Wildfires have become an unwelcome part of life in California and across the western United States. As fire seasons grow longer and more destructive, the legal aftermath is likewise exploding. Tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and insurers turn to mediation to resolve claims arising from wildfire-related catastrophic losses.

JAMS neutrals Cathy Yanni, Michael G. Ornstil and Viggo Boserup have each played a central role in landmark wildfire settlement programs. Cathy Yanni was the trustee for the Fire Victim Trust, which involved more than $14.2 billion and 70,000 claimants. She is also one of the special masters for the Maui Wildfires Compensation Program, which consists of roughly $3.75 billion for 25,000 victims. Their work as neutrals in wildfire mass torts takes them to where process, technology and empathy converge on a scale once reserved for multidistrict litigation.

These neutrals provide a candid look at what distinguishes wildfire mass torts from traditional and complex litigation cases, and what lawyers should understand about this unique arena.

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