Stanley D. Lawler v. Sam Johnson and City of Birmingham Retirement and Relief System Clete Walker v. Sam Johnson And…

Summary

The court held that nonnamed class members who timely objected to a class-action settlement may appeal without first intervening, including in an opt-out class. It further held that requiring class members to object to a requested attorney fee before the fee application was filed denied due process, and that the objectors were entitled to information about class counsel's time and work. The court vacated the $124 million fee award and remanded for a new fee application, adequate disclosure, further objections, and a new fee determination.