2026 Advanced Litigation and Trial Strategies in Retail & Hospitality Seminar

Small Group Networking

More information to come.

Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Welcome and Introductions

Dwight Stone, Miles & Stockbridge, Baltimore, MD
Michael Pivor, Kiernan Trebach, Washington DC

Mock Trial Introduction and Opening Statement

This session introduces the fact pattern, witnesses, and advocacy structure that will shape the mock trial. Attendees receive expert guidance on what behavioral cues, evidentiary themes, and strategic choices to look for during the presentations. The opening statements set the stage for examining how jurors—human and artificial—interpret narrative framing and emotional persuasion in modern litigation.

Murray Flint, Swift Currie, Birmingham, AL

Direct and Cross Examinations

Plaintiff and defense counsel showcase sharply contrasting advocacy styles as they question the primary witness. The plaintiff’s approach leans into emotional resonance and damage based themes, while the defense focuses on testing factual assumptions and undermining liability theories. Attendees observe how tone, pacing, and structure can shift the trajectory of juror perception.

Leon Silver, Silver Cain PLC, Phoenix, AZ
Monica Burkoth, Johnson & Bell, Chicago, IL

Direct and Cross (Cont’d) and Closing Arguments

The examination continues, building toward a pair of concise, impactful closing arguments. Each side distills its theory of the case, synthesizing evidence and emotional appeal before the plaintiff delivers a rebuttal. This session highlights how effective closings reinforce credibility, simplify complex issues, and equip jurors to evaluate liability and damages.

Leon Silver, Silver Cain PLC, Phoenix, AZ
Monica Burkoth, Johnson & Bell, Chicago, IL

Live Jury Deliberations

Participants observe a live jury deliberate in real time—a rare opportunity to watch the decision‑making process unfold. Participants gain insight into how jurors prioritize facts, assess witness credibility, weigh damages, and negotiate differing viewpoints. This behind‑the‑scenes access reveals how modern jurors reach consensus and what influences their ultimate determinations.

Nick Polavin, PhD, Jury Connect, Charlotte, NC

Obtaining the Live Jury Verdict

Following deliberations, the jury delivers its verdict and participates in a facilitated discussion about their impressions and reasoning. This session provides direct feedback on what resonated, what raised concerns, and how specific advocacy choices shaped juror attitudes. Attendees gain practical takeaways for jury persuasion, case evaluation, and trial preparation.

Nick Polavin, PhD, Jury Connect, Charlotte, NC

The AI Jury Simulation

This forward‑looking session introduces the AI‑powered jury simulation platform “Viewpoint AI,” which generates artificial juror personas to evaluate the same mock trial. Presenters reveal the AI verdict, compare it to the live jury’s findings, and explore the implications of machine‑modeled decision‑making. Panelists discuss how AI tools can aid case valuation, identify risk themes, and complement traditional trial strategy—highlighting both opportunities and limitations.

Leo Yeykelis, Viewpoint AI, Mountain View, CA
Matt Leighty, Viewpoint AI, Austin, TX
Byron Reeves, Viewpoint AI, Stanford, CA

Adjourn

Premier Networking Reception | JBJ's Nashville
Sponsored by: Cox PLLC, Freeman Mathis & Gary, Kiernan Trebach

Join fellow seminar attendees at JBJ's Nashville.
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Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Welcome and Announcements

Anelise Codrington, Chartwell, Atlanta GA

Primer on the Ethical Use of AI Models in Litigation

This session addresses how litigators and clients should ethically deploy AI tools during high‑profile or emotionally charged incidents. Attendees will learn how to craft effective holding statements, manage public perception, and coordinate internal responses while remaining compliant with ethical rules. Through group discussion, participants will analyze real‑world scenarios involving reputational risks and explore strategies for balancing accuracy, speed, and responsibility in the “court of public opinion.”

John Sly, Waranch and Brown, Lutherville, MD

Appellate Considerations for Trial Attorneys

This panel equips trial lawyers with essential appellate insight that should inform case strategy long before a notice of appeal is filed. Presenters discuss preserving the record, identifying appealable issues, and navigating key procedural steps. Attendees will gain practical tools for building appellate ready cases from the outset and avoiding common pitfalls that compromise error preservation.

Charlie Frazier, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, Dallas, TX
Brian Miller, Royston Rayzor, Corpus Christi, TX
Caryn Bellus, Kubicki Draper, Miami, FL

Using Bankruptcy as a Defense

This session explores how bankruptcy law can serve as a powerful and sometimes underutilized defense tool. Presenters outline core bankruptcy concepts that impact litigation, discuss how defendants can use bankruptcy offensively, and identify strategic opportunities beyond the “last resort” mindset. Attendees will gain a framework for assessing when bankruptcy considerations can shift leverage or reshape exposure.

Lenard Parkins, Parkins & Rubio LLP, Houston, TX
Deanna Osborne, Parkins & Rubio LLP, Houston, TX

Welcome and Announcements

Michael Pivor, Kiernan Trebach LLP, Washington, D.C.

Trial Advocacy in Retail and Hospitality Cases (Mock Trial Recap)

This session distills key advocacy lessons from the previous day’s mock trial with a focus on issues unique to retail and hospitality litigation. Speakers will explore recurring liability themes, jury expectations, and storytelling techniques that resonate in premises, security, and customer interaction cases. Attendees gain practical, sector specific strategies for improving trial preparation and case presentation.

Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy, Columbia, SC
Leon Silver, Silver Cain PLC, Phoenix, AZ

Preserving the Scene: Why Site Inspections Matter and What to Look For

This practical session outlines the critical role site inspections play in building defensible cases. Presenters discuss what to document, how to identify latent hazards, and how to ensure accuracy and admissibility of findings. Using real-world examples, the panel highlights pitfalls that compromise evidence as well as best practices for capturing information that impacts liability, causation, and damages evaluations.

Lindsay Lee, Chartwell Law, Atlanta, GA
Nick Adair, Roetzel & Andress, Cleveland, OH
Kori Wagner, Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers LLP, Atlanta, GA
Shawn Libman, Clarke Silverglate, Miami, FL
John Leffler, YA Group, Philadelphia, PA

Walking the Ethical Line: Lawyer Interviews with Corporate Employees

This session examines the ethical considerations governing interviews with corporate employees during internal investigations or litigation preparation. Topics include Upjohn warnings, privileged communications, employee cooperation, and boundaries imposed by professional conduct rules. Attendees will learn how to conduct effective, compliant interviews that protect the organization while maintaining transparency and ethical integrity.

Kristie Crawford, Brown & James, Springfield, MO