Prison Phone Justice

Case 1:15-cv-00986-AT Document 326-2 Filed 12/06/21 Page 1 of 28

Exhibit 2

Declaration of Michael A. Caplan

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORGIA
ATLANTA DIVISION
BENSON GITHIEYA, et al.,
Plaintiffs,
CIVIL ACTION NO:
1:15-CV-00986-AT

v.
GLOBAL TEL*LINK CORP.,
Defendant.

DECLARATION OF MICHAEL A. CAPLAN
I, Michael A. Caplan, give the following testimony based upon my personal
knowledge and belief and information obtained in the course of my representation
in this matter. This declaration is offered in support of the Motion for Preliminary
Approval of the settlement agreement filed on behalf of the settlement class.
Introduction
1.

This case involves Defendant Global Tel*Link’s (“GTL’s”) policy of

taking all deposits remaining in so-called “AdvancePay” accounts, which
individuals used to speak with incarcerated persons, if an account was not used for
some period of time¾typically 90 days (the “inactivity policy”).

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2.

On November 30, 2020, this Court certified a nationwide class of

persons to challenge the inactivity policy who established and funded their
accounts to speak to persons incarcerated in facilities in Georgia or South Carolina
(the “litigation class”). See dkt. 276 at 30.1 In that order, the Court appointed
Caplan Cobb LLP and Radford & Keebaugh, LLC as class counsel. Id. Later, the
Court appointed Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian, & Ho as additional class counsel.
See July 28, 2021 Docket Order.
3.

Since the Court’s class-certification order, the parties have engaged in

extensive litigation regarding the appropriate scope of the class. The parties have
also held three mediations.
4.

On September 30 and October 1, 2021, the parties held their third

mediation of this matter with Hunter R. Hughes III. Although the parties failed to
reach agreement during this mediation, the parties reached agreement to settle this
case on October 6, 2021, and executed a term sheet setting forth the material terms
of their settlement.
5.

Between October 6 and November 24, the parties engaged in intensive

negotiations relating to the finalization of the Class Action Settlement Agreement.

1

For docket entries, I cite the page numbers assigned by the Court’s CM/ECF
system, not any internal pagination.
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These negotiations included three arbitration sessions before Hunter R. Hughes III
and L. Joseph Loveland, Jr. On November 24, the parties executed the Class
Action Settlement Agreement.
6.

It is my belief, as lead Class Counsel, that the settlement agreement

achieves significant and wide-ranging relief to the settlement class, including a
settlement fund that is likely to provide 100% compensation either in the form of
cash or credits to every settlement class member who is reasonably reachable. The
settlement agreement also achieves fundamental structural reforms to GTL’s
inactivity policy, including an extension of the inactivity policy to 180 days. These
reforms will help ensure that AdvancePay account holders in the future are
properly informed of GTL’s inactivity policy and have the opportunity to
affirmatively consent to that policy before they establish their AdvancePay
accounts. In addition, AdvancePay account holders who opt in to notifications by
GTL will be provided an advance warning before their accounts are reduced to
$0.00.
7.

It is for these reasons that we have asked the Court to preliminarily

approve the settlement agreement, preliminarily approve the settlement class, order
that notice and claims forms be sent to the settlement class, and establish a timeline
for final approval of the settlement agreement.

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Personal Background
8.

I am a founding partner of the law firm Caplan Cobb LLP in Atlanta,

Georgia.
9.

I am a member of the Bar of this Court, the United States Supreme

Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, several other
United States District Courts, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme
Court, the State Bar of Georgia, and several other courts.
10.

I am a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia School

of Law, where I was an editor of the Georgia Law Review and was inducted into
the Order of the Coif and Order of the Barristers. I also received an M.B.A. and
B.A. from the University of Georgia. I received my law degree in 2006.
11.

Prior to commencement of private practice, I served as a law clerk to

the Honorable Richard W. Story of this Court. Since concluding my clerkship, I
have continuously engaged in the practice of law in Atlanta. Prior to founding
Caplan Cobb, I practiced law at the law firm Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP.
Representative Class-Litigation Experience
12.

