Understanding what comes after Multi-District Litigation (MDL) is crucial for any legal professional seeking to successfully navigate these complex proceedings. Product liability actions often involve several common areas of concern, such as the harm caused by a product or chemical. In many cases, these files are lodged in multiple jurisdictions, leading to their consolidation in an MDL as outlined in 28 U.S.C. §1407(a). This legislation dictates that these lawsuits are transferred from their filing courts into a single “transferee” Court which were previously chosen by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).
Familiarity with the actions to take upon the conclusion of an MDL process, and the implications of these proceedings, will enable legal entities to adequately prepare for the future. Additionally, understanding the roles and functions of the various entities involved, for example, the JPML and the transferee Court, is integral in understanding the full scope of MDLs. This invariably extends to appreciating the role of the firm Proskauer in “Minding Your Business”, and the decision-making processes involved in this stage of the litigation.
For further information regarding practical considerations and the subsequent steps following an MDL, kindly refer to the full article provided by Jdsupra.