Case: United States v. Lakeland Bank

2:22-cv-05746 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Filed Date: Sept. 28, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case challenging a bank’s alleged discriminatory lending practices.  On September 28, 2022, the United States of America filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The government sued Lakeland Bank, asserting violations of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). The government alleged that Lakeland engaged in unlawful redlining by refusing to provide home loans and other mortgage services in majority-Black and Hispanic…

This is a case challenging a bank’s alleged discriminatory lending practices. 

On September 28, 2022, the United States of America filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The government sued Lakeland Bank, asserting violations of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). The government alleged that Lakeland engaged in unlawful redlining by refusing to provide home loans and other mortgage services in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. It further alleged that Lakeland engaged in practices that discouraged residents of those neighborhoods from seeking or applying for credit from Lakeland, among other things. The government sought injunctive and declaratory relief, along with monetary damages and a civil penalty against Lakeland. The case was assigned to District Judge Claire C. Cecchi.

On September 28, 2022, the parties filed a joint motion for approval and entry of a proposed consent order. The terms required Lakeland to provide fair lending training, conduct a community credit needs assessment, and establish full-service branches in majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts, among other things, and would remain in effect for five years. The next day, the court signed the consent order.

After a change in presidential administration, on May 28, 2025, the government filed a motion to terminate the consent order early and dismiss the case, arguing that Lakeland had demonstrated a commitment to remediation. On December 22, 2025, the court administratively closed the government’s motion pending amici curiae briefing by fair housing advocacy organizations. On February 5, 2026, the court reinstated the government's motion. 

This case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Alexis Gil (6/29/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/65381584/parties/united-states-v-lakeland-bank/


Judge(s)

Cecchi, Claire Claudia (New Jersey)

Attorney for Plaintiff

CAMPION, MICHAEL E. (New Jersey)

CAMPOS, MARTA (New Jersey)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

CUNNINGHAM, WILLIAM MICHAEL (New Jersey)

GEFFEN, BENJAMIN DAVID (New Jersey)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:22-cv-05746

Complaint and Jury Demand

Sept. 28, 2022

Sept. 28, 2022

Complaint
2

2:22-cv-05746

Letter

No Court

Sept. 28, 2022

Sept. 28, 2022

Notice of Investigation or Suit/Demand Letter
4

2:22-cv-05746

Consent Order

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

Order/Opinion
9

2:22-cv-05746

Unopposed Motion And Memorandum In Support To Terminate Consent Order And Dismiss With Prejudice

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
32

2:22-cv-05746

Order

United States of America v. Lakeland Bank

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/65381584/united-states-v-lakeland-bank/

Last updated July 22, 2026, 3:55 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against LAKELAND BANK with JURY DEMAND, filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Civil Cover Sheet)(MILLENKY, SUSAN) Modified on 9/28/2022 (dam). (Entered: 09/28/2022)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B

View on PACER

3 Exhibit C

View on PACER

4 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Sept. 28, 2022

Sept. 28, 2022

Clearinghouse
2

Letter from the United States Submitting Proposed Consent Order. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Certificate of Service)(MILLENKY, SUSAN) (Entered: 09/28/2022)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

2 Certificate of Service

View on RECAP

Sept. 28, 2022

Sept. 28, 2022

Clearinghouse

Judge Claire C. Cecchi and Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel added. (ps)

Sept. 28, 2022

Sept. 28, 2022

Add and Terminate Judges

Sept. 28, 2022

Sept. 28, 2022

3

SUMMONS ISSUED as to LAKELAND BANK. Attached is the official court Summons, please fill out Defendant and Plaintiffs attorney information and serve. (dam) (Entered: 09/29/2022)

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

4

CONSENT ORDER. Signed by Judge Claire C. Cecchi on 9/29/2022. (ld, ) (Entered: 09/29/2022)

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

Clearinghouse

***Civil Case Terminated. (ld, )

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

Terminate Civil Case

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

5

OBJECTION to the Entry of the 4 Consent Order, by WILLIAM MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM. (Filing received via the ECF Help Desk E-mail) (wh) (Entered: 10/03/2022)

Sept. 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2022

6

NOTICE of Appearance by MARTA CAMPOS on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (CAMPOS, MARTA) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

RECAP
7

Notice to be terminated and withdraw from Notices of Electronic filing as to case. Attorney SUSAN R. MILLENKY terminated. (MILLENKY, SUSAN) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

RECAP
8

Notice to be terminated and withdraw from Notices of Electronic filing as to case. Attorney MICHAEL E. CAMPION terminated. (CAMPION, MICHAEL) (Entered: 05/24/2025)

May 24, 2025

May 24, 2025

9

MOTION termination of consent order and dismiss with prejudice by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(CAMPOS, MARTA) (Entered: 05/28/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Clearinghouse

Set Deadlines as to 9 MOTION termination of consent order and dismiss with prejudice. Motion set for 7/7/2025 before Judge Claire C. Cecchi. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, this motion will be decided on the papers and no appearances are required. Note that this is an automatically generated message from the Clerk`s Office and does not supersede any previous or subsequent orders from the Court. (lag, )

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

10

MOTION for Leave to Appear Amicus Curiae by New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund, Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Memorandum in Support of Motion for Leave to Participate as Amici Curiae, # 3 Exhibit A (Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae), # 4 Exhibit B (Declaration of Leila Amirhamzeh))(GEFFEN, BENJAMIN) (Entered: 06/01/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

2 Memorandum in Support of Motion for Leave to Participate as Amici Curiae

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit A (Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae)

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit B (Declaration of Leila Amirhamzeh)

View on RECAP

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

RECAP
11

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Declaration of Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg)(GEFFEN, BENJAMIN) (Entered: 06/03/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

2 Declaration of Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg

View on RECAP

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

RECAP
12

NOTICE of Appearance by JEHAN ASLAM PATTERSON on behalf of LAKELAND BANK (PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

RECAP

Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams added. Magistrate Judge E. S. Kiel no longer assigned to case. (jr)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Set Deadlines as to 10 MOTION for Leave to Appear Amicus Curiae. Motion set for 7/7/2025 before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, this motion will be decided on the papers and no appearances are required. Note that this is an automatically generated message from the Clerk`s Office and does not supersede any previous or subsequent orders from the Court. (and)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Set Deadlines as to 11 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Motion set for 7/7/2025 before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, this motion will be decided on the papers and no appearances are required. Note that this is an automatically generated message from the Clerk`s Office and does not supersede any previous or subsequent orders from the Court. (mj)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

13

Letter from Jehan A. Patterson. (PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 06/12/2025)

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

RECAP
14

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by LAKELAND BANK. (Attachments: # 1 Certification, # 2 Certification, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 06/13/2025)

1 Certification

View on RECAP

2 Certification

View on RECAP

3 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

RECAP
15

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by LAKELAND BANK. (Attachments: # 1 Certification, # 2 Certification, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 06/13/2025)

1 Certification

View on RECAP

2 Certification

View on RECAP

3 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

RECAP
16

NOTICE of Appearance by ELI SEGAL on behalf of Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund (SEGAL, ELI) (Entered: 06/13/2025)

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

RECAP
17

NOTICE of Appearance by JOHN S STAPLETON on behalf of Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund (STAPLETON, JOHN) (Entered: 06/13/2025)

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

RECAP
18

NOTICE by Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund re 10 MOTION for Leave to Appear Amicus Curiae (Notice of Supplemental Authority) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (Townstone Order))(GEFFEN, BENJAMIN) (Entered: 06/13/2025)

1 Exhibit A (Townstone Order)

View on RECAP

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

RECAP

Set Deadlines as to 14 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice , 15 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Motion set for 7/7/2025 before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, this motion will be decided on the papers and no appearances are required. Note that this is an automatically generated message from the Clerk`s Office and does not supersede any previous or subsequent orders from the Court. (sm)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Set Deadlines as to 14 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 15 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Motion set for 7/7/2025 before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, this motion will be decided on the papers and no appearances are required. Note that this is an automatically generated message from the Clerk`s Office and does not supersede any previous or subsequent orders from the Court. (sm)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

