| Time (Eastern) | Session |
|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration & Coffee Service Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee. |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome and Introductions Jaime Walker Luse, Tydings, Baltimore, MD
Alex Saunders, Irwin Fritchie, New Orleans, LA |
| 9:15 a.m. | Microplastics on the Radar: Key Compliance and Liability Issues A discussion of the latest science on microplastics, key federal and state regulatory developments, emerging global standards, implications for compliance, enforcement, and potential liability. Jay Peters, Haley & Aldrich, Manchester, NH
Graham C. Zorn, Beveridge & Diamond, Washington, D.C.
Pramila Kamath, Kroger, Cincinnati,
OH
|
| 10:15 a.m. | Coffee Break |
| 10:30 a.m. | DRI Insights Quick Hits (Geosyntec)
Navigating Legal Currents: Data Centers, Water Supply Risks, and Regulatory Challenges Effective risk management strategies for data center development are shaped by groundwater limitations and complex regulatory requirements. This talk explores the intersection of data center expansion, water supply vulnerability,
and evolving regulatory frameworks from a hydrogeologic perspective, with attention to potential future environmental litigation and toxic tort claims. Mackenzie Cremeans, PhD, PG, Geosyntec |
| 10:45 a.m. | DRI Insights Quick Hits (Ramboll)
Fresh Data on Blood Markers PFAS have been detected in the blood of many people in the U.S. What can these blood tests tell us and what are their limitations? What is the current state of the science connecting PFAS exposure to potential health effects? In
this talk, we’ll discuss issues of exposure and health effects. Dr. Robert DeMott, Ramboll, Tampa, FL |
| 11:00 a.m. | DRI Insights Quick Hits (Non-CLE)
30(b)(6) Testimony: A Consultant’s Perspective FRCP 30(b)(6) (and similar state rules) requires organizations to designate a representative to testify on topics described with “reasonable particularity” regarding information known or reasonably available to the
organization. Notably, the rule does not require the representative to be affiliated with the organization. Given the time-consuming nature of preparing for such testimony, especially in complex toxic tort and environmental
matters, companies often designate an outside consultant to serve as their corporate representative. This presentation will provide a forensic historian’s perspective on serving as a corporate representative, particularly
when the scope of the testimony includes historical topics from the distant past. Steve Swisdak (Senior Managing Director), FTI Consulting, Bethesda, MD |
| 11:15 a.m. | DRI Insights Quick Hits (Non-CLE)
Bates White Economic Consulting More information is forthcoming. Jorge Gallardo-Garcia, PhD, Bates White Economic Consulting |
| 11:30 a.m. | Methodologies on Trial: Sharpening Expert Strategy in Asbestos & Talc Stay ahead of the curve in asbestos and talc litigation. This session dives into the latest challenges to expert methodologies. Examine which strategies succeed—or fail—in defending or attacking methodologies, and what
these shifts mean for discovery, trial prep, and overall case strategy. Janelle N. Winters, Landman Corsi Ballaine & Ford P.C., Newark, NJ
Thomas P. Kurland,
Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, New York, NY |
| 12:30 p.m. | DRI Networking Lunch |
| 2:00 p.m. | AI for Dummies (Ethics) AI is transforming toxic tort litigation. Learn what firms are doing now, what works, where risks lurk, and how new ethics guidance and standards can help you set smart guardrails for your practice. Frank Ramos, Goldberg Segalla, Miami, FL |
| 3:00 p.m. | A Discussion with the Decision-Makers Hear from insurance industry decision-makers on emerging litigation trends and learn how these insights can inform strategy and risk management. Moderator
Kelly Calder Mowen, Orndorff Mowen PLLC, Tampa, FL Kathleen Olear, Berkeley Specialty Ins., Estero, FL
Trish Shippee, Great American Insurance Group, Exton, PA |
| 4:00 p.m. | Adjourn |
| 4:00 p.m. | Committee Business Meeting (Open to all) |
| 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Networking Reception | American Social
Sponsored by: Beveridge & Diamond, Bradley, Husch Blackwell, King & Spalding Join fellow seminar attendees at American Social. Click here for full details on the reception. |
8:00 p.m. | Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). View details on Dine-Arounds |