KALAGNY – 2016 NAPABA Northeast Regional Conference

Calling All Those Similarly Situated:  Hot Topics and Recurring Issues in Class Action Litigation

Class actions today come in all shapes and sizes, on behalf of all kinds of individuals, and seek broad relief for all types of infractions.  For many publicly traded companies, highly regulated industries, manufacturers, retailers, service providers, and employers of a sizable workforce, the threat of a class action lawsuit can be palpable and constant.  Our panelists will discuss some recent trends and noteworthy decisions in class action practice, as well as recurring themes and issues for practitioners prosecuting, defending, or counseling companies vulnerable to these bet-the-company lawsuits.  

The panel will also seek to demystify class action practice by addressing some of the following questions:  Why are class actions attractive for plaintiff’s attorneys and what are the risks and pitfalls of bringing them?  Why are they so scary to defendants?  What are some ways to potentially circumvent class actions?  What is the anatomy of a typical class action?  What are some practical tips and considerations for discovery, class certification, and settlement?  How can these strategies vary depending on the nature of the suit (e.g., securities, labor, mass torts, antitrust, consumer protection)?      

• Sung W. Kim, Esq., Special Counsel, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
• Arun Subramanian, Esq., Partner, Susman Godfrey LLP
• Susan L. Shin, Esq., Partner, Arnold & Porter LLP
• Phil Cha, Esq., Partner, Archer & Greiner, P.C.
• August T. Horvath, Esq., Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP