'Every Tool in the Box'? Advisory Committee Hears Final Thoughts on Proposed MDL Rule

What You Need to Know

• The proposed MDL rule, if approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States and the U.S. Supreme Court, with congressional review, would likely become effective in 2025.
• Many plaintiffs lawyers, citing their success at diversifying their ranks, had concerns about a specific suggestion in the proposed rule for a 'coordinating counsel' at the start of the litigation.
• Defense lawyers have pushed for a rule to stem what they deem are meritless cases filed in multidistrict litigation, many driven by advertising and litigation financing.