Case: Burger-Fischer v. Degussa AG

2:98-cv-03958 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Filed Date: 1998

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary while we research the case further.] This is a consolidation of four class action suits filed in 1998 against two German companies, Degussa AG1 and Siemens AG, in which plaintiffs sought compensation for enforced labor under the Nazi regime and damages for the oppressive conditions plaintiffs were forced to live and work under.

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/10741222/parties/burger-fischer-v-degussa-ag/


Judge(s)

Debevoise, Dickinson Richards (New Jersey)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

No documents yet available via the Clearinghouse.

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/10741222/burger-fischer-v-degussa-ag/

Last updated April 11, 2026, 5:01 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Aug. 21, 1998

COMPLAINT filed; jury demand FILING FEE $ 150.00 RECEIPT # 253316 (femp) (Entered: 08/24/1998)

RECAP
2 Aug. 21, 1998

NOTICE of Allocation and Assignment filed. Magistrate Judge JOEL A.PISANO (femp) (Entered: 08/24/1998)

RECAP
Aug. 24, 1998

SUMMONS(ES) issued for DEGUSSA AG, DEGUSSA CORPORATION ( 20 Days) (Mailed to Counsel) (femp)

3 Aug. 26, 1998

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: M. Giordano; Minutes of: 8/26/98; The following actions were taken. Court placed on the record its involvement in other related cases to alert counsel to a possible conflict of interest. By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (jd) (Entered: 08/27/1998)

RECAP
4 Sept. 30, 1998

APPLICATION by DEGUSSA CORPORATION and Clerk's Order extending time to answer. Answer due 10/16/98 for DEGUSSA CORPORATION (nr) (Entered: 09/30/1998)

RECAP
5 Oct. 15, 1998

ANSWER to Complaint by DEGUSSA CORPORATION (nr) (Entered: 10/16/1998)

RECAP
6 Oct. 16, 1998

Notice of MOTION for Linda Gerstel to appear pro hac vice by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL, Motion set for 11/9/98 on [6-1] motion . (/PO Subm) (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
7 Oct. 16, 1998

Notice of MOTION for Andrea Pincus to appear pro hac vice, for to appear pro hac vice by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL, Motion set for 11/9/98 on [7-1] motion . (/PO Subm) (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
8 Oct. 16, 1998

Notice of MOTION for Lawrence Kill to appear pro hac vice by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL, Motion set for 11/9/98 on [8-1] motion . (PO Subm) (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
9 Oct. 16, 1998

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of copies of motion for pro hac vice admission (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
10 Oct. 16, 1998

Notice of MOTION for Elizabeth J. Cabraser, Morris A. Ratner, Lisa J. Leebove and Karen J. Mandel to appear pro hac vice by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL, Motion set for 11/9/98 on [10-1] motion (/PO Subm) (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
11 Oct. 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of STEVEN J. PUDELL on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: [10-1] motion for Elizabeth J. Cabraser, Morris A. Ratner, Lisa J. Leebove and Karen J. Mandel to appear pro hac vice (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
12 Oct. 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of ELIZABETH J. CABRASER on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: [10-1] motion for Elizabeth J. Cabraser, Morris A. Ratner, Lisa J. Leebove and Karen J. Mandel to appear pro hac vice (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
13 Oct. 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of MORRIS A. RANTER on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
14 Oct. 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of KAREN J. MANDEL on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
15 Oct. 16, 1998

CERTIFICATION of LISA J. LEEBOVE on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: (nr) (Entered: 10/20/1998)

RECAP
16 Oct. 30, 1998

Notice of MOTION to withdraw as counsel for pltfs. by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL, proof of service. Motion set for 11/23/98 on [16-1] motion . (Brief/PO (nr) (Entered: 11/02/1998)

RECAP
17 Oct. 30, 1998

DECLARATION of KAREN J. MANDEL on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: [16-1] motion to withdraw as counsel for pltfs. (nr) (Entered: 11/02/1998)

RECAP
18 Nov. 9, 1998

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: S. Rizman; Minutes of: 11.09.98; The following actions were taken, granting [10-1] motion for Elizabeth J. Cabraser, Morris A. Ratner, Lisa J. Leebove and Karen J. Mandel to appear pro hac vice granting [8-1] motion for Lawrence Kill to appear pro hac vice granting [7-1] motion for Andrea Pincus to appear pro hac vice granting [7-2] motion for to appear pro hac vice granting [6-1] motion for Linda Gerstel to appear pro hac vice By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) (Entered: 11/10/1998)

