Schedule of Events
It's All About Connections! And this year, DRI has a fantastic lineup of speakers, networking opportunities, Continuing Legal Education (CLE) offerings, and more! Join us for DRI's 2023 Annual Meeting and discover an entirely new way to learn, engage, and connect with your DRI community!
Schedule with Room Locations
To view the full schedule with room locations, please click the button below.
Schedule-at-a-Glance
Schedule subject to change
** Separately ticketed event
^ By invitation only
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Law Institute Meeting ^ |
| 5:00–5:30 p.m. | Annual Meeting Steering Committee ^ |
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Board Meeting ^ |
| 8:00–9:00 a.m. | Regional Directors Meeting ^ |
| 12:00–7:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 12:45–2:45 p.m. | NFJE Board Meeting ^ |
| 1:00–1:50 p.m. | Membership Committee ^ |
| 1:00–1:50 p.m. | Law Institute and Program Chairs ^ |
| 1:00–1:50 p.m. |
DRI Cares / DRI For Life Joint Meeting ^ |
| 2:00–2:45 p.m. |
Social Media and Publications Chairs ^ |
| 2:00–2:50 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting ^ |
| 2:00–2:50 p.m. |
Substantive Law Committee Membership Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting |
| 2:00–5:00 p.m. |
Nominating Committee ^ |
| 3:00–4:15 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee Meetings (For list, click "Schedule Details" tab and pick the date) |
| 4:30–5:30 p.m. | First and Second Timers Program |
| 5:00–7:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | ADTA, FDCC, and IADC Receptions ^ |
| 5:30–6:00 p.m. | First and Second Timers / VIP Reception |
| 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Opening Reception |
Thursday, October 26, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Registration |
| 7:00–8:00 a.m. | DRI for Life Pony Up! Run/Walk |
| 7:00–9:00 a.m. |
Coffee Service |
| 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Nominating Committee ^ |
| 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | General Session |
| 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
Exhibit Hall |
| 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Blessings in a Backpack |
| 12:00–12:30 p.m. |
DRI Cares |
| 12:00–1:30 p.m. |
DRI Networking Lunch |
| 12:00–1:30 p.m. | State, Local, and National Defense Organizations Leadership Luncheon ^ |
| 12:15–2:00 p.m. |
Showcase Theater |
| 12:45–1:45 p.m. | CLE Session |
| 1:30–2:30 p.m. |
All About The Center for Law & Public Policy (come learn about how the Center can help your SLDO or SLC) |
| 2:00–3:00 p.m. | CLE on the GO |
| 3:00–4:00 p.m. | The Center Advisory Council Meeting ^ |
| 3:00–4:15 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee Meetings (For list, click "Schedule Details" tab and pick the date) |
| 4:15–5:15 p.m. | The Center Business Meeting |
| 4:30–5:45 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee Meetings (For list, click "Schedule Details" tab and pick the date) |
| 4:30–5:45 p.m. |
Veterans Committee Huddle |
| 6:00–9:00 p.m. | An Evening at the Alamo (Sponsored by LawyerGuard) |
Friday, October 27, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Registration |
| 7:00–8:00 a.m. | DRI for Life Run/Walk |
| 7:00–9:00 a.m. |
Coffee Service |
| 8:00–9:15 a.m. | Diversity & Inclusion and Women in the Law Breakfast ** |
| 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Nominating Committee ^ |
| 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | General Session |
| 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Executive Director Program/Lunch ^ |
| 12:00–1:00 p.m. |
Past Presidents Lunch ^ |
| 12:00–1:30 p.m. |
DRI Networking Lunch |
| 12:00–2:00 p.m. | Exhibit Hall |
| 12:35–2:00 p.m. | Showcase Theater |
| 12:45–1:45 p.m. | CLE Sessions |
| 1:00–3:00 p.m. | State, Local, and National Defense Organizations Program |
| 2:00–3:30 p.m. | DRI Foundation Board Meeting ^ |
| 3:30–4:30 p.m. | DRI Board of Directors Meeting ^ |
| 7:00–10:00 p.m. | Closing Reception/Dinner (Sponsored by Sweeney & Sheehan) ** |
Saturday, October 28, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | DRI Leadership Conference ^ |
Schedule Details
Schedule and speakers subject to change
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 2:00–2:30 p.m. |
Substantive Law Committee (SLC) Membership Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting More information coming soon. |
| 2:00–2:50 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee (SLC) Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting More information coming soon. |