My law practice is devoted primarily to complex trial and appellate

litigation, including class actions. I have devoted a substantial percentage of my

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professional career to class-action practice. I describe below several representative
examples of cases in which I served or presently serve as class counsel.
13.

On November 30, 2020, this Court appointed me and my firm as class

counsel on behalf of the litigation class.
14.

I also served as class counsel in Columbus Drywall & Insulation, Inc.

v. Masco Corp., Civil Action No. 1:04-cv-3066-JEC (N.D.G.A.) (Carnes, J.), in
which this Court certified a nationwide class of insulation contractors pursuing
claims under the Sherman Act for alleged price-fixing in the sale of insulation.
Two days before trial, we settled the case against the last defendant in that matter
for $75 million. In total, we recovered $112.5 million in compensation on behalf of
the class, one of the largest class recoveries in the history of this District.
15.

I served as class counsel in Wood v. Unified Government of Athens-

Clarke County, Civil Action No. 3:14-CV-00043-CDL (M.D.G.A.) (Land, J.), a
class action on behalf of retirees of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke
County pursuing claims for breach of contract¾like the claims at issue in this
case. After the district court partially dismissed the action, our firm successfully
obtained a certificate of immediate review and obtained reversal of the district
court’s partial dismissal order by the United States Court of Appeals for the
Eleventh Circuit. See Wood v. Unified Gov’t of Athens-Clarke Cty., 818 F.3d 1244

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(11th Cir. 2016). After remand, the district court held as matter of law that the
parties had entered into a contract for retirement benefits. Thereafter, we secured a
settlement of that action on behalf of the class that included both retrospective
monetary relief as well as prospective policy changes worth more than $14.5
million.
16.

I served as class counsel in Flournoy v. State, File No. 2009CV178947

(Fulton Cnty. Super. Ct.). In that case, the Fulton County Superior Court certified a
statewide class of indigent defendants bringing civil rights claims pursuant to 42
U.S.C. § 1983. After class certification and several days before trial, the State of
Georgia agreed to systemic reforms to Georgia’s system for appellate indigent
defense. As a result of my work in Flournoy, the Southern Center for Human
Rights honored me with the Gideon’s Promise Award.
17.

Along with the late Jeffrey O. Bramlett, I served as class counsel in

Kenny A. v. Perdue, Civil Action 1:02-cv-01686 (N.D.G.A.) (Shoob, J.), a civil
rights class action brought on behalf of a class of Georgia foster children. Kenny A.
led to sweeping reforms of the foster care systems in Fulton and DeKalb Counties.
My primary involvement in the case concerned enforcement of the Court’s
classwide consent decree.

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18.

I served as class counsel in Adams v. Sentinel Offender Services, LLC,

Civil Action No. 1:17-cv-02813-WSD (N.D.G.A.) (Duffey, J.), a civil rights class
action alleging that a private probation company collected unauthorized fees from
Georgia probationers. On December 21, 2018, this Court approved a settlement on
behalf of the putative class that resulted in substantial, ongoing benefits to the
members of the settlement class in that case.
19.

I am currently serving as counsel to the putative class in Bowen et al.

v. Porsche Cars N.A., Inc., Civil Action No. 1:21-CV-00741-MHC (N.D.G.A.)
(Cohen, J.), a nationwide class action on behalf of owners and lessees of Porsche
vehicles alleging that a software update caused the infotainment systems in their
vehicles to malfunction in a destructive and potentially dangerous fashion.
20.

I am currently serving as counsel to the putative class in Monopoli et

al. v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Daimler AG, Civil Action No. 1:21-cv-01353SDG (Grimberg, J.), a nationwide (except for Florida) class action alleging that a
defect in the active head restraint mechanism in the headrest of certain MercedesBenz vehicles could deploy suddenly and without warning and strike the back of
the heads of occupants of the vehicles, causing serious harm and the risk of
collision.

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21.

I have also, on occasion, represented defendants in class litigation. For

example, I represented Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in defense of a class
action in this Court, Owens et al. v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Civil
Action No. 2:14-cv-00074-RWS (Story, J.). That case resulted in a settlement.
22.

