2025 Young Lawyers Seminar

Name: 2025 Young Lawyers Seminar | DRI
Start: 2025-06-11T12:00
End: 2025-06-13T12:25
Location: Sheraton New Orleans

June 11–13, 2025
Sheraton New Orleans | New Orleans, Louisiana

Build Your Network in the Big Easy!

View registration information.

The 2025 DRI Young Lawyers Seminar, held June 11–13 in vibrant New Orleans, offers young attorneys an unparalleled opportunity to sharpen their litigation skills, expand their professional networks, and stay ahead of emerging legal trends. This year’s program features a dynamic mix of substantive CLE sessions, practical skills workshops, and interactive networking opportunities designed to empower the next generation of lawyers. Learn how to navigate the complexities of the tripartite relationship, manage liability issues in remote and hybrid work environments, and embrace emerging tools like AI to enhance your legal practice. Gain actionable business development strategies in the “Building Your Book” session, and take your skills to the next level with Corporate Fast Pitch—where you’ll receive real-time feedback on your client pitch from leading in-house counsel. Beyond the sessions, enjoy networking opportunities through engaging panels, local outings, and a standout reception designed to help you grow your network and your career.

What You Will Learn:

Master Key Litigation Skills – Gain practical insights on handling depositions, preparing expert witnesses, and managing client expectations.
Navigate Emerging Legal Trends – Stay ahead of the curve with sessions on AI in litigation, multi-district litigation strategies, and spoliation defense.
Understand the Tripartite Relationship – Learn the nuances of representing insured clients while balancing the interests of insurers and businesses.
Hone Your Class Action Expertise – Explore the role of human factors in class certification and consumer decision-making.
Develop Essential Soft Skills – Build confidence in professional interactions, from effective communication to managing difficult opposing counsel.
Learn from In-House Counsel – Hear directly from corporate decision-makers on what they look for in outside counsel and how to stand out.

Expand Your Network By:

Engaging with Industry Leaders – Meet and learn from seasoned litigators, in-house counsel, and rising stars in the defense bar.
Joining Interactive Networking Events – Connect with peers at cocktail receptions, dine-arounds, and local outings.
Participating in the Corporate Fast Pitch – Practice your client pitch and receive real-time feedback from top in-house counsel.
Collaborating in Small Group Activities – Strengthen relationships through shared experiences like cooking classes, city tours, and affinity group meetups.
Attending the Young Lawyers Committee Meeting – Get involved in DRI leadership and expand your role in the organization.
Building Lifelong Connections – Develop meaningful professional relationships that will support your career growth for years to come.

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Thank You to DRI's Young Lawyers Committee Leadership

Christian Castile — **Christian W. Castile**
Program Chair

**Kenton H. Steele**
Committee First Vice Chair

**David Vaughn**
Committee Second Vice Chair

Join the Young Lawyers 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.

