Case: Abdallah v. Coca-Cola

Abdallah v. Coca Cola Company

Abdallah v. Coca-Cola co.

Abdallah v. Coca-Cola Co.

ANSWERS TO MANDATORY DISCLOSURES by plaintiff (rjp) (Entered: 12/30/1998)

CASE REFERRED to Mag Judge John R. Strother Jr. (Calendar sheets and notice of referral forwarded) (rjp) (Entered: 12/30/1998)

ORDER by Mag Judge John R. Strother Jr., recusing Mag. Judge, DIRECTING clerk to reassign case to another magistrate judge . (cc &case reassignment desk) (pdw) (Entered: 01/11/1999)

Completed referral to Mag Judge John R. Strother Jr. (pdw) (Entered: 01/12/1999)

CASE REFERRED to Mag Judge John E. Dougherty (Calendar sheets forwarded, ntc of mag reassignment to counsel and RWS) (pdw) (Entered: 01/12/1999)

ORDER by Mag Judge John E. Dougherty, recusing himself as magistrate &DIRECTING case be reassigned (cc and case reassignment desk) (pdw) (Entered: 01/19/1999)

Completed referral to Mag Judge John E. Dougherty (pdw) (Entered: 03/10/1999)

CASE REFERRED to Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III (Calendar sheets forwarded, mag judge reassignment ntc to counsel, ) (pdw) (Entered: 03/10/1999)

AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT adding Motisola Malikha Abdallah, Linda Ingram, Kimberly Gray Orton; jury demand (pdw) (Entered: 04/22/1999)

AMENDED ANSWERS TO MANDATORY DISCLOSURES by plaintiff Kimberly Gray Orton (pdw) (Entered: 04/22/1999)

AMENDED ANSWERS TO MANDATORY DISCLOSURES by plaintiff Linda Ingram (pdw) (Entered: 04/22/1999)

AMENDED ANSWERS TO MANDATORY DISCLOSURES by plaintiff Gregory Allen Clark (pdw) (Entered: 04/22/1999)

AMENDED ANSWERS TO MANDATORY DISCLOSURES by plaintiff Motisola Malikha Abdallah (pdw) (Entered: 04/22/1999)

Return of service executed 4/22/99 as to Coca−Cola Company on complaint (pdw) (Entered: 04/23/1999)

EMERGENCY MOTION by plaintiffs for leave to interview prospective class members who initiate contact with plaintiffs' counsel , AND to preclude dft from further unauthorized communication with prospective class members with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 05/03/1999)

EMERGENCY MOTION by plaintiffs for expedited response and expedited ruling with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 05/03/1999)

Attorney appearance for plaintiffs by Homer Lamar Mixson, Jeffrey O. Bramlett, &Joshua F. Thorpe (pdw) (Entered: 05/03/1999)

ORDER by Judge Richard W. Story GRANTING [12−1] motion for expedited response and expedited ruling, ORDERING dft to file response to [11−1], [11−2] motions by 5/11/99, ORDERING parties to appear for status conference set for 3:00 5/13/99 (cc) (pdw) (Entered: 05/05/1999)

Response by defendant in Opposition to [11−1] motion for leave to interview prospective class members who initiate contact with plaintiffs' counsel, [11−2] motion to preclude dft from further unauthorized communication with prospective class members (pdw) (Entered: 05/07/1999)

SUBMITTED to Judge Richard W. Story on [11−1] motion for leave to interview prospective class members who initiate contact with plaintiffs' counsel, [11−2] motion to preclude dft from further unauthorized communication with prospective

ANSWER to amended complaint [5−1] by Coca−Cola Company; jury demand (pdw) (Entered: 05/13/1999)

STATUS CONFERENCE and motion hearing HELD before Judge Richard W. Story; court to issue written order. (djh) (Entered: 05/14/1999)

Application for admission of Pamela Coukos, Cyrus Mehri pro hac vice for plaintiffs (djh) (Entered: 05/17/1999)

Payment received $ 100.00 Receipt #: 439178 for appl phv of C. Mehri (djh) (Entered: 05/17/1999)

Payment received $ 100.00 Receipt #: 439177 for appl phv of P. Coukos (djh) (Entered: 05/17/1999)

TRANSCRIPT filed RE: for dates of 5/13/99 Court Reporter: Martha J. Frutchey − (djh) (Entered: 05/17/1999)

