TDN are pleased to present its first lunchtime seminar event, on topic of group actions and how to get them up and running.
The rise of group actions adverse to Big Tech, and other major defendants, have been one of the most significant developments of the UK disputes market in recent years. Once seen as a typifying feature of the US litigation landscape, group actions have now well and truly crossed the Atlantic, either offering European SMEs and consumers a much-needed opportunity to seek redress for wrongs committed by the world’s best resourced defendants, or alternatively infecting the continent with an American disease, depending on one’s perspective.
Whatever your view on that, what is inarguable is that the rate of growth has been startling, with the CAT recording a >200% increase in year-on-year volume of claims filed in 2022. However, as ever, new developments pose new challenges. Professionals involved or looking to get involved in this area have to master a range of new competencies, getting to grips with marketing, logistical and financial issues of significantly greater complexity than those associated with most commercial litigation, in addition to many novel and developing matters of law.
To lighten the load for claimant-side professionals grappling with the daunting practicalities of getting a group action off the ground, TDN have organised a panel of experts to help navigate those complexities: (i) Ellie Pinnells, a partner at Fieldfisher with particular expertise in follow-on competition and equal-pay employment group claims; (ii) Clare Ducksbury, CEO of CasePilots, one of the UK’s leading bookbuilders; (iii) Genevieve Quierin, a partner at Stephenson Harwood, with particular expertise in competition private enforcement actions; (iv) Mike Cumming-Bruce, an investment manager at Bench Walk Advisors, one of the world’s most active litigation funds, agreeing commitments of nearly US$ 200m in 2022; and (v) chaired by Sam Roberts, a partner at Cooke, Young & Keidan and specialist in technology disputes.
The speaker event will be followed by a brief Q&A and the opportunity to discuss and network. Light refreshments (e.g., tea, coffee, and sandwiches) will be provided. The event is free of charge but please register in advance if you wish to attend.
Chair:
- Sam Roberts, Cooke Young & Keidan
Panellists include:
- Ellie Pinnells, Fieldfisher
- Clare Ducksbury, CasePilots
- Genevieve Quierin, Stephenson Harwood
- Mike Cumming-Bruce, Bench Walk Advisors
