Toxic Torts



Toxic Torts

Annual Meeting Spotlight

Get a Sneak Peek of DRI’s 2024 Annual Meeting! | The Emerald City Awaits 

By Barclay Wong

I’m excited to invite you to the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting in Seattle on October 16-18, 2024. Surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, Seattle has so much to offer. Visit the home of the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and endless scenic hikes. Don’t miss the chance to connect with your DRI community in the Emerald City at the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting.  

As Chair of the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting, I have the privilege of leading an incredible group of people who are working hard to put together a fantastic meeting that I know you all will enjoy. DRI’s 2024 Annual Meeting will truly be the event of the year for the civil defense community. 

Experience first-class networking opportunities and make meaningful connections. With the return of our popular “CLE on the Go” offering, you’ll be able to get CLE credit, network, and see the sights of Seattle–all at once! Network at a signature event on Thursday evening or connect in more intimate settings during meetings of SLDOs/NDOs, substantive law committees, DRI Cares activities, and DRI for Life events. Learn what you need to know to get ahead with expansive CLE learning opportunities focused on the latest emerging technologies and cutting-edge areas of the law. 

At the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting, you’ll meet future clients and potential referrals from hundreds of civil defense attorneys and clients from across the country. I look forward to sharing more of our plans for the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting in the coming months. For now, please mark your calendars for October 16-18, 2024, and get ready to join us in Seattle!

Barclay Wong

Barclay Wong is a partner at Drewry Simmons Vornehm LLP. He is Chair of the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting and a National Director on the DRI Board.

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Leadership Note

Lessons in Leadership from Lana Olson's 2022-23 Term as President of DRI

By Lana Olson

This article was originally published on Lightfoot Franklin & White LLC's website.

Assuming the DRI presidency in October 2022, I had some big shoes to fill left by those who came before me in the role. Each made an indelible mark on DRI as they pushed the organization forward, often through periods of significant change for our association and the civil defense bar. Every DRI president has just one year to help direct this outstanding association, and every day offers new lessons in how to lead and inspire. 

That was certainly true for me, and I learned many invaluable leadership insights that I will continue to apply in my legal practice, my work with clients and colleagues, and my roles within Lightfoot.  

Leading through change involves taking calculated risks

Legal tech. Hostile juries. Nuclear verdicts. Litigation finance. So much is in flux for the defense bar that it often seems impossible to keep up. The way we practice and handle cases today is markedly different from just a few years ago — and so are the challenges. 

As one of the leading organizations supporting civil defense lawyers, DRI plays a crucial role in helping our members navigate this tumultuous period and embrace the opportunities that arise. This demands a leadership style that welcomes change, acknowledges the inherent challenges and maintains a focus on possibilities.  

For example, this past year DRI embraced change and took some risks when planning our Annual Meeting. We introduced a new format and added more networking opportunities to the yearly gathering, aiming to enhance the experience for our members. Changing certain aspects of our Annual Meeting was risky but necessary to serve the needs of our members better and provide them with the information and opportunities they need to succeed in their practices.

So, we changed things up and asked people to take that risk with us. Was there some angst in the membership over the change? Yes. Were we unsure how members would receive the changes? Of course. But despite some initial uncertainty, we rolled the changes out in a way that gave members warning and communicated not only why we made the shifts but also the benefits. That communication was vital in assuring everyone that the changes were worth it. 

The same applies when defense lawyers guide clients through uncertain times. Companies are facing countless unprecedented liabilities due to technological advances, changes in the law, shifting consumer sentiment and other pressures. As defense counsel, we must serve as calm, informed guides for our clients, embracing change, trying new approaches, testing new theories and adapting our approach to trials in a fresh way tailored to current circumstances. 

Good leaders are excellent communicators

Going into my term as president, I knew that communication with the other members of the Executive Committee, our Board of Directors, various committees/task forces, and our membership as a whole would be critical to a successful year — and that was reinforced during my tenure. Especially in times of intense change and mounting challenges, leaders must maintain clear and open communication with stakeholders at all levels. This not only ensures everyone is aware of what is going on but also fosters trust within the group – which a leader must have to succeed.

Effective communication must be two-way. Issuing directives without fostering dialogue is not good communication — or good leadership. Nothing is less inspiring to people than hearing “I” or “my” instead of “we” or “our.”  A leader must be confident enough to listen first and then engage in good-faith conversations with those expressing genuine concerns, resisting change, or simply seeking a voice in the process. Ensuring everyone understands not just the “what” but also the “why” of a situation is crucial, even if it doesn’t lead to unanimous agreement. 

Similarly, ensuring that written communications (especially emails!) are organized, concise, and written so they are easily digestible — including next steps or action items — helps ensure they are read and acted upon.  As a leader, it is also crucial to communicate expectations so that everyone understands what they are being asked to do and can better work to achieve the organization’s goals. 

One of the things we worked very hard on this past year was better defining and communicating expectations for various leadership levels in the organization, from the Board of Directors/Officers to those serving in our committee leadership.  For our Board, we developed a set of written “Competencies and Expectations” that provide better transparency about the hard/soft skills and attributes desired in the Board of Directors, as well as a clearer understanding of the key things that our Board members must do during their term.  Not only does this benefit our current Directors, but it serves as a leadership pipeline aid to ensure that we are training and mentoring our up-and-coming leaders so that they understand what is expected of them before they get in the Board room.  

For defense lawyers, communication is our bread and butter, extending beyond the courtroom to our work with in-house counsel, extended legal teams of outside counsel, and other stakeholders. Navigating these relationships demands a deep understanding of personal dynamics and not just the law at issue in a case. There are likely to be as many opinions and conflicting interests on a matter as there are firms and lawyers involved. Again, true leaders will ensure all voices are heard, and everyone understands the “why”. 

Leaders can have a sense of humor, not take themselves too seriously, and make participation in leadership fun

Serving in leadership doesn’t necessarily have to be rigid, formal and super serious all the time.  Some of the best brainstorming sessions and discussions I’ve led took place after wearing a silly hat, showing a funny PowerPoint, or engaging with a group in a way that helps people think creatively in a safe space where ideas and thoughts can be shared comfortably and without fear of rebuke.  

At a recent meeting, for example, we wanted to talk with our Board about the importance of the position and the expectations of such a key leadership role. While it was a “serious” topic, and I said as much, I was able to better engage the Board in the discussion by wearing a banana-shaped hat and then putting that hat on various Board members as they were called on to give their thoughts and ideas on the topic.  

