The ABCs of MDLs

Multi-District Litigation (MDL) is a procedural mechanism in the U.S. federal court system that consolidates multiple civil cases involving common questions of fact into a single district for coordinated pretrial proceedings. The goal is to streamline litigation and resolve issues more efficiently. However, MDLs pose unique challenges for attorneys, as they often operate outside the standard framework of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and include several distinctive features. 

Hausfeld Partner Mindee J. Reuben will be a panelist in this CLE program, hosted by the Federal Courts Committee in collaboration with Judges of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The program will cover key aspects of MDL practice, including the creation and transfer of MDLs, leadership structure for plaintiffs and defendants, issues addressed during case management conferences, and the discovery process. Panelists will also discuss bellwether selection, the role of experts, remands, parallel state court proceedings, and interactions with related criminal proceedings.

Gain invaluable insights into this complex area with a CLE primer that offers a comprehensive introduction to the ABCs of MDLs.

Moderator:

Beena M. McDonald, Esq.

Partner, Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP

Panelists:

Hon. Karen S. Marston 

U.S. District Judge

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Hon. Joshua D. Wolson 

U.S. District Judge

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Mindee J. Reuben, Esq. 

Partner, Hausfeld

Additional panelists to be added.