Case: New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James

5:21-cv-01031 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York

Filed Date: Sept. 17, 2021

Closed Date: May 10, 2023

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case challenging a religious adoption agency’s faith-based practices. On September 17, 2021, a Christian nonprofit adoption agency called New Hope Family Services, Inc. filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. New Hope sued the New York State Attorney General, the District Attorney for Onondaga County, New York, and New York Division of Human Rights (NYDHR) officials, all named in their official capacities, asserting First and Fourteenth Ame…

This is a case challenging a religious adoption agency’s faith-based practices.

On September 17, 2021, a Christian nonprofit adoption agency called New Hope Family Services, Inc. filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. New Hope sued the New York State Attorney General, the District Attorney for Onondaga County, New York, and New York Division of Human Rights (NYDHR) officials, all named in their official capacities, asserting First and Fourteenth Amendment violations. Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, New Hope alleged that the NYDHR launched an investigation to penalize it for its faith-based practice of placing children exclusively with heterosexual married couples and referring unmarried or same-sex couples to other agencies. The plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief barring the defendants from imposing or threatening any penalty on New Hope in connection with its faith-based practice, along with attorney’s fees. The case was assigned to District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino.

On October 26, 2021, New Hope filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the defendants from imposing penalties through state laws. It argued that the defendants' actions violated its free-speech and free-exercise rights under the First Amendment, that it would suffer irreparable harm absent injunctive relief, and that the balance of equities weighed in its favor.

On November 16, 2021, the defendants filed a cross-motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and lack of subject matter jurisdiction. They argued that the Attorney General had no connection to the enforcement of the statutes at issue and that New Hope lacked standing because the NYDHR had not commenced a proceeding against it under state law.

On September 28, 2022, the court granted New Hope’s motion for a preliminary injunction while denying the defendants' cross-motion to dismiss. Judge D'Agostino held that New Hope had standing, did not meet the statutory definition of a public accommodation under New York law, and had demonstrated both a likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable harm. 2022 WL 4494277. 

On April 25, 2023, the parties proposed a settlement agreement in which New Hope agreed to dismiss all its claims and the NYDHR agreed to close its pending administrative complaint. Two days later, the district attorney defendant objected to the settlement agreement, arguing that he and the NYDHR Commissioner were not signatories. On May 9, 2023, the parties filed a stipulation of dismissal as to the district attorney.

On May 10, 2023, the court granted both the stipulation of the district attorney’s dismissal and the parties’ settlement agreement.

This case is closed.

Summary Authors

Alexis Gil (8/18/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60396279/parties/new-hope-family-services-inc-v-james/


Judge(s)

D'Agostino, Mae Avila (New York)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brooks, Roger Greenwood (New York)

Brooks, Roger Greenwood (New York)

Cortman, David A. (New York)

Galus, Jeremiah (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

5:21-cv-01031

Verified Complaint For Injunctive And Declaratory Relief

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

Sept. 17, 2021

Sept. 17, 2021

Complaint
31

5:21-cv-01031

New Hope Family Services, Inc.’s Notice Of Motion And Motion For Preliminary Injunction

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

Oct. 26, 2021

Oct. 26, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
34

5:21-cv-01031

Notice of Cross-Motion

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
42

5:21-cv-01031

Memorandum-Decision and Order

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

Sept. 28, 2022

Sept. 28, 2022

Order/Opinion

2022 WL 4494277

61

5:21-cv-01031

Settlement Agreement

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

April 25, 2023

April 25, 2023

Settlement Agreement
62

5:21-cv-01031

[Untitled]

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

No Court

April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023

Pleading / Motion / Brief
64

5:21-cv-01031

Stipulation of Dismissal

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

Pleading / Motion / Brief
67

5:21-cv-01031

Settlement Agreement

New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James et al.

May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Settlement Agreement

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60396279/new-hope-family-services-inc-v-james/

Last updated July 23, 2026, 7:47 p.m.

Docket for: New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. James
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Sept. 17, 2021

VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE AND DECLARATORY RELIEF against Letitia James, Licha Nyiendo, Melissa Franco, Gina Martinez, Julia Day, and William Fitzpatrick.(Filing fee $402 receipt number ANYNDC-5651934) filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 Sept. 17, 2021

FRCP 7.1 CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by New Hope Family Services, Inc. (ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
3 Sept. 20, 2021

Summons Issued as to Letitia James. (Attachments: # 1 Summons issued as to Licha Nyiendo, # 2 Summons issued as to Melissa Franco, # 3 Summons Issued as to Gina Martinez, # 4 Summons issued as to Julia Day, # 5 Summons issued as to William Fitzpatrick)(ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
4 Sept. 20, 2021

G.O. 25 FILING ORDER ISSUED: Initial Conference set for 12/20/2021 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks. Civil Case Management Plan must be filed and Mandatory Disclosures are to be exchanged by the parties on or before 12/13/2021. (Pursuant to Local Rule 26.2, mandatory disclosures are to be exchanged among the parties but are NOT to be filed with the Court.) (ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
5 Sept. 20, 2021

TEXT-ONLY NOTICE REGARDING JUDGE D'AGOSTINO CASE DISPOSITION PILOT - Please refer to the Individual Rules and Practices of the Hon. Mae A. D'Agostino, U.S. District Judge, for guidance regarding the Case Disposition Pilot. https://www.nynd.uscourts.gov/sites/nynd/files/MAD_Rules_of_Practice_04_14_2020.pdf. (ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
6 Sept. 20, 2021

NOTICE of Admission Requirement as to Party New Hope Family Services, Inc.; Attorney Roger Brooks, Esq., Email address is rbrooks@adflegal.org. Phone number is (480) 444-0020. Admissions due by 10/4/2021. (ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
7 Sept. 20, 2021

NOTICE of Admission Requirement as to Party New Hope Family Services, Inc.; Attorney Mark Lippelmann, Esq., Email address is mlippelmann@adflegal.org. Phone number is (480) 444-0020. Admissions due by 10/4/2021. (ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
8 Sept. 20, 2021

NOTICE of Admission Requirement as to Party New Hope Family Services, Inc.; Attorney Jeremiah Galus, Esq., Email address is jgalus@ADFlegal.org. Phone number is (480) 444-0020. Admissions due by 10/4/2021. (ztc, ) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
9 Sept. 20, 2021

TEXT ORDER granting Direct Assignment. The cases are deemed related. Signed by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino on 9/20/21. (ban) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
Sept. 20, 2021

Notice of Potential Related Case for Judicial Review

Sept. 20, 2021

TEXT Notice pursuant to General Order 12 of Potential Related Case(s), submitted to District Judge for review and determination. Potential Related cases: 5:18-cv-01419. (ztc, )

Sept. 20, 2021

Order on Notice of Potential Related Case

10 Sept. 24, 2021

MOTION for Limited Admission Pro Hac Vice of Mark Lippelmann Filing fee $100, receipt number ANYNDC-5660222. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Sponsor, # 2 Petition for Admission, # 3 Attorney E-Filing Registration Form, # 4 Certificate of Good Standing, # 5 Proposed Order) Motions referred to Therese Wiley Dancks. (Scruggs, Jonathan) (Entered: 09/24/2021)

RECAP
11 Sept. 27, 2021

TEXT ORDER granting 10 Motion for Limited Admission Pro Hac Vice of Mark Lippelmann, Esq. Counsel is hereby advised that as of January 16, 2018, the NYND has converted to NextGen. Due to this conversion, you must now register for Pro Hac Vice access through your PACER account. This is the only notice you will receive concerning this requirement. You will not have access to electronically file in this case until your Pro Hac Vice request has been processed through the PACER system. Step-by-step instructions on how to complete this process are available at http://www.nynd.uscourts.gov/attorney-admissions-nextgen. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 9/27/2021. (sg) (Entered: 09/27/2021)

RECAP
12 Sept. 27, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by Mark Lippelmann on behalf of New Hope Family Services, Inc. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 09/27/2021)

RECAP
13 Sept. 27, 2021

MOTION for Limited Admission Pro Hac Vice of Jeremiah Galus Filing fee $100, receipt number ANYNDC-5661943. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Sponsor, # 2 Petition for Admission, # 3 Attorney E-Filing Registration Form, # 4 Certificate of Good Standing, # 5 Proposed Order) Motions referred to Therese Wiley Dancks. (Scruggs, Jonathan) (Entered: 09/27/2021)