Leadership, even when challenging, can and should be fun (at least most of the time). 

Lana Olson

Leaders are lifelong learners 

I’ve always challenged the notion that a leadership title or a lengthy legal career automatically equates to solid leadership skills. The true leaders I know see leadership as a continuous journey of growth and learning that is never complete. There is always something more to learn, from seeking coaches and sharing experiences with fellow leaders to looking beyond the legal field to other industries for inspiration and consistently asking for feedback. 

We also can’t be afraid to try new things. Some approaches may fail or not suit our style, but it’s essential to experiment and see what works. That’s the only way to grow. 

My tenure as DRI president was one of the best professional experiences of my life. It was a privilege to serve as president of such a fabulous organization that provides much-needed resources for today’s civil defense lawyers. The past year was an enriching experience that provided many opportunities for personal growth and learning. I look forward to my continued journey with DRI and learning how to become a better leader in my work as a defense lawyer and as an advocate for my clients. 

Lana OlsonLana Olson is partner at Lightfoot Franklin & White LLC with a varied defense litigation practice, including matters involving environmental, toxic tort, product liability, catastrophic injury and employment claims. Olson served as DRI president from October 2022 to October 2023. 

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FROM THE CENTER FOR LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY

Legislation and Rules Committee Update: FRE Changes Take Effect

On December 1, several amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence took effect.

The most important change affecting DRI members and their clients is to Evidence Rule 702. It has been revised to state explicitly that the proponent of an expert must demonstrate to the court that it is more likely than not that the witness meets the requirements of the rule. 

The Committee notes accompanying the rule initially explicitly observe “many courts have held that the critical questions of the sufficiency of an expert’s basis, and the application of the expert’s methodology, are questions of weight and not admissibility. These rulings are an incorrect application of Rules 702 and 104(a).” 

The Rule now is clear that before an expert testifies, the court must find the expert’s basis for, and the reliability of, each opinion is sufficient to be admissible. 

DRI Past Presidents Toyja Kelley and Douglas Burrell and Gardner Duvall, then chair of the Center’s Legislation and Rules Committee, submitted comments on this Rule and testified in support of this amendment before the Federal Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Evidence Rules in 2022. 

The Center’s State Legislation and Rules Task Force is ready to work with any SLDO interested in proposing or supporting amendments to their state legislation or rules consistent with the changes to Federal Rule 702. 

Two other rules have also been amended. 

Evidence Rule 106 has been amended to make it clear that, if a party introduces a statement, an adverse party may require the introduction—over a hearsay objection—of another part of the statement or any other statement that in fairness ought to be considered to prevent a misimpression from being created. 

Evidence Rule 615 now makes it clear that in addition to barring witnesses from the courtroom, the judge may also prohibit disclosure of trial testimony to witnesses who are excluded and to prohibit witnesses from accessing trial testimony. 

To learn more, read the Rules Package for the Rules of Evidence and copy of the new rules reflecting what has changed.

Opportunities to Testify and Grow Your Practice

A reminder that virtual hearings on proposed rules regarding MDL and privilege logs are being held by the Civil Rules Advisory Committee on January 16, 2024, and February 6, 2024. By commenting on proposed rules and offering oral testimony at an advisory committee hearing, you can contribute to the work of the Center. In addition, you are providing a service to the profession in a way that can help you grow your practice by enhancing your credibility and personal brand. For more information and a summary for how the process works, read “Federal Rulemaking: The Process and How to Participate.” (Note: The Advisory Committee requires 30 days’ notice to be added to the list of hearing witnesses.)

The Center previously offered testimony during the Committee’s October 16, 2023, live hearing. 

LCJ Launches “Don’t Say Daubert” Website

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Launched on December 1, “Don’t Say Daubert” is a joint project of Lawyers for Civil Justice, DRI, International Association of Defense Counsel, and Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, dedicated to reforming federal and state civil rules governing the admission of expert evidence in civil courts.

Our coalition of organizations proposes and supports amendments to federal and state civil rules governing the admission of expert evidence. We advocate before judicial rulemaking committees as well as state legislatures to effectuate change. We also work to inform the wider legal community about the meaning of Federal Rule of Evidence 702, the amendment to Rule 702 that took effect on December 1, 2023, and the need for reform of equivalent state rules.


2023 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT

DRI Leaders Come Together for 2023 Leadership Conference

Leadership Conference

Following the 2023 DRI Annual Meeting, members of DRI’s Board of Directors, DRI State/Country Representatives,‎ DRI Substantive Law Committee (SLC) leaders and State, Local and National Defense Organization leaders came together to wrap up the week with idea sharing, networking, and strategizing for the year ahead.  

This year’s program kicked off with a video presentation from Mark Engle, Principal of the Association Management Center. Mark frequently works with organizations like DRI on governance, leadership, and Board competency work, and shared his thoughts and a case study on the importance of leadership continuity planning.

Following Mark’s presentation, James D. Holland, a past member of DRI’s Board of Directors, and current DRI National Director Catherine Ava Leatherwood led a discussion on "Succession Planning for Legal Organizations." They were followed by three presentations on leadership competencies:

  • "What That Means and How It Affects Your Organization," led by DRI Immediate Past President Lana A. Olson and DRI CEO Dean Martinez

  • "Communication Skills for Leaders," led by past DRI Board member Thomas J. Hurney and current National Director Ricardo A. Woods.

  • "Recruiting New Members," led by DRI President-Elect Anne M. Talcott and Matthew G. Moffett, DRI’s outgoing DRI State Representative from Georgia.

Throughout the day, attendees also discussed these topics, and the common challenges faced by our SLCs, SLDO’s, NDO’s, and Sister Organizations alike. Thanks to all the DRI and SLDO/NDO leaders who joined us for the 2023 Leadership Conference.

FROM THE CENTER FOR LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY

New Center Appointments

The Center for Law and Public Policy continues to grow and is pleased to announce new appointments to three of its task forces and working groups.  

DRI Past President Henry Sneath, a director of Houston Harbaugh LLP in Pittsburgh, where he co-chairs the firm’s Litigation Practice and chairs its Intellectual Property Practice, has accepted an appointment to the Center’s Data Privacy and Protection Working Group.

