Goodwin’s Litigation team successfully represented Rocket Close in securing summary judgment on all claims in a putative class action challenging a $125 notary fee charged in Pennsylvania mortgage closings. In a comprehensive opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania held that the plaintiffs’ claims were barred by the voluntary payment doctrine after they voluntarily paid the disclosed fee during the mortgage closing process. The court also dismissed claims under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and for unjust enrichment, finding that Rocket Close fully disclosed the fee, provided the corresponding services, and did not retain any improper benefit from the transactions.
The decision provides important guidance for defending fee-related litigation. It reinforces the value of robust consumer disclosures, the continued applicability of the voluntary payment doctrine, and the importance of demonstrating that challenged fees correspond to services actually provided.
The Goodwin team was led by Brooks Brown, Christina Hennecken, Viona Harris, and Julia Stamper.
For more information, please read the opinion.