{"id":145236,"date":"2026-07-13T09:42:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T09:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=145236"},"modified":"2026-07-13T09:42:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T09:42:22","slug":"united-states-class-actions","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/united-states-class-actions\/","title":{"rendered":"United States: Class Actions"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-145236","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-class-actions","jurisdictions-united-states"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">MoloLamken LLP<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2020\/06\/molo.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">MoloLamken LLP<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2020\/06\/molo.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Class Actions laws and regulations applicable in United States<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction have a class action or collective redress mechanism? If so, please describe the mechanism(s) and outline the principal sources of law and regulation and its overarching impact on the conduct of class actions in your jurisdiction.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. \u00a0In federal court, the main mechanism for class actions is Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23.\u00a0 There are a few federal statutory mechanisms for collective actions, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. \u00a7 216(b)). \u00a0While Rule 23 governs certification, notice, settlement, counsel appointment, and fee practice at the federal level, a class action at the state level will be governed by the relevant state\u2019s procedures.\u00a0 The source of law for a class action can be federal or state law, depending on the court in which the action is filed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the history of the development of the class actions\/collective redress mechanism and its policy basis in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Although class actions until Rule 23 have existed since the federal rules were enacted in 1938, the modern federal class action is largely the product of Rule 23\u2019s 1966 redesign, which converted class practice into the recognizable modern framework. \u00a0The policy basis for class actions in the United States is to aggregate similar small-value claims for fair and efficient adjudication, and to create safeguards against unfair notice, collusive settlements, and forum manipulation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the frequency of class actions brought in your jurisdiction (divided by type of claim, as applicable), in terms of number of cases over the years and\/or comparison to other types of litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>More than 12,000 federal class actions were filed in 2025, which is more than 20% more than the prior year.\u00a0 The largest single category of class actions in federal court are consumer protection cases \u2013 including privacy and data breach claims \u2013 which represented nearly 50% of all class actions filed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there certain courts or types of claims that are most prevalent (for example competition vs commercial litigation generally)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Federal district courts are the principal venues for interstate and federal-question class actions because federal procedural rules and statutory law move many interstate actions into federal court. \u00a0The most common claims sound in consumer and privacy\/data-breach, securities, antitrust\/competition, and employment or wage-and-hour cases where recoveries would be too small to justify individual actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the definition of 'class action' or 'collective redress' relevant to your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A class action is a civil action where one or more plaintiffs sue in a representative capacity on behalf of other similarly situated individuals.\u00a0 Any action which meets the requirements of Rule 23 can proceed as a class action.\u00a0 In certain circumstances, if the court approves the case under Rule 23, then other members of the class will be bound by the outcome of the same (except those who affirmatively opted out of the class).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the general 'triggers' for commencement of a class action or collective redress in your jurisdiction from a factual perspective?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The typical trigger is common alleged wrongdoing \u2013 a uniform policy, common misrepresentation, defective product, wage practice, or data-use practice \u2013 that causes many similar injuries that can be addressed classwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How do class actions or collective redress proceedings typically interact with regulatory enforcement findings? e.g. competition, environmental or financial regulators?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Regulatory investigations, consent orders, and public findings often trigger or bolster civil class-action suits, because they can surface common conduct and common proof. \u00a0Unlike in some jurisdictions, however, those findings do not themselves certify a class or establish private damages liability; plaintiffs still must satisfy Rule 23\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What types of conduct and causes of action can be relied upon as the basis for a class action or collective redress mechanism?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Rule 23 is a procedural mechanism and can be used for many different substantive claims (such as securities fraud, antitrust, consumer deception, privacy, employment discrimination) as long as its prerequisites are satisfied. \u00a0Collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act have a separate mechanism and address only claims asserted under that statute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any limitations of types of claims that may be brought on a collective basis?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The most important limits are procedural limits imposed by Rule 23.\u00a0 A class action will fail if the facts supporting the elements of the asserted claims are too individualized to adjudicate on a class-wide basis. \u00a0Additionally, the right to proceed via class action can be waived by contract, and many employment, end-user, consumer finance, and other contracts contain class-action waivers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who may bring a class action or collective redress proceeding? (e.g. qualified entities, consumers, companies etc)<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Any individual injured by the challenged conduct may sue as a representative party if their claims are typical of those that would be asserted by other members of the class, they can adequately represent the class, and they otherwise meet the criteria set forth in Rule 23.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any limits on the nationality or domicile of claimants in class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Rule 23 contains no citizenship or domicile requirements, but a party residing outside of the United States may have trouble satisfying the requirements of Rule 23 \u2013 commonality, typicality, adequacy, and superiority and predominance.\u00a0 Differences in the factual predicate for different class members\u2019 claims can result in a failure to meet the commonality and typicality requirements.\u00a0 Differences in the applicable law can also prevent certification of a class.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any limitations on size or type of class?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no maximum for the size of a class, but it must include enough members such that joining them into a single lawsuit would be impracticable. \u00a0Some courts have held that a class of fewer than 20 members is likely too small.\u00a0 For large classes, courts or litigants may divide the class into subclasses and\/or issue classes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any requirements or prohibitions in sourcing this class?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While Rule 23 contains no strictures on sourcing class members, the ethics rules governing lawyers\u2019 communications contain rules regarding solicitation of clients.\u00a0 Attorneys are generally prohibited from soliciting potential clients in person, with some exceptions, although written solicitations are acceptable in some circumstances.\u00a0 Courts can also regulate communications with potential class members and control notice to protect the class and the fairness of proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which courts deal with class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Federal district courts are the primary trial courts for federal class actions.\u00a0 Any federal district court with personal jurisdiction over the defendant(s) and subject matter jurisdiction over the case can adjudicate a class action. State courts also hear class actions under state rules, but federal law permits removal of many interstate class actions to federal court.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any jurisdictional obstacles to class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A class action must establish the same two forms of jurisdiction as regular actions \u2013 personal jurisdiction and subject-matter jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<p>Personal jurisdiction requires that the defendant is at home in the state where the action is brought, or that the claims arise out of or relate to the defendant\u2019s specific, purposeful contacts with the state.<\/p>\n<p>Subject-matter jurisdiction may be established in one of three ways.\u00a0 First, if the class asserts a claim governed by federal law.\u00a0 Second, if the representative plaintiffs and all defendants are citizens of different states and the amount in controversy is greater than $75,000.\u00a0 Third, a federal statute called the Class Action Fairness Act provides for federal subject-matter jurisdiction where there are at least 100 plaintiffs in a class, at least one plaintiff is a citizen of a different state than one defendant, and the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction adopt an \u201copt in\u201d or \u201copt out\u201d mechanism?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>United States class actions are generally opt out, although the specific rules depend on which subprovision of Rule 23 applies.<\/p>\n<p>Rule 23(b)(1) applies if individual lawsuits would risk either inconsistent adjudications, or adjudications that would, as a practical matter, impair the interests of absent class members.\u00a0 These are mandatory classes: there is no right to opt out and notice to class members is discretionary rather than required.<\/p>\n<p>Rule 23(b)(2) applies when the class seeks injunctive or declaratory relief appropriate for the class as a whole.\u00a0 Like 23(b)(1), these are mandatory classes with no opt-out right and only discretionary notice.<\/p>\n<p>Rule 23(b)(3) applies when a class seeks damages, common questions predominate over individual ones, and a class action is superior to other methods of adjudication.\u00a0 This is the typical consumer, securities, and antitrust damages class. Class members must receive the &#8220;best notice practicable&#8221; and have the right to opt out and pursue their own claims. \u00a0Anyone who doesn&#8217;t opt out is bound by the judgment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is required (i.e. procedural formalities) in order to start a class action or collective redress claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A plaintiff begins with an ordinary civil complaint that proposes a class and eventually seeks certification; the court must decide certification at an \u201cearly practicable time,\u201d and the certification order must define the class, claims, issues or defenses, and appoint class counsel.