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Maxwell McDaniel, Associate Counsel at Modern Woodmen of America in Rock Island, Illinois, is also now a member of the Data Privacy and Protection Working Group.  

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The Data Privacy and Protection Working Group is committed to supporting the Center and DRI’s members through legal scholarship and complementary educational initiatives for DRI members focused on ever-evolving global data privacy and protection risks, obligations, and best practices.  The working group seeks to make DRI a prominent voice for the civil defense bar in national and global discussions of substantive data protection and privacy laws.   

Michael Goodin, AVP – Claims Judicial and Legislative Affairs for Zurich Insurance Company in Schaumberg, Illinois, has received an appointment to the Center’s Third-Party Litigation Task Force. With a particular focus on advocating for disclosure, the Third-Party Litigation Task Force’s role is to study on an ongoing basis the impact of TPLF on the civil justice system.

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Finally, Collin Hite, Director of Litigation Management at Markel, Inc. in Glen Allen, Virginia, has been appointed to the Center’s Social Inflation Task Force. 

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The Social Inflation Task Force is responsible for studying factors influencing the rise in the size of jury verdicts above expected levels given inflation and to recommend steps to limit that rise.

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DRI COMMITTEE NEWS

Congratulations to the 2023-24 Substantive Law Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs!

The following members were appointed or reappointed as Chair or Vice Chair of their respective committees. The 2023-24 term began at the end of the Annual Meeting.

Joining any of DRI’s 29 committees is a great way to engage with the DRI Community, enhance your career, and grow your network. DRI is committed to providing its members with not only the highest quality educational experience and top-notch written resources, but also the best opportunity to network with pre-eminent defense lawyers. We encourage you to make the most of your DRI membership and join one or more committees and get involved.

To get started, visit the Committee Listings, select the committee you're interested in, and click "Join Committee."

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  • Peter D. Cantone, Chair
  • Douglas J. Hayden, Vice Chair

APPELLATE ADVOCACY

  • Sarah Elizabeth Spencer, Chair
  • TBD, Vice Chair

AVIATION LAW

  • Matthew G. Berard, Chair
  • Stephanie Short, Vice Chair

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

  • Peter A. Lauricella, Chair
  • Shannon Marie Bell, Vice Chair

CONSTRUCTION LAW

  • Andrew R. Ferguson, Chair
  • Mark D. Shifton, Vice Chair

CORPORATE COUNSEL

  • Morgan J. Milner, Chair
  • Michael K. Callahan, First Vice Chair
  • Peter Alan Querubin, Second Vice Chair
  • Nicollette B. Dailey, Third Vice Chair

CYBERSECURITY AND DATA PRIVACY

  • Brent J. Arnold, Chair
  • Colton Driver, Vice Chair

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

  • Gary L. Howard, Chair
  • Imoh Emmanuel Akpan, Vice Chair

DRI INTERNATIONAL

  • Katie Chandler, Chair
  • Peter Bredin, Vice Chair

DRUG AND MEDICAL DEVICE

  • Erik W. Snapp, Chair
  • Jennifer Snyder Heis, Vice Chair

 EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW

  • Gordon Hill, Chair
  • Helen R. Holden, Vice Chair

 FIDELITY AND SURETY

  • Michael J. Weber, Chair
  • Aaron G. Weishaar, Vice Chair

GOVERNMENTAL LIABILITY

  • Ryan M. Kunhart, Chair
  • Monté L. Williams, Vice Chair

INSURANCE LAW

  • Jonathan L. Schwartz, Chair
  • Melanie C. Lockett, Vice Chair

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) LITIGATION

  • Brian K. Brookey, Chair
  • Rachael L. Rodman, Vice Chair

INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS, REGULATORY AND ENFORCEMENT LITIGATION

  • Richik Sarkar, Chair
  • Robert M. Duncan, Jr., Vice Chair

LAW PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

  • Audrey K. Bentz, Chair
  • Robert A. Luskin, Vice Chair

LAWYERS' PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS

  • Alyssa Johnson, Chair
  • Amber Barlow Garcia, Vice Chair

 LIFE, HEALTH AND DISABILITY

  • Michelle Thurber Czapski, Chair
  • Sarah J. Delaney, Vice Chair
  • Kyle N. Kirby, Corporate Vice Chair
  • Logan Gould, Corporate Vice Chair

LITIGATION SKILLS

  • Christopher B. Turney, Chair
  • Pamela Newsom Lee, Vice Chair

MEDICAL LIABILITY AND HEALTH CARE LAW

  • Erika L. Amarante, Chair
  • Andrew DeSimone, Vice Chair

PRODUCT LIABILITY

  • Fred E. Bourn (Trey), III, Chair
  • Lindsay Lorimer, Vice Chair

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

  • Zandra E. Foley, Chair
  • Kathryn S. Whitlock, Vice Chair

RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY

  • Megan S. Peterson, Chair
  • Joseph C. Megariotis, Vice Chair

TOXIC TORTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

  • Jennifer L. Dlugosz, Chair
  • Roy D. Prather, III, Vice Chair

TRUCKING LAW

  • Terrence L. Graves, Chair
  • Bradford G. Hughes, Vice Chair

WOMEN IN THE LAW

  • Sandra J. Wunderlich, Chair
  • C. Meade Hartfield, Vice Chair

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

  • Robert D. Stokes, Chair
  • Debra Doby, Vice Chair

YOUNG LAWYERS

  • Emily M. Ruzic, Chair
  • Thomas H. Wyatt, First Vice Chair
  • Melissa H. Rose, Second Vice Chair

Seminar Spotlight

Take Advantage of Member-Only Early Access Pricing in 2024!

Mark your calendars for DRI’s 2024 seminars and events! 

DRI Members can register now and get the best pricing thanks to exclusive, limited time Early Access Registration!   

Explore unparalleled opportunities for networking and continuing legal education (CLE). DRI offers 20+ in-person seminars a year on innovative topics in the civil defense and litigation field. Hear from top leaders in the field, network with peers and industry insiders, earn valuable continuing legal education (CLE) credits, and more. 

Are you committed to pushing boundaries in business and personal growth in the coming year? 

Then check out DRI’s 2024 events calendar! Now is the time to start making space in your 2024 calendar and budget to include valuable practice-enhancing and professional development opportunities from DRI. 

See when early access ends for your seminar and enjoy members only savings before they’re gone! 

