Rubio-Delgado v. Aerotek, Inc.

Filing 120

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS re 104 MOTION for Attorney Fees , Costs, and Class Representative Service Awards & 114 Unopposed MOTION for Settlement Approval, Final: The Magistrate Judge RECOMMENDS approval of the settlement amou nt of $15,000,000, and of Class Counsel's application for $5,069,964.27 in Attorneys' Fees and costs, and for Class Representative Awards of $5,000 each to Plaintiffs Moore and Rubio-Delgado and $3,000 each to Plaintiffs Hubbard and Burgess. The Court further recommends approval and authorization of an amount not to exceed $856,849.87 to cover the Settlement Administrator's fees and costs. These amounts are to be deducted from the Settlement Funds as set forth in the Settlement Agreement. Objections to R&R due by 7/14/2017. Signed by Magistrate Judge Terence P. Kemp on 6/30/2017. (er)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION
Ebony Moore, individually and
on behalf of all others
similarly situated,
Plaintiffs,
v.

:
:
:
:
:

Aerotek, Inc.,
Defendant.

Case No. 2:15-cv-2701
JUDGE GEORGE C. SMITH
Magistrate Judge Kemp

:

AND

:

Jose Rubio-Delgado,

:

Case No. 2:16-cv-1066

individually and on behalf
of all others similarly
situated,

:

JUDGE GEORGE C. SMITH
Magistrate Judge Kemp

Plaintiffs,

:
:

v.

:

Aerotek, Inc.

:

Defendant.

:
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION

This matter has been referred to the undersigned Magistrate
Judge to issue a Report and Recommendation on Plaintiffs’
unopposed motion for final approval of class action settlement
(Case Nos. 2:15-cv-2701 Doc. 33 and 2:16-cv-1066 Doc. 114) and
Plaintiffs’ motion for attorneys’ fees, costs, and class
representative service awards (Case No. 2:15-cv-2701 Doc. 30 and
Case No. 2:16-cv-1066 Doc. 114). For the reasons set forth below,
the Court will recommend that both motions be granted.

I.

Background and Summary of Fairness Hearing

For ease of reference, the summary of the procedural history
and settled claims contained in the unopposed motions to approve
settlement will be repeated here.
On July 3, 2013, Plaintiff Rubio-Delgado filed his
class action complaint in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of California, alleging
that Defendant had violated 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(b)(2) by
procuring background checks on him and putative class
members without first providing a disclosure that a
report would be obtained in a document consisting
solely of the disclosure. (ECF No. 1.) Specifically,
Plaintiff alleged that Defendant’s disclosure contained
a liability release and other extraneous information
beyond that allowed under the FCRA. (Id.) The action
was stayed in November 2013 to facilitate settlement
discussions, which resulted in a settlement that was
ultimately not approved by the court.3 (ECF No. 97-2
¶3.) Following the denial of approval, the parties
stipulated to continue the stay pending resolution of
Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins, No. 13-1339 (2015), and Syed v.
M-I, LLC, No. 14-17186 (9th Cir. 2014). (Id. ¶ 4.)
On July 15, 2015, Plaintiff Moore filed a separate
class action complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of
Franklin County, Ohio, also alleging that Defendant had
violated 15 U.S.C. §1681b(b)(2) by procuring background
checks without first providing a stand-alone
disclosure, and, in addition, alleging that Defendant
had violated 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(b)(3) by failing to
provide her and putative class members with a copy of
their background check and summary of rights prior to
taking adverse employment action based in whole or in
part on the background check (“pre-adverse action
notice”). (Moore ECF No. 3.) Plaintiff alleges that she
did not receive pre-adverse action notice as required,
and that she was terminated on the basis of her
background check without having the opportunity to
review or dispute her report, which contained
inaccuracies. (Id.) Defendant removed Moore’s action to
this Court on August 7, 2015. (Moore ECF No. 1.) The
parties then stipulated to stay the case to facilitate
settlement discussions. (ECF No. 97-2 ¶5.)
In early 2016, counsel for Plaintiffs in both actions
and Defendant’s counsel engaged in arms-length
2

