2025 Agenda

Introductory Remarks

  • Judge Karen Caldwell, JPML Chair, USDC Eastern District of Kentucky
  • Judge Robert Dow, Jr., Counselor to Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr.; USDC Northern District of Illinois
  • Judge Royal Furgeson (Ret.), Former JPML Panel Member
  • Mark Lanier, The Lanier Law Firm
  • Richard Arsenault, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault

Join us for expert-led discussions on the latest trends in complex litigation. While the 2026 agenda is currently in development, you can explore our 2025 panels to see the timely and thought-provoking topics we’ve previously covered.

Summit Topics

  • Litigation Funding and Fee Sharing: Who’s in Control? The Role of Litigants and Judiciary Along with the Associated Ethical Obligations.
  • The Status of Bankruptcy in Mass Tort Resolution.
  • Managing Mass Litigation: A Corporate Perspective.
  • The Future of Mass Litigation. Proposed Changes to MDL Procedures, including Rule 16.1.
  • Non-Lawyers Practicing Law? Non-Lawyers with Equity Positions in Law Firms?
  • Daubert and the Impact of Rule 702 Amendments. Clarification to Promote Uniformity vs a Substantive Change in the Way Expert Testimony is Evaluated.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Assessing the Risk/Benefit Profile and Navigating the Ethical Obligations.
  • The JPML Decision Making Process.
  • Manual for Complex Litigation; Testing Concepts and Proposed Revisions.
  • Bellwether Trial Options and the Impact of Collateral Offensive Estoppel.
  • Federal Preemption; Guardrails vs Roadblocks.
  • Managing Mega-MDLS; Organization, Innovation, and Chemistry.
  • Judicial Intimidation: Recognizing, Addressing, and Responding. Recusals, Motions to Disqualify, Mandamus, Impeachment, Social Media.
  • Mass Tort Claim Integrity: How, When, and What to Screen. Factsheets? Census? Lone Pine?
  • The Common Benefit Doctrine; Its Impact on Litigation, Resolution, and Fed/State Coordination. A Percentage of What, to Service What, and Paid to Whom? And What About Common Detriment?
  • The Weakest Link? Data Breaches/Cybersecurity. Exposure, Risk, and Mitigation Strategies.
  • Creative Resolution Strategies from Inception to the Inevitable “Tail.” And Navigating the Critical Parallel Issues (DOJ, AGs, Protecting the Brand, Funding Mechanisms, Media, and Bankruptcy).