Maestro Consulting $2.8 Million BIPA Settlement

If you were a non-union employee at one or more of the Illinois Symphony Facilities and used a finger or hand scan timekeeping device, you may be eligible to claim a pro rata cash payment from a class action settlement.

Maestro Consulting Services has agreed to pay $2,800,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This settlement addresses claims that the company collected biometric data without proper consent or disclosures.

Who are the class members?

To be part of the settlement class, you must meet specific criteria:

• You were a non-union employee at one or more of the Illinois Symphony Facilities.
• You used a finger or hand scan timekeeping device at these facilities.
• You did not execute a release and receive notice under BIPA before your first use of the device.
• Your employment and use of the device occurred between August 17, 2012, and the present.

The facilities involved in this settlement include a comprehensive list of Symphony Facilities across Illinois, such as Symphony Sycamore LLC, Symphony Beverly, LLC, and many others.

How much can class members get?

The settlement provides a Gross Settlement Fund of $2,800,000. Class members who do not opt out will receive pro rata payments from this fund. The exact amount each member receives will depend on the number of valid claims filed.

For example, if 1,000 valid claims are filed, each member would receive approximately $2,800,000 divided by 1,000, equating to $2,800 per claimant, before deductions for fees and costs.

Class members do not need to file a claim to receive their payment. The Settlement Administrator will automatically issue checks to eligible members. If you have questions, you can contact the Settlement Administrator at the provided address or phone number.

Is proof required to submit a claim?

Not applicable. The Settlement Administrator already has the necessary information to determine class membership.

Settlement Fund Breakdown

The settlement fund of $2,800,000 will cover payments to class members, attorneys' fees, administration costs, and service awards to the class representatives.

• Attorneys' fees: Up to 39% of the Gross Settlement Fund
• Service awards: Up to $10,000 for each class representative

Important dates

• Exclusion Deadline: October 24, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: November 13, 2024

When is the payout date?

Payments will be issued within 45 days after the final approval of the settlement. The final approval hearing is scheduled for November 13, 2024. If the court approves the settlement, payments will be distributed to class members shortly thereafter.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleged that Maestro Consulting Services, LLC violated BIPA by collecting biometric data without proper consent. The settlement avoids the costs and uncertainties of further litigation.