Chad Carlsen v. Global Client Solutions, LLC

MEMORANDUM

Global Client Solutions, LLC, and Rocky Mountain Bank & Trust (Appellants) appeal the district court’s order granting the Class (Appellees) motion for approval of attorney fees and costs pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement. We affirm.

On August 2, 2009, Appellees filed a class action alleging violations of Washington’s Debt Adjusting Act, Wash. Rev.Code ch. 18.28, and Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, Wash. Rev.Code ch. 19.86. On January 31, 2012, a Class Action Settlement Agreement and Release was filed. Appellees filed a Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement. The parties negotiated a Settlement Agreement on the merits which involved a full refund of all fees collected by Appellants to the members of the Appellee class, as well as payment of the class administration expenses. Appellees also filed a Motion to Appoint Special Master to Determine Reasonable Attorney Fees under Rule 54(d)(2)(D). The court entered an Order preliminarily approving the class settlement, issued a class notice, set a fairness hearing, and entered an Order appointing a special master to determine reasonable attorney fees. The Special Master entered a fee…