<\/p>\n<p>Rule 23(a) sets out four prerequisites that every class action must satisfy, regardless of which 23(b) category it falls into:<\/p>\n<p>Rule 23(a)(1) \u2013 numerosity \u2013 requires that the class be &#8220;so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable.&#8221;\u00a0 Courts look beyond raw numbers to factors like geographic dispersion, the size of individual claims, and the practicality of joining everyone as named parties.\u00a0 Impracticable doesn&#8217;t mean impossible \u2013 just that joinder would be difficult or inconvenient.<\/p>\n<p>Rule 23(a)(2) \u2013 commonality \u2013 requires &#8220;questions of law or fact common to the class.&#8221; This requires more than just shared questions \u2013 the claims must depend on a common contention whose resolution will generate answers that resolve an issue central to each class member&#8217;s claim &#8220;in one stroke.&#8221;\u00a0 Even one significant common question can suffice, but it must be one capable of class-wide resolution.<\/p>\n<p>Rule 23(a)(3) \u2013 typicality \u2013 requires that claims or defenses of the named representatives be &#8220;typical of the claims or defenses of the class.&#8221;\u00a0 The claims need not be identical to those of absent members, but they must arise from the same event, practice, or course of conduct and rest on the same legal theory.<\/p>\n<p>And Rule 23(a)(4) \u2013 adequacy of representation \u2013 requires that the representatives can &#8220;fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.&#8221;\u00a0 This requirement has two prongs: (1)\u00a0the named plaintiffs must have no conflicts of interest with absent class members, and (2) class counsel must be qualified, experienced, and able to vigorously prosecute the case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other mandatory procedural requirements apply to these types of matters?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For Rule 23(b)(3) classes, the court must direct the best practicable notice and tell absent members about the nature of the action and the class, the right to opt out of the class, and the process for opting out. \u00a0If a class action is settled, a binding settlement requires notice, a fairness hearing, disclosure of related agreements, and review of attorney\u2019s fees.\u00a0 Whether a class action is resolved through a judgment or settlement, a claim administrator may be appointed to administer a process for class members to provide proof of their membership in the class.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are normal civil procedure rules applied to these proceedings or a special set of rules adopted for this purpose?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Class actions operate under the ordinary Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that govern individual actions, unless Rule 23 or a related statute supplies a class-specific rule.\u00a0 When Rule 23 answers the certification question, it ordinarily controls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How long do these cases typically run for?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no fixed timetable for class actions in the United States, but the additional procedural hurdles usually make the proceedings longer than a typical case. \u00a0Certification briefing and discovery, appellate review of that certification, merits proceedings, settlement administration, and post-approval appeals can give rise to multi-stage, long-running litigation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What remedies are available to claimants in class action or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Available remedies depend on the underlying law, but federal class actions commonly seek injunctions, declaratory relief, damages, restitution, and attorney\u2019s fees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the measure of damages for any financial remedies for class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The measure of damages comes from the applicable substantive law. \u00a0Representative or statistical proof of damages on a per-plaintiff basis can be permissible where each class member could have relied on the same proof in an individual case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are punitive or exemplary damages available for class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Sometimes, but only if the underlying substantive claim authorizes them.\u00a0 American courts generally disfavor punitive damages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is a judge or multiple judges assigned to these cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Ordinarily a single district judge manages the class case in the trial court. \u00a0Appeals go to a panel, typically comprised of three appellate judges.\u00a0 Magistrate judges or special masters may assist with fee or administration matters, and if related federal cases are centralized as a multi-district litigation, a single transferee judge handles coordinated pretrial proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are class actions or collective redress proceedings subject to juries?  If so, what is the role of juries?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, when the underlying claims are triable by jury to the extent the underlying claims qualify for a jury trial. \u00a0Certification, sufficiency of notice, and the fairness of a settlement are decided by a judge, not a jury, but common merits issues and aggregate or classwide damages questions can be tried to a jury.