On this episode host Max Goss facilitates a discussion with attorneys Megan Bonanni and Elon Scharf about a historic $380 million settlement for survivors of sexual abuse by Dr. Larry Nassar. The episode explores the litigation strategies, innovative settlement approaches, and the significant non-monetary terms secured to ensure justice for the survivors and institutional reforms for all those who come after these athletes.

Megan and Elon share insights on the challenges posed by institutional failures, how they collaborated with 500 plaintiffs and their legal teams, and the powerful role of survivor testimonies in influencing negotiations. The episode highlights the legal effort to secure both financial compensation and meaningful institutional change for over 500 survivors.

Episode outline

00:20 Brief Overview of the Scope of the Nassar Abuse and the Survivors’ Case

01:29 Participants and Their Roles

03:57 Megan Bonanni on the Criminal and Civil Cases

07:55 USA Gymnastics and Its Culture of Enablement

15:26 Ilan Scharf on Bankruptcy and Mediation Process

25:39 “Game of Thrones” - Negotiation Strategies and Challenges

33:18 Non-Monetary Relief and Important Institutional Reforms that didn’t Make Headlines

40:16 Final Thoughts and Takeaways from Megan Bonanni and Ilan Scharf

42:29 Closing Remarks

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Ilan Scharf bio page

Ilan Scharf on LinkedIn

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP

Megan Bonanni bio page

Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers

Megan Bonanni on LinkedIn

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The Litigation War Room is hosted by litigation attorney Maxwell Goss. Max represents clients in intellectual property and business cases in Michigan and around the country, bringing forceful advocacy and creative solutions to every case he handles.

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