Membership Spotlight

DRI Dividends Program Update

Effective June 30, 2024, the DRI Dividends Member Rewards Program will end.   

You can accumulate DRI Dividend points through February 29, 2024, but they must be redeemed by June 30, 2024.  

There are many ways to earn DRI Dividend points! Here’s how - attend a meeting, recruit a member, write an article, be a speaker, join a Substantive Law Committee and more! Please view DRI Dividends - How to Earn Points for more details.  

Here’s what you can redeem your DRI Dividend points on:  

  • 1,500 Points: $250 Advocate Certificate  

  • 2,500-3,499 Points: NEW - Complimentary new individual membership for a colleague or $500 Advocate Certificate, and a DRI Recognition silver finish pin  

  • 3,500–4,999 Points: $500 Advocate Certificate, DRI Recognition gold finish recognition pin, Recognition in The Voice, FTD  

  • 5,000–9,999 Points: Complimentary seminar registration, Blue Sapphire (faux) recognition pin, Mention in FTD, The Voice and at events  

  • 10,000 Points: Complimentary registration to a DRI seminar of your choice, Mention in The Voice, FTD and at events, and Blue Diamond (faux) recognition pin 

Log onto your DRI member account and check your balance today. 

DRI remains committed to recognizing and rewarding member engagement and loyalty. Look for more details on a new DRI member rewards program in 2024. 

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Publications Spotlight

Expand Your Thought Leadership and Contribute to DRI Publications in 2024!

As we continue to strive for excellence in our publications, we are excited to announce a call for articles for DRI's esteemed platforms: For The Defense, In-House Defense Quarterly, The Voice, and The Brief Case: DRI Committee News. 

We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and insights to enrich our publications, and we invite you to contribute your expertise to our upcoming issues. Whether you have unique case studies, in-depth analyses, or practical advice to share, we welcome submissions that showcase your knowledge and contribute to the legal community's growth. Our editorial team is happy to work with you and your committee on where to best place your work among our suite of publications. Plus, our recent partnership with a third-party legal intelligence source means your work may be selected for placement on our profile, extending your influence in the legal space and elevating your professional profile.

Submission guidelines, publication deadlines, and additional resources can be found at dri.org/publications. Please note that we require all published authors to be active DRI members. 

We've noticed increased interest in the following topics, listed below. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and our editorial team is happy to work with you to develop your content. 

  • Artificial Intelligence 

  • Data Security and Privacy 

  • Autonomous Vehicles 

  • Climate Change 

  • 2024 Elections 

  • Supreme Court Rulings & Changes 

  • Mentorship 

  • Lawyer Well-Being 

  • Succession Planning 

Your contribution to DRI’s publications will not only benefit your professional network but also contribute to the collective knowledge of the legal community. We look forward to receiving your submissions and appreciate your commitment to the advancement of legal scholarship. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please reach out to our editorial team at submissions@dri.org for further information. 

Publications Spotlight

DRI's 2024 Editorial Calendar is Here: Reserve Your Committee Spotlight Issue(s) Now!

Looking to expand your thought leadership in 2024? Contribute to DRI's publications!

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If your committee would like to reserve a spotlight issue of For The Defense for next year, please contact submissions@dri.org with the issue you’d like. We recommend 4-8 articles for a committee spotlight, and an introductory column from committee leadership can count toward that total. Articles in For The Defense are typically 3,000-5,000 words. 

Each committee may reserve up to two (2) dedicated issues of For The Defense for 2024. Features will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. We are able to spotlight up to three (3) committees per issue of For The Defense. (You may also, of course, contribute articles across several issues, if your committee prefers that format instead of a dedicated feature issue.)
 
Additionally, we’d love to get content from your committee for The Voice, In-House Defense Quarterly, and The Brief Case: DRI Committee News. Our Communications team is happy to work with you on where to best slot content. Black History Month (February), Women’s History Month (March), Well-Being Week in Law (May), Hispanic Heritage Month (mid-September through mid-October), Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October), and more are examples of themed content features we’d love to highlight next year!
 
We look forward to your quality submissions in 2024. Please note that we require all recognized authors to be DRI members. 

THE DRI BLOG

Read Our Newest Blog Post — Unlocking Success: A Guide for Lawyers to Secure Referrals 

Let’s explore effective strategies for lawyers to generate referrals and foster lasting professional relationships. 

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Securing referrals is a dynamic process that requires a combination of excellent service, strategic networking, and a proactive approach to relationship building. By consistently delivering exceptional legal services, expanding your professional network, and actively participating in both online and offline communities, you can create a referral pipeline that propels your legal career to new heights.

Check out our new post on Court & Counsel: The DRI Blog to learn more!

Court & Counsel: The DRI Blog – Your premier resource for civil defense content.

DRI COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT

SLC Corner | Construction Law Committee

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Andrew Ferguson, Committee Chair


Tell us about your committee’s practice area. What does it cover?

Our committee covers all areas of construction related law, with members whose focus is on the representation of contractors in all aspects of their business (contract negotiation, delay claims, OSHA investigations, employment issues) to those whose practice is more claim/insurance/litigation driven (worksite accident, construction defect, architect/engineer E&O, insurance). We currently have Substantive Law Groups in the areas of Insurance, Contract and Delay Claims, Construction Defect, Worksite Accident and Professional Liability. We are always looking for more focused areas to develop and to make each of the existing SLG practice areas more robust.

What are the biggest issues your members are facing right now? How does the Construction Law Committee help address these issues?

Like most lawyers, a large issue our members face is managing time and having the bandwidth to be involved in voluntary organizations. Between our busy practices, spending time with our families, and pursuing interests outside of work, our members face a time crunch on where and how to devote themselves to voluntary organizations and what sort of return they can get on that investment of time. As a committee, we try to provide our members great education, client contacts, and peer networking opportunities to help benefit our members' practice. Those that get involved in our committee will make lifelong friends that are a valuable resource personally and professionally.

What are the highlights of your upcoming seminar?

Our program chair, Denise Montgomery, and her vice-chairs, Rinaldo Cartaya and Jim Noonan, have put together a great program that we are really excited about. We will be having presentations on alternative energy, the projects and products that fuel them, and the future of claims in this developing area.  We also have a speaker from ConsensusDocs who will be presenting on important changes to drafting, defending, and arbitrating construction contracts and claims and the use of artificial intelligence in contract drafting. There will be a panel discussion on the how the interplay between the economy, workers shortages and legislation that impact the future of construction. Another program we are excited about is the practices and pitfalls in the redevelopment and re-purposing of historical buildings. And finally, we will have a hands-on program where attendees will be involved in and learn more about building practices. We will be in Phoenix January 17-19, 2024, and we hope to see you there!