| 3:00–4:15 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee (SLC) Meetings Aviation Law, Commercial Litigation (CLE), Corporate Counsel, Diversity and Inclusion, Women in the Law, Worker’s Compensation, Young Lawyers Click here for the list of non-CLE committee programming and meetings (PDF) |
| 3:00–4:15 p.m. |
SLC: Commercial Litigation (CLE) Meeting Digital Forensics in Commercial Litigation: Leveraging Electronic Evidence and Addressing Spoliation Risks Join us for a unique discussion on how digital evidence can significantly impact case outcomes. Focusing on the application of digital forensics in commercial litigation, this session will provide a comprehensive understanding of utilizing electronic evidence effectively in investigations while addressing the critical issues of spoliation risks. Real case examples will be used to illustrate the consequences and risks of spoliation, and how digital forensics can be used to investigate fraud and other wrongdoing. Lars E. Daniel, Envista Forensics, Deerfield, IL |
| 4:30–5:30 p.m. | First & Second Timers Program Welcome to DRI’s Annual Meeting. Whether you are new to Annual Meetings, to DRI itself, or it has just been a while since your last meeting to remember how it all works—we have set up a networking and information-packed program to make sure you get the most out of your time and investment. When you register, please check the box to receive information for the First & Second Timers Program. For those interested in becoming a DRI ambassador for the DRI Annual Meeting, email membership@dri.org to get involved. |
| 5:00–7:30 p.m. |
Exhibit Showcase Don’t miss this opportunity to visit with exhibitors, colleagues, and friends during the Exhibit Showcase. You will have the opportunity to discover new technologies, products, and services throughout the week. On Thursday and Friday, join us for complimentary networking lunches for the chance to engage with other attendees while refueling. Also returning is the Showcase Theater, where you will be able to hear from experts during short educational programs designed to give you take aways you can use every day. These and other networking opportunities are being offered throughout the Annual Meeting to enhance your attendee experience. |
| 5:30–6:00 p.m. | First & Second Timers Reception Being a first- and second-time attendee at the DRI Annual Meeting can present some challenges in learning to navigate DRI and the meeting itself. Join DRI leadership at a networking reception in the Exhibit Showcase as we welcome you into the DRI community! All DRI members are also encouraged to attend, mingle, and share your DRI experiences with our first- and second-timers. |
| 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Opening Reception There is no better meeting place to reconnect with old friends and colleagues and make new acquaintances. Stop by the Exhibit Showcase and experience the best that San Antonio has to offer—including regional food, beverages, and great conversation. |
Thursday, October 26, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00–8:00 a.m. | DRI for Life Pony Up! Run/Walk Pony up and join DRI for Life for a morning run or walk from the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter lobby. There will be leaders for various pace groups, including a walking group and the option to Uber back to the hotel for those not interested in the full round trip. Western-themed costumes are welcome! The first 100 participants will receive a special gift, so don’t be late! |
| 9:00–9:30 a.m. | General Session – Welcome Sara M. Turner, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC, Birmingham, AL Patrick J. Sweeney, Sweeney & Sheehan, Philadelphia, PA Dean Martinez, CEO, DRI, Chicago, IL |
| 9:30–10:30 a.m. |
Life Would Be Easy If It Weren't For Other People Keynote Speaker: Connie Podesta (View Connie Podesta's biography) Imagine what you could accomplish if you could decode the mystery of human behavior and truly understand what makes people do what they do and say what they say (including yourself!). Research shows that the #1 key to SUCCESS in any industry or organization is the ability to get along with other people, personally and professionally. Now that's something to really think about, right? That means with a deeper understanding of human behavior you could lead better. Communicate better. Sell better. Parent better. Live better. Negotiate better. The list goes on and on. With laugh-out-loud humor, killer take-away strategies, powerful pops of psychology and her amazing insights into others (including a few who "drive you crazy"). Connie Podesta, an Expert in the Psychology of Human Behavior, will take you right inside the minds and personalities of the people you connect with every day both at work and home — bosses, colleagues, partners, customers, significant others, friends, and family -- so YOU can ACT, rather than REACT to whatever situations or people throw your way. In other words, you'll be able to read between the lines – making navigating conversations and negotiating your needs a thousand times easier. Want the secret communication insights and rare psychological know-how to build, maintain and grow your relationships and business to a whole new level? Then this is totally the session for you! |
| 10:30–11:30 a.m. | How is the Future of American Constitutional Law Changing? Keynote Speaker: Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (View Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton's biography) One question dominates every other in American history: What should be national and what should be local? Over the last 100 years or so, we have tended to favor national answers over local ones when it comes to American constitutional law. Often with good reasons: dealing with the imperatives of the Great Depression; bringing Jim Crow to heel; addressing policy challenges that have emerged from an increasingly national and global economy. Even as we recall the reasons not to forget these chapters in American history and even as we contend with chapters still unfolding, we may want to consider whether, halfway through our third century, we should pay more attention to the localism side of federalism and be more patient when it comes to the nationalism side of federalism. In debates about American constitutional law, there are many ways in which our fifty state constitutions and fifty state courts have critical roles to play, all with the potential to alleviate pressure on the U.S. Supreme Court as the perceived sole arbiter of American constitutional values. |
| 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
Exhibit Showcase Visit the Exhibit Showcase and participate in the many networking opportunities available. |
| 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Blessings in a Backpack Join Blessings in a Backpack Chief Development Officer Christin Kruse and DRI President-Elect Patrick J. Sweeney as they discuss DRI’s partnership with Blessings in a Backpack. Blessings in a Backpack is an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends to school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. At this session, you’ll learn more about this organization and the amazing work they do. Afterward, join us for our DRI Cares event with Blessings in a Backpack and feed a child before you feed yourself. Christin Kruse, Chief Development Officer, Blessings in a Backpack, Chicago, IL (View Christin Kruse's biography) Patrick J. Sweeney, Sweeney & Sheehan, Philadelphia, PA |
| 12:00–12:30 p.m. |
DRI Cares Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack by feeding a child before you feed yourself. Blessings in a Backpack is 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. Your donation will help purchase food to feed children in the San Antonio area. Annual Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, October 26th. |
| 12:00–1:30 p.m. |
DRI Networking Lunch Power up your lunch hour! Join us for lunch in the exhibit hall and connect with your fellow attendees and our fabulous group of exhibitors. The connections you meet here may be the ones to send you your next case or help you win your next trial. |
| 12:15–2:00 p.m. | Showcase Theater Click here to view showcase theater schedule. |
| 12:45–1:45 p.m. |
How to Use Generative AI to Transform Your Practice (Without Getting Sanctioned) Generative AI, like Open AI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude 2 or Casetext’s Cocounsel, are incredibly powerful and transformative tools that you can use in your practice today. But they also have inherent limitations. In this session, we will take a deep dive into what these GenAI platforms can do to help your practice today. We will demonstrate live several use cases, including legal research, memo drafting, drafting deposition questions, requests for documents and interrogatories. We will also discuss how to control for the inherent weaknesses of GenAI. Bennett Borden, DLA Piper, Washington, D.C. (View Bennett Borden's biography) |
| 1:30–2:30 p.m. |
All About The Center for Law & Public Policy (open to all) Come learn about how the Center can help your state, local, and defense organization (SLDO) or substantive law committee (SLC). |
