Case: Times v. Target

1:18-cv-02993 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Filed Date: April 5, 2018

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On April 5, 2018, The Fortune Society, Inc., a not-for-profit whose mission is to support the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals, and two former employees of the Target Corporation filed this class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs sued Target under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, alleging that Target utilized a job applicant screening process that systematically eliminated thousands of qualified Afric…

On April 5, 2018, The Fortune Society, Inc., a not-for-profit whose mission is to support the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals, and two former employees of the Target Corporation filed this class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs sued Target under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, alleging that Target utilized a job applicant screening process that systematically eliminated thousands of qualified African Americans and Latinos from jobs based on their race or national origin. The plaintiffs, represented by the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and Outten & Golden, sought declaratory, injunctive, and monetary relief as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. The case was assigned to Judge Deborah A. Batts and Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman.

At issue in this case was Target’s use of criminal background checks to screen applicants for prior convictions, many of which are unrelated to the job sought or occurred long before the individual’s application for employment at Target. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendant’s hiring practices and procedures were unlawful under Title VII because they had a significant adverse impact upon African Americans and Latinos and because these practices were neither job-related nor consistent with business necessity.

On the same day the complaint was filed, the parties moved for preliminary approval of a class action settlement, conditional certification of a settlement class, and appointment of class counsel. The class was defined as, with some exceptions, all African-American and Latino applicants who were denied employment from a Target Stores Job due to a final adjudication on a pre-employment background check that did not clear the applicant to proceed based on their criminal history record, from the start of the class liability period on May 11, 2006, to the date of preliminary approval of the proposed settlement.

The settlement agreed to a priority hiring process for members of the class. For class members who were hired but were terminated within six months of their employment due to no fault of their own, Target agreed to write them employment letters stating that they had hired the candidates with knowledge of their criminal record and that the candidates had been fired through no fault of their own.

The agreement also required Target to retain two experts in the field of industrial and organizational psychology to design, develop, and implement properly validated adjudication guidelines for the hiring of job applicants with criminal histories for hourly jobs at Target stores. These experts were to monitor compliance for the one-year settlement term. Target agreed to establish a settlement fund of $3,742,500. Two named plaintiffs were to receive up to $20,000 each, one named plaintiff was to receive $2,500, and members of the class no longer eligible for the hiring process were to receive up to $1,000 each. Cash settlement payments were limited to $1,200,000 and $1,900,000 was reserved for attorneys’ fees and costs. Target agreed to give $600,000 in donations to non-profits focused on the re-entry of formerly incarcerated individuals. The court was to retain jurisdiction over the matter to assure compliance.

The court conditionally approved the settlement agreement on October 29, 2019 pending and objections from class members who had been served notice late. No class members objected, and the court gave the settlement final approval on December 4. The monitoring period is in force as of March 2020.

Summary Authors

Jake Parker (6/20/2018)

Jonah Feitelson (3/26/2020)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6355922/parties/times-v-target-corporation/


Judge(s)

Freeman, Debra Carol (New York)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bentley, Cheryl-Lyn (New York)

Ifill, Sherrilyn (New York)

Klein, Adam T. (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Girouard, Mark (Minnesota)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6355922/times-v-target-corporation/

Last updated Feb. 5, 2024, 3:04 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Target Corporation. (Filing Fee $ 400.00, Receipt Number 0208-14902103)Document filed by Carnella Times, The Fortune Society, Inc., Erving Smith.(Klein, Adam) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

Clearinghouse
2

REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS as to Target Corporation, re: 1 Complaint. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Klein, Adam) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

PACER
3

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed. (Klein, Adam) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

PACER
4

MOTION to Approve Notice of Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement, Conditional Certification of Settlement Class, Appointment of Class Counsel, and Approval of Plaintiffs' Proposed Notice of Settlement . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

PACER
5

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 4 MOTION to Approve Notice of Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement, Conditional Certification of Settlement Class, Appointment of Class Counsel, and Approval of Plaintiffs' Proposed Notice of Settle . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

