| Time (Eastern) | Session |
|---|
| 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Registration
|
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Coffee Service |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome and Introductions Catherine Ava Leatherwood, Rogers Townsend, LLC, Columbia, SC
Maggie Ogletree, Norman, Wood, Kendrick & Turner, Birmingham, AL |
| 9:10 a.m. | Eye on the Appeal: Managing the Case and the Client from Day One In today’s litigation environment, strategic communication with in‑house counsel is essential from the moment a claim surfaces. This session brings together experienced outside counsel moderating a panel of seasoned in‑house
lawyers to provide practical guidance on managing a case from its earliest stages with the appellate record and appellate strategy in mind. Participants will learn how to develop communication habits that build trust, deliver
clarity, and avoid surprises, helping both outside and in‑house counsel maintain a unified approach from pre‑suit investigation through post‑judgment appeals. Whether you routinely manage complex litigation or are looking to
strengthen your collaboration with corporate clients, this session will equip you with tools to navigate each stage of the process with an eye on both immediate outcomes and long‑term appellate implications. Moderator
Cara Brack, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarbrough, Pittsburgh, PA Zach Wellman, Village Caregiving, LLC, Barboursville, WV
Jonah Samples, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarbrough, Huntington, WV |
| 10:10 a.m. | Insight Series (S-E-A) |
| 10:20 a.m. | Coffee Break |
| 10:40 a.m. | Cross Examination Presentation and Demonstration This interactive program is designed to help build confidence and practical cross-examination skills. Combining PowerPoint instruction with live cross-examination demonstrations, this session focuses on the dos and don’ts
of effective questioning, controlling the witness, and avoiding common mistakes. Conducted in a judgment-free learning environment with no court reporter present, participants can observe and engage without concern about later
scrutiny. The session emphasizes skill development, practical technique, and learning by doing—helping young lawyers gain confidence they can carry directly into depositions and trial. Sheldon Poole, Shook Hardy Bacon, Hartford, CT |
| 11:40 a.m. | Negotiating Without the Noise: Credibility Over Combat This program will focus on practical negotiation skills for high-conflict cases, including how to recognize when a mediator or opposing party is signaling that a position is unrealistic—and how to recalibrate strategy without
appearing to either fold or overreact. The panel will address negotiating effectively with skeptical, hostile, or dismissive opposing counsel; preventing mediations from collapsing when personalities flare; and avoiding unnecessary
escalation that undermines long-term credibility. Participants will leave with concrete techniques for asserting positions confidently, making strategic concessions, and preserving credibility, so mediators remain willing (and
able) to press the other side toward meaningful resolution. Moderator
Tim Stucky, Kightlinger & Gray, LLP, New Albany, IN Pete Palmer, Pete Palmer Law, Louisville, KY
Bill Brammell, Wicker Brammell PLLC, Louisville, KY
Katherine E. Tapp, The Poppe Law Firm PLLC,
Louisville, KY |
| 12:40 p.m. | DRI Networking Lunch (with Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Liability attendees) Lunch is included with your seminar registration. |
| 1:00-2:00 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 Chadwick Lamar. |
| 2:00 p.m. | Avoiding Early-Career Burnout Practical strategies for managing workload, stress, and expectations in litigation without damaging advancement opportunities. Tom Wyatt, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC, Little Rock, AR |
| 3:00 p.m. | Committee Meeting (Open to All)
|
| 3:30-5:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions (Quick Hits) Choose a session listed below for 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. or move between sessions as you like. |
| 3:30 p.m. | Discovery Tactics and Trends As the world constantly evolves, so do the ways in which we gather and analyze discovery materials. This session explores best practices for retaining and processing information in discoveries in the modern world. Ashley B. Hayes, Shook, Hardy, Bacon and LLP, Washington, D.C.
Best Practices: Managing Your Time Tips and tricks for managing competing priorities, streamlining workflow, and accurately tracking billable time to maximize both productivity and profitability. Lisa Bisso, Butler Snow, Charleston, SC |
| 4:00 p.m. | Motion Practice Workshop A skills-heavy, practical discussion of how defense litigators can develop motion practice strategies to not only get the best possible outcome at hearing, but more importantly, to position the case for the best outcome for
our clients with the facts and law we have at our disposal. Devin Taseff, Chartwell Law Office, LLP, Peoria, IL
Preparing for Oral Arguments A practical skills-focused program for young lawyers preparing for oral arguments. Learn techniques to transform your brief into a persuasive argument, research your audience, and anticipate questions from the Judge. Atasia Richardson, Abrams, Gorelick, Friedman & Jacobson, LLP, New York, NY |
| 5:00 p.m. | Adjourn |
| 6:00-7:00 p.m. | Networking Cocktail Hour at the Hotel |
| 7:30 p.m. | Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). |