Case: Katz v. Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn

1:08-cv-01698 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Filed Date: April 24, 2008

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case related to allegations of housing discrimination against people with, or expecting to have, children – a protected class in NY. On April 24, 2008, a married couple filed suit against Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn (“BHS”), a real estate brokerage firm headquartered in Brooklyn NY, doing business throughout New York City, and some of its licensed real estate agents and brokers in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The case was assigned to Magistrate Judge Ramo…

This case related to allegations of housing discrimination against people with, or expecting to have, children – a protected class in NY. On April 24, 2008, a married couple filed suit against Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn (“BHS”), a real estate brokerage firm headquartered in Brooklyn NY, doing business throughout New York City, and some of its licensed real estate agents and brokers in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The case was assigned to Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. The plaintiffs were represented by Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP. Though the plaintiffs initially intended to pursue a class-action lawsuit, the case was settled before trial.

The plaintiffs alleged that BHS violated the Federal Fair Act (42 U.S.C. §3601), NYS Human Rights Law, NYS Landlord, Tenant Law, and NYC Human Rights Law. From 2006 to 2007, the plaintiffs worked with BHS to find housing opportunities for their soon-to-be family. The plaintiffs claimed that throughout their engagement with BHS, BHS consistently refused to rent or show the plaintiffs housing units because either they thought the unit was not “suitable” for children or because the landlords of the units did not want to rent to couples with children. The plaintiffs engaged testers from the Federal Housing Justice Center to confirm the claims to substantiate their claims. Testers from the FHJC confirmed similar experiences. The plaintiffs sought declaratory, injunctive, and monetary relief from BHS.

On March 04, 2009, an Order of Settlement was filed with the Court, noting that the settlement terms would be confidential. The Court retains jurisdiction to enforce the confidential settlement. The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Richard Cantoral (10/10/2021)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/12321853/parties/katz-v-brown-harris-stevens-brooklyn-llc/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Gibson, Will (New York)

Goodman, Carol M (New York)

Greenberg, Jack (New York)

Mintz, Jeffry A. (New York)

Mollen, Scott (New York)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:08-cv-01698

Docket [PACER]

Katz v. Brown Harris Stevens

June 3, 2010

June 3, 2010

Docket
1 & 1-2

1:08-cv-01698

Class Action Complaint

Katz v. Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

Complaint
22

1:08-cv-01698

Stipulation of Settlement and Discontinuance with Prejudice

Katz v. Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC

March 24, 2009

March 24, 2009

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/12321853/katz-v-brown-harris-stevens-brooklyn-llc/

Last updated Jan. 30, 2024, 3:11 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Aileen Truesdale, Jane/John Doe 1 - 10, Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC, Brian Lehner, Miya Signor $ 350, filed by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Jones, Sandra) (Entered: 04/24/2008)

2 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

PACER

Summons Issued as to Aileen Truesdale, Jane/John Doe 1 - 10, Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC, Brian Lehner, Miya Signor. (Jones, Sandra)

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

PACER
2

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera. Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC served on 4/28/2008, answer due 5/19/2008. (Wang, Mariann) (Entered: 05/01/2008)

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

PACER
3

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera. Miya Signor served on 4/28/2008, answer due 5/19/2008. (Wang, Mariann) (Entered: 05/01/2008)

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

PACER
4

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera. Aileen Truesdale served on 4/28/2008, answer due 5/19/2008. (Wang, Mariann) (Entered: 05/01/2008)

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

PACER
5

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera. Brian Lehner served on 4/28/2008, answer due 5/19/2008. (Wang, Mariann) (Entered: 05/01/2008)

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

PACER
6

STIPULATION re 1 Complaint / Stipulation Extending Time to Answer, appear, or to make any motion with relation to the summons or to the complaint by Aileen Truesdale, Jane/John Doe 1 - 10, Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC, Brian Lehner, Miya Signor (Goodman, Carol) (Entered: 05/16/2008)

May 16, 2008

May 16, 2008

PACER
7

ORDER re 6 Stipulation Extending Time to Answer, appear, or to make any motion with relation to the summons or to the complaint until June 9, 2008. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr on 5/16/2008. (Vertus, Miriam) (Entered: 05/16/2008)

May 16, 2008

May 16, 2008

PACER
8

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by Aileen Truesdale, Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC, Brian Lehner, Miya Signor. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service) (Goodman, Carol) (Entered: 06/09/2008)