Clearinghouse
6

DECLARATION of Ossai Miazad in Support re: 4 MOTION to Approve Notice of Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement, Conditional Certification of Settlement Class, Appointment of Class Counsel, and Approval of Plaintiffs' Proposed Notice of Settle. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

PACER
7

DECLARATION of Coty Montag in Support re: 4 MOTION to Approve Notice of Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement, Conditional Certification of Settlement Class, Appointment of Class Counsel, and Approval of Plaintiffs' Proposed Notice of Settle. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

PACER
8

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Sherrilyn A. Ifill on behalf of Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Ifill, Sherrilyn) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

PACER
9

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Samuel Spital on behalf of Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Spital, Samuel) (Entered: 04/05/2018)

April 5, 2018

April 5, 2018

PACER

CASE OPENING INITIAL ASSIGNMENT NOTICE: The above-entitled action is assigned to Judge Deborah A. Batts. Please download and review the Individual Practices of the assigned District Judge, located at http://nysd.uscourts.gov/judges/District. Attorneys are responsible for providing courtesy copies to judges where their Individual Practices require such. Please download and review the ECF Rules and Instructions, located at http://nysd.uscourts.gov/ecf_filing.php. (pne)

April 6, 2018

April 6, 2018

PACER

Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman is so designated. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73(b)(1) parties are notified that they may consent to proceed before a United States Magistrate Judge. Parties who wish to consent may access the necessary form at the following link: http://nysd.uscourts.gov/forms.php. (pne)

April 6, 2018

April 6, 2018

PACER

Case Designated ECF. (pne)

April 6, 2018

April 6, 2018

PACER
10

ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to Target Corporation. (pne) (Entered: 04/09/2018)

April 9, 2018

April 9, 2018

PACER
11

WAIVER OF SERVICE RETURNED EXECUTED. Target Corporation waiver sent on 4/5/2018, answer due 6/4/2018. Document filed by Carnella Times; The Fortune Society, Inc.; Erving Smith. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 04/11/2018)

April 11, 2018

April 11, 2018

PACER
12

FILING ERROR - DEFICIENT DOCKET ENTRY - PROPOSED MOTION for Coty Rae Montag to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15005365. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Coty R. Montag, # 2 Supplement Cert. of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Montag, Coty) Modified on 4/30/2018 (bcu). (Entered: 04/30/2018)

1 Affidavit Affidavit of Coty R. Montag

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2 Supplement Cert. of Good Standing

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3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order

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April 30, 2018

April 30, 2018

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING DEFICIENT MOTION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE. Notice to RE-FILE Document No. 12 PROPOSED MOTION for Coty Rae Montag to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15005365. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff... The filing is deficient for the following reason(s): missing Certificate of Good Standing from Supreme Court of California and please do not put the word "PROPOSED" in the filing;. Re-file the motion as a Corrected Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice - attach the correct signed PDF - select the correct named filer/filers - attach valid Certificates of Good Standing issued within the past 30 days - attach Proposed Order.. (bcu)

April 30, 2018

April 30, 2018

PACER
13

MOTION for Giovanna Shay to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15029199. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Affidavit Declaration of Attorney, # 3 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing D.C. (inactive), # 4 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing Connecticut, # 5 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing Massachusetts)(Shay, Giovanna) (Entered: 05/04/2018)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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2 Affidavit Declaration of Attorney

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3 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing D.C. (inactive)

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4 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing Connecticut

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5 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing Massachusetts

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May 4, 2018

May 4, 2018

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 13 MOTION for Giovanna Shay to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15029199. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (jc)

May 4, 2018

May 4, 2018

PACER
14

MOTION for Coty Rae Montag to Appear Pro Hac Vice CORRECTED. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Coty R. Montag, # 2 District of Columbia Cert of Good Standing, # 3 Maryland Cert of Good Stan, # 4 California Cert of Good Standing, # 5 Text of Proposed Order)(Montag, Coty) (Entered: 05/07/2018)