19

ORDER granting 14 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of D. JEAN VETA. N/M. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams on 6/20/2025. (wh) Modified on 6/20/2025 (wh). (Entered: 06/20/2025)

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

RECAP
20

ORDER granting 15 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of NIKHIL V. GORE. N/M. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams on 6/20/2025. (wh) (Entered: 06/20/2025)

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

RECAP
21

Notice of Request by Pro Hac Vice D. Jean Veta to receive Notices of Electronic Filings. ( Pro Hac Vice fee $ 250 receipt number ANJDC-16398752.) (PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 06/20/2025)

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

RECAP
22

Notice of Request by Pro Hac Vice Nikhil V. Gore to receive Notices of Electronic Filings. ( Pro Hac Vice fee $ 250 receipt number ANJDC-16398773.) (PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 06/20/2025)

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

RECAP

10 MOTION for Leave to Appear Amicus Curiae no longer referred to the Magistrate Judge. Motion to be decided by the District Judge. (JB)

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

23

BRIEF in Opposition filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA re 10 MOTION for Leave to Appear Amicus Curiae (CAMPOS, MARTA) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

RECAP
24

BRIEF in Opposition filed by LAKELAND BANK re 10 MOTION for Leave to Appear Amicus Curiae (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Roxanne Camejo, # 2 Exhibit 1)(PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

1 Declaration of Roxanne Camejo

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2 Exhibit 1

View on RECAP

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

RECAP

Pro Hac Vice counsel, NIKHIL V. GORE and D. JEAN VETA, has been added to receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Pursuant to L.Civ.R. 101.1, only local counsel are entitled to sign and file papers, enter appearances and receive payments on judgments, decrees or orders. (sm)

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

25

REPLY BRIEF to Opposition to Motion filed by Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund re 10 MOTION for Leave to Appear Amicus Curiae (SEGAL, ELI) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

RECAP
26

NOTICE by Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund Notice of Supplemental Authority (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A- USA v. Essa Bank & Trust, Memorandum)(SEGAL, ELI) (Entered: 07/24/2025)

1 Exhibit A- USA v. Essa Bank & Trust, Memorandum

View on RECAP

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

RECAP
27

ORDER Granting [11] Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice as to Daniel Urevick-Ackelsberg. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams on 10/7/2025. (kes, )

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

RECAP
28

Notice of Request by Pro Hac Vice Daniel Urevick-Ackelsberg to receive Notices of Electronic Filings. ( Pro Hac Vice fee $ 250 receipt number ANJDC-16717356.) (GEFFEN, BENJAMIN)

Oct. 8, 2025

Oct. 8, 2025

RECAP

Pro Hac Vice counsel, DANIEL UREVICK-ACKELSBERG for Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, DANIEL UREVICK-ACKELSBERG for National Fair Housing Alliance, DANIEL UREVICK-ACKELSBERG for New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund, has been added to receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Pursuant to L.Civ.R. 101.1, only local counsel are entitled to sign and file papers, enter appearances and receive payments on judgments, decrees or orders. (ld)

Oct. 9, 2025

Oct. 9, 2025

29

NOTICE by Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY (SEGAL, ELI)

Dec. 3, 2025

Dec. 3, 2025

RECAP
30

NOTICE of Appearance by JENNIFER SLAGLE PECK on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SLAGLE PECK, JENNIFER)

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

RECAP
31

NOTICE by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO WITHDRAW ATTORNEY (CAMPOS, MARTA)

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

RECAP
32

ORDER Administratively terminating [9] Motion; Granting [10] Motion to Appear Amicus Curiae; Directing proposed amici to file proposed brief by 1/5/2026. Signed by Judge Claire C. Cecchi on 12/22/2025. (amv)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

Clearinghouse
33

BRIEF refiled as ordered by 32 (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(GEFFEN, BENJAMIN) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

1 Certificate of Service

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Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

RECAP
34

BRIEF ISO Motion to Terminate 9 and Response to 33, filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SLAGLE PECK, JENNIFER) (Entered: 02/04/2026)

Feb. 4, 2026

Feb. 4, 2026

RECAP
35

BRIEF ISO Motion to Terminate 9 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit - Declaration of Roxanne Camejo)(PATTERSON, JEHAN) (Entered: 02/04/2026)

1 Exhibit - Declaration of Roxanne Camejo

View on RECAP

Feb. 4, 2026

Feb. 4, 2026

RECAP

CHAMBER'S NOTE - MOTION REINSTATED: 9 MOTION termination of consent order and dismiss with prejudice by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (jl, )

Feb. 5, 2026

Feb. 5, 2026

Docket Annotation (public)

Feb. 5, 2026

Feb. 5, 2026

36

MOTION for Leave to File AMICI CURIAE'S UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE BRIEF IN REPLY TO UNITED STATES' AND DEFENDANT'S BRIEFS IN SUPPORT OF DISMISSAL by Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A- Reply Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(SEGAL, ELI) (Entered: 02/11/2026)

1 Exhibit A- Reply Brief

View on RECAP

2 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Feb. 11, 2026

Feb. 11, 2026

RECAP

Set Deadlines as to 36 MOTION for Leave to File AMICI CURIAE'S UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE BRIEF IN REPLY TO UNITED STATES' AND DEFENDANT'S BRIEFS IN SUPPORT OF DISMISSAL. Motion set for 3/16/2026 before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, this motion will be decided on the papers and no appearances are required. Note that this is an automatically generated message from the Clerk`s Office and does not supersede any previous or subsequent orders from the Court. (mj)

Feb. 13, 2026

Feb. 13, 2026

36 MOTION for Leave to File AMICI CURIAE'S UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE BRIEF IN REPLY TO UNITED STATES' AND DEFENDANT'S BRIEFS IN SUPPORT OF DISMISSAL no longer referred to the Magistrate Judge. Motion to be decided by the District Judge. (JB)

Feb. 17, 2026

Feb. 17, 2026

37

TEXT ORDER--The Court is in receipt of Amici Curiae New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund, Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, and the National Fair Housing Alliance's ("Amici") motion for leave to file a brief in response to the briefs filed by the Government and Lakeland Bank. ECF No. 36. The Court hereby GRANTS leave and directs Amici to refile their brief (ECF No. 36-1) on the docket. So Ordered by Judge Claire C. Cecchi on 3/5/2026. (jl, ) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

38

REPLY to Response to Motion filed by Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, National Fair Housing Alliance, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund re 9 MOTION termination of consent order and dismiss with prejudice (SEGAL, ELI) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

RECAP

Text Order

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

New Jersey

Case Type(s):

Fair Housing/Lending/Insurance

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Reversing Course on Existing Litigation

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 28, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is the Department of Justice (DOJ) which is an executive department of the United States federal government that oversees the domestic enforcement of federal laws and the administration of justice.

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Lakeland Bank

Defendant Type(s):

Bank or credit provider

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Non-government for-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), 15 U.S.C. § 1691

Fair Housing Act/Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.

Other Dockets:

District of New Jersey 2:22-cv-05746

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Damages

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Comply with advertising/recruiting requirements

Develop anti-discrimination policy

Discrimination Prohibition

Follow recruitment, hiring, or promotion protocols

Hire

Monitoring

Recordkeeping

Reporting

Training

Order Duration: 2022 - 2027

Issues

General/Misc.:

Housing

Other Banking

Racial profiling

Racial segregation

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Impact

Disparate Treatment

Housing Sales/Rental

Lending

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Affected Language(s):

Spanish

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Hispanic

Affected Race(s):

Black

Recommended Citation