Judicial Scrutiny of Class Action Settlements: New Standards and Ensuring Timely Release of Attorney's Fees

A recent trend in class action settlements could impact a range of cases in the employment, securities, consumer protection, and product liability spheres. In addition to increased scrutiny at the preliminary approval and final approval stages, some diligent judges are beginning to track settlements after granting final approval—adding a so-called third phase of review to ensure class members get the relief they are due.

Listen as our distinguished panel explains this new trend and discusses how judges are intervening to ensure that class action settlements are paid out in a fair and timely manner.

1. Overview of history leading up to increased judicial scrutiny of class action settlements
2. Discussion of actions judges are taking to track class action settlements after granting final approval
3. Best practices for counsel to meet increased judicial scrutiny and ensure timely release of attorneys’ fees

The panel will review these and other relevant topics:

• What are judges looking for at the preliminary approval stage?
• What are judges asking for at the final approval stage?
• Why are judges beginning to track class action settlements after granting final approval?
• What steps are judges taking during this “third phase” of settlement review?
• What impact is this trend having on the class action settlement process?
• What steps can counsel take to ensure compliance with increased judicial scrutiny?