Full Agenda

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
12:00 p.m.	Registration
12:00–1:00 p.m.	Women of Color Luncheon (Ticketed Event) Join attendees for a southern comfort lunch buffet before the Roundtable begins. Lunch will include an interactive component led by Tyrra Walker of Chartwell Law in Atlanta, Taylor Henderson of Troutman Pepper in Philadelphia and JeBria Wilson of Collins & Lacy in Columbia, SC. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through the registration process.
12:30–1:30 p.m.	DRI Wellness Event - Move Your Body! Teaching signature NOLA bounce moves in an aerobics format, open to all levels and ages. There is no need to know how to dance to enjoy class and get the best cardio workout of your life! (Move Ya Brass - Fun Fitness Classes in New Orleans) No additional equipment needed. This event is limited to 40 participants and will be an additional charge of $25. Venmo Vincent Pallisco (@vincent-pallisco, last 4 digits are 2286) in advance of the event. Let us know you are coming by signing up in advance.
1:00–4:00 p.m.	Women of Color Roundtable (Hosted by the Diversity for Success Seminar - all attendees welcome) - The Motherhood Penalty - Build Your Book of Business with Brand YOU! - Navigating Workplace Trauma in the New Normal
1:00–2:00 p.m.	Roundtable Topic 1 The Motherhood Penalty An interactive fireside chat about the economic disadvantages and discrimination that disproportionately impact Women of Color. These penalties are multi-factorial and range from perceptions and questions about competence, lack of opportunities, to gender pay gaps. Learn how you can advocate for yourself and support those in your work environments who may be experiencing these barriers but unsure of how to address them. Stacy Douglas, Everett Dorey, and DRI Board of Directors, Los Angeles, CA Zandra E. Foley, Thompson Coe, Houston, TX
2:00–3:00 p.m.	Roundtable Topic 2 Building Your Book of Business with Brand YOU! (Pitching Business and Executive Branding) Building a book of business and establishing your personal brand are two keyways to stand out in your organization and the profession. How can you differentiate yourself, build a book of business, focus on your work, and excel in the legal profession? Building business and branding yourself must co-exist, and in this discussion, you will learn how you can carve out your own path, whether you are in a law firm setting, in-house, or decide to branch out on your own! Moderator: Christina Gonzales, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, PA Michelle Craig, Transcendent Law Group and Prosquire, New Orleans, LA Isis Davidson, Chartwell Law, New York, NY Holly Stanford, U-Haul, Phoenix, AZ
3:00–4:00 p.m.	Roundtable Topic 3 Navigating Workplace Trauma in the New Normal – Adapting to the Attacking of DEI DEI is under attack and it has become even more difficult to “show up” here, there, and everywhere. Companies are changing and eliminating their programs, there are a number of legal challenges circulating almost daily, and the victories seem to pale in comparison to the losses. We carry the weight of this in our workplaces as many of our work settings have been altered and are fearful of the potential backlash they may face if they continue or promote DEI-based initiatives. How do we continue to show up despite the daily dismantling that is happening internally and externally? Moderator: Darleene Peters, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, New Orleans, LA Kori Carew, Bridge 68 Leadership & DEI Strategy Organization, Chicago, IL Shelley Willingham, The Diversity Movement, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
2:30–4:30 p.m.	Small Group Networking: Gumbo Ya-Ya Making Class Click on "Small Group Networking" tab below for details. All small group networking events are optional.
2:00 p.m.	Navigating the Tripartite Relationship: Balancing Duties to Insurers, Insureds, and Businesses The tripartite relationship is a crucial principle in properly representing businesses, working in-house, and representing liability insurance carriers and their insureds. When proceeding in litigation, an attorney must ensure they are deferring to the correct decision-maker and keeping all relevant parties reasonably informed. This relationship is often governed by liability insurance policies and applicable state law. Wade H. Scofield, II, McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC, Memphis, TN
3:00 p.m.	Beyond the Office: Employer Liability in Remote and Non-Traditional Work Environments As remote and hybrid work models continue to reshape the modern workplace, employers face evolving legal challenges in managing employee conduct outside traditional office settings. This session will explore key liability issues arising from remote work, off-site business activities, and non-traditional employment arrangements. Attendees will gain insights into emerging case law, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices for advising corporate clients on workplace policies, compliance measures, and potential areas of exposure. Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau, AIG, New York, NY Janae Cummings, Littler, New York, NY Danielle Pierre, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, Washington, D.C.
4:00 p.m.	First Time Attendee Welcome
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). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
8:00 a.m.	Women in the Law Breakfast Join fellow attendees at Roux Bistro (located on the second floor of the Sheraton New Orleans) for this pay-your-own-way breakfast. Attendees will have the chance to engage with one another in a more intimate setting on a variety of topics, with the emphasis on women and ambition. Limiting to 20 spots, so please sign up today. Sign up for Women in the Law Breakfast
8:30 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	DRI Cares \| Blessings in a Backpack Click here for details on DRI Cares.
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions J. Richard Moore, Bleeke Dillon Crandall, Indianapolis, IN Christian W. Castile, Reed Smith LLP, Philadelphia, PA
9:15 a.m.	Building Your Book: Business Development Strategies for Young Attorneys In today’s legal market, business development is no longer reserved for senior attorneys—it’s a critical skill for young lawyers looking to build long-term success. This session will provide practical guidance on developing a personal business development plan, building credibility with clients and firm leadership, and cultivating relationships that lead to new opportunities. Attendees will learn how to leverage their network, communicate their value, and position themselves as trusted advisors. Whether you’re aiming to contribute to your firm’s bottom line or begin building your own client base, this session will help you develop the tools to grow your practice with confidence. Emily Ruzic, Bradley, Birmingham, AL