Prior to founding Caplan Cobb, I provided counsel in numerous other

class actions while practicing at Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore, including class
actions involving antitrust, consumer rights, breach of warranties, employmentrelated issues, and civil rights.
Other Relevant Experience and Qualifications of Other Class Counsel
23.

Over the course of my career, I have also served as counsel and

volunteered my time to organizations that are focused on protecting the rights of
imprisoned persons and their families. I have served on the board of the Southern
Center for Human Rights for eight years. I have also served as a member of the
Indigent Defense Committee of the State Bar of Georgia for over ten years. In
addition, I have accepted appointments by this Court and the Eleventh Circuit to
represent indigent parties, including the incarcerated and their family members, in
civil rights and related matters.
24.

I have also litigated dozens of cases involving claims for breach of

contract or unjust enrichment, the central claims at issue in this case.

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25.

Finally, I have written and lectured at continuing legal education

seminars on a variety of topics, including class actions, ethics and professionalism,
civil rights issues, and attorney’s fees.
26.

Caplan Cobb LLP, Radford & Keebaugh, LLC, and Goldstein,

Borden, Dardarian & Ho have collectively devoted thousands of hours of work in
this matter to zealously represent the members of the settlement class and will
continue to devote whatever resources are necessary to provide the best possible
representation to members of the class, regardless of whether the court ultimately
approves the settlement agreement.
27.

As detailed in prior submissions, and as this Court has previously held,

my fellow class counsel are also qualified to serve as counsel on behalf of the
settlement class. See dkt. 276 at 30; Order of July 28, 2021; see also dkts. 123-7;
123-8; 297; 297-1; & 297-2.
Procedural Background Regarding the Case
28.

In this case, on behalf of a putative nationwide class of persons who

established AdvancePay accounts using GTL’s automated telephone system (the
interactive-voice-response or “IVR” system), Plaintiffs challenged GTL’s
inactivity policy of taking funds its customers deposited into AdvancePay accounts

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to prepay for calls from friends or family members in jails or prisons if the account
was not used for a period of 90 to 180 days.
29.

Plaintiffs filed the case more than six-and-a-half years ago. Over those

years, class counsel have devoted thousands of hours of attorney time to vigorously
litigate the case, including conducting multiple corporate depositions of GTL,
obtaining and reviewing hundreds of thousands of pages of documents from GTL,
drafting hundreds of pages of briefing on dozens of motions, and participating in
numerous hearings with the Court.
30.

In November 2020, the Court certified the litigation class¾a

nationwide class of persons affected by GTL’s inactivity policy who created
AdvancePay accounts using the IVR system to speak with persons incarcerated in
facilities in Georgia or South Carolina. Dkt. 276 at 30.
31.

Following that ruling, the case returned to an active litigation posture,

in which the parties primarily litigated whether this case would be equally or more
manageable as a nationwide class action or with a class limited to recipients of
calls from Georgia and South Carolina prisons and jails. Ultimately, the Court
granted our request to compel GTL to produce evidence relating to that issue. Over
the course of several months, the Court entered several additional orders

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compelling GTL to produce documents and sworn discovery responses, as well as
millions of AdvancePay account holder records to permit us to assess that issue.
32.

On August 31, 2021, the parties asked the Court to stay all deadlines in

the case until October 4, 2021 to permit them to engage in further mediation in an
attempt to reach a negotiated resolution. Dkt. 318; dkt. 319.
Mediation, Negotiation, and Execution of the Settlement Agreement
33.

Before finally reaching a settlement, the parties participated in three

mediations of this matter over the course of more than a year in an effort to resolve
the case.
34.

In June of 2020, the parties participated in their first mediation before

Hunter R. Hughes, III.
35.

Mr. Hughes is a nationally recognized attorney who has, for many

years, specialized in mediating large, nationwide class-action cases.
36.

The mediation in June of 2020 was unsuccessful.

37.

In both its class-certification order and its order on Plaintiffs’ motion

for sanctions against GTL (both of which were granted), the Court instructed the
parties to resume mediation before Mr. Hughes. Dkt. 275 at 78; dkt. 276 at 30.

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38.

