In-House and Outside Counsel: In Sync and In Person
2021
November 4 - 7
Sanctuary Resort
Kiawah Island, SC
Special Event

For Non-CLE Attendees Only — Journey through Charleston’s 300 years of living history with our guides. Experience the Old Market area and the historic homes and churches where generations of Charlestonians worked, lived, and worshiped. Step out onto the famous Battery Seawall to see and hear about Fort Sumter, the Harbor of History, and the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point. Then, enjoy a tour through the elegant interior of a fully-restored historic home, the Joseph Manigault House. The morning will be capped off with a special lunch at the home of Bernie and Bobby Hood, followed by an afternoon excursion to The Old Exchange House and a Palmetto Carriage ride through Charleston’s most iconic streets. (Program attendees can join for the afternoon portion.)

 

Program Agenda

  • Thursday November 4, 2021
  • Friday November 5, 2021
  • Saturday November 6, 2021
7:00p - 10:00p

Opening Reception and Dinner

9:00p - 12:00a

Hospitality Suite

7:30a - 9:00a

Breakfast and CLE Registration

7:30a - 8:30a

Sunrise Yoga

Bobby Hood, Jr.

Bobby Hood, Jr.

Hood Law Firm
South Carolina
9:00a - 9:05a

Opening Remarks by The Trial Network Chair

9:05a - 9:10a

Welcome from The Seminar Chairs

Tony Rospert

Tony Rospert

Thompson Hine
Ohio
9:10a - 9:30a

A Fish Out of Water? Trial Lawyers and Mediation Advocacy Skills

Some legal critics suggest that the skills required to effectively mediate are incompatible to those necessary to achieve success as a trial lawyer. This session challenges that hypothesis and demonstrates that the characteristics and proficiencies that make successful trial lawyers also make effective advocates in mediation, and that in-house counsel would be well-served by using trial lawyers in mediations.

Denia Aiyegbusi

Denia Aiyegbusi

Deutsch Kerrigan
Louisiana
9:30a - 9:50a

Taking Back Control in Virtual Mediations

The pandemic created countless opportunities to utilize virtual mediations, and many believe there will be a hybrid of both in-person and virtual mediations going forward. While saving time and resources, the virtual scenario has also enhanced the ability for mediators to manipulate these proceedings. This session shares strategies for taking charge of a virtual mediation, including learning how to control the conversation in the other Zoom break-out rooms and when (and how) to isolate the mediator.

Steve Schleicher

Steve Schleicher

Maslon
Minnesota
9:50a - 10:30a

Panel Discussion: The Art of Jury Selection – A Murder Trial Revisited

Steve Schleicher and Jury Consultant Christina Marinakis, joined forces to carefully select the jury that ultimately resulted in a guilty verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer, Derek Chauvin, for the murder of George Floyd. This panel discusses voir dire strategy and the selection process orchestrated for this historic case. The session also shares lessons learned for selecting juries, choosing and using expert witnesses, and trial preparation that are equally applicable to civil practice.

Panelist:
Christina Marinakis – Litigation Insights

10:30a - 11:00a

Refreshment Break

Bob Fulton

Bob Fulton

Hill Ward Henderson
Florida
11:00a - 11:20a

Personal Jurisdiction – Product Liability and Confirmation of Arbitration Award

In March, the U.S. Supreme Court in Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Jud. Dist. Ct. affirmed a lower court’s decision that the specific products, in this case vehicles, involved in the cause of action do not need to have been designed, manufactured or sold within the forum state in order for a state court to exercise jurisdiction. This session discusses the importance of this decision in product liability disputes and offers jurisdictional considerations involving confirmation of arbitration awards.

Roger McCleary

Roger McCleary

Parsons McEntire McCleary
Texas
11:20a - 11:40a

Are Your Warnings and Instructions Adequate to Withstand Defective Marketing Suits?

Many products liability cases involve defective marketing allegations. In these assertions, anyone involved in the manufacture, assembly, and distribution of goods can be held liable, and millions in damages may result if a jury is led to believe that your company’s warnings and instructions are inadequate. This session reviews marketing duties, informative case law, and strategies for a successful defense of products liability marketing defect claims.

Katheleen Ehrhart

Katheleen Ehrhart

Smith Gambrell Russell
Illinois (Northern)
11:40a - 12:00p

Virtual Trials and Arbitrations: The New Normal?

