May 17, 2004

The syndicated columnist takes a look at the Schwartz v. Citibank class action, and also points out a couple of weaknesses in a much-hyped new study by Cornell law professor Theodore Eisenberg and NYU law professor Geoffrey P. Miller which found no upward trend in the average amount of settlements or fees in 370 class actions recorded in court decisions from 1993 to 2002. (syndicated/Reason Online, Jan. 9; see Jonathan D. Glater, "Study Disputes View of Costly Surge in Class-Action Suits", New York Times, Jan. 14; "Attorneys Fees in Class Action Settlements: An Empirical Study", Sept. 24).

[cross-posted from Overlawyered, where it ran Jan. 16, 2004]