Registration Information
Save up to $700 when you register on or before January 31, 2025!
Worry-free registration: Cancellations received thirty (30) days or more before an in-person seminar are entitled to a full refund.
Save Your Spot Today
|
Member Pricing |
Non-Member Pricing |
Non-Member Bundle ^ |
Early Bird Registration*
(Now thru Jan. 31)
|
$1,395 |
$1,795 |
$1,715 |
Regular Registration*
(Feb. 1–Mar. 16) |
$1,595 |
$1,995 |
$1,915 |
| Onsite Registration* |
$1,695 |
$2,095 |
$2,015 |
Group Registration
(Non-Sponsored) |
Group registration is for registering four or more attendees. Members and non-members receive a 15% discount off the member and non-member rates respective to the time the group registration is initiated (i.e. Early Bird, Regular or On-Site registration periods). There is one free registration with every 10 paid registrations.
If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here. Please note that online registration is not available for this offer. |
| 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 new to DRI? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the seminar. You’ll be able to add this special offer to your cart at 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. Please note renewing members and members with recently lapsed memberships are not eligible for a Non-Member Bundle.
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.
Networking Events
Premier Networking Reception at the XXXXX
Sponsored by: ABC
Date: Wednesday, Month Day from 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar (guest tickets $100 each, available at check-out)
Location: XXXXX, Address, City, State
TBD.
Hotel Information
The seminar will take place at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
To contact the hotel directly, call 215.625.2900.
A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Take advantage of the group rate of $269.00 (plus taxes and fees) Single/Double.
Reserve your Room Online
The hotel block is limited, and rooms and rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations by February 23, 2025, to be eligible for the hotel's group rate. Requests for reservations made after February 23 are subject to room and rate availability.
Full Agenda
*Schedule and Speakers subject to change
Monday, March 17, 2025
| Time (Eastern) |
Session |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Registration |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Water Testing / Jeopardy |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Water Testing / Jeopardy |
| 5:30 p.m. |
First Time Meet and Greet
|
| 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). |
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
| Time (Eastern) |
Session |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Coffee Service
Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee. |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and Introductions
James Weatherholtz, Womble, Bond, Dickinson (US) LLP, Charleston, SC
Rinaldo J. Cartaya III, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood and Boyer, P.A., Orlando, FL |
| 9:15 a.m. |
Pre-Suit Claim Management: Navigating Litigation Before It Begins
This session focuses on pre-suit claim management from the perspective of the client, in-house counsel, insurance carrier, company/employment law, and lawyer. Attendees will learn how to handle claims from both an in-house and insurance-appointed perspective, and what early pre-suit resolution tactics are available, including tendering to carriers and ensuring that all subcontractors are on notice to participate in early dispute resolution. The panel will address how soon is too soon to tender a claim to a carrier, and whether experts should be engaged early in the process. They will also discuss client pain points, including the differences between personal injury and property damage, and how to engage with and pressure insurance companies to step in and take over a claim.
Taylor Poncz, Chartwell Law, Atlanta GA
Angie Andresen, SFM Mutual Insurance Company, Bloomington, MN
Mark Hopkins, YA Group, Los Angeles, CA |
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
|
DRI Cares – Blessings in a Backpack
Click here for details on this DRI Cares session.
|
| 10:15 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:45 a.m. |
DRI Insights Quick Hits |
| 11:00 a.m. |
Risk Transfer and Tenders – Mastering Additional Insured Strategies
This session focuses on additional insured strategies from the perspective of coverage counsel, defense counsel for an insured with downstream claims, and the adjuster. Attendees will learn when to file a declaratory judgment action and how to defend against one, what key contractual language to look for in additional insured claims, and whether there are any "magic words" in contracts that trigger coverage. The panel will also discuss how to handle demands and tenders, how WRAP/OCIP programs and design issues come into play, how to enforce subcontracts, and best practices when co-counsel is appointed for defending insureds. The adjuster's perspective will include how to handle pending additional insured claims, and how an adjuster who picked up an additional insured claim can play into a settlement.
Katie Klapsa, Wood Smith Henning and Berman, Orlando FL
Andrew Pauley, NAMIC, Winfield, WV |
| 12:45 p.m. |
DRI Networking Lunch
Join all seminar attendees for lunch and networking opportunities that are second to none.
|
| 2:00 p.m. |
Judicial Perspective on Ethical Conduct in Court
This session focuses on ethical conduct in court from a judge's perspective. Attendees will learn about common ethical pitfalls observed from the bench, including misrepresentation, lack of candor, and improper behavior during litigation. The session will also cover key ethical challenges in federal court, such as attorney-client privilege and confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and ethical considerations in settlements and negotiations. Attendees will hear case examples where privilege was mishandled or challenged, and learn what the court expects when it comes to identifying and managing conflicts of interest. The session will end with a discussion on courtroom professionalism, covering civility expectations in contentious cases, the impact of unprofessional conduct on outcomes, ethical issues related to court rules and timeliness, how procedural violations influence judges, and the effects of technology and social media on ethical standards.
