Presenters were selected from a call for papers.
Tort claims raise both theoretical and practical questions when an individual tortfeasor is associated with an unincorporated firm. Should the firm’s organizational status shield the individual from liability, comparable to a shield against contract claims? When does an individual’s conduct constitute tortious conduct, especially when the individual works as part of a group? And when and to what extent is the firm itself—or its owners—subject to liability? The circumstances under which any firm—whether or not incorporated—should be subject to vicarious liability are highly contested, most recently in the Exxon Valdez litigation before the United States Supreme Court. More generally, should the law differentiate between unincorporated and incorporated firms and their owners in resolving such questions? We anticipate that these issues will lend themselves to multiple methodologies and approaches and will generate lively discussion.
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.