Leveraging Discovery Special Masters in Complex Business Cases: A Case Study
Insights From Plaintiff's Counsel, Defense Counsel and Discovery Special Master
Recording of a 90-minute CLE webinar with Q&A
This CLE course will discuss how using a discovery special master in complex business litigation can save significant fees, costs and time, and help the parties more quickly resolve their dispute. The panel will offer a case study illustrating the advantages of using a discovery special master in a commercial case involving hundreds of document requests, electronically stored information (ESI) from U.S. and international locations, over 100 third-party subpoenas, and more than 100 anticipated depositions, many in foreign jurisdictions.
Outline
- Discovery issues in CryoLife Inc. v. Medafor Inc.
- Deciding whether to use a discovery special master
- Selecting the discovery special master
- Relationship between the court and the discovery special master
- Working with the discovery special master
- Role of discovery special master in mediation and settlement
Benefits
The panel will review these and other key issues:
- The parameters, duties and authority of the discovery special master
- The elements of the order appointing the discovery special master
- The optimal qualities and experience to look for in a discovery special master
- The ethical issues to consider when using a discovery special master
- The role of the discovery special master in facilitating settlement
Faculty

Henry R. Chalmers
Partner
Arnall Golden Gregory
Mr. Chalmers is Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation group, where he focuses his practice on complex litigation and... | Read More
Mr. Chalmers is Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation group, where he focuses his practice on complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution on behalf of public and closely-held companies, consumer reporting agencies, educational institutions, fiduciaries, and government entities. He also serves as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, and he writes and speaks frequently on business litigation and alternative dispute resolution topics.
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Anthony L. Cochran
Partner
Chilivis Cochran Larkins & Bever
Mr. Cochran represents individuals and businesses in a wide variety of matters. He has tried jury trials, bench trials,... | Read More
Mr. Cochran represents individuals and businesses in a wide variety of matters. He has tried jury trials, bench trials, administrative and regulatory hearings, and medical peer review hearings. He has appeared on many panels and spoken at seminars on a variety of topics, including the application of the Daubert rule and a host of topics related to white-collar criminal law and investigations.
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Lisa L. Heller
Partner
Robbins Ross Alloy Belinfante Littlefield
Ms. Heller has litigated and argued appeals in state and federal courts throughout the country. She has particular... | Read More
Ms. Heller has litigated and argued appeals in state and federal courts throughout the country. She has particular expertise in litigation and appeals involving breach of contract, international distribution agreements, trade secrets, stock purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, technology, trademark, and consumer protection class actions.
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