Name: Class Action Law Forum™ Data Breach Summit
Start: 2026-09-22T08:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-09-22T17:00:00-04:00
Location: University of San Diego Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies

Class Action Law Forum™ Data Breach Summit

We are excited to host Western Alliance Bank's Class Action Law Forum^TM in collaboration with the University of San Diego School of Law. This Fall's program is focused on Data Breach litigation and supports the Western Alliance Bank Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to USD School of Law students in need.

Join us for this one-day summit as we hear from sitting federal judges and leading defense and plaintiffs' attorneys as they share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of data breach litigation. Attendees will gain actionable insights, hear more on emerging trends and learn how these issues are shaping businesses, law firms and clients.

Thursday

,

September

1

6:00pm

–

9:00pm

EDT

RSVP

Class Action Law Forum™ Data Breach Summit

We are excited to host Western Alliance Bank's Class Action Law Forum^TM in collaboration with the University of San Diego School of Law. This Fall's program is focused on Data Breach litigation and supports the Western Alliance Bank Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to USD School of Law students in need.

Join us for this one-day summit as we hear from sitting federal judges and leading defense and plaintiffs' attorneys as they share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of data breach litigation. Attendees will gain actionable insights, hear more on emerging trends and learn how these issues are shaping businesses, law firms and clients.

Thursday

,

September

1

6:00pm

–

9:00pm

EDT

RSVP

Class Action Law Forum™ Data Breach Summit

We are excited to host Western Alliance Bank's Class Action Law Forum^TM in collaboration with the University of San Diego School of Law. This Fall's program is focused on Data Breach litigation and supports the Western Alliance Bank Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to USD School of Law students in need.

Join us for this one-day summit as we hear from sitting federal judges and leading defense and plaintiffs' attorneys as they share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of data breach litigation. Attendees will gain actionable insights, hear more on emerging trends and learn how these issues are shaping businesses, law firms and clients.

Tuesday

,

March

31

–

Wednesday

,

April

1

Western Alliance Bank Scholarship Fund

Class Action Law Forum^TM Data Breach Summit registration and sponsorship proceeds directly benefit the Western Alliance Bank Scholarship Fund, supporting a law student at University of San Diego School of Law, who is in financial need and also participates in CALF. The scholarship fund provides law students at USD the financial support they need to focus on their studies and other necessities while on their journey to becoming a practicing attorney. It is a distinct privilege to support the law students at USD.

Samantha Weber was the recipient of our 2025 scholarship and also participated in supporting several panels during our Class Action Law Forum.

Mass Torts Summit Agenda

Subject to change

Day 1 - Tuesday, March 31

8:00 am - 8:40 am

Breakfast

8:40 am - 8:45 am

Welcome and Opening Remarks

8:45 am - 9:15 am

From First Click to Final Payment: Using Identity Data Science to De-Risk Mass Tort Litigation

Mass tort litigation has a fraud and data quality problem that starts before a retainer is signed and follows the case all the way to final disbursement. This session traces the full client lifecycle — from intake marketing through final payment — and examines where identity data science can reduce bad actors, protect settlement funds, and improve outcomes for plaintiffs, law firms, and their capital partners. The session also examines how cleaner intake data benefits the full lifecycle, including how firms and their partners can use it to improve lead generation campaign performance.

Moderator: Francesca Castagnola, Western Alliance Bank

Panelists: Don Beshada, Covalynt; Brian Heller, Covalynt

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Who is the Civil Justice System Serving? Access, Representation, and Power in Modern Mass Torts

A candid forward-looking conversation about equity and intentionality in mass tort litigation. The panel will examine who benefits most from today’s civil justice system, who may be underserved or overlooked, while exploring how case sourcing, leadership, referral networks, funding structures, and vendor relationships shape opportunity and influence. Beyond hiring statistics, the discussion will consider how representation operates at every stage of a case’s life cycle and what collaborative, transparent approaches can strengthen inclusion, access, and accountability across the mass tort ecosystem.

Moderator: Bre Alexander, Wagstaff Law Firm
Panelists: Sindhu Daniel, Scott + Scott; Jamie Powers, Dolman Law Group; Hon. Winifred Smith (Ret.), ADR Services, Inc.; Brooke West Blake, EisnerAmper

10:15 am - 11:15 am

Regulating Innovation: State Law Developments and the Governance of Alternative Business Structures

An examination of emerging state legislative efforts to regulate evolving legal service models and the role of state bars in overseeing Alternative Business Structures (ABS). The panel will explore recent reforms, pilot programs, consumer protection concerns, professional independence, and the broader implications for complex litigation practice and law firm structure.

