Case: Hubbard v. Potter

1:03-cv-01062 | U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Filed Date: May 14, 2003

Closed Date: 2013

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 14, 2003, deaf and hard-of-hearing employees of the United States Postal Service, on their own behalf and on behalf of a class of people similarly situated, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service in his official capacity, under The Rehabilitation Act 29 U.S.C. § 791 et. seq. after beginning an action with the EEOC that stalled for about seven months. The plaintiffs, represented by private …

On May 14, 2003, deaf and hard-of-hearing employees of the United States Postal Service, on their own behalf and on behalf of a class of people similarly situated, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service in his official capacity, under The Rehabilitation Act 29 U.S.C. § 791 et. seq. after beginning an action with the EEOC that stalled for about seven months. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel and the Washington Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, sought declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, and attorneys fees.

The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants failed to provide reasonable accommodations as required by the Rehabilitation Act and thereby caused the plaintiffs and their putative class to suffer harm of frustration, anxiety, fear and distress conditions particularly exacerbated by the anthrax threat in 2001. Specifically, the complaint alleged that the defendant discriminated against the plaintiffs and their putative class by failing to provide licensed sign language interpreters to its deaf and hard-of-hearing employees during important staff meetings that discussed safety, work place practices, and Postal Service policies.

On May 26, 2004, the District Court (Judge Richard J. Leon) granted the defendant's motion to strike and dismiss the class action portions of the plaintiffs' complaint because the plaintiffs failed to show that their claims were common and typical of their class as required by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 23(a). However, the Court granted in part the plaintiff's motion to compel and denied the defendants's motion for a protective order. The parties proceeded to discovery.

During the next six years, the parties engaged in various discovery disputes and plaintiffs entered several amended complaints. In 2010, the parties engaged in settlement negotiations and mediation.

On October 24, 2011, the plaintiffs filed an unopposed motion for class certification and court approval of attached Global Settlement Agreement among the parties.

On October 19, 2012, in an order, the District Court (Judge Leon) certified the class for purposes of settlement and granted leave for the plaintiffs to amend their complaint, a hearing for the final settlement agreement, and preliminary approval.

In compliance with Judge Leon's order, the plaintiffs filed their third amended class action compliant alleging the defendant failed to provide reasonable accommodations and that failure "impeded [plaintiffs'] ability to perform an essential job function." The plaintiff also added plaintiffs from a parallel action against the defendant then being litigated in front of the EEOC whose added allegations where incorporated into the class definition quoted above.

On July 31, 2013, the District Court (Judge Leon) approved the Global Settlement Agreement that awarded the plaintiffs $4.33 million, including $1,550,000 for plaintiffs' attorneys fees and expenses, and $3,525,783 in compensatory damages. The Court also granted an injunction that, among other things, required: the to defendant provide alternative means of communication to their deaf and hard-of-hearing employees for "important workplace communications" upon request; the defendant to create the Postal Service Reasonable Accommodation Assistance Center to monitor provision of reasonable accommodations in the postal service; and both parties to appoint a independent ombudsmen for three years to enforce the agreement.

The District Court stayed dismissal of the case for a period of three years in order to retain jurisdiction with respect to enforcement of the terms of the agreement. The period of enforcement ran from August 30, 2013-August 30, 2016 without further litigation or conflict. The parties completed their respective obligations pursuant the settlement agreement and the case was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice on September 8, 2016.

Summary Authors

Brian Kempfer (11/30/2013)

Chelsea Rinnig (3/23/2018)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4499050/parties/hubbard-v-potter/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Coffin, Shannen W. (District of Columbia)

Denig, Christopher Michael (District of Columbia)

Duraiswamy, Shankar (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Contreras, Rudolph (District of Columbia)

Ellis, David B. (District of Columbia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:03-cv-01062

Docket [PACER]