The parties engaged in a second mediation before Mr. Hughes in

January 2021, but again were unsuccessful in resolving the matter on a global
basis.
39.

The parties planned yet further mediation before Mr. Hughes in March

2021, but Mr. Hughes ultimately cancelled that mediation and declared the parties
at an impasse.
40.

After these failed mediations, the parties engaged in several months of

hard-fought litigation regarding the scope of the class, as I described above.
41.

After the Court stayed the case on September 1, 2021 at the parties

request, the parties scheduled another, two-day mediation before Mr. Hughes.
42.

On September 30, 2021 and October 1, 2021, Mr. Hughes again

mediated this matter between the parties.
43.

Ultimately, as a result of that mediation, on October 6, 2021, the

parties executed a term sheet setting forth the material terms of their settlement
agreement.
44.

Mr. Hughes has offered to provide a declaration attesting to the arm’s-

length nature of the negotiations that resulted in the term sheet and the final
settlement agreement.

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45.

Following execution of the term sheet, the parties engaged in seven

weeks of additional, intensive negotiations regarding the terms of a comprehensive
settlement agreement.
46.

To resolve issues over which the parties could not reach agreement, we

also participated in multiple arbitrations regarding the terms of the final settlement
agreement before Mr. Hughes and L. Joseph Loveland, Jr., a former King &
Spalding partner with more than 40 years of experience in complex commercial
litigation. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Loveland assisted the parties in resolving a number
of issues necessary to finalizing the terms of the settlement agreement.
47.

Ultimately, on November 26, 2021, the parties executed the final class-

action settlement agreement.
48.

As a result of the years of work that my co-class counsel and I have

devoted to this case, by the time we reached this settlement, I had a deep
understanding of the facts, our likelihood of succeeding in expanding the class to
be a nationwide class, our likelihood of succeeding at trial, the risks of failure, and
the potential value of the claims of the class.
49.

With this knowledge, my co-class counsel and I determined that a

settlement at this stage of the case would have significant benefits to the settlement
class. These benefits include (among other considerations) avoiding further delay

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of relief to class members, which could have taken several additional years to
achieve; avoiding the risks that the class would not be expanded to include all
persons nationwide regardless of where they intended to receive calls from;
avoiding the potential loss of claims by settlement class members who were not
members of the litigation class as a result of the running of the statute of
limitations; the risk of losing the merits of the case; the difficulty of achieving
injunctive relief in this case; and other risks associated with delay of disposition of
the case, including locating absent class members.
The Size of the Class and Scope of Potential Damages
50.

I understand that, in order to evaluate the fairness and reasonableness

of the settlement in this case, the Court must examine the size of the class affected
by the settlement and the maximum damages that could potentially have been
recovered if the case proceeded to trial.
51.

As the Court is aware, we retained Epiq Class Action & Claims

Solutions, Inc. (“Epiq”) to provide expert assistance in connection with our work
to evaluate the relative manageability of pursuing this case on a nationwide basis.
See generally dkt. 300-1. Epiq is one of the premier class-action administration and
notice providers in the United States and has administered numerous class actions
in this Circuit. Moreover, the team from Epiq with whom we have worked has

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particular expertise in nationwide class actions and in utilizing large, complex data
sets to identify class members in class-action cases. See id. ¶¶ 5, 9–10, 15–24 and
Ex. B.
52.

As the Court is also aware, as a result of advocacy, GTL ultimately

agreed to provide to “Plaintiffs’ experts . . . access to transaction data, contact
information, and calling records for all potential class members.” Dkt. 311 at 3–4.
At our insistence, this data has remained available to our experts throughout the
negotiations regarding the settlement agreement and remains available to this day.
53.

Since GTL made that data available, our experts at Epiq, including

Epiq SQL Server Data and Analytics Specialist James Bond, have engaged in
months’ worth of detailed analysis to educate ourselves about the class, including
to identify the potential members of a nationwide settlement class and the potential
damages those class members suffered as a result of the inactivity policy.
54.

Based upon Mr. Bond’s analysis and GTL’s representations, we

understand that we currently have records for all persons who might be potential
members of the settlement class through June 29, 2021.
55.