RECAP
Sept. 27, 2021

Order on Motion for Limited Admission Pro Hac Vice

14 Oct. 1, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by Roger Greenwood Brooks on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Brooks, Roger) (Entered: 10/01/2021)

RECAP
15 Oct. 4, 2021

TEXT ORDER granting 13 Motion for Limited Admission Pro Hac Vice of Jeremiah Galus, Esq. Counsel is hereby advised that as of January 16, 2018, the NYND has converted to NextGen. Due to this conversion, you must now register for Pro Hac Vice access through your PACER account. This is the only notice you will receive concerning this requirement. You will not have access to electronically file in this case until your Pro Hac Vice request has been processed through the PACER system. Step-by-step instructions on how to complete this process are available at http://www.nynd.uscourts.gov/attorney-admissions-nextgen. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 10/4/2021. (sg) (Entered: 10/04/2021)

RECAP
16 Oct. 4, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by Jeremiah Galus on behalf of New Hope Family Services, Inc. (Galus, Jeremiah) (Entered: 10/04/2021)

RECAP
Oct. 4, 2021

Order on Motion for Limited Admission Pro Hac Vice

17 Oct. 5, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons, Complaint, and Court Notice served on Letitia James on 09/24/2021, filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/05/2021)

RECAP
18 Oct. 5, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons, Complaint, and Court Notice served on William Fitzpatrick on 09/24/2021, filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/05/2021)

RECAP
Oct. 6, 2021

***Answer due date updated for Letitia James answer due 10/27/2021. (ztc, )

Oct. 6, 2021

***Answer due date updated for William Fitzpatrick answer due 10/15/2021; Letitia James answer due 10/15/2021. (ztc, )

Oct. 6, 2021

Set/Reset Answer Deadline

Oct. 6, 2021

CLERK'S CORRECTION OF DOCKET ENTRY re Set/Reset Answer Deadline, Clerk inadvertently set the Answer deadline for 10/27/2021 for Def. Letitia James. The correct answer deadline is 10/15/2021. (ztc, )

Oct. 6, 2021

Clerk's Correction of Docket Entry

19 Oct. 12, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by John E. Heisler, Jr on behalf of William Fitzpatrick (Heisler, John) (Entered: 10/12/2021)

RECAP
20 Oct. 15, 2021

Letter Motion from Adrienne J. Kerwin for Letitia James requesting extension of time to respond to the Complaint submitted to Judge Dancks . (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 10/15/2021)

RECAP
21 Oct. 15, 2021

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, by William Fitzpatrick.(Heisler, John) (Entered: 10/15/2021)

RECAP
22 Oct. 15, 2021

TEXT ORDER: Court has reviewed letter motion (Dkt. No. 20 ) requesting an extension of time for defendant James to respond to the complaint which is granted as follows: defendant James' response to the complaint is due 11/15/2021. Plaintiff is directed to file affidavits of service for defendants Nyiendo, Martinez, and Day by 10/20/2021 if they have already been served, and if not, then within seven (7) days of effectuating service on those defendants. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 10/15/2021. (sg) (Entered: 10/15/2021)

RECAP
23 Oct. 15, 2021

Pre-Motion Letter by New Hope Family Services, Inc. requesting a pre-motion conference submitted to Judge D'Agostino. MAD Pre-Motion Response Deadline 10/20/2021 (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/15/2021)

RECAP
24 Oct. 15, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons, Complaint, and Court Notice served on Julia Day on 10/06/21, filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/15/2021)

RECAP
Oct. 15, 2021

Order on Letter Request

25 Oct. 18, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons, Complaint, and Court Notice served on Gina Martinez on 10/12/21, filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/18/2021)

RECAP
26 Oct. 18, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons, Complaint, and Court Notice served on Licha Nyiendo on 10/12/21, filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/18/2021)

RECAP
27 Oct. 18, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons, Complaint, and Court Notice served on Melissa Franco on 10/12/21, filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/18/2021)