| 2:00–3:00 p.m. |
CLE on the GO Put on your walking shoes, grab your phone and earbuds of choice, and join fellow attendees for a chance to earn CLE while exploring some of the fabulous local sights. This session will feature recent United States Supreme Court decisions summarized by various DRI substantive law committees, with local historic landmarks serving as the starting point for some of the hot legal issues of the day! If your schedule does not permit you to participate in this activity on Thursday, you may do it at your leisure on your own while in San Antonio or even from home. This session will provide on-demand CLE in select jurisdictions. This session is not eligible for accreditation in all jurisdictions. Please check the CLE grid for states that have approved credit. CLE on the GO is included in your registration fee. Register for the meeting. |
| 3:00–4:15 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee (SLC) Meetings Appellate Advocacy (CLE), Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Drug and Medical Device, Intellectual Property Litigation, Life, Health & Disability, Retail and Hospitality, Toxic Torts and Environmental Law, Trucking Law (CLE), Young Lawyers (CLE) Click here for the list of non-CLE committee programming and meetings (PDF) |
| SLC: Appellate Advocacy (CLE) Meeting Co-Hosted by The DRI Center for Law & Public Policy Amicus Committee Separation of Powers, Article III Standing, and Constitutional Injury in the Digital Era All federal court plaintiffs must have standing which requires actual, concrete injury. Other harms are not redressable in federal court. But what is the meaning of "injury" in the 21st century? When is the mere denial of information online, in violation of federal law, redressable in federal court? In March 2023 the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Laufer v. Acheson, a case posing these questions. The DRI Center for Law and Public Policy filed an amicus brief arguing against standing for certain kinds of intangible "informational injuries" suffered on the internet. This session will discuss the arguments and issues raised by DRI and other amici. Attendees will learn about the current legal standards and case law on standing to sue for intangible injuries, differing views on the meaning of constitutional "injury", the myriad federal laws which guarantee the right to information both on and off the internet, and how innovators in the plaintiff bar might try to use Laufer to argue for standing in many other contexts if the case is decided in favor of Ms. Laufer. Matthew Nelson, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Grand Rapids, MI Sarah Elizabeth Spencer, Christensen & Jensen PC, Salt Lake City, UT |
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| SLC: Trucking Law (CLE) Meeting Big Trucks Can Have Small Crashes More information coming soon. Dr. Lars Reinhart, BRC, San Antonio, TX |
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| SLC: Young Lawyers (CLE) Meeting Young Lawyer Tracks from Associate to Partner Join us for a moderated panel discussion with partners from DRI member firms as they share advice on how young lawyers can make the move from associate to partner. We’ll explore the skills needed to reach partner and how to develop them, share insider information about law firm management, discuss strategies for positioning yourself for success, describe potential ethical pitfalls to avoid on your way to partner track, advise diverse young lawyers on evaluating and securing leadership in their member firms, and more. Moderator Steven Scoggan, Ellis & Winters LLP, Greensboro, NC Andrew S. Chamberlin, Ellis & Winters LLP, Greensboro, NC Amber Eklof, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP, San Francisco, CA Michele Hayes, Niles Barton & Wilmer LLP, Washington, D.C. |
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| 4:30–5:45 p.m. | Substantive Law Committee (SLC) Meetings Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction Law (CLE), Employment and Labor Law, Governmental Liability, Insurance Law, Law Practice Management, Litigation Skills & Internal Investigations, Regulatory and Enforcement Litigation, Medical Liability and Health Care Law, Product Liability, Professional Liability Click here for the list of non-CLE committee programming and meetings (PDF) |
