CLM’s Litigation Management Task Force is broken up into subcommittees that each focus on specific areas of concern to claims and litigation professionals. Previously, online and here in CLM Magazine, we have shared perspectives from members of the Task Force Steering Committee that oversees the subcommittees, and the leaders of the Cost Management Subcommittee. In this edition, Rondiene E. Novitz, managing partner of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet LLP; and Rhonda Thompson, partner at Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons LLP, share some thoughts on the work of the Professional Skills Subcommittee, which they lead.
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE FOCUS OF THE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS SUBCOMMITTEE SO FAR?
A: The CLM Professional Skills Subcommittee has been focusing on three main topics: third-party litigation funding (TPLF), AI for lawyers, and combating Nuclear Verdicts. We have had great discussions on all topics. The subcommittee members are working together to find ways to challenge the plaintiffs’ bar’s use of TPLF, making litigation more efficient with the help of AI while not crossing any boundaries, and collaborating with the defense bar to find ways to ensure more reasonable verdicts.
Q: IS THERE ANY TOPIC OR POINT OF DISCUSSION THAT HAS COME UP THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU?
A: While nothing really surprised us, we are very happy to see the different firms coming together to help each other out toward a common good.
Q: HAVE THERE BEEN ANY BREAKTHROUGH MOMENTS IN THE DISCUSSIONS UP TO THIS POINT, OR IS IT STILL TOO EARLY IN THE PROCESS?
A: While it is still early in the process, we are working on creating a database to provide resources to assist in obtaining discovery on TPLFs. Our goal is to have a stateby-state guide to determine what is discoverable, how arguments are being made, and the type of funding being sought. We are attempting to put together a database on motions, deposition questions, and discovery requests to serve as a resource for other CLM members to access.
Q: WHAT SHOULD CLM MEMBERSHIP KNOW ABOUT HOW THE SUBCOMMITTEE’S WORK WILL PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR? CAN YOU SHARE SOME TIMELINES AND EXPECTATIONS?
A: We are hoping to complete our state-by-state guide and other goals before the next Annual Conference.