Federal Pre-Emption After Wyeth v. Levine

Analyzing the Supreme Court’s Sweeping New Decision; Implications for Product Liability Litigation

Recording of a 90-minute CLE teleconference with Q&A


Conducted on Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Recorded event now available


This seminar will provide a comprehensive analysis of the Wyeth v. Levine ruling, including the current state of the pre-emption defense in product liability litigation, claims that can survive a pre-emption defense, and strategies for litigating cases involving pre-emption issues.

Description

On March 4, 2009, the Supreme Court ruled against Wyeth in a landmark product liability case that will impact all federally regulated industries. Wyeth v. Levine represents a sea change in using the federal pre-emption doctrine as a defense against state tort suits.

The Wyeth decision holds that the FDA’s approval of drugs and their warning labels does not pre-empt stricter state tort laws that allow plaintiffs to sue for injuries sustained while using the drug. It is the third pre-emption opinion issued by the Supreme Court in recent years.

What is the future of the federal pre-emption defense after Wyeth? What issues does the ruling leave open?

Listen as our panel of attorneys analyzes the Wyeth v. Levine ruling and its implications for the future use of the pre-emption defense. The panel will discuss claims that can survive a pre-emption defense and strategies for litigation of cases in which pre-emption may be at issue.

Outline

  1. Wyeth v. Levine, No. 06-1249
    1. Majority opinion
    2. Dissent
  2. Case implications
    1. Significance of decision — a big deal?
    2. Application of decision — easy or difficult to apply?
    3. Interplay with other recent pre-emption decisions
    4. Broad implications
    5. Industry specific implications

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key questions:

  • Where does Wyeth v. Levine leave the federal pre-emption defense in product liability suits?
  • How will Wyeth impact express and implied pre-emption cases in the future?
  • What strategies are available to litigation counsel when arguing for pre-emption in future product liability cases?

Faculty

Scott H. Angstreich, Partner
Kellogg Huber Hansen Todd Evans & Figel, Washington, D.C.

He represented Diana Levine in the Wyeth v. Levine case. He has argued 24 cases in nine different United States Courts of Appeals and before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. His practice encompasses a wide array of regulatory and appellate matters, with a particular focus on administrative law and telecommunications and energy regulation.

J. Russell Jackson, Partner
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, New York

He represents companies in class actions and multijurisdictional litigation involving allegations of products liability and violations of consumer fraud statutes. He lectures frequently and has written numerous articles on class action and products liability issues. He authors the blog, Jackson on Consumer Class Actions and Mass Torts, http://www.consumerclassactionsmasstorts.com/.

Steven B. Weisburd, Partner
Dechert, Austin, Texas

His practice includes general business litigation, class action defense, Mass Torts and Products Liability, and appellate work in the federal and state courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has successfully represented many large corporations and is currently lead trial counsel or legal/strategic counsel in pending litigation for pharmaceutical, tobacco, cable, and outdoor retail industry clients.

Ordering

Online CLE - Audio Recording

Includes audio streaming of full program plus handouts (available 24 hours after live seminar).

CLE: Pre-approved for participatory or non-traditional/alternate format credit in: CA, HI*, NY*, WV*. Pre-approved for self-study credit in: AK, AZ, MO, MT, TX, VT, WA.
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Online CLE Audio $149.00
Available 24 hours after the live event

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Recorded Event

Includes full event recording plus handouts (available after live seminar).

CLE: Pre-approved for self-study credit in: AK, AZ, CA, CT, HI, MO, MT, NY, TX, VT, WA, WV. Upon request, self-study credit is also available in: CO, FL, GA, ID, KY, ME, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OR, UT, WI, WY. If you are applying for self-study credit in one of these states, contact Strafford CLE at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 35 or CLE@straffordpub.com.

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Available 24 hours after the live event

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Available ten business days after the live event

Program Materials

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Program Materials

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Customer Reviews

The panelists covered the topic well and in depth.

Andrea Mealey

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge

I liked the combined depth of information and speed of presentation. Well done!

Andre Dalbec

SAANYS

The speaker's practical discussions were particularly helpful.

Kenneth J. Clarkson

Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton

The program provided good legal references, good bullet points and good scope.

Tim Thomas

Kolesar & Leatham

All of the speakers were very informative, and being able to ask questions was very helpful.

Larry V. Smith

Jackson Walker

Litigation Advisory Board

David R. Cohen

Partner

K&L Gates

Jeffrey J. Fowler

Counsel

O’Melveny & Myers

Jonathan Evan Goldberg

Partner

SNR Denton

Mark E. Goodman

Shareholder

Capes Sokol Goodman & Sarachan

Dean D. Hunt

Partner

Baker & Hostetler

Michael E. Lackey, Jr.

Partner

Mayer Brown

Marie A. Lona

Partner

Winston & Strawn

Anthony T. Pierce

Partner

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld

Robert B. (Barry) Wiggins

Director

Deloitte Financial Advisory Services

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