RECAP
Oct. 18, 2021

***Answer due date updated for Julia Day answer due 10/27/2021. (ztc, )

Oct. 18, 2021

Set/Reset Answer Deadline

28 Oct. 19, 2021

Pre-Motion Letter by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo requesting a pre-motion conference submitted to Judge D'Agostino. MAD Pre-Motion Response Deadline 10/22/2021 (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 10/19/2021)

RECAP
Oct. 19, 2021

***Answer due date updated for Melissa Franco answer due 11/2/2021; Gina Martinez answer due 11/2/2021; Licha Nyiendo answer due 11/2/2021. (ztc, )

Oct. 19, 2021

Set/Reset Answer Deadline

29 Oct. 21, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by David A. Cortman on behalf of New Hope Family Services, Inc. (Cortman, David) (Entered: 10/21/2021)

RECAP
30 Oct. 22, 2021

Pre-Motion Response to 28 Pre-Motion Letter by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo requesting a pre-motion conference submitted to Judge D'Agostino . (Brooks, Roger) (Entered: 10/22/2021)

RECAP
Oct. 25, 2021

TEXT Minute Entry for Telephone Pre-Motion Conference held on 10/25/2021 before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino: Appearances by Roger Brooks, Esq. and Mark Lippelmann, Esq. for the Plaintiff; Adrienne Kerwin, AAG for NYS Defendants; John Heisler, Jr., Esq. for defendant Fitzpatrick; Judge D'Agostino addresses the pre-motion letters filed by the plaintiff and NYS Defendants; Counsel address the Court with their justifications for making motions at this stage of the case - after hearing from counsel, Judge D'Agostino will permit the Plaintiff's to file their motion for injunctive relief. The plaintiff's motion will be filed this week; The NYS defendants will cross-move to dismiss; Defendant Fitzpatrick has already filed an answer to the complaint, and does not intend to make any motions at this time; The Motion will be expedited, if possible. (Court Reporter Lisa Tennyson,CRD Britney Norton [Time 11:00/11:15 a.m. - 11:28 a.m.]) (ban)

Oct. 25, 2021

Telephone Conference

31 Oct. 26, 2021

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. Motion returnable before Judge D'Agostino Response to Motion due by 11/16/2021. Reply to Response to Motion due by 11/23/2021 (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum of Law, # 2 Exhibit(s) 1- Lippelmann Declaration, # 3 Exhibit(s) 2- Geyer Affidavit, # 4 Exhibit(s) 3- Jerman Affidavit, # 5 Exhibit(s) 4- Loscombe Affidavit, # 6 Exhibit(s) 5- E. Bleuer Affidavit, # 7 Exhibit(s) 6- Stultz Affidavit, # 8 Exhibit(s) 7- Johnston Affidavit, # 9 Exhibit(s) 8- J. Bleuer Affidavit, # 10 Proposed Order/Judgment) (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/26/2021)

Clearinghouse
32 Oct. 27, 2021

NOTICE by William Fitzpatrick that William Fitzpatrick does not intend to oppose the motion for a preliminary injunction (Dkt. No. 31) filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc. (Heisler, John) (Entered: 10/27/2021)

RECAP
33 Nov. 4, 2021

TEXT ORDER: In light of the pending motion for preliminary injunction (Dkt. No. 31 ) and the anticipated cross-motion of defendants to dismiss (see Text Minute Entry 10/25/2021), the Rule 16 conference and related deadlines are adjourned and will be reset as necessary in the future. While the dates for defendants Nyiendo, Franco, Martinez, and Day to respond to the complaint have passed, for clarification the Court sets the time for all defendants to respond to the complaint to the date the cross-motion to dismiss is due which, per Dkt. No. 31, is 11/16/2021. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 11/4/2021. (sg) (Entered: 11/04/2021)

RECAP
Nov. 4, 2021

~Util - Set/Reset Answer Deadlines AND Order

34 Nov. 16, 2021

RESPONSE in Opposition re 31 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. Motion returnable before Judge D'Agostino and CROSS-MOTION TO DISMISS filed by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Gina N. Martinez, # 2 Exhibit(s) A to Martinez Decl., # 3 Exhibit(s) B to Martinez Decl., # 4 Exhibit(s) C to Martinez Decl., # 5 Exhibit(s) D tp Martine Decl., # 6 Memorandum of Law)(Kerwin, Adrienne) (Attachment 2 replaced on 11/17/2021) (ban, ). Modified on 11/17/2021 (ban). (Entered: 11/16/2021)

