MDL in Motion: Evolving Practices, Emerging Leaders, and Reform
40 Washington Sq. South New York, NY, 10012
2025
Friday
Join fellow ALI members and other distinguished panelists for a premier program that puts you at the center of the most critical conversations in multidistrict litigation. MDL in Motion brings together a remarkable group of judges, leading practitioners, special masters, and academics to examine the development, challenges, and future direction of MDL practice.
Through thoughtful panels and frank dialogue, you’ll gain insider insights into judicial decision-making, the evolving role of special masters, and the growing momentum for reform. Sessions will include in-depth analysis of major case studies—such as the opioid litigation—and offer practical strategies for managing complex, high-stakes proceedings.
Whether you are active in the MDL space or are looking to deepen your engagement in this field, this program is a unique opportunity to connect with leaders shaping the future of aggregate litigation.
ALI members receive a discounted registration rate by applying coupon code CH203ALI at checkout on www.ali-cle.org.
Can’t attend in person? Register for the live webcast and earn CLE credit from anywhere.
All registrants, virtual and in-person, are invited to the Welcome Reception on Thursday, September 11, generously sponsored by Skadden.
Agenda
Ever wondered how the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decides which cases get centralized and where they go? In this panel, MDL judges will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the factors influencing JPML rulings, from case volume to legal strategy and judicial discretion.
- Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- Karen K. Caldwell, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Chair of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
- W. Royal Furgeson Jr., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Ret.)
- Sarah S. Vance, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- Moderator: Robert H. Klonoff
Renowned for administering high-profile compensation funds, Kenneth R. Feinberg shares insights into the unique role of the Special Master in resolving complex disputes. In this conversation with ALI President David F. Levi and ALI Director Diane P. Wood, he will discuss the challenges, discretion, and impact of Special Masters in high-stakes litigation.
As multidistrict litigation continues to evolve, a new generation of attorneys is shaping its future. This panel highlights rising leaders in MDL, exploring their perspectives on strategy, innovation, and the challenges of navigating complex litigation.
- Parvin K. Aminolroaya, Seeger Weiss
- Diandra “Fu” Debrosse, DiCello Levitt
- Jessica Bodger Rydstrom, Williams & Connolly
- Ashley M. Simonsen, Covington
- Moderators: John H. Beisner and Elizabeth J. Cabraser
In this keynote conversation, Arthur R. Miller of NYU School of Law sits down with Samuel Issacharoff of NYU School of Law and M. Casey Rodgers of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida to trace the evolution of multidistrict litigation—from its origins to its central role in the opioid crisis. This dynamic discussion will examine how MDLs have shaped the modern legal landscape, the challenges they continue to present, and what the future may hold for mass litigation.
Effective management is key to ensuring that multidistrict litigation runs smoothly and efficiently. This panel will explore best practices for case organization, judicial oversight, and coordination among parties to navigate the complexities of large-scale litigation.
- Abbe R. Gluck, Yale Law School
- Ivan K. Fong, Medtronic (tentative)
- Carolyn B. Kuhl, Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles, Complex Litigation Division
- William H. Orrick, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- Stephanie E. Parker, Jones Day (tentative)
- Christopher A. Seeger, Seeger Weiss
- Moderator: Jeffrey S. Sutton, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
As multidistrict litigation continues to grow in scope and complexity, calls for reform are gaining momentum. This panel will examine proposed changes to MDL procedures, their potential impact on plaintiffs and defendants, and the future of mass litigation.
- W. Mark Lanier, The Lanier Law Firm
- Troy A. McKenzie, NYU School of Law
- D. Theodore Rave, University of Texas School of Law
- Aviva Wein, Johnson & Johnson
- Moderator: Amy St. Eve, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit