This conference brings together both academic leaders and practitioners to exchange insights about different case-management practices in mass-tort MDLs. The goal is to share views from as many different perspectives as possible on practices that have worked well and others that have not worked so well and develop or refine guidelines and best practices. Such guidance is needed now more than ever to address: (i) emerging mass-tort MDL bankruptcies; (ii) the new MDL Rule 16.1 recommended by the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules, and (iii) the problem of premature mass-tort MDLs. The conference brings together a mixed balance of judges experienced and not experienced in mass-tort MDLs as well as practitioners and other experts, who have extensive mass-tort MDL practice. 

On day one of the conference, six panels of plaintiff and defense attorneys will address recurring MDL issues, identifying MDL practices that were successful and those practices that resulted in unforeseen adverse consequences, as well as consideration of premature mass-tort MDLs and mass-tort MDL bankruptcies. All attorneys attending the conference will have an opportunity to add their insights about their own experiences. Informal conversations will continue into the evening at a group dinner for all. On day two of the conference, only judges will be in attendance. Seven experienced MDL judges will respond to the concerns raised the preceding day by the attorneys. The judges will then drill down into specific issues led by the experienced MDL judges.

Wilson Sonsini partner Tony Weibell will serve as a panelist for a session at 1:45 on Thursday, September 28, “Procedures for Handling the Centralization of Class Actions in an MDL.”