Sept. 8, 2016

Sept. 8, 2016

Docket
1

1:03-cv-01062

Class Action Complaint

May 14, 2003

May 14, 2003

Complaint
29

1:03-cv-01062

Memorandum Opinion and Order

May 26, 2004

May 26, 2004

Order/Opinion
108

1:03-cv-01062

Memorandum Opinion

Feb. 22, 2007

Feb. 22, 2007

Order/Opinion

2007 WL 2007

122

1:03-cv-01062

Memorandum Opinion

Jan. 3, 2008

Jan. 3, 2008

Order/Opinion

247 F.R.D. 247

149

1:03-cv-01062

Third Amended Class Action Complaint

Oct. 21, 2011

Oct. 21, 2011

Complaint
138-2

1:03-cv-01062

Global Settlement Agreement

Oct. 21, 2011

Oct. 21, 2011

Settlement Agreement
168

1:03-cv-01062

Order [Final Judgment]

July 31, 2013

July 31, 2013

Order/Opinion
167

1:03-cv-01062

Memorandum Opinion

July 31, 2013

July 31, 2013

Order/Opinion

2013 WL 2013

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4499050/hubbard-v-potter/

Last updated Jan. 24, 2024, 3 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against JOHN E. POTTER (Filing fee $ 150.), filed by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER.(nmw, ) (Entered: 05/16/2003)

May 14, 2003

May 14, 2003

PACER
2

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE. (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 05/30/2003)

May 30, 2003

May 30, 2003

PACER
3

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint or Other Response and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 07/10/2003)

July 10, 2003

July 10, 2003

PACER
4

ORDER granting 3 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint or Other Respond. Defendant shall have up to and including 8/22/03, to answer or to otherwise respond. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 7/12/03. (whb) (Entered: 07/14/2003)

July 14, 2003

July 14, 2003

PACER
5

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Class Certification and Memorandum in Support Thereof by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER. (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 08/04/2003)

Aug. 4, 2003

Aug. 4, 2003

PACER
6

NOTICE of Appearance by Carla M. Mathers, James E. McCollum Jr. on behalf of BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER (jf, ) (Entered: 08/07/2003)

Aug. 6, 2003

Aug. 6, 2003

PACER
7

ANSWER to Complaint by JOHN E. POTTER.(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 08/22/2003)

Aug. 22, 2003

Aug. 22, 2003

PACER
8

NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Elaine Gardner on behalf of all plaintiffs (Gardner, Elizabeth) (Entered: 10/27/2003)

Oct. 27, 2003

Oct. 27, 2003

PACER
9

ENTERED IN ERROR.....REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Denig, Christopher) Modified on 11/14/2003 (jf, ). (Entered: 11/13/2003)

Nov. 13, 2003

Nov. 13, 2003

PACER
10

MOTION to Dismiss, MOTION to Strike 1 Complaint (Class Allegations) and Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order # 2 Attachment)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 11/13/2003)

Nov. 13, 2003

Nov. 13, 2003

PACER
11

MEET AND CONFER STATEMENT. (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 11/14/2003)

Nov. 14, 2003

Nov. 14, 2003

PACER
12

Memorandum in opposition to motion re 10 to strike or dismiss the class allegations of the complaint filed by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER. (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 11/28/2003)

Nov. 28, 2003

Nov. 28, 2003

PACER
13

Consent MOTION to Continue Status Conference by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER. (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 12/04/2003)

Dec. 4, 2003

Dec. 4, 2003

PACER
14

ORDER GRANTING re 13 Consent MOTION to Continue Status Conference filed by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER Status Conference set for 1/13/2004 11:00 AM in Courtroom 7 before Judge Richard J. Leon. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/8/03. (zwhb) (Entered: 12/10/2003)

Dec. 10, 2003

Dec. 10, 2003

PACER
15

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 12 Memorandum in Opposition (Unopposed) and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/10/2003)

Dec. 10, 2003

Dec. 10, 2003

PACER
16

ORDER granting 15 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 12 Memorandum in Opposition and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER Replies due by 12/17/2003.. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/11/03. (zwhb) (Entered: 12/15/2003)

Dec. 15, 2003

Dec. 15, 2003

PACER
17

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 12 Memorandum in Opposition (Two-Day) and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/17/2003)

Dec. 17, 2003

Dec. 17, 2003

PACER
18

First MOTION to Compel Defendant to Respond to Plaintiffs' First Set of Interrogatories and Plaintiffs' First Request for Production of Documents by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiffs' Discovery Requests# 2 Text of Proposed Order Plaintiffs' Proposed Order re: Motion to Compel)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 12/19/2003)

