Miami Law Class Action & Complex Litigation Forum

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This conference gathers the leading judges, practitioners, and scholars from around the country, to discuss cutting-edge topics on class actions, MDLs, mass tort litigation and more.

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Friday, January 31, 2025

University of Miami
Shalala Student Center
1330 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146

8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

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Agenda
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Event Agenda

Friday, January 31, 2025 —  Shalala Student Center, University of Miami

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

  Check-In and Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

  Welcome Remarks:  Patricia S. Abril, Interim Dean, University of Miami School of Law

Conference Hosts: 
Aaron S. Podhurst, Partner, Podhurst Orseck and Co-Chair of the 2024 Miami Class Action Forum
Harley S. Tropin, JD ’77, Co-Founder/Partner, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton and Co-Chair of the 2024 Miami Class Action Forum.

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

  Panel #1: Navigating MDL Reform: A Deep Dive into the New Rule 16.1

This session will examine the evolving role of Rule 16.1 and its impact on the future of civil aggregate litigation. Attendees will gain insights into the rule’s potential benefits, challenges, and the shaping of MDL practice.

Panelists:
The Honorable Robin L. Rosenberg, District Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Ariana Tadler, Founder & Managing Partner, Tadler Law LLP
Helen E. Witt, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis

Moderator:
The Honorable Roy Altman, District Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

  Break

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM

  Panel #2 Trending Issues in Class Action and MDL Practice

In the fast-moving and ever-evolving world of class action multi-district litigation, and complex litigation, there’s never a shortage of noteworthy legal developments.  Distinguished panelists, include a United States District Judge and a Circuit Court of Appeals judge, who will discuss some of the interesting and trending issues facing todays litigators.

Panelists:
The Honorable Jacqueline Becerra, District Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
The Honorable Amy St. Eve, Circuit Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Peter Prieto, JD '85, Partner, Podhurst Orseck
Yvette Ostolaza, JD ’92 Partner, Sidley Austin LLP

Moderator:
Benjamin Widlanski, Partner, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmortona

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

  Lunch and Keynote Speaker

1:45 AM – 3:00 PM

  Panel #3 A conversation with the Judges from the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation

Learn more about the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, known informally as the MDL Panel.

Panelists:
The Honorable Roger T. Benitez, United States District Court, Southern District of California
The Honorable Karen K. Caldwell, Chair, United States District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
The Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly, United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
The Honorable David C. Norton, United States District Court, District of South Carolina

Moderator:
The Honorable R. David Proctor, District Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM

  Break

 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

  Panel #4 A Conversation with Chief Judge Altonaga: Priorities and Practice Tips for Litigating in the SDFL and Beyond

A Conversation with Chief Judge Altonaga, Judge Altman, and Judge Ruiz: Priorities and Practice Tips for Litigating in the SDFL and Beyond.

Panelists:
The Honorable Roy Altman, District Judge, United States District Court for Southern District of Florida 
The Honorable Cecilia M. Altonaga, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
The Honorable Rodolfo A. Ruiz II, District Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Co-Moderators:
Rachel Furst, Partner, Maderal Byrne & Furst PLLC
Lance A. Harke, JD ’90, Mediator and Arbitrator, Upchurch, Watson, White & Max

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

  Closing Reception

CLE Credits

  • Alabama: 7.8 general credits (2.3 Ethics)
  • California: As FL is an approved jurisdiction, CLEs will qualify for credit through reciprocity
  • Florida: 9.5 general credits (1.5 Ethics)
  • Georgia: 5.5 general credits (2.5 Ethics)
  • Louisiana: 7.7 general credits (1.25 Ethics)
  • New Jersey / New York: As FL is an approved jurisdiction, CLEs will qualify for credit through reciprocity
  • North Carolina: 8.0 general credits (2.5 professional responsibility/ethics)
  • Pennsylvania: 5.5 general credits and 2 ethics credits

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

For More Information

Contact events@law.miami.edu or 305-284-1689. The forum is held under the Chatham House Rule.


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