Class Actions: The Law of 50 States is an up-to-date step-by-step guide to: identifying a potential class action; determining ex parte class certification; conducting pre-certification discovery; selecting a proper class representative; preparing pleadings and pre-certification motion papers; responding to motions and counterclaims; fulfilling requirements for class certification; delivering timely and proper notice to class members; pursuing the case through discovery and trial, or settling the case and winning the court's approval; and satisfying the rigorous guidelines governing fee awards.

This comprehensive resource analyzes the effect of the Supreme Courts decision in Rent-A-Center v. Jackson in future class action cases. The advantages and disadvantages of noncash settlements and suggestions for avoiding problems with class counsel fees are discussed. Also featured is an explanation of settlement stipulations, aggregation and distribution of settlement coupons and cy pres settlements.