Registration Information
Save $300 when you register on or before April 29!
Register Now!
|
Member Pricing |
Non-Member Pricing |
Non-Member Bundle ^ |
Early Bird Registration*
(Now thru Apr. 29) |
$1,395 |
$1,795 |
$1,715 |
Regular Registration*
(Apr. 30–Jun. 11) |
$1,595 |
$1,995 |
$1,915 |
| Onsite Registration |
$1,695 |
$2,095 |
$2,015 |
| Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)** |
$1,095 per person |
$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. |
Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!
^ Not a DRI Member and want to save on your registration? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle when you register for the DRI Young Lawyers Seminar. Select the bundle and get up to 9 months of membership with the membership add-on when you check out. Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase, please contact DRI Customer Service with any questions.
Learn more about membership at DRI and get started on your DRI journey today!
*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: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Date: Thursday, June 13 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: Bridge Lounge (3rd Floor Atrium), Renaissance Nashville Hotel
Step into the vibrant heart of Nashville where ambition meets opportunity at the DRI Young Lawyers Premier Reception. Immerse yourself in an evening designed for the rising stars of civil litigation at the Bridge Lounge in Renaissance Nashville. Connect with your contemporaries, exchange stories over cocktails, DRI signature mocktail, and savor carefully crafted small bites. This exclusive gathering is more than a networking event—it's a launching pad for the next phase of your inspiring legal journey. Don't miss this chance to be among peers who will shape the future of the legal landscape.
Agenda with Speakers
*Schedule and Speakers subject to change
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
| Time (Central) |
Program |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Registration |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Women of Color Luncheon (Ticketed Event - $75)
|
| 1:00 p.m. |
Women of Color Roundtable (in connection with the Diversity for Success and Insurance Bad Faith Seminars)
Despite diversity and inclusion being a daily topic within the legal profession, the needle is barely moving, in particular, for women of color within the profession. The DRI Women of Color Roundtable will be a candid discussion on challenges facing women of color within the legal profession and will provide insight on how women of color attorneys can overcome those challenges.
Click "Women of Color Roundtable" tab below for schedule. |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Shaping the Law Firm Associate of the Future in a World Changed by Generative AI
This program is designed to provide young lawyers with a framework of understanding for artificial intelligence and transformative technologies for their legal practice. The panel discussion will include experts in generative AI, along with lawyers who have utilized these tools. Young lawyers will walk away from this discussion with a better understanding of the ever-evolving tools available to assist them with discovery, preparation of argument, brief writing, and everything in between.
Ryan K. Blake, Reed Smith, Philadelphia, PA
Professor Jennifer Leonard, Adj. Professor, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Philadelphia, PA
|
| 2:50 p.m. |
Rainmakers in the Making: Strategies for Young Lawyers to Thrive in Business Development
Join us for a fireside chat where we delve into the art of business development including personal stories, strategies, and hard-won insights. Whether you just started as an associate or are almost aged out of DRI Young Lawyers, this conversation is designed to empower you on your path to becoming a successful rainmaker.
- Mindset Matters: Your mindset and how you approach interactions can transform your legal career.
- Defining your Motive/ Elevator Pitch: Your “why” and how you can help others.
- Building your Personal Brand: Positioning yourself effectively within your firm and to clients.
- Navigating Client Relationships: Creating meaningful connections, including through retention, acquisitions, and referrals.
- Balancing Tradition and Innovation: How to blend time-tested practices with innovative approaches—including what it means to be a rainmaker in the digital age.
Brianna Weis, Hartline Barger LLP, Dallas, TX
Jeff Allen, Vice President, Legal Affairs, Warner Music Group, Nashville, TN
|
| 3:45 p.m. |
First Time Attendee Welcome
|
| 4:15 p.m. |
Small Group Networking
|
| 5:00 p.m. |
Affinity Networking
|
| 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, June 13, 2024
| Time (Central) |
Program |
| 8:30 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
J. Richard Moore, Bleeke Dillon Crandall, Indianapolis, IN
Valerie Phan, Mintz, San Diego, CA |
| 9:15 a.m. |
Tips for Adding Value at Trial No Matter Your Role of How to Add Value at Trial in Every Role
Many litigators have a goal of one day being anointed as the “first chair trial lawyer” for a case. But for younger lawyers, or lawyers working on heavily staffed matters, that position can seem quite far away. Even if you are not deemed the “first chair” at trial, you can add immense value to the trial team—and develop your own trial chops—in the supporting role of a second, third, or even fourth chair. Attend this session to hear from an attorney who has filled all of these roles on how to add value and be successful at trial, no matter your position.
