How to Run a Class Action Practice 

Session Chairs

Shennan Kavanagh and Craig Marchiando

 

"There is no substitute for NACA's in-person conferences. Networking led me to work with and learn from industry leaders and attending seminars helped me incorporate areas of law I was unfamiliar with before the conferences. This is seriously money well spent."
Stephanie Tatar

 

Why You Should Attend This Workshop

Managing a successful class action practice involves a lot of strategy and expertise.  On a tactical level, one needs to overcome many early hurdles such as solvency, waivers, and pickoffs, as well as later challenges with ethical advertising, early case motions and discovery battles. Furthermore, there are interpersonal skills that need to be developed to manage client expectations and relationships with defense counsel. This year’s workshop explores the nuts and bolts of how to run a class action firm. 

What You Will Learn

  • How to navigate ethical issues in your practice 
  • How to manage public relations and public image of your class action firm 
  • How to set up your business to bring a successful class action 

Agenda

Saturday, April 13, 2024
7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.Class Origination and Co-Counseling

What are your first steps you take to set up your class case for success

  • Michael Donovan, Donovan Litigation Group, LLC
  • Peter Silva, Tycko & Zavareei, LLP
  • Vildan Teske, Teske, PLLP
    		•
    10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.Overcoming Common Early Challenges in Class Cases

    How to address the myriad of challenges that arise in the early stages of class litigation

  • Anna Haac, Tycko & Zavareei, LLP
  • Hannah Kieschnick, Public Justice
  • Craig Marchiando, Consumer Litigation Associates
    Moderated by Shennan Kavanagh, National Consumer Law Center
    		•
    11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.Lunch
    1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.Advertising Class Actions

    How to ethically publicize case and connect with injured individuals

  • Scott Owens, P.A.
  • Anna Prakash, Nichols Kaster, PLLP
    		•
    2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.Conflicts with Plaintiff's Counsel

    How to maintain strong relationships among the plaintiff’s bar

  • Seth Lesser, Klafter Lesser LLP
  • Janet Varnell, Varnell & Warwick, P.A.
    		•
    3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.Dealing with Defendants and Defense Counsel

    What does the defense-side think about every stage of the case

  • Wes Griffith, Tycko & Zavareei, LLP
  • Sophia Rios, Berger Montague PC
    		•
    4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.Class Action Reception
    Sunday, April 14, 2024
    8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.Registration & Breakfast
    9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.Challenges Arising with Early Case Motions 

    Making it pass the pleadings stage and narrow claims and defenses

  • Kelsey Eling, Clarkson Law Firm
  • Amy Tabor, Caddell & Chapman
    		•
    10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.Class Action Discovery Strategies

    How to get the evidence you need to get your class certified

  • Kelsey Eling, Clarkson Law Firm
  • Jackie Aranda Osorno, Public Justice
    Moderated by Michael Donovan, Donovan Litigation Group, LLC
    		•
    11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.Lunch
    12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m.Public Relations for Class Action Lawyers

    How to manage public relations and public image of your class action firm

  • Bryce Bell, Bell Law LLC
  • Tim Giordano, Clarkson Law Firm
  • John Heenan, Heenan & Cook
    		•
    2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.Fraud and Claim Rates

    Finish the job: How to get relief to your class

  • Lauren Brennan, Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C.
  • Jennifer Murray, Terrell Marshall Law Group PLLC
    		•