10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:30 a.m.	Defending Against Spoliation: Strategies for Evidence Preservation and Risk Mitigation An otherwise defensible case can spiral out of control if a client fails to preserve relevant evidence. Often, outside counsel does not have a chance to help with preservation efforts until a case is in suit. The presentation will focus on effective strategies for defending cases where spoliation will be a key issue, including preservation of pertinent electronic data. Avoiding or minimizing sanctions starts the moment a case assignment is received, and is critical to every phase of the case, including written discovery and depositions. Alexi R. Doft, Wilson Turner Kosmo, San Diego, CA Bert Noble, JE Dunn Construction Company, Atlanta, GA Ashlyn F. Vickers, Simon Peragine Smith & Redfearn LLP, New Orleans, LA
11:30 a.m.	Artificial Intelligence – Practical Considerations for the Legal Industry An interactive session on the use of AI in the legal community. Specifically, the different types of technology attorneys are using in the context of litigation, including Westlaw, ChatGPT, Lexis, etc. The presentation would focus on: The types of AI are relevant to the legal industry; The value AI brings to legal practice and operations; Ethical considerations surrounding its use; Practical and everyday applications of AI in law. Meredith Hamilton, Ogletree Deakins, Charlotte, NC N. Denver Smith, Butler Snow, Charleston, SC
12:30–2:00 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch
1:15 p.m.	Corporate Fast Pitch Ready to wow in-house counsel? Come practice a client pitch with some of the biggest names in the business. Attendees will get the opportunity to work one-on-one with in-house counsel on their pitch and receive feedback in real time! Limited enrollment – to sign up please contact Jake MacKay at jmackay@axon.com.
2:00 p.m.	Developing Big-Picture Strategy from the Outset of a Case Tom Wyatt, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC, Little Rock, AR
3:00 p.m.	Young Lawyers Committee Business Meeting (open to all)
3:30–5:30 p.m.	*Breakout Tracks: Substantive or Leveraging Soft Skills (open to all)* Click on "Breakout Tracks: Substantive or Leveraging Soft Skills" tab below for full schedule.
5:30 p.m.	Adjourn
6:00 p.m.	Networking Reception Join us for a networking reception at the hotel, bringing together diverse and emerging civil defense attorneys from the Young Lawyers and Diversity for Success Seminars. This is a great opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build relationships within a vibrant community of young legal professionals shaping the future of civil defense. Grab a cocktail, DRI mocktail and engage with fellow attendees before an evening of dine-arounds and camaraderie.
8:00 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Friday, June 13, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
8:00 a.m.	Networking Breakfast (organized by Networking and Activities Committee) Join attendees off-campus for an opportunity to connect over a cup of coffee and delicious breakfast options (including beignets). A group will meet in the lobby and head to Café Beignet. Meet in the lobby by 7:45 a.m. to head over with a group (or meet us there)! Café Beignet is located at 622 Canal Street. This is a pay-your-own way event.
8:30 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Announcements Christian W. Castile, Reed Smith LLP, Philadelphia, PA
9:10 a.m.	The Art of Negotiation: Strategies, Leverage, and Tactics for Young Litigators Negotiation is a fundamental skill for every attorney, influencing everything from case settlements to litigation schedules and client agreements. This session will break down the key principles of effective negotiation, drawing from widely recognized frameworks such as Getting to Yes and Never Split the Difference. Attendees will gain insight into best practices for building leverage, handling difficult adversaries, and crafting persuasive arguments that drive favorable outcomes. The session will also explore practical tactics for managing high-stakes negotiations, de-escalating conflicts, and achieving strategic wins. Through interactive discussion, young lawyers will leave with actionable techniques to enhance their negotiation prowess in both litigation and day-to-day practice. Brendan P. Hall, Cozen O’Connor, New York, NY
10:10 a.m.	Break
10:25 a.m.	Finding Your Niche and Advancing Your Legal Career Establishing a clear area of expertise is one of the most effective ways for young attorneys to stand out and accelerate career growth. This session will explore how to identify emerging practice areas, align your personal strengths with market opportunities, and build a reputation as a resource in your area. Attendees will hear insights on leveraging prior experience, pursuing specialized training, and positioning themselves as subject matter experts both within their firms and in the broader legal community. If you're ready to chart a focused path forward and distinguish yourself in a crowded field, this session will show you how to find and own your niche. Hayley D. Hollis, Baker Sterchi, Portland, OR Andrew T. Smith, Collins & Lacy, P.C., Columbia, SC Afam Okeke, A.I. Okeke Legal PLLC, Houston, TX
11:25 a.m.	Maximizing the Client Relationship Managing client expectations is key to successful outcomes when representing corporations and engaging with in-house counsel. Internal counsel seek law firms that effectively communicate, are efficient, and deliver high quality work product. Law firms can provide effective representation by addressing high stake issues, which includes but is not limited to identifying the corporate client, providing legal expertise, and maintaining privilege. The presentation will include perspectives from in-house and outside counsel, who worked together as junior associates at the same firm and have since grown through different experiences – one in private law firm practice, the other through in-house representation – regarding the management of client expectations and fostering a successful relationship with corporate clients. Jonah, the senior associate at the law firm, will take the lead on addressing how this looks for the private lawyer juggling many different relationships with varying levels of needs, while Nathan will give a peek behind the curtain for a large, corporate client working with many outside counsel on litigation and other matters across the country. We are hopeful that attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how to provide meaningful representation to overworked, busy in-house lawyers while still addressing the competing deadlines and lofty expectations in their own practices. Jonah Samples, Nelson Mullins, Huntington, WV Nathan Hamons (Assistant Healthcare Counsel), West Virginia United Health System, Inc., Morgantown, WV
12:25 p.m.	Adjourn

Breakout Tracks: Substantive or Leveraging Soft Skills (Thursday 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Choose from Substantive Skills or Leveraging Soft Skills and earn CLE credit!

Substantive Skills Track

Time (Central)	Session
3:30 p.m.	Multi-Dimensionality of Multi-District Litigations - Tips and Tricks This presentation will focus on tips and tricks for handling issues that often present in MDLs, e.g., working with a virtual law firm and/or working with large groups of co-defendants (even working with different teams of lawyers in your own firm!), tracking cases in the MDL court as well as in other jurisdictions, courts shifting towards “wave” discovery in managing large caseloads, etc. Mary Kim, Dechert LLP, San Francisco, CA
4:10 p.m.	Mastering Expert Witness Preparation: Tailoring Strategies for Defense Success Preparing expert witnesses is a critical component of building a strong defense, but not all experts require the same approach. This session will explore the key differences between preparing named defendant experts and retained experts, highlighting tailored strategies for various types of cases, including medical malpractice, construction, and trucking litigation. Attendees will gain insights into handling plaintiff’s counsel’s reptile tactics, reinforcing credibility, and ensuring experts are confident, persuasive, and well-prepared for deposition and trial testimony. Learn how to turn expert witnesses into effective advocates who strengthen your case. Peyton Watts, Kutak Rock, LLP, Fayetteville, AR Madeleine Loeffler, Sturgill, Turner, Baker & Maloney, PLLC, Lexington, KY
4:50 p.m.	Deposition Bootcamp: Essential Strategies for Young Litigators Depositions are a cornerstone of litigation and mastering them early in your career can set you apart as a skilled advocate. This session will provide young lawyers with a comprehensive guide to deposition strategy, covering best practices for witness preparation, effective questioning techniques, handling difficult opposing counsel, and making strategic objections. Attendees will gain practical insights on structuring a deposition to control the narrative, spotting and countering common tactics, and preserving the record for trial. Whether taking or defending a deposition, this session will equip young litigators with the tools and confidence needed to excel in this critical advocacy skill. Ryan C. Ing, Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP, Bridgeport, CT Ariel N. Redfern, Allen Matkins Leck, San Diego, CA
5:30 p.m.	Adjourn

Leveraging Soft Skills Track

Time (Central)	Session
3:30 p.m.	Holding Your Ground: Strategies for Handling Difficult Opposing Counsel Every litigator will encounter opposing counsel who is aggressive, obstructive, or outright combative. Knowing how to respond effectively—without escalating conflict or compromising your case—is a crucial skill. This session will provide young lawyers with practical strategies for handling difficult opposing counsel in depositions, discovery disputes, and motion practice. Attendees will learn how to maintain control, respond to intimidation tactics, leverage procedural tools to their advantage, and ensure professionalism while vigorously advocating for their clients. Whether facing a bully at a deposition or navigating contentious discovery battles, this session will equip attorneys with the skills needed to remain composed, strategic, and effective. Amber Bonnell Gowling WLG LLP, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Michele H. Dinterman, Niles Barton Wilmer, Baltimore, MD Ericka Esposito, SIG SAUER, Newington, NH
4:10 p.m.	Bridging Social Capital in the Digital World A key concern of the digital age is that increased time “online” is stunting our ability to communicate offline. The legal profession was built on learning through mentorship and shared in-person experiences, but that key human element has gotten more difficult as our work life and social life migrate onto our devices. We all know the experience; a face-to-face conversation is derailed, delayed, or foregone due to pesky digital distractions – but what can we do to combat it? I’ll teach young lawyers how to build “bridging” social capital and be more comfortable in their own skin as conversationalists by 1.) Being “Daring,” 2.) Being “Nosey,” and 3.) Being “Unguarded.” Amber Thompson, Lightfoot, Franklin and White, LLC, Birmingham, AL
4:50 p.m.	Litigation Destination: Navigating Settlement and Trial Strategy Understanding when to push for settlement and when to proceed to trial is a critical skill for young litigators. This session will explore the key factors that influence settlement decisions, including case valuation, unfavorable facts, witness credibility, arbitration outcomes, and recent jury verdict trends. Speakers will also discuss strategies for accurately assessing risk, advising clients on potential trial outcomes, and preparing effectively in the final weeks and days before trial. Attendees will gain practical insights into balancing advocacy with strategic decision-making to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. Dalal Kurmlavage, Bennett, Bricklin & Saltzburg, Marlton, NJ Christopher McKeon, Dechert LLP, San Francisco, CA
5:30 p.m.	Adjourn

Small Group Networking

Gluten-Free Gumbo Ya-Ya Making Class
Date: Wednesday, June 11 from 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Pricing: $125/person - can be added when you register for the conference*
Location: Onsite at Sheraton New Orleans

Attention attendees with a penchant for the spicy and the gluten-free! Get ready to stir up some Bayou magic at our "Cooking Class: Gluten-Free Gumbo Ya-Ya" small group event. The Sheraton New Orleans culinary team is bringing their A-game, with the recipe, ingredients, and kitchen all prepped and ready to transform you into a Crescent City cuisine connoisseur. Whether you're a seasoned gumbo aficionado or a newbie looking to add some Cajun flair to your repertoire, this hands-on class promises to be an adventure that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha-cha. Don't miss this chance to add some Nawlins' flavor to your culinary skills!
*Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are non-refundable unless DRI cancels the event due to not meeting the minimum attendance requirement.

CLE Information

Earn up to 11.00 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.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

DRI's Young Lawyers Seminar 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 the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, June 12. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the New Orleans community.

We need volunteers on Thursday, June 12 at 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the Rhythms Foyer (2nd Floor). If you are interested, please click the button below to sign up.

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.