2025 Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar

Thank You to DRI's Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Committee Leadership

Tracey Rice — **Tracey Keegan Rice**
Program Chair

Roy Prather — **Roy D. Prather, III**
Committee Chair

Elizabeth M. Sorenson Brotten — **Elizabeth Sorenson Brotten**
Committee Vice Chair

Jaime W. Luse — **Jaime Walker Luse**
Law Institute

Join the Toxic Torts and Environmental Law 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	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 Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Sponsored by: ABC

Date: Thursday, March 27 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: Onsite at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Prepare to engage at DRI’s signature Networking Reception, where you can step away from your sessions and immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere. Hosted at the seminar hotel, you'll savor an array of tempting snacks, enjoy an open bar, and delight in refreshing mocktails while you converse, laugh, and forge new connections. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime DRI enthusiast, this event is your ideal chance to relax, network, and truly embrace your time in Atlanta. Grab a drink, seek out a friendly face, and get ready to create memories with your fellow seminar attendees!

Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, 3300 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
To contact the hotel directly, call 404.237.1234.

The DRI room block at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead is now sold out. Please use the link below to reserve a room at a nearby available hotel.

Alternative Hotels

If you are planning on attending the conference and have not secured a hotel reservation, search for hotel availability via our trusted partner aRes Travel**. Book online or call 800.559.3186 for assistance; for International callers 619.546.5773.

**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

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Print Agenda with Room Locations

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session	Room
12:00 p.m.	Registration	Grand Prefunction (Lower Lobby Level)
12:00 p.m.	Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Pre-Seminar Luncheon Click here to signup for luncheon.
4:00–5:00 p.m.	Small Group Networking Click "Small Group Networking" tab below for details.	Highland Prefunction (Lobby Level)
5:30–6:00 p.m.	First Timers Meet and Greet	Ivy 1 & 2 (Lobby Level)
6:00 p.m.	Networking / Cocktail Hour	Grand Ballroom 3 (Lower Lobby Level)
7:30 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session	Room
8:30 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee.	Grand Prefunction (Lower Lobby Level)
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Jaime Walker Luse, Tydings, Baltimore, MD Tracey K. Rice, Copeland & Rice LLP, Houston, TX	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
9:15 a.m.	Offense is the Best Defense: Tackling the Impediments to Obtaining and Using Genetic Testing in Toxic Tort Cases Genetic testing has become the standard of care in diagnosing and treating a vast array of diseases, but attempting to use it use in toxic tort litigation still tends to be treated as avant-garde. Why is that, and what can be done about it? This session will begin with a discussion about recent scientific studies regarding genetic causation. We then will address various hurdles to obtaining genetic material from plaintiffs and using the results of genetic testing in toxic tort cases. Finally, we will explore potential solutions to overcoming these hurdles and consider some potential avenues of using genetic testing as a sword, rather than merely a shield, in genetic-causation cases going forward. Scott Emery, Segal McCambridge, New York, NY Ali Spindler, Irwin Fritchie, New Orleans, LA Len Van Zyl, ArrayXpress, Raleigh, NC	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break	Grand Prefunction (Lower Lobby Level)
10:45 a.m.	DRI Insights Quick Hits Advances in PFAS Analyses: More Information Brings More Challenges PFAS often exist as complex mixtures in the environment and in diverse forms in products. Analytical advances are expanding the number of distinct substances that can be identified and approaches for characterizing the combined PFAS amounts in samples. These advances provide clear advantages for source fingerprinting, determining degradation pathways and planning remediation or substitution strategies. At the same time additional information means more information to deal with regarding claims of exposure and demands for effective cleanup technologies. We will discuss the higher resolution PFAS picture emerging from expanding analyses and implications for site and case management. Robert P. DeMott, PhD, DABT, Ramboll, Tampa, FL	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
11:00 a.m.	Poking Holes in “AI-Driven” Data Analysis: State of the Practice Update on AI in Environmental Evaluations This presentation will explore the current state of AI applications in environmental evaluations, focusing on both the potential and pitfalls of AI-driven data analysis. It will discuss how environmental consultants are leveraging AI for tasks such as environmental due diligence, highlighting specific use cases and the importance of quality controls. The talk will also address the risks of over-reliance on AI tools, providing a balanced view of their capabilities and limitations, and offering practical advice for attorneys on how to verify AI-generated results in their work. Raphael Siebenmann, Geosyntec, Atlanta, GA	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
11:15 a.m.	U.S. Supreme Court Update The United States Supreme Court has issued a number of pivotal opinions impacting environmental and toxic tort practice. This session will delve into some of those opinions with differing insights from a private practitioner and a law professor. Mindy Goldstein, Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, GA Elbert Lin, Hunton Andrews Kurth, Richmond, VA	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
12:15 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch Join all seminar attendees for lunch and networking opportunities that are second to none.	Grand Ballroom 3 (Lower Lobby Level)
2:00 p.m.	The Science of Storytelling in Toxic Torts Trials Description coming soon. Michael A. Gross, JD, CogentEdge/Magna Legal Services, St. Petersburg, FL	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
3:00 p.m.	The Trace Case: Benzene Litigation in a Post-Benzene World We will discuss analyzing and defending claims of benzene exposure resulting from products where benzene is not a constituent. We will address recent filings where Plaintiffs are arguing that trace benzene is found in any petroleum-based product and that, as a result, they can proceed with claims of benzene exposure even where there is no benzene within the product formula. Jake Sawyer, Lewis Brisbois, Chicago, IL Dr. Julie Goodman, Gradient, Boston, MA	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
4:00 p.m.	PFAS on Trial: Regulatory Update, Litigation Trends, and Identification of Responsible Parties at Multi-Party Contaminated Sites This panel presentation will explore the evolving PFAS legal landscape, beginning with a federal regulatory update. We'll delve into litigation trends, including the types of claims being brought against defendants and the parties driving these legal actions. For contaminated multi-party PFAS sites, the discussion will also cover best practices to identify additional responsible parties in support of equitable cost apportionment as well as strategies for negotiating with the EPA to include all parties on site consent orders. Finally, this presentation will explore common technical issues associated with PFAS data and investigations. Kelly Calder Mowen, Orndorff Mowen PLLC, Pittsburgh, PA Ashley L. Thompson, ArentFox Schiff, Chicago, IL Emmie Chen, P.E., Geosyntec, Atlanta, GA	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn
5:00 p.m.	Toxic Tort and Environmental Law Committee Business Meeting	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
6:00 p.m.	Premier Networking Reception \| Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead Click here for details on the networking reception.	East Terrace
7:30 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Friday, March 28, 2025

Time (Eastern)	Session	Room
8:30 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service	Grand Prefunction (Lower Lobby Level)
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Announcements Alex Saunders, Irwin Fritchie, New Orleans, LA	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
9:10 a.m.	Informational Quick Hits Hair Relaxer Litigation Multi-district litigation (MDLs) are intended to streamline discovery efforts and create efficiencies in litigation often involving thousands of claimants and dozens of defendants. Whether this goal is achieved often rests on the parties’ ability to negotiate a reasonable discovery plan and the court’s docket management efforts. The Hair Relaxer Litigation, an MDL and emerging state coordinated actions, involving more than two dozen defendants, hundreds of over-the-counter consumer products, thousands of claimants, and exposure periods spanning decades, provides a current example of the importance of focused discovery efforts to overcome the discovery challenges, including product verification, in mass consumer tort/product liability MDLs. Amanda Crawford-Steger, Sidley, Dallas TX Colleen Baime, Baker McKenzie, Chicago, IL Bans and Restrictions Strategies for countering Plaintiff’s use of bans and restrictions in toxic tort litigation. David Schifrin, Hollingsworth LLP, Washington, DC Industrial Talc – The Lesser Known Toxic Tort While cosmetic talc has taken the spotlight, industrial talc cases are proving that they are here to stay. This session will explore the current state of industrial talc litigation and recent verdicts. Andrew Kornblau, Landman Corsi Ballaine & Ford P.C., Philadelphia, PA	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
10:10 a.m.	Coffee Break	Grand Prefunction (Lower Lobby Level)
10:25 a.m.	Privilege Issues Surrounding Work with Environmental Consultants Companies and site owners facing lawsuits from alleged releases often are working with environmental consultants on site cleanup and insurers, all at the same time. This session will provide insights to the audience about how to navigate these competing interests, all without jeopardizing privilege. Erich Almonte, King & Spalding, Houston, TX Julius M. Redd, Beveridge & Diamond PC, Washington, DC Justin Wong, Georgia Power, Atlanta, GA	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
11:25 a.m.	Deposing a PFAS Expert: Tips to Mounting a Daubert Challenge Common issues encountered in sampling, analytical methods, data/lab report. Jaana Pietari, Ramboll, Maynard, MA Dominique Savinelli, Husch Blackwell, Chicago, IL	Grand Ballroom 1-2 (Lower Lobby Level)
12:25 p.m.	Adjourn

Small Group Networking

Beer Tasting
Date: Wednesday, March 26 from 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Pricing: $85/person - can be added when you register for the seminar
Location: Onsite at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Our beer tasting experience offers a curated selection of four unique brews, each chosen to highlight a different style and flavor profile. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of craft beer, this tasting is designed to expand your palate and deepen your appreciation for brewing artistry. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bourbon Tasting
Date: Wednesday, March 26 from 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Pricing: $85/person - can be added when you register for the seminar
Location: Onsite at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Dive into the rich heritage and complexity of bourbon with our exclusive tasting experience. You will sample four distinctive bourbons that showcase the diversity of this iconic American spirit. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

CLE Information

Earn up to 8.00 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 Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar is proudly supported by:

Arcina Risk Group Uncover Recover Preserve

Medical Records Retrieval Record Speed Record Retrieval

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 XXXXX. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the XXXXX 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.