University of Washington COVID Litigation

Records indicate that you may be a student who was enrolled in and paid for the University of Washington’s in-person based educational programs, services, and courses for the Winter Quarter 2020 or Spring Quarter 2020 academic term(s).

This is a breach of contract and unjust enrichment class action against Defendant. The Class Representative alleges that he and Class Members have the right to partial refunds of tuition and fees for the Winter Quarter 2020 or Spring Quarter 2020 because Defendant transitioned to remote instruction in March 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Defendant denies the allegations asserted in the Action and denies any liability to any members of Class.

In a class action, one or more people or entities called “class representatives” are appointed by the court to sue on behalf of themselves and other persons or entities who have the same or similar claims. In this case, the Court appointed Alexander Barry as the “class representative.” The Court also appointed attorneys at Lynch Carpenter LLP & Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP as Class Counsel. The Class Representative and those he represents together are called a “class” or “class members.” Those who filed the suit are called “plaintiffs” and those being sued are called “defendants.” The court resolves the issues and claims for all class members, except for those who exclude themselves, or “opt out,” from the Class.

If you were a student who was enrolled in and paid for the University of Washington’s in-person based educational programs, services, and courses for the Winter Quarter 2020 or Spring Quarter 2020 academic term(s), you are a member of the Class unless you choose to opt out, as described below. If you are a member of the Class, you have the right to decide whether to remain a member of the Class. To remain a member of the Class, you need not do anything other than to keep your documentation reflecting your enrollment and payments to Defendant.

The Court has appointed lawyers to represent you and other Class Members. These lawyers are called “Class Counsel.” Lawyers from the law firms of Lynch Carpenter LLP and Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP represent the Class.

If you fall within the definition of the Class set forth above, you are a member of the Class. IF YOU WISH TO REMAIN A CLASS MEMBER, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING AT THIS TIME.

If you choose to be excluded from the Class, you will not be bound by any orders or judgments, nor will you be eligible to share in any recovery that might be obtained in this Action. You will retain any right you have to individually pursue any legal recourse you may have against Defendant regarding the claims asserted in the Action. Please note, if you exclude yourself from the Class, you may be time-barred by a statute of repose from asserting the claims covered by the Action.

To exclude yourself from the Class, you must send a letter by mail or email saying that you want to be excluded from the Class, in the following action: In re University of Washington, Lead Case No. 20-2-13924-6. Be sure to include your name, address, email address, and telephone number, and sign the letter and send to the Notice Administrator by mail or email at:

University of Washington COVID Litigation — Exclusions
c/o Epiq Class Action & Claims Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 3727
Portland, OR 97208-3727
info@UniversityofWashingtonCovidLitigation.com

There are also some people and entities that are excluded from the Class by definition. Excluded from the Class is UW, any entity in which UW has a controlling interest, and UW’s legal representatives, predecessors, successors, assigns, and non-student employees. Further excluded from the Class is this Court and its employees. Also excluded from the Class will be any persons and entities who timely and validly seek exclusion from the Class in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Notice

You do not need to hire your own lawyer. However, you are free to hire your own lawyer at your own expense. If you hire a lawyer to speak for you or to appear in Court, your lawyer must file a Notice of Appearance.

There are also some people and entities that are excluded from the Class by definition. Excluded from the Class is UW, any entity in which UW has a controlling interest, and UW’s legal representatives, predecessors, successors, assigns, and non-student employees. Further excluded from the Class is this Court and its employees. Also excluded from the Class will be any persons and entities who timely and validly seek exclusion from the Class in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Notice.

Important documents in the case have been posted on the Important Documents tab of this website.

The Notice contains only a summary of the litigation and your rights as a potential Class Member. For more detailed information regarding the matters involved in this litigation, please refer to the papers on file in the action, which may be inspected during business hours at the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of the State of Washington for King County, 401 4th Ave. N, Kent, Washington 98032.

Inquiries regarding this litigation may be addressed to the following Class Counsel:

Class Counsel
Gary Lynch, Eddie Kim, Nichaolas A. Colella Lynch Carpenter LLP 1133 Penn Avenue 5th Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222	Daniel J. Kurowski, Whitney K. Siehl Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive Suite 2410 Chicago, Illinois 60611  uwtuition@hbsslaw.com	Steve W. Berman Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP 1301 Second Avenue Suite 20000 Seattle, Washington 98101  uwtuition@hbsslaw.com