Experienced Neutrals and Established Processes for Complex Mass Tort Resolution
Mass tort matters demand more than the resolution of individual cases. They involve coordinated proceedings encompassing numerous individual claims arising from allegedly defective products, toxic exposures, large-scale disasters, sexual abuse or other widespread harms. These proceedings require disciplined processes, informed judgment and the capacity to manage significant claim volumes with consistency, transparency and credibility.
Mass tort and multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceedings call for customized, court-aware resolution frameworks shaped by the needs of the litigation, the parties and the claims at issue. Courts and parties turn to JAMS to help design and support those frameworks, whether through individual neutral appointments, coordinated settlement efforts or tailored ADR programs that function across jurisdictions and claim volumes.
As an institutional ADR resource in mass tort matters nationwide, JAMS works with courts, counsel and parties to support coordinated resolution structures that can withstand scrutiny across thousands of claims. Supported by dedicated case administration teams, JAMS helps implement processes designed to promote procedural rigor, operational consistency and finality in complex, multiparty proceedings.
Seeking Information Regarding Mass Arbitration Procedures?
JAMS maintains separate Mass Arbitration Procedures and Guidelines for coordinated high-volume arbitration filings.
Looking for Class Action ADR Services?
JAMS offers separate ADR services for class action matters.
Court-Appointed and Party-Selected Roles in Mass Tort Proceedings
Supported by dedicated case administration teams, experienced JAMS neutrals serve in court-appointed and party-selected roles throughout the life cycle of mass tort and MDL proceedings, supporting structured and coordinated resolution efforts across complex, multiparty matters.
JAMS provides court-appointed and party-selected neutrals, including special masters, discovery referees and settlement masters, for:
- Court-appointed settlement and discovery oversight in mass tort and MDL proceedings
- Mass tort mediation and coordinated settlement efforts
- Post-settlement allocation processes and allocator services
- Preapproved appeals frameworks and related ADR services
- Customized dispute resolution protocols for complex, multiparty proceedings
Building ADR Programs for High-Volume Mass Tort Matters
In some mass tort matters, parties need more than an individual neutral. They need a coordinated dispute resolution program built to support a large volume of claims with consistency, transparency and administrative discipline.
JAMS works with counsel and stakeholders to develop and support customized ADR frameworks for high-volume mass tort and MDL matters, including the assembly of neutral panels, centralized case coordination, structured scheduling protocols and administrative processes tailored to the needs of the case.
Supported by experienced case administration teams, JAMS can help implement programs to move matters forward efficiently while maintaining flexibility for the parties, the claims process and the demands of the proceeding.
JAMS may support high-volume mass tort and MDL programs through:
- Panels of experienced neutrals aligned to the needs of the matter
- Centralized case coordination and scheduling support
- Custom procedures, protocols and workflow design
- Streamlined submission, invoicing and session logistics
- Dedicated administrative teams and a single point of contact
For information regarding court-appointed services, mass tort mediation, high-volume ADR program development, arbitration frameworks or MDL-related ADR services, contact JAMS.
Bringing Efficiency to Mass Tort Matters
Mass tort proceedings require sustained procedural oversight and disciplined case progression. JAMS neutrals assist courts and counsel in managing timelines, resolving interim disputes and maintaining momentum across complex, multiparty dockets.
Convening the case
JAMS neutrals may be appointed to organize proceedings and establish structured resolution processes designed to promote consistency and efficiency in complex, multiparty mass tort cases.
Ongoing case management and discovery
Supported by experienced case administration teams, JAMS neutrals oversee discovery and e-discovery processes designed to reduce friction and keep proceedings on schedule.
Post-settlement work
Following settlement, JAMS neutrals may oversee or support allocation processes and settlement matrices that promote transparency, efficiency and finality.
Why Courts and Parties Rely on JAMS
- Ability to support large, multijurisdictional mass tort and MDL proceedings through coordinated teams of neutrals, dedicated case administration and customized ADR program structures
- Extensive experience helping courts and counsel manage large volumes of mass tort claims, mass tort settlements and post-settlement processes
- Dedicated case administration support, streamlined logistics and modern hearing facilities, including secure virtual and hybrid capabilities
- Institutional standards, established procedures and ongoing professional development across the JAMS panel, supported by the JAMS Institute
- Flexible ADR frameworks designed for complex proceedings, where consistency, transparency and procedural rigor are essential
JAMS neutrals bring decades of experience across a wide range of mass tort matters, including pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, consumer product claims, environmental and toxic tort matters, disaster-related claims, and sexual abuse and misconduct claims.