1 Affidavit of Coty R. Montag

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2 District of Columbia Cert of Good Standing

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3 Maryland Cert of Good Stan

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4 California Cert of Good Standing

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5 Text of Proposed Order

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May 7, 2018

May 7, 2018

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 14 MOTION for Coty Rae Montag to Appear Pro Hac Vice CORRECTED. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (wb)

May 7, 2018

May 7, 2018

PACER
15

MOTION for Lisa Ann Levy to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15037416. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Attorney Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing Mass, # 3 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing CT, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Levy, Lisa) (Entered: 05/07/2018)

1 Affidavit Attorney Declaration

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2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing Mass

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3 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing CT

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4 Text of Proposed Order

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May 7, 2018

May 7, 2018

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 15 MOTION for Lisa Ann Levy to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15037416. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (jc)

May 7, 2018

May 7, 2018

PACER
16

MOTION for Mark J. Girouard to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15038251. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Target Corporation. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Girouard re Motion for Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing for Girouard, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Order for Motion Pro Hac Vice)(Girouard, Mark) (Entered: 05/07/2018)

1 Affidavit Affidavit of Girouard re Motion for Pro Hac Vice

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2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing for Girouard

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3 Text of Proposed Order Order for Motion Pro Hac Vice

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May 7, 2018

May 7, 2018

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 16 MOTION for Mark J. Girouard to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15038251. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (wb)

May 8, 2018

May 8, 2018

PACER
17

MOTION for Joseph G. Schmitt to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15041228. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Target Corporation. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Joseph Schmitt, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing for Schmitt, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Order for Motion Pro Hac Vice)(Schmitt, Joseph) (Entered: 05/08/2018)

1 Affidavit of Joseph Schmitt

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2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing for Schmitt

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3 Text of Proposed Order Order for Motion Pro Hac Vice

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May 8, 2018

May 8, 2018

PACER
18

CONSENT TO JURISDICTION BY A US MAGISTRATE JUDGE by Erving Smith, Target Corporation, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Case No Longer Referred to Magistrate Judge) CASE ASSIGNED to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman. (Signed by Judge Deborah A. Batts on 5/7/2018) (kgo) (Entered: 05/08/2018)

May 8, 2018

May 8, 2018

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 17 MOTION for Joseph G. Schmitt to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number 0208-15041228. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (wb)

May 8, 2018

May 8, 2018

PACER
19

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE granting 13 Motion for Giovanna Shay to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 5/11/2018) (rjm) (Entered: 05/11/2018)

May 11, 2018

May 11, 2018

PACER
20

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE OF MARK J.GIROUARD granting 16 Motion for Mark J. Girouard to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 5/11/2018) (ne) (Entered: 05/11/2018)

May 11, 2018

May 11, 2018

PACER
21

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE OF JOSEPH G. SCHMITT granting 17 Motion for Joseph G. Schmitt to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 5/11/2018) (ne) Modified on 7/19/2018 (ne). (Entered: 05/11/2018)

May 11, 2018

May 11, 2018

PACER
22

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE granting 14 Motion for Coty R. Montag to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 5/11/2018) (ne) (Entered: 05/11/2018)

May 11, 2018

May 11, 2018

PACER
23

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE granting 15 Motion for Lisa Ann Levy to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 5/11/2018) (ne) (Entered: 05/11/2018)

