Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_14-cv-00468/USCOURTS-casd-3_14-cv-00468-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 890
Nature of Suit: Other Statutory Actions
Cause of Action: 15:1692 Fair Debt Collection Act

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

DAWN ZOERB, individually and on 

behalf of others similarly situated,

Plaintiffs,

Case No. 14-cv-468-BAS (KSC)

ORDER GRANTING JOINT 

MOTION TO APPOINT SPECIAL 

MASTER

v [ECF 32] .

LAW OFFICES OF PATENAUDE 

& FELIX, A.P.C., et al.,

Defendants.

Pending before the Court is the parties’ joint motion to appoint the Honorable

Herbert B. Hoffman, California Superior Court Judge (Ret.) as special master under 

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 53. Having read and considered the moving papers, 

the good cause appearing, the Court GRANTS the motion (ECF 32) and order as 

follows:

 Judge Hoffman is hereby appointed as a Special Master in this case to 

oversee all settlement negotiations; including overseeing and assisting 

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the parties in crafting an appropriate class definition, class-action 

notice, and injunction. Judge Hoffman shall also assist the parties in 

negotiations regarding the appropriate class member relief and 

attorneys’ fees.

 Judge Hoffman shall preside over all necessary settlement meetings and 

issue any necessary reports and recommendations to the Court 

regarding the proposed class settlement.

 Shortly after the Class Action Settlement Agreement is filed, and upon 

completion of any necessary settlement meetings, Judge Hoffman shall 

submit a report and recommendation to the Court regarding whether the 

Court should grant preliminary certification and approval per Fed. R. 

Civ. P. 23 to the agreed-upon class settlement.

 Judge Hoffman shall be paid his standard fee at the conclusion of this 

matter. The parties shall pay all fees incurred by Judge Hoffman. In 

conjunction with his accepted responsibilities, Judge Hoffman will be 

free to communicate ex parte with the Court, or with any party, 

regarding the settlement of this matter. As appropriate, a record of all 

hearing and evidence before Judge Hoffman shall be maintained, just 

as if the parties were in open court.

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated: June 23, 2015

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