2023 DRI Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium

November 29–December 1, 2023 | New York, New York

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Stay on the cutting-edge of emerging trends and issues in the industry!

DRI's Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium is the flagship educational and networking program for insurance executives, claims professionals, and outside counsel who specialize in insurance coverage. This year's symposium will once again offer the unparalleled opportunity to engage with a distinguished faculty of insurance industry leaders and coverage lawyers on emerging and cutting-edge issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence, the future for coverage issues involved in "forever chemical" environmental claims, and the continuing impact of nuclear verdicts on coverage and excess insurance issues. As always, the symposium will provide exceptional networking events and will offer the opportunity to build relationships with other professionals who share your interests.

View registration information here, and make sure to register by October 30 for the best pricing!

What You Will Learn:

  • How artificial intelligence is changing the insurance industry.
  • Lessons learned from the industry's response to coverage claims arising from COVID-19.
  • How the ongoing trend for nuclear verdicts is impacting insurance coverage and excess risks.
  • Best practices for protecting the attorney-client privilege for the company's in-house counsel.
  • Strategies for avoiding bad faith pitfalls during appraisal of first party property claims.
  • Legislative trends and developments across the country impacting the insurance industry.

Expand Your Network By:

  • Networking receptions and panel counsel meetings.
  • Dine-arounds with fellow professionals.
  • Opportunities to get involved during the Insurance Law Committee meeting.

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Thank You to DRI's Insurance Law Committee

Elaine M. Pohl
Elaine M. Pohl
Program Chair
Ilana B. Olman
Ilana B. Olman
Program Vice Chair
Sophia Karnavas
Sophia Karnavas
Program Industry Chair
Jonathan Schwartz
Jonathan Schwartz
Committee Chair
Melanie C. Lockett
Melanie Lockett
Committee Vice Chair
Daniel W. Gerber
Daniel W. Gerber
Law Institute

Join the Insurance Law Committee

Registration Information

Save up to $500 when you register on or before October 30!

Register Now

Member Pricing Non-Member Pricing
Early Bird Registration* $1,195 $1,395
Regular Registration* $1,395 $1,695
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)** $1,095 per person $1,095 per person
Government Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request.

*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.

**Group registration is for registering four or more attendees, members and non-members. There is one free registration with every 10 registrations. You must lock in the rate three weeks prior to the seminar. If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here (online registration is not available for this offering).

Networking Events

Premier Networking Reception
Sponsored by Sulloway & Hollis PLLC

Date: Thursday, November 30 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Price: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: Empire Ballroom at the Sheraton New York Times Square

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Premier Networking Reception! Join us on Thursday, November 30th from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Empire Ballroom at the Sheraton New York Times Square. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere with like-minded professionals, all seeking to expand their networks and make meaningful connections. Sip on refreshing drinks and indulge in delectable NYC-inspired appetizers, which will tantalize your taste buds and keep your conversations flowing. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or just starting your legal career, our Premier Networking Reception is the place to be to expand your professional circle and discover new opportunities. Mark your calendars and get ready to make lasting connections at our Premier Networking Reception. We can't wait to welcome you and create a night to remember!

Agenda with Speakers

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Time (Eastern) Program Location
1:00 p.m. Registration
5:30 p.m. Women in the Law Meet and Greet

6:00 p.m. Networking / Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m. Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Time (Eastern) Program Location
8:00 a.m. Registration & Coffee Service

Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee.
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

Daniel W. Gerber, Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP, Buffalo, NY
Elaine M. Pohl, Plunkett Cooney, Bloomfield Hills, MI

9:15 a.m. Artificial Intelligence and the Insurance Industry: Beyond ChatGPT

This cutting-edge issue is now at the forefront of daily life, and the insurance industry is no different. This presentation will consider the ways in which the use of electronic data and artificial intelligence may impact insureds, the insurance industry and the legal practice more generally.

Meghan E. Ruesch, Lewis Wagner, LLC, Indianapolis, IN
Melissa Fernandez, Travelers, Hartford, CT
10:15 a.m. Coffee Break

10:30 a.m. A Look Back at the COVID Fight … into the Future

This panel will explore the overall results achieved by the industry regarding first party property coverage for claims arising from the global pandemic, including strategies employed to address claims and litigation, lessons learned, and the impact on the future.