May 11, 2018

May 11, 2018

PACER
24

ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS' UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT, CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATION OF SETTLEMENT CLASS, APPOINTMENT OF CLASS COUNSEL, AND APPROVAL OF PLAINTIFFS' PROPOSED NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT: granting 4 Motion to Approve. Having reviewed Plaintiffs' Notice of Motion and Motion For: (1) Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement; (2) Provisional Certification of Settlement Classes; (3) Approval and Distribution of Notice of Settlement; and ( 4) Appointment of Plaintiffs' counsel as Class Counsel; Plaintiffs' Memorandum of Law in Support thereof, and the proposed Settlement Agreement, along with the files and records of this case, the Court now FINDS, CONCLUDES, and ORDERS as follows: This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the litigation and over all parties to this litigation, including all members of the Settlement Class, as defined below. As used below, "Defendant" means Target Corporation. Based on review of those papers, the Court concludes that the proposed Settlement Agreement was reached after Class Counsel thoroughly investigated the claims and defenses and became familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of Plaintiffs' case and was a result of extensive, arm's length negotiations between counsel well-versed in the prosecution of complex employment class actions. It is therefore ORDERED: That the Settlement Agreement is hereby PRELIMINARILY APPROVED. Final approval and entry of the Settlement Agreement is subject to a final hearing of any objections of members of the class to the proposed Settlement Agreement. Defendant will transfer Three Million Seven Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Noll 00 Dollars ($3,742,500.00) to the Settlement Fund within fourteen days of the effective date of the settlement (which is defined as the later of: (a) the expiration of time for appeal of the Court Order finally approving the Settlement; or (b) if there is an appeal of the Court's decision granting final approval, the day after all appeals are finally resolved in favor of final approval). This amount shall be placed into an interest-bearing escrow account established by the settlement administrator, as escrow agent. Target has agreed to individual monetary awards not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00). The settlement administrator will oversee a simplified claims process. Settlement Class Members will be entitled to a single, pro rata award based on number of participants. Defendant's total contribution toward cash awards will not exceed One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000.00) of the Settlement Fund. The parties have also agreed that Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000.00) of the Settlement Fund will be granted to not-for-profit organizations that provide re-entry support to individuals with criminal history records, with the goal of supporting those organizations' efforts to develop a pipeline of qualified applicants who have successfully completed work ready programs at such organizations (the "Pipeline Project"). These organizations will receive written information about the Pipeline Project and an invitation to submit statements of interest and other materials to assist in the selection of participant organizations. Settlement Class Members will receive notice of the selected work ready programs participating in the Pipeline Project, and as further set forth in this order. The Court CONDITIONALLY CERTIFIES the Settlement Class under Rules 23(a) and 23(b)(3). (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 5/14/2018) (ap) Modified on 5/15/2018 (ap). (Entered: 05/14/2018)

May 14, 2018

May 14, 2018

PACER
25

JOINT LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Ossai Miazad dated July 13, 2018 re: Status Update regarding Industrial Organizational Expert Work. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 07/13/2018)

July 13, 2018

July 13, 2018

PACER
26

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Christopher McNerney on behalf of Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (McNerney, Christopher) (Entered: 07/13/2018)

July 13, 2018

July 13, 2018

PACER
27

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Cheryl-Lyn Deon Bentley on behalf of Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Bentley, Cheryl-Lyn) (Entered: 07/13/2018)

July 13, 2018

July 13, 2018

PACER
28

MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 25 Letter Status Update, filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. ENDORSEMENT: Granted. So Ordered. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 7/16/18) (yv) (Entered: 07/17/2018)

July 16, 2018

July 16, 2018

PACER
29

LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Ossai Miazad dated September 27, 2018 re: Second Status Update regarding Industrial Organizational Expert Work. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 09/27/2018)

Sept. 27, 2018

Sept. 27, 2018

PACER
30

MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 29 Letter, filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. Granted. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 10/12/2018) (jca) (Entered: 10/12/2018)

Oct. 12, 2018

Oct. 12, 2018

PACER
31

LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Ossai Miazad dated November 30, 2018 re: Third Status Update regarding Industrial Organizational Expert Work. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 11/30/2018)

Nov. 30, 2018

Nov. 30, 2018

PACER
32

JOINT LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Ossai Miazad dated July 11, 2019 re: Status Update Regarding Industrial Organizational Expert Work. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 07/11/2019)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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July 11, 2019

July 11, 2019

PACER
33

ORDER APPROVING ADDENDUM TO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE, REVISED NOTICE OF CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT AND CLAIM FORM, AND SCHEDULE FOR NOTICE DISTRIBUTION AND FINAL APPROVAL re: 24 Order on Motion to Approve. The Court ORDERS: 1. The Settlement Addendum is hereby APPROVED. Final approval and entry of the Settlement Agreement and Settlement Addendum is subject to a final hearing of any objections of members of the class to the proposed Settlement Agreement. In its May 14, 2018 Preliminary Approval Order, the Court approved the form of Notice of Class Action Settlement and Claim Form and the manner for distribution. ECF No. 24 at 4-7. The parties have submitted for this Court's approval a revised Notice of Class Action Settlement and Claim Form for Group A Filers attached as Exhibit A to the Joint Status Report and a revised Notice of Class Action Settlement and Claim Form for Group B Filers attached as Exhibit B to the Joint Status Report (collectively, "revised Notices and Claim Forms"). The Court FINDS and CONCLUDES as follows: l. The revised Notices and Claim Forms are the best notice practicable under the circumstances and allows Settlement Class Members a full and fair opportunity to consider the proposed settlement. 2. The revised Notices and Claim Forms provide separate notices and claims forms for Class Members who are eligible to be either Group A or Group B Filers and Class Members who are eligible only as Group B Filers. The revised Notices and Claim Forms will provide specific information regarding the date, time, and place of the final approval hearing and how to object to or exclude oneself from the settlement. This information is adequate to put Class Members on notice of the proposed settlement and is well within the requirements of Rule 23(c)(2)(B). (as further set forth in this Order). It is SO ORDERED. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 7/18/2019) (kv) (Entered: 07/18/2019)

July 18, 2019

July 18, 2019

PACER
34

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS by Coty Rae Montag on behalf of Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. New Address: NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., 700 14th St. N.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC, United States 20005, 202-682-1300. (Montag, Coty) (Entered: 07/22/2019)

July 22, 2019

July 22, 2019

PACER
35

LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Cheryl-Lyn D. Bentley dated September 06, 2019 re: Withdrawal of Cheryl-Lyn D. Bentley as Attorney of Record. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Bentley, Cheryl-Lyn) (Entered: 09/06/2019)

Sept. 6, 2019

Sept. 6, 2019

PACER
36

MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 35 Letter, filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. ENDORSEMENT: SO ORDERED. Attorney Cheryl-Lyn Deon Bentley terminated. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 9/9/2019) (kv) (Entered: 09/09/2019)

Sept. 9, 2019

Sept. 9, 2019

PACER
37

LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Mark J. Girouard dated September 27, 2019 re: Issue with the claims administration process. Document filed by Target Corporation. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Notice (Clean), # 2 Exhibit B - Claim (Clean), # 3 Exhibit C - Marked Up Notice, # 4 Exhibit D - Marked Up Claim)(Girouard, Mark) (Entered: 09/27/2019)

1 Exhibit A - Notice (Clean)

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2 Exhibit B - Claim (Clean)

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3 Exhibit C - Marked Up Notice

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4 Exhibit D - Marked Up Claim

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Sept. 27, 2019

Sept. 27, 2019

PACER
38

MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 37 Letter, filed by Target Corporation. ENDORSEMENT: The parties proposed approach, as outline on page 3 of this letter, is approved. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 10/4/2019) (kv) (Entered: 10/04/2019)

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER

Notice Regarding Deficient Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER

Notice Regarding Pro Hac Vice Motion

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER
39

FILING ERROR - DEFICIENT DOCKET ENTRY - MOTION for Donald M. Lewis to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-17718058. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Target Corporation.(Lewis, Donald) Modified on 10/4/2019 (bcu). (Entered: 10/04/2019)

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER
40

FILING ERROR - DEFICIENT DOCKET ENTRY - AFFIDAVIT of Donald M. Lewis in Support re: 39 MOTION for Donald M. Lewis to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-17718058. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. Document filed by Target Corporation. (Lewis, Donald) Modified on 10/4/2019 (bcu). (Entered: 10/04/2019)

