US litigation: A time for optimism

Stephen Anthony is quoted in a CDR Magazine article examining litigation challenges in 2018 and beyond. According to Anthony, "Our clients generally are bullish about the business environment, with the stock market at record highs and consumer confidence relatively high.” He says, "Overall, we don’t foresee a drop in the volume or significance of US litigation.”

Commenting on the decision by the Trump Administration not to proceed with a proposed ban on the use of arbitration agreements in financial services case, Anthony says, "Corporate counsel supervising U.S. consumer financial services litigation can breathe a sigh of relief” at the news “since the CFPB’s rule would have made it easier to bring class actions against their clients.”

He adds, “Assuming the Administration makes good on its promise to continue reducing regulatory burdens, we could see an increase in uncertainty alongside an increase in business activity,” given that “more uncertainty leads to more disputes.” Likewise, he feels, “changes in the tax code may result in disputes–not only tax controversies per se, but also disputes among companies as a result of changes in their existing business arrangements.”