McGovern Symposium on Civil Litigation

Overview

The Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School will host the second annual McGovern Symposium on Civil Litigation on Friday, May 26, 2023, at Duke Law. The symposium will facilitate robust discussion among lawyers, judges, and academics about existing and emerging topics in mass tort multidistrict litigation. The 2023 symposium will cover the following sessions/topics:

• Session 1: Vioxx retrospective from key players in Vioxx; Why people still talk about the case
• Session 2: Hot Topic – Proposed rule changes
• Session 3: Hot Topic – MDLs and Chapter 11
• Session 4: Hot topic – Reflections and the future of MDLs

The symposium was established to honor the memory of Duke Law Professor Francis E. McGovern. Attendees share in commentary and ideas, and, in homage to Professor McGovern’s spirited approach to problem-solving, engage in lively discussions about challenges facing the field and the future of complex litigation. Registration also includes a reception and dinner the night prior to the symposium. Click here to view a photo gallery of the 2022 McGovern Symposium.

The Institute seeks to expand and diversify the field of attorneys capable of handling mass torts and MDLs. To inquire about scholarship opportunities, please contact lora.farmer@law.duke.edu.

Chatham House Rule: To encourage frank discussions, the conference is held under the Chatham House Rule: “When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, 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 revealed.”

Speakers & Agenda

Doug Marvin
Williams & Connolly LLP

Hon. Dan Polster
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio

Hon. M. Casey Rodgers
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

Hon. Robin Rosenberg
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

Chris Seeger
Seeger Weiss LLP

Joseph M. Sellers
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC

Click here to download the agenda.

Please note panelists, sessions, and times are all subject to change.

Hotel & Parking

Hotel Accommodations

Participants can reserve rooms at the Washington Duke Inn, a full-service resort located on Duke University's campus just a short walk from the law school, at a special rate of $229 (+tax). Make a reservation online using the reservation booking link 2023 Advanced MDL Certificate (The reservations link may not be supported on all mobile devices); or by calling (919) 490-0999 and requesting 2023 Advanced MDL Certificate (Group ID: 963740) guest room block.

Parking

If you are staying at Washington Duke Inn, the law school is a short 10-minute walk. If you need to park at the law school, please email Lora Beth Farmer to request a parking pass.

Sponsorships