settlement discussions, exchanged pertinent documents
and data, and ultimately attended a joint mediation on
April 11, 2016, with Professor Eric D. Green of
Resolutions LLC. (Id. ¶ 6.) Following a second joint
mediation on May 4, 2016, and subsequent negotiations
facilitated by Professor Green, all parties agreed to a
global resolution on July 29, 2016 through the
execution of a memorandum of understanding. (Id. ¶ 7.)
On October 7, 2016, the parties formalized the
understanding in the Settlement Agreement. After the
execution of the Agreement, Plaintiff Rubio-Delgado
moved to transfer his action to this Court, where it
was consolidated with Plaintiff Moore’s case for the
purposes of facilitating settlement approval. (ECF No.
91.)
(Case No. 2:15-cv-2701 Doc. 33, pp. 2-4).
Although the Moore and Rubio-Delgado cases maintain separate
dockets with this Court, they were consolidated by Order of this
Court on November 23, 2016,(Doc. M-26). For the remainder of this
Report and Recommendation, references to the Moore docket (Case
No. 2:15-cv-2701) shall be cited as “Doc. M-“ and references to
the Rubio-Delgado docket (Case No. 2:16-cv-1066) shall be cited
as “Doc. R-“. In December of 2016, Plaintiffs filed unopposed
motions for preliminary settlement approval, which the Court
approved. (Doc. R-97, 100). On June 14, 2017, the parties filed
identical motions in both cases seeking final approval of the
settlement.

A fairness hearing was held before the Magistrate

Judge on June 22, 2017, at which Plaintiffs’ counsel summarized
the settlement details as follows.
The following settlement classes were conditionally approved
by the Court with respect to the claims asserted against Aerotek,
Inc. (“Aerotek”):
1681b(b)(2) Class: All class members for whom Aerotek’s
records indicate that the background check Aerotek
obtained on the Settlement Class Member was designated
as “favorable.”

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1681b(b)(2) Adjudicated Class: Any member of the class
to whom Aerotek’s records indicate that a pre-adverse
action notice letter was sent.
1681b(b)(3) Class: All class members who were placed on
Aerotek’s payroll, designated by Aerotek’s HRIS system
as having separated for failing the background check,
and were sent a pre-adverse action letter within 30
days of termination.
Aerotek has agreed to provide both monetary and non-monetary
relief in consideration for the release of the settlement class
members’ claim (the “Class”). It agreed to pay $15,000,000 into a
common settlement fund. Subsequent to the deductions of
attorneys’ fees, costs, administration costs, and class
representative service awards, the funds are to be distributed
pro rata to all Class members, with each member’s distribution
calculated on the bases of which of the three designated classes.
Members in the 1681b(b)(2) Class shall receive one share; members
in the 1681b(b)(2) Adjudicated Class shall receive 1.67 shares;
and those in the 1681b(b)(3) Class shall receive six shares.
Individuals who fall into more than one class shall receive a
distribution for the most valuable class in which they are
categorized. Any funds remaining after the close of the time
period within which to cash checks shall be re-distributed to
1681b(b)(3) class members who cashed their original checks.

Any

funds remaining after that redistribution will be donated to the
National Consumer Law Center.
The non-monetary relief agreed upon provides the Class
members the opportunity to participate in the Aerotek Community
for three months from the effective settlement date, which
provides members, among other things, preferred access to job
postings and assistance with resume preparation. Class members
will also be permitted to request copies of the background checks
performed on them by Aerotek by so requesting on a website
provided by Aerotek. Also significant is the fact that Aerotek
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has rectified the issue that gave rise to this litigation. The
Class was notified of the proposed settlement via a mailing on
March 15, 2017, and a website was made available to the members
which provided them with general information and documents, as
well as a link to enable them to update their personal
information or request their consumer report. There was also a
toll-free telephone number listed, which provided responses to
members’ frequently asked questions.
There were 72 timely opt-outs received from Class members,
and one pro se objection, by Mr. Larry Weathers. (Doc. R-114-3,
Ex. B).

Mr. Weathers does not raise any particular issues he has

with the settlement itself, but claims that he was discriminated
against by Aerotek under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(“ADA”). Mr. Weathers’ objection was discussed at the fairness
hearing and the parties were in agreement that Mr. Weathers’
acceptance of the settlement in this matter would not preclude
any ADA or other claims unrelated to this FCRA action which he
may have against Aerotek. Class members were given the
opportunity to challenge which settlement class they were
categorized in, and 110 valid challenges were received and duly
adjusted. Counsel for Aerotek spoke briefly at the fairness
hearing and had no objection to the settlement terms, but
clarified for the record that Aerotek did not admit liability as
part of those terms. The Court will now address the pending
motions.
II. Unoppossed Motion for Approval of Class Action Settlement
Settlements of class actions are governed by Fed.R.Civ.P.
23(e), which provides that a court may approve a proposed
settlement “only after a hearing and on finding that it is fair,
reasonable, and adequate.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(e)(2). In making
its decision, the Court should consider the following factors:
“(1) the risk of fraud or collusion; (2) the complexity, expense,
5

