Host Maxwell Goss speaks with Megan Bonanni and Ilan Scharf about their landmark $380 million settlement in the Dr. Larry Nassar sex abuse cases against USA Gymnastics following years of institutional failure. They explore the innovative negotiation and mediation strategies that led to this historic result and the challenges they overcame in securing justice for the survivors. Beyond the staggering dollar figure, Megan and Ilan discuss the restorative justice reforms embodied in the settlement, including seats for survivors on key committees, stronger policies to protect athletes, and research initiatives to help prevent future abuse.
00:20 Brief Overview 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
Megan Bonanni has built a national practice representing hundreds of victims of sexual abuse and assault, assuming a leadership role in some of the most significant sexual abuse cases in the country. Beyond the judicial system, Megan is dedicated to institutional reform to assist survivors of sexual assault. She is particularly proud of her selection to a leadership role on the Restorative Justice Task Force, a group of lawyers and survivors who will work with USA Gymnastics and USOPC to facilitate a series of historic non-monetary commitments focused on accountability, reconciliation and continued cultural transformation in the gymnastics community.
Ilan Scharf specializes in financial restructuring and bankruptcy litigation with a particular focus on representing creditors' committees of religious institutions and nonprofit entities. Mr. Scharf's practice focuses on representing tort claimant and creditors’ committees in chapter 11 cases. He has also represented debtors, equity holders, asset purchasers, trade creditors, chapter 11 trustees, and other parties in business reorganizations and related litigation. He has appeared before bankruptcy courts across the United States, including New York, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, California, Missouri, Montana, Texas and Pennsylvania.