Connie Podesta

Expand your understanding of human behavior, leadership, and professional development through the eyes of award-winning author Connie Podesta as she kicks off DRI’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Podesta is a human resource professional and licensed therapist of 25 years. She has spent 30 years working with leading organizations around the world, and her engaging presentations, colored by her intuitive understanding of human behavior, empower audiences to act. Learn how to tackle even the greatest challenges to your practice with Podesta’s expert insights.

Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton

Jeffrey S. Sutton is the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He has served as chair of the Federal Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and as chair of the Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules. Currently, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States and as the commissioner of the Supreme Court Fellows Program. Since 1993, Chief Judge Sutton has also been an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University College of Law, where he teaches seminars on state constitutional law, the United States Supreme Court, and appellate advocacy. Sutton will share his wealth of knowledge with DRI audiences to help you, and your firm, navigate the constantly evolving civil defense space.

Mara Liasson

NPR National Political Correspondent Mara Liasson is an expert storyteller whose reports can be heard regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazine programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Since 1998, Liasson has been a contributor to Fox News, appearing on Special Report with Bret Baier and MediaBuzz with Howie Kurtz. Liasson provides extensive coverage of politics and policy from Washington, D.C., focusing on the White House and Congress, alongside reports on political trends beyond the Beltway. Each election year, she provides key coverage on the candidates and issues in both presidential and congressional races. Set yourself up for success by learning about key trends affecting the legal space from Liasson’s perspective.