Brett A. Mason, Troutman Pepper, Atlanta, GA |
| 10:15 a.m. |
Coffee Break
|
| 10:30 a.m. |
How to Become the Most Important Lawyer on the Case
The Rule 26 conference and initial scheduling conference set the tone for litigation in federal court. Attorneys who prepare well for them earn the respect of the court and the client and become indispensable to the case. Learn about the significance of early case management, discovery planning, and identifying settlement opportunities.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, San Diego, CA |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Rough Receptions: A Practical Guide to Handling Difficult Conversations with Lawyers, Clients, and Pro Se Litigants
“I’ve been doing this since before you went to law school” is a phrase lawyers hear often in the first five years of practice. Whether it is by senior counsel attempting to bully you into accepting their position, clients who feel they know best, or pro se litigants who claim the courts have no jurisdiction over their lives, junior counsel will be faced with difficult conversations that need to be resolved to advance their client’s case. Too often new lawyers equate zealous advocacy with fighting “fire with fire” and find themselves getting burned. They can also end up prejudicing their client’s position or incurring unnecessary cost and delay by responding to procedural brinkmanship. There is a better way. Learning how to effectively handle these difficult conversations professionally is essential in developing a reputation as a zealous and effective advocate.
This panel will provide attendees with three main outcomes:
- Practical and effective methods of reasoning with the unreasonable counsel, convincing the skeptical client, and governing the ungovernable self-rep.
- Awareness of common “traps” and bad habits young lawyers should avoid when faced with a “difficult conversation”; and
- Resources and skills for dealing with implicit, and explicit, bias that new lawyers often face based on their age, gender, disabilities, or other immutable characteristics.
Jenna Adamson, Strategic Litigation Counsel & Assistant Solicitor General, Tennessee Attorney General's Office
Kurtis R. McManus, Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan, LLP, Westchester, NY
Laura E. Proctor, NuMotion, Nashville, TN |
| 12:30 p.m. |
DRI Cares: Blessings in a Backpack
Click here for details on Blessings in a Backpack.
|
| 12:45 p.m. |
DRI Networking Lunch |
| 1:15 p.m. |
Fast Pitch
Ready to wow in-house counsel? Come practice a client pitch with some of the biggest names in the business. Attendees will get the opportunity to work one-on-one with in-house counsel on their pitch and receive feedback in real time!
Limited enrollment – to sign up please contact Jake MacKay at jmackay@axon.com. |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Discovery Jeopardy
Test your knowledge of discovery rules and best practices in this interactive Jeopardy-themed session. Audience participation will be strongly encouraged, and prizes will be awarded!
Sarah E. Rawls, Butler Snow LLP, Birmingham, AL
N. Denver Smith, Butler Snow LLP, Charleston, SC |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Young Lawyers Committee Meeting (open to all) |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions: Deposition Track or Motions Track
Click "Breakout Sessions" blue tabs for details. |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Women in the Law Networking (pay-your own way)
|
| 6:00 p.m. |
Premier Networking Reception
Sponsored by: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Click here for details on Premier Networking Reception. |
| 8:00 p.m. |
Dine-Arounds
Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). |
Friday, June 14, 2024
| Time (Central) |
Program |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration and Coffee Service
Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee. |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and Announcements
Kenton H. Steele, Reminger Co, Columbus, OH
|
| 9:10 a.m. |
Preparing for Successful Mediation
Samantha Burnett, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Peyton C. Watts, Kutak Rock LLP, Fayetteville, AR |
| 10:10 a.m. |
Coffee Break
|
| 10:25 a.m. |
Jury Selection + Batson Challenges
Batson v. Kentucky and its progeny were meant to eliminate bias in jury selection. But has that happened? The program also will provide viewers with skills on how to identify the biases of potential jurors and how those biases could come into play during deliberations.
Ricardo A. Woods, Burr & Forman LLP, Mobile, AL
Stacy L. Douglas, Everett Dorey LLP, Los Angeles, CA |
| 11:25 a.m. |
Ethical Obligations re Tripartite Relationship Between Outside Counsel, In-House Counsel, and Company and Between Defense Counsel, Insured, and Insurer
This program will discuss the ethical obligations and pitfalls of the tripartite relationship between defense counsel, the insured, and the insurer.
Nicholas E. Richardson, Segal McCambridge, Tampa, FL |
| 12:25 p.m. |
Adjourn |
Women of Color Bootcamp (Wednesday 1:00–4:00 p.m.)