Moderator: Ed Gehres, Invenio LLP

Panelists: Robert Drakulich, The Drakulich Firm; Jonathan Floyd, Floyd Law, PC; Shalimar Wallis, Guerra LLP

11:15 am - 11:30 am

Break

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Artificial Intelligence in Mass Torts: Emerging Uses, Recent Developments, and Ethical Boundaries

A timely discussion of how AI is being integrated into complex litigation, from document review and data analysis to expert preparation and trial presentation, and the practical benefits and risks that accompany its use. The panel will examine recent developments, evolving judicial expectations, disclosure considerations, privilege concerns, and professional responsibility principles shaping ethical AI deployment in MDL practice.

Moderator: Katherine Cornell, Cornell & Greene, PLLC

Panelists: Matthew Haynie, Forester Haynie Law Firm; Trent Miracle, Flint Cooper; Marie Ianniello Occhigrossi, Weitz and Luxenburg

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Lunch

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Mass Torts and Moral Judgment: Ethical Dimensions of Consolidated Sex Abuse Litigation

A thoughtful discussion of the distinctive challenges presented by consolidated sex abuse cases. The panel will examine survivor autonomy, confidentiality, aggregate resolution pressures, statute of limitations reforms, trauma-informed litigation practices, and the tension between efficiency and individualized justice. The conversation will also explore the responsibilities of courts and counsel balancing procedural fairness, public accountability, and the moral weight these carry within the civil system.

Moderator: Lee Floyd, Floyd Law, PC

Panelists: Hon. Gail A. Andler (Ret.), JAMS; Anne Andrews, Andrews Higgins; Todd Mathews, Bailey & Glasser, LLP; Hon. Randa M. Trapp (Ret.), JAMS

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Structuring Effective Bellwether Selection

A focused discussion on how bellwether cases are selected in MDLs and the practical challenges that shape the process. The panel will examine how selection mechanisms affect representativeness, trial outcomes, and downstream resolution, and will consider best practices for maintaining balance.

Moderator: Seth Katz, Burg Simpson

Panelists: Hon. Philip Calabrese, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio; Randall Christian, Bowman & Brooke LLP; Rip Finst, Thermo Fisher Scientific

3:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Break

3:45 pm - 4:45 pm

Efficiency in MDL Management: Tools, Tradeoffs, and Practical Innovations

A court-centered discussion of what “efficiency” means in modern MDLs and how it can be achieved without compromising fairness or due process. The panel will examine case management orders, discovery strategies, technology integration, coordinated motion
practice and effective use of show cause orders, data-driven oversight, and other structural tools that streamline proceedings while maintaining transparency and balance.

Moderator: Ashlie Case Sletvold, Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise, LLP

Panelists: Rachel Abrams, Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise, LLP; Jen Alpert, Rubris Inc.; Alyson Steele Beridon, Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall PLLC

4:45 pm

Closing Remarks

Day 2 - Wednesday, April 1

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Breakfast

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Opening Remarks

9:15 am - 10:15 am

From Bellwether Trial to Forward Strategy: Emerging Lessons and Evolving Trends

The panel will examine patterns that are developing across recent bellwether proceedings and consider how those trends are shaping trial practice and provide thoughts on post-verdict strategy moving forward.

Panelists: Lori Cohen, Greenberg Traurig; John Gomez, Gomez Trial Attorneys; Alex Walsh, Anapol Weiss

10:15 - 10:30 am

Litigation Funding

Steve Mingle, Counsel Financial

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Morning Mimosas and Networking

11:00 am - 11:15 am

Break

11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Candor in the Crosshairs: Transparency, Advocacy, and Ethical Boundaries in Modern Litigation

A critical examination of whether the profession is experiencing a shift in norms surrounding candor towards courts and opposing counsel. The panel will explore developments in written advocacy, discovery responses, conferral practices, and electronic communications, and consider how evolving tactics, technology, and high-stakes litigation pressures affect professional responsibility. The discussion will focus on practical safeguards, judicial tools, and expectations that reinforce credibility and trust in the adversarial system.

Moderator: Nicholas Drakulich, The Drakulich Firm

Panelists: Michelle Acosta, Michelle Acosta Law; Tommy Fibich, Fibich Law; Hon. Herbert Hoffman (Ret.)

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

Loose Ends & Live Issues: Emerging Topics in Mass Torts and Complex Litigation

A fast-paced discussion covering other timely developments and practical issues that are shaping the practice of MDLs and complex litigation. Panelists will address a series of shorter topics offering brief insights and open discussion on issues currently on practitioners’ and courts’ radars.

Panelists: Emily Acosta, Wagstaff Law Firm; Hon. Roger Benitez, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California; Ethan Greene, Cornell & Greene, PLLC; Jennifer Hoekstra, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz; Buffy Martines, Laminack, Pirtle & Martines, LLP

1:15 pm

Closing Remarks

1:30 pm

Lunch

Additional Confirmed Panelists

Erin Copeland, Fibich Leebron, Copeland & Briggs

Ben Crump, Ben Crump Law

Trent Miracle, Flint Cooper, LLC

Michelle Ianniello Occhigrossi, Wetiz & Luxenburg

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

The Class Action Law Forum - Mass Tort Summit room block at the Pendry San Diego will be available soon.

