Class Action

Expert Analysis

• Class Settlements And The Risks Of Viral Media Attention

  

  When class settlements go viral — increasingly as a result of websites that promote settlement payouts — companies face extreme losses that could exceed reserves and available cash on hand. But there are several considerations that may help minimize this risk, says Kevin Skrzysowski at Risk Settlements.

• Crisis Messaging To Protect Law Firm Brand And Bottom Line

  

  When crises occur, such as data security incidents or gender bias suits, a well-prepared law firm has a thoroughly tested communications plan at the ready, which ensures the firm is the most proactive news source, prevents the crisis from escalating and notifies stakeholders about mitigation efforts, says Zach Olsen at Infinite Global.

• Calif. Justices Set Low Bar For Website Bias Claims

  

  The California Supreme Court’s recent opinion in White v. Square — that plaintiffs need only show they intended to use an online business’ services in order to sue for alleged discrimination — could have far-reaching consequences for e-commerce, initially in California and potentially nationwide, say Katherine Catlos and Aaron Cargain of Kaufman Dolowich.

• When A Click Doesn't Count As Arbitration Acceptance

  

  The Eighth Circuit's recent denial of an employer’s request to force arbitration in Shockley v. PrimeLending teaches employers important lessons about how courts will interpret concepts like “agreements” when the employer’s personnel documents are electronically stored and contain automated acceptances, says Michele Brott at Davis Brown.

• Assessing The Cost, Legal Fallout Of Capital One Data Breach

  

  Following Capital One's recent massive data breach, Jack Lu of IPMAP estimates the incremental direct cost incurred for management of the breach and for post-breach legal and regulatory processes, shedding light on the economic and legal uncertainties.

• Perspectives

  What You Should Know About Courtroom Closures

  

  At attorney Greg Craig’s trial in D.C. federal court this week, the courtroom was cleared so prospective jurors could answer sensitive questions. Even seasoned litigators were left wondering about the nature of this subtle, yet significant, issue involving Sixth Amendment public trial rights, says Luke Cass at Quarles & Brady.

• 8 Proactive Steps To Avoid Workplace Age Bias Claims

  

  As demonstrated by Google's recent $11 million settlement to resolve an age discrimination class action, employers must combat age discrimination with a multifaceted approach that includes cooperation from all members of management, say Charlene Gedeus and Michael Truncellito at Buchanan Ingersoll.

• Pa. Justices Could Shift State's Consumer Litigation

  

  Depending on how the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decides Gregg v. Ameriprise Financial — a dispute over the culpability standard for the “catch-all” provision of Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law — consumer protection litigation in the state could change profoundly, says Karl Myers of Stradley Ronon.

• FLSA Overtime Deal Highlights Worker Classification Priorities

  

  A Panera Bread franchisee's recently approved $4.6 million settlement involving overtime claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act serves as a cautionary employee classification tale, reminding employers to review overtime-exempt managers’ duties in order to ensure their status under the FLSA is not at risk, says Kate Dewberry at Poyner Spruill.

• Series

  Why I Became A Lawyer: A Seaweed Scientist's Odyssey

  

  In the early 1980s, I was working on my Ph.D. in marine biology and ecology. As part of an international team of scientists studying oil spill impacts on marine ecosystems, I saw a niche opportunity to combine science and law, says Andrew Davis of Shipman & Goodwin.

• DOJ Enforcement Insights From Poultry Price-Fixing Case

  

  The U.S. Department of Justice recently stayed the discovery process in the broiler chicken antitrust litigation in order to pursue a criminal investigation over the next six months. The potential crackdown on U.S. poultry companies demonstrates changing DOJ antitrust enforcement priorities, says Bill Dillon of Taylor English.

• How To Counter Jury Reliance On Plaintiff's Damages Ask

  

  Years of interviewing jurors and observing deliberation show that the amount juries award in damages is almost always influenced by the amount of the plaintiff's demand, but there are three ways defense counsel can combat this anchoring effect, says Christina Marinakis at Litigation Insights.

• TCPA Opinion Highlights Strategies For Avoiding Class Claims

  

  An Illinois federal court's recent decision in Tillman v. Hertz Corp. demonstrates how the very fact disputes in a Telephone Consumer Protection Act class action involving consent and/or revocation can be used to prevent class certification, says Eric Macey at Novack and Macey.

• Durational Disconnect Between Cartel Pleas And Class Certs.

  

  Three key takeaways emerge from comparing class settlement time periods with related plea agreement time periods for the companies assessed the 40 largest fines by the U.S. Department of Justice for Sherman Act violations dating from 2005 to the present, says Jon Tomlin of Ankura Consulting.

• 3rd Circ. Decision Limits Liability Of Board Observers

  

  The Third Circuit's ruling that nonvoting board observers did not carry the same fiduciary duties as actual board members in Obasi Investment v. Tibet Pharmaceuticals holds broad applicability for private equity, venture capital funds and other third parties that frequently designate board observers, say attorneys at White and Williams.