{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Rules of the Mass Tort Game","description":"Attorney Sara Papantonio joins host Mirena Umizaj Dumas for a candid conversation about what mass tort work truly demands. From long timelines and real risk to the relationships that ultimately determine outcomes, Sara shares how she found her path into mass torts, what it has been like building her own name while working alongside her father, Mike Papantonio, and what she learned stepping into an eight-week talc trial on short notice that resulted in a major plaintiff verdict. They also discuss how firms should think about entering and navigating the mass tort landscape, the importance of understanding the \u201crules of the game,\u201d why diversification matters, and how pressure points across MDL and state court strategies shape outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Sara and Mirena emphasize the role of judgment, partnership, and long-term thinking, as well as how technology and AI are being used to support, not replace, thoughtful legal work. Key Topics Covered: \u2022 Why mass torts require a long-term, 7\u201310 year mindset \u2022 The unwritten rules of the mass tort space and why firms get burned \u2022 How to evaluate risk, partnerships, and involvement level before entering a case \u2022 MDL versus state court strategies and where real pressure is applied \u2022 The value of a fresh perspective in trial storytelling and jury communication \u2022 Recruiting, developing, and retaining young plaintiff-side talent \u2022 Practical ways technology and AI are improving efficiency without replacing judgment About Our Guest: Sara Papantonio is an attorney at Levin Papantonio, where she focuses her practice on mass tort litigation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Journalism from the University of North Carolina and her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2020, graduating cum laude. Sara litigates pharmaceutical, environmental, mass tort, and personal injury cases nationwide and has significant federal court experience as an active member of multiple mass tort litigation teams. She is currently working on the Camp Lejeune litigation and the Infant Formula MDL. She is a frequent CLE speaker, including at Mass Torts Made Perfect and Harris Martin Conferences, and is published in legal journals across the country. Sara served as the 2024 President of National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40 and represents Florida as a Board of Governor for the American Association for Justice. She also serves on the Board of Governors for the Florida Justice Association, including as the 2024 Chair of the Young Lawyers Section. \ud83d\udd17 Links from the Episode: \u2022 Learn more about Levin Papantonio: https:\/\/levinlaw.com \u2022 Connect with Mirena + Strategic Legal Consulting: https:\/\/mirenaandco.com   Podcast production by Bebo Hajec of EMH Group Agency-Level Marketing, Without the Overhead | https:\/\/www.emhgroup.co ","author_name":"The Heart of Law","author_url":"http:\/\/heartoflaw.libsyn.com\/website","html":"