| SLC: Construction Law (CLE) Meeting I’ll Take "Coverage Conundrums" for $1,000 Test your knowledge of insurance policies, exclusions, and coverage through the lens of construction projects in this Jeopardy-themed interactive session. Which policy applies as the primary policy? Is a subcontractor’s certificate of insurance good enough? When does the excess drop down? How does “wrap-up” insurance reduce risk transfer? Audience participation will be strongly encouraged, and prizes will be awarded! Moderator Dan Strong, Teague Campbell Dennis & Gorham LLP, Raleigh, NC Jacob Esparza, Spencer Fane LLP, Houston, TX |
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| 6:00–9:00 p.m. | An Evening at the Alamo Sponsored by LawyerGuard Don't miss this exclusive DRI event for Annual Meeting Attendees! Learn more about the Alamo networking event. |
Friday, October 27, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00–8:00 a.m. | DRI For Life Run/Walk Join DRI for Life for a morning run/walk from the hotel. You’ll enjoy the scenic views of San Antonio alongside historic sites. There will be leaders for various pace groups, including a walking group. |
| 8:00–9:15 a.m. | Diversity & Inclusion and Women in the Law Networking Breakfast (Ticketed Event) Finding You: Non-Traditional Paths to Freedom in Law and Life Hear the personal stories and anecdotes of Justice Alvarez. From how her ethnicity and gender played into her career, to the many lessons learned along her journey within private practice and current views from the bench, you’ll glean wisdom and principles to incorporate into your unique place within the law. Enjoy a collaborative conversation over breakfast, open for all to consider perspectives beyond the letter of the law. Tickets to the Diversity and Inclusion and Women in the Law Networking Luncheon are $65. Please purchase tickets by notation on the registration form. Moderator Meade Hartfield, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Birmingham, AL Justice Patricia O. Alvarez, Texas Fourth Court of Appeals, San Antonio, TX (View Patricia O. Alvarez's biography) |
| 9:30–10:00 a.m. |
General Session – Welcome |
| 10:00–11:00 a.m. | Politics 2024: Public Opinion, the Elections, and the Supreme Court Keynote Speaker: Mara Liasson (View Mara Liasson's biography) When it comes to politics and elections, Mara Liasson is one of the most trusted voices in journalism. In her positions as a contributor for Fox News, and National Political Correspondent for NPR, Liasson wields the experience needed to provide audiences with a solid understanding of the issues. Serving as White House correspondent during the Clinton Administration and covering every presidential election from 1992 through the current one for NPR, Liasson delivers a candid perspective on how the media will impact the politics and policy issues facing the country leading into the 2024 elections, how the coronavirus pandemic has reshaped politics, and how recent events have impacted the public’s confidence in our public institutions, including state and federal legislative bodies and the Supreme Court. |
| 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Legal System Abuse: An In-House Perspective | The Center for Law & Public Policy Legal System Abuses have dramatically increased both costs and verdicts in civil litigation that outpace general economic inflation without significant changes in legal or factual bases to support the increase. Join DRI’s Center for Law and Public Policy for an in-house panel discussion about the most rampant abuses, their impact on the legal industry, and how the defense bar can respond. Moderator Patrick J. Sweeney, Sweeney & Sheehan, Philadelphia, PA Lisa Bellino Apelian, Zurich North America, Philadelphia, PA Andrew Pauley, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Washington, D.C. Konrad Pilatowicz, U-Haul International, Inc., Phoenix, AZ Stef Zielezienski, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Washington, D.C. |
| 12:00–2:00 p.m. |
Exhibit Showcase Visit the Exhibit Showcase and participate in the many networking opportunities available. |
| 12:35–2:00 p.m. |
Showcase Theater Click here to view showcase theater schedule. |
