Case: Hercules v. Doar

1:10-cv-06350 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Filed Date: Aug. 24, 2010

Closed Date: 2016

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On August 24, 2010, recipients of public assistance through the Safety Net Assistance program who lived in a household with at least one child, filed this class action lawsuit in the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff, represented by the New York Legal Assistance Group, The Legal Aid Society, and private counsel, sued public officials who operated public benefits programs in New York City, under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and state law. The plaintiffs alleged …

On August 24, 2010, recipients of public assistance through the Safety Net Assistance program who lived in a household with at least one child, filed this class action lawsuit in the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff, represented by the New York Legal Assistance Group, The Legal Aid Society, and private counsel, sued public officials who operated public benefits programs in New York City, under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and state law. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants' policies and practices reduced and discontinued the plaintiffs' Safety Net Assistance benefits for periods in excess of the periods provided by law and in violation of the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

On September 14, 2010, the complaint was amended with additional plaintiffs. On October 22, 2010, the Court (Judge Richard J. Sullivan) referred the case to a magistrate judge (Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman) for settlement.

The parties engaged to settlement negotiations over the next two years. On August 22, 2012, the parties filed a joint motion to certify class. The court granted the motion on the same day. The class was certified as:

All Safety Net Assistance Recipients living in New York City who, after August 24, 2007, lost or will lose Benefits as a result of being issued Incorrect-Duration Sanction Notices while a member of a household with at least one minor child, as defined in SSL § 345, on the sanctioned individual's case for public assistance or food stamps.

On March 22, 2013, the settlement was approved by the Court after a fairness hearing. In exchange for the dismissal of all claims with prejudice, the defendants agreed to stop generating incorrect sanctions for class members, to maintain computer programs that issued correct sanction duration language to Safety Net Assistance recipients, to maintain particular information within each sanction notification, and to correct the records of the class members. If the class member was a current public assistance recipient, defendants agreed to issue retroactive payments based on the time period when the class member lost their benefits to the class members' electronic benefits cards. If the class member was not a current public assistance recipient, the defendants agreed to review their records to confirm their status and pay retroactive payments if the class member had become one. The defendants also agreed to notify personnel of the changes and agreed to monitoring from the city defendant and plaintiffs' counsel for a period of thirty to thirty-four months. Finally, the defendants agreed to pay attorneys' fees and costs.

The case is now closed and the settlement concluded.

Summary Authors

Cade Boland (2/11/2018)

People


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bahn, Susan C (New York)

Banks, Steven (New York)

Banks [DUP], Steven R (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Bristow, William (New York)

Cohen, Elizabeth (New York)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:10-cv-06350

Docket [PACER]

March 25, 2013

March 25, 2013

Docket
1

1:10-cv-06350

Class Action Complaint

Aug. 24, 2010

Aug. 24, 2010

Complaint
9

1:10-cv-06350

Amended Complaint

Sept. 14, 2010

Sept. 14, 2010

Complaint
63

1:10-cv-06350

Stipulation and Order of Settlement

March 22, 2012

March 22, 2012

Order/Opinion
50

1:10-cv-06350

Stipulation and Order of Class Certification

Aug. 22, 2012

Aug. 22, 2012

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 21, 2024, 3:07 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Elizabeth Berlin, Robert Doar, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. (Filing Fee $ 350.00, Receipt Number 912955)Document filed by Joeann Hercules, Ladorn Browne. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit)(rdz) (Entered: 08/26/2010)

Aug. 24, 2010

Aug. 24, 2010

SUMMONS ISSUED as to Robert Doar, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. (rdz) (Entered: 08/26/2010)

Aug. 24, 2010

Aug. 24, 2010

Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz is so designated. (rdz) (Entered: 08/26/2010)

Aug. 24, 2010

Aug. 24, 2010

Case Designated ECF. (rdz) (Entered: 08/26/2010)

Aug. 24, 2010

Aug. 24, 2010

2

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Elizabeth Cohen on behalf of Elizabeth Berlin (Cohen, Elizabeth) (Entered: 08/30/2010)

Aug. 30, 2010

Aug. 30, 2010

3

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED Summons and Complaint, served. Elizabeth Berlin served on 8/25/2010, answer due 9/15/2010. Service was accepted by Zenatul Zaman, Clerk at the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Document filed by Joeann Hercules; Ladorn Browne. (Hibshoosh, Daniel) (Entered: 09/02/2010)

Sept. 2, 2010

Sept. 2, 2010

4

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED Summons and Complaint, served. Robert Doar served on 8/25/2010, answer due 9/15/2010. Service was accepted by Leslie Wyche, Community Coordinator for NYC Human Resources Administration. Document filed by Joeann Hercules; Ladorn Browne. (Hibshoosh, Daniel) (Entered: 09/02/2010)

Sept. 2, 2010

Sept. 2, 2010

5

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE of Summons, Complaint, Civil Cover Sheet and Individual Practices of Richard J. Sullivan served on New York City Law Department on 08/25/10. Service was accepted by Dimitriy Aronov. Document filed by Ladorn Browne, Joeann Hercules. (Hibshoosh, Daniel) (Entered: 09/02/2010)

Sept. 2, 2010

Sept. 2, 2010

6

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE of Summons, Complaint, Civil Cover Sheet and Individual Practices of Richard J. Sullivan served on Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York on 08/25/10. Service was accepted by Ms. Loui J, clerk at the office of the Attorney General of the State of New York. Document filed by Ladorn Browne, Joeann Hercules. (Hibshoosh, Daniel) (Entered: 09/02/2010)

Sept. 2, 2010

Sept. 2, 2010

7

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from Elizabeth Cohen dated 9/1/10 re: Counsel requests a 45 day extension of time for Defendant Berlin to respond to the Complaint in this matter, from September 14, 2010 until October 29, 2010. ENDORSEMENT: SO ORDERED. Elizabeth Berlin answer due 10/29/2010. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 9/7/10) (djc) (Entered: 09/08/2010)

Sept. 8, 2010

Sept. 8, 2010

8

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Kimberly Dorothy Conway on behalf of Robert Doar (Conway, Kimberly) (Entered: 09/14/2010)

Sept. 14, 2010

Sept. 14, 2010

10

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Jonathan L. Pines on behalf of Robert Doar (Pines, Jonathan) (Entered: 09/16/2010)

Sept. 16, 2010

Sept. 16, 2010

11

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from Kimberly Conway dated 9/14/10 re: Request that the time for City Defendant Robert Doar's time to respond to the complaint be extended to 10/29/10. ENDORSEMENT: SO ORDERED. Robert Doar answer due 10/29/2010. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 9/17/10) (db) (Entered: 09/20/2010)

Sept. 20, 2010

Sept. 20, 2010

12

ORDER: Pursuant to the Court's Individual Practices, Rule 2.A, Plaintiffs shall respond to Defendants' 9/21/10 letter with their own letter of no more than three pages by September 24, 2010. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall attend a pre−motion conference at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 in Courtroom 21 C. (Pre−Motion Conference set for 10/13/2010 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 21C, 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007 before Judge Richard J. Sullivan.) (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 9/21/10) (db) (Entered: 09/22/2010)

Sept. 22, 2010

Sept. 22, 2010

13

ORDER: Accordingly, the Court GRANTS the City's request and will disregard Plaintiffs' September 24 letter. Plaintiffs − as well as Defendants − shall not submit any other reply letter. Additionally, Plaintiffs October 1 letter indicates that the City has a conflict with the pre−motion conference scheduled for October 13, 2010. Although the Court has not heard from the City regarding its conflict, IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the October 13, 2010 pre−motion conference is adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2010. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 10/5/2010) (jpo) (Entered: 10/06/2010)

Oct. 6, 2010

Oct. 6, 2010

14

ORDER REFERRING CASE TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE. Order that case be referred to the Clerk of Court for assignment to a Magistrate Judge for Settlement: the parties shall contact Magistrate Judge Katz to schedule a settlement conference forthwith. Referred to Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 10/22/10) (pl) (Entered: 10/25/2010)

Oct. 22, 2010

Oct. 22, 2010

15

ORDER Status Letter due by 11/22/2010, apprising the Court of the status of this matter. Additionally, Defendants' time in which to answer or otherwise respond to the complaint is stayed pending the parties settlement negotiations. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 10/22/10) (cd) (Entered: 10/26/2010)

Oct. 26, 2010

Oct. 26, 2010

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 11/3/2010. (mro) (Entered: 11/08/2010)

Nov. 3, 2010

Nov. 3, 2010

16

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings held on 10/22/2010 before Judge Richard J. Sullivan. (mbe) (Entered: 11/08/2010)

Nov. 5, 2010

Nov. 5, 2010

17

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz from Kimberly Conway dated 11/12/10 re: counsel writes in response to Your Honor's request that the City Defendant apprise the Court of whether City Defendant will agree to consider a monetary settlement in this case. ENDORSEMENT: Provide a status report by December 13, 2010 and, in consultation with Plaintiffs' counsel, propose dates for a settlement conference. ( Status Report due by 12/13/2010.) (Signed by Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz on 11/15/10) (djc) (Entered: 11/15/2010)

Nov. 15, 2010

Nov. 15, 2010

18

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by January 5, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement negotiations in this action. Additionally, Defendants' time in which to answer or otherwise respond to the complaint is stayed pending the parties' settlement negotiations. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 12/2/10) (mro) (Entered: 12/06/2010)

Dec. 6, 2010

Dec. 6, 2010

19

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz from Kimberly Conway dated 12/15/10 re: Request for an adjournment of the 12/17/10 settlement conference. ENDORSEMENT: The settlement conference is adjourned to 1/19/11, at 2:00 pm. The Court expects the defendants to be in a position to have a meaningful settlement discussion. (Settlement Conference reset for 1/19/2011 at 02:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz.) (Signed by Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz on 12/16/10) (cd) (Entered: 12/16/2010)

Dec. 16, 2010

Dec. 16, 2010

20

ORDER: It is hereby ordered that the parties shall submit a letter, to be received by January 21, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement negotiations. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 1/6/2011) (jpo) (Entered: 01/06/2011)

Jan. 6, 2011

Jan. 6, 2011

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 1/19/2011. (mro) (Entered: 01/24/2011)

Jan. 19, 2011

Jan. 19, 2011

21

ENDORSED LETTER: addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from Kenneth R. Stephens dated 1/21/2011 re: Counsel writes to provide the Court with an updated status report. The parties conferred by telephone on January 14, 2011. A settlement conference was held before Magistrate Judge Katz on January 19, 2011. The parties are in partial agreement on certain issues but remain in disagreement on others. Counsel has agreed to confer again in two weeks, and have scheduled a settlement conference with Magistrate Judge Katz on February 23, 2011, in an attempt to reach agreement on additional issues. While at this point it is unclear whether they can reach a settlement, the parties believe it would be fruitful to continue trying in ta least one more meeting with Magistrate Judge Katz. ENDORSEMENT: It is hereby ordered that the parties shall submit a joint letter apprising the Court of the status of settlement negotiations by February 25, 2011. So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 1/21/11) (js) (Entered: 01/24/2011)

Jan. 21, 2011

Jan. 21, 2011

22

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz from The City of New York Law Department dated 2/18/11 re: Counsel requests an adjournment of the settlement conference. ENDORSEMENT: The conference is adjourned to March 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. (Settlement Conference set for 3/8/2011 at 02:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz.) (Signed by Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz on 2/18/11) (djc) (Entered: 02/22/2011)

Feb. 22, 2011

Feb. 22, 2011

23

ORDER, that the Court is in receipt of a letter, from Defendants, apprising the Court that the parties' settlement negotiations are ongoing. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by April 1, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions in this action. ( Status Report due by 4/1/2011.) (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 2/25/11) (pl) (Entered: 02/28/2011)

Feb. 28, 2011

Feb. 28, 2011

24

ORDER: 1. By March 18, 2011, the State Defendants shall complete their analysis of computerized data indicating which of the those individuals in the "early cure" group received a fairness hearing and did not have their benefits cut or had their benefits restored. 2. By April 4, 2011, the City Defendants shall apprise Plaintiffs of their settlement position with respect to members of the "early cure" group who did not receive fairness hearings or have their benefits restored. 3.The parties shall appear for another settlement session with the Court on April 12, 2011, at 2:00 P.M. So Ordered. (Settlement Conference set for 4/12/2011 at 02:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz) (Signed by Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz on 3/8/2011) (lnl) (Entered: 03/08/2011)

March 8, 2011

March 8, 2011

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 3/8/2011. (mro) (Entered: 03/10/2011)

March 8, 2011

March 8, 2011

25

ORDER, that the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by May 2, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions in this action. ( Status Report due by 5/2/2011.) (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 4/4/11) (pl) (Entered: 04/04/2011)