RECAP
19 Nov. 9, 1998

ORDER granting [10-1] motion for Elizabeth J. Cabraser, Morris A. Ratner, Lisa J. Leebove and Karen J. Mandel to appear pro hac vice ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 11/10/1998)

RECAP
20 Nov. 9, 1998

ORDER granting [7-1] motion for Andrea Pincus to appear pro hac vice ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 11/10/1998)

RECAP
21 Nov. 9, 1998

ORDER granting [6-1] motion for Linda Gerstel to appear pro hac vice ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 11/10/1998)

RECAP
22 Nov. 9, 1998

ORDER granting [8-1] motion for Lawrence Kill to appear pro hac vice ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 11/10/1998)

RECAP
23 Nov. 12, 1998

Notice of CROSS MOTION for a protective order by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL, proof of service. Motion set for 12/14/98 on [23-1] cross motion (nr) (Entered: 11/13/1998)

RECAP
24 Nov. 12, 1998

AFFIDAVIT of LAWRENCE KILL on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: [23-1] cross motion for a protective order (nr) (Entered: 11/13/1998)

RECAP
25 Nov. 18, 1998

DECLARATION of ROBERT L. LIEFF on behalf of pltfs. in support of motion to withdraw (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
26 Nov. 18, 1998

DECLARATION of IRWIN B. LEVIN on behalf fof pltfs. in support of motion to withdraw (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
27 Nov. 18, 1998

DECLARATION of GEOFFREY C. HAZARD on behalf of pltfs. in support of motion to withdraw (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
28 Nov. 18, 1998

DECLARATION of BURT NEUBORNE on behalf of pltfs. (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
29 Nov. 18, 1998

DECLARATION of MORRIS A. RATNER on behalf of pltfs. in support of motion to withdraw (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
30 Nov. 18, 1998

DECLARATION of MELVYN I. WEISS (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
31 Nov. 18, 1998

DECLARATION of MARIA DORENBLAT on behalf of pltf. (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
32 Nov. 18, 1998

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of copies of reply memo, declarations, etc. (nr) (Entered: 11/18/1998)

RECAP
33 Nov. 19, 1998

AFFIDAVIT of MICHAEL D. HAUSFELD on Re: [16-1] motion to withdraw as counsel for pltfs. (nr) (Entered: 11/20/1998)

RECAP
34 Nov. 20, 1998

ORDER, setting scheduling conference for 9:30 1/7/99 ( signed by Mag. Judge Joel A. Pisano ) (nr) (Entered: 11/23/1998)

RECAP
35 Nov. 20, 1998

Notice of MOTION for Robert A. Swift to appear pro hac vice by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, proof of service. Motion set for 12/14/98 on [35-1] motion (Brief/PO Subm) (nr) (Entered: 11/23/1998)

RECAP
36 Nov. 23, 1998

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: M.Giordano; Minutes of: 11.23.98; The following actions were taken, granting [16-1] motion to withdraw as counsel for pltfs. By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) (Entered: 11/24/1998)

RECAP
37 Nov. 23, 1998

ORDER granting [35-1] motion for Robert A. Swift to appear pro hac vice ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 11/24/1998)

RECAP
38 Nov. 24, 1998

AFFIDAVIT of Edward D. Fagan on behalf of individual pltfs. & the punative pltf. class Re: [16-1] in opposition to motion to withdraw as counsel for pltfs. (mn) (Entered: 11/24/1998)

RECAP
39 Nov. 24, 1998

ORDER granting [16-1] motion to withdraw as counsel for pltfs. ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 11/25/1998)

RECAP
40 Nov. 24, 1998

ORDER denying [23-1] cross motion for a protective order and denying motion to disqualify Lieff, Cabraser, Heiman & Bernstein, LLP and Cohen & Malad, P.C. as it pertains to this action ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 11/25/1998)

RECAP
41 Nov. 30, 1998

SUPPLEMENTAL DECLARATION of ROBERT A. SWIFT (nr) (Entered: 12/02/1998)

RECAP
42 Nov. 30, 1998

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of copies of supplemental declaration (nr) (Entered: 12/02/1998)

RECAP
43 Dec. 3, 1998

RESPONSE by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL in opposition to motion for withdrawal (nr) (Entered: 12/04/1998)

RECAP
44 Dec. 3, 1998

DECLARATION of ROBERT A. SWIFT on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL (nr) (Entered: 12/04/1998)

