| Time (Eastern) |
Session |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Coffee Service
|
| 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and Introductions
Sharon D. Stuart, Attorneys Insurance Mutual of the South, Hoover, AL
Susan E. Cohen, Peabody & Arnold, Boston, MA
|
| 9:15 a.m. |
Effective Jury Trial Techniques and Trends
Learn from a sitting trial judge what techniques, strategies, presentations, or methods work or may backfire with a jury. The discussion will focus on jury trial trends involving high or inflationary verdicts, jury selection and juror attitudes toward their duty and the process, use and impact of court room technologies, effective expert examination to maximize jury understanding, practical methods to educate your trial judge, and settlement negotiation strategies when your trial judge serves as the neutral. Experienced and new attorneys will benefit from an active trial judge about what is needed, expected, and preferred to ensure a smooth jury trial and to enhance your case and the ability to prevail.
Newt Marshall, Karbal, Cohen, Economou, Silk & Dunne, LLC, Chicago, IL
Honorable Brendan A. O’Brien, Circuit Judge, Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County, IL |
| 10:15 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:30–10:45 a.m. |
DRI Insight Series: Finding A Strategic Edge: AI and the Future of Data-Driven Litigation Defense
The future of litigation strategy is here—and it's powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Beyond today's automation of document review, AI is fundamentally reshaping how legal teams will approach defensive litigation, transforming it from an experience-based practice into a predictive, data-driven science. This session will explore how AI will redefine strategic decision-making.
Andrew Anderson, OraClaim, San Francisco, CA |
| 10:45 a.m. |
The Algorithm Made Me Do It: AI and Legal Profession
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s reshaping the legal landscape today. From predictive analytics and contract review to generative AI tools that draft legal documents, the integration of AI into legal practice is accelerating. But with innovation comes complexity. This presentation explores the transformative impact of AI on the legal profession, examining both the opportunities and the ethical, regulatory, and practical challenges it presents.
Mackenzie Smith Compton, Reminger Co., L.P.A., Columbus, OH
|
| 11:45 a.m. |
Navigating the New Liability Landscape for Panel Firms
In the past, panel firms operated under an unwritten pact where minor errors were tolerated (provided hourly rates stayed low) and only egregious malpractice resulted in claims. That implied agreement is now gone—panel firms face scrutiny for every error. Insurance carriers and institutional clients are aggressively pursuing claims to transfer risk to defense firms in both lawsuits and arbitrations. These claims target not just mistakes but also failures to prevent bad outcomes, even when the underlying facts were a doomed case. In this fast-paced session, we will unpack how this emerging exposure landed on panel counsel, why mandatory arbitration is gaining favor, the implications of panel counsel agreements and litigation guidelines, and what firms can do to protect themselves.
Moderator
Joe Garin, Garin Law Group, Las Vegas, NV
Stacey Smith, ALPS, Missoula, MT
Mike Brennan, Palms, Palm Beach, FL |
| 12:45–2:00 p.m. |
Lunch (On your own) |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Claim Showdown: The Professional Liability Game Show
Get ready to test your knowledge, challenge your instincts, and have some fun! In this interactive game show-style CLE session, insurance professionals’ step into the spotlight as contestants, competing in a fast-paced quiz focused on professional liability claims.
Through a series of real-world scenarios, legal trivia, and strategic decision-making challenges, participants will:
- Sharpen their understanding of professional liability exposures and defenses
- Explore best practices in claims handling and risk mitigation
- Navigate ethical dilemmas and procedural pitfalls
- Compete for bragging rights—and maybe even prizes!
Moderator
Claudia Costa, Goldberg Segalla, New York, NY
Bella Kang, Skyward Specialty Insurance, New York, NY
Lori Watson, ProAssurance, Okemos, MI
Ellen McCarthy, Attorney Protective Special Risk, Severna Park, MD |
| 3:00 p.m. |
From Zoomers to Boomers: Bridging the Gap to Retain Top Talent
In today’s multigenerational workplace, law firms and legal departments face a unique challenge—and opportunity: how to attract, engage, and retain top talent across generations. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, each cohort brings distinct values, communication styles, and expectations to the table. This dynamic session explores how legal organizations can bridge generational divides to build stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready teams.
Moderator
Jason Jobe (Generation Z), Thompson Coe, Dallas, TX
Hunter Williams (Generation Y / Millennials), Gallivan White & Boyd P.A., Greenville, SC
Paige E. Riley (Generation X), Stites Harbison, Louisville, KY
Jay Courie (Generation Boomer), McAngus Goudelock & Courie, Columbia, SC |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Adjourn
|
| 4:00 p.m. |
Professional Liability Committee Business Meeting (Open to all) |
| 5:30–6:30 p.m. |
Networking Reception
Join fellow seminar attendees at our Networking Reception. More details to come. |
| 8:00 p.m. |
Dine-Arounds
Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).
|