Wells Fargo Bank NA and thousands of its loan officers are expected to resolve wage-hour
litigation through a $10.9 million class settlement after a California federal judge signaled at a
Friday hearing that he would grant final approval of the deal.
Approval of the deal would end a long-running lawsuit brought originally by Huy Nguyen alleging
unlawful forfeiture of paid time off, failure to timely pay wages, unlawful wage deductions, and
more. The suit ultimately had Kevin Lockwood named as its class representative.
Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
California called the deal involving a class of 4,800 individuals “an excellent result.” He also
approved a request from class counsel for $3.6 million in attorneys’ fees, representing 33% of the
fund. Spero initially questioned the $5,000 service award for Lockwood, who he said “stepped in at the
end” once it became clear Nguyen wouldn’t move forward.
But Edward J. Wynne of Wynne Law Firm, counsel for the class, said Lockwood spent several
hours interacting with him and providing him documents before becoming named counsel.
“We were able to tap him immediately,” Wynne said in the Zoom hearing.
Considering the amount of work Lockwood put in, Spero reconsidered his earlier suggestion of a
$3,000 award and awarded the full amount requested. Lockwood and the class are represented by Wynne Law Firm and Leonard Carder LLP. Wells
Fargo is represented by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP.
The case is Lockwood v. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association , N.D. Cal., No. 3:15-cv-05239, 11/6/20.
