2025 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar

Name: 2025 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar | DRI
Start: 2025-09-10T12:00
End: 2025-09-12T12:25
Location: Austin Marriott Downtown

September 10–12, 2025
Austin Marriott Downtown | Austin, Texas

Advanced Defense Strategies & Outstanding Networking for Industry Leaders!

Save up to $700 when you register on or before July 28!
View registration information.

Join us in Austin, Texas, for the 2025 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar, taking place September 10–12 at the Austin Marriott Downtown! This annual seminar promises an engaging experience with panel counsel meetings, varied networking opportunities, and educational sessions from top industry experts covering the latest legal and operational trends affecting the senior living and long-term care sectors. This year's conference will include multiple opportunities to network as well as the ability to earn up to 10 hours of CLE credit, including 2 hours of Ethics credit! Register today to reserve your spot and make the most of these exclusive opportunities!

What You Will Learn:

Strategies for defense of wound infection cases, both from the medical and legal perspectives.
The analysis of business considerations outside the courtroom impacting litigation strategies.
How ancillary and agency services impact the defense of your case, including the pitfalls and benefits.
How to best meet emphasizing the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing facilities to counter plaintiff’s efforts to implement incorrect standards.
Strategic defending of key depositions, including managerial and hostile former employees.
The latest in practical AI use and how you can use it in your practice.

Expand Your Network By:

Attending the Thursday Networking Luncheon, conveniently located in the hotel and included in the registration fee.
Participating in off-site networking events, including a DRI for Life walk/run at the Lady Bird Hike Trail, a sightseeing tour of Austin's vibrant tapestry of landmarks and attractions, and a live music crawl to experience Austin’s unique live music scene.
Joining fellow attendees at Austin dine-around experiences.
Engaging with fellow attendees at the Networking Reception on Thursday night.
Coming to the new meet-up for first-time participants.
Meeting fellow female attendees during Friday’s Women in the Law breakfast.

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

Brookdale
Ensign Services
Magnolia LTC
Signature HealthCARE
West Bend Mutual Insurance

*Subject to change

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Thank You to DRI's Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee Leadership

**Andrew DeSimone**
Committee Vice Chair

Ted J. McDonald — **Ted McDonald III**
Law Institute

Join the Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee

Registration Information

Save up to $700 when you register on or before July 28, 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 July 28)	$1,395	$1,795	$1,715
Regular Registration* (July 29–Sept. 9)	$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.

Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at Austin Marriott Downtown, 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701.
To contact the hotel directly, call 512.457.1111.

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Austin Marriott Downtown. Take advantage of the group rate of $329.00 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 August 12, 2025, to be eligible for the hotel's group rate. Requests for reservations made after August 12 are subject to room and rate availability.

Full Agenda

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
12:00 p.m.	Registration
3:00 p.m.	The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Part 1): A Primer on Preparing and Defending Managerial Employees Join us for an exclusive session on defending administrators, DONs and corporate representatives in depositions, a vital skill for young attorneys looking to expand their litigation expertise. This session will provide practical strategies and insights for navigating complex depositions, protecting your clients' interests, and managing high-stakes testimony. Learn directly from experienced practitioners who will share real-world examples and tips for handling sensitive issues with confidence. Don't miss this unique opportunity to enhance your skills and build your career in an increasingly important area of law. Max Beach, Perry Johnson Anderson Miller & Moskowitz, Santa Rosa, CA Sarah Jane Truong, Perry Johnson Anderson Miller & Moskowitz, Santa Rosa, CA
4:00 p.m.	The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Part 2): A Primer on Caregiver Depositions and the Hostile Former Employee In Part 2 of this session, we’ll dive into the challenges of defending nurses, CNAs, and other frontline staff in depositions. You’ll learn how to handle difficult questioning and deal with hostile former employees who may have motives to exaggerate or fabricate claims. Our expert speakers will guide you through effective techniques for managing high-tension depositions while safeguarding your client’s interests. This is a must-attend session for young attorneys eager to sharpen their skills in defending healthcare workers in critical legal scenarios. Paul McCartney, Bonezzi Switzer Polito & Perry, Cincinnati, OH
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, September 11, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
7:00 a.m.	DRI for Life \| Hike the Lady Bird Trail Meet us at 7:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby to hike Austin's Lady Bird Trail — connect and explore before sessions begin!
8:30 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Ted J. McDonald III, McDonald Law Group, PA, Kansas City, MO Whitney Horak, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, PC, Memphis, TN
9:15–10:15 a.m.	Mastering the Defense of Wound Infection Claims: Medical Causation and Litigation Strategies Wound infections are a frequent focus of claims in long-term care litigation. Successfully defending against these claims requires an in-depth understanding of medical causation, standards of care, and potential alternative explanations for the infection. This discussion will explore key strategies for defending against allegations that a wound infection resulted from negligence, improper medical treatment, or defective products. This in-depth discussion will provide defense attorneys with the tools to effectively challenge wound infection claims, leveraging medical expertise, legal precedent, and sound litigation strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. Eric Walker, MD, VOHRA Wound Physicians, Temple, TX Sammi Renken, Johnson and Bell, Chicago, IL
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	DRI Cares \| Blessings in a Backpack Click here for details on DRI Cares.
10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:30 a.m.	Inside and Outside the Courtroom – How Business & Insurance Strategies in the Long-Term Care Industry Impact Litigation Hear from a panel of distinguished in-house counsel and an insurance professional as they explore how business, insurance, and public relations concerns shape litigation strategy in long-term care cases. Gain valuable insights on balancing litigation tactics with business priorities, navigating regulatory concerns, and gain an understanding of how these non-litigation factors may impact existing litigation. Learn practical tools to support clients beyond the courtroom, from insurance coverage to strategic collaboration with brokers, outside counsel, and PR professionals. Moderator Kelly Jones Howell, Harris Beach Murtha, New York, NY Peter Winterburn, CAC Specialty, Memphis, TN Jack Oliver, Cantex, Dallas, TX Chris Cullen, Atria, Louisville, KY
11:30 a.m.	Who’s on First? Fielding the Changing Landscape of Agency and Ancillary Staff on Resident Care and Litigation Join us for an insightful session where we will explore current trends and changes in the use of agency and ancillary staff over time and their potential impact on the future. Gain valuable knowledge on contractual obligations required with independent service providers, along with best practices for effective agreements. Engage in discussions on facility processes, including screening, training, and the quality of care provided by agency staff. Additionally, we will analyze the evolving landscape of litigation defense, examining the impact of shifting trends and evaluating effective strategies for defending claims involving agency or ancillary staff. Tammy Banasek, Hepler Broom, Chicago, IL Robyn Rogers, NHC, Murfreesboro, TN
12:30–2:00 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch
2:00 p.m.	Pulling Back the Curtain: Demystifying the Legal Defense of Assisted Living Facilities v. Skilled Nursing Facilities This session will explore the unique challenges and strategies involved in defending assisted living facilities compared to skilled nursing facilities from the perspective of defense counsel as well as an owner/operator of an assisted living facility. Attendees will gain insights into the legal, regulatory, and operational distinctions between the two types of care settings, and how these differences impact defense strategies in litigation. Learn practical approaches to navigate the complexities of each setting while ensuring effective risk management. Moderator Jodi Terranova, Wilson Elser, Washington D.C. Frank Alvarez, Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer, PA, Dallas, TX Marvette Lowrie-Morris, JD, RN, MSHCA, BSHCA, LNHA, Sweetwater Living, LLC, Lenoir City, TN
3:00 p.m.	From the Bench and the Bar: A View from Both Sides of Ethics Drawing on years of experience, this talk offers a candid and insightful look at the ethical challenges litigators face in the courtroom. Former Judge Lee Yeakel will provide a judicial perspective on common ethical pitfalls, the fine line between zealous advocacy and misconduct, and the professional obligations that define the integrity of the legal profession. Melissa Brown will also provide her insight as a former Chair of the New Jersey Bar’s Ethics Committee. With a focus on real-world application, this session will provide experienced litigators with valuable insights into how ethical decision-making impacts case outcomes, judicial perceptions, and professional reputation. Moderator Michael Dial, Hall Booth Smith, Oklahoma City, OK Judge Lee Yeakel, Former US District Court Judge for the Western District of Texas, Austin, TX Melissa Brown, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, Marlton, NJ
4:00 p.m.	Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee Business Meeting (open to all)
4:15 p.m.	Small Group Networking Click "Small Group Networking" tab below for list of activities and details. Click here to sign up.
6:00 p.m.	Networking Reception Join fellow seminar attendees at our Premier Networking Reception. More details to come.
8:00 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Friday, September 12, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
7:30 a.m.	Women in the Law Breakfast
8:30 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Announcements Shana O’Grady, Cray Huber, Chicago, IL
9:10 a.m.	How Much?! – Latest Verdicts and Legal Updates in Senior Living and A Discussion of Current “Understaffing” Strategies and Evidence Used Against Providers with John Bowblis, PhD Learn the latest in the year’s jury verdicts and decisions, including the big hits and big wins for the defense, in addition to the new CMS regulations and other regulatory changes and the impact those changes have had on the industry. Also, you’ll learn about the new strategies and methods employed by plaintiffs to argue a senior living community is “understaffed”. Topics covered will include auditing of staffing data, class actions targeting staffing, and the Plaintiffs’ use of staffing benchmarks, including the reinvention of the “expected” staffing levels argument. John R. Bowblis, PhD, Bowblis Economic Consulting, LLC Shaquan Lewis, Fudge Broadwater, Tampa, FL Richard Moore, Bleeke Dillon Crandall, Indianapolis, IN
10:10 a.m.	Break
10:25 a.m.	Leveraging AI in Litigation: Enhancing Long Term Care Defense Through Technology This session explores the role of artificial intelligence in long-term care litigation, demonstrating how AI can enhance case preparation, evidence analysis, and litigation strategy. Through real-world examples, the session illustrates both the potential and limitations of AI in legal practice, while acknowledging the need for human oversight. During this session, you will learn practical insights on leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency and outcomes in nursing home and assisted living facility cases. Joseph Bambara, CIPP/US, Withers Bergman LLP, New York, NY
11:25 a.m.	Beyond the Billable Hour: Addressing Lawyer Mental Health Join us for an insightful seminar on lawyer wellness, where we will explore the unique challenges that legal professionals face in maintaining mental health. This session covers the causes of burnout, stress, and anxiety, and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to build resilience and well-being. Learn how to manage stress effectively, prevent compassion fatigue, and rekindle your passion for the law. Through expert guidance, you'll gain valuable tools to sustain both your mental health and your enthusiasm for the legal profession. Michelle Fontenot, JD, Texas Lawyers Assistance Program, Austin, TX
12:25 p.m.	Adjourn