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING DEFICIENT MOTION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE. Notice to RE-FILE Document No. 39 MOTION for Donald M. Lewis to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-17718058. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff... The filing is deficient for the following reason(s): missing Certificate of Good Standing from Supreme Court of Minnesota. We do not except certificates from state bar associations.; missing Proposed Order; Attorney Affidavit/Declaration missing per local rule 1.3;. Re-file the motion as a Corrected Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice - attach the correct signed PDF - select the correct named filer/filers - attach valid Certificates of Good Standing issued within the past 30 days - attach Proposed Order.. (bcu)

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER
41

MOTION for Donald M. Lewis to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Target Corporation. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Donald M. Lewis in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Lewis, Donald) (Entered: 10/04/2019)

1 Affidavit Affidavit of Donald M. Lewis in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Ha

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2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing

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3 Text of Proposed Order

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Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER

>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 41 MOTION for Donald M. Lewis to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (bcu)

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER
42

MOTION to Approve Motion for Certification of the Settlement Class and Final Approval of Class Action Settlement . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
43

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 42 MOTION to Approve Motion for Certification of the Settlement Class and Final Approval of Class Action Settlement . . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
44

MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
45

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 44 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards . . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
46

MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
47

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 46 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs . . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
48

DECLARATION of Ossai Miazad in Support re: 46 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs ., 44 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards ., 42 MOTION to Approve Motion for Certification of the Settlement Class and Final Approval of Class Action Settlement .. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H)(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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5 Exhibit E

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6 Exhibit F

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7 Exhibit G

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8 Exhibit H

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Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
49

DECLARATION of Coty Montag in Support re: 46 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs ., 44 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards ., 42 MOTION to Approve Motion for Certification of the Settlement Class and Final Approval of Class Action Settlement .. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
50

DECLARATION of Lisa Levy in Support re: 46 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs ., 44 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards ., 42 MOTION to Approve Motion for Certification of the Settlement Class and Final Approval of Class Action Settlement .. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
51

DECLARATION of Joanne Page in Support re: 44 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards .. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/09/2019)

Oct. 9, 2019

Oct. 9, 2019

PACER
52

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE OF DONALD M. LEWIS granting 41 Motion for Donald M. Lewis to Appear Pro Hac Vice. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Applicant is admitted to practice Pro Hac Vice in the above-captioned case in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. All attorneys appearing before this Court are subject to the Local Rules of this Court, including the Rules governing discipline of attorneys. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 10/10/2019) (kv) (Entered: 10/10/2019)

Oct. 10, 2019

Oct. 10, 2019

PACER
53

ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE OF DONALD M. LEWIS: The motion of Donald M. Lewis for admission to practice Pro Hac Vice in the above-captioned action is GRANTED. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Applicant is admitted to practice Pro Hac Vice in the above-captioned case in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. All attorneys appearing before this Court are subject to the Local Rules of this Court, including the Rules governing discipline of attorneys. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 10/16/2019) (kv) (Entered: 10/16/2019)

Oct. 16, 2019

Oct. 16, 2019

PACER
54

SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 46 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs ., 44 MOTION to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards ., 42 MOTION to Approve Motion for Certification of the Settlement Class and Final Approval of Class Action Settlement . . Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1: Updated Fees Summary, # 2 Exhibit 2: Updated Costs Summary)(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 10/28/2019)

1 Exhibit 1: Updated Fees Summary

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2 Exhibit 2: Updated Costs Summary

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Oct. 28, 2019

Oct. 28, 2019

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman: Fairness Hearing held on 10/29/2019. (aba)