and likely duration of the litigation; (3) the amount of
discovery engaged in by the parties; (4) the likelihood of
success on the merits; (5) the opinions of class counsel and
class representatives; (6) the reaction of absent class members;
and (7) the public interest.” In re Polyurethane Foam Antitrust
Litig., 2015 WL 7348208, *3 (N.D. Ohio Nov. 19, 2015), quoting
International Union, United Auto., Aerospace, and Agr. Implement
Workers of Am. v. General Motors Corp., 497 F.3d 615, 631 (6th
Cir. 2007). An examination of each of these factors weighs in
favor of final approval of the class settlement agreement in this
case.
A. Risk of Fraud or Collusion
Absent evidence to the contrary, courts presume that a class
settlement is the result of arm's length negotiations and is not
the product of fraud or collusion. See e.g. IUE-CWA v. General
Motors Corp., 238 F.R.D. 583, 598 (E.D. Mich. 2006)(“Courts
presume the absence of fraud or collusion unless there is
evidence to the contrary”). Stated differently, “the courts
respect the integrity of counsel and presume the absence of fraud
and collusion in negotiating the settlement, unless evidence to
the contrary is offered.” Brent v. Midland Funding, LLC, 2011 WL
3862363, *15 (N.D. Ohio Sept. 1, 2011), citing 4 Alba Conte &
Herbert B. Newberg, Newberg on Class Actions § 11.51 (4th ed.
2002). In addition, if the court finds that the settlement
agreement is fair, it may assume that there was no risk of fraud
or collusion in negotiating the settlement. See IUE-CWA, 238
F.R.D. at 599.
In this case, both the class representatives and Aerotek
agree that the settlement agreement is the result of arms'
length, good faith negotiations which took place over the course
of several years. The Court has no reason to believe that the
settlement agreement is the result of fraud or collusion, and
6

neither party to this case has argued that fraud or collusion is
an issue in this settlement. Based on the foregoing, the Court
finds that there was no fraud or collusion in negotiating the
settlement terms, which weighs in favor of final approval of the
settlement.
B. The Complexity, Expense, and Likely Duration of the Litigation
“Most class actions are inherently complex and settlement
avoids the costs, delays, and multitude of other problems
associated with them.” In re Telectronics Pacing Sys., Inc., 137
F.Supp.2d 985, 1015 (S.D. Ohio 2001). Although this litigation
commenced nearly four years ago, when the Rubio-Delgado case was
filed, it has been stayed for much of that time. Thus, much
remains to be done before the case would reach a resolution
through motions and/or a trial. Neither formal or expert
discovery, retention of expert witnesses nor motions for class
certification has yet occurred.

Each of these activities would

impose additional expense and delay to the parties, so it is
clearly advantageous to all to reach an agreeable settlement. See
Connectivity Systems Inc. v. Nat’l City Bank, 2011 WL 292008, *3
(S.D. Ohio Jan. 26, 2011) (“the difficulty Named Plaintiffs would
encounter in proving their claims, the substantial litigation
expenses, and a possible delay in recovery due to the appellate
process, provide justifications for this Court's approval of the
proposed Settlement Agreement”). In addition to the expense and
time that discovery, the parties would likely engage in
significant motions practice, as well as possibly a trial and an
appeal. Given these circumstances, this factor weighs in favor of
final approval of the proposed settlement.
C. The Amount of Discovery Engaged in by the Parties
The amount of discovery engaged in by the parties is a
factor for consideration because, “[i]n order to realistically
and accurately assess the strength of their case and the
7

propriety of settlement, experienced attorneys need sufficient
information.” Lonardo v. Travelers Indem. Co., 706 F. Supp.2d
766, 782 (N.D. Ohio Mar. 31, 2010), citing In re Telectronics,
137 F. Supp.2d at 1015 (noting that sufficient discovery had
taken place such that the settlement was negotiated with “the
knowledge necessary to make an intelligent, informed decision in
this matter”). In this case, although formal discovery had not
yet taken place when the settlement was reached, the parties had
exchanged a substantial amount of information and had been able
to assess each side’s strengths and weaknesses and potential
value of the claims.

