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Complex Federal Cases Benefit from the Expertise of Dedicated Outside Judges and Neutrals
Class actions and multidistrict litigations (MDLs) involve thousands of claims, mountains of discovery and countless pretrial motions. Without effective management, MDLs can stretch on for years—driving up costs, slowing progress and delaying resolution for all parties.
For these reasons, the courts and counsel often rely on FedArb panelists, experienced former federal judges and experts, who report to the court and help manage the discovery and settlement issues that inevitably arise. Many of these panelists are appointed as special masters in federal multidistrict litigation, providing trusted, court-recognized oversight.
Experienced Judges, Neutrals, and Special Masters Help Keep MDLs on Track
FedArb provides the resources and expertise to support both courts and parties in managing complex MDLs. Our panel of retired federal judges, neutrals and case managers report to sitting judges ensuring fairness, efficiency and enforceability throughout the process:
- Manage pretrial discovery issues including privilege disputes, motion practice and evidentiary challenges.
- Oversee the settlement process by working with the plaintiff steering committee and defendants’ settlement counsel when the parties deem mediation appropriate.
- Conduct specialized hearings including Markman hearings in IP-related MDLs.
The result: MDL proceedings that move forward efficiently, with reduced cost and greater predictability for all parties.
Unique Expertise Trusted by Courts
FedArb brings a combination of authority, experience, and innovation that sets it apart from other ADR providers:
MDL-specific expertise
Our panel includes former federal judges and neutrals who have been appointed to manage some of the nation’s largest MDLs.
Trusted by courts
FedArb panelists regularly serve as court-appointed neutrals (special masters) working alongside sitting judges, providing reliable support recognized by the judiciary.
Thought leadership
Through our MDL Advisory Committee, FedArb helps shape best practices on issues such as attorney fee allocation, use of court-appointed neutrals and settlement structures.
Breadth across disciplines
With deep experience in securities, antitrust, IP, product liability and mass torts, FedArb neutrals understand the complex issues that drive MDLs.
Efficiency with authority and responsiveness
FedArb combines the practical efficiencies of ADR with the credibility of former Article III judges and elite neutrals, supported by case managers who deliver bespoke, highly responsive service
What Leading Lawyers and Judges Say About FedArb
National Leaders Driving Best Practices in MDL Litigation
To advance best practices, FedArb convened an advisory board of nationally recognized MDL leaders. This committee explores critical issues such as attorney fee allocation, mandamus review in opioid cases, use of court-appointed neutrals, and negotiating class structures.
Hon. Ruben Castillo
Former Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois
Hon. Royal Furgeson
Former member of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, former U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Texas, and former Dean of UNT Dallas College of Law
Professor Robert Klonoff
Professor at Lewis & Clark; author of a leading MDL textbook
Hon. David Levi
Former Chief Judge of the Eastern District of California, former dean at Duke Law School and president of the American Law Institute
Hon. Shira Scheindlin
Former U. S. District Court judge, Southern District of New York
Bob Klonoff
Former U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of California, former head of the Federal Judicial Center and currently Executive Director of the Berkeley Judicial Institute at Berkeley Law School
Hon. Vaughn Walker
Former Chief Judge of the Northern District of California
Proven Leadership in the Nation’s Largest MDLs
FedArb neutrals have managed some of the largest and most complex MDLs in the country. Several have been appointed as a court-appointed neutral (special master) or have authored influential decisions shaping MDL practice.
Learn more about FedArb’s court-appointed neutrals and special masters and how they support MDL efficiency and fairness.
FAQs
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a process in which related civil cases filed in federal courts across different states are transferred and consolidated before one judge. This centralization streamlines pretrial proceedings, reduces duplicative discovery and promotes consistent rulings.
MDLs are designed to improve efficiency and consistency when many plaintiffs bring similar claims nationwide. By consolidating pretrial issues before one judge, MDLs reduce the risk of conflicting rulings and allow courts and counsel to better manage complex discovery, motion practice and settlement discussions.
Judges often appoint special masters or neutrals in MDLs to oversee discovery, resolve disputes, manage privilege reviews or facilitate settlement negotiations. These neutrals act as trusted extensions of the court, ensuring cases move forward fairly and efficiently.
FedArb provides retired federal judges, experienced neutrals and case managers who assist with discovery management, multi-party settlement discussions, specialized hearings and other complex aspects of MDLs. Their involvement helps reduce delays, control costs, and provide credible, enforceable outcomes.
MDLs often involve large-scale disputes such as antitrust claims, securities litigation, product liability, consumer fraud, intellectual property and mass tort cases. These matters usually generate numerous related lawsuits filed across multiple jurisdictions, making consolidation an effective tool.
Former federal judges and seasoned neutrals bring deep knowledge of federal procedure and firsthand experience managing complex cases. Their credibility with counsel and courts allows them to streamline discovery, resolve disputes more quickly and guide settlement negotiations toward resolution.
Unlike many ADR providers, FedArb offers a panel of nationally recognized former federal judges and thought leaders in MDL practice. FedArb also convenes an MDL Advisory Committee to shape best practices, and provides bespoke, highly responsive case management — combining efficiency with judicial authority.
Yes. FedArb neutrals regularly facilitate complex, multi-party settlement negotiations in MDLs. They work with plaintiff steering committees and defense counsel to create structured processes that move cases toward resolution without years of procedural delay.
All three. Presiding MDL judges may appoint FedArb neutrals as special masters, law firms representing plaintiffs or defendants may stipulate to use a FedArb neutral, and corporations facing mass litigation may engage FedArb proactively to evaluate risk or structure settlements.
FedArb neutrals have managed some of the country’s most complex MDLs, serving as special masters and authoring influential decisions. FedArb’s advisory board includes former federal judges and scholars who are national leaders in MDL practice, ensuring cutting-edge expertise for every matter.