Dec. 19, 2003

Dec. 19, 2003

PACER
19

REPLY to opposition to motion re 10 Defendant's Motion to Strike or Dismiss Class Action Allegations of the Complaint filed by JOHN E. POTTER. (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/19/2003)

Dec. 19, 2003

Dec. 19, 2003

PACER
20

MOTION for Protective Order and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order # 2 Attachment (Plaintiff's Discovery))(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/19/2003)

Dec. 19, 2003

Dec. 19, 2003

PACER
21

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Pre-conference Discovery Requests, and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/19/2003)

Dec. 19, 2003

Dec. 19, 2003

PACER
22

ORDER granting 17 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 12 Memorandum in Opposition (Two-Day) and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. Responses due by 12/19/2003. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/20/03. (whb) (Entered: 12/22/2003)

Dec. 22, 2003

Dec. 22, 2003

PACER
23

ORDER granting 21 MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Pre-conference Discovery Requests, and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. Defendant shall have thirty days after the Court orders the commencment of discovery in this case to respond to plaintiff's discovery requests dated November 14, 2003. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/24/03. (whb) (Entered: 01/05/2004)

Jan. 5, 2004

Jan. 5, 2004

PACER
24

ORDERED, that the taking of discovery be stayed in this case, at this time, relieving Defendant of any obligation to respond to or object to the seventeen interrogatories and fifty requests to produce . Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 1/7/04. (whb) (Entered: 01/09/2004)

Jan. 9, 2004

Jan. 9, 2004

PACER
25

SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM in Further Support of Plaintiffs' Class Action Complaint and in Support of Proceeding Immediately with Class Discovery from Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Carla Mathers# 2 Exhibit Exhibit A March 20, 2002 USPS Memorandum# 3 Exhibit Exhibit B USPS Affirmative Employment Plan Report)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 02/11/2004)

Feb. 11, 2004

Feb. 11, 2004

PACER
26

NOTICE of Appearance by Shamoil Tamim Shipchandler on behalf of BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER (Shipchandler, Shamoil) (Entered: 02/11/2004)

Feb. 11, 2004

Feb. 11, 2004

PACER
27

SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF MOTION TO STRIKE OR DISMISS CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS OF THE COMPLAINT from John E. Potter. (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 02/11/2004)

Feb. 11, 2004

Feb. 11, 2004

PACER
28

ORDER granting 5 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Class Certification and Memorandum in Support Thereof by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER . Plaintiff's shall file their motion for class certification pursuant to Local Rule 23.1(b) at a time deemed appropriate by the Court. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 3/10/04. (whb) (Entered: 03/11/2004)

March 11, 2004

March 11, 2004

PACER
29

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER: DENYING: re 20 MOTION for Protective Order filed by JOHN E. POTTER, GRANTING IN PART: 18 First MOTION to Compel Defendant to Respond to Plaintiffs' First Set of Interrogatories and Plaintiffs' First Request for Production of Documents filed by BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, GRANTING WITHOUT PREJUDICE: 10 MOTION to Dismiss MOTION to Strike 1 Complaint (Class Allegations) filed by JOHN E. POTTER. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 5/26/04. (whb) (Entered: 05/26/2004)

May 26, 2004

May 26, 2004

PACER
30

Second MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 06/18/2004)

June 18, 2004

June 18, 2004

PACER
31

MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (For One Day) by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 07/16/2004)

July 16, 2004

July 16, 2004

PACER
32

NOTICE OF TRANSCRIPT FILED for Motion hearing held on dates April 23, 2004; Court Reporter: Patty A. Gels. (jf, ) (Entered: 07/23/2004)

July 20, 2004

July 20, 2004

PACER
33

ORDER granting 31 MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (For One Day) by JOHN E. POTTER. Defendant shall have up to an including 7/16/04, to respond to Plaintiff's discovery request. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 7/24/04. (whb) (Entered: 07/27/2004)

July 27, 2004

July 27, 2004

PACER
34

MOTION for Judgment on the Pleadings by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 02/08/2005)

Feb. 8, 2005

Feb. 8, 2005

PACER
35

NOTICE of Filing Corrected Certificate of Service by JOHN E. POTTER re 34 MOTION for Judgment on the Pleadings (Attachments: # 1 Corrected Certificate of Service)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 02/08/2005)