Despite diversity and inclusion being a daily topic within the legal profession, the needle is barely moving, in particular, for women of color within the profession. The DRI Women of Color Roundtable will be a candid discussion on challenges facing women of color within the legal profession and will provide insight on how women of color attorneys can overcome those challenges.
| Session |
Welcome and Introduction
Stacy L. Douglas (Partner and Director of Diversity & Inclusion), Everett Dorey LLP, Los Angeles, CA |
Can I Get Close to You? Networking Panel
Moderator
Christina A. Gonzales (Shareholder), Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, PA
R. Matt Cairns (Associate General Counsel), Textron, Providence, RI
Geneau M. Thames (General Counsel – VP, General Counsel and Secretary), Harford Mutual Insurance Group, Bel Air, MD |
The Path to Promotion
Moderator
Darleene Peters (Partner), Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, LLC, New Orleans, LA
Charissa N. Walker (Partner), Tucker Ellis LLP, Cleveland, OH
Sandra Diggs-Miller (Vice President, External Affairs), Entergy, New Orleans, LA
Deborah St. Lawrence Thompson (Partner), Nelson Mullins, Baltimore, MD
Amy Stewart (Owner), Stewart Law Group, Dallas, TX |
Show Me the Money
Moderator
Tyrra V. Walker (Associate), Chartwell Law, Atlanta, GA
Reginald Johnson (Chief Diversity Officer & SVP NA Field Human Resources), Signet Jewelers, Dallas, TX
Ron Jordan (Founder), Carter-Whie & Shaw, Chestertown, MD
Douglas K. Burrell (Partner), Chartwell Law, Norcross, GA |
Breakout Sessions: Deposition Track (Thursday 3:30–5:00 p.m.)
The deposition track will cover high-level strategies and best practices for taking, defending, and preparing for depositions. Over the course of three presentations from eight experienced litigators, attendees can expect to learn practical ways to make the most of the deposition process. Whether defending and taking depositions is a new part of your practice, or if you already have significant deposition experience, this series of presentations will provide valuable insight and techniques that can be applied to ensure you are positioning your client for success.
Tour Guide: Kenton H. Steele, Reminger, Columbus, OH
| Time (Central) |
Program |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Best Practices for Preparing for and Taking a Deposition
Brendan P. Hall, Harris Beach PLLC, New York, NY
Brian P. Cadigan, Reed Smith, Los Angeles, CA
Brandon M. Pellegrino, Bowman and Brooke LLP, Detroit, MI |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Best Practices for Defending a Deposition
Noah J. Mason, Locke Lorde, Atlanta, GA
Sheldon R. Poole, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, Hartford, CT
Irving W. Jones, Balch & Bingham LLP, Birmingham, AL |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Best Practices for Preparing a Corporate Witness for Deposition
Brice Nengsu Kenfack, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Kansas City, MO
Ericka Esposito, Littleton, Joyce, Ughetta & Kelly LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Matt Nathanson, Community Health Systems, Nashville, TN |
Breakout Sessions: Motions Track (Thursday 3:30–5:00 p.m.)
Explore the strategic landscape of brief writing and oral argument in the motion track. From crafting effective responses to complaints, to mastering motions in limine and expert witness challenges, this series will take you through the life of a case and offer essential tools for shaping the trajectory of litigation. Whether you're honing your skills or seeking advanced techniques, join us over three insightful sessions to elevate your motion practice and position your clients for success.
Tour Guide: Christian W. Castile, Reed Smith, LLP, Philadelphia, PA
| Time (Central) |
Program |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Responding to Complaints: Answers, Motions to Dismiss & Removals
W. Chadwick Lamar, Jr., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Birmingham, AL |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Best Practices for Non-Daubert Motions in Limine
Jason R. Hodge, Nelson Mullins, Richmond, VA |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Best Practices for Daubert Motions
Killian R. Walsh, Knight Nicastro MacKay LLC, St. Louis, MO |
Headquarters Hotel Information
The seminar will take place at Renaissance Nashville Hotel, 611 Commerce Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
To contact the hotel directly, call 615-255-8400.
A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Take advantage of the group rate of $325.00 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 May 14, 2024, to be eligible for the hotel's group rate. Requests for reservations made after May 14 are subject to room and rate availability.
CLE Information
Earn up to TBD hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE) From this seminar.
View CLE Credit by State
In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click the button below for more details.
CLE Late Fees
DRI's Young Lawyer Seminar is proudly sponsored by:
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
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, June 13. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the Nashville community.
Donate to Blessings in a Backpack
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.