Clearinghouse
35 Nov. 16, 2021

NOTICE by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo re 34 Response in Opposition to Motion,, Replacement for ECF No. 34-2 (Exh. A to Martinez Decl.) (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 11/16/2021)

Clearinghouse
36 Nov. 17, 2021

NOTICE by William Fitzpatrick of no intent to oppose the cross motion (Dkt. No. 34) filed by Letitia James, Licha Nyiendo, Gina Martinez, Julia B. Day, and Melissa Franco (Heisler, John) (Entered: 11/17/2021)

RECAP
Nov. 17, 2021

CLERK'S CORRECTION OF DOCKET ENTRY re 34 Response in Opposition to Motion,, 35 Corrected Exhibit A: The Clerk corrected docket entry no. 34 to include corrected exhibit A to the Martinez Declaration. Exhibit A is now correctly attached to docket entry no. 34, and is also available at docket entry no. 35. )

Nov. 17, 2021

Clerk's Correction of Docket Entry

37 Nov. 23, 2021

RESPONSE in Opposition re 34 MOTION to Dismiss. and Memorandum in Further Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 11/23/2021)

RECAP
38 Sept. 8, 2022

TEXT ORDER: The parties are directed to file a letter brief not to exceed three pages addressing what effect, if any, the September 6, 2022 Memorandum-Decision and Order in New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. Poole (5:18-CV-1419, Dkt. No. 80) has on motions currently pending before the Court. The parties should also address the status of the underlying investigation by the New York State Division of Human Rights. The letter briefs must be filed no later than Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Signed by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino on 9/8/22. (ban) (Entered: 09/08/2022)

RECAP
39 Sept. 9, 2022

LETTER BRIEF by William Fitzpatrick. (Heisler, John) (Entered: 09/09/2022)

RECAP
Sept. 9, 2022

Order

40 Sept. 14, 2022

LETTER BRIEF Regarding the Effect of this Courts September 6, 2022 Memorandum-Decision and Order in New Hope Family Services, Inc. v. Poole by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 09/14/2022)

RECAP
41 Sept. 14, 2022

LETTER BRIEF by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo. (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 09/14/2022)

RECAP
42 Sept. 28, 2022

MEMORANDUM-DECISION AND ORDER granting 31 Motion for Preliminary Injunction; denying 34 Motion to Dismiss: The Court hereby ORDERS that Defendants' cross motion to dismiss (Dkt. No. 34) is DENIED, and the Court further ORDERS that New Hope's motion for a preliminary injunction (Dkt. No. 31) is GRANTED; and the Court further ORDERS that Defendants are enjoined from directly or indirectly enforcing New York Executive Law § 296 or Civil Rights Law § 40-c against New Hope insofar as they would impose any penalty on New Hope for referring same-sex couples or unmarried cohabitating couples to other agencies rather than providing them adoption services during the pendency of this litigation; and the Court furthe r ORDERS that, seeing no request from either party, New Hope is not required to post a bond or undertaking as security for granting the above- mentioned preliminary injunction at this time; and the Court further ORDERS that the Clerk of the Court shall serve a copy of this Memorandum-Decision and Order in accordance with the Local Rules. Signed by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino on 9/28/22. (ban)

Clearinghouse
Sept. 28, 2022

Set/Reset Answer Deadline

Sept. 28, 2022

***Answer due date updated for defendants Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, and Licha Nyiendo: answer to Complaint due 10/12/2022. (sg )

Sept. 28, 2022

Notice of Hearing

Sept. 28, 2022

TEXT NOTICE of Initial Conference: The Telephone Initial Conference has been set for 10/24/2022 at 10:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks. Civil Case Management Plan must be filed NO LATER THAN 10/17/2022 and Mandatory Disclosures are to be exchanged by the parties on or before 10/17/2022. (Pursuant to Local Rule 26.2, mandatory disclosures are to be exchanged among the parties but are NOT to be filed with the Court.) Counsel are directed to call the following number for this conference: 1-877-336-1829, access code 8029754, security code 2344. (sg)

