2025 Asbestos Medicine Seminar

Name: 2025 Asbestos Medicine Seminar | DRI
Start: 2025-11-12T12:00
End: 2025-11-14T12:25
Location: Tampa Marriott Water Street

November 12–14, 2025
Tampa Marriott Water Street | Tampa, Florida

Sun, Science, and Strategy in Tampa, Florida!

Join us in sunny Tampa for DRI’s premier Asbestos Medicine Seminar, where top-tier defense litigators, leading medical and scientific experts, and timely topics come together in one unforgettable event. Set along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, Tampa offers the ideal backdrop for learning, networking, and recharging. This must-attend seminar features cutting edge content that allows attendees to dive into key issues, explore evolving strategies, discover new defense tactics, gain insights from nationally recognized faculty, and engage in meaningful discussions with peers and experts. The best news? You’ll be within walking distance of the Tampa Riverwalk, fresh seafood spots, and the famous Florida sunshine! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation in one of the most vibrant and welcoming cities in the Southeast!

What You Will Learn:

Hear from world-renowned pathologist Dr. Michele Carbone and join us for a meet-and-greet following his session.
Genetics, susceptibility and spontaneous mesotheliomas.
Medical advancements in mesothelioma treatments.
Receiverships in asbestos litigation.
Overcoming the public’s perception of lawyers.
A mock expert hearing and deposition.
An overview and update of talc litigation by seasoned trial lawyers.
The different experiences of LGBTQ+ attorneys in the fourth and final installment of our multi-year diversity initiative.

Expand Your Network By:

Attending the much-anticipated Golf Tournament on Tuesday, November 11.
Forging connections through the Premier Networking Reception included with your registration fee.
Meeting defense counsel from across the US, in-house attendees, and members of the insurance industry.

Counsel Meetings with Major Companies
Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with key industry companies* including:

Cooper Industries
Cummins Inc.
Eaton Corporation
Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP
J-M Manufacturing
Marks, O'Neill, O'Brien, Doherty & Kelly, P.C.
Nissan North America
P&H
Travelers

*Subject to change

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Thank You to DRI's Asbestos Litigation Committee Leadership

**Bruce T. Bishop**
Program Co-Vice Chair

**Mahsa Kashani Tippins**
Program Co-Vice Chair

Join the Asbestos Litigation Committee

Registration Information

In registering for this seminar, I attest that I devote a substantial portion of my professional time to defending the interests of individuals, business, associations, or governmental entities in civil litigation. I understand that DRI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel my registration, without a refund, if I do not meet the criteria described above.

	Member Pricing	Non-Member Pricing	Non-Member Bundle ^
Onsite Registration*	$1,695	$2,095	$2,015
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)	Group registration is for registering four or more attendees. Members and non-members receive a 15% discount off the member and non-member rates respective to the time the group registration is initiated (i.e. Early Bird, Regular or On-Site registration periods). There is one free registration with every 10 paid registrations. If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here. Please note that online registration is not available for this offer.
Government	Effective November 1, 2025, DRI is expanding the Corporate Membership category to include attorneys working for a government entity. Corporate Membership includes complimentary registration for DRI seminars. If you are not already a DRI member, join as a Corporate Member before registering to take advantage of this benefit. If you are a current Government Member, please contact DRI Membership at membership@dri.org and the team can assist in converting your membership, which will allow you to take advantage of the complimentary registration.

Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!

^ Not a DRI Member and new to DRI? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the seminar. You’ll be able to add this special offer to your cart at 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. Please note renewing members and members with recently lapsed memberships are not eligible for a Non-Member Bundle.

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.

Networking Events

Premier Networking Reception at the American Social
Sponsored by: ABC

Date: Thursday, November 13 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: American Social, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Connect with top asbestos and health litigation professionals at Tampa’s premier waterfront venue!

