Episode 4.4: The Rules of the Mass Tort Game
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 “rules of the game,” 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:
Why mass torts require a long-term, 7–10 year mindset
The unwritten rules of the mass tort space and why firms get burned
How to evaluate risk, partnerships, and involvement level before entering a case
MDL versus state court strategies and where real pressure is applied
The value of a fresh perspective in trial storytelling and jury communication
Recruiting, developing, and retaining young plaintiff-side talent
Practical ways technology and AI are improving efficiency without replacing judgment
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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.
🔗 LINKS FROM THE SHOW:
• Learn more about Levin Papantonio: https://levinlaw.com
• Connect with Mirena + Strategic Legal Consulting: https://mirenaandco.com
Podcast production by Bebo Hajec of EMH Group
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