Oct. 29, 2019

Oct. 29, 2019

PACER
55

ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS' UNOPPOSED MOTIONS FOR CERTIFICATION OF THE SETTLEMENT CLASS AND CONDITIONALLY GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL OF THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT, APPROVAL OF ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS, AND APPROVAL OF SERVICE AWARD granting 42 Motion to Approve Motion for Certification of the Settlement Class and Final Approval of Class Action Settlement; granting 44 Motion to Approve Motion for Approval of Service Awards ; granting 46 Motion to Approve Motion for Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs. Based upon the Court's review of the motions, memorandum, declarations, and other papers submitted in connection with the Motions for Final Approval and conditioned on no additional class members who were belatedly given notice of the proposed settlement coming forward with objections, the Court grants final approval of the settlement memorialized in the Settlement Agreement and "so orders" all of its, terms, which are incorporated herein. Capitalized terms used in this Order shall have the same meanings as set forth in the Settlement Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS: Pursuant to Rule 23, the Court certifies the following Settlement Class: all African-American and Latino applicants who were denied employment from a Target Stores Job due to a final adjudication on a pre-employment background check that did not clear the applicant to proceed based on their criminal history record, from May 11, 2006, to May 14, 2018, except: (1) individuals are excluded if Target can establish they were, or would have been, denied employment for reasons other than their criminal history records; (2) individuals are excluded if they have convictions that would have rendered them unqualified for employment under the Interim Criteria, if those criteria had been effect at the time of their application; and (3) individuals are excluded if they are current Target Team Members. The Court hereby conditionally finally approves the Settlement as set forth in the Settlement Agreement. The Court has reviewed the terms of the proposed Settlement Agreement along with its exhibits, including specifically the programmatic and class member relief, and Plaintiffs' Motions for Final Approval. The parties have also agreed that Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000.00) will be granted to not-for-profit organizations that provide re-entry support to individuals with criminal history records, with the goal of supporting those organizations' efforts to develop a pipeline of qualified applicants who have successfully completed work ready programs at such organizations (the "Pipeline Project"). These organizations will receive written information about the Pipeline Project and an invitation to submit statements of interest and other materials to assist in the selection of participant organizations. Settlement Class Members will receive notice of the selected work ready programs participating in the Pipeline Project. Within fourteen (14) days of the Effective Date of the Settlement, Defendant will pay to Class Counsel Three Million Seven Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($3,742,500.00), which shall fully resolve and satisfy the programmatic, individualized, and organizational relief, any claim for attorneys' fees and costs approved by the Court, and any Court-approved Service Awards to Named Plaintiffs. The Settlement is hereby APPROVED and incorporated herein and shall become effective according to its terms. Upon the Effective Date of the Settlement, each Settlement Class Member who has not excluded him or herself will release the Defendant from: all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities, known and unknown, that they had, have, or may have under any legal or equitable theory, against Defendant arising from or relating to or concerning their denial of a Target Stores Job based on criminal history records under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et seq. and parallel state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. The Class Release will not include claims under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which is the subject of a separate, unrelated settlement. The Court awards Class Counsel an award of $1,900,000.00 in fees and in costs for their efforts in support of this litigation. The award to Class Counsel of $1,900,000 in less than their total loadstar as of September 22, 2019, and does not include all the work that Class Counsel has done since September 22, 2019, or will do in the future. In light of the above, the award of $1,900,000.00 in fees and costs is a reasonable award. The award shall be paid by Defendant. The Court finds that service awards of $20,000 to Named Plaintiff Camella Times and the Fortune Society, and a service award of $2,500 to Named Plaintiff Erving Smith, are reasonable. Without affecting the finality of this Settlement Order and Final Judgment, the Court retains continuing jurisdiction over: (a) implementation of the Settlement Agreement and programmatic relief contemplated by the Settlement Agreement, until all acts agreed to be performed pursuant to the Settlement Agreement have been performed; and (b) all parties to this action and Settlement Class Members for the purpose of enforcing and administering the Settlement Agreement. This final order grants certification of the settlement class, but the Court's approval of the terms of the settlement agreement is conditioned on this Court's being informed by counsel that, by the expiration of the op-out period for any class members who were belatedly served with notice of the proposed settlement, no such class members stepped forward with any objections to the settlement, or expressed a desire to be heard by the Court as to the settlement agreement's adequacy and fairness. Counsel are directed to provide a written update to the Court by 12/19/19, to inform the Court if any such claim members wish to be heard. The Clerk of Court is directed to keep this case open, pending further order of the Court and as further set forth in this Order. It is so ORDERED. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 10/29/19) (yv) (Entered: 10/30/2019)

Oct. 29, 2019

Oct. 29, 2019

Clearinghouse
56

TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings re: SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE held on 10/29/2019 before Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman. Court Reporter/Transcriber: Carole Ludwig, (212) 420-0771. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Redaction Request due 12/10/2019. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 12/20/2019. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 2/18/2020.(kgo) (Entered: 11/19/2019)

Nov. 19, 2019

Nov. 19, 2019

PACER
57

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT Notice is hereby given that an official transcript of a SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE proceeding held on 10/29/2019 has been filed by the court reporter/transcriber in the above-captioned matter. The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days...(kgo) (Entered: 11/19/2019)

Nov. 19, 2019

Nov. 19, 2019

PACER
58

LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Ossai Miazad dated December 3, 2019 re: Supplemental Notice Status Update. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1: Objection, # 2 Exhibit 2: Proposed Order)(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 12/03/2019)

1 Exhibit 1: Objection

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2 Exhibit 2: Proposed Order

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Dec. 3, 2019

Dec. 3, 2019

PACER
59

ORDER FINALLY APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT: Having reviewed Plaintiffs' December 3, 2019 Status Report providing the requested information, and having reviewed the single additional objections received (Dkt. 58-1), the Court now FINDS, CONCLUDES, and ORDERS as follows: The Court's October 29, 2019 Order Conditionally Granting Final Approval of the Class Action Settlement, Approval of Attorneys' Fees and Costs, And Approval of Service Award is adopted herein and Finally Approved. The Clerk of Court is directed to close this matter. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman on 12/4/2019) (mro) (Entered: 12/04/2019)

Dec. 4, 2019

Dec. 4, 2019

RECAP
60

MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO INTERVENE AS A CLASS MEMBER. Document filed by Isaac J. Rodriguez, non -party. (sc) Modified on 12/30/2019 (sc). (Entered: 12/30/2019)

Dec. 26, 2019

Dec. 26, 2019

PACER
61

LETTER addressed to Magistrate Judge Debra C. Freeman from Ossai Miazad dated January 8, 2020 re: Response to Motion to Intervene as Class Member filed by Isaac Rodriguez on December 26, 2019, ECF. No. 60. Document filed by Erving Smith, The Fortune Society, Inc., Carnella Times.(Miazad, Ossai) (Entered: 01/08/2020)

Jan. 8, 2020

Jan. 8, 2020

PACER
62

Memo Endorsement

Jan. 16, 2020

Jan. 16, 2020

PACER
63

Memorandum of Law in Support (non-motion)

Aug. 28, 2020

Aug. 28, 2020

PACER
64

Letter

Sept. 11, 2020

Sept. 11, 2020

PACER
65

Memo Endorsement

Sept. 14, 2020

Sept. 14, 2020

PACER

Mail Order by USPS

Sept. 14, 2020

Sept. 14, 2020

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: New York

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 5, 2018

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two former Target employees and The Fortune Society, Inc., a not-for-profit community-based organization headquartered in Queens, New York, with a mission to support the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals and promote alternatives to incarceration.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Outten & Golden

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Target Corporation, Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Retailer

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

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: 3,742,500

Order Duration: 2019 - 2020

Content of Injunction:

Hire

Position Restored

Reinstatement

Expungement of Employment Record

Discrimination Prohibition

Develop anti-discrimination policy

Utilize objective hiring/promotion criteria

Follow recruitment, hiring, or promotion protocols

Comply with advertising/recruiting requirements

Other requirements regarding hiring, promotion, retention

Reporting

Monitor/Master

Monitoring

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Impact

Hiring

Discrimination-basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Race:

Black

National Origin/Ethnicity:

Hispanic