2018
Statistics in Class Actions: Is the Computer Algorithm Era upon Us? (Part II)
By Paul G. Karlsgodt, Patrick T. Lewis, and Bonnie McNee – August 14, 2018
A discussion of the practical implications of using statistical methods in litigation.
The Origin and Evolution of Cryptocurrencies
By Seoyung Kim and Sumon Mazumdar– August 14, 2018
An accessible introduction to the evolution, current uses, and regulatory perspectives on Bitcoin and other virtual currencies.
Consumer Protection in Cryptocurrency Markets under the CFTC's Watch
By Seoyung Kim and Sumon Mazumdar– August 14, 2018
Discussing the recent efforts undertaken by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to rein in on the abuses in the cryptocurrency market.
Using Compelling Visuals for Effective Communication in Litigation
By Angela Sabbe and Jeremy Guinta – August 14, 2018
Learn how to use charts and other visuals to tell a story in motion practice and at trial, and learn how to evaluate visuals critically.
Summary Judgment: How to Get It and How to Beat It
By Roger Slade – August 14, 2018
A useful primer for younger attorneys and state court practitioners on how to approach summary judgment motions.
2017
Statistics in Class Actions: Is the Computer Algorithm Era upon Us? (Part I)
By Paul G. Karlsgodt, Patrick T. Lewis, and Bonnie McNee – August 31, 2017
Has the legal system reached a state where class-wide damages can be determined simply by statistical analysis rather than documentary evidence? A discussion of key cases and trends on the use of statistics in class actions.
Henson v. Santander: Debt Purchasers Versus Debt Collectors
By Jason Tompkins and Jonathan Hoffmann – August 31, 2017
Returning to textualism, the U.S. Supreme Court held that debt purchasers collecting on their own debts fall outside one definition of "debt collector" under the FDCPA.
Calls, Faxes, and Texts: Prior Consent under the TCPA
By Angela Sabbe and Zach Merritt – August 31, 2017
Discussing recent cases addressing the issue of consent to be contacted under the TCPA.
Clarifying Cooperation under Rule 1: A Command or a Recommendation?
By Kathryn Honecker and Jonathan Udell – January 31, 2017
At least one district court has threatened to sanction counsel who do not cooperate.
Emerging Issues under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
By Christopher E. Roberts – March 8, 2017
Examining recent appellate and Supreme Court cases concerning consumer debt purchasers and debt collectors under the FDCPA.
Prepaid Accounts: Expanded Consumer Protection by the CFPB
By Angela Sabbe and Heather Koo – March 8, 2017
Discussing the final rule recently issued by the CFPB broadening the protections for consumers who use prepaid credit cards and other prepaid accounts.
Ensuring Validity and Admissibility of Consumer Surveys
By Rebecca Kirk Fair and Laura O’Laughlin – March 8, 2017
Reviewing relevant cases and literature and discussing best practices for the use of expert-prepared consumer surveys as part of litigation strategies.
Character and Fitness: The Underrepresentation of Black Men in Law
By Jay E. Mitchell – March 8, 2017
Examining one aspect of the legal infrastructure that may hinder greater diverse representation in the legal community: the character and fitness portion of state bar examinations.
2015
Conspiracy Liability: If the Underlying Wrong Doesn't Fit, You Must Acquit
By Ben Johnston – March 18, 2015
An examination of the genesis and expansion of the "legally capable" requirement.
Tactics for Defeating Class Certification of TCPA Claims
By Kali Backer – March 2, 2015
Obtaining a denial of class certification is a powerful tool that can significantly impact settlement negotiations.
2013
Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force Has Ambitious Agenda
By Benjamin P. Saul – June 13, 2013
Institutions are wise to focus on the task force's recent enforcement priorities.
Mazza's Impact on the Inference of Reliance in Consumer Class Actions
By Neal Marder, Stephanie Leonard, and Ali Rabbani – June 13, 2013
The Ninth Circuit's blockbuster decision continues to have a significant influence on consumer-protection class actions.
Low-Hanging Fruit: Cross-Border Consumer Copycat Class Actions
By Thomas Arndt and Wendy Hulton – June 13, 2013
Class counsel benefit from the bounty generated by their colleagues in other jurisdictions.
Mass. High Court: ZIP Codes Are "Personal Identification Information"
By Michelle Doolin, Darcie Tilly, and Lindsay Parker – June 13, 2013
The Massachusetts SJC follows in the footsteps of the California Supreme Court.
2012
Article III and the Supreme Court's 'Non-Decision' in Edwards
By Whitty Somvichian and Kyle Wong – November 1, 2012
The Supreme Court's non-decision in Edwards v. First American Corp. creates lingering uncertainty on the Article III injury requirement in consumer cases.
Ethical Issues in the Digital Age: Navigating E-Discovery Challenges
By Elizabeth E. McGinn and Kristopher Knabe – November 1, 2012
Recent shifts in technology have fundamentally altered the practice of discovery.
Prop 37: California's Newest Challenge for Food-Product Companies
By Rebecca Cross – November 1, 2012
A new proposal takes aim at products containing genetically modified ingredients.
State UDAP Statutes: Disgorgement, Dissolution, and Sequestration
By Michael Flynn – November 1, 2012
It will take courage and funding for public enforcers to vigorously seek the full range of remedies under state statutes for unfair and deceptive acts and practices.
New Privacy Framework Poses Challenges for Digital Stakeholders
By David S. Almeida and David M. Poell – April 17, 2012
The Obama administration takes a bold step to secure online privacy for consumers.
Consumer Lawsuits Arising from "Green" Labeling Claims
By C. Kinnier Lastimosa – April 17, 2012
"All natural" may not mean what it used to.
Recent Developments in Enforcement of Online Consumer Contracts
By Whitty Somvichian – April 17, 2012
Courts around the country weigh in on the reach and scope of online user agreements.
Shine-the-Light Law: California's Latest Class-Action Trend
By John W. McGuinness and Christina J. Weis – April 17, 2012
Until now there has been little guidance in creating litigation-proof privacy policies.
2011
Lower Class-Certification Standards as Discrimination Suit Advances
By Elizabeth E. McGinn, Benjamin P. Saul, and Sarah Betts Esterhay – February 1, 2011
More than 1.5 million current or former female Wal-Mart employees are all potential class members in a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination.
Have You Heard of Electronic Discovery and Metadata?
By John T. Rouse – February 1, 2011
Based on the amended rules and the recent case law, the question arises, "What is discoverable?" The short answer is, "everything relevant."
Settlement Bodes Expanded Liability and Aggressive Enforcement
By Benjamin P. Saul – February 1, 2011
The settlement reflects the DOJ's increasingly aggressive enforcement of fair-lending laws and, to the extent it broadens lender liability for the actions of third parties, is especially significant.
The Continuing Violations Doctrine under the FHA
By Kirk D. Jensen – February 1, 2011
Courts have recently struggled with the application of the continuing violations doctrine to claims brought under the Fair Housing Act.