Class Actions

For many attorneys, class action practice can be particularly vexing.  Such issues as specialized federal court jurisdiction, Rule 23’s certification requirements, ever-changing appellate treatment of class actions, and unique strategy considerations can challenge even the most accomplished litigators.  Very often, the court’s ruling at the class certification stage dictates the overall outcome of the case, even before the merits are ever adjudicated.  Add to that the high stakes posed by most class actions, and the need for an experienced hand in these complex cases becomes even more apparent.

I have a wealth of experience in litigating class actions, particularly involving product liability, environmental contamination, mass tort, medical monitoring, and consumer fraud disputes.  I’ve handled numerous cases involving the application of the federal Class Action Fairness Act, and I’ve also written articles and given seminar presentations on CAFA jurisdiction.  I’ve designed and implemented class action litigation strategies intended to resolve class disputes at an early stage while deferring expensive and time-consuming merits discovery until later, if ever, in the case.  I’ve worked closely with experts to prepare and present affidavits and other evidence bearing directly on Rule 23’s requirements.  And I’ve briefed and argued class certification motions to courts across the country.

Class action-related services I’m pleased to offer include:

• Research, analysis and briefing of CAFA-related issues, both original jurisdiction and on removal;

• Development of overall class action strategy, including timing, bifurcation and stay motions;

• Class action discovery;

• Development of expert witness support for class certification purposes;

• Research, analysis and preparation of class certification-related memoranda and exhibits;

• Strategy and briefing of appellate review of class certification rulings.