April 4, 2011

April 4, 2011

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 4/12/2011. (eef) (Entered: 04/14/2011)

April 12, 2011

April 12, 2011

26

ORDER. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by June 6, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions in this action. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 5/2/11) (rjm) (Entered: 05/03/2011)

May 2, 2011

May 2, 2011

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 5/23/2011. (eef) (Entered: 05/26/2011)

May 23, 2011

May 23, 2011

28

ORDER that the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by 7/6/11, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions in this action. In the event that settlement negotiations have terminated, the parties shall submit to the Court a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the 7/6/11, and as further set forth in this document. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 6/7/11) (cd) (Entered: 06/08/2011)

June 8, 2011

June 8, 2011

29

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by William Harvey Bristow, III on behalf of Elizabeth Berlin (Bristow, William) (Entered: 06/09/2011)

June 9, 2011

June 9, 2011

30

ORDER. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by August 8, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions. In the event that settlement negotiations have terminated, the parties shall submit to the Court a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the August 8, 2011 letter. A template for the order is available at http://www1.nysd.uscourts.gov/judge_info.php?id=99. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 7/7/11) (rjm) (Entered: 07/07/2011)

July 7, 2011

July 7, 2011

31

ORDER that the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by September 8, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions. In the event that settlement negotiations have terminated, the parties shall submit to the Court a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the September 8, 2011 letter. A template for the order is available at http://wwwl.nysd.uscourts.gov/judge_info.php?id=99. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 8/9/11) (cd) (Entered: 08/09/2011)

Aug. 9, 2011

Aug. 9, 2011

32

ORDER: The Court is in receipt of a letter from Plaintiffs, dated September 13, 2011, informing the Court that the parties' settlement negotiations are ongoing. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by October 10, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions. In the event that settlement negotiations have terminated, the parties shall submit to the Court a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the October 10, 2011 letter. A template for the order is available at http://www1.nysd.uscourts.gov/judge_info.php?id=99. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 9/13/2011) (lmb) (Entered: 09/14/2011)

Sept. 13, 2011

Sept. 13, 2011

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 9/22/2011. (eef) (Entered: 09/26/2011)

Sept. 22, 2011

Sept. 22, 2011

33

ORDER: The Court is in receipt of a letter from Plaintiffs, dated October 11, 2011, informing the Court that the parties' settlement negotiations are ongoing and that the parties have scheduled an appearance before Magistrate Judge Katz on November 4, 2011. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by November 11, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions. In the event that settlement negotiations have terminated, the parties shall submit to the Court a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the November 10, 2011 letter. A template for the order is available at http://www1.nysd.uscourts.gov/judge_info.php?id=99. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 10/11/2011) (mro) Modified on 10/17/2011 (mro). (Entered: 10/12/2011)

Oct. 12, 2011

Oct. 12, 2011

34

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz from Kimberly Conway dated 11/3/2011 re: City Defendant requests an adjournment of the settlement conference. ENDORSEMENT: The next conference shall take place on November 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. (Settlement Conference set for 11/21/2011 at 02:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz.) (Signed by Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz on 11/4/2011) (djc) Modified on 11/9/2011 (djc). (Entered: 11/04/2011)

Nov. 4, 2011

Nov. 4, 2011

35

ORDER. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by December 12, 2011, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions. In the event that settlement negotiations have terminated, the parties shall submit to the Court a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the November 10, 2011 letter, and as further set forth. (Signed by Judge Richard J.

Nov. 14, 2011

Nov. 14, 2011

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Telephone/Settlement Conference held on 12/15/2011. (eef) (Entered: 12/19/2011)

Dec. 15, 2011

Dec. 15, 2011

36

ORDER: the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by January 17,2012, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions. In the event that the parties have not concluded a settlement, the parties shall submit to the Court a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the January 17, 2012 letter. A template for the order is available at http://www.nysd. uscourts.gov/cases/show.php?db=judge info&id=34 (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 12/15/2011) (cd) (Entered: 12/16/2011)

Dec. 16, 2011

Dec. 16, 2011

37

ORDER: Accordingly, IT IS HEREBYORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by January 30, 2012, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions. In the event that the parties have not concluded a settlement, the parties shall submit a proposed case management plan and scheduling order along with the January 30, 2012 letter, and as further set forth in this document. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 1/23/2012) (cd) (Entered: 01/23/2012)