| 12:45–1:45 p.m. | The Man in The Ditch: A Redemption Story for Today At some point as we journey through life, we will find ourselves buried by our own baggage, stripped bare at the muddy, craggy bottom of The Ditch. Most people know what it's like to struggle through life's long valleys, but The Ditch is different. The Ditch is a place we don't want to end up, but in some cruel twist of fate, we do. Maybe it's through our own fault. Maybe it's not. For some, The Ditch may be a scary diagnosis. A job loss. Maybe it's a run-in with the law, a poor decision that spawns others and traps you in a cycle of addiction. And sometimes it's vague. Sometimes, it's just one too many hard knocks from life. The Ditch will break us, but in that brokenness lies the potential for raw and radical transformation. The Man in The Ditch is a story about undeserved privilege, unlimited potential, hard work, and hustle. A story about self-inflicted wounds, hubris, insecurity, shame, and abandonment. A story, ultimately, about the Operation of Divine Grace that manifests itself as unapologetic joy. And while this is a story told by a lawyer, father, husband, and practicing Catholic, it is a story for all of us. A story that teaches us that our darkest moments don't define us but have the power to radically change us for the worse or for the better. Do we stay stuck in darkness, or do we overcome it? And once we overcome it, how do we emerge? Bitter and beaten down, or a stronger, better version of ourselves? The choice is ours. Mike Bassett, The Bassett Firm, Dallas, TX (View Mike Bassett's biography) |
| 7:00–10:00 p.m. | Closing Celebration and All-Star Band Bash (Ticketed Event) You are cordially invited to join us Friday night as we celebrate DRI and the end of a successful week while recognizing our new leaders and awarding DRI’s highest honors. The evening will include a cocktail reception honoring incoming President Patrick J. Sweeney, as well as dinner featuring the best of San Antonio cuisine. The Defense Never Rests, DRI’s “own” favorite band, is also back by popular demand, featuring all those familiar musicians and vocalists we met last year. The band will again be led by DRI member Michael D. Carter, Hall Booth Smith, P.C., Oklahoma City, OK. Bring your dancing shoes, the evening will not disappoint. Come and help us celebrate DRI, incoming and outgoing board members, and award winners for their well-deserved achievements. Cocktail attire is appropriate for this event. Tickets to the Closing Celebration are $125/individual ticket. Please purchase tickets by notation on the registration form or online at dri.org. |
Speaker Spotlight
Keynote Speakers
Mara Liasson
Session: Politics 2024: Public Opinion, the Elections, and the Supreme Court
Date: Friday, October 27 10:00–11:00 a.m.
See Mara Liasson's session information.
NPR National Political Correspondent Mara Liasson is an expert storyteller whose reports can be heard regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazine programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Since 1998, Liasson has been a contributor to Fox News, appearing on Special Report with Bret Baier and MediaBuzz with Howie Kurtz. Liasson provides extensive coverage of politics and policy from Washington, D.C., focusing on the White House and Congress, alongside reports on political trends beyond the Beltway. Each election year, she provides key coverage on the candidates and issues in both presidential and congressional races.
Connie Podesta
Session: Life Would Be Easy If It Weren't For Other People
Date: Thursday, October 26 9:30–10:30 a.m.
See Connie Podesta's session information.
Expand your understanding of human behavior, leadership, and professional development through the eyes of award-winning author Connie Podesta as she kicks off DRI’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Podesta is a human resource professional and licensed therapist of 25 years. She has spent 30 years working with leading organizations around the world, and her engaging presentations, colored by her intuitive understanding of human behavior, empower audiences to act.
Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton
Session: How is the Future of American Constitutional Law Changing?
Date: Thursday, October 26 10:30–11:30 a.m.
See Jeffrey S. Sutton's session information.
Jeffrey S. Sutton is the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He has served as chair of the Federal Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and as chair of the Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules. Currently, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States and as the commissioner of the Supreme Court Fellows Program. Since 1993, Chief Judge Sutton has also been an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University College of Law, where he teaches seminars on state constitutional law, the United States Supreme Court, and appellate advocacy.
Featured Speakers
Justice Patricia O. Alvarez
Session: Diversity & Inclusion and Women in the Law Networking Breakfast
Date: Friday, October 27 8:00–9:15 a.m.
See Justice Alvarez's session information.
