A Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) is a group of lawyers that is assigned to manage a complex lawsuit, such as wildfire mass tort litigation. It is a group council that is appointed to represent the interests of the plaintiffs (those who suffered harm) involved in the case. The PSC’s purpose is to help plaintiffs manage discovery and litigation.
What Role Does a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee Play in Wildfire Litigation?
When the court organizes a mass tort or multidistrict litigation, it creates a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee to help navigate the case on behalf of all involved plaintiffs. The group’s purpose is to perform the necessary work on the case.
The PSC becomes the main point of contact for plaintiffs when they wish to get updates. Tasks accomplished by a PSC typically include preserving and collecting evidence, gathering relevant documents and records, interviewing eyewitnesses, handling depositions, connecting with relevant experts, and handling the paperwork involved in a particular case.
The attorneys on the PSC are also directly involved in settlement negotiations and court trials. During wildfire litigation, the members of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee can shape legal arguments against a utility company or another defendant using proven strategies and key evidence.
Who Is Chosen to Be On a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee?
Members of a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee are carefully chosen by the presiding judge on the multi-district litigation or mass tort. A judge will choose the attorneys who will make up the PSC based on their particular skills, knowledge, qualifications and past case experience. A wildfire litigation PSC, for instance, would be made up of lawyers with a history of handling other wildfire injury cases for plaintiffs.
The Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for Eaton Fire Litigation Has Been Established
On March 13, 2025, litigation began against Southern California Edison (SCE) for the Eaton Canyon wildfire. In August of 2026, the Los Angeles County Fire Department officially confirmed that the cause of the fire was electrical arcing on an out-of-service SCE transmission tower.
Shortly after the initial lawsuits were filed, the courts consolidated the two lead Eaton Fire cases and appointed the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. The PSC includes Attorneys Steve Lopez, Keller Rohrback and Jessica Teevan. As of the latest update, bellwether trial cases have been scheduled to begin on January 25, 2027.
How a PSC Works Together With Private Wildfire Lawyers
If you were affected by the Eaton Fire in California or are involved in another complex litigation where a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee has been appointed, you still have the right to hire your own California wildfire lawyer for individual representation. Your lawyer will coordinate with the PSC that has been appointed to the case by the federal or state court judge.
Together, the Committee and your attorney will make the best possible decisions for your case and financial recovery. The PSC will handle the basic legwork that benefits every plaintiff involved while your personal lawyer will focus entirely on you and your individual case.
Hiring your own attorney can help ensure fair compensation for your specific losses, such as property damage or destruction, business losses, bodily injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Your lawyer will work hard on your behalf to maximize your settlement or judgment award alongside the services provided by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee.
For a free consultation about Eaton Fire litigation or your specific claim with one of the most experienced wildfire attorneys in California, contact Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian.