Seminars

Grand Hyatt Denver
Denver, CO     

DRI—The Voice of the Defense Bar, which has been providing gold-standard legal education for over five decades, proudly presents this unique program specifically for managing partners and future law firm leaders. The keynote address will be by Craig A. Thompson, a partner at Venable LLP, who has more than two decades of experience handling civil cases in federal and state courts. He represents clients in the areas of commercial litigation, product liability, premises liability, and personal injury. Mr. Thompson also is active in leading law firm inclusion and diversity initiatives, and served for five years as chair of Venable’s Diversity Committee. He will share his unique insight about law firm leadership and the tools necessary to lead in today’s challenging legal environment. Join us in the Mile High City for a high-value experience with those who most clearly understand your challenges and are, therefore, best able to provide you with solutions.

 

Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square
Columbus, OH

Come join your colleagues and peers for two days of interactive learning at the DRI Strictly Automotive Seminar. Hear directly from the manufacturers on what is important right now in automotive litigation and what is on the horizon with the advancement of new technology. For the first time ever, participants will travel off-site to attend a live crash test and learn alongside experts as they show the latest ways to help defend your automotive cases.

Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, IL

Join us in the Windy City for unparalleled programming and networking for defense practitioners, in-house counsel, claims specialists, and other professionals involved in the defense of claims against nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care providers across the country. This year, we will hear first-hand the current regulatory challenges facing post-acute operators, including an in-depth analysis of the state of affairs with the assisted living industry. With our panel counsel meetings, Women in the Law lunch, and other networking opportunities, there will be ample time for individuals to connect and collaborate. Register now to ensure your spot at the preeminent program in the field. New this year are two workshops designed to help you build your practice: The Art of the 30(B)(6) Deposition Litigation Skills Workshop, and Defining Your Career Professional Growth Workshop, both on Wednesday.

J.W. Marriott
Washington, DC

Over the past 24 months, there has been an avalanche of new cases involving allegations that there were measurable concentrations of asbestos in talc and that those fibers were allegedly responsible for causing mesothelioma. As has been claimed for 20 years, plaintiff experts often stated that any exposure to asbestos above background could be causal (e.g., "every fiber counts") or that “every fiber contributes to the disease.” Defendants claim that this is inaccurate and irrelevant since there is ample information that no measurable concentrations of genuine asbestos fibers over 5 um were detected in bulk samples of talc of the era. Interestingly, defendants have been losing a significant number of cases and juries have, at times, concluded that huge awards were appropriate. How can this seemingly “implausible” legal conflict over a product that was historically considered harmless have happened, and where is it headed?

Hilton Hartford
Hartford, CT

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP 
New York, NY

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Chicago, IL

The DRI Life, Health, and Disability Committee is once again sponsoring a program for lawyers who are new to the practice. This program, taught by highly experienced attorneys, is aimed at providing a basic understanding of the concepts applicable to life, health, and disability litigation. This program receives rave reviews each year that it is held and sells out quickly. Young lawyers and older lawyers who are new to the practice or who wish to brush up on their skills are encouraged to attend! To encourage the classroom atmosphere, registration is limited to 50 persons.

Weston Boston Waterfront 
Boston, MA

Westin Boston Waterfront
Boston, MA

Head down the pike to join new friends and old in the cradle of liberty this November! The 2019 DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar will bring together a superb lineup of experts in the science and medicine of asbestos and top-flight litigators to the city on a hill—Boston, Massachusetts. With updates on recent U.S. Supreme Court and state court rulings that affect our ever-changing litigation, the latest on genetics in causation, and insights into cross-examination and deposition taking, this seminar has more touchdowns than Brady to Gronk. And do not miss out on the opportunities for business development during the breaks, mixers, and receptions, or even those over a cup of Dunk’s coffee before the day starts. Attendees at the 2019 DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar will depart this city, which played a crucial role in American history, with the latest and greatest information to ride home and be revered by their peers!

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
New York, NY

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
New York, NY