Laura Garner v. Northrop Grumman Corporation

Laura Garner v. Northrop Grumman Corporation

Plaintiff:	LAURA GARNER, LAWRENCE ADAMS, BRIAN E. CLOUSE, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN, STEVEN S. KAWAKAMI, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN, DOUGLAS E. HOFFELT, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN and MICHAEL WINKLER, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN
Defendant:	NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION, NORTHROP GRUMMAN BENEFIT PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE, DOES 1 THROUGH 20 and JOHN DOES
Amicus Curiae:	CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE AMERICAN BENEFITS COUNCIL and THE ERISA INDUSTRY COMMITTEE
Case Number:	26-1258
Filed:	March 9, 2026
Court:	U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Nature of Suit:	Employee Retirement

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Docket Report

This docket was last retrieved on September 10, 2026. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER.

Date Filed	Document Text
September 10, 2026	Filing 30 RESPONSE/ANSWER by Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler to Notice requesting response to similar case inquiry. Do any cases pending in this court or the Supreme Court of the United States raise similar issues? YES. [1002052059] [26-1258] Sean Soyars [Entered: 09/10/2026 06:03 PM]
September 9, 2026	Filing 29 RESPONSE/ANSWER by Northrop Grumman Corporation and Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee to Notice requesting response to similar case inquiry. Do any cases pending in this court or the Supreme Court of the United States raise similar issues? YES. [1002051232] [26-1258] Michael Kenneally [Entered: 09/09/2026 06:13 PM]
September 8, 2026	Filing 28 NOTICE ISSUED to American Benefits Council, Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, Erisa Industry Committee, Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami, Michael Winkler and Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee and Northrop Grumman Corporation requesting response to similar case(s) question.[1002049740]. Response to similar case notice due 09/11/2026. [26-1258] KH [Entered: 09/08/2026 02:11 PM]
September 8, 2026	Filing 27 CASE TENTATIVELY CALENDARED for oral argument during the December 8-11, 2026, argument session. Notify Clerk's Office of any scheduling conflict by: 09/15/2026. Any required additional copies of briefs and joint appendices are due 09/15/2026. [1002049581] [26-1258] SCC [Entered: 09/08/2026 12:20 PM]
July 28, 2026	Filing 25 BRIEF by Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. Type of Brief: REPLY. . Do any cases pending in this court or the Supreme Court of the United States raise similar issues? NO.. [1002023978] [26-1258] Sean Soyars [Entered: 07/28/2026 09:14 PM]
July 15, 2026	Filing 24 ORDER filed granting filing of amicus curiae brief [CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; THE AMERICAN BENEFITS COUNCIL; THE ERISA INDUSTRY COMMITTEE]. Disclosure Statement filed (if corporate amicus)? N/A. Appearance Form filed? Y. Copies to all parties. [1002014782] [26-1258] RP [Entered: 07/15/2026 11:14 AM]
July 14, 2026	Filing 26 Receipt of paper copy of AMICUS BRIEF filed at [ # 23 ] by American Benefits Council, Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America and Erisa Industry Committee. Number of pages: [29]. Sufficient: Yes. Number of copies: [1]. Received by clerk date: 07/15/2026. [1002024523] [26-1258] RP [Entered: 07/29/2026 01:23 PM]
July 14, 2026	Filing 23 AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF by The Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, the American Benefits Council, and The ERISA Industry Committee - Amicus Curiae. . Do any cases pending in this court or the Supreme Court of the United States raise similar issues? YES. Response: Stana v. SAS Institute, Inc., No. 26-1305 and Jacobs v. RTX, No. 26-1127 (Whether plaintiffs plausibly allege that defendants' use of forfeitures violates ERISA). [1002014378] [26-1258] Jordan Bock [Entered: 07/14/2026 05:21 PM]
July 7, 2026	Filing 22 BRIEF by Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee and Northrop Grumman Corporation. Type of Brief: RESPONSE. . Do any cases pending in this court or the Supreme Court of the United States raise similar issues? YES. Response: Stana v. SAS Institute, Inc., No. 26-1305 and Jacobs v. RTX, No. 26-1127 (Whether plaintiffs plausibly allege that defendants' use of forfeitures violates ERISA). [1002009770] [26-1258] Michael Kenneally [Entered: 07/07/2026 08:03 PM]
May 20, 2026	Filing 21 ORDER filed granting motion to extend filing time [ # 20 ]. Number of days granted: 32. Response brief due 07/07/2026. No paper copies required unless case has been tentatively calendared or copies otherwise ordered. Copies to all parties. [1001982005] [26-1258] TW [Entered: 05/20/2026 09:43 AM]