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there any prescribed procedural mechanism for the collective settlement of class actions or collective redress proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. \u00a0Rule 23(e) governs settlement, voluntary dismissal, or compromise of certified classes and settlement classes.\u00a0 A court must approve a binding settlement, and a notice-and-hearing process is required. \u00a0Settlement-only classes are permitted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there any judicial oversight for settlements of class actions or collective redress mechanisms?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. \u00a0The court will only approve a settlement after finding that it is fair, reasonable, and adequate after considering representation, arm\u2019s-length negotiation, adequacy of relief, fee terms, side agreements, and equitable treatment across class members.\u00a0 Moreover, objectors may be heard and may appeal<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there any prescribed procedural obligation to undertake alternative dispute resolution (outside of the court system) and, if so, a specified format?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no universal federal class-action-specific ADR mandate. \u00a0Federal law requires court approval for settlements, but whether mediation or other ADR is required usually depends on the assigned judge, local practice, or case-management orders rather than a nationwide rule.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What litigation funding models are available for a class action or collective redress.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The dominant model for funding a class action is plaintiff-side contingency fees and common-fund recoveries.\u00a0 These arrangements can also be supplemented by fee-shifting statutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any restrictions on third-party funding of a class action or collective redress.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no uniform federal prohibition on third-party funding, but some local rules or practices may require disclosure of third-party-funding arrangements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the top three emerging business risks that are the focus of class action or collective redress litigation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Data privacy and cybersecurity claims are a significant source of class-action activity and show no sign of abating.\u00a0 If hackers or other malevolent actors access information held by a company, customers may have a right of action to hold the company liable for damages and for ineffectively safeguarding the information.\u00a0 These cases can give rise to massive, nine-figure settlements.<\/p>\n<p>AI-related class actions are an emerging source of liability not just for companies involved in the business of AI, but also those that use AI in their business.\u00a0 For example, class-action lawsuits have been filed claiming that companies have misrepresented the use of AI, used AI in a manner that violated federal anti-discrimination law, or used AI in a manner that violated the intellectual property rights of authors.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, ESG-related greenwashing and related consumer-fraud cases continue to comprise a large share of class-action suits in the United States.\u00a0 These cases allege that a company made false statements relating to its environmental and sustainability practices, and approximately half filed in 2025 were brought against home and garden or food and beverage companies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What trends in litigation are evident in the last three years in your jurisdiction in respect of class actions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The most significant trend over the past 3-5 years is the continued rise of data-breach and privacy class actions.\u00a0 Data breach filings alone have increased more than 200% since 2022.\u00a0 However, courts grant motions to dismiss these claims at increasingly high rates.\u00a0 The rise of AI-related class actions is another important trend.\u00a0 As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and affect more industries, legal cases \u2013 including class actions \u2013 filed against AI-companies or relating to AI will increase as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Where do you foresee the most significant legal development in the next 12 months in respect of collective redress and class actions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Supreme Court last year granted review of a case that would have decided whether a class seeking damages may be certified where the class includes individuals who were not injured. The Court dismissed that case without deciding it, but other cases presenting the same issue are in the pipeline, and the Court is likely to be on the lookout for a way to decide the issue soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are class actions or collective redress proceedings being brought for \u2018ESG\u2019 matters? If so, how are those claims being framed?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. \u00a0In the U.S., ESG litigation is typically framed as securities fraud based on alleged misstatements or omissions, or as consumer fraud or false advertising, relating to a company\u2019s inaccurate statements relating to its environmental efforts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any proposals for the reform of class actions or collective redress proceedings? If so, what are those proposals?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are always reform proposals for class actions in the United States.\u00a0 The most prominent set of proposals \u2013 which exist at both the state and federal level \u2013 seek to increase transparency and disclosure of third-party funding for litigation (including class actions).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">3025<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/145236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}