Michael G. Stag, Esq. and Ashley Liuzza, Esq.
Presentaiton Title:
Navigating PFAS Litigation: Securing Municipal Remediation Funds
Michael G. Stag, Esq., Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner and Ashley Liuzza, Esq., Chief Operating Officer & Partner, Stag Liuzza, LLC
Abstract:
This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the legal strategies and current overview of PFAS litigation, focusing on how municipal lawyers can protect clients and secure funds for PFAS remediation. As environmental concerns and regulations intensify, municipal attorneys must understand statute of limitations issues, emerging regulations, and the current status of nationwide PFAS litigation, including the importance of timely action. Mike Stag is a court appointed member of the Plaintiff’s Executive Committee for the AFFF MDL, the national PFAS litigation resulting in settlements currently valued at more than $12.5 billion. He will share critical insights into the current settlements, future settlements, MDL status, significant deadlines, and the role of municipal attorneys in protecting public health by securing financial resources for their communities.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the legal and regulatory implications of PFAS contamination and how these issues drive litigation
- The objectives and current status of AFFF MDL litigation.
- The general terms and status of current settlements and amount of expected payments.
- Gain insight into the scope, critical steps, and deadlines related to the current and pending settlements.
- Learn how to navigate the legal process to secure funds to remediate PFAS contamination.
- Explore case studies of municipal entities that have successfully secured funding through PFAS litigation.
- Understand the various defendants, plaintiffs, and damage claims related to the AFFF MDL and settlements.
Stag Bio:
Michael G. Stag is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner at Stag Liuzza. A seasoned litigator, Mike is known for his work in environmental and toxic tort law, having secured over $300 million in settlements and more than $1 billion in jury verdicts. He pioneered Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM) litigation and is passionate about holding corporations accountable for environmental harm. Mike earned his MBA and Juris Doctorate from Loyola University in New Orleans and has represented clients in landmark cases, including a $1.056 billion verdict against ExxonMobil. He resides in New Orleans with his family.
Liuzza Bio:
Recognized as a leader in environmental and complex litigation, Ashley Liuzza serves as Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Stag Liuzza. With a distinguished career focused on environmental pollution claims, toxic exposure cases, and mineral royalty disputes, Ashley has represented residents, landowners, and mineral owners across Louisiana and across the country. Her dedication to leveling the playing field for her clients against major corporations in the oil and gas industry has led to numerous successful resolutions and significant remediation efforts.
Ashley’s notable trial work includes representing hundreds of residents impacted by industrial air pollution and oil and gas contamination, such as her role in Nolan, et al. v. Exxon Mobil Corp., et al., and cases involving environmental damages after Hurricane Katrina. Her leadership extends to major class actions, including her appointment as co-lead class counsel in Wheeler, et al. v. Arkema, et al., representing over 20,000 class members following industrial fires during Hurricane Harvey.
Why Is This Topic Relevant Now?
Environmental litigation continues to play a critical role as communities face increasing threats from pollution and toxic exposure. With regulatory changes and heightened scrutiny on industrial practices, there is an urgent need for legal professionals to advocate for impacted communities and secure necessary resources for remediation. Ashley’s extensive experience, including her leadership roles in complex litigation, positions her to provide unparalleled insight into navigating these challenges.
Additional Comments
Ashley Liuzza’s ability to combine her extensive legal acumen with compassionate representation helps her clients receive both remediation and justice. Her track record of success, coupled with her commitment to advancing