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Seeger Weiss partners Parvin Aminolroaya, Shauna Itri, and Jennifer Scullion recently sat down with Litigation Daily to discuss their paths to securing leadership positions in multidistrict litigations (MDLs) and share insights on the evolving landscape of complex litigation leadership.
The interview comes at a significant moment for all three partners, who have recently secured prominent MDL leadership appointments. Aminolroaya was appointed as co-lead counsel in the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation, Itri was named to the plaintiff’s executive committee in the AT&T Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, and Scullion was appointed co-chair of the provider track plaintiff’s steering committee in the Change Healthcare Data Breach Litigation and to the direct action plaintiffs’ executive committee in the MultiPlan Health Insurance Providers Litigation.
Scullion emphasized the profound responsibility that comes with MDL leadership. “The importance of a leadership position is you’re a trustee appointed by the court to take people’s rights—their claims, their need for redress—and litigate the case on their behalf efficiently, effectively and robustly,” she explained. Drawing from her experience in both defense and plaintiffs’ work, she noted how the plaintiffs’ bar has fostered an especially collaborative environment for emerging leaders.
When asked about securing leadership roles in complex litigation, the partners emphasized the organic nature of the process and the importance of demonstrated experience in previous cases. “It happens more organically,” Itri explained. “For the right cases, we always have been raising our hands for leadership within MDLs and certain sections of it—leading and learning as we go, fine-tuning our skills and experience for the next MDL.”
Aminolroaya highlighted how opportunities to showcase expertise arise through collaboration with colleagues. “In the MDL world, on the plaintiff side, we have the opportunity to work with our colleagues on different projects and that’s the opportunity to show our value-add to the litigation—whether it’s on briefing or experts or depositions.”
The partners also discussed the firm’s emphasis on mentorship and professional development. Scullion pointed to the wealth of guidance available from experienced practitioners across the plaintiffs’ bar, while Aminolroaya was impressed how firm co-founder Chris Seeger consistently looked for opportunities for younger attorneys to develop their skills in significant cases.
Reflecting on changes in the MDL landscape, the partners acknowledged positive developments in diversity and inclusion. “I think things have changed in the last few years,” Aminolroaya observed, noting increased opportunities for women and younger attorneys in leadership roles. She specifically credited judges like Judge Brian Martinotti for encouraging diverse leadership appointments, which has led to broader representation across the MDL bar.
The interview highlights Seeger Weiss’s experience in complex litigation and its commitment to developing strong leaders who can effectively advocate for plaintiffs in significant matters. Jen, Parvin, and Shauna exemplify the collaborative spirit at Seeger Weiss, demonstrating that effective MDL leadership is cultivated through mentorship, experience, and a commitment to client advocacy.
To learn more, you can read the full interview:
Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter.