllis Lopez by Ross J. Peters (rmm) (Entered: 10/28/2002)

Oct. 25, 2002

Oct. 25, 2002

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Illinois

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 12, 2001

Closing Date: 2014

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, on behalf of one or more workers.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

International Profit Associates, Inc., Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Attorneys fees

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 8,000,000

Order Duration: 2011 - 2014

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Retaliation Prohibition

Develop anti-discrimination policy

Other requirements regarding hiring, promotion, retention

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Provide antidiscrimination training

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Reporting

Recordkeeping

Monitoring

Training

Issues

General:

Pattern or Practice

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Other Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc)

Discrimination-basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Sex or Gender:

Female

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit

Private Suit Related / Consolidated with EEOC Suit