June 9, 2008

June 9, 2008

PACER
9

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service) (Goodman, Carol) (Entered: 06/09/2008)

June 9, 2008

June 9, 2008

PACER
10

NOTICE of Hearing: Initial Conference set for Wednesday, September 17,2008 at 11:30 AM before Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein at the Brooklyn Courthouse located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Plaintiff's counsel is directed to serve a copy of this notice on all parties upon receipt. (Glueckert, Lisa) (Entered: 07/03/2008)

July 2, 2008

July 2, 2008

PACER
11

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein:Initial Conference Hearing held on 9/15/2008, ( Status Conference set for 10/15/2008 10:15 AM before Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein. in Central Islip Courthouse) (Bollbach, Jean) (Entered: 09/19/2008)

Sept. 15, 2008

Sept. 15, 2008

PACER
12

NOTICE by Aileen Truesdale, Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC, Brian Lehner, Miya Signor Defendants' Initial Disclosures. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service) (Goodman, Carol) (Entered: 10/07/2008)

Oct. 7, 2008

Oct. 7, 2008

PACER
13

MOTION to Adjourn Conference scheduled for October 15, 2008 by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera. (Saylor, Elizabeth) (Entered: 10/08/2008)

Oct. 8, 2008

Oct. 8, 2008

PACER
14

ORDER granting 13 Motion to Adjourn Conference - Status conference is adjourned to 11/12/08 at 11:15 AM. Ordered by Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein on 10/10/08. (Brienza, Lauren) (Entered: 10/16/2008)

Oct. 10, 2008

Oct. 10, 2008

PACER
15

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein: Counsel present. Status Conference held on 11/12/2008. Outstanding discovery is respectfully referred to Magistrate Judge Reyes. (Brienza, Lauren) (Entered: 11/17/2008)

Nov. 12, 2008

Nov. 12, 2008

PACER

Order: The parties are directed to submit a joint Case Management Plan due by 12/5/2008. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr on 11/17/2008. (Vertus, Miriam)

Nov. 17, 2008

Nov. 17, 2008

PACER
16

Letter to Court re joint case management plan by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera (Wang, Mariann) (Entered: 12/05/2008)

Dec. 5, 2008

Dec. 5, 2008

PACER

SCHEDULING ORDER re 16 Letter filed by Lisa Nocera, Jamie Katz. Plaintiff's counsel will amend the case management plan to reflect the correct dates for the conclusion of fact depositions, expert reports and depositions. All discovery to be completed by 4/28/2009. In person Final Pretrial Conference set for 4/29/2009 at 10:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr., In person Status Conference set for 3/25/2009 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom A North before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr.,Plaintiff's counsel will initiate the Telephone Conference set for 2/20/2009 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr on 12/5/2008. (Vertus, Miriam)

Dec. 5, 2008

Dec. 5, 2008

PACER
17

Letter to Court re corrected joint case managment plan by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera (Wang, Mariann) (Entered: 12/05/2008)

Dec. 5, 2008

Dec. 5, 2008

PACER

SCHEDULING ORDER: Settlement Conference set for 2/4/2009 at 9:30 AM in Courtroom A North before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr on 2/2/2009. (Rodriguez, Adam)

Feb. 2, 2009

Feb. 2, 2009

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr:Settlement Conference held on 2/4/2009. All counsel present. Discussions held. Settlement not reached. Further Settlement Conference will be held on 2/5/2009 09:30 AM in Courtroom A North before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr. (Tape #9:38:06 - 9:39:04. parties appearance noted on the record only) (Vertus, Miriam)

Feb. 4, 2009

Feb. 4, 2009

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr:Settlement Conference held on 2/5/2009. All counsel present. Discussions held. Parites are still discussing settlement. Further Settlement Conference will be held on 2/11/2009 at 9:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr (Tape #not recorded.) (Vertus, Miriam)

Feb. 5, 2009

Feb. 5, 2009

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr:Settlement Conference held on 2/11/2009. All counsel present. Discussions held. Settlement not reached. The parties are directed to confirm with the Court on whether 2/18/09 or 2/19/09 is convenient to continue settlement conference. (Tape #9:56:18-9:56:52.) (Vertus, Miriam)

Feb. 11, 2009

Feb. 11, 2009

PACER

NOTICE of Hearing: Settlement Conference set for 2/18/2009 at 2:30 PM in Courtroom A North before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. on 2/17/2009. (Rivera, Marta)