Justice Patricia O. Alvarez is currently a Justice in the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals. Her district covers 32 counties in South Texas—where more than half the population is Hispanic and where, for 26 years, she was one of a handful of female trial attorneys.
As a defense attorney, Justice Alvarez handled complex civil trial matters. She belonged to the DRI (was a member of the Board of Directors), the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA), The Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA), and the Texas Association of Defense Counsel. She is currently a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), where she served as President of the San Antonio Chapter.
At the time of her election, Justice Alvarez was classified by Martindale-Hubbell rating as an “AV Preeminent” attorney and was a Super Lawyer from 2003 to 2012, the year she was elected. She is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
A proud graduate of the University of Texas School of Law (JD) and Duke University School of Law (LLM), she is married, has a son and five grandchildren. She is a passionate scuba diver (working on her master diver accreditation), yoga teacher, HD biker (she and her husband have a trike), and traveler.
Mike Bassett
Session: The Man in The Ditch: A Redemption Story for Today
Date: Friday, October 27 12:45–1:45 p.m.
See Mike Bassett's session information.
Unapologetically passionate and transparent, Mike has never stopped believing in the power of his team, truth, and doing the next good thing. He is a civil litigation attorney who has practiced law for nearly four decades. In 2002 he founded The Bassett Firm, a Dallas-based boutique law firm specializing in defending catastrophic injury cases. Mike has tried nearly 200 cases to verdict and is a highly sought-after national speaker, consultant, and mediator. He is also the host and co-creator of the Podcast, Legal Grounds: Conversations on Life, Leadership, and Law, whose guests have included everyone from archbishops to military leaders and New York Times bestselling authors. In his time as an attorney, Mike has embraced the hard path of grace and believes in second chances as much as he believes in honesty to his clients. He is the author of The Man In The Ditch: A Redemption Story For Today. Recipient of 2023 Martindale-Hubbell Award AV Preeminent highest possible rating in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards.
Bennett Borden
Session: How to Use Generative AI to Transform Your Practice (Without Getting Sanctioned)
Date: Thursday, October 26 12:45–1:45 p.m.
See Bennett Borden's session information.
Bennett Borden is an experienced attorney and data scientist, advising multinational clients on data privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. As one of few people in the legal industry who is both a data scientist and an attorney with an active AI and algorithm verification testing practice, Borden is a leading authority on developing insight out of massive volumes of data, whether to help clients monetize and productize data, develop AI systems and algorithmic models in a legal and ethical manner, or conduct discovery and internal investigations. In 2020, Borden won an "Innovative Lawyers" award by the Financial Times for his "stand out expertise in data analytics.”
Christin Kruse
Session: Blessings in a Backpack
Date: Thursday, October 26 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
See Christin Kruse's session information.
Christin Kruse is the Chief Development Officer of Blessings in a Backpack, the nation’s only nonprofit solely dedicated to feeding kids on the weekends. Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide weekend food for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Blessings in a Backpack will provide more than 3.3 million hunger-free weekends for children nationwide this school year alone.
With over 23 years of experience building strategic partnerships to grow and advance health and human service organizations, Christin has dedicated her career to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, the homeless, and abused children.
Before joining Blessings in the spring of 2023, Christin was the Chief Development and Marketing Officer for Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, the first responders to victims of child sexual abuse and trauma in Chicago. She has held executive-level positions with AMITA Health GlenOaks Hospital, Pioneer Center for Human Services, and NPH International. Aside from development and marketing, her expertise includes change management, process improvement, and building collaborative, high-performing teams. Christin received her BA in Psychology from Columbia College of Missouri and her MBA from Aurora University.
When asked about her proudest accomplishments, aside from raising her three boys, Christin proudly includes raising money to build St. Damien Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (the nation’s only pediatric hospital), the completion of a successful capital campaign for the establishment of GlenOaks Therapeutic Day School-for children with profound behavioral health challenges, and most recently, jumping out of an airplane in her first skydiving adventure!
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