We have also requested (and GTL is obligated under the settlement

agreement to provide, see Settlement Agreement at 47–48) that GTL supplement
the data available to our experts through October 6, 2021, the cutoff date for

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membership in the settlement class under the terms of the settlement agreement.
See Settlement Agreement at 17-18.
56.

We have not yet received the supplemental data for the 99 days

between June 30, 2021 (the first date for which we do not currently have records)
and October 6, 2021 (the class cutoff date under the settlement agreement).
57.

Nonetheless, to properly inform ourselves before agreeing to the terms

of the settlement agreement and to provide the Court with the information
necessary to conduct its evaluation of the settlement agreement, we have instructed
our experts to utilize the data available to them to estimate the total potential size
of the settlement class and the maximum potential recoverable damages.
58.

Based upon Mr. Bond’s analysis and expertise, as well as the

knowledge that I have gained after years of investigating and conducting discovery
into GTL’s practices with respect to its AdvancePay accounts, I am confident that
our estimates will closely approximate the actual figures we are ultimately able to
determine after GTL supplements the data as it is obligated to do under the
settlement agreement.
59.

Based upon our and Epiq’s analysis of GTL’s records, we estimate that

there are between 9.5 and 10 million members of the settlement class.

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60.

Importantly, a larger number of persons will be provided notice under

the terms of the parties’ settlement agreement. That is because, under the
settlement agreement’s terms, all persons from whom GTL took deposits under its
inactivity policy will be provided notice of the settlement unless GTL’s records
affirmatively reflect that they did not establish and fund their accounts by IVR. For
a minority of potential class members (i.e., the account holders whose records
reflect that GTL took deposits under its inactivity policy), GTL’s records have
either (i) been deleted, see dkt. 293 at 1; or (ii) are ambiguous with respect to
whether an account holder established and funded her account using GTL’s IVR
system, see dkt. 123-1 at 22–23. Under the settlement, these people will be
provided notice of the settlement and the opportunity to verify their eligibility as
settlement class members.
61.

Similarly, based upon the analysis that we and Epiq have conducted,

we estimate that the maximum breach-of-contract damages we could reasonably
expect to recover on behalf of the class if this case were to proceed to trial are
approximately $96.4 million.
62.

We arrived at this estimate in the following way:
• First, we calculated the sum total of all deposits taken under GTL’s
inactivity policy from accounts that, according to GTL’s records, were

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definitively established and funded using GTL’s IVR system.
• Second, we calculated the sum total of all deposits taken under GTL’s
inactivity policy from accounts for which the method of establishment
and first deposit is not clear from GTL’s records.
• Third, we discounted by 50% the amounts taken from such
“ambiguous” accounts. This discount rate is a conservative estimate
based upon the evidence GTL produced in the case, which shows that,
although 70% or more of accounts overall were created and funded by
IVR, the records for a majority of such accounts unambiguously
reflect the method of account creation and initial funding.
• Fourth, we calculated a daily average of the amount taken under
GTL’s Inactivity Policy and used that daily average to estimate the
amount of deposits taken from IVR-created-and-funded accounts
during the 99 days covered under the terms of the settlement
agreement for which GTL has not yet produced adequate data.
• Finally, we calculated the sum total of all breakage reflected in GTL’s
remaining records for the accounts for which GTL deleted the relevant
transaction histories and discounted that sum by 25%. That discount
rate is also conservative and based upon documentary evidence and

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GTL’s consistent testimony throughout the course of this case that at
least 70% of AdvancePay accounts were established and funded using
its IVR system. E.g., dkt. 88 at 34:9–17; dkt. 87 at 125:25–126:5.
63.

Summing these amounts together reflects that the maximum amount

that the class could realistically expect to recover if this case were to proceed to
trial is $96,421,242.27.2
64.

Given the size of the fund and the relatively small amounts at issue for

each class member, I believe it is likely that each member of the settlement class
who has an active account, files a claim, or reactivates his or her account during
the applicable time frame will receive a complete refund (either in the form of cash
or an automatic credit) of the amounts that GTL retained from such class member
during the class period as a result of the Inactivity Policy.
The Benefits of the Settlement to the Settlement Class
65.

The settlement agreement provides a number of important monetary

and non-monetary benefits to the settlement class.
66.

First, GTL has agreed to a $67 million settlement fund that will be

used to pay cash and credits to the class, cover the costs of providing notice and
administering the settlement, pay any case-contribution awards to the class
2

We note that this amount does not include pre-judgment interest.
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representatives, and pay any attorneys’ fees and costs awarded by the Court to
class counsel. Settlement Agreement at 19–20.
67.

Settlement class members with active AdvancePay accounts, who are

actively using their accounts to speak with friends or family members in prison at
the time of final approval, will automatically receive credits from the $67 million
settlement fund without the need to file a claim form. Such credits will be in the
full amount of deposits GTL took from the class member’s account under its
inactivity policy during the class period. Settlement Agreement at 21–22.
68.

Class members who do not have active AdvancePay accounts can

recover under the settlement agreement in two ways: they can either file a claim to
receive a cash payment; or, even if they do not file a claim, GTL will provide an
automatic credit in the full amount taken under its inactivity policy during the class
period if they reactivate their accounts at any time in the two years following final
approval of the settlement agreement or until the settlement fund is exhausted.
Settlement Agreement at 22–23.
69.

Due to the challenges associated with locating class members, I

believe it is likely that every class member who files a claim or reactivates their
account during the two years provided in the settlement agreement will receive

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cash or credit for the full amount of deposits GTL took from the settlement class
member’s account under its inactivity policy during the class period.
70.

For most account holders, GTL has only a telephone number and no

additional contact information. In addition, many account holders whose accounts
went inactive up to over ten years ago may have changed their telephone numbers
or may be difficult to directly contact as a part of the claims notice process. Given
the challenges associated with reaching all class members, it is not reasonably
likely or feasible to assume that all class members will either receive automatic
credits, file claims, or reactivate their accounts within the two-year automatic
credit period. Thus, in our view, the settlement fund is likely to be sufficient to
provide a 100% refund or credit to all reachable class members.
71.

But in the unlikely event that the settlement fund is exhausted as a

result of the claims process, settlement class members’ claim amounts will be
reduced on a pro rata basis. Settlement Agreement at 24.
72.

If the fund is exhausted during the extended automatic credit period

following final approval, then no further credits will be paid. Id. at 24-25.
73.

I believe that this is the fairest, most reliable, most equitable method of

guaranteeing that the maximum number of settlement class members receive full
compensation for their claims.

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74.

In addition to what I consider to be substantial monetary relief, the

settlement agreement also requires GTL to undertake fundamental, systemic
reforms to its inactivity policy.
75.

These changes include, among other significant reforms, requirements

that GTL:
• Lengthen its inactivity policy for AdvancePay account holders
nationwide from 90 days to 180 days;
• Fully disclose its inactivity policy to AdvancePay account holders;
• Obtain affirmative consent to the inactivity policy from each account
holder who establishes an account using GTL’s IVR;
• Display the terms of its inactivity policy prominently on the
homepage of GTL’s website, in its marketing materials, and
elsewhere; and
• Provide account holders who opt in with the opportunity to receive
warning notifications at least 30 days before GTL applies the
inactivity policy to take deposits from an account, regardless of how it
was created.
Settlement Agreement at 26–31.

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76.

These changes provide significant value to the settlement class. In

effect, these reforms prevent GTL from taking any deposits under its inactivity
policy in breach of its contracts with AdvancePay account holders¾which is the
central legal theory in this case.
77.

And GTL has agreed to maintain these reforms to its practices for at

least five years from the date on which approval of the settlement becomes final.
See Settlement Agreement at 9, 26.
78.

In other words, the non-monetary relief to which GTL has agreed in

the settlement agreement effectively cuts off any future damages resulting from the
inactivity policy for at least five years.
79.

We have conducted a preliminary analysis of the value of the non-

monetary benefits afforded by the Class Settlement. We have also retained Ian
Ratner and Samuel Hewitt of B. Riley Financial Advisors to provide opinion
testimony regarding the value of the non-monetary benefits of the Settlement
Agreement. We intend to offer that testimony in connection with our motion for
final approval and/or motion for attorneys’ fees and expenses.
80.

