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Comprehensive pre-settlement preparation will make the difference between a smooth, economical settlement process and a process which is needlessly complex and over budget. Before you begin working with opposing counsel on a settlement agreement, talk to CAA about maximizing the return on your settlement administration effort.
Below is an overview of a few of Class Action Administration's pre-settlement services.
Pre-Settlement Consulting Services
Through our Pre-Settlement Consulting Services, CAA will prepare the administration phase for smooth and cost-effective execution. We will analyze how best to identify class members, notify them, design an efficient claims process, review benefit calculations , and help maximize class member benefits. At the end of this consulting engagement, you will have a detailed plan for the settlement administration that will be used to finalize the settlement terms and obtain preliminary approval from the court.
Notify appropriate officials of proposed settlement
CAFA requires that appropriate state and federal officials be notified within 10 days of the proposed settlement being filed with the court. CAA manages this process through our proprietary database of the officials who need to be notified. See our CAFA page for more details on our CAFA Official Notification services.
Review settlement terms and identify alternatives
With CAA's experience, we will identify potential gaps, issues, and points of clarification that will improve the remainder of the settlement management. The early review of settlement terms by CAA will improve the claims administration process.
Develop allocation methodologies / serve as Special Master
Leveraging our experience in developing damage models, CAA has developed allocation methodologies and testified regarding the fairness of these methodologies. CAA's president, Matthew E. Pohl, has also served as Special Master. After the allocation methodology is designed specifically for the claims administration process, the transition to the administration phase of the case is seamless.
Identify class members
Depending on the case, identifying class members may be simple or complex. In order to eliminate any reason for the court to overturn the settlement or require re-notification, it is essential that the class member list be comprehensive. CAA will work with the parties to compile the class list, or CAA will audit an existing class list to ensure that it is complete.
Preliminary approval hearing support
CAA will develop a notice and administration plan to satisfy the court's requirements. We will then provide testimony on the adequacy of the notice plan at the preliminary and final approval hearings.