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fter learning about a potential conflict of interest, U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood has chosen to recuse herself from the Moehrl and two Batton buyer agent commission cases in Illinois. This decision came about due to the fact that the spouse of a relative is a partner in a law firm representing the defendant.

    In a document filed on September 4th, Judge Wood explained her obligation to recuse herself based on the code of conduct for U.S. judges. The Clerk of the Court will randomly assign the three cases to new judges.

    As for the status of the cases, all defendants in Moehrl have reached settlement agreements, which are expected to be finalized later this year. However, there may be an appeal decision to consider. Plaintiffs in a copycat case in South Carolina have objected to the settlement, and briefs from those who wish to appeal are due on September 25th.

    In the Batton cases, which involve home buyers rather than home sellers, the defendants have filed motions to have the case dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. The plaintiffs pushed back in early August.

    There are also pending motions to stay proceedings in the Batton 1 case pending the results of the appeal in the settlement for RE/MAX, Anywhere, and Keller Williams. If the two Batton cases do move forward, the discovery phase is not scheduled to be completed until the spring of 2026.