In their unopposed motion, Plaintiffs

assert that the parties had “(1) investigated the claims; (2)
researched and drafted the complaints in both cases; (3) met and
conferred regarding ESI; (4) researched and briefed motions to
stay the cases; (5) exchanged and reviewed pre-mediation written
and documentary discovery, which was ultimately confirmed via
sworn interrogatory responses; (6) researched and drafted
multiple comprehensive mediation briefs, each of which canvassed
the applicable law and risks of litigation both as to the
certification and the merits; and (7) prepared for and
participated in two separate mediation sessions, and extended
settlement negotiations.” (Doc. M-33). “Such negotiations allowed
all parties to fully explore the factual and legal grounding of
their positions in multiple mediation sessions. Such an exchange
of information facilitat[es] a candid perspective on the merits
and risks of the parties' respective cases and allow[s] them to
agree upon an appropriate settlement value.” Dick v. Sprint
Communications Co. L.P., 297 F.R.D. 283 (W.D. Ky. 2014). The
substantial exchange of information and ongoing negotiations by
the parties point towards approval of the settlement.

8

D. The Likelihood of Success on the Merits
An examination of the fairness of a settlement necessarily
requires the Court to examine the likelihood of success on the
merits if the litigation were to continue. See International
Union, United Auto., Aerospace, and Agr. Implement Workers of
Am., 497 F.3d at 631. Although examination of this factor does
not require the Court to resolve the outstanding legal or factual
issues on the merits, the Court cannot adequately assess the
fairness of the proposed settlement without “weighing the
plaintiff's likelihood of success on the merits against the
amount and form of the relief offered in the settlement.” Id.,
quoting Carson v. American Brands, Inc., 450 U.S. 79, 88 n.14
(1981).
In this case, Plaintiffs sought statutory damages under the
FCRA, which provides for damages between $100 and $1,000 if the
plaintiff can prove that violation of the statute was willful. 15
U.S.C. §1681n(a)(1). To obtain statutory damages for an FCRA
violation, plaintiffs must meet a very high standard or proof,
and may even lose after a successful trial verdict.

See Smith v.

LexisNexis Screening Solutions, Inc., 837 F.3d 604, 611 (6th Cir.
2016) (reversing jury verdict, finding that the consumer
reporting agency’s conduct did not constitute a willful violation
of the FCRA); Domonoske v. Bank of America, N.A., 790 F.Supp.2d
466, 476 (W.D. Va. 2011) (“given the difficulties of proving
willfulness or even negligence with actual damages, there was a
substantial risk of nonpayment [for FCRA violations]”). The FCRA
does not provide specific guidance to courts as to the
appropriate relief for a statutory violation. However, to recover
actual damages Plaintiffs would need to prove that they suffered
an actual injury; for example, that they lost job opportunities
or their employment was terminated as a result of Aerotek’s
actions. See, e.g., City of Los Angeles v. Lyons, 461 U.S. 95,
9

102 (1983) (A plaintiff must show that he “has sustained or is
immediately in danger of sustaining some direct injury” as the
result of the challenged conduct).
The settlement at issue provides for a common fund of
$15,000,000, and per class member payments of between $13-$80.
(Doc. 33, p. 12). In the unopposed brief, Plaintiffs assert that
given the breadth of violations, as well as the size of the
Class, it is “unlikely that Plaintiffs would achieve an award of
statutory damages which, on a per person basis, would
substantially exceed $100.” Id.

Plaintiffs point out that the

differing amounts allocated to each category of class member
reflect the varying extent of injury to each type of member, with
the worst affected being those who were actually fired based on
the background check and were not sent the pre-adverse action
notice until after the adverse action.

In evaluating the

fairness of a settlement, this Court has acknowledged that where
there are differing levels of injury to class members, it is
appropriate to allocate settlement funds accordingly. Johnson v.
Midwest Logistics Systems, Ltd., 2013 WL 2295880, *4 (S.D. Ohio
May 24, 2013). Plaintiffs also point out that in addition to the
monetary benefits, the settlement in this case provides valuable
non-monetary benefits to the Class which may not have been
achievable by taking the litigation to completion.
In short, Plaintiffs’ unopposed motion establishes that the
settlement agreement strikes a satisfactory balance between the
likelihood of success on the merits and the relief offered in the
settlement. In addition, there is a real risk that the Class
could recover nothing if this litigation were to continue.
Accordingly, the Court finds that this factor weighs in favor of
final approval of the proposed settlement.

10

E. The Opinions of Class Counsel and Class Representative
At the fairness hearing and in the brief in support of final
approval, Class Counsel and Aerotek indicated that they find the
settlement amount to be reasonable. The class representatives
have stayed abreast of developments in the case and reviewed and
support the approval of the settlement. (Doc. R-104-1, ¶10). The
parties in this case are represented by counsel with substantial
experience in class action litigation, and FCRA cases in
particular. (Doc. R-97). Such counsel’s “opinion that the
proposed settlement is fair to the class is entitled to
considerable weight. . .” Dick, 297 F.R.D. at 296; see also
Hainey v. Parrott, 617 F. Supp.2d 668, 675 (S.D. Ohio
2007)(finding that experienced counsel's “opinion that the
proposed settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate is entitled
to considerable weight”). Based upon the agreement of the class
representatives and the parties’ experienced and knowledgeable
counsel, the Court finds that this factor weighs in favor of
final approval of the proposed settlement.
F. The Reaction of Absent Class Members
The parties are in agreement that the form, substance, and
delivery of the class notices were fair and reasonable and fairly
apprised class members of the terms of the proposed settlement,
how they could seek additional information, opt out of the
settlement, or object to the settlement. Only 72 of the more than
588,000 Class members in this case opted out of the settlement
(0.01% of the total).

One Class member objected, but based on

reasons unrelated to the FCRA claims.

Where “only a small number

of objections to a class action settlement are received, that
fact can be viewed as indicative of the adequacy of the
settlement. . . minuscule percentage of objections relative to
the size of the Class weighs in favor of finding the [settlement]
to be fair, reasonable and adequate.” Smith v. Ohio Dep’t of
11

Rehabilitation and Correction, 2012 WL 1440254, *20 (S.D. Ohio
April 26, 2012) (internal citations omitted). This factor also
weighs in favor of final approval of the settlement.
G. The Public Interest
Finally, the Court considers the public interest in
approving the proposed settlement. “Public policy generally
favors settlement of class action lawsuits.” Hainey v. Parrott,
617 F. Supp.2d 668, 679 (S.D. Ohio 2007). The settlement would
avoid prolonged litigation, resulting in the conservation of both
the parties' resources and the Court's resources. See In re
Telectronics Pacing Sys., Inc., 137 F. Supp.2d at 1025 (finding
the settlement was in the public interest because, inter alia,
“it frees...the valuable judicial resources of this Court”).
Based upon the foregoing, this factor weighs in favor of final
approval of the proposed settlement.
H. Summary
The Court has reviewed and considered the record in this
case, including the representations made by counsel at the
fairness hearing held on June 22, 2017. As set forth above, the
Court has considered the risk of fraud or collusion, the
complexity, expense, and likely duration of the litigation, the
amount of discovery engaged in by the parties, the likelihood of
success on the merits, the opinions of class counsel and the
class representative, the reaction of the absent class members,
and the public interest, and it finds that all seven factors
weigh in favor of final approval of the proposed settlement. In
addition, counsel for the parties are in agreement with this
assessment. Thus, in accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(e), this
Court finds that the settlement agreement is fair, reasonable,
and adequate, and that approval is in the best interest of the
Class. The Court will now examine the reasonableness of the
attorneys' fees set forth in the settlement agreement.
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IV. Motion for Attorneys’ Fees, Costs and
Class Representative Service Awards
Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(h), Plaintiffs move the Court
for an Order approving the following payments in connection with
the settlement: (1) attorneys’ fees to Class Counsel in the
amount of one-third of the common fund ($5,000,000); (2)
reimbursement of Class Counsel’s out-of-pocket costs in the
amount of $67,964.27; (3) Class Representative Awards of $5,000
each to Plaintiffs Moore and Rubio-Delgado, and $3,000 each to
Plaintiffs Hubbard and Burgess; and (4) third- party settlement
administration charges in the amount of $856,849.87. The Court
must determine whether the amount of attorneys' fees is fair and
reasonable under the circumstances of this case. See Moulton v.
United States Steel Co., 581 F.3d 344, 352 (6th Cir. 2009).
Although the Court is given great deference in granting an award
for attorneys’ fees, it must set forth its reasons for “adopting
a particular methodology and the factors considered in arriving
at the fee.” Id., quoting Rawlings v. Prudential-Bache Prop.,
Inc., 9 F.3d 513, 516 (6th Cir. 1993).
A. The Methodology
The settlement agreement uses the percentage of the fund
method for calculating the award of attorneys' fees. As
Plaintiffs’ brief points out, many courts within the Sixth
Circuit have accepted this method for calculating the award of
attorneys' fees with a percentage of the award, even when the
underlying claims are brought under fee-shifting statutes like
the FCRA. Clevenger v. Dillards, 2007 WL 764291 (S.D. Ohio March
9, 2007); Connectivity Sys., Inc. v. Nat’l City Bank, 2011 WL
292008 (S.D. Ohio Jan. 26, 2011). The advantages of the
percentage of the fund method are that: “it is easy to calculate;
it establishes reasonable expectations on the part of plaintiffs'
attorneys as to their expected recovery; and it encourages early

