I
n a recent development, a U.S. District judge has dealt a blow to attorneys seeking to disrupt the settlement process in a Georgia case involving eXp and Weichert. Judge Mark Cohen denied a motion by Gibson attorneys to intervene and block the proposed settlements, citing a lack of prejudice if the court allowed the approval process to continue.

    The dispute centers around allegations that eXp engaged in a "reverse auction" strategy to secure a favorable settlement with Hooper home sellers. However, the Hooper attorneys countered that the $34 million settlement was actually beneficial for the class of home sellers and accused the Gibson attorneys of seeking additional attorney fees.

    Cohen's ruling noted that the Gibson plaintiffs can still object to the settlements through the court hearing process, which will include preliminary approval and a final approval hearing. The judge questioned why intervention was necessary, given that any objections to the settlement could be raised during this process.

    The Gibson attorneys have since filed another motion seeking permission to "surreply" and address what they claim are factual misstatements in the proposed settlements. Cohen has approved requests by eXp and Weichert to file responses to the opposition, setting the stage for further debate.