Federal Judge Tom Kleeh, United States District Court, Northern District of West Virginia, Clarksburg, WV |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Phase Three - Barreling Towards Mediation
This session will examine what discovery must occur to provide an appropriate risk analysis to carriers and clients to prepare them for litigation and assess a viable settlement range. Attendees will hear from defense counsel about what discovery must occur, and from a carrier about what information is required to set reserves and prepare to settle a case. They will also learn about factors that are considered before determining pain points and whether to try a case rather than settle. The session will emphasize the carrier's perspective, which allows attorneys to identify means to address their needs and identify efficient paths towards resolution at mediation.
Cheryl Loston-Williams, Network Adjusters, Aurora, CO
Kevin Caberto, Argo Group, San Francisco, CA |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Adjourn
|
| 4:00 p.m. |
Construction Law Committee Business Meeting (open to all) |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Premier Networking Reception
Join fellow seminar attendees at our Premier Networking Reception. More details to come.
|
| 8:00 p.m. |
Dine-Arounds
Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).
|
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
| Time (Eastern) |
Session |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Coffee Service
|
| 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and Announcement
Jim Noonan, Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP, Bridgeport, CT
|
| 9:10 a.m. |
Phase IV – Maximizing Outcomes through Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution
This session focuses on arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) from the perspectives of attorneys and insurance carriers. Attendees will hear discussions on preferred methods of ADR, success rates, whether non-binding ADR is an effective tool, and the cost of ADR vs. court proceedings. The panel will recommend effective processes for preparing for and taking advantage of ADR to make it work for clients. The insurance carrier representatives will share their thoughts on ADR, including whether it is effective, whether cost or efficiency is a greater factor in choosing ADR, and what has led to greater success through ADR vs. Court.
Moderator
Thamir Kaddouri, Law Offices Thamir Kaddouri, Tampa FL
Fotini Manolakos, Saible Law Group, St. Petersburg, FL
Brian Harrell, QPWB Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Sandra Heiden, Chubb Insurance, Atlanta, GA |
| 10:10 a.m. |
Coffee Break
|
| 10:25 a.m. |
Strategy and Techniques for Effective Voir Dire
Michael Sams, Kenney & Sams, Boston, MA
John Cahill, Lanza Law Firm, Bellaire, TX |
| 11:25 a.m. |
Quick Hits: Innovations and Safety Updates in Modern Construction
Attendees will gain insights into new building materials like zip boards, known for their enhanced moisture resistance and structural durability, leading to faster installation and improved performance in various climates. The session will also examine the latest developments in solar technology, particularly its integration into building materials and its cost-efficiency and sustainability benefits for construction projects. Further, attendees will learn about new synthetic roofing materials that offer enhanced durability and weather resistance, along with cost comparisons to traditional shingles. The session will emphasize the crucial role of reinspecting existing structures to identify potential hazards and structural weaknesses, including updates on recent regulations and standards for building safety inspections. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on construction project management, design, and safety will also be discussed, showcasing how AI tools are streamlining operations from planning to site monitoring. Additionally, the session will cover breakthroughs in concrete 3D printing technology, highlighting its potential to revolutionize building construction through speed, cost reduction, and customization. Finally, attendees will gain insights into the latest updates in Post-Tensioned cable technology, including best practices for their use.
Marlon A. Primes, Brennan Manna Diamond, Cleveland, OH
Megan Boyar, Wilson Elser, New York, NY
Stephanie Eaton, Spillman Law, Winston-Salem, NC |
| 12:25 p.m. |
Adjourn
|
Small Group Networking
Bourbon Tasting
Date: Monday, March 17 from 5:00–6:00 p.m. AND Tuesday, March 18 from 3:45–4:45 p.m. or 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Pricing: $85/person - can be added when you register for the seminar
Location: Onsite at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Savor a curated selection of premium spirits in a relaxed setting at our 'Bourbon Tasting.' This gathering offers a perfect opportunity to sip, swirl, and connect with other DRI seminar attendees and expand your bourbon knowledge with tasty snacks to complement your sipping. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
CLE Information
Earn up to TBD hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE) 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 here for details on CLE late fees.
DRI's Construction Law Seminar is proudly supported by:
If you would like to contact DRI about seminar sponsorship opportunities (including pricing) or to reserve a spot, please visit the sponsorship page.
DRI Cares
Blessings in a Backpack
Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, 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. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on Tuesday morning. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the Philadelphia community.
Donate to Blessings in a Backpack
Additional Resources
If you have any questions or concerns regarding DRI programs, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.