Evaluating and Improving the MDL Process

    Findings from the panel charged with refining the process for administering complex federal multidistrict cases.

    Hon. John G. Heyburn II, Francis E. McGovern

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    Since its creation in 1968, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has played an increasingly important role in the administration of complex multidistrict federal cases. In early 2010, the panel embarked on a thorough self-evaluation to better understand the dynamics of multidistrict litigation, to help the panel make more informed decisions, and to better prepare transferee judges to handle these complex cases.

    In one of our projects, we sought to solicit comments from lawyers who practice before the panel and who litigate centralized cases. To accomplish such an unprecedented and daunting task, the panel enlisted the assistance of Francis McGovern. What follows are McGovern’s primary summary comments and the chairman’s observations on behalf of the panel.

    Multidistrict Litigation Infographic

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