13

settlement, which avoids protracted litigation.” Rawlings v.
Prudential-Bache Properties, Inc., 9 F.3d 513, 516-17 (6th Cir.
1993). Fee awards in common fund cases generally are calculated
as a percentage of the fund created, with the percentages awarded
typically ranging from 20 to 50 percent of the common fund
created. In re Dun & Bradstreet Credit Servs. Customer Litig.,
130 F.R.D. 366, 372 (S.D. Ohio 1990); cf. In re Telectronics
Pacing Sys., Inc., 137 F. Supp.2d at 1042 (accepting the
“percentage-of-the-fund” method, but noting that “the fee
percentages range from 10 to 30 percent (10%-30%) of the common
fund created”). Given that the percentage of the fund method has
been accepted within the Sixth Circuit for calculating an award
of attorneys' fees, the Court will accept that method. Further,
because the one-third fee requested falls within the typical
range for such cases, the Court will adopt that methodology for
calculating the attorneys' fee award in this case. The Court now
turns to the factors considered in arriving at the fee.
B. Factors in Arriving at the Fee
In considering whether a requested attorneys' fee award is
fair, courts should address the following factors: “(1) the value
of the benefit rendered to the plaintiff class; (2) the value of
the services on an hourly basis; (3) whether the services were
undertaken on a contingent fee basis; (4) society's stake in
rewarding attorneys who produce such benefits in order to
maintain an incentive to others; (5) the complexity of the
litigation; and (6) the professional skill and standing of
counsel involved on both sides.” Bowling v. Pfizer, Inc., 102
F.3d 777, 780 (6th Cir. 1996). The Court will address each factor
in turn.

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1. The Value of the Benefits to the Class
The value of the benefit rendered to the plaintiff class is
among the most important factors to be considered. See Basile v.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, & Smith, Inc., 640 F. Supp. 697,
700 (S.D. Ohio 1986). To determine the value rendered to the
settlement class, the court should analyze the merits of the case
and the risks associated with continued litigation. See, e.g., In
re Countrywide Fin. Corp. Customer Data Sec. Breach Litig., 2010
WL 3341200, at *10 (W.D. Ky. Aug. 23, 2010). Here, an examination
of the merits of this case and the risks associated with
continued litigation demonstrates that the settlement value is
substantial. As discussed above, this litigation is in the early
stages, no formal discovery had been conducted, and no
dispositive motions had been filed. Had the parties engaged in
formal discovery and filed dispositive motions, this would have
increased the cost significantly.

More importantly, Plaintiffs

were not guaranteed to succeed had the case proceeded to
dispositive motions or a trial.

Class members in this case will

receive approximately $13-$80 per person.

Even if Plaintiffs

were successful at trial, each class member’s recovery “would
likely be much closer to $100 than to $1,000" in FCRA statutory
damages. (Doc. 33, p. 12). The Class contained approximately
588,000 members, most with relatively small claims and for which
the individual members would have been unlikely to pursue. There
is also non-monetary benefit to the Class members, as discussed
above. Consequently, this factor supports the reasonableness of
an award of $5,000,000 in attorneys’ fees as provided in the
settlement agreement.
2. The Value of the Services on an Hourly Basis
The next factor requires the Court to examine the value of
the services on an hourly basis. This may be done by performing a
“crosscheck” of requested fees using Class Counsel’s lodestar.
15

Feiertag v. DDP Holdings, LLC, 2016 WL 4721208, *7 (S.D. Ohio
Sept. 9, 2016). This may serve to ensure that a fee award is
“roughly aligned with the amount of work the attorneys
contributed,” and confirm the reasonableness of the fee to be
awarded as a percentage of the award. In re Cardinal Health Inc.
Sec. Litig., 528 F.Supp.2d 752, 764 (S.D. Ohio 2007).
Class counsel furnished curriculum vitae, declarations, and
time sheets detailing their work performed on the case to date.
(Doc. 30 Exhibits).

