The Anatomy of a Class Action

Government entities have increasingly found themselves class members in large litigation efforts. Learn more about the lifecycle of a class action, including how they start, common steps in reaching a settlement, the roles of class counsel and class administrators, and how to gather the necessary information to advise your client about their position. 

Learning objectives/rough outline of presentation: 

1. What is a class action and how do claims make it there? 

2. Who are the players? Explain the roles of class representative, class counsel, class administrators, etc. Discuss their interests as they may conflict with your client’s. 

3. How are settlements reached? Maybe a good opportunity to use a case study here. 

4. General information about class notification, how class members can ask questions about the settlement, file objections, opt-out, etc. 

5. Tips for gathering information necessary to advise your client on the pros/cons of the settlement. War stories. Etc.