Join us for an exclusive evening at American Social on Harbour Island, where you'll enjoy an open bar with craft cocktails, gourmet appetizers and the chance to network with industry leaders—all set against stunning views of Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough River. This stylish venue, known for its modern cuisine and award-winning drinks, offers the perfect backdrop for building meaningful professional connections in a relaxed, scenic atmosphere.

Young Lawyers Get Together (Morning) at Oxford Exchange

Date: Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m.
Pricing: Pay-your-own-way
Location: Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33606

The Young Lawyers Committee is kicking off the 2025 Asbestos Medicine Seminar with brunch at Oxford Exchange on Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. It's the perfect chance to connect and chat with fellow young lawyers before the seminar officially begins. To RSVP or for any questions, please contact Brianna Bailey.

American Victory Ship

Date: Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m.
Pricing: Pay-your-own-way
Location: American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Join your DRI colleagues, along with Christopher Herfel and Clancy Cornwall from McCaffery & Associates, on Wednesday, November 12 at 10 a.m. aboard the American Victory Ship, one of only four fully operational World War II merchant ships in the U.S., to explore a unique glimpse into America’s maritime and military history. Space is limited to 15 people; to confirm your spot, please RSVP to Erin Cowin.

Young Lawyers Get Together (Evening) at Boulon Brasserie

Date: Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Pricing: Pay-your-own-way
Location: Boulon Brasserie, 1001 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

After the networking reception on Wednesday, November 12, the Young Lawyers Committee invites you to dinner at Boulon Brasserie at 7:30 p.m. Let's build those essential connections before our Thursday breakout session! To RSVP or for any questions, please contact Brianna Bailey.

Full Agenda

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (Golf Outing, Dine-Around)

Golf Outing at TPC Tampa Bay Golf Course
Time: Tee times starting at 8:00 a.m.
Pricing: $199/player; $95 rental clubs
Location: TPC Tampa Bay, 5300 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, Florida 33558

Join us Tuesday morning, November 11, for the DRI Asbestos Golf Outing at TPC Tampa Bay Golf Course!

Contact Janis Ercambrack for reservations or any questions.

Organized by:
Douglas Simek, Hawkins Parnell & Young, Dallas, TX
Robert C. Manlowe, Williams Kastner, Seattle, WA

Dine-Around at Columbia Restaurant
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Pricing: Pay-your-own-way
Location: Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605

Join your DRI colleagues at Florida’s oldest restaurant, the iconic Columbia Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Tampa Bay’s historic Ybor City—just minutes from the seminar hotel. Savor authentic Spanish cuisine, enjoy a dazzling live Flamenco Show, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Ybor City. This is a pay-your-own-way event.

To confirm your spot, please RSVP to Brianna Bailey. Space is limited.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
10:00 a.m.	Young Lawyers Get Together at Oxford Exchange Click here for full details
10:00 a.m.	American Victory Ship Tour Click here for full details
12:00 p.m.	Registration
1:00 p.m.	Litigation Trends and Verdict Analyses Topics: Filing trends and future projections; recap of 2025 verdicts and lessons learned Litigation Trends Michelle Potter, KCIC, Washington, DC Verdict Analyses Moderator Jennifer A. Whelan, MG+M Law, Boston, MA Verdict Analyses Trial Attorneys Michael W. Drumke, Swanson Martin & Bell, LLP, Chicago, IL Tim McGowan, Kelley Jasons McGowan Spinelli Hanna & Reber, Philadelphia, PA Claire C. Weglarz, Womble Bond Dickinson, Los Angeles, CA
2:00 p.m.	Final Installment of the Multi-Year Diversity Initiative: LGBTQ+ Capping off years of conversation and progress, this final panel brings the LGBTQ+ legal experience into focus with perspective, candor, and vision. Moderators Jonathan Terrell, KCIC, Washington, DC Mahsa Kashani Tippins, DCo LLC, Nashville, TN Panelist Michael Silverman, Goldberg Segalla, New York, NY Raymond Rushing, Cummins Inc., Chicago, IL Kerryann M. Cook, The Cook Group, New York, NY
3:00 p.m.	Receiverships in Asbestos Litigation Recapping the state of receiverships in asbestos litigation across the country. Peter Kelso, Roux, Inc., Washington D.C. William P. Early, Pierce Sloan Kennedy & Early LLC, Charleston, SC
4:00 p.m.	Approaches for Identifying a Virtually Safe Dose (VSD) for Asbestos: The Impact on Toxic-Tort Litigation Exploring scientific and regulatory approaches to defining a virtually safe dose for asbestos exposure and examining how these evolving methodologies influence outcomes in toxic tort litigation. Dennis J. Paustenbach, PhD, DABT, CIH, TRC Companies, Jackson, WY Michael Stevens, TRC Companies, Denver, CO
5:00 p.m.	Asbestos Committee Meeting (open to all attendees)
5:30 p.m.	DRI Cares Project \| Soldiers' Angels Join us as we make candy bags and holiday ornaments for Soldiers' Angels. Click here for full details
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). Sign up for Dine-Arounds
7:30 p.m.	Young Lawyers Get Together at Boulon Brasserie Click here for full details

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
7:00 a.m.	DRI for Life: Waterside Yoga Join us for a serene Waterside Yoga session at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 a.m. This beginner level yoga session is designed to rejuvenate your body and mind before a day of learning and connection at the DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar. Mats and water will be provided. All are welcome — no prior yoga experience needed. RSVP to Brett Fountain.
8:00 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service
8:00–9:00 am.	Women in the Law Morning Meet Up Join us for coffee and breakfast bites while connecting with fellow attendees. This is a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas. Coffee and bites located in the Grand Foyer.
8:45 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions June J. Essis, Weber Gallagher LLP, Philadelphia, PA Evelyn Fletcher Davis, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Atlanta, GA
9:00 a.m.	Developments in BAP1 Inherited Mutations/Mesothelioma Research Compared to asbestos-induced mesothelioma, mesotheliomas that develop in BAP1 mutant carriers are a different disease, biologically, histologically, and clinically: These patients' lives can be saved with proper medical care. Michele Carbone, M.D., Ph.D., University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
10:00 a.m.	Break and Meet-and-Greet with Dr. Carbone
10:30 a.m.	Historical Cosmetic Talc Consumption and Incidence of Mesothelioma in the U.S. Examining historical patterns of cosmetic talc use in the United States and evaluating their correlation with mesothelioma incidence to inform the scientific and legal understanding of alleged exposure risks. Callan Krevanko, MS, Benchmark Risk Group, Vancouver, WA Benjamin Roberts, MPH, PhD, CIH, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI
10:55 a.m.	Spontaneous Mesotheliomas Mark Zellmer, Husch Blackwell, St. Louis, MO
11:20 a.m.	DRI Insights Quick Hit (Non-CLE) KCIC - Lessons in Data: A Mass Tort Perspective Data can be both a challenge and a superpower. In this session, Kathrin Hashemi will share lessons from her experience building analytics solutions at KCIC. She’ll explore how clean, normalized data lays the groundwork for innovation, how dashboards and reports turn information into stories, why collaboration fuels stronger results, and how emerging AI tools are reshaping litigation management. Drawing from real-world examples, including asbestos bankruptcy trust data and KCIC’s platforms such as Ligado, Kathrin will illustrate how technology and human insight come together to drive better decisions and client outcomes Kathrin Hashemi, KCIC, Washington D.C.
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Medical Advancements: Increased Survivability Among Mesothelioma Patients Are plaintiffs staying alive longer due to misdiagnoses or new cancer treatments? Attend this session to find out more. Stasha Novakovic, MD, VA Miami Medical Center, Miami, FL
12:30–2:00 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch
12:30–3:55 p.m.	Young Lawyers Breakout Sessions Click the "Young Lawyers Breakout" blue tab below for full schedule. Box lunch will be provided.
12:45–3:55 p.m.	Talc Breakout Sessions Click the "Talc Breakout" blue tab below for full schedule. Box lunch will be provided.
1:00 p.m.	Lessons in Leadership Breakout An inspiring power hour where female influencers in asbestos defense share key insights on leadership and are recognized for outstanding contributions to our industry. Moderator Bernadette W. Catalana, Thompson Coe, New York, NY Jessica Burgasser, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Buffalo, NY Jennifer Cormier, MG+M Law, San Francisco, CA Jennifer Jousma, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI Mahsa Kashani Tippins, DCo LLC, Nashville, TN Evelyn Fletcher Davis, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Atlanta, GA
2:00 p.m.	Mock Daubert / 702 Hearing re Plaintiffs' Occupational Medicine Expert Featuring a mock Daubert/Rule 702 hearing that tests the admissibility of a plaintiff's occupational medicine expert, illustrating key strategies and challenges in examining expert witnesses. Attorney Kevin P. Greene, Willcox Savage, Norfolk, VA Expert Witness Susan J. Cole, MG+M Law, Miami, FL
2:50 p.m.	Mock Cross-Examination of Plaintiffs' State of the Art Expert Showcasing a mock cross-examination of the plaintiff’s state-of-the-art expert, highlighting effective techniques for challenging historical knowledge, industry standards, and credibility in asbestos litigation. Attorney David Ongaro, Ongaro PC, San Francisco, CA Expert Witness Bruce T. Bishop, WillCox Savage, Norfolk, VA
3:50 p.m.	Break
4:00 p.m.	Issues Facing Law Firms: Associate Retention, Building a Strong Firm Culture, Growth Strategies Addressing the challenges law firms face in retaining associates, cultivating a strong and cohesive firm culture, and implementing sustainable strategies for growth in a competitive legal market. Michael J. Cahalane, Cetrulo LLP, Boston, MA Eric T. Hawkins, GRSM LLP, New York, NY
4:00 p.m.	Breakouts (In-House or Insurance Roundtable)
	In-House / Corporate (Open to Defense Counsel) Frank Fletcher, J-M Manufacturing Company, Inc., Los Angeles, CA Humma Siddiqi, Toyota North America, Dallas, TX
	Insurance Roundtable Frederick Schaefer, Nationwide, Wausau, WI Alexandra Nassopoulos, Resolute Management, Boston, MA Jay Surdukowski, The Riverstone Group, Concord, NH Amanda Webber, Allianz, Petaluma, CA Jerry Begley, Travelers, Suffield, CT
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn
5:30 p.m.	Premier Networking Reception \| American Social Join fellow seminar attendees at American Social, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602. Click here for full details
8:00 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Friday, November 14, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
8:30 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Announcements Bruce T. Bishop, Willcox Savage, Norfolk, VA Mahsa Kashani Tippins, DCo LLC, Nashville, TN
9:10 a.m.	Overcoming Challenging Laws and Jury Instructions Exploring practical strategies for navigating and overcoming difficult laws and jury instructions, with a focus on effective advocacy, case framing, and preserving issues for appeal. Jerry C. Popovich, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Santa Ana, CA Robert R. Rigolosi, Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, New York, NY Tobin Taylor, Heyl Royster, Chicago, IL
10:10 a.m.	Break
10:25 a.m.	Counter Anchoring Examining the concept of counter anchoring in litigation, offering practical techniques to neutralize opposing counsel’s damages anchors, and reframing the jury’s perception of value and fairness. Robert C. Manlowe, Williams Kastner, Seattle, WA David C. Marshall, Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP, Atlanta, GA Melissa Loberg, PhD, Loberg Litigation Consulting, Safety Harbor, FL
11:25 a.m.	Scoundrels & Saints: Lessons from History’s Worst and Best Attorneys (Ethics) The presentation will review some of the most significant historical contributions made by attorneys to our world, both positively and negatively. We will also review public attitudes towards attorneys the legal profession, our obligation as professions to enhance the public’s view of the legal profession and practical steps we can all take to make the law better and more respected to the public at large. James A. Lowery, GRSM LLP, Dallas, TX
12:25 p.m.	Adjourn

