If your personal information was accessed, compromised, or impacted in a data breach announced by Smith, Gambrell & Russell International LLP (“SGR”), you are eligible for benefits from a class action settlement.

A class action lawsuit, Charles Owens, et al. v. Smith, Gambrell & Russell International, LLP, Case No. CV-24-009989, Case No. CV-24-009989, has been filed in the Superior Court of California in the County of Stanislaus.

A Proposed Settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit about a security incident impacting SGR.

The Settlement provides payments and other benefits to people who submit valid claims for lost time, certain documented out-of-pocket expenses, and additional credit monitoring services.

ALL BENEFITS (AND THE AMOUNT PAID TO SETTLEMENT CLASS MEMBERS UNDER THIS SETTLEMENT) MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER DEPENDING ON THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF APPROVED CLAIMS.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS UNDER THIS SETTLEMENT:
File a claim for Settlement Benefits

You must submit a Claim Form in order to receive credit monitoring, CCPA Payments, Alternative Cash Payments and compensation for lost time and out-of-pocket expenses. Your Claim Form must include your Unique Class Member ID found on the postcard notice sent to you or available from the Settlement Administrator. The deadline to submit a claim is July 5, 2025.

For more detailed information, see FAQ 9.
Exclude yourself from the Settlement

You can exclude yourself from the Settlement by informing the Settlement Administrator that you want to “opt out” of the Settlement. If the Settlement becomes final, this is the only option that allows you to retain your rights to separately sue SGR (or any other Released Parties) for claims related to the Data Breach. If you opt out, you may not make a claim for benefits under the Settlement. The deadline to exclude yourself is June 5, 2025.

For more detailed information, see FAQ 16.
Object to or comment on the Settlement

You may object to the Settlement by writing to explain to the Court why you don’t think the Settlement should be approved. If you object, you will remain a Settlement Class Member, and if the Settlement is approved, you will be eligible for the benefits of the Settlement and give up your right to sue SGR (or any other Released Parties) for claims related to the Data Breach, as described in the Settlement Agreement available here. The deadline to object to the settlement is June 5, 2025.

For more detailed information, see FAQ 17.
Go to a Hearing

The Court will hold the Final Approval Hearing on August 1, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. PDT. You, or an attorney hired by you, may ask to appear and speak at the Final Approval Hearing, but attendance at the hearing is not necessary.

For more detailed information, see FAQ 17.
Do Nothing

If you do nothing, you will not be entitled to any of the above-listed benefits. If the Settlement becomes final, you will give up your rights to sue SGR (or any other Released Parties) separately for claims relating to the Data Breach or to continue to pursue any such claims you have already filed.

These rights and options—and the deadlines to exercise them—are explained further on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.


Current Status

The Court that is presiding over this case still has to decide whether to grant final approval of the Settlement. Payments will be made only after the Court grants final approval of the Settlement and after any appeals are resolved. Please be patient.

Important Dates
  • July 19, 2021 – July 28, 2021
    Class Period
  • June 5, 2025
    Deadline to Exclude Yourself from the Settlement
  • June 5, 2025
    Deadline to Object to the Settlement
  • August 1, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time
    Final Approval Hearing
  • July 5, 2025
    Deadline to Submit a Claim Form

Submit a Claim Form