Feb. 8, 2005

Feb. 8, 2005

PACER
36

NOTICE of Filing Stipulated Privacy Protection Order by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, JOHN E. POTTER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ (Attachments: # 1 Stipulated Privacy Protection Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 02/11/2005)

Feb. 11, 2005

Feb. 11, 2005

PACER
37

Memorandum in opposition to motion re 34 filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibits 1-7)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 02/22/2005)

Feb. 22, 2005

Feb. 22, 2005

PACER
38

MOTION to Compel by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibits 1-13)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 02/22/2005)

Feb. 22, 2005

Feb. 22, 2005

PACER
39

STIPULATED PRIVACY PROTECTION ORDER . Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 2/22/05. (whb) (Entered: 02/23/2005)

Feb. 23, 2005

Feb. 23, 2005

PACER
40

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 37 Memorandum in Opposition, 38 MOTION to Compel by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 03/03/2005)

March 3, 2005

March 3, 2005

PACER
41

Second MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 37 Memorandum in Opposition, 38 MOTION to Compel by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 03/23/2005)

March 23, 2005

March 23, 2005

PACER
42

REPLY to opposition to motion re 34 filed by JOHN E. POTTER. (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 03/28/2005)

March 28, 2005

March 28, 2005

PACER
43

Second MOTION for Protective Order by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order # 2 Memorandum of Points and Authorities)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 03/28/2005)

March 28, 2005

March 28, 2005

PACER
44

Memorandum in opposition to motion re 38 filed by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Exh. A (Supp. Doc. Prod. 2/11/05)# 2 Exh. B (Sample Survey Form)# 3 Exh. C (Survey Results))(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 03/28/2005)

March 28, 2005

March 28, 2005

PACER
45

NOTICE of Filing Exhibit by JOHN E. POTTER re 43 Second MOTION for Protective Order, 44 Memorandum in Opposition (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit D (USPS Self-Identification of Handicap Form))(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 03/29/2005)

March 29, 2005

March 29, 2005

PACER
46

REPLY to opposition to motion re 43 filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 04/07/2005)

April 7, 2005

April 7, 2005

PACER
47

MOTION to Stay Discovery by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 04/08/2005)

April 8, 2005

April 8, 2005

PACER
48

Memorandum in opposition to motion re 47 filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 04/12/2005)

April 12, 2005

April 12, 2005

PACER
49

MOTION for Leave to File An Amended Class Action Complaint by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 07/12/2005)

July 12, 2005

July 12, 2005

PACER
50

MEMORANDUM re 49 MOTION for Leave to File An Amended Class Action Complaint filed by BRUCE C. HUBBARD,, JUDY M. SCHULD,, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS,, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ,, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 07/12/2005)

July 12, 2005

July 12, 2005

PACER
51

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 50 Memorandum,, 49 MOTION for Leave to File An Amended Class Action Complaint by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 07/25/2005)

July 25, 2005

July 25, 2005

PACER
52

NOTICE of Plaintiff's Consent by JOHN E. POTTER re 51 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 50 Memorandum,, 49 MOTION for Leave to File An Amended Class Action Complaint (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 07/26/2005)

July 26, 2005

July 26, 2005

PACER
53

Second MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 50 Memorandum,, 49 MOTION for Leave to File An Amended Class Action Complaint by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 08/09/2005)

Aug. 9, 2005

Aug. 9, 2005

PACER
54

Memorandum in opposition to motion re 49 filed by JOHN E. POTTER. (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 08/16/2005)

Aug. 16, 2005

Aug. 16, 2005

PACER
55

ORDER denying 34 Motion for Judgment, denying without prejudice 38 Motion to Compel, denying without prejudice 43 Motion for Protective Order, granting 49 Motion for Leave to File, granting nunc pro tunc 51 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply, granting nunc pro tunc 53 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply; it is further ORDERED that the discovery period is re-stated. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 08/22/05. (tb) (Entered: 08/22/2005)

Aug. 22, 2005

Aug. 22, 2005

PACER
58

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against JOHN E. POTTERfiled by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ.(nmw, ) (Entered: 09/29/2005)

Aug. 22, 2005

Aug. 22, 2005

PACER
56

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer to Amended Complaint by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 09/08/2005)