ORDER by Judge Richard W. Story GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART plas' [11−1] motion for leave to interview prospective class members who initiate contact with plas' cnsl, [11−2] to preclude dft from further unauthorized communication prospective class members. Plas' communications: Court finds plas and their cnsl are entitled to speak freely about lawsuit w/any potential class member who contacts them. Court permits plas to (1) discuss merits of suit w/potential class members who contact them; (2) determine whether that potential class member possesses any evidence relating to the cmp allegations; (3) prepare afdts or other testimony in support of class cert or the merits of the case; (4) discuss w/potential class members the possibility of representation by plas' cnsl and of providing legal services to them. To extent that Coca−Cola employees wish to pursue employment claims against Coca−Cola, they may communicate freely w/plas and their cnsl. However, communications re: any other matters relevant to this suit−−including but not limited to privileged info−−are not permitted. Coca−Cola's request that plas produce copies of intake forms completed by employees at plas' cnsl's law firm and making employees available for interviews is DENIED. Coca−Cola's request that plas be restricted from asking potential class members whether they may be contacted at work is DENIED. Plas are prohibited from contacting Coca−Cola employees at work unless the employees have retained plas' cnsl. Court concludes that website should be purged of the cmp, its exhs, and the referral to plas' cnsl, and Court orders plas to earnestly request the cmp, its exhs and referral be removed from website. Dft's communications: Court imposes following limitations on Coca−Cola's communications w/potential class members. Coca−Cola may continue to share its views about lawsuit w/its employees but all such communications must contain language "The foregoing represents Coca−Cola's opinion of lawsuit. It is unlawful for Coca−Cola to retaliate against employees who choose to participate in this case." Plas request that Coca−Cola issue a curative notice to potential class members as a result of Ivester's previous e−mails is DENIED. Coca−Cola is prohibited from discussing suit directly w/potential class members except to extent it needs to speak w/managerial employees to investigate the acts, omissions, and stmts they committed that may expose Coca−Cola to liability in this action. But these conversations must be limited to that specific topic. Court will not limit in any manner the parties' right to speak w/media re: substance of lawsuit so long as no attempts are made by either side to overtly solicit participation or nonparticipation by potential class members. (cc) (djh) (Entered: 05/17/1999)

ENDORSED ORDER on appl phv by Judge Richard W. Story APPROVING [19−1] pro hac vice applications of Cyrus Mehri, Pamela Coukos (cc) (djh) (Entered: 05/18/1999)

TELE−CONFERENCE HELD before Judge Richard W. Story re: clarification/interpretation of Court's 5/14/99 [20−1] order(djh) Modified on 05/16/2001 (Entered: 05/19/1999)

Steno notes of proceedings held 5/18/99 before Judge Richard W. Story , by Court Reporter Thereses J. Vesel. (djh) (Entered: 05/20/1999)

Certificate of interested persons. (to judge and mag judge) (pdw) (Entered: 05/25/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs to require defendant to issue corrective notice with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 05/28/1999)

ANSWERS TO MANDATORY DISCLOSURES by defendant (pdw) (Entered: 05/28/1999)

MOTION by defendant to dismiss class allegations with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 06/01/1999)

MOTION by defendant to stay discovery with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 06/01/1999)

Response by defendant in Opposition to [23−1] motion to require defendant to issue corrective notice (pdw) (Entered: 06/07/1999)

SCHEDULING ORDER by Judge Richard W. Story (cc) **see order for details** (pdw) (Entered: 06/07/1999)

Brief by plaintiffs in Opposition to [25−1] motion to dismiss class allegations (pdw) (Entered: 06/10/1999)

Brief by plaintiffs in Opposition to [26−1] motion to stay discovery (pdw) (Entered: 06/10/1999)

SUBMITTED to Judge Richard W. Story on [23−1] motion to require defendant to issue corrective notice, [25−1] motion to dismiss class allegations, [26−1] motion to stay discovery (pdw) (Entered: 06/15/1999)

ORDER by Judge Richard W. Story DENYING [23−1] motion to require defendant to issue corrective notice by plaintiffs (cc) (pdw) (Entered: 06/17/1999)

REPLY by defendant to response to [26−1] motion to stay discovery (pdw) (Entered: 06/22/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs to compel 30(b)(6) deposition &dft's compliance with discovery and record preservation obligations with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 06/24/1999)

PROTECTIVE ORDER ENTERED by Judge Richard W. Story regarding confidential information. **SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS** **AMENDED BY [57−1] ORDER** (pdw) (Entered: 06/24/1999)

MOTION by defendant for protective order with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 06/25/1999)

REPLY by defendant to response to [25−1] motion to dismiss class allegations (pdw) (Entered: 06/25/1999)

TELE−CONFERENCE HELD before Judge Richard W. Story, hearing scheduled for 7/15/99 @ 2:00 regarding motion to dismiss class; after ruling on motion, court will refer discovery to magistrate (pdw) (Entered: 06/28/1999)

ORDER by Judge Richard W. Story DENYING [26−1] motion to stay discovery by Coca−Cola Company, motion hearing set for [25−1] motion to dismiss class allegations 2:00 7/15/99 (cc) (pdw) (Entered: 06/28/1999)

MOTION by defendant for modification of the scheduling order with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 07/02/1999)

SUBMITTED to Judge Richard W. Story on [33−1] motion to compel 30(b)(6) deposition &dft's compliance with discovery and record preservation obligations (FILE IN CHAMBERS) (pdw) (Entered: 07/08/1999)

Brief by plaintiffs in Opposition to [35−1] motion for protective order (pdw) (Entered: 07/12/1999)

SUBMITTED to Judge Richard W. Story on [35−1] motion for protective order (**FILE IN CHAMBERS**) (pdw) (Entered: 07/12/1999)

TRANSCRIPT filed RE: for 6/25/99 teleconference Court Reporter: Martha J. Frutchey − (pdw) (Entered: 07/14/1999)

Response by plaintiffs to [39−1] motion for modification of the scheduling order (pdw) (Entered: 07/14/1999)

Hearing brief and sur−reply by plaintiffs in Opposition to [25−1] motion to dismiss class allegations (pdw) (Entered: 07/14/1999)

Steno notes of proceedings held 6/25/99 before Judge Richard W. Story, by Court Reporter Martha J. Frutchey. (pa) (Entered: 07/14/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs to modify protective order on confidentiality (REDACTED VERSION) with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 07/16/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs to modify protective order on confidentiality with brief in support. (**FILED UNDER SEAL**) (pdw) (Entered: 07/16/1999)

Proposed order by plaintiffs re: request by plaintiff's counsel that they be permitted to interview and obtain testimony from former Coca−Cola employees (to judge) (pdw) (Entered: 07/16/1999)

Motion HEARING held before Judge Richard W. Story 7/15/99 [25−1] motion to dismiss class allegations (DENIED), [33−1] motion to compel 30(b)(6) deposition &dft's compliance with discovery and record preservation obligations (GRANTED IN PART), [35−1] motion for protective order (DENIED), [39−1] motion for modification of the scheduling order (DENIED); all discovery issues are referred to Magistrate Judge Scofield (pdw) (Entered: 07/16/1999)

ORDER by Judge Richard W. Story DENYING [25−1] motion to dismiss class allegations by Coca−Cola Company, GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART [33−1] motion to compel 30(b)(6) deposition &dft's compliance with discovery and record preservation obligations by plaintiffs (GRANTED as to 30(b)(6) deposition of dft; dft is ORDERED to identify and produce all documents relating to its employment policies and practices governing compensation, promotions, performance evaluations, affirmative action initiatives, employee discipline, &termination; DENIED as to the extent plas seek production of every Coca−Cola personnel file; DENIED as to plas request for a document preservation order); [35−1] motion for protective order by Coca−Cola Company, DENYING [39−1] motion for modification of the scheduling order by Coca−Cola Company; all discovery issues are REFERRED to Magistrate Judge Clayton E. Scofield (cc) (pdw) (Entered: 07/16/1999)

Terminated submissions to district judge. (pdw) (Entered: 07/16/1999)

FILE SUBMITTED to Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III (pdw) (Entered: 07/23/1999)

Privilege Log as of 7/23/99 by defendant, pursuant to [28−1] scheduling order (pdw) (Entered: 07/26/1999)

Steno notes of proceedings held 7/15/99 before Judge Richard W. Story, by Court Reporter Martha J. Frutchey. (pa) (Entered: 07/28/1999)

Reply by defendant to [45−1]/[44−1] motion to modify protective order on confidentiality (pdw) (Entered: 07/30/1999)

SUBMITTED to Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III on [45−1]/ [44−1] motion to modify protective order on confidentiality (FILE IN CHAMBERS) (pdw) (Entered: 07/30/1999)

TRANSCRIPT filed RE: for dates of 7/15/99 motion hearing Court Reporter: M.J. Frutchey (pdw) (Entered: 08/04/1999)

REPLY brief by plaintiffs in support of [45−1]/[44−1] motion to modify protective order on confidentiality (pdw) (Entered: 08/06/1999)

MOTION by defendant for permission to file a response to plaintiffs' reply brief in support of their motion to modify protective order on confidentiality with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 08/16/1999)

Response by defendant to plas' [51−1] reply brief in support of their motion to modify protective order on confidentiality (REDACTED VERSION) (pdw) (Entered: 08/16/1999)

Response by defendant to plas' [51−1] reply brief in support of their motion to modify protective order on confidentiality (**FILED UNDER SEAL**) (pdw) (Entered: 08/16/1999)

Terminated submissions to Magistrate Judge. (pdw) (Entered: 08/17/1999)

SUBMITTED to Judge Richard W. Story on [44−1]/[45−1] motion to modify protective order on confidentiality (pdw) (Entered: 08/17/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log , and for production of non−privileged documents with brief in support and exhibits. **REDACTED VERSION** (pdw) (Entered: 08/31/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log , and for production of non−privileged documents with brief in support and exhibits. **FILED UNDER SEAL** (pdw) (Entered: 08/31/1999)