RECAP
45 Dec. 3, 1998

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of copies of opposition brief, decl. etc. (nr) (Entered: 12/04/1998)

RECAP
46 Dec. 11, 1998

APPLICATION by DEGUSSA AG and Clerk's Order extending time to answer. Answer due 12/29/98 for DEGUSSA AG (nr) (Entered: 12/14/1998)

RECAP
47 Dec. 14, 1998

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: Luanne Spellman; Minutes of: 12.14.98; The following actions were taken, granting [35-1] motion for Robert A. Swift to appear pro hac vice By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) (Entered: 12/14/1998)

RECAP
48 Dec. 14, 1998

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: Luanne Spellman; Minutes of: 12.14.98; The following actions were taken, denying [23-1] cross motion for a protective order By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) Modified on 12/14/1998 (Entered: 12/14/1998)

RECAP
49 Feb. 5, 1999

ORDER, consolidating action with Civil 98-5019 for pre-trial purposes only and setting conference for 2:00 3/10/99 ( signed by Mag. Judge Joel A. Pisano ) (nr) (Entered: 02/08/1999)

RECAP
50 March 5, 1999

Notice of MOTION to dismiss action by DEGUSSA AG, proof of service. Motion set for 4/12/99 on [50-1] motion . (Brief/PO Subm) (nr) (Entered: 03/09/1999)

RECAP
51 March 11, 1999

Notice of MOTION for DENIS F. SHEILS, ESQ. to appear pro hac vice by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL, Motion set for 4/12/99 on [51-1] motion proof of srvc. (CILB/PO Subm) (femp) (Entered: 03/12/1999)

RECAP
52 March 11, 1999

CERTIFICATION of DENIS F. SHEILS, ESQ. on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: [51-1] motion for DENIS F. SHEILS, ESQ. to appear pro hac vice (femp) (Entered: 03/12/1999)

RECAP
53 March 11, 1999

CERTIFICATION of MICHAEL R. MAGARIL, ESQ. on behalf of ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: [51-1] motion for DENIS F. SHEILS, ESQ. to appear pro hac vice (femp) (Entered: 03/12/1999)

RECAP
54 March 17, 1999

Notice of MOTION to dismiss complaints by dft., DEGUSSA CORPORATION, Motion set for 4/12/99 on [54-1] motion certsvc. (SILB/PO Subm) (cs) (Entered: 03/17/1999)

RECAP
55 March 22, 1999

CERTIFICATION of THOMAS R. VALEN on behalf of DEGUSSA AG (nr) (Entered: 03/22/1999)

RECAP
56 April 12, 1999

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: M. Giordano; Minutes of: 04.12.99; The following actions were taken, granting [51-1] motion for DENIS F. SHEILS, ESQ. to appear pro hac vice By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) (Entered: 04/12/1999)

RECAP
57 April 12, 1999

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: none; Minutes of: 04.12.99; The following actions were taken, setting motion hearing on [54-1] motion to dismiss complaints by DEGUSSA CORPORATION for 6/28/99 By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) (Entered: 04/12/1999)

RECAP
58 April 12, 1999

CASE MANAGMENT ORDER staying discovery pending resolution of defts' motion to dismiss, etc. ( signed by Mag. Judge Joel A. Pisano ) (nr) (Entered: 04/13/1999)

RECAP
59 April 12, 1999

ORDER granting [51-1] motion for DENIS F. SHEILS, ESQ. to appear pro hac vice ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 04/13/1999)

RECAP
60 April 28, 1999

TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings taken on 04.09.99 (nr) (Entered: 04/29/1999)

RECAP
61 May 17, 1999

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of copies of memorandum of law in opposition to motion for dismissal and exhibits (nr) (Entered: 05/20/1999)

RECAP
62 May 19, 1999

DECLARATION of MICHAEL WITTI Re: [54-1] motion to dismiss complaints (nr) (Entered: 05/20/1999)

RECAP
63 May 19, 1999

DECLARATION of DEBORAH M. STURMAN on Re: [54-1] motion to dismiss complaints (nr) (Entered: 05/20/1999)

RECAP
64 June 16, 1999

Notice of MOTION for PETER HEIDENBERGER to participate in this matter and to file a brief as amicus curiae by FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, Motion set for 6/12/99 on [64-1] motion w/cert of service, (brief attached). (sr) Modified on 06/18/1999 (Entered: 06/18/1999)

RECAP
65 June 29, 1999

REPLY DECLARATION of DR. MARTIN HIRSCH in further support of deft. DeGussa AG's motion to dismiss (nr) (Entered: 06/30/1999)

