A settlement... reached with the help of third-party neutrals enjoys a presumption that the settlement achieved meets the requirements of due process

—granting preliminary settlement approval despite named plaintiffs' objections because "a plaintiff's dissatisfaction with certain settlement terms is not a bar to preliminary approval" and the "proper time for the Court to consider" those objections "is at the final approval hearing

As discussed, the court categorically rejects the argument accusing the parties, class counsel, defense counsel, or Judge Bullock of collusion.

—finding, in case where significant discovery had occurred, that “Plaintiffs' Counsel did substantial work identifying, investigating, prosecuting, and settling Plaintiffs' and Class Members' claims

The assistance of [an] experienced mediator []... reinforces that the Settlement Agreement is non-collusive

[PDF] United States District Court Southern District of New York