Please join us for a Bench-Bar Discussion on

April 10th and 11th, 2025

Mass Torts and Complex Litigation
at GW Law

Where Bench & Bar Meet

2025 Event Agenda Coming Soon

Introduction to the Event & Hotel Information​

James F. Humphreys Complex Litigation Center
GWU LAW
2000 H Street NW, Washington DC

April 10th and 11th, 2025

Your co-hosts, Patrick Luff and Mark York, cordially invite you to GW Law Bench & Bar ’25, scheduled for April 10-11, 2025.

This year’s conference will examine critical developments in MDL practices and complex litigation case management, with particular attention to emerging challenges in our evolving legal landscape. The program will explore pressing issues in class actions, ethical considerations in fee arrangements, and the growing role of litigation financing in complex cases.

Building on discussions from previous conferences, including our examination of mass tort bankruptcies, the 2025 program will facilitate essential dialogue between plaintiffs’ and defense counsel. Our sessions emphasize the importance of transparent judicial communication and bipartisan cooperation in managing complex litigation effectively.

The conference continues to serve as a vital forum for leadership figures, executive committee members, and judiciary representatives to develop best practices and innovative approaches for managing extensive dockets.

As always, the conference operates under the Chatham House Rules to promote open and candid discussion: “Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant may be disclosed.” The success of this conference is made possible through attendees’ registration fees and the generous support from our sponsors.

Suggested Accommodations​

Sonder​
The Graham Georgetown​
Ritz-Carlton​
Hotel Lombardy​

Welcome

Welcome to the James Humphreys Complex Litigation Center Bench-Bar Forum 2025, held in collaboration with our conference partners and speakers including members of the judiciary. Our Team looks forward to connecting with all participants at this year’s forum, scheduled for April 10-11, 2025.

We extend our gratitude to the program’s co-chairs, Patrick Luff and Mark York, for their thoughtful collaboration in developing this year’s program. Their dedication to bringing together distinguished speakers and creating meaningful dialogue within our legal community continues to enhance the value of this forum.

We are deeply appreciative of the judges who will be taking time away from their demanding schedules to join us, as well as the litigators and experts who will share their insights into the evolving landscape of complex litigation. The opportunity to learn from such accomplished legal minds makes this event truly exceptional.

This forum would not be possible without our GW Law School hosts, whose continued partnership and dedication have been instrumental in connecting our community with leading voices in the legal industry. Their support remains vital to the success of this event.

We also express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, whose generous support benefits the James F. Humphreys Complex Litigation Center. Your participation and attendance directly contribute to our scholarship fund, enabling us to continue supporting vital student programs.

We encourage all participants to engage actively in the upcoming discussions, share insights, and take advantage of this collaborative learning opportunity. A detailed agenda and complete speaker lineup will be shared as they are finalized.

Thank you for your participation in this year’s forum. We look forward to welcoming you in April 2025.

Schedule of Events & Speakers

Thursday, April 10

Panel 1: Litigation Finance

Moderator: Rick Marcus

Speakers:

  • Deborah Hensler
  • Judge Lee Rosenthal
  • Maya Steinitz
  • Alex Dahl

Panel 2: Bellwethers and Mediation in Mass Torts and Bankruptcy

Moderator: Jay Tidmarsh

Speakers:

  • Judge Karen Caldwell
  • Erin Copeland
  • Elizabeth Cabraser
  • John Beisner

Friday, April 11

Panel 3: Bankruptcy Updates

Moderator: Alan Morrison

Speakers:

  • Anne Andrews
  • Mikal Watts
  • Lindsey Simon
  • Emily Kent
  • Greg Gordon
  • Robert Drain

Panel 4: State Attorneys General in MDLs and Mass Tort Bankruptcies

Moderator: Roger Trangsrud, GW Law School

Speakers:

  • Burton LeBlanc
  • David Ackerman
  • Mark Lynch
  • Abigail Ryan

Speaker List & Bios​

Speaker List & Bios TBD

Click on name to access the speaker’s bio.

Bankruptcy 1: Whither the Texas Two Step

Bankruptcy 2: Non-Debtor Releases and the Implications

Proposed Rule 16.1

Uninjured Plaintiffs in MDLs

Litigation Finance

Management of Mega Mass Torts: Camp Lejeune and 3M Ear Plugs

Law Firm Host​

Gold Sponsors​

Welcome Dinner for Judges,
Panelists, and Speakers

Welcome Reception

Cocktail Reception

Silver Sponsors

referralcounsel.com

Bronze Sponsors​

Register Now​

James F. Humphreys Complex Litigation Center
GWU LAW

April 10th and 11th, 2025​

Registration Cost: $899

The button will take you to our registration page where you can add the attendee’s information and easily pay.