Sept. 8, 2005

Sept. 8, 2005

PACER
57

ANSWER to Complaint (First Amended) by JOHN E. POTTER.(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 09/22/2005)

Sept. 22, 2005

Sept. 22, 2005

PACER
59

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Second Request for Production of Documents by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 10/13/2005)

Oct. 13, 2005

Oct. 13, 2005

PACER
60

MOTION for Hearing (Scheduling Conference) by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 10/13/2005)

Oct. 13, 2005

Oct. 13, 2005

PACER
61

Memorandum in opposition to motion re 59 Defendant's Motion for An Extention of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Second Request for Production of Documents filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A# 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 10/14/2005)

Oct. 14, 2005

Oct. 14, 2005

PACER
62

Joint MOTION to Continue the Status Conference by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, JOHN E. POTTER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/01/2005)

Dec. 1, 2005

Dec. 1, 2005

PACER
63

MEET AND CONFER STATEMENT. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 12/04/2005)

Dec. 4, 2005

Dec. 4, 2005

PACER
64

NOTICE Regarding Local Civil Rule 23.1 by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ (Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 12/15/2005)

Dec. 15, 2005

Dec. 15, 2005

PACER
65

NOTICE of Filing Scheduling Order by JOHN E. POTTER (Attachments: # 1 Scheduling Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/19/2005)

Dec. 19, 2005

Dec. 19, 2005

PACER
66

SCHEDULING ORDER: Motions for class certification due by 5/30/2006. Opposition due 6/30/06 Replies due by 7/17/2006. Signed by Judge Richard J. Leon on 12/21/05. (whb) (Entered: 12/22/2005)

Dec. 22, 2005

Dec. 22, 2005

PACER
67

TRANSCRIPT of Status Conference held on December 05, 2005 before Judge Richard J. Leon. Court Reporter: Rebecca King. The public may view the document in the Clerk's Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. (jf, ) (Entered: 01/30/2006)

Jan. 27, 2006

Jan. 27, 2006

PACER
68

MOTION for Protective Order As to the Noticed Deposition of Patrick R. Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer, and Certification of Conference, and Memorandum of Points and Authorities by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 04/25/2006)

April 25, 2006

April 25, 2006

PACER
69

NOTICE of Filing Attachments by JOHN E. POTTER re 68 MOTION for Protective Order As to the Noticed Deposition of Patrick R. Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer, and Certification of Conference, and Memorandum of Points and Authorities (Attachments: # 1 Exh. 1 (Notice of Deposition of Patrick R. Donahoe)# 2 Exh. 2 (March 20, 2002 Memorandum)# 3 Exh. 3 (Plaintiffs' March 14, 2006 Rule 30(b)(6) Notice)# 4 Exh. 4 (Defendant's Responses and Objections to Plaintiffs' "First" Set of Class-Related Interrogatories and Requests for Production of Documents)# 5 Declaration of Patrick R. Donahoe)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 04/26/2006)

April 26, 2006

April 26, 2006

PACER
70

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (Limited Extension to Complete Outstanding Discovery) by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, JOHN E. POTTER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 05/01/2006)

May 1, 2006

May 1, 2006

PACER
71

NOTICE of Appearance by Nadia Ibrahim Shihata on behalf of GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ (Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 05/01/2006)

May 1, 2006

May 1, 2006

PACER
72

MOTION for Protective Order Regarding Certain Topics Enumerated in Plaintiffs' Amended 30(b)(6) Deposition Notice by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 05/01/2006)

May 1, 2006

May 1, 2006

PACER
73

MOTION to Compel CERTAIN TESTIMONY, DOCUMENTS, AND INTERROGATORY ANSWERS FROM DEFENDANT AND CROSS-MOTION TO COMPEL TESTIMONY FROM PATRICK R. DONAHOE by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Thomas Williamson, Esq.# 2 Exhibit 1-24# 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 05/01/2006)

May 1, 2006

May 1, 2006

PACER
74

MOTION to Compel Initial Disclosures, Response to Interrogatory, and Production of Documents by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 05/02/2006)

