Joan Fife Weighs in on Brinker Ruling

Winston & Strawn partner Joan Fife, based in the firm’s San Francisco office, was quoted in the Daily Journal article “Settlement Approved in Brinker Meal and Rest Break Case” published September 4, 2014. Ms. Fife previously weighed in on this case – in which restaurant workers filed a class action over meal and rest breaks – in the September 27, 2013  issue of the Daily Journal.

In a September 3, 2014 ruling, San Diego County Superior Court Judge Katherine A. Bacal approved a $56 million settlement in the matter, finding "the proposed settlement to be fair, adequate and reasonable for purposes of preliminary approval."

Ms. Fife, who represents clients in class action employment litigation, said the agreement is "an extraordinarily high number for any wage and hour class settlement." However, she notes that the judge's approval of a 40 percent floor in the settlement is "good news" for employers and plaintiffs in future wage and hour class actions.

"The parties have more flexibility to determine how to get a case settled," Ms. Fife stated.

A hearing on the settlement's final approval is scheduled for December 12, 2014.