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!

Save up to $700 when you register on or before September 29!
View registration information.

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:

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 LGBT+ 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:

Rheem Manufacturing

*Subject to change

To save this page as a PDF, click on the "Print Brochure" button and under printer destination select "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF."
For Android users, some browsers do not support printing.

Print Brochure

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

Save up to $700 when you register on or before September 29, 2025!

Worry-free registration: Cancellations received thirty (30) days or more before an in-person seminar are entitled to a full refund.

Save Your Spot Today

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 ^
Early Bird Registration* (Now thru Sept. 29)	$1,395	$1,795	$1,715
Regular Registration* (Sept. 30–Nov. 11)	$1,595	$1,995	$1,915
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	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 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

Premiere 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

Experience Tampa's most spectacular waterfront venue while connecting with leading professionals in asbestos and health litigation!

Join us for an exclusive evening at American Social, Tampa's premier destination overlooking the stunning Tampa Bay and Hillsborough River. What Awaits You:

Premium open bar with craft cocktails and top-shelf selections
Gourmet appetizer displays featuring four unlimited chef's selections
Exclusive networking opportunities with 350 industry leaders and experts
Breathtaking waterfront views from the Outside Main Bar and private Cove areas

Located on Tampa's prestigious Harbour Island, American Social offers an unparalleled setting where panoramic bay views create the perfect backdrop for meaningful professional connections. The venue's modern American cuisine and award-winning bar program have made it a cornerstone of Tampa's dining and social scene.

This is your opportunity to engage with fellow practitioners, share insights, and build lasting relationships in an atmosphere that perfectly balances professional networking with Tampa's renowned hospitality.

Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at Tampa Marriott Water Street, 505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602.
To contact the hotel directly, call 813.221.4900.

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. Take advantage of the group rate of $309.00 Single/Double.

Reserve your Room Online

The hotel block is limited, and rooms and rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations by October 14, 2025, to be eligible for the hotel's group rate. Requests for reservations made after October 14 are subject to room and rate availability.

Full Agenda

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
12:00 p.m.	Registration
1:00 p.m.	Litigation Trends and Verdict Analyses Moderator Jennifer A. Whelan, MG+M Law, Boston, MA 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: LGBT+ Moderators Jonathan Terrell, KCIC, Washington D.C. 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 Todd Carroll, Womble Bond Dickinson, Columbia, SC
4:00 p.m.	Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Mechanics Who Changed Chrysotile Asbestos-Containing Brakes and Other Vehicle Components Dennis J. Paustenbach, PhD, DABT, CIH, TRC Companies, Jackson, WY David Brew, PhD, TRC Companies, Jackson, WY
5:00 p.m.	Asbestos Committee Meeting (open to all attendees)
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 13, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session
8:00 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service
8:45 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions James E. Weatherholtz, Womble Bond Dickinson, Charleston, SC Evelyn Fletcher Davis, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Atlanta, GA
9:00 a.m.	Genetics & Susceptibility
9:50 a.m.	DRI Insights Quick Hits
10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:30 a.m.	Historical Cosmetic Talc Consumption and Incidence of Mesothelioma in the U.S. Jennifer Pierce, MS, PhD, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL
10:55 a.m.	Spontaneous Mesotheliomas Mark Zellmer, Husch Blackwell, St. Louis, MO
11:20 a.m.	Medical Advancements: Increased Survivability Among Mesothelioma Patients Are plaintiffs staying alive longer due to misdiagnoses or new cancer treatments?
12:30–2:00 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch
12:45–3:55 p.m.	Talc Breakout Sessions Click the "Talc Breakout" blue tab below for full schedule. Box lunch will be provided.
12:45–3:55 p.m.	Young Lawyers Breakout Sessions Click the "Young Lawyers Breakout" blue tab below for full schedule. Box lunch will be provided.
2:00 p.m.	Mock Daubert / 702 Hearing re:Plaintiff’s Expert Witness Attorney Kevin P. Greene, Willcox Savage, Norfolk, VA
2:50 p.m.	Mock Cross-Examination of a Plaintiff’s Expert Witness Attorney John M. Fitzpatrick, Tanenbaum Keale LLP, Naples, FL Expert Witness Bruce T. Bishop, WillCox Savage, Norfolk, VA
4:00 p.m.	Issues Facing Law Firms: Associate Retention, Building a Strong Firm Culture, Growth Strategies 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 Frank Fletcher, J-M Eagle, Los Angeles, CA Humma Siddiqi, Toyota North America, Dallas, TX
	Insurance Roundtable Frederick Schaefer, Nationwide, Wausau, WI Matthew Williams, Nationwide, Denver, CO Alexandra Nassopoulos, Resolute Management, Boston, MA Jay Surdukowski, The Riverstone Group, Concord, NH Amanda Webber, Allianz, Petaluma, CA Jerry Bevey, Travelers, Suffield, CT
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn
5:30 p.m.	Premiere Networking Reception \| American Social Join fellow seminar attendees at American Social, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602. Click here for full details.
7:45 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

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 Jerry C. Popovich, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Santa Ana, CA Katharine S. Perry, MG+M Law, Boston, MA Robert R. Rigolosi, Segal McCambridge, New York, NY Tobin Taylor, Heyl Royster, Chicago, IL
10:10 a.m.	Break
10:25 a.m.	Counter Anchoring Robert C. Manlowe, Williams Kastner, Seattle, WA David C. Marshall, Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP, Atlanta, GA
11:25 a.m.	Overcoming the Public’s Perception of Lawyers (Ethics) James A. Lowery, GRSM LLP, Dallas, TX
12:25 p.m.	Adjourn

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 & Spaulding, Miami, FL Katharine S. Perry, MG+M Law, Boston, MA
3:00 p.m.	Cleavage Fragment Studies Jennifer Pierce, MS, PhD, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL
3:30 p.m.	Update on Dr. Moline Case Series Litigation/Exclusion Robert E. Thackston, Nelson Mullins, Dallas, TX Kaitlin Del Vecchio Motley, Nelson Mullins, Baltimore, MD

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

Time (Eastern)	Session
12:45 p.m.	Bankruptcy Trust Panel: How to Get the Alternative Exposure You Need (box lunch provided) Speaker Sarah Beth Jones, Gay Jones & Kuhn PLLC, Jackson, MS Insurance Representative Amanda Webber, Allianz, Petaluma, CA Trial Lawyer Steven S. Spaulding, Berkes Crane Santana & Spangler LLP, Los Angeles, CA Medicare Reporting Lawyer Catherine E. Goldhaber, Hawkins Parnell & Young LLP, Chicago, IL
1:30 p.m.	Deposition Training: How to Develop a Story Christopher Bruni, Berkes Crane Santana & Spangler LLP, San Francisco, CA
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

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.