Frank Citera, an alumnus of Miami Law and a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig in Chicago, is a nationally recognized trial lawyer known for his expertise in product liability, toxic torts, class actions, and complex litigation. Chair of the National Alumni Advisory Council of the Law Alumni Association and adjunct professor at Miami Law, where he teaches toxic torts in the spring semester, he was invited to publish an article for the University of Miami Law Review, focusing on the use of public nuisance in the national opioid litigation. He agreed as long as he could collaborate with a law review member, which led to his partnership with Julia Steiner, a third-year law student and articles and comments editor of the UMLR.
"This was the first time I partnered with a student to write an article," said Citera. "It was an incredibly rewarding experience working with such a terrific student."
Their collaborative effort culminated in the publication of "Prescription for Failure: Public Nuisance Claims Against the Opioid Industry" in Volume 79, No. 2. The article examines the opioid epidemic's challenges that have spurred extensive federal and state legislative and regulatory interventions, often with mixed outcomes. Public nuisance claims have taken center stage as these initiatives struggle to address the crisis effectively. The article argues that utilizing public nuisance claims to tackle a national and politically charged issue, especially within the context of legal prescription drugs, may not be the most effective approach.
"Professor Citera sent me briefs and other documents containing pertinent information outlining the arguments both for and against the expansion of public nuisance to the sale of lawful products like opioids," said Steiner about the writing process. "I used these documents to jump-start my research into the issue. We exchanged several drafts. Professor Citera provided me with thoughtful feedback and mentorship throughout the process."
Following her experience working with Citera, Steiner chose to enroll in his toxic torts class this semester.
"He actually just came back from arguing before the Alaska Supreme Court on the public nuisance issue," said Steiner. "We had the opportunity to watch his oral argument in class and had another robust discussion of public nuisance claims against lawful opioid industry actors. Professor Citera has become a wonderful mentor. "
Steiner, a double Cane, is a legal intern for the Children & Youth Law Clinic and has previously held a judicial internship in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida under the Honorable Roy K. Altman. Last summer, she gained experience at Sidley Austin in Miami.
Reflecting on her time at Miami Law, Steiner said, "Some of my favorite experiences at Miami Law have been the Law Review—my student note, 'Beware of the Dangers of the State-Created Danger Doctrine: A Look at the Ninth Circuit's Approach,' is getting published in Volume 79, Issue 3—completing a judicial internship with Judge Altman in the Southern District of Florida, being a Civil Procedure Dean's Fellow for professor JoNel Newman, and participating in the Children & Youth Law Clinic," said Steiner.
As she prepares for graduation in May, Steiner is set to join Sidley Austin's Commercial Litigation & Disputes practice group.
Citera has found his time teaching at Miami Law to be highly rewarding.
"Teaching has been an amazing experience," said Citera. "I believe that the students I have had the pleasure of teaching are among the best in the country and will have great success in their professional careers."
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