43 Oct. 11, 2022

Letter Motion from Adrienne J. Kerwin for Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo requesting 2 day extension of time to file answer submitted to Judge Dancks . (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 10/11/2022)

RECAP
44 Oct. 12, 2022

TEXT ORDER: Court has reviewed the 43 Letter Request by defendants James, Nyiendo, Franco, Martinez and Day for an extension of time to file an Answer, which does not state a good cause reason for the request. However, the request is granted and defendants' James, Nyiendo, Franco, Martinez, and Day answer is due 10/14/2022. Future requests for extensions of any deadlines must be supported by a good cause reason for the request, even if the parties stipulate. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 10/12/2022. (sg) (Entered: 10/12/2022)

RECAP
Oct. 12, 2022

Order on Letter Request

45 Oct. 14, 2022

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo.(Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 10/14/2022)

RECAP
46 Oct. 17, 2022

CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. (Lippelmann, Mark) (Entered: 10/17/2022)

RECAP
Oct. 24, 2022

TEXT Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks: Telephone Initial Pretrial Conference held on 10/24/2022. Appearances: Mark Lippelman, Esq. for Plaintiff; Adrienne Kerwin, Esq. and John Heisler, Esq.for Defendants. Court reviews Civil Case Management Plan. Case is opted out of Mandatory Mediation. No jury demand filed, parties confirm case will proceed with a bench trial. Pretrial deadlines are established, a scheduling order and order opting the case out of mediation will be issued. (sg )

Oct. 24, 2022

Pretrial Conference - Initial

47 Oct. 25, 2022

UNIFORM PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER: Anticipated length of bench trial: 3 days, to be held at Albany NY. Rule 33 and 34 Requests to be served by 11/14/2022. Joinder of Parties due by 11/7/2022. Amended Pleadings due by 11/7/2022. Discovery due by 1/31/2023. Discovery Motions due 2/14/2023. Dispositive Motions to be filed by 3/31/2023. Case opted out of Mandatory Mediation. Signed by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 10/25/2022. (sg) (Entered: 10/25/2022)

RECAP
48 Oct. 25, 2022

TEXT ORDER Removing Case from Mandatory Mediation Program: After discussion with counsel during the 10/24/2022 Rule 16 Conference, Court has opted this case out of Mandatory Mediation. Should the parties decide they wish to revisit mediation, a letter request should be made to the Court. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 10/25/2022. (sg) (Entered: 10/25/2022)

RECAP
49 Oct. 25, 2022

TEXT STATUS REPORT ORDER: Attorney Kerwin is directed to file a joint status report by 1/23/2023 reporting on the following: status of discovery, whether R. 33 and 34 Requests have been timely served and responded to, any discovery issues, and depositions scheduled, if any. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 10/25/2022. (sg) (Entered: 10/25/2022)

RECAP
Oct. 25, 2022

Order Removing Case from ADR

Oct. 25, 2022

Status Report Order

50 Jan. 9, 2023

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.., Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Dispositive Motions filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc.. Response to Motion due by 1/30/2023 (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order/Judgment) Motions referred to Therese Wiley Dancks. (Lippelmann, Mark) Modified on 1/11/2023 (sg, ). (Entered: 01/09/2023)

RECAP
51 Jan. 10, 2023

NOTICE by William Fitzpatrick of no intent to oppose motion (Dkt. No. 50) filed by New Hope Family Services, Inc. (Heisler, John) (Entered: 01/10/2023)

RECAP
52 Jan. 11, 2023

TEXT ORDER: Court reviewed plaintiff's consent motion (Dkt. No. 50 ) regarding request for extension of discovery deadlines while the parties explore settlement. Although the Court's electronic filing system automatically set a response deadline, plaintiff indicates the parties agree on the request, and counsel for defendant Fitzpatrick indicates his agreement per Dkt. No. 51 . Therefore, the Court grants for the reasons stated. All discovery due 4/3/2023; discovery motions due 4/17/2023; dispositive motions due 5/30/2023. The status report due 1/23/2023 per Dkt. No. 49 is modified such that Attorney Kerwin shall file a joint status report by 2/10/2023 regarding settlement progress. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 1/11/2023. (sg) (Entered: 01/11/2023)

RECAP
Jan. 11, 2023

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File AND Order on Letter Request

53 Feb. 10, 2023

STATUS REPORT by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo. (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 02/10/2023)

RECAP
54 Feb. 13, 2023

TEXT ORDER: Court reviewed status report (Dkt. No. 53 ) and directs attorney Kerwin to submit a further status report by 2/27/2023. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 2/13/2023. (sg) (Entered: 02/13/2023)

RECAP
Feb. 13, 2023

Status Report Order

55 Feb. 27, 2023

STATUS REPORT by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo. (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 02/27/2023)

RECAP
56 Feb. 28, 2023

TEXT ORDER: Court reviewed status report (Dkt. No. 55 ) regarding settlement negotiations and directs Attorney Kerwin to submit a further status report by 3/29/2023. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 2/28/2023. (sg) (Entered: 02/28/2023)

RECAP
Feb. 28, 2023

Status Report Order

57 March 29, 2023

STATUS REPORT/Letter Request by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo. (Kerwin, Adrienne) Modified on 3/30/2023 (sg, ). (Entered: 03/29/2023)

RECAP
58 March 30, 2023

TEXT ORDER: Court reviewed status report/letter request (Dkt. No. 57 ) and directs the parties to file a further status report or settlement agreement by 4/21/2023. Court sua sponte extends the remaining deadlines as follows: all discovery 5/15/2023; discovery motions 5/22/2023; dispositive motions due 7/11/2023. SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 3/30/2023. (sg) (Entered: 03/30/2023)

RECAP
March 30, 2023

Order on Letter Request

59 April 21, 2023

STATUS REPORT by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo. (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

RECAP
60 April 24, 2023

TEXT ORDER: Court reviewed status report (Dkt. No. 59 ) indicating the parties have reached a settlement agreement. The parties shall file a stipulation of dismissal or a status report on finalizing settlement documents by 5/8/2023. (Stipulation of Dismissal or Status Report due by 5/8/2023.) SO ORDERED by Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks on 4/24/2023. (jcl) (Entered: 04/24/2023)

RECAP
April 24, 2023

Order AND ~Util - Set Deadlines

61 April 25, 2023

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT by Julia Day, Melissa Franco, Letitia James, Gina Martinez, Licha Nyiendo. (Kerwin, Adrienne) (Entered: 04/25/2023)

Clearinghouse
62 April 27, 2023

Letter Motion from John E. Heisler Jr. for William Fitzpatrick requesting that Court not so order filed settlement agreement submitted to Judge D'Agostino . (Heisler, John) (Entered: 04/27/2023)

Clearinghouse
63 May 5, 2023

TEXT ORDER re 62 Letter Motion from John E. Heisler Jr. for William Fitzpatrick requesting that Court not so order the settlement agreement and 61 Settlement Agreement: The Court is in receipt of the Settlement agreement filed by the State of New York on April 25, 2023. On April 27, 2023 the Court received a letter from Mr. Heisler, Jr. requesting that the Court NOT so Order the Settlement agreement, as it does not pertain to defendant Fitzpatrick. The settlement agreement is NOT signed by counsel for defendant Fitzpatrick, and does not list defendant Patrick by name in the settlement agreement. Counsel for New Hope and the State of New York are directed to respond and clarify for the Court that status of this action. A response is to be filed on or before 5/19/23. Signed by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino on 05/05/2023. (ban) (Entered: 05/05/2023)

RECAP
May 5, 2023

Order on Letter Request

64 May 9, 2023

STIPULATION of Dismissal by New Hope Family Services, Inc. submitted to Judge Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks. (Galus, Jeremiah) (Entered: 05/09/2023)

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

New York

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 17, 2021

Closing Date: May 10, 2023

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is a Christian nonprofit adoption agency.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

Alliance Defending Freedom

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

District Attorney for Onondaga County

New York Division of Human Rights

New York State Attorney General

State of New York

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Free Exercise Clause

Other Dockets:

Northern District of New York 5:21-cv-01031

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Conditional Dismissal

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

General/Misc.:

Adoption

Affected Religion(s):

Christianity

Recommended Citation