Jan. 23, 2012

Jan. 23, 2012

38

ORDER: Accordingly,IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit updated pre−motion lettersthat articulate the basis for these contemplated motions by February 2, 2012. Replies shall besubmitted by February 7, 2012.IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT the parties shall appear for a pre−motion conferenceon February 21, 2012 at 3:00p.m. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 1/27/2012) (js) (Entered: 01/30/2012)

Jan. 30, 2012

Jan. 30, 2012

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Telephone Status Conference held on 2/3/2012. (eef) (Entered: 02/09/2012)

Feb. 3, 2012

Feb. 3, 2012

40

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Richard J. Sullivan: Conference held on 2/21/2012. (cd) (Entered: 02/22/2012)

Feb. 21, 2012

Feb. 21, 2012

39

ORDER: As stated at the conference held on February 21, 2012, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a joint letter, to be received by March 30, 2012, apprising the Court of the status of settlement discussions and proposing what action the Court should take in this matter. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 2/21/2012) (mro) (Entered: 02/22/2012)

Feb. 22, 2012

Feb. 22, 2012

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 3/22/2012. (djc) (Entered: 04/05/2012)

March 22, 2012

March 22, 2012

41

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from William O'Brien dated 3/29/2012 re: In view of the above, the parties respectfully propose that they submit a joint letter on April 13 apprising the Court of the status of the settlement discussions and proposing what action the Court should take. ENDORSEMENT: The request is granted. The parties shall submit an updated joint status letter by April 13, 2012. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 3/29/2012) (djc) (Entered: 03/29/2012)

March 29, 2012

March 29, 2012

42

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from William O'Brien dated 4/13/12 re: Counsel writes on behalf of the parties to submit an update to Your Honor on the current status of the settlement negotiations and will report to Your Honor again by 4/20/12. ENDORSEMENT: So ordered. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 4/13/2012) (mro) Modified on 4/17/2012 (mro). (Entered: 04/16/2012)

April 16, 2012

April 16, 2012

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz: Settlement Conference held on 4/19/2012. (mro) (Entered: 04/24/2012)

April 19, 2012

April 19, 2012

43

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from William O'Brien dated 4/20/2012 re: In light of the foregoing, the parties respectfully suggest that they provide Your Honor with another status report on May 26, 2012. ENDORSEMENT: The parties shall submit an updated Joint Status Letter by May 25, 2012. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 4/23/2012) (djc) (Entered: 04/23/2012)

April 23, 2012

April 23, 2012

45

NOTICE OF REDESIGNATION TO ANOTHER MAGISTRATE JUDGE. The above entitled action has been redesignated to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman. Please note that this is a reassignment of the designation only. (pgu) (Entered: 06/19/2012)

June 18, 2012

June 18, 2012

46

NOTICE OF REASSIGNMENT OF A REFERRAL TO ANOTHER MAGISTRATE JUDGE. The referral in the above entitled action has been reassigned to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman, for Settlement. Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz no longer referred to the case. (pgu) (Entered: 06/19/2012)

June 18, 2012

June 18, 2012

47

ORDER: the briefing schedule set forth in the Court's Order of May 25, 2012 is adjourned. The parties shall submit an updated status letter on July 27, 2012. In the event that the parties have not reached a settlement by July 27, 2012, IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT they shall comply with the following briefing schedule for Plaintiffs' motion for class certification and Defendants' motion to dismiss: Motion due by 8/27/2012. Responses due by 9/28/2012, Replies due by 10/12/2012. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 6/25/2012) (cd) (Entered: 06/25/2012)

June 25, 2012

June 25, 2012

48

ORDER: the request to adjourn the briefing schedule is denied. The parties shall comply with the briefing schedule set forth in the Court's order of June 25, 2012. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 7/27/2012) (pl) (Entered: 07/30/2012)

July 30, 2012

July 30, 2012

49

JOINT MOTION to Certify Class. Document filed by Elizabeth Berlin, Ladorn Browne, Elizabeth Colon, Robert Doar, Joeann Hercules, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Stipulation and Proposed Order of Class Certification)(Tarantolo, Danielle) (Entered: 08/22/2012)