Because the reforms to which GTL has agreed in the settlement

agreement protect class members through affirmative disclosures, affirmative
assent, and pre-forfeiture notifications—thereby avoiding future breaches of

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contract—based upon our preliminary analysis and our work with Ian Ratner and
Samuel Hewitt, we estimate that the value of the non-monetary relief afforded by
the settlement approximates $75 million over the next five years.
81.

When these non-monetary benefits are included, the value of the

settlement is approximately $145 million¾more than 50% greater than our
estimate of the maximum amount that the class could reasonably expect to recover
at trial before prejudgment interest.
82.

Even when attorneys’ fees and expenses, case-contribution awards,

and settlement administration and notice costs are deducted, the value of the
settlement as a whole still significantly exceeds our estimate of the maximum
recovery the class could reasonably expect to recover at trial before prejudgment
interest.
83.

And even if the non-monetary benefits were not considered and the

other expenses of settlement (including claims administration expenses of
approximately $1.5 million and attorneys’ fees and expenses that class counsel will
ask the Court to award, totaling $18.675 million) is deducted, the settlement fund
alone would be worth nearly 50% of the maximum possible recovery on behalf of
the class¾while also avoiding the risks and delay that the settlement class would
face if the case were not settled now.

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The Proposed Settlement Class Representatives
84.

As previously set forth in our motion for class certification (dkt. 123-1

at 40–43) and motion to add plaintiffs (dkt. 298), the proposed settlement class
representatives¾Benson Githieya, Darlene Byers, the Estate of Nellie Lockett (see
dkt. 323), Michelle Mendoza, Sarai Morris, Betty Davis, and Adrian
Mohamed¾are fully aware of the facts of this case and understand both the
importance of this case and also their duties and obligations as class
representatives.
85.

As set forth in those filings, none of the proposed representatives has

interests adverse to the settlement class, and each has fully demonstrated by their
actions in this case their readiness, willingness, and ability to vigorously protect
the interests of the settlement class.
86.

We have also explained to the proposed class representatives¾and the

class representatives understand¾the terms of the settlement. Each proposed class
representative has expressly consented to the settlement.
87.

The class representatives have also made significant contributions to

the progress of this case and its ultimate settlement.
88.

Each class representative has worked directly with class counsel to

understand their relationship with GTL, the reasons why they established and how

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Case 1:15-cv-00986-AT Document 326-2 Filed 12/06/21 Page 27 of 28

they used their AdvancePay accounts, and the hardship that GTL’s inactivity
policy imposed on them.
89.

Each class representative was aware that seeking to become and acting

as a class representative would impose additional costs and hardships on them and
that it was uncertain whether they would be compensated for those costs. Despite
those costs and hardships, each class representative took affirmative steps to join
this action as representatives.
90.

Ms. Mendoza, Ms. Morris, Ms. Davis, and Ms. Mohamed agreed to

take on obligations to serve as class representatives even though they do not reside
in Georgia and therefore could have been required to incur significant costs to
travel in the event the case went to trial and even though there was significant
uncertainty about whether they would be permitted to recover the damages they
suffered as a result of GTL’s inactivity policy in this action.
91.

Additionally, Mr. Githieya, Ms. Byers, and the late Ms. Lockett each

sat for depositions in this case, gathered and produced documents, and provided
responses to discovery requests, all at significant personal expense.
92.

In light of these and other contributions that the class representatives

have made to this action, I believe that the conditional case-contribution awards

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that the settlement agreement provides each class representative may receive are
reasonable.
93.

On behalf of Class Counsel and the Class, we appreciate the time and

careful attention the Court has dedicated to this action and respectfully urge the
Court to preliminarily approve this settlement.
UPON PENALTY OF PERJURY UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED
STATES I SWEAR THAT THE FOREGOING FACTS ARE TRUE AND BASED
ON MY PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF AND THE INFORMATION
I HAVE OBTAINED IN THE COURSE OF MY REPRESENTATION IN THIS
MATTER.
This 6th day of December, 2021.
/s/ Michael A. Caplan
Michael A. Caplan

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