RECAP
July 9, 1999

DECLARATION of PRIVATODOZENT DR. DR. JUR. HABIL. CHRISTIAN WOLF; w/exhibits (Original filed in civ. no. 98-5019(DRD) (femp) Modified on 08/16/1999

July 9, 1999

AFFIDAVIT of BRUCE D. GREENBERG; w/exhibits (Orginal filed in civ. no. 98-5019(DRD) (femp) Modified on 08/16/1999

July 9, 1999

DECLARATION of DEBORAH STURMAN (Orginal filed in civ. no. 98-5019(DRD) (femp) Modified on 08/16/1999

July 9, 1999

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of copies of plas response to the Federal Republic of Germany's motion for leave to file amicus curiae brief, delcarations, etc. upon all counsel (Original filed in civ. no. 98-5019(DRD) (femp) Modified on 08/16/1999

66 July 12, 1999

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: M. Giordano; Minutes of: 07.12.99; The following actions were taken, granting [64-1] motion for PETER HEIDENBERGER to participate in this matter and to file a brief as amicus curiae By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) (Entered: 07/13/1999)

RECAP
67 July 12, 1999

Minute entry: Proceedings recorded by Ct-Reporter: M. Giordano; Minutes of: 07.12.99; The following actions were taken, [54-1] motion to dismiss complaints taken under advisement, rule 78 By Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise (nr) (Entered: 07/13/1999)

RECAP
68 July 29, 1999

AFFIDAVIT of PAUL T. GALLAGHER; w/exhibits (femp) (Entered: 07/30/1999)

RECAP
69 July 29, 1999

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of copies of affidavit upon all counsel (femp) (Entered: 07/30/1999)

RECAP
Aug. 2, 1999

Brief of the Republic of Poland as amicus curiae (See civ. no. 98-5019 for original) (femp)

71 Sept. 13, 1999

OPINION (Copy to NJLJ) ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 09/13/1999)

RECAP
72 Sept. 13, 1999

ORDER granting deft. Degussa AG's [54-1] motion to dismiss complaints ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 09/13/1999)

RECAP
Sept. 13, 1999

Case closed (nr)

73 Sept. 21, 1999

ORDER amending opinion ( signed by Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise ) (nr) (Entered: 09/22/1999)

RECAP
74 Sept. 29, 1999

NOTICE OF APPEAL filed at 2:17p.m. by ALICE BURGER-FISCHER, MICHAL SCHONBERGER, GOLDIE HOFFMAN-ENGEL, HESTER HASZKEL Re: [72-1] order . Fee Status: $105.00. Copies of notice of appeal sent to USCA and Attorney(s): ALLYN ZISSEL LITE, PETER HEIDENBERGER, KENNETH J. WILBUR, KEVIN J MCKENNA, MICHAEL R. MAGARIL, EDWARD D. FAGAN (nr) (Entered: 09/29/1999)

RECAP
75 Oct. 15, 1999

Transcript Purchase Order RE: [74-1] appeal - no transcript necessary (nr) Modified on 10/18/1999 (Entered: 10/18/1999)

RECAP
Oct. 20, 1999

Record complete for purposes of appeal. (nr)

76 Nov. 12, 1999

NOTICE of Docketing ROA from USCA Re: [74-1] appeal USCA NUMBER: 99-5871 (nr) (Entered: 11/15/1999)

RECAP
77 Dec. 27, 1999

Copy to MDL MOTION by pltfs. in the Solarczyk Holocaust - era action for expedited transfer and coordination or consolidation to a single District, brief w/proof of svc etc. Motion (See civ. 98-959 (JAG) for original documents) (nr) (Entered: 01/06/2000)

RECAP
March 27, 2000

NOTICE from MDL Panel Vacating The March 30, 2000 Hearing RE Centralization of Action (see Civ. 98-959 for document) (cs)

78 May 19, 2000

NOTICE from MDL Panel vacating the May 19, 2000 hrg. re centralization of action (nr) (Entered: 05/23/2000)

RECAP
79 March 1, 2001

JUDGMENT OF USCA (certified copy) Re: [74-1] appeal dismissing appeal; 99-5871 (DS) (Entered: 03/06/2001)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

New Jersey

Case Type(s):

Reparations

Key Dates

Filing Date: 1998

Case Details

Other Dockets:

District of New Jersey 2:98-cv-03958

District of New Jersey 98-05019

District of New Jersey 98-04252

District of New Jersey 98-04468

Recommended Citation