SAN FRANCISCO — After two rounds of class certification motions and a bench trial, Kmart Corp. is prepared to pay $280,000 to settle a suit alleging the company violated state law by failing to provide seating for retail cashiers in several California stores.

But first the company's lawyers must satisfy U.S. District Judge William Alsup, who has expressed doubt the deal would provide much benefit to 233 class members after lawyers recoup their costs.