Deborah Schrider v. Devlin Contracting and Maintenance, Inc., et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Maryland amended a prior default judgment in Deborah Schrider’s Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law action. The court dismissed the claims against Brian Devlin and Cindy Ingemi, entered final judgment against Matthew Devlin, Devlin Contracting and Maintenance, Inc., and Devlin Solar, Inc., and held those defendants jointly and severally liable for $532,840 in damages. The court also awarded $33,787.50 in attorney’s fees and $1,526.66 in costs.

Holdings

1. The Court dismissed Plaintiff's claims against Brian Devlin and Cindy Ingemi because Plaintiff expressly stated that she did not intend to pursue those claims, and dismissal permitted adjudication of the matter without logically inconsistent or contradictory results.
2. The Court amended the prior order and entered final default judgment against Matthew Devlin, Devlin Contracting, and Devlin Solar, jointly and severally, in the amount of $532,840 in damages.
3. Plaintiff was entitled to reasonable attorney's fees under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law, calculated using the lodestar method, subject to exclusion of noncompensable clerical work.
4. The Court awarded Plaintiff $1,526.66 in costs because the documented legal research, filing fees, service-of-process expenses, mailing, and related expenses were reasonable and recoverable.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Court should dismiss Plaintiff's claims against Brian Devlin and Cindy Ingemi after Plaintiff stated that she did not intend to pursue those claims.
2. Whether final default judgment should be entered against Matthew Devlin, Devlin Contracting, and Devlin Solar for the previously determined damages.
3. Whether Plaintiff was entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs under the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law.
4. Whether the requested attorney's and paralegal hours and hourly rates were reasonable and compensable.

Disposition

other