Are there committee projects that current and prospective members should look for in 2024?

In addition to our seminar in January, for the last few years we have put on a ½ day “boot camp” that has been successful in providing great education and bringing in clients to network with our members.  We plan on doing that again in 2024 – topic and location TBD!!

What is the best way to get involved with your committee? What opportunities are available?

If you want to get involved, contact Andrew Fergusion (aferguson@coughlinbetke.com) or Mark Shifton (mshifton@gllawgroup.com) and we will get you involved. There are always projects or tasks to take on.  And if you have an idea or interest that you want to explore with our committee, tell us as I’m sure we’ll be open to it.

Is there anything else you would like the DRI community to know about the Construction Law Committee?

We are a group that likes to have fun, and really enjoy each other and what we do.  In our recent application process for steering committee positions, one of our long-time committee members wrote “Participating on this Committee has been one of the more fulfilling aspects of [my career] in the practice of law.  Wouldn’t trade it for anything.”  We couldn’t say it any better. 

Want to get involved?

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DRI Member News

Congratulations to DRI Members for Their Achievements

 

Christopher S. Campbell has been selected as Chief Manager of the law firm Harris Shelton. He is the first African American chief manager in the firm’s history. He brings more than 25 years of diverse litigation and appellate expertise to his new role. Christopher has been a DRI member since 2016.  

Cody Gracie has joined The Law Group of Northwest Arkansas PLLC in Fayetteville, AR as an Attorney. Cody practices business law, employment law, and insurance defense. He has been a member of DRI since this year, 2023.  

Craig L. Hodgson has joined Segal McCambridge in San Francisco, CA as a Shareholder. He focuses primarily on matters related to product liability. Craig has been a DRI member since 2012.  

Noelle Jackson has joined the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Medical Group in Long Beach, CA as the Chief Risk Officer. Her primary practice area is health care law. Noelle has been a DRI member since 2021. 

Atheseus Rimmon Lockhart has joined Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP in Orlando, FL as a Partner. With decades of experience, he is a trial lawyer focused on general liability, premises liability, bodily injury, wrongful death, and construction defect litigation. Atheseus has been a DRI member since 2022.   
David J. Mincer has moved to the Law Offices of David J. Mincer, PLLC in Charleston, WV as Managing Partner. His focus is on general litigation. David has been a DRI member since 2003.  

John E. Peterson, Jr. has joined Hancock, Daniel & Johnson, P.C. in Glen Allen, VA as a Partner. He has 25 years of experience representing healthcare providers, in both litigation experience and hospital credentialing matters. John has been a DRI member since 2009. 

Kerry L. Rhoads has joined Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI as a Principal. Kerry’s primary practice areas include employment law, insurance coverage litigation, insurance defense, and tort defense. She specializes in transportation law. Kerry has been a DRI member since 2009. 

Anthony J. Sbarra, Jr. has been selected to head Segal McCambridge’s newest office in Boston, MA as a Shareholder. Tony is a seasoned trial attorney focusing on product liability and toxic tort legal matters. Boston represents Segal McCambridge’s 14th office in the United States. Tony is a past member of DRI’s Board of Directors and has been a DRI member since 2002. 

Rebecca R. Thornton has joined Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in Raleigh, NC as Senior Counsel. Joining the firm’s litigation practice group, she brings over a decade of experience in matters in various industries such as retail and hospitality, healthcare, and commercial transportation. Rebecca has been a DRI member since 2018.  

If you have a recent achievement or recognition that you would like featured, email your news to membership@dri.org. Please note that DRI reserves the right to review all accomplishments to ensure they are adequate for publishing. All submissions will be reviewed for relevance and compliance with DRI’s mission. Submissions may be edited to conform with our standards, and space limitations.

DRI Cares

DRI's November Seminars Partner with Canine Companions and Blessings with a Backpack

 

At DRI's 2023 Asbestos Medicine and Retail and Hospitality Seminars in November, attendees partnered with Canine Companions, an organization that provide service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings. During the event, Jay Evans, shareholder at Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, educated attendees on this worthwhile cause and discussed how to provide for those in need of support animals in the workplace and elsewhere.

Canine Companions

Attendees also participated in a DRI Cares event benefiting Blessings in a Backpack, a national organization that provides food for school children on weekends, when they might otherwise go hungry. For the next two years, DRI is honored to partner with Blessings in a Backpack and has pledged to host 20 bag-packing events at DRI events. This means that DRI is committed to providing at least 10,000 bags of weekend food to school children around the country, in the areas where DRI will be hosting our seminars. In Austin, seminar attendees stuffed 500 bags for the organization. 

Blessings in a Backpack

NEW MEMBERS AND ADVOCATES

DRI Welcomes the Following Members and Advocates:

 
New Members
Charles P. Mitchell, Orlando, FL                                                                    
Peter H. Dworjanyn, Raleigh, NC                                                                     
Suzanne P. Galvin, Saint Louis, MO                                                                  
Charles D. Cole, Lexington, KY                                                                      
Timothy J. Green, Pittsburgh, PA                                                                    
Kurt Greve, Dallas, TX                                                                              
Phebe  La Mar, Columbia, MO                                                                         
Ericka J. Thomas, Naperville, IL                                                                    
C. Darcy Jalandoni, Columbus, OH                                                                    
Jacob F. Hollars, Denver, CO                                                                        
John Berry, Pittsburgh, PA                                                                          
Kathleen Klein, Chicago, IL                                                                         
Agnieszka N. Rodriguez, Ft Lauderdale, FL                                                           
Carmen Rejda-Ponce, Houston, TX                                                                     
Sheryl Tirocchi, Ellicot City, MD                                                                   
Benjamin Tiller, St. Louis, MO                                                                      
Kirk T. Hartley, Orland Park, IL                                                                    
Emily Jenks, Troy, MI                                                                               
Lauren Elizabeth Snyder, Scott Depot, WV                                                            
Aaron Glasgow, Columbus, OH                                                                         
Cecilia F. Moss, New York, NY                                                                       
Blake D. Hill, Kirkwood, MO                                                                         
Denver Smith, Charleston, SC                                                                        
Zachary T. Smith, Philadelphia, PA                                                                  
Sarah K. Mueller, Suamico, WI                                                                       
Jaymin Patel, Phoenix, AZ                                                                           
Lorel Stano, Pell City, AL                                                                          
Lara Breslow, Tampa, FL                                                                             
Erika Emmons, Fort Worth, TX                                                                        
James P. Cullen, Pittsburgh, PA                                                                     
Meghan Lovett, Little Rock, AR                                                                      
Ashlyn Vickers, New Orleans, LA                                                                     
Dara Nakagawa, Honolulu, HI                                                                         
Sean McGah, Irvine, CA                                                                              
Jodi A. Buratti, New York, NY                                                                       
Kristina Ohlmeyer, New Orleans, LA                                                                  
Casey R. Hardy McGowan, West Palm Beach, FL                                                         
Douglas R. Garmager, Chicago, IL                                                                    
J Clark McMillan, New Orleans, LA                                                                   
Sarah A. Lodge, Columbus, OH                                                                        
Alexis N. Stevens, New York, NY                                                                     
Courtney Jones, Bloomfield Hills, MI                                                                
Harley Chase Piercy, Louisville, KY                                                                 
Christen L. Rafuse, Morristown, NJ                                                                  
Thomas Schartz, Sioux Falls, SD                                                                     
Ashleigh Rapp, San Antonio, TX                                                                      
Mollie Buelow, Lake Elmo, MN                                                                        
Christopher Chase Wilson, Indianapolis, IN                                                          
Andrew Carlton Schafer, Austin, TX                                                                  
Ryan Mill, Saint Louis, MO                                                                          
Michelle Anne Lester, Minneapolis, MN                                                               
Courtney Moore, Troy, MI                                                                            
Michael Lockamy, Jacksonville, FL                                                                   
Sly M. Onyia, Minneapolis, MN                                                                       
Valerie De Wandel, St. Louis, MO                                                                    
Kenneth S. Fiorella, New York, NY                                                                   
Nathan Antony Quaglia, Chicago, IL                                                                  
JAKE W. PEDEN, Lake Elmo, MN                                                                        
Ana I. England, Louisville, KY                                                                      
Garrett Keegan, Rapid City, SD                                                                      
Stephanie Franckewitz, Montgomery, OH                                                               
Lauren S. Bruce, Marietta, GA                                                                       
Laura J. Murphree, Marietta, GA                                                                     
Allyssa Kimbler, Huntington, WV                                                                     
Cody Paschall, Dallas, TX                                                                           
Kayla Rose Williams, Birmingham, AL                                                                 
April Villaverde, Edison, NJ                                                                        
Jasmine C. Price, Bellwood, IL                                                                      
Elena Rose Coole, Charleston, WV                                                                    
Cameron Michael Kiner, Charleston, WV                                                               
Theresa Topping, Philadelphia, PA                                                                   
Fred Wilson Suggs, III, Greenville, SC                                                              
Sean Ferrito, New York, NY                                                                          
Katie Mosher, Concord, NH                                                                           
Nourin Abourahma, Salt Lake City, UT                                                                
Marlyne Zakher, Trinity, FL                                                                         
Adisbel Hernandez, Miami, FL                                                                        
Ana Sarmento, Miami, FL                                                                             
Kevin Matthew Kleine, Chicago, IL                                                                   
Blaire Bayliss, Arvada, CO                                                                          
Amanda Bright, Orange Park, FL                                                                      
Susan Lori Werstak, St Louis, MO                                                                    
Sydney VanBerg, Madison, WI                                                                         
Lezly Petrovich, New Orleans, LA                                                                    
Chad Lieberman, Greenwood Village, CO                                                               
Doug Eisler, West Chester, PA                                                                       
Ron Burnovski, Dallas, TX                                                                           
Patrick Dougherty, New York, NY                                                                     
Logan David Lee Manthey, Birmingham, AL                                                             
Mark E. Borzych, Phoenix, AZ                                                                        
Morgan Liptak, New York, NY                                                                         
Andrew J. Glass, Rocky Hill, CT                                                                     
Jacob Salow, Birmingham, AL                                                                         
Alec Josepher, Tampa, FL                                                                            
Megan Rounds, New York, NY                                                                          
Brendaliz Minaya Ruiz, New York, NY                                                                 
Dirk C. Haarhoff, New York, NY                                                                      
Tamara Fishman Barago, Washington, DC                                                               
Peter G. Drever, III, Chicago, IL                                                                   
Taylor Henderson, Philadelphia, PA                                                                  
Joshua Zimmerman, Phoenix, AZ                                                                       
Liz Blackwell, Saint Louis, MO                                                                      
Samuel Harmon, Lexington, KY                                                                        
Kiana Tymira Talton, Macon, GA                                                                      
Amanda Singh Keller, Tampa, FL                                                                      
Peggah Navab, Minneapolis, MN                                                                       
Peyton Hagerman, Saint Louis, MO                                                                    
Taylor Lear, Atlanta, GA                                                                            
Brett Whitley, Little Rock, AR                                                                      
Jason J. Chorley, San Francisco, CA                                                                 
Michael John Lydon-Lorson, Overland Park, KS                                                        
Miriam Greer Bryant, Memphis, TN                                                                    
William W. Stewarat, Conshohocken, PA                                                               
Jeremy Goldblatt, Denver, CO                                                                        
Amelia Amelia Haston, Birmingham, AL                                                                
Daniel Mooney, Seattle, WA                                                                          
Mara Swanson, Saint Cloud, MN                                                                       
Bryce Cooper, Chicago, IL                                                                           
Ott Lindstrom, Burlington, VT                                                                       
Lorena Victoria Bejan, Southfield, MI                                                               
Alex Beck, Wheaton, IL                                                                              
Jessica Grady Federico, Englewood, CO                                                               
Harlee Havens, Lexington, KY                                                                        
Jesse Gerard Frank, New Orleans, LA                                                                 
Michelle A. Meloche, Troy, IL                                                                       
Sarah Raquel Salek, Atlanta, GA                                                                     
Clara M. Villarreal, New York, NY                                                                   
Nick Langford, Birmingham, AL                                                                       
Megan L. Nielsen, Hartford, CT                                                                      
Jason Ferrell, Nashville, TN                                                                        
Damien K. Reynolds, Miami, FL                                                                       
Ryan Everett Vick, Charleston, WV                                                                   
Jari Lynn Rubio, Albuquerque, NM                                                                    
Annabelle Maddox, Tallahassee, FL                                                                   
Jennifer Bagby, Tallahassee, FL                                                                     
Christopher M. Napolitano, Kansas City, MO                                                          
Mary Elizabeth Brown, Birmingham, AL                                                                
Harrison Williams, Columbia, SC                                                                     
Austin Michael Hevey, Providence, RI                                                                
Brooke Pearsons, Providence, RI                                                                     
Erica Piotrowski, Norfolk, VA                                                                       
Helbert Canales-Rojas, Fort Lauderdale, FL                                                          
Briana Butler, Memphis, TN                                                                          
Sarah Baker, Philadelphia, PA                                                                       
Caitlin Cameron, Columbia, SC                                                                       
 