May 20, 2026	Filing 20 MOTION by Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee and Northrop Grumman Corporation to extend filing time for Brief of Appellees until July 6, 2026.. Date and method of service: 05/20/2026 ecf. [1001981879] [26-1258] Michael Kenneally [Entered: 05/20/2026 07:25 AM]
May 6, 2026	Filing 19 JOINT APPENDIX by Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. Digital media exhibit volume? No. [1001974576] [26-1258]--[Edited 05/12/2026 by RP - document replaced to correct cover page] Sean Soyars [Entered: 05/06/2026 07:27 PM]
May 6, 2026	Filing 18 BRIEF by Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. Type of Brief: OPENING. . Do any cases pending in this court or the Supreme Court of the United States raise similar issues? NO.. [1001974575] [26-1258] Sean Soyars [Entered: 05/06/2026 07:25 PM]
March 30, 2026	Filing 17 ORDER filed extending briefing order deadlines. Opening brief and appendix due 05/06/2026. Response brief due 06/05/2026. No paper copies required unless case has been tentatively calendared or copies otherwise ordered. Copies to all parties. [1001951945] [26-1258] RP [Entered: 03/30/2026 01:39 PM]
March 24, 2026	Filing 16 Initial mediation conference scheduled. [1001948911] [26-1258] LHP [Entered: 03/24/2026 04:37 PM]
March 23, 2026	Filing 15 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by James E. Miller for Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. [1001948274] [26-1258] James Miller [Entered: 03/23/2026 04:52 PM]
March 23, 2026	Filing 14 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by James C. Shah for Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. [1001948272] [26-1258] James Shah [Entered: 03/23/2026 04:50 PM]
March 23, 2026	Filing 13 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by Alec J. Berin for Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. [1001948269] [26-1258] Alec Berin [Entered: 03/23/2026 04:48 PM]
March 23, 2026	Filing 12 DOCKETING STATEMENT by Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler.. [1001947941] [26-1258] Sean Soyars [Entered: 03/23/2026 12:29 PM]
March 23, 2026	Filing 11 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. Was any question on Disclosure Form answered yes? Yes [1001947923] [26-1258] Sean Soyars [Entered: 03/23/2026 12:22 PM]
March 23, 2026	Filing 10 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by Sean E. Soyars for Lawrence Adams, Brian E. Clouse, Laura Garner, Douglas E. Hoffelt, Steven S. Kawakami and Michael Winkler. [1001947918] [26-1258] Sean Soyars [Entered: 03/23/2026 12:21 PM]
March 19, 2026	Filing 9 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee. Was any question on Disclosure Form answered yes? No [1001946685] [26-1258] Jeremy Blumenfeld [Entered: 03/19/2026 08:08 PM]
March 19, 2026	Filing 8 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Northrop Grumman Corporation. Was any question on Disclosure Form answered yes? Yes [1001946684] [26-1258] Jeremy Blumenfeld [Entered: 03/19/2026 08:07 PM]
March 19, 2026	Filing 7 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by Samuel D. Block for Northrop Grumman Corporation and Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee. [1001946683] [26-1258] Samuel Block [Entered: 03/19/2026 08:06 PM]
March 19, 2026	Filing 6 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by Michael E. Kenneally for Northrop Grumman Corporation and Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee. [1001946682] [26-1258] Michael Kenneally [Entered: 03/19/2026 08:04 PM]
March 19, 2026	Filing 5 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by Matthew A. Russell for Northrop Grumman Corporation and Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee. [1001946681] [26-1258] Matthew Russell [Entered: 03/19/2026 08:03 PM]
March 19, 2026	Filing 4 APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL by Jeremy P. Blumenfeld for Northrop Grumman Corporation and Northrop Grumman Benefit Plan Administrative Committee. [1001946680] [26-1258] Jeremy Blumenfeld [Entered: 03/19/2026 08:00 PM]
March 9, 2026	Filing 3 BRIEFING ORDER filed. Mailed to: Troy A. Doles, Christopher A. Miller, Laurie Rubinow, Andrew D. Schlichter, Kurt C. Struckhoff, Nathan Stump.. No paper copies required unless case has been tentatively calendared or copies otherwise ordered. All filings must comply with # Appendix Pagination & Brief Citation Guide . [1001939864] Opening Brief and Appendix due 04/20/2026. Response Brief due 05/20/2026. [26-1258] RP [Entered: 03/09/2026 10:49 AM]
March 9, 2026	Filing 2 DOCKETING NOTICE issued Re: [ # 1 ] case. Originating case number: 1:25-cv-00439-AJT-WEF. Mailed to: Troy A. Doles, Christopher A. Miller, Laurie Rubinow, Andrew D. Schlichter, Kurt C. Struckhoff, Nathan Stump. [1001939859] [26-1258] RP [Entered: 03/09/2026 10:46 AM]
March 9, 2026	Filing 1 Case docketed. Originating case number: 1:25-cv-00439-AJT-WEF. Case manager: RPhillips. [1001939856] [26-1258] RP [Entered: 03/09/2026 10:43 AM]

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Search for this case: Laura Garner v. Northrop Grumman Corporation
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Plaintiff: LAURA GARNER
Represented By:	James Edward Miller
Represented By:	Alec J. Berin
Represented By:	Sean Edward Soyars
Represented By:	James C. Shah
Represented By:	Jerome J. Schlichter
Represented By:	Troy A. Doles
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Plaintiff: LAWRENCE ADAMS
Represented By:	James Edward Miller
Represented By:	Alec J. Berin
Represented By:	Sean Edward Soyars
Represented By:	James C. Shah
Represented By:	Jerome J. Schlichter
Represented By:	Troy A. Doles
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Plaintiff: BRIAN E. CLOUSE, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN
Represented By:	Sean Edward Soyars
Represented By:	Jerome J. Schlichter
Represented By:	Troy A. Doles
Represented By:	James C. Shah
Represented By:	James Edward Miller
Represented By:	Alec J. Berin
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Plaintiff: STEVEN S. KAWAKAMI, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN
Represented By:	Sean Edward Soyars
Represented By:	Jerome J. Schlichter
Represented By:	Troy A. Doles
Represented By:	James C. Shah
Represented By:	James Edward Miller
Represented By:	Alec J. Berin
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Plaintiff: DOUGLAS E. HOFFELT, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN
Represented By:	Sean Edward Soyars
Represented By:	Jerome J. Schlichter
Represented By:	Troy A. Doles
Represented By:	James C. Shah
Represented By:	James Edward Miller
Represented By:	Alec J. Berin
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Plaintiff: MICHAEL WINKLER, individually and as a representative of a class of participants and beneficiaries on behalf of the NORTHROP GRUMMAN SAVINGS PLAN
Represented By:	Sean Edward Soyars
Represented By:	Jerome J. Schlichter
Represented By:	Troy A. Doles
Represented By:	James C. Shah
Represented By:	James Edward Miller
Represented By:	Alec J. Berin
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Defendant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Represented By:	Matthew Allen Russell
Represented By:	Jeremy Paul Blumenfeld
Represented By:	Samuel David Block
Represented By:	Michael E. Kenneally
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Defendant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN BENEFIT PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
Represented By:	Matthew Allen Russell
Represented By:	Jeremy Paul Blumenfeld
Represented By:	Samuel David Block
Represented By:	Michael E. Kenneally
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Defendant: DOES 1 THROUGH 20
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Defendant: JOHN DOES
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Amicus curiae: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Represented By:	Jaime Ann Santos
Represented By:	Lee J. Moore
Represented By:	Janet Galeria
Represented By:	James O. Fleckner
Represented By:	Mariel A. Brookins
Represented By:	Jordan Bock
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Amicus curiae: THE AMERICAN BENEFITS COUNCIL
Represented By:	Jaime Ann Santos
Represented By:	Lee J. Moore
Represented By:	Janet Galeria
Represented By:	James O. Fleckner
Represented By:	Mariel A. Brookins
Represented By:	Jordan Bock
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Amicus curiae: THE ERISA INDUSTRY COMMITTEE
Represented By:	Jaime Ann Santos
Represented By:	Lee J. Moore
Represented By:	Janet Galeria
Represented By:	James O. Fleckner
Represented By:	Mariel A. Brookins
Represented By:	Jordan Bock
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Search Finance	[ Google Finance \| Yahoo Finance \| Hoovers \| SEC Edgar Filings ]
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