Daniel G. Litchfield, Litchfield Cavo LLP, Chicago, IL
Christopher G. Daniels, Great American, Cincinnati, OH

11:30 a.m. The Impact of Nuclear Verdicts on Coverage Issues and Excess Insurance

Nuclear verdicts are prolific, and the dollar amounts continue to soar. Mr. Campbell will address the impact of the current litigation climate on claims where coverage issues are present as well as the effect on excess and umbrella coverage.

Dwight Campbell, Rockville Risk Management Associates, New York, NY

12:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own)

2:00 p.m. My Client Invoked Appraisal … Now What?

Learn about invoking appraisal in property claims and the pitfalls and bad faith exposure to avoid. This presentation will explore appraisals in first-party property claims, including the scope of the appraisal process, what constitutes a qualified appraiser, the impact of prompt pay laws, and strategies for responding to bad faith setups, including the use of examinations under oath.

Michael F. Barzyk, Segal McCambridge, Fort Lauderdale, FL

3:00 p.m. A Look Inside the Industry

This panel discussion will address how the business side of the insurance industry impacts individual claims and coverage issues. The panel will address the impact of reinsurance, underwriting, reserves, customer service issues, and how coverage counsel can better represent insurer clients by understanding these issues. Come and improve your ability to serve your clients by learning some of the behind-the-scenes complexities that may be driving their decision-making processes.

Moderator
Kelly Lippincott, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Alexandria, VA

Jeff Chen, Swiss Re America Holding Corporation, Armonk, NY
Daniel Mayer, AmeriTrust Group, Inc., Westerville, OH
Sara Hall, Shelter Insurance Companies, Columbia, MO

4:00 p.m. Preservation of the Attorney-Client Privilege and the Impact of 30(b)(6) Depositions

As courts continue to address the scope of attorney-client privilege for coverage counsel, this topic will address the latest developments on the issue, as well as practical advice for protecting an insurer’s in-house counsel. The presenters will also address the impact that a corporate representative deposition can have on a particular claim, including navigating privilege issues that often arise.

Dennis McEnery, Zurich Insurance, New York, NY
Alicia G. Curran, Cozen O'Connor, Dallas, TX

5:00 p.m. Committee Business Meeting (open to all)

6:00 p.m. Premier Networking Reception
Sponsored by Sulloway & Hollis PLLC


Click here for details.

Friday, December 1, 2023

Time (Eastern) Program Location
7:30 a.m. Registration and Coffee Service
8:30 a.m. Welcome and Announcements

Ilana B. Olman, Segal McCambridge, Fort Lauderdale, FL

8:40 a.m. Social Media: Litigation Target and Litigation Weapon

Social media is a growing feature of the litigation landscape. Social media companies themselves face claims; social media content fuels other claims. This Session will discuss some of the direct litigation attacks on social media companies’ content and data collection and the associated insurance coverage issues that arise, as well as the ways social media content turbocharges event driven litigation, including securities, employment practices, and defamation litigation.

Joseph O'Neil, Peabody & Arnold, LLC, Boston, MA
Timothy C. DiMarco, Everest National Insurance Company, New York, NY

9:40 a.m. PFAS Claims: Are These "Forever Chemicals" The New Asbestos?

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are "forever chemicals," and liability claims from PFAS are exploding. Billions of dollars have been committed to settlements, tens of thousands of claims remain, and more are being asserted daily. Numerous coverage actions have been initiated. This presentation will discuss the ubiquitous nature of PFAS-containing products, the bases for PFAS liability claims, and the insurance coverage issues that are emerging from these claims, including unique coverage issues relating to the insuring agreement and pertinent exclusions.

Charles W. Browning, Plunkett Cooney, Bloomfield Hills, MI

10:40 a.m. Coffee Break

10:55 a.m. Changing Tides: Legislative Trends and Developments

In the wake of Florida’s latest tort reform that went into effect in 2023, this session will examine legislative trends and developments in Florida and throughout the country. This presentation will also address the efforts by the defense bar and insurance companies to monitor and advocate for legislative change.

