Batton plaintiffs lose bid to intervene in Anywhere settlement

"Judge Jenkin wrote that the Batton's plaintiffs interests would not be impaired if their motion to intervene was denied, as they would have the opportunity to object to the settlement at the agreement's final approval fairness hearing."

"Judge Hunt echoed Judge Jenkins, telling the Batton plaintiffs that they could object to Anywhere's settlement at the final approval hearing. Since the preliminary approval of Anywhere's settlement, other brokerages, who are not defendants in the Tuccori lawsuit are also looking to opt-in to the settlement."

"All deadlines as to Defendant Fathom are stayed so that these parties can focus their efforts on settlement. While the Batton plaintiffs may not seek to intervene against Fathom's settlement, they most likely will object to the final approval of this settlement along with Anywhere's."

Judge Jenkins approved Anywhere's settlement and rejected the Batton plaintiffs' intervention motion, ruling their interests would not be impaired since they could object at the final approval hearing. Aaron Bolton appealed this decision. Judge LaShonda Hunt, overseeing the Batton lawsuit, similarly denied the plaintiffs' motions to reassign the Tuccori suit and obtain a preliminary injunction against settlement proceedings, directing them to object at final approval instead. Following preliminary approval of Anywhere's settlement, Fathom Realty, a non-defendant brokerage, filed a motion to stay proceedings and finalize its own settlement with Tuccori plaintiffs. Judge Jenkins approved this motion, staying all Fathom deadlines. The Batton plaintiffs are expected to object to both settlements at final approval.

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