Pendry San Diego

550 J Street
San Diego, CA 92101

Reserve

2026 Agenda and Speaker List

Melissa Larrimore

Finance Director

Melissa Larrimore has a diverse professional background spanning several industries and decades. Their current role is Finance Director where they are building the Openform innovation and strategy lab. They have focused on strategic financial analysis as well as operational efficiency and implementation.

Claire Martin

Art Director

Claire Martin has a diverse professional background spanning several industries and decades. Their current role is Art Director where they are building the Openform innovation and strategy lab. They have focused on strategic financial analysis as well as operational efficiency and implementation.

James Lenker

Finance Administrator

James Lenker has a diverse professional background spanning several industries and decades. Their current role is Finance Administrator where they are building the Conflix innovation and strategy lab. They have focused on strategic financial analysis as well as operational efficiency and implementation.

Molly Pablo

Infrastructure Engineer

Molly Pablo has a diverse professional background spanning several industries and decades. Their current role is Infrastructure Engineer where they are building the Bananas, Inc. innovation and strategy lab. They have focused on strategic financial analysis as well as operational efficiency and implementation.

Schedule of events (2 Column with additional text)

12 pm

Welcome and Introductions

Our VP of Product Marketing, Ingrid Wantuch, kicks off the event with a welcome message.

Location: Blue Room

1 pm

Plenary Session

Speaker presentation by our Co-Founders Timothy Staples and Jeffrey Hunt.

Location: Pink Room

2 pm

Roundtable Discussion: “What Makes an Effective Virtual Event?”

“What Makes an Effective Virtual Event?” is a roundtable panel, hosted by moderator Leslie Patel.

Location: Orange Room

Schedule of events (multi-column Light Bkg)

Day 1

12 pm

Welcome and Introductions

Our VP of Product Marketing, Ingrid Wantuch, kicks off the event with a welcome message.

1 pm

Plenary Session

Speaker presentation by our Co-Founders Timothy Staples and Jeffrey Hunt.

2 pm

Roundtable Discussion: “What Makes an Effective Virtual Event?”

“What Makes an Effective Virtual Event?” is a roundtable panel, hosted by moderator Leslie Patel.

Day 2

12 pm

Networking Break

Gather in the Main Hall for refreshments and to network with your colleagues.

1 pm

Workshops

“Kanban for Teams,” Lily Montenegro, Room A
“New Ideas in Accessibility,” Don Schifrin, Room C

2 pm

Keynote Presentation

Author and critic Ben Sydney will speak about their latest joint venture with the International Space Station.

Schedule of events (multi-column Dark Bkg)

Day 1

12 pm

Welcome and Introductions

Our VP of Product Marketing, Ingrid Wantuch, kicks off the event with a welcome message.

1 pm

Plenary Session

Speaker presentation by our Co-Founders Timothy Staples and Jeffrey Hunt.

2 pm

Roundtable Discussion: “What Makes an Effective Virtual Event?”

“What Makes an Effective Virtual Event?” is a roundtable panel, hosted by moderator Leslie Patel.

Day 2

12 pm

Networking Break

Gather in the Main Hall for refreshments and to network with your colleagues.

1 pm

Workshops

“Kanban for Teams,” Lily Montenegro, Room A
“New Ideas in Accessibility,” Don Schifrin, Room C

2 pm

Keynote Presentation

Author and critic Ben Sydney will speak about their latest joint venture with the International Space Station.

Details

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Thursday

,

September

1

6:00pm

–

9:00pm

EDT

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. EDT

RSVP

Speakers ( 2 column)

Phyllis Smith

Director of Finance

Phyllis Smith will be speaking about their experience working as an event marketer.

Gregory Shaw

Director of Finance

Gregory Shaw will be speaking about their experience as an art director and organizer of design events.

Agenda at a Glance

Join leading plaintiff and defense attorneys, judges and industry experts for a full day of discussion on the evolving data breach litigation landscape, including:

Emerging Issues in Data Breach Litigation
Class Certification Battle in Data Breach Cases
Judge's Perspective: What Makes or Breaks a Data Breach Case
Administration of Data Breach Settlements
Innovative Distribution Plans for Data Breach Settlements
Looking Ahead: The Future of Data Breach Class Actions

Kassandra Quintana is a host of exceptional ability. Studies show that a vast majority of guests attending events by Kassandra have been known to leave more elated than visitors to Santa's Workshop, The Lost of Continent of Atlantis, and the Fountain of Youth.

Data Breach Summit Steering Committee