William W. Large, Florida Justice Reform Institute, Tallahassee, FL

11:55 a.m. Law Firm Practice Management (Ethics)

This session will address how law firms respond to ethical situations involving their attorneys’ conduct, the ethical responsibilities presented, and how the expectations of law firm clients impact the response.

Dana K. Maine, Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLC, Atlanta, GA

12:55 p.m. Adjourn

Headquarters Hotel Information

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Sheraton New York Times Square, 811 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019. Take advantage of the group rate of $399.00 Single/Double in one of two ways:

The hotel block is limited, and rooms and rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations by November 1, 2023, to be eligible for the hotel’s group rate. Requests for reservations made after November 1 are subject to room and rate availability.

CLE Information

Earn up to 10.00 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including one hour of Ethics, from this seminar.

Insurance Coverage & Practice CLE by State

Sponsors

DRI's Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium is proudly sponsored by:

Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig KutakRock logo MGC Insurance Defense Plunkett Cooney Sulloway & Hollis PLLC Counselors at Law

Thank you to our Official Supporter: TBD

If you would like to contact DRI about seminar sponsorship opportunities, including pricing, or to reserve a spot, please go to Advertising and Sponsorship.

DRI Cares

Blessings in a Backpack

Blessings in a Backpack Who Will Feed the Kids this Weekend?

Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, November 16th. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the Austin community.

Donate to Blessings in a Backpack

On-Demand

NEW in 2023 – Four Additional On-Demand Programs Included With Every Seminar!

CLE Credit will be sought from every state requiring CLE hours in elimination of bias/diversity and inclusion, ethics, substance abuse/mental health, and law practice management. The CLE grid will provide updated information concerning hours that have been approved by each jurisdiction and for which credits. For states not requiring these special credits, general education credits will be sought.

View On-Demand Library

Diversity/Elimination of Bias in the Profession

Invisible or Mixed-Visible Diversity – Combatting Bias

Often diversity programs and initiatives are focused on visible traits such as gender or race, but bias exists related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and some disabilities that are not readily visible to the eye. This panel will discuss how to address these biases and to create an environment where those with invisible or mixed-visible diversity can operate at the highest level.

Stacy Douglas, Everett Dorey LLP, Irvine, CA
Gary Howard, Bradley, Birmingham, AL
Ronna Kinsella, Glassman Wyatt Tuttle & Cox PC, Memphis, TN

Law Practice Management Credit

Succession Planning: Failing to Plan Is a Plan to Fail

Succession planning is considered one of the most pressing issues facing not only law firms but also clients. Senior partners are working into their golden years and can sometimes be reluctant to engage in a succession plan, but clients want to know that there is a plan for the transition of their work without interruption. Join us to learn:

  1. the importance of succession planning for the benefit both the law firm and its clients;
  2. how succession planning impacts retention and continuity of the firm and client relationships;
  3. how to approach the subject with senior attorneys; and
  4. strategies for implementing a successful succession plan.

Marie E. Chafe, Conn Kavanaugh, Boston, MA
Matthew Cairns, Textron Inc., Providence, RI
Elizabeth M. Brotten, Foley & Mansfield PLLP, Minneapolis, MN
Meade Hartfield, Bradley Arant, Birmingham, AL

Ethics

Technology, Ethics & Remote Work: What You Need to Know Now

The Rules of Professional Conduct regarding competence and diligence require all lawyers to keep abreast of changes in technology. This webinar will provide you with tips and information on new issues related to technology and the practice of law, including the challenges of the remote work environment. You will learn the ethics and professionalism considerations when using technology in your practice and your ethical duties when it comes to “keeping abreast of changes” in technology.

Amber Garcia, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA
Alyssa Johnson, Barron & Newberger PC, Milwaukee, WI
Clare Roubion, Louisiana Legal Ethics, LLC, Lafayette, LA

Mental Health & Attorney Wellness

Lessons for Lawyers from the Science of Well-Being

This presentation will focus on the practical steps that we can take as individuals to improve well-being, drawing on recent research from cognitive science and beginning with the preface that happiness can be learned and applied. Specifically, we will provide an evidence-based arsenal of practical tools that lawyers can apply in their own lives to improve their well-being.

Emma Ross, Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum, Chicago, IL
Shayna Cook, Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum, Chicago, IL

Other Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding DRI programs, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.