At the time of the filing of the motion for

attorneys’ fees, Class Counsel had logged a combined total of
$1,073,782.87 in billable time at their standard hourly rates.
(Doc. 30, p. 16) Counsel has spent additional time on this matter
in preparing for and attending the fairness hearing, responding
to Class member inquiries, requesting Class member consumer
reports, and other case related activities. According to the
Supplemental Declaration of E. Michelle Drake, Class Counsel have
expended an additional 122.75 hours, which combined with the
lodestar already submitted totals $1,121,647.12.
While the amount of attorneys’ fees under the contingency
fee exceeds Class Counsel’s normal hourly rate, this does not
preclude the Court from approving the requested fees. Courts have
“broad equity power to supervise the collection of attorney’s
fees under contingency fee contracts.” United States ex rel.
Taxpayers Against Fraud v. GE, 41 F.3d 1032, 1047 (6th Cir.
1994).

Attorneys’ fees “may be awarded by the court if they are

‘authorized by law or by the parties’ agreement.’” Schumacher v.
AK Steel Corp. Ret. Acc. Pension Plan, 995 F.Supp.2d 835, 852
(S.D. Ohio 2014) (quoting Krause v. Rhodes, 640 F.2d 214, 218
(6th Cir. 1981)). Courts should consider “what a knowledgeable
class member would have negotiated and agreed to pay at the
outset of the case.” Id. This Court has recognized that
“contingent fees between 25 and 33% of a plaintiff's recovery are
16

the norm, and fees within that range have often been approved by
courts within the Sixth Circuit.” Id.
“The factors to be considered in determining a ‘reasonable’
fee under that Rule are: (1) the time and labor required, the
novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill
requisite to perform the legal service properly; (2) the
likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the
particular employment will preclude other employment by the
lawyer; (3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for
similar legal services; (4) the amount involved and the results
obtained; (5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by
the circumstances; (6) the nature and length of the professional
relationship with the client; (7) the experience, reputation, and
ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and (8)
whether the fee is fixed or contingent.” Id. In this case, Class
Counsel and Plaintiffs agreed the contingency fee of 1/3 of the
recovery amount, which is within the range of standard
contingency fee agreements.

Class Counsel achieved a favorable

settlement for the Class members and their effective hourly rates
have been found reasonable in similar cases. See, e.g., Spano v.
Boeing Co., 2016 WL 3791123, *3 (S.D. Ill. March 31, 2016
(approving hourly rates of $460-$998 for attorneys, $309 for
paralegals, and $190 for legal assistants); Chakejian v. Equifax
Info. Servs., Inc., 275 F.R.D. 201, 216-17 (E.D. Penn. 2011)
(finding $700 per hour reasonable for experienced class counsel).
This factor weighs in favor of approval of the requested
attorneys’ fees.
3. Whether Services Were Undertaken on a Contingency Fee Basis
Class Counsel took this case on a contingency fee basis, and
have invested time and resources in this matter without any
compensation to date. As this Court has recognized, “contingency
fee arrangements indicate that there is a certain degree of risk
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in obtaining a recovery.” In re Telectronics Pacing Sys., Inc.,
137 F. Supp.2d at 1043. As Plaintiffs explain, this case carried
a very real possibility of an unsuccessful outcome, and by their
very nature “contingency fee arrangements indicate that there is
a certain degree of risk in obtaining a recovery.” Id. At the
time the respective complaints were filed in this matter, there
were no obvious indications that a settlement would be reached.
In addition, Class Counsel have expended substantial time and
resources in reaching this settlement. Where counsel has made
significant investments of time, advanced costs, and received no
compensation, this typically weighs in favor of granted the
requested attorneys’ fees. Gentrup v. Renovo Servs., LLC, 2011 WL
3532922, *4 (S.D. Ohio June 24, 2011); see also Dick, 297 F.R.D.
at 300. Further, continuing with this litigation rather than
settling now carried a number of inheret risks, such as
Plaintiffs’ burden to prove at trial that Aerotek’s violations
were wilful in order to receive a statutory damage award. See
Domonoske, 790 F.Supp. at 466. This factor supports the
reasonableness of the requested attorneys’ fee award.
4. Society's Stake in Rewarding Attorneys Who Produce Such
Benefits in Order to Maintain an Incentive to Others
There is a benefit to society in ensuring that small
claimants may pool their claims and resources, and attorneys who
take on class action matters enable this. In re Telectronics
Pacing Sys., Inc., 137 F.Supp.2d at 1043. In this matter, Class
counsel recovered for more than 588,000 individuals who had small
value claims.

