Seth Lesser Helps in Fighting Discriminatory Sales Policies to African Americans

Seth Lesser, a partner at Klafter Olsen & Lesser, was co-lead counsel in litigation that resulted in United States District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton granting preliminary approval of a $24.4 million settlement with John Hancock Life Insurance Company on behalf of African Americans, who bought, own, are insured by, or are beneficiaries of industrial weekly life insurance policies or monthly debit policies by John Hancock prior to 1959.

Originally filed in 2003, the case focused on practices that allegedly denied the full range of available life insurance policies to African Americans. It is believed to have stemmed from a system in which Hancock didn’t pay commissions to sales agents for sales to African Americans.

According to the terms of the settlement, class monetary fund of $24.4 million, plus interest is to be established and calls for a jointly selected Special Master to oversee disbursement of funds to class members who will receive up to $1,200 per affected policy. Any unused funds will be donated to organizations that predominately benefit African Americans.

"We are pleased that the Court took the next step in the process that we expect will ultimately result in welcome relief to the class,” said Seth Lesser.

Cyrus Mehri, co lead counsel also added that "This case is a perfect example that the long arc of history bends towards justice. With this outstanding result an important chapter is closed in a way that is fair to both our clients and the Company."

In 1988, Seth Lesser earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, graduating magna cum laude while having served as Editor of the Harvard Environmental Law Review and Editor of the Harvard International Law Journal.

Seth Lesser is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York and the District of Columbia as well before the United States Supreme Court, nine federal courts of appeal, and eight federal district courts. His professional appointments have included memberships on numerous national, state and local bar association committees and other professional organizations.