Class Actions Practice (LAW463H1S)

At a Glance

Second Term
Credits
3
Hours
2

Enrolment

Maximum
25
22 JD
3 LLM/SJD/MSL/NDEGS/SJD U

Schedule

W: 6:10 - 8:00
Instructor(s): Michael Eizenga

This course is designed to complement Class Actions Law (LAW462H1F); however, Class Actions law is not a prerequisite.

Class proceedings constitute a growing and cutting edge practice area in which the legal landscape is constantly evolving. This course has an intensely practical focus and is designed to provide an introduction to the practice of conducting class actions litigation in Canada.
Although the course will consider the policy objectives of the class action regime and will discuss the key cases and central legal principles underlying class actions practice today, the focus will be on specific practice areas within the class actions regime. That is, the course will be structured around the areas of law most commonly dealt with in the actual practice of class actions: securities, price fixing, product liability, environmental and employment law. The course will also address common practical concerns for practitioners including defence and plaintiff strategies, fees, costs and business issues, co-counsel relationships, communications with clients, class members and the media, as well as ethical concerns.

Evaluation
This course is intended to be dynamic and while it will be conducted in lecture format, students are expected to actively participate in the classes. However, in addition to lectures, on occasion course content will be delivered by the professor and other practitioners providing demonstrations of motion arguments typically seen in the class proceedings court room. Students will be evaluated on the basis of: 1. Midterm take-home test (maximum 3,000 – 3,500 words): Fact Pattern and short answers (45%); 2. Final assignment consisting of preparation of actual motion materials that would be used in a class actions practice (maximum 3,000 – 3,500 words): Based on fact patterns provided by the professor (45%); 3. Class participation (attendance and input into discussions) (10%).