Aug. 22, 2012

Aug. 22, 2012

50

STIPULATION AND ORDER OF CLASS CERTIFICATION: IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED AND AGREED, BY AND BETWEEN THE UNDERSIGNED, THAT THIS ACTION SHOULD BE CERTIFIED AS A CLASS ACTION PURSUANT TO RULE 23 OF THE FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS: A class is certified consisting of: All Safety Net Assistance Recipients living in New York City who, after August 24, 2007, lost or will lose Benefits as a result of being issued Incorrect− Duration Sanction Notices while a member of a household with at least one minor child, as defined in SSL § 345, on the sanctioned individual's case for public assistance or food stamps as further set forth in this order. Attorneys from The Legal Aid Society, the New York Legal Assistance Group, and Cooley LLP are designated as class counsel and as further set forth in this order., Motions terminated: 49 JOINT MOTION to Certify Class filed by Robert Doar, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Elizabeth Colon, Ladorn Browne, Elizabeth Berlin, Joeann Hercules. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 8/22/2012) (lmb) (Entered: 08/23/2012)

Aug. 22, 2012

Aug. 22, 2012

51

ORDER: The Court is in receipt of a letter from the parties, dated August 22, 2012, informing the Court that Defendants have consented to class certification and attaching a proposed order of class certification. Accordingly, in light of the fact that the Court has endorsed this stipulation, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties do not need to brief the motion for class certification. The letter also notes that the parties continue to engage in settlement negotiations and proposes that the parties provide the Court with either a proposed settlement of all issues or a pre−trial scheduling order on or before September 24, 2012. The letter, however, makes no mention of Defendants' contemplated motion to dismiss, which the Court directed to be filed on or before August 27, 2012. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the parties request to submit an updated status report on September 24, 2012 is granted. However, should Defendants wish to pursue a motion to dismiss, they must do so in compliance with the briefing schedule set forth in the Court's Order of June 25, 2012 (Doc. No. 47). (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 8/22/2012) (lmb) (Entered: 08/23/2012)

Aug. 22, 2012

Aug. 22, 2012

53

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from Kenneth R. Stephens dated 9/24/2012 re: We respectfully request that the parties be given until October 23, 2012, to submit the proposed settlement and plan for providing class notice, with the understanding that the parties will move as expeditiously as possible to submit the documents before that date. ENDORSEMENT: The request is granted. The parties shall submit their proposed settlement and plan for providing class notice on or before October 23, 2012. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 9/24/2012) (ama) (Entered: 09/24/2012)

Sept. 24, 2012

Sept. 24, 2012

54

ENDORSED LETTER: addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from William H. Bristow dated 10/23/2012 re: Counsel for defendant requests three additional days, until October 26, 2012, for the parties to submit their proposed settlement and Plan providing class notice. Counsel for plaintiffs and the City defendant have consented to this application. ENDORSEMENT: The request is granted. The parties shall submit their proposed settlement and plan for providing class notice on or before October 26, 2012. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 10/23/2012) (js) (Entered: 10/24/2012)

Oct. 24, 2012

Oct. 24, 2012

55

STIPULATION AND ORDER REGARDING NOTIFICATION OF PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED AND AGREED, by and among the undersigned attorneys for the Plaintiffs and Defendants, that members of the Plaintiff Class should be sent the Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement attached hereto as Exhibit A, and that the procedures for notifying Class members of the proposed Stipulation and Order of Settlement, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and the holding of the Fairness Hearing shall be as follows, subjectto the approval of the Civil pursuant to Rule 23(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: And as set forth in this Order. SO ORDERED. ( Fairness Hearing set for 1/15/2013 at 03:00 PM in Courtroom 21C, 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007 before Judge Richard J. Sullivan.) (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 11/04/2012) (ama) Modified on 11/13/2012 (ama). (Entered: 11/05/2012)

Nov. 5, 2012

Nov. 5, 2012

56

NOTICE of NYLAG temporary contact information. Document filed by Ladorn Browne, Elizabeth Colon, Joeann Hercules. (Stevens, Jane) (Entered: 11/08/2012)

Nov. 8, 2012

Nov. 8, 2012

57

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from Jonathan Pines dated 11/15/2012 re: I respectfully request that the deadline for mailing Notices, as well as the date of the Fairness Hearing currently scheduled for January 15, 2013, be adjourned sine die and that City defendant be permitted to provide the Court and the parties a written status report by December 10, 2012. ENDORSEMENT: The request is granted. In light of the impact that Superstorm Sandy has had, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that (1) the deadline for mailing notices to class members, and (2) the fairness hearing previously scheduled for January 15, 2013, are adjourned sine die. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a joint status report on or before December 10, 2012. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 11/15/2012) (lmb) (Entered: 11/16/2012)

Nov. 16, 2012

Nov. 16, 2012

58

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from Jonathan Pines dated 12/10/2012 re: Counsel for City Defendant writes to apprise the Court of the current status of HRA and, regrettably, to request a continuing adjournment of the deadline within which to send notices to the plaintiff class of the fairness hearing relating to the settlement of this class action. ENDORSEMENT: The request is granted. In light of the hardships that Superstorm Sandy has posed, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that (1) the deadline for mailing notices to class members, and (2) the fairness hearing previously scheduled for January 15, 2013, remain adjourned sine die. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT the parties shall submit a status report on or before December 21, 2012. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 12/10/2012) (pl) (Entered: 12/11/2012)

Dec. 11, 2012

Dec. 11, 2012

60

ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard J. Sullivan from Jonathan Pines dated 1/4/2013 re: Counsel writes on behalf of all parties to provide the Court with a status update. ENDORSEMENT: The parties are hereby ordered to submit a status report on January 14, 2013. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 1/7/2013) (ft) (Entered: 01/07/2013)

Jan. 7, 2013

Jan. 7, 2013

61

STIPULATION AND ORDER REGARDING NOTIFICATION OF PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: That members of the Plaintiff Class should be sent the Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement attached hereto as Exhibit A, and that the procedures for notifying Class members of the proposed Stipulation and Order of Settlement, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and the holding of a Fairness hearing shall be as follows, subject to the approval of the Court pursuant to Rule 23(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and as further set forth herein. A Fairness hearing will be held before Judge Richard Sullivan on March 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 905 at the United States Courthouse 40 Foley Square, New York, New York, at which time the Court will determine whether the proposed Stipulation and Order of Settlement should finally be approved as fair, reasonable, and adequate and whether the Stipulation and Order of Settlement shall be entered as the Final Judgment in this case between Plaintiffs and City and State Defendants. ( Fairness Hearing set for 3/22/2013 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 905, 40 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 before Judge Richard J. Sullivan.) (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 1/10/2013) (ago) (Entered: 01/11/2013)

Jan. 11, 2013

Jan. 11, 2013

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Richard J. Sullivan: Fairness Hearing held on 3/22/2013. Counsel for Plaintiff Class was present. Counsel for Defendants was present. Several dozen class members were present, and one voiced a limited objection but declined to seek exclusion from the Class. The Court approved the proposed settlement, which will be docketed separately. (ja) (Entered: 03/25/2013)

March 22, 2013

March 22, 2013

62

ORDER: For these reasons and for the reasons set forth more fully on the record at the Fairness Hearing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the settlement agreement is approved as being fair, reasonable, and adequate in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e)(2). SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 3/25/2013) (ama) (Entered: 03/25/2013)

March 25, 2013

March 25, 2013

63

STIPULATION AND ORDER OF SETTLEMENT: ENDORSEMENT: The parties have further stipulated to, and the Court approves, the following modifications to this agreement: (l) At the third and fourth lines of paragraph 36, the phrase "until the Court's jurisdiction terminates" is replaced with "for the 34 months after the Effective Date." (2) Section VII shall include an additional paragraph that reads: "To compensate for Superstorm Sandy related delay, the Court's jurisdiction will be extended by four months, but only to enforce City Defendant's obligation to conduct reviews of its computer system and to oversee identification of, and payment of benefits to, class members who have newly returned to the public assistance rolls and who are therefore eligible to receive retroactive benefits under this Settlement." SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan on 3/22/2013) (ama) Modified on 3/28/2013 (ama). (Entered: 03/25/2013)

March 25, 2013

March 25, 2013

Case Details

State / Territory: New York

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 24, 2010

Closing Date: 2016

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Recipients of public assistance through Safety Net Assistance program who live in a household with at least one child.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Legal Services/Legal Aid

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Commissioner of New York City Human Resources Administration (New York City), City

Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, State

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Available Documents:

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: appx. $3,000,000 in benef

Order Duration: 2013 - 2016

Content of Injunction:

Reporting

Monitoring

Issues

General:

Classification / placement

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)