Registration Information
Save up to $700 when you register on or before February 25, 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
|
Member Pricing |
Non-Member Pricing |
Non-Member Bundle ^ |
Regular Registration*
(Now thru Feb. 25) |
$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
Premier Networking Reception at the Smoke Skybar
Sponsored by: ABC
Date: Thursday, February 27 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: Smoke Skybar, 1100 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Howdy, y'all! Get ready to kick up your boots and head on down to DRI's Premier Networking Reception in the heart of the Lone Star State. This Texan-sized shindig is your chance to take a break from the hotel and mix and mingle with your fellow seminar attendees. Held at the Smoke Skybar, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the city skyline as you indulge in some finger-lickin' good BBQ bites and refresh yourself with tasty drinks from the open bar. So, y'all come on down and get ready to network the night away, Texas-style! This is your opportunity to swap stories, share insights, and build lasting connections with the movers and shakers of DRI. Yeehaw, partner – you won't want to miss out on this good ol' fashioned shindig!
Hotel Information
The seminar will take place at Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, 600 E Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205.
To contact the hotel directly, call 210.224.1234.
A limited number of discounted hotel rooms remain in DRI's group room block at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. These rooms and rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Take advantage of the remaining rooms at the group rate of $282.00 Single/Double.
Reserve your Room Online
If there is not availability in DRI’s group room block at Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk for your required dates, please use the link below to reserve a room at a nearby available hotel via our trusted partner aRes Travel**.
Call 1-800-559-3186 for assistance; for International callers 1-619-546-5773.
Search Alternative Hotels
**aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.
Full Agenda
*Schedule and Speakers subject to change
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
| Time (Central) |
Session |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Registration |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Margarita Making Class (2:00–3:30 p.m.)
Join fellow Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability attendees for a fun and interactive event where you’ll connect with others while making your own margaritas! Learn the basics of crafting a classic margarita, experiment with unique flavors, and enjoy great conversations in a relaxed, social environment. Perfect for anyone looking to meet new friends and contacts in a casual environment. Snacks will be provided.
This event will take place onsite at the hotel. Please note this event is an additional cost and can be added when you register for the seminar. This event will cost $85; max is 25 people. |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Plaintiff’s Attorney
Hear from Ven Johnon, a § 1983 civil rights Plaintiff’s attorney who will share his tips on how he analyzes and values claims.
Moderator
David Karamessinis, Esq., Travelers Insurance, Naperville, IL
Ven Johnson, Esquire, Ven Johnson Law, Detroit, MI
|
| 4:00 p.m. |
Margarita Making Class (4:00–5:00 p.m.)
Join fellow Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability attendees for a fun and interactive event where you’ll connect with others while making your own margaritas! Learn the basics of crafting a classic margarita, experiment with unique flavors, and enjoy great conversations in a relaxed, social environment. Perfect for anyone looking to meet new friends and contacts in a casual environment. Snacks will be provided.
This event will take place onsite at the hotel. Please note this event is an additional cost and can be added when you register for the seminar. This event will cost $85; max is 25 people.
|
| 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, February 27, 2025
| Time (Central) |
Session |
| 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
Tracey Turnbull, Esq., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, Cleveland, OH
Tricia Ambrose, MacMain Leinhauser, West Chester, PA |
| 9:15 a.m. |
30(b)(6) Depositions
Learn tips and tricks for adequately preparing a public entity corporate designee client for a 30(b)(6) deposition. This will include an emphasis on wrongful conviction cases.
Elena Boop, Esq., City of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Matthew Aumann, Esq., City of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH |
| 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
DRI Cares - Blessings in a Backpack
Click here for details on this DRI Cares session.
|
| 10:15 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Supreme Court Review and Analysis
Supreme Court advocate Tom Dupree breaks down the latest United States Supreme Court decisions, their impact on governmental entities and officials, and what these opinions may portend for the High Court going forward.
Thomas H. Dupree, Jr., Esq., Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, Washington, D.C. |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Breakouts
Join a smaller group of attendees for interactive discussion about topical issues that matter to you in our break-out sessions. |
|
Hot Topics in Land Use
A discussion on topics in takings, including taking claims arising out of tent cities, Airbnb prohibitions, rental revocations and other land use issues.
Anna Little Morris, Butler Snow, Ridgeland, MS
Lem Montgomery, Butler Snow, Ridgeland, MS |
|
Title IX
Hear updates on Title IX law and considerations in investigation same, including decisions regarding preserving or waiving privilege, confidentiality, FERPA, in house counsel working with outside counsel.
Rhasheda Douglas (Assistant Dean of the Minority Program), Rutgers University and former Title IX Manager at Rowan University, Camden, NJ
Tia Combs, Freeman, Mathis and Gary, Lexington, KY |
| 12:30 p.m. |
DRI Networking Lunch |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Police Practices – Mental Health and De-Escalation
A fulsome discussion on legal implications for officers handling mental health calls, welfare checks and encounters with citizens who may be dealing with mental health and developing programs and policies for Departments and handling mental illness.
Paul Mullin, Esq., Sugarman Law Firm, Syracuse, NY
Ernest Stevens, Justice Center, Council of State Governments, San Antonio, TX |
| 2:50 p.m. |
Qualified Immunity
Professor Blum returns to discuss the latest Circuit and Supreme Court developments in qualified immunity. She’ll also provide her insight on the future of the doctrine.
Professor Karen M. Blum, Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA |
| 3:40 p.m. |
Break
|
| 4:00 p.m. |
Handling Prison Medical Claims
Many inmates are processed into the correctional system under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Others are able to obtain drugs while inside the walls of corrections. Hear from two experts on how to prevent drugs from entering the prison and how to handle inmates both from a corrections standpoint and medical standpoint who may be going through withdrawal. This will include a fulsome discussion on the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for inmates who with substance use disorder (SUD) and how the ADA applies to same and how your correctional clients can adequately and legally deal with these issues.
Moderator
Peter R. Jennetten, Esq.
Edward Sweeney, Sweeney Corrections Consulting, LLC, Allentown, PA
Neil Fisher, M.D., Wexford Health Resources, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ
|
| 5:30 p.m. |
Adjourn |
| 5:30 p.m. |
Government Liability Committee Business Meeting (open to all)
|
| 6:00–8:00 p.m. |
Premier Networking Reception | Smoke Skybar
Click here for details on the reception.
|
| 8:00 p.m. |
Dine-Arounds
Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).
|
Friday, February 28, 2025
| Time (Central) |
Session |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Coffee Service
|
| 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and Announcements
Lee Ledet, Ledet Law Group, Francisville, LA |
| 9:10 a.m. |
General Liability Claims that Public Entities Face
Our Public Entity clients deal every day with various general liability issues from slip and falls and vehicle claims to some of the most obscure and unexpected events. Hear from two claims professionals on claims that public entities can expect, how to avoid such claims and what immunities and damage caps may be available. In addition, what they expect of outside counsel when evaluating such claims.
Sarah Schmitz, Intact Insurance Services, Maple Plain, MN
Lee Ledet, Ledet Law Group, Francisville, LA |
| 10:10 a.m. |
Coffee Break
|
| 10:25 a.m. |
Breakouts
Join a smaller group of attendees for interactive discussion about topical issues that matter to you in our break-out sessions. |
|
First Amendment
A discussion regarding recent Supreme Court cases addressing employee speech, religious accommodation requests, and discrimination claims as well as guidance in providing public entity employers a new standard to consider when addressing employee compliance, and other matters.
Brian H. Leinhauser, MacMain Leinhauser, West Chester, PA |
|
School Bullying
Many School Districts are facing lawsuits related to bullying in schools. Hear what claims may be brought, legal updates regarding such claims, how your District can use mitigation strategies to prevent bullying and putting those strategies into practice to prevent bullying and avoid suit.
Doug Onley (Senior Resolutions Counsel/Team Leader), United Educators, Bethesda, MD
Melanie V. Slaton, Hall Booth Smith, PC, Columbus, GA |
| 11:25 a.m. |
Unconscious Bias
We will explore how unconscious bias plays a part in police/citizen interaction and in litigation from inception through trial.
Jessica Kokal, Esq., Broening Oberg Woods & Wilson, Phoenix, AZ
Maraleen Shields, Esq., The Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission on Gender, Racial and Ethical Fairness, Harrisburg, PA |
| 12:25 p.m. |
Adjourn
|
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 here for details on CLE late fees.
DRI's Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability is proudly supported by:
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
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 Thursday morning. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the San Antonio community.
Donate to Blessings in a Backpack
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.