Guides: Class Actions Treatises: Introduction

Introductory Resources

Class Actions and Other Multi-Party Litigation in a Nutshell by Robert Klonoff
Call Number: Reading Room Study Aids KF8896.Z9 K586
Thoroughly covers federal class actions and other multi-party litigation, including case law, applicable rules and statutes, and important secondary sources. Covers all of the major topics of class action law and practice, such as commencement of a class action, requirements for class certification, class action discovery, notice to class members, opt-out rights, Seventh Amendment and due process issues, class settlements, remedies, appellate review, issue and claim preclusion, ethical issues, ADR, and third-party financing. Also contains a special focus on securities, mass tort, and employment discrimination class actions, as well as treatment of federal multidistrict litigation, defendant class actions, bankruptcy, joinder devices under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and shareholder derivative suits. Explores the latest cutting-edge issues in multi-party litigation and discusses numerous ground-breaking court decisions. This latest edition also contains a detailed treatment of the 2018 amendments to the federal class action rule. Class Actions and Other Multi-Party Litigation in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.

Newberg and Rubenstein on Class Actions by William B. Rubenstein
Call Number: KF8896 .N4
This multi-volume treatise is considered a premier work on the law and conduct of class actions. It discusses the theory and fundamental characteristics of the class action, examining benefits, controversies, and judicial remedy. Updated semi-annually. Newberg and Rubenstein on Class Actions is also available online via Westlaw.

Class Actions: The Law of 50 States by Thomas A. Dickerson
The Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 removed many class actions from state to federal district court. The ramifications of this legislation are explored here. It provides guidance on: identifying a potential class action; determining ex parte class certification; conducting pre-certification discovery; selecting a proper class representative; preparing pleadings and pre-certification motion papers; responding to adversary's motions and counterclaims; fulfilling requirements for class certification; delivering timely and proper notice to class members; pursuing the case through discovery and trial, settling the case and winning the court's approval; and satisfying the rigorous guidelines governing fee awards. It is a looseleaf which is updated when necessary.
McLaughlin on Class Actions by Joseph M. McLaughlin
This treatise synthesizes case law and legislation concerning Federal Rule 23, its state analogs, and the Class Action Fairness Act.