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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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 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. Moderator: 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. Moderator: 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. Moderator: 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. Co-Moderators: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Closing ReceptionEvent Agenda
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.
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
The Honorable Roy Altman, District Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
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
Benjamin Widlanski, Partner, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmortona
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
The Honorable R. David Proctor, District Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama
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
Rachel Furst, Partner, Maderal Byrne & Furst PLLC
Lance A. Harke, JD ’90, Mediator and Arbitrator, Upchurch, Watson, White & Max
Contact events@law.miami.edu or 305-284-1689. The forum is held under the Chatham House Rule.For More Information
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