Advocates
Catherine Ava Leatherwood, Columbia, SC                                                             
Donna O. Tillis, Columbia, SC                                                                       
Jason Retter, Saint Louis, MO                                                                       
Lana A. Olson, Birmingham, AL                                                                       
Michael L. Dailey, Baltimore, MD                                                                    
Stephen O. Plunkett, Minneapolis, MN                                                                
Justin G. Smith, Sioux Falls, SD                                                                    
Michael M. Harrison, Little Rock, AR                                                                
Roshan N. Rajkumar, Minneapolis, MN                                                                 
Thomas J. Hurney, Jr., Charleston, WV                                                               
Arthur D. Spratlin, Jr., Ridgeland, MS                                                              
Brian J. Riordan, Chicago, IL                                                                       
Emily W. Newman, Louisville, KY                                                                     
Janice Bierman, Morristown, NJ                                                                      
Jody C. Corbett, Phoenix, AZ                                                                        
John E. Galvin, Saint Louis, MO                                                                     
Jordan Jarreau, Austin, TX                                                                          
Michael J. Rossignol, Morristown, NJ                                                                
Todd C. Stanton, Saint Louis, MO                                                                    
Brett A. Tarver, Atlanta, GA                                                                        
Mark R. Antonelli, Coral Gables, FL                                                                 
Nancy L. Pennie, New York, NY                                                                       
Sara M. Turner, Birmingham, AL                                                                      
Shane O'Dell, Fort Worth, TX             

                                                          

 

DRI'S 2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

DRI's 2024 Events Calendar is Now Available! 

2024-seminar-calendar
 

2024 will be here before we know it! We are happy to announce all of the incredible seminars we have planned for upcoming year, as well as the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting. Be sure to check out the dates and location for your seminar under the Education/CLE tab on the DRI website.

Find a seminar you are interested in attending? Click on it and fill out the form to sign up for registration updates - we'll send you an email when registration is open so that you can take advantage of Early Bird discounts and special hotel rates!

Make sure to include DRI seminars in your 2024 budget for business and professional development opportunities. See the lineup of 2024 events below to discover what we have in store for you. Additionally, you can view and download a PDF version here.

DRI Learning Center

Fulfill your Ethics CLE requirements with DRI On-Demand

 
 Learning Center Image

Let DRI help you remain CLE compliant before the end of the year! The DRI Learning Center is a fantastic resource for members who are looking to refine their knowledge and earn CLE credit from the comfort of their home or office. Explore our on-demand library of virtual webinars covering a variety of attorney ethics topics, including:

To see all of the available DRI webinars, check out the DRI Learning Center today!

DRI Education

Upcoming Seminars and Webinars

2024 Women in the Law Seminar
January 17-19, 2024 | Phoenix, Arizona
Women professionals, and particularly lawyers, are under a lot of pressure to succeed despite the systems and cultural norms that present obstacles in our daily lives. These systems and cultural norms can hamper our ability to be our best and truest selves in both our professional and personal lives. At the 2024 Women in the Law Seminar, we will thoughtfully analyze these tough issues together. We hope you join us for this incredible seminar, where we know each of you will gain valuable skills to help you embrace your authentic self and bring out the best in each other. When we empower ourselves, we empower others. Together, we will rise!

2024 Construction Law Seminar
January 17-19, 2024 | Phoenix, Arizona
The future is upon us. Construction professionals face new challenges at every stage of the build. The race for alternative energy has changed not just how we build but what powers the build. Traditional building methods are rapidly giving way to novel methods due to both necessity and invention. Attorneys, clients, and insurers must be prepared to address the future workforce, products and contractual relationships which come with this change. In challenging legal and economic times, how do we as lawyers best represent our clients moving forward into an era where AI and the global view impact the drafting, management, and litigation of construction? Join the DRI Construction Law Committee as we share our thoughts and strategies for practicing in this challenging and exciting time.

2024 Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar
January 17-19, 2024 | Phoenix, Arizona
DRI is proud to announce the 37th annual Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Seminar in Phoenix, AZ! This seminar will provide you with invaluable information and tools to represent your governmental clients. This year’s faculty include preeminent insurance professionals, a renowned Supreme Court advocate, a qualified immunity scholar, and Section 1983 experts from across the United States. Attendees will develop litigation and trial tactics, including maintaining client relations, defending officer depositions, addressing medical causation in use-of-force cases, giving an opening statement, and more! As always, attendees will also have opportunities to network and exchange ideas and winning strategies with experienced litigators and insurance professionals. See you in Phoenix!

2024 Product Liability Conference – Early Bird savings end December 21!
 February 7 - 9, 2024 | Denver, Colorado
Join us for the 2024 DRI Product Liability Conference which, for the first time in the Committee’s history, will be held in Denver, Colorado! This year’s Program is even more awe-inspiring than the City’s breathtaking views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, with world-class speakers set to discuss topics ranging from the ever-changing landscape of product liability claims, to building an evidentiary basis to reconstruct reality. Find out how both science and the game of poker can take aspects of your practice to the next level. And, we will have a number of exciting networking opportunities you will not want to miss that are as unique as the Mile High City itself!

Register by December 21, 2023, to receive the early bird discounted rate. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

2024 Litigation Skills Seminar
February 28 - March 1, 2024 | Miami, Florida
Join us in Miami for a DRI seminar that is a first of its kind. DRI’s Litigation Skills Committee and DRI’s Center for Law & Public policy are joining forces to put on a program specially designed to discuss, combat, strategize and understand how verdicts skyrocket. We’ll open with a panel from the Center for Law & Public Policy’s Social Inflation Task Force to discuss how to combat critical plaintiff tactics and strategies. Then we will assess these concepts in the context of jury selection and watch as a real, impartial jury is seated for a mock case summation. The mock jury will hear argument from top defense attorneys on a disputed liability, high damages case. Attendees will watch as the jurors deliberate the verdict live and lead through a moderated discussion of their views on parties, facts, and overall claim value. Then, after the jury has deliberated, attendees will be allowed to engage with the jury in a group discussion to better understand the key arguments, facts, and positions that drove the jury to their verdict. On Friday we will have a round table discussion on these issues along with a fabulous session from David Mann, jury consultant and nationally-known story teller, to help us develop effective narratives that are persuasive to juries. We will end our seminar a discussion on the ethical issues encountered in joint representations. This seminar is truly unlike any other. Join us to experience a real mock jury setting, engage with colleagues on how we can combat nuclear verdicts, and learn from the nation’s leading jury psychologists and trial attorneys who will deliver a master class education on all things nuclear verdict.

Register by January 16, 2024, to receive the early bird discounted rate. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

2024 Medical Liability and Health Care Law Seminar
February 28 - March 1, 2024 | Miami, Florida
Join us in Miami, Florida, for an engaging and exciting seminar that will address some of medicine’s most relevant and controversial issues. Topics include: a maternal fetal medicine and pediatric neurology “blockbuster” two-part series addressing common themes and countervailing claims in a birth injury case; the latest insight into gastroenterology and hepatology, including use and possible claims related to weight loss injectables; the newest concerns and claims in sports medicine and the problems facing treatment of elite athletes; and issues of social inflation and combating jury influence. Each day has dedicated time for networking opportunities in a variety of settings such as dine-arounds and an offsite event on Thursday night.

Register by January 16, 2024, to receive the early bird discounted rate. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

2024 Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute – Early Access savings for DRI members end December 13!
March 13 - 15, 2024 | Chicago, Illinois
Join us this March in Chicago at DRI’s flagship seminar for insurance executives, claim professionals, and outside counsel. The 2024 Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute promises to provide an array of outstanding speakers to keep you up to date on the latest developments in the industry and current trends in insurance coverage. The seminar will provide skills-based instruction and litigation guidance for coverage attorneys, as well as multiple opportunities to network. The Windy City welcomes you!

DRI Members can register now for $1,195 thanks to exclusive, limited-time Early Access Registration! Everyone else can take advantage of Early Bird Registration starting December 14 through January 29. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

2024 Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Super Conference – Early Access savings for DRI members end December 21!
March 20 - 22, 2024 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The practice of law is changing, from where we practice to how we preserve and present evidence. At DRI’s Business Litigation and Intellectual Property Super Conference, you will learn about generational differences impacting the practice of law, issues in front of the Supreme Court and the anticipated effects of future rulings, the sweeping changes affecting restrictive covenants, and much, much more. Our featured experts will cover a wide range of issues affecting the modern litigator in an informative and interactive setting. Come reconnect, recharge, and leave reenergized about your practice!

DRI Members can register now for $1,195 thanks to exclusive, limited-time Early Access Registration! Everyone else can take advantage of Early Bird Registration starting December 22 through February 5. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

2024 Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar – Early Access savings for DRI members end December 21!
 March 20 - 22, 2024 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The nation’s best conference for toxic tort and environmental practitioners will be in the City of Brotherly Love, with best-in-class CLE, enhanced networking opportunities, and new ways to connect with your colleagues. Explore Philadelphia through networking events that offer something for everyone and earn CLE from top industry leaders and practitioners. This is the seminar you will not want to miss!

DRI Members can register now for $1,195 thanks to exclusive, limited-time Early Access Registration! Everyone else can take advantage of Early Bird Registration starting December 22 through February 5. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

2024 Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Seminar – Early Access savings for DRI members end December 21!
March 20 - 22, 2024 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Whether you think of it as the City of Brotherly Love or the Cradle of Liberty, there can be no question that Philadelphia is the perfect venue for the nation’s premier Life, Health, Disability & ERISA (LHD&E) conference. Take a selfie with Rocky and then enjoy unparalleled CLEs from some of the country’s top LHD&E practitioners before heading out to network with colleagues, old acquaintances, and new friends. There will be plenty of time to soak up the local history, check out art museums, and maybe even enjoy a famous cheesesteak in between honing your knowledge on the latest legal trends your clients are facing. This is the seminar you will not want to miss!

DRI Members can register now for $1,195 thanks to exclusive, limited-time Early Access Registration! Everyone else can take advantage of Early Bird Registration starting December 22 through February 5. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

2024 Trucking Law Seminar
April 10 - 12, 2024 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In a litigation environment hallmarked by increasingly high jury verdicts, the time is now for the trucking industry to act and to re-evaluate what defense strategies and methods will best protect our clients and ensure the vitality of the industry moving forward. Learn practical strategies for trucking litigators, claims professionals, and industry representatives to get aggressive in the defense of cases in the face of new and changing plaintiff tactics. Plus, discover how to address the shift in jury pool demographics, ideals, and mentalities. Presentations include a forum discussion by jury consultants, speaking to what they are seeing nationally in the jury pool, what defense strategies are working, and what is no longer effective. There will also be a practical workshop for using consultants to best prepare your key defense witnesses. Attendees will learn to employ practical approaches aimed to counter emerging tactics leveraged by plaintiff attorneys meant to fuel excessive verdicts and settlements. This includes how to maximize the benefit of mock trials/focus groups and how to employ aggressive defense tactics early to get the edge and turn the tide in trucking litigation.

DRI Members can register now for $1,195 thanks to exclusive, limited time Early Access Registration! Everyone else can take advantage of Early Bird Registration starting January 12 through February 26. If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate.

Medicare Reporting and Applicable Civil Money Penalties
December 13 | 11 a.m. CST
The federal government's rule on civil money penalties for failure to comply with Medicare Secondary Payer Reporting requirements has issued and is effective December 11, 2023. Attend this program to learn of potential penalties, how they may be determined, how they may be appealed. This is a must attend program for attorneys, claims adjusters, self-insured businesses who may be involved in personal injury litigation.

The registration is free for DRI members and $150 for non-members.

Quote of the Month

“Freedom lies in being bold.” ― Robert Frost