2024 DRI Professional Liability Seminar

Name: 2024 Professional Liability Seminar | DRI
Start: 2024-12-04T12:00
End: 2024-12-06T12:25
Location: Sheraton New York Times Square

December 4–6, 2024
Sheraton New York Times Square | New York City, New York

Downtown New York City and Brooklyn Bridge sunset

Gain the Knowledge to Become a Better Professional Liability Lawyer!

Register by December 3 to save up to $500!
View registration information here.

Professional practice standards are changing daily. From Artificial Intelligence to Zoom meetings, trials and everything in between, keeping up competencies can seem overwhelming. Join us for practical tips, refreshers on skills, thought provoking views from experts, and opportunities to network with professional colleagues.

What You Will Learn:

How to enhance your professional skills.
Secrets to leveling up your professional practice.
Insights into new trends and legal issues, including AI.
Tactics for Trials and Arbitrations.

Expand Your Network By:

Engaging with colleagues and potential clients throughout the program during the breaks and networking receptions.
Participating in dine-arounds with colleagues from across the country.
Experiencing New York during the holiday season with your peers, including the annual holiday tree lighting, Rockefeller Center Ice Skating, and holiday festivities in Times Square.

Counsel Meetings with Major Companies
Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with key industry companies* including:

Allied World Assurance Company
Hanover Insurance Group

*Subject to change

Representatives from These Insurance Companies Will Be in Attendance
Engage with in-house counsel and claims executives*:

Attorneys Insurance Mutual of the South
Axis Insurance
BITCO Insurance Companies
CNA Insurance Company
Hanover Insurance Group
MLMIC Insurance Company
Shelter Mutual Insurance

*Subject to change

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thank You to DRI's Committee Leadership
Registration & Networking Information
Financial Aid Policy
Agenda with Speakers
Headquarters Hotel Information
CLE Information
Sponsors
Other Information

Thank You to DRI's Professional Liability Committee Leadership

Zandra Foley — **Zandra E. Foley**
Committee Chair

Kathryn Whitlock — **Kathryn S. Whitlock**
Committee Vice Chair

Sharon Stuart — **Sharon D. Stuart**
Law Institute

Join the Professional Liability Committee

Registration Information

Save up to $500 when you register on or before December 3, 2024!
Worry-free registration: Cancellations received thirty (30) days or more before an in-person seminar are entitled to a full refund.

	Member Pricing	Non-Member Pricing	Non-Member Bundle ^
Regular Registration* (Now thru Dec. 3)	$1,595	$1,995	$1,915
Onsite Registration	$1,695	$2,095	$2,015
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)**	$1,095 per person	$1,095 per person	$1,095 per person
Government	Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request.

Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!

^ Not a DRI Member and want to save on your registration? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle when you register for the DRI Professional Liability Seminar. Select the bundle and get up to 9 months of membership with the membership add-on when you check out. Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase, please contact DRI Customer Service with any questions.

Learn more about membership at DRI and get started on your DRI journey today!

*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.

**Group registration is for registering four or more attendees, members and non-members. There is one free registration with every 10 registrations. You must lock in the rate three weeks prior to the seminar. If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here (online registration is not available for this offering).

Financial Aid Policy

Individuals who demonstrate need may receive limited financial aid to attend DRI CLE programs.

Review the Policy (PDF)