SUBMITTED to Judge Richard W. Story on [52−1] motion for permission to file a response to plaintiffs' reply brief in support of their motion to modify protective order on confidentiality (FILE IN CHAMBERS) (pdw) (Entered: 08/31/1999)

ORDER by Judge Richard W. Story GRANTING [52−1] motion for permission to file a response to plaintiffs' reply brief, and considering plas [44−1]/[45−1] motion to modify [34−1] protective order: again, parties are ORDERED to seek to resolve confidentiality issues by communicating with one another and further ORDERING that the [34−1] 6/24/99 protective order be AMENDED to provide that disclosure of confidential information to the Court is permitted at any court proceeding, provided the party wishing to present the information shall give advance ntc to the Court and opposing counsel so that a procedure to protect the confidentiality of the information can be agreed upon. (cc) (pdw) (Entered: 09/02/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs to compel production of documents and compliance with scheduling order with brief in support. **REDACTED VERSION**) (pdw) (Entered: 09/10/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs to compel production of documents and compliance with scheduling order with brief in support. **FILED UNDER SEAL** (pdw) (Entered: 09/10/1999)

Terminated submissions. (pdw) (Entered: 09/14/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs for determination of sanctions with brief in support and exhibits G,H,I. (**EXHIBITS FILED UNDER SEAL**) (kt) (Entered: 09/16/1999)

Notice of filing original depositions by plaintiffs. (kt) (Entered: 09/16/1999)

MOTION by plaintiffs for removal of "confidential" designation from documents filed with the court with brief in support. (**FILED UNDER SEAL**) (pdw) (Entered: 09/17/1999)

Joint MOTION by parties to extend time for dft to respond to [55−1]/[56−1] motion for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log, with proposed order (to mag judge) (pdw) (Entered: 09/17/1999)

ORDER by Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III GRANTING [63−1] joint motion to extend time until 9/24/99 for dft to respond to [55−1]/[56−1] motion for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log, [55−56] motions to be submitted on 9/27/99 (cc) (kt) (Entered: 09/22/1999)

Notice to take depositions of Ed Walker, Anthony Richardson, Bruce Blake, Carlotta Blount−Cummins, Denise Marshall, Ann Ellsberry, and Elzora Andrews by defendant (pdw) (Entered: 09/23/1999)

MOTION by defendant, with consent of plas, to extend time to respond to [58−1]/[59−1] motion to compel production of documents and compliance with scheduling order with brief in support and proposed consent order. (to mag) (pdw) (Entered: 09/24/1999)

MOTION by defendant to exceed page limit for its opposition to plas' motion for (1) removal of "privileged" designations and (2) production of privileged documents with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 09/24/1999)

MOTION by defendant to extend time until 9/27/99 to respond to [56−1] motion for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log, [56−2] motion for production of non−privileged documents with brief in support. (kt) (Entered: 09/28/1999)

ORDER by Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III GRANTING [68−1] motion to extend time until 9/27/99 to respond to [56−1] motion for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log, [56−2] motion for production of non−privileged documents (cc by mag 9/24/99 ) (pdw) (Entered: 09/28/1999)

ORDER by Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III GRANTING [66−1] motion to extend time until 10/1/99 to respond to [58−1]/[59−1] motion to compel production of documents and compliance with scheduling (cc) (kt) (Entered: 09/28/1999)

ORDER by Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III GRANTING [67−1] motion to exceed page limit for its opposition to plas' motion for (1) removal of "privileged" designations and (2) production of privileged documents (cc) (kt) (Entered: 09/28/1999)

Opposition by defendant to [55−1]/[56−1] motion for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log, [55−2]/[56−2] motion for production of non−privileged documents, with redacted and unredacted versions of appendix to opposition (**UNREDACTED VERSION OF APPENDIX FILED UNDER SEAL**) (pdw) (Entered: 09/28/1999)

SUBMITTED to Judge Richard W. Story on [55−1]/[56−1] motion for removal of "privileged" designation from documents listed on dft's privilege log, [55−2]/[56−2] motion for production of non−privileged documents (pdw) (Entered: 09/29/1999)

Notice to take deposition of Carlotta Blount−Cummins by defendant (pdw) (Entered: 09/29/1999)

MOTION by defendant to extend page limit for its response to plas' motion for determination of sanctions and dft's motion for sanctions with brief in support and proposed order. (pdw) (Entered: 09/30/1999)

ORDER by Mag Judge E. C. Scofield III GRANTING [74−1] motion to extend page limit for its response to plas' motion for determination of sanctions and dft's

......MOTION by defendant for sanctions with brief in support. (pdw) (Entered: 10/01/1999)

Response by defendant to [62−1] motion for removal of "confidential" designation from documents filed with the court (pdw) (Entered: 10/01/1999)