The Supreme Court has recognized that in cases

such as this, “most of the plaintiffs would have no realistic day
in court if a class action were not available.” Phillips
Petroleum Co. v. Shutts, 472 U.S. 797, 809 (1985).

Many of the

Class members in this case would not have been able or willing to
pursue their claim individually, and many more would most likely
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not even be aware that they had a claim against Aerotek. “Society
has a stake in rewarding attorneys who achieve a result that the
individual class members probably could not obtain on their own.”
Kritzer v. Safelite Solutions, LLC, 2012 WL 1945144 (S.D. Ohio
May 30, 2012). In addition, adequate “compensatory fee awards in
successful class actions promote private enforcement of and
compliance with important areas of federal law,” such as the
FCRA. See Bateman Eichler, Hill Richards, Inc. v. Berner, 472
U.S. 299, 310 (1985). Accordingly, this factor also weighs in
favor of approving the requested fees.
5. Complexity of the Litigation
“Most class actions are inherently complex,” and therefore
time consuming. In re Delphi Corp. Sec., Derivative & “ERISA”
Litig., 248 F.R.D. 483, 504 (E.D. Mich. 2008). As discussed in
the section above addressing the approval of the settlement, this
case is no exception. Had the case proceeded, counsel would have
had the difficult burden of proving that Aerotek’s FCRA
violations were willful. Plaintiffs also point out that case law
is still developing following the Supreme Court’s decision in
Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins, --- U.S. --- 136 S.Ct. 1540 (2016), which
raised complicated jurisdictional issues that potentially affect
this case. In addition, resolving the merits, damages, and
procedural issues rather than settling would have been risky,
expensive, and time consuming. This factor supports the
reasonableness of the requested attorneys’ fees.
6. Professional Skill of Counsel
The brief filed in support of final approval of the
preliminarily approved class settlement agreement and Class
Counsel’s declarations establish that Class Counsel are
experienced and knowledgeable in FCRA litigation, are skilled,
and are in good standing. In addition, “[t]he ability...to
negotiate a favorable settlement in the face of formidable legal
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opposition further evidences the reasonableness of the fee award
requested.” Dick,supra, quoting In re Delphi Corp. Sec.,
Derivative & “ERISA” Litig., 248 F.R.D. at 504. The professional
skill and standing of Class Counsel supports the reasonableness
of $5,000,000 in attorneys' fees.
V. Recommendation
For the reasons set forth above, this Court recommends
approval of the settlement amount of $15,000,000, and of Class
Counsel's application for $5,069,964.27 in Attorneys' Fees and
costs, and for Class Representative Awards of $5,000 each to
Plaintiffs Moore and Rubio-Delgado and $3,000 each to Plaintiffs
Hubbard and Burgess. The Court further recommends approval and
authorization of an amount not to exceed $856,849.87 to cover the
Settlement Administrator's fees and costs. These amounts are to
be deducted from the Settlement Funds as set forth in the
Settlement Agreement.
PROCEDURE ON OBJECTIONS
If any party objects to the Report and Recommendation, that
party may, within fourteen days of the date of this Report, file
and serve on all parties written objections to those specific
proposed findings or recommendations to which objection is made,
together with supporting authority for the objection(s).

A judge

of this Court shall make a de novo determination of those
portions of the report or specified proposed findings or
recommendations to which objection is made.

Upon proper

objections, a judge of this Court may accept, reject, or modify,
in whole or in part, the findings or recommendations made herein,
may receive further evidence or may recommit this matter to the
magistrate judge with instructions.

28 U.S.C. §636(b)(1).

The parties are specifically advised that failure to object
to the Report and Recommendation will result in a waiver of the
right to have the district judge review the Report and
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Recommendation de novo, and also operates as a waiver of the
right to appeal the decision of the District Court adopting the
Report and Recommendation.

See Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140

(1985); United States v. Walters, 638 F.2d 947 (6th Cir.1981).

/s/ Terence P. Kemp
United States Magistrate Judge

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