Agenda with Speakers

*More session details to come. Schedule and Speakers subject to change.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Time (Eastern)	Program
12:00 p.m.	Registration Opens
6:00 p.m.	Networking / Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Time (Eastern)	Program
8:30 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Sharon D. Stuart, Attorneys Insurance Mutual of the South, Hoover, AL Andrea Schillaci, Hurwitz Fine P.C., Buffalo, NY
9:15 a.m.	Trial Tactics for Bench Trials and Arbitrations Bench trials and arbitrations require different styles and strategies, and often involve different evidentiary standards. Arbitrations, in particular, have fewer and extremely narrow avenues for appeal. These factors, and others, often require attorneys to modify their approach and methods of preparing for trials in order to make an effective and compelling presentation. Gain insights in what an experienced trial judge looks for when presiding over bench trial and arbitrations as well as techniques and practices that will help meet those expectations. Jonathan R. Harwood, Traub Lieberman, Hawthorne, NY Hon. George J. Silver (retired), Deputy Chief Administrative Judge, New York, NY
10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:30 a.m.	Leveling the Playing Field in an Anti-Corporate World It is no secret that anti-corporate sentiment is on the rise. This CLE explores the reasons behind these growing negative views and how they translate in the courtroom. It provides tools for defusing jurors’ anger towards corporate defendants and for identifying prospective jurors who are unable to keep an open mind. The CLE also focuses on the crucial role of corporate witnesses. Preparing C-level witnesses – the face of the company they represent – is of utmost importance. Many of the traits that make them great leaders don’t always translate to courtroom success, leaving them vulnerable to opposing counsel’s tactics. Learn how to help them gain trust with the jury and become more persuasive at trial. Keith Pounds, IMS Consulting, Chicago, IL LaToyia Pierce, FirstService Residential, Dallas TX Jim Figliulo, SGR Law, Chicago, IL
11:30 a.m.	When Coverage & Defense Collide The typical malpractice defense attorney is not a coverage expert. So let’s hear from some of those experts! This panel will address coverage implications on the defense of malpractice claims including: how to address potential coverage issues, defending the covered vs uncovered claim, how to use coverage defenses to facilitate a resolution, and what to do when the carrier withdraws the defense. Moderator Chris Cavallo, Goldberg Segalla, Newark, NJ Tim Rivers, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Scottsdale, AZ John P. Morgenstern, O'Hagan Meyer, Philadelphia PA
12:30 p.m.	Lunch (on your own)
2:00 p.m.	Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (Carriers and Claims Edition) This year’s crowd sourced session again features an opportunity for the audience to discover the burning issues facing insurance carriers and claims attorneys. In game show format, the panelists will address topics such as rising defense costs, choice of counsel, threat of nuclear verdicts and settlement strategy. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions of top carrier representatives. Host Matt Breetz, Stites, Louisville, KY Lisa Midkiff, Protect Professionals Claims Management, Tampa, FL Kathleen Buck, Minnesota Mutual, Minneapolis, MN Cathleen Curry, Hanover, Windsor, CT Bolanle Akinrimisi, Beazley, Atlanta, GA
3:00 p.m.	Wellness: From Pressure to Power - Transforming Professional Anxiety into Your Superpower Come to listen, learn, and heal with this personal and informative presentation about health and well-being. Wendy Tamis Robbins will discuss her personal story of struggle and transformation as she educates us about the prevalence of anxiety in the legal community. Ms. Robbins will explain how prioritizing well-being a component of attorney competency under the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility. She will share her experience and recommendations regarding recognizing and reducing stress and provide helpful tips and techniques for refocusing and reframing anxiety so we can become our best selves. Wendy Tamis Robbins, WTR Enterprises, Marblehead, MA
4:00 p.m.	Ethical Use of Generative AI in the Practice of Law Join us for a dynamic presentation on the ethical implications of generative AI in legal practice. Discover how AI is transforming the legal landscape, from enhancing document review to supporting litigation, while navigating key ethical considerations. We'll explore the evolution of AI tools, their impact on ABA Model Rules, and real-world case studies like Mata v. Avianca. Learn how to responsibly integrate AI into your practice and stay ahead in this rapidly changing field. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical applications. Christa Melde, Thompson Reuters, Phoenix AZ Cory Reed, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP, Houston TX
5:00 p.m.	Professional Liability Committee Business Meeting (open to all)
5:30 p.m.	Adjourn
6:00 p.m.	Premier Networking Reception Join fellow seminar attendees at our Premier Networking Reception.
8:00 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Friday, December 6, 2024

Time (Eastern)	Program
8:30 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Announcements Susan E. Cohen, Peabody & Arnold, Boston, MA
9:10 a.m.	Effective Settlement Agreements and How to Muzzle Demands for Plaintiff Counsel Settlement Ads Moderator Traci VanPelt, McConnell Van Pelt, Denver CO Erin McCartney, Attorney Protective, Flourtown, PA Shauna Reeder (CNA), QBE North America, New York, NY
10:10 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:25 a.m.	Ethical Use of AI in Vendor Discovery, Predictive Coding and Negotiation of Court Orders Regarding Same In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, the legal profession faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Join us for an insightful presentation delving into the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in vendor discovery, predictive coding, and negotiating court orders. Explore the intersection of technological innovation and legal practice as we discuss the ethical implications, best practices, and potential pitfalls. Gain valuable insights into how AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy while upholding ethical standards in legal proceedings. Whether you're a legal practitioner, technologist, or simply curious about the evolving role of AI in the legal landscape, this presentation promises to enlighten and inspire. Eddie Kim, Everlaw, Los Angeles, CA Amanda Bryan, Bullivant, Hauser, Bailey, PC, Seattle, WA Elizabeth Mulligan, Vantage Risk, Tampa, FL Andy Bolin, Bolin Law Group, Tampa FL
11:25 a.m.	Hot Topics for Real Estate and Insurance Brokers Earlier this year, legal developments in the real estate world signaled the end of the standard 6% commission for home sales. The elimination of this standard rate, which had been in place for decades, creates uncertainty. Professionals in this field are determining what will become the new standard and will look to legal counsel to provide insight into how recent rulings should inform decisions on what should become the new best practices. The dramatic changes that stem from the elimination of the standard commission will have implications for other types of professionals, including insurance brokers, attorneys, and others. This discussion will provide insight into how to best navigate an uncertain landscape including how to provide sound counsel in an uncertain and developing context and the types of controversies that are likely to arise in the wake of recent developments. Kenton H. Steele, Reminger Co, Columbus, OH Sophie Reiter, Compass, New York, NY Rajiv Batra, Hiscox USA, Somerville, NJ
12:25 p.m.	Adjourn

Headquarters Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at Sheraton New York Times Square, 811 7^th Ave, New York, NY 10019.
To contact the hotel directly, call 212.581.1000.

The DRI room block at Sheraton New York Times Square is now sold out. Please use the link below to reserve a room at a nearby available hotel.

Alternative Hotels

If you are planning on attending the seminar and have not secured a hotel reservation, search for hotel availability via our trusted partner aRes Travel**. Book online or call 1-800-559-3186 for assistance; for International callers 1-619-546-5773.

**aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.

CLE Information

Earn up to 8.00 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including 1.00 hour of Ethics from this seminar.

View CLE Credit by State

In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click the button below for more details.

CLE Late Fees