Small Group Networking (Thursday 4:15 p.m.)

Below are the available activities. Each activity will meet in the hotel lobby at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 11.
To participate, click the button below to sign up. Spots for activities are limited.

Pick an Activity and Sign Up

Barton Springs – Take a dip in the beloved natural spring-fed swimming pool located in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. It's one of the crown jewels of the city and a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
$9 admission fee.

Antonelli’s Cheese Shop – Experience the renowned artisanal cheese destination made famous in the commercials. Meet certified cheese professionals for some tastings and cut to order cheese purchases will be available.
Free activity, but purchases are available.

Capitol Grounds Walkabout – A leisurely, self-guided stroll through the 22-acre public park surrounding the Texas State Capitol at Congress and 11^th Street, featuring scenic promenades and over 20 historic monuments. It’s perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone looking to enjoy a bit of downtown green space.
Free activity.

Texas History Museum – See Texas history from ancient archaeology to modern pop culture, including Interactive & immersive: dynamic galleries, theaters, multimedia, and tactile experiences, with iconic artifacts such as La Belle, Alamo facades, state symbols, and aerospace hardware.
$15 admission fee.

Museum of the Weird – Get the full Austin experience! Museum of the Weird is delightfully bizarre "dime museum" experience tucked inside the Lucky Lizard Curios & Gifts on 6th Street.
$13 admission fee.

CLE Information

Earn up to 10.00 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including 2.00 hours 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 Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar is proudly supported by:

Cray Huber Horstman Heil & VanAusdal LLC

DZN Dzenitis Newman PLLC Attorneys at Law

H|B|S Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Attorneys at Law

QPWB Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer P.A.

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 the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, September 11. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the Austin 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.