May 2, 2006

May 2, 2006

PACER
75

NOTICE of Filing Exhibits in Support of Motion to Compel by JOHN E. POTTER re 74 MOTION to Compel Initial Disclosures, Response to Interrogatory, and Production of Documents (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 (Plaintiff's Objections & Responses to Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories to the Proposed Class)# 2 Exhibit 2 (Plaintiff's Objections & Responses to Defendants First Set of Document Requests to the Proposed Class)# 3 Exhibit 3 (March 7, 2006 Letter from Defendant to Plaintiffs)# 4 Exhibit 4 (April 11, 2006 Letter from Defendant to Plaintiffs)# 5 Exhibit 5 (April 26, 2006 Letter from Defendant to Plaintiffs)# 6 Exhibit 6 (Agency's First Set of Discovery Requests to the Individually Named Plaintiffs))(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 05/06/2006)

May 6, 2006

May 6, 2006

PACER
76

NOTICE of Appearance by Beverly Maria Russell on behalf of JOHN E. POTTER (Russell, Beverly) (Entered: 05/12/2006)

May 12, 2006

May 12, 2006

PACER
77

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Motion to Compel and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Russell, Beverly) (Entered: 05/12/2006)

May 12, 2006

May 12, 2006

PACER
79

MOTION to Seal Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant's Motion for a Protective Order Regarding Certain Topics Enumerated In Plaintiffs' Amended Notice of Deposition Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(b)(6) by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 05/16/2006)

May 16, 2006

May 16, 2006

PACER
80

NOTICE of Filing Redacted "Version One" of Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant's Motion for a Protective Order Regarding Certain Topics Enumerated In Plaintiffs' Amended Notice of Deposition Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(b)(6) by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ re 72 MOTION for Protective Order Regarding Certain Topics Enumerated in Plaintiffs' Amended 30(b)(6) Deposition Notice (Attachments: # 1 # 2)(Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 05/16/2006)

May 16, 2006

May 16, 2006

PACER
81

Memorandum in opposition to re 74 MOTION to Compel Initial Disclosures, Response to Interrogatory, and Production of Documents filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-E# 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 05/16/2006)

May 16, 2006

May 16, 2006

PACER
82

ORDER re referral to Judge Facciola for non-dispositive motions. Signed by Magistrate Judge John M. Facciola on 5/17/06. (SP, ) (Entered: 05/17/2006)

May 17, 2006

May 17, 2006

PACER
83

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Motion to Compel and Memorandum in Support Thereof by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Russell, Beverly) (Entered: 05/17/2006)

May 17, 2006

May 17, 2006

PACER
84

Memorandum in opposition to re 73 MOTION to Compel CERTAIN TESTIMONY, DOCUMENTS, AND INTERROGATORY ANSWERS FROM DEFENDANT AND CROSS-MOTION TO COMPEL TESTIMONY FROM PATRICK R. DONAHOE filed by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1# 2 Exhibit 2# 3 Exhibit 3# 4 Exhibit 4# 5 Exhibit 6# 6 Exhibit 9# 7 Exhibit 10# 8 Exhibit 11# 9 Text of Proposed Order)(Russell, Beverly) (Entered: 05/18/2006)

May 18, 2006

May 18, 2006

PACER
85

NOTICE of Filing Exhibits Supporting Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion to Compel by JOHN E. POTTER (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 5# 2 Exhibit 7# 3 Exhibit 8)(Russell, Beverly) (Entered: 05/24/2006)

May 24, 2006

May 24, 2006

PACER
86

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Russell, Beverly) (Entered: 05/24/2006)

May 24, 2006

May 24, 2006

PACER
87

REPLY to opposition to motion re 74 MOTION to Compel Initial Disclosures, Response to Interrogatory, and Production of Documents, 72 MOTION for Protective Order Regarding Certain Topics Enumerated in Plaintiffs' Amended 30(b)(6) Deposition Notice filed by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 12. Cokely Report# 2 Exhibit 13. EL-312, Section 543# 3 Exhibit 14. Hubbard Transcript# 4 Exhibit 15. Various Depositions)(Russell, Beverly) (Entered: 05/31/2006)

May 31, 2006

May 31, 2006

PACER
88

REPLY to opposition to motion re 73 MOTION to Compel CERTAIN TESTIMONY, DOCUMENTS, AND INTERROGATORY ANSWERS FROM DEFENDANT AND CROSS-MOTION TO COMPEL TESTIMONY FROM PATRICK R. DONAHOE filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibits 1-8)(Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 06/02/2006)

June 2, 2006

June 2, 2006

PACER
89

Consent MOTION to Amend/Correct First Amended Class Action Complaint (Consent Motion to File Second Amended Class Action Complaint) by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1# 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 07/03/2006)

July 3, 2006

July 3, 2006

PACER
90

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against JOHN E. POTTER filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ.(jf, ) (Entered: 07/12/2006)

July 10, 2006

July 10, 2006

PACER
91

ANSWER to Amended Complaint (Second Amended Complaint) by JOHN E. POTTER. Related document: 90 Amended Complaint filed by BRUCE C. HUBBARD,, JUDY M. SCHULD,, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS,, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ,, GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER,.(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 07/27/2006)

July 27, 2006

July 27, 2006

PACER
92

NOTICE of Pendency of EEOC Matter by JOHN E. POTTER (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 10/05/2006)

Oct. 5, 2006

Oct. 5, 2006

PACER
93

NOTICE of Unavailability for Hearing by JOHN E. POTTER re Set/Reset Hearings (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 10/05/2006)

Oct. 5, 2006

Oct. 5, 2006

PACER
94

Consent MOTION to Continue Motion's Hearing by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 10/10/2006)

Oct. 10, 2006

Oct. 10, 2006

PACER
95

MOTION to Strike, Limit or Exclude Plaintiffs' Expert Report by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order # 2 Exh. 1 (Cokely's First Report)# 3 Exh. 2 (Cokely Deposition Pages)# 4 Exh. 3 (Cokely Second Report))(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 11/20/2006)

Nov. 20, 2006

Nov. 20, 2006

PACER
96

NOTICE of Appearance by Elisabeth E. Boyan on behalf of JOHN E. POTTER (Boyan, Elisabeth) (Entered: 11/21/2006)

Nov. 21, 2006

Nov. 21, 2006

PACER
97

Memorandum in opposition to re 95 MOTION to Strike, Limit or Exclude Plaintiffs' Expert Report filed by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Thomas S. Williamson, Jr.# 2 Exhibit Exhibits A-D# 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 11/27/2006)

Nov. 27, 2006

Nov. 27, 2006

PACER
98

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 95 MOTION to Strike, Limit or Exclude Plaintiffs' Expert Report (One-Day Extension) by JOHN E. POTTER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/07/2006)

Dec. 7, 2006

Dec. 7, 2006

PACER
99

REPLY to opposition to motion re 95 MOTION to Strike, Limit or Exclude Plaintiffs' Expert Report filed by JOHN E. POTTER. (McDaniel, Oliver) (Entered: 12/08/2006)

Dec. 8, 2006

Dec. 8, 2006

PACER
100

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. Attorney Nadia Ibrahim Shihata terminated. (Shihata, Nadia) (Entered: 12/08/2006)

Dec. 8, 2006

Dec. 8, 2006

PACER
101

MEMORANDUM by GEORGE R. WESTENBERGER, BRUCE C. HUBBARD, JUDY M. SCHULD, GRACE J. SHIRK-EMMONS, LUCY I. STIEGLITZ. (Attachments: # 1 Decaration of Thomas S. Williamson, Jr.# 2 Exhibits 1-4)(Denig, Christopher) (Entered: 12/14/2006)

Dec. 14, 2006

Dec. 14, 2006

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 14, 2003

Closing Date: 2013

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Current and former deaf and hard of hearing employees of the United States Postal Service

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Washington Lawyers' Committee

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

United States Postal Service, Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

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: $4.33 million

Order Duration: 2013 - 2016

Content of Injunction:

Neutral/Positive Reference

Reasonable Accommodation

Develop anti-discrimination policy

Other requirements regarding hiring, promotion, retention

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Monitor/Master

Monitoring

Issues

General:

Barrier Removal

Communication skills

Government services

Individualized planning

Language access/needs

Pattern or Practice

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

TTY/Close Captioning/Videophone/etc.

Disability and Disability Rights:

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Modifications

Hearing impairment

Integrated setting

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Accommodation / Leave

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Other Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc)

Promotion

Discrimination-basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Language discrimination

Language:

Other

Type of Facility:

Government-run