Feb. 17, 2009

Feb. 17, 2009

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr:Settlement Conference held on 2/18/2009.Elizabeth Saylor,Esq, Mariann Wang,Esq present with plaintiffs, Carol Goodman,Esq for defendants present with Scott Mullen, Babette Krolik. Discussions held. Settlement not reached. All discovery deadlines in doc# 17 letter extended forty-five(45)days. Parites to produce documents on 2/27/09. The 2/20/09 Telephone conference is adjourned; 3/25/09 Status conference changed to Telephone Conference. (Tape #5:30:38-538:08.) (Vertus, Miriam)

Feb. 18, 2009

Feb. 18, 2009

PACER

NOTICE re Set/Reset Hearings:The 4/29/09 Final Pretrial Conference is adjourned to 6/17/2009 @10:45 AM before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr., Telephone Conference set for 3/25/2009 @10:00 AM, plaintiff's counsel is to initiate the call before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr. (Vertus, Miriam) (Entered: 02/19/2009) (Vertus, Miriam)

Feb. 23, 2009

Feb. 23, 2009

PACER
18

CONSENT to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge by Jamie Katz, Lisa Nocera. (Saylor, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/27/2009)

Feb. 27, 2009

Feb. 27, 2009

PACER
21

CONSENT to Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge. Approved by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. on February 27, 2009. (Brienza, Lauren) (Entered: 03/05/2009)

Feb. 27, 2009

Feb. 27, 2009

PACER
19

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr for all purposes including entry of judgment. Ordered by Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein on 3/2/2009. (Brienza, Lauren) (Entered: 03/03/2009)

March 2, 2009

March 2, 2009

PACER

NOTICE of Hearing:Due to a change in the Court's calendar the 6/17/09 Final Pretrial Conference will commence at 10:00 AM in Courtroom A North before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr., (Vertus, Miriam)

March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009

PACER
20

*SEALED* Order of Settlement. Pursuant to the parties' agreement, this matter is settled. The Court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the confidential settlement. The parties are directed to file a stipulation of discontinuance within ten (10) business days. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr on 3/4/2009. (Reyes, Ramon)(Entered:03/04/2009) Modified on 3/4/2009 (Vertus, Miriam). (Entered: 03/04/2009)

March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009

PACER

Terminated scheduling Order: The following conferences are adjourned sine die. 6/17/2009 Final Pretrial Conference,and 3/25/2009 Telephone Conference. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr on 3/4/2009. (Vertus, Miriam)

March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009

PACER
22

STIPULATION of Dismissal Stipulation of Settlement and Discontinuance with Prejudice. by Aileen Truesdale, Jane/John Doe 1 - 10, Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC, Brian Lehner, Miya Signor (Goodman, Carol) (Entered: 03/24/2009)

March 24, 2009

March 24, 2009

RECAP
23

STIPULATION of Settlement and Discontinuance with Prejudice. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr., on 5/28/2009. Related document: 22 Stipulation. (Barrett, C) (Entered: 05/29/2009)

May 29, 2009

May 29, 2009

RECAP

SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephone Conference set for 6/3/2010 at 2:30 PM before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. When all parties are on the line, please call Chambers at (718) 613-2120. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. on 6/3/2010. (Gerecci, Melisa)

June 3, 2010

June 3, 2010

PACER
24

Letter from Michael E. Stern, Esq., received in Chambers on 6/3/2010. (Gerecci, Melisa) (Entered: 06/03/2010)

June 3, 2010

June 3, 2010

RECAP

Minute Entry for telephone conference held before Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. on 6/3/2010 re: 24 . Discussions held. Parties to contact attorney in state case and confer on issues raised therein. (Tape #2:32:00-2:41:31.) (Gerecci, Melisa)

June 3, 2010

June 3, 2010

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: New York

Case Type(s):

Fair Housing/Lending/Insurance

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 24, 2008

Case Ongoing: Perhaps, but long-dormant

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All persons who have or will seek rental properties thorough [defendant] to inhabit with a child or children under the age of 18.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Mooted before ruling

Defendants

Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC (New York, New York), Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Multi-family housing provider

Single family housing provider

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Fair Housing Act/Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Unknown

Nature of Relief:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Issues

General:

Housing

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Housing Sales/Rental

Discrimination-basis:

Family discrimination