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`Joseph D. Garrity, Esq.
`101 N.E. THIRD AVENUE, SUITE 1800
`FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33301
`Main : (954) 462-8000
`Direct: (954) 331-1294
`Cell: (954) 821-7204
`www.loriumlaw.com
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`June 28, 2024
`
`Hon. Jessica S. Allen, U.S.M.J.
`U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
`Martin Luther King Building & U.S. Courthouse
`50 Walnut Street
`Newark, NJ 07101
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`Re: Zirvi v. Illumina, Inc., et al., 2:23-cv-01997 (MCA) (JSA)
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`Dear Judge Allen,
`
`We acknowledge and respect the request made by Denise Alvarez on behalf of Defendants
`Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Matthew A. Pearson, Esq., and Angela Verrecchio,
`seeking permission for remote participation in the upcoming settlement conference
`scheduled for July 31, 2024.
`
`While we understand the logistical challenges posed by long-distance travel, we strongly
`believe that in-person attendance by all parties is critical for the effective and efficient
`resolution of this complex matter. In-person discussions facilitate better communication
`and understanding, which are essential for negotiating a comprehensive settlement. I
`attended a settlement conference in an unrelated case before this Court earlier this year
`that led to a successful settlement. In person mediation is well worth the inconvenience of
`traveling. I will be traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and look forward to attending
`the settlement conference as required by the Court’s Order.
`
`The interrelationship of the parties and pending motion for reconsideration introduces
`potential new developments and complexities that could significantly impact the scope and
`dynamics of the settlement conference. Given this uncertainty, it is crucial that all parties
`are present in person to address any new issues promptly and thoroughly. The presence of
`key representatives in person has proven to be beneficial in facilitating effective
`negotiations and achieving resolutions and has been required in other cases.
`
`In support of our position, we reference the case of Nike, Inc. v. Eastern Ports Custom
`Brokers Inc., et al. (Case No. 2:11-cv-04390), where the court underscored the importance
`of having representatives with full settlement authority attend settlement conferences in
`person. Despite recognizing the logistical challenges faced by the defendants in that case,
`the court did not consider such challenges as sufficient to excuse non-compliance. The court
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`LORIUM LAW
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`ATLANTA BOCA RATON CHICAGO FT. LAUDERDALE
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`Case 2:23-cv-01997-MCA-JSA Document 128 Filed 06/28/24 Page 2 of 2 PageID: 3810
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`emphasized that appropriate representation in person is crucial for meaningful settlement
`negotiations, a principle that should apply equally here.
`
`In the Nike case, the defendants faced significant travel challenges from China, yet the
`court required their in-person attendance to ensure effective participation. Akin Gump's
`hardship claim, involving domestic travel from California, does not meet the threshold of
`"extraordinary circumstances" that would justify remote participation.
`
`Given the complexity of this case and the pending motions, it is essential that all parties
`are present to address new developments comprehensively. Remote participation could
`impede effective negotiation and lead to further delays.
`
`WHEREFORE, we respectfully request that Akin Gump's request for remote participation
`be denied. As an alternative, Akin Gump may delegate a Partner from Philadelphia or
`New York City with full and actual settlement authority to attend in person without
`objection from the Plaintiff.
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`We appreciate the Court’s consideration of this matter and look forward to a productive
`settlement conference.
`
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`/s/ Joseph D. Garrity
`JOSEPH D. GARRITY, ESQ.
`Florida Bar No. 87531
`jgarrity@loriumlaw.com
`GLTService@loriumlaw.co
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`LORIUM LAW
`Counsel for Plaintiff
`101 NE 3rd Ave, Ste 1800
`Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
`Telephone: (954) 462-8000
`Facsimile: (954) 462-4300
`
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`EISENBERG, GOLD & AGRAWAL, P.C
`Amar Agrawal.
`Counsel for Plaintiff
`1040 Kings Hwy North, Ste 200
`Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
`Telephone: (856) 330-6200
`Facsimile: (856) 330-6207
`aagrawal@egalawfirm.com
`
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`cc: All Counsel of Record (via CM/ECF)
`
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`LORIUM LAW
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`ATLANTA BOCA RATON CHICAGO FT. LAUDERDALE
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