Young Lawyer Breakout (Thursday 12:30–3:55 p.m.)

Time (Eastern)	Session
12:30 p.m.	Welcome and Lunch Moderators Brianna Bailey, Foley Mansfield PLLP, Chicago, IL Madeline Kuluz Tincher, Cosmich Simmons & Brown PLLC, Covington, KY
12:45 p.m.	Bankruptcy Trust Panel: How to Get the Alternative Exposure You Need Discussing effective strategies for leveraging bankruptcy trust information to establish alternative exposure evidence, strengthen defense arguments, and navigate discovery challenges in asbestos litigation. Speaker Sarah Beth Jones, Gay Jones & Kuhn PLLC, Jackson, MS Insurance Representative Amanda Webber, Allianz, Petaluma, CA Litigator Jenni L. Young, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Chicago, IL Litigator / MSP Act Compliance Catherine E. Goldhaber, Lathrop GPM, Chicago, IL
1:30 p.m.	Deposition Training: How to Develop a Story Heather S. Kirkpatrick, DeHay & Elliston, Walnut Creek, CA Thomas H. Balestracci, DeHay & Elliston, Boston, MA
2:15 p.m.	Expert Witnesses: Different Types and How they Help Case Progression Michele Fanney Dallman, Willcox Savage, Norfolk, VA
2:45 p.m.	How To Effectively Cross-Examine a Plaintiff’s Causation Expert Witness Amorya M. Orr, Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC, Jackson, MS
3:20 p.m.	Mock Direct Examination of a Defense Expert Douglas R. Simek, Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP, Dallas, TX Dennis J. Paustenbach, PhD, DABT, CIH, Paustenbach & Associates, Jackson, WY

Talc Breakout (Thursday 12:45–3:55 p.m.)

Time (Eastern)	Session
12:45 p.m.	National Coordinating Counsel Meeting (box lunch provided) This meeting is for lawyers who manage talc litigation nationwide. It is designed to give them one hour to discuss litigation strategy and paths forward in a unified way. Box Lunch to be provided.
1:45 p.m.	Review of Recent Scientific Literature Caroline M. Tinsley, Tucker Ellis LLP, St. Louis, MO Todd C. Alley, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Atlanta, GA
2:10 p.m.	FDA Testing R. Thomas Radcliffe, DeHay & Elliston LLP, Baltimore, MD
2:35 p.m.	IARC Monograph Update Will Stute, King & Spalding LLP, Miami, FL
3:00 p.m.	Cleavage Fragment Studies Evan Beckett, MPH, CIH, DABT, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL Eric Miller, MPH, CIH, DABT, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI
3:30 p.m.	Update on Dr. Moline Case Series Litigation/Exclusion Kurt Greve, Nelson Mullins, Dallas, TX Nilofar Karbassi, Nelson Mullins, Torrance, CA

CLE Information

Earn up to 12.50 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including 1.00 hour of Ethics 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 here for details on CLE late fees.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

DRI's Asbestos Medicine Seminar is proudly supported by:

Medical Records Retrieval Record Speed Record Retrieval

McCaffery & Associates Inc Historical Research

If you would like to contact DRI about seminar sponsorship opportunities (including pricing) or to reserve a spot, please visit the sponsorship page.

DRI Cares

Soldiers' Angels

Please join us in supporting Soldiers' Angels. With a global network of volunteers, Soldiers’ Angels works to ensure that those who serve or have served are supported, uplifted and remembered though a variety of programs. During our conference, attendees will have the opportunity to provide a little holiday cheer and help brighten the spirits of service members and veterans by assembling candy bags and making holiday ornaments. Join us on Wednesday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m. before the reception. All are welcome. If you are interested in helping with coordination and setting up the event, please contact Carolyn Husmann.

Learn More and Donate

Additional Resources

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