The “New Normal” was a constant phrase we heard throughout the last year and a half. Now that courthouses and offices have reopened, many speculate that some virtual trials and arbitrations may be here to stay. This session showcases the differences between virtual proceedings and in-person proceedings and how best to manage those variances. Additionally, it considers the future of remote proceedings and whether there are certain types of proceedings that specifically benefit from using a virtual platform.

12:00p - 12:10p

Transfer to Break-Out Sessions / Gather Lunch

12:10p - 1:00p

Working-Lunch Break-Out Sessions

Jessie Zeigler

Jessie Zeigler

Bass Berry & Sims
Tennessee
12:10p - 1:00p

Track A: Paving the Way Towards an Early Victory and Keeping It

Dispositive motions and tactical, yet cost effective, discovery can help pave the way towards an early victory. Equally important is making sure you have tied your case up with a bow at the trial court for any further appeal. This session shares these early victory strategies that work for both mass litigation and one-off cases and offers considerations for whether any appeal would be interlocutory or final, and why it matters.

Discussion Leaders:
Chris Gramiccioni – Charleston Riverdogs / Hudson Valley Renegades
Ryan Siekmann – S-E-A Limited
Amy Sorenson – Snell & Wilmer
Joe Ortego – Nixon Peabody

Henry Willett

Henry Willett

Christian & Barton
Virginia
12:10p - 1:00p

Track B: Back to Work - Business and Healthcare in a Post COVID World

While COVID-19 hopefully will soon be in our rearview mirror, it has made an indelible impact on employers and healthcare services, including where business gets done and healthcare services are received. This panel addresses best employer business practices including vaccination tracking considerations; when and how to bring employees back to the workplace safely; development of remote, hybrid and workplace policies; and how to address ADA accommodations. Additionally, it discusses the future of telehealth for physical and mental health services, increased demand for certain services, and how to be prepared for another crisis.

Discussion Leaders:
Nikki Nesbitt – Goodell DeVries Leech & Dann
Bill McDonald – Bush Seyferth
Elliott Miller – Wowza
Steve McCoy – Patient First
Vito Gagliardi – Porzio Bromberg & Newman

Juan Ramirez

Juan Ramirez

Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell
Colorado
12:10p - 1:00p

Track C: The Dangers of Imposing Consumer Arbitration Agreements with Class Action Waivers

Many company contracts with consumers include both consumer arbitration agreements and class action waivers to preemptively defend against class actions. Innovative plaintiffs’ firms, however, have introduced a new and potentially more dangerous tactic – mass arbitration demands by thousands, or even tens of thousands, of individual customers. This presentation reveals this emerging threat to businesses, addresses the pros and cons of enforcing arbitration agreements to defeat class actions, and identifies potential risk mitigation strategies.

Ashley Webber

Ashley Webber

Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers
Georgia
12:10p - 1:00p

Track D: Selecting the Right Mediator for Your Case

Not all mediators are created equal. There are differing personalities and styles; diverse backgrounds, experience and skills; cost differentials; and reputations to consider based on all parties and facts involved in the matter. This session offers best practices for selection and most effective use of the right mediator by varying types of cases, venues, damages claimed, and opposing attorneys.

Discussion Leaders:
Suzanne Meredith – Toyota Material Handling
Moheeb Murray – Bush Seyferth
David Gustman – Freeborn & Peters

1:30p - 5:30p

Afternoon Recreation: Charleston City Tour, Ocean Course Golf Tournament, Fishing, Bicycling

7:00p - 10:00p

Cocktails and Dinner (Location to Be Determined)

9:00p - 12:00a

Hospitality Suite

7:30a - 9:00a

Breakfast and CLE Registration

7:30a - 8:30a

Sunrise Yoga

9:00a - 9:10a

Welcome Back from the Seminar Co-Chairs

Ashby Pate

Ashby Pate

Lightfoot Franklin & White
Alabama
9:10a - 9:40a

ETHICS: Be the Light - The Importance of Storytelling and Human Connection in Trial Advocacy

The significance of the human connection in the courtroom cannot be discounted. From engaging opening arguments and artful storytelling to the final and appealing closing remarks, how a lawyer connects with the court and jury can facilitate a client’s better chance for success. This presentation takes a deep dive into the significance of storytelling in jury trials, the importance of getting close to the problems lawyers are called upon to solve, and the lawyer’s ethical duty to establish human connection in his or her approach to trial advocacy.

Ashley Hardesty Odell

Ashley Hardesty Odell

Bowles Rice
West Virginia
9:40a - 10:30a

ETHICS Panel Discussion: Employment and Ethical Considerations for Lawyers on Social Media

There are nearly four billion people using social media worldwide which is equal to 58% of the world’s eligible population. When these platforms are used safely and correctly, it can build good will and positive reputations. When misused, it can backfire and exploit individuals, companies and associated businesses. In particular, law firms and legal departments could suffer both employment and ethical implications associated with the mismanagement of social media. This presentation dives into some potential situations and shares best practices for policies on use of these platforms by employees, supervising counsel, clients of law firms and law departments.

Panelists:
Aaron Boone – Bowles Rice
Teresa Bartosiak – Sandberg Phoenix
Toney Stroud – Encova Insurance

10:30a - 11:00a

Refreshment Break

Nikki Nesbitt

Nikki Nesbitt

Goodell DeVries Leech & Dann
Maryland
11:00a - 11:20a

Understanding Implicit Bias to Improve and Protect Your Workplace

Actions of explicit bias and discrimination are usually easy to spot and often simple to address. Employee complaints stemming from supervisors’ and co-workers’ alleged implicit bias are more challenging to manage as the underlying actions are often unintentional and can arise from subconscious attitudes of the accused. This session showcases modern examples of workplace disputes arising from implicit bias and what can be done to manage complaints that arise from them. It also shares current company trends for training employees to acknowledge, prevent and address their own biases.

Emily Harris

Emily Harris

Corr Cronin
Washington
11:20a - 12:00p

Panel Discussion: More than Lip Service - A Client-Driven Diversity Program Giving Law Firm Attorneys the Inside Track

Historically, the traditional law firm structure has been prone to inherent institutional bias, unwittingly creating barriers for diverse attorneys to be elevated to leadership roles within firms and with clients. Lumen Technologies witnessed the impact this had on its own legal representation, including having judges call out legal teams for their lack of diversity, and therefore launched its own innovative program to give diverse attorneys a pathway to power in firms and the courtroom. This panel includes three Trial Network firms that have committed to championing Lumen’s diversity program. Participants discuss the development of this program, its real-world applications, and its potential to be a model for other companies and law firms.

Panelists:
Ryan McManis – Lumen/CenturyLink
Katie Reilly – Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell

Bobby Hood, Jr.

Bobby Hood, Jr.

Hood Law Firm
South Carolina
12:00p - 12:05p

Special Presentations / Closing Remarks by The Trial Network Chair

12:05p - 12:10p

Transfer to Break-Out Sessions and Gather Lunch

12:10p - 1:00p

Working-Lunch Break-Out Sessions

Eric Probst

Eric Probst

Porzio Bromberg & Newman
New Jersey
12:10p - 1:00p

Track A: The Role of the Human Factors Expert in Catastrophic Personal Injury Products Liability Lawsuits

You have likely seen warnings on many of the manufactured products you buy. Human factors specialists are responsible for creating these warnings to alert users to potential dangers associated with the use of the product. Often, an individual’s fatigue, inattention, distraction, impairment, and failure to perceive and react become significant aspects of product liability personal injury lawsuits. For example, these could impact a driver’s behavior on highways or an employee’s conduct in the workplace. This session discusses how human factors experts can be valuable defense team members and provide technical insight on how a plaintiff’s behavior could have contributed to the injury sustained.

Discussion Leaders:
Lauren Eichaker – S-E-A Limited

Steve Finley

Steve Finley

Gibbons
Pennsylvania
12:10p - 1:00p

Track B: Lessons from the Pandemic and Product Liability Litigation

COVID-19 has left an indelible mark on our perceptions, experiences, knowledge, and mindsets. Terms such as personal protective equipment (“PPE”) and exposure limits have long been common in product liability cases; however, they are even more familiar now to the average judge and jury due to our shared encounters through this last year and a half. This session examines how the pandemic may impact the defense of product liability cases, considers the role of new sources of proof available through contact tracing, and explores how our new, although now decreased, habits of PPE and social distancing may affect juror perceptions.

Discussion Leaders:
Stephanie Laws – Maslon
Patrick Tench – Ferguson Enterprises
Christina Marinakis – IMS/Litigation Insights
Bill McDonald – Bush Seyferth
Shane Bohnen – Bio-Techne
Chris Harmon – Altec

Amy Bice Larson

Amy Bice Larson

Michigan
12:10p - 1;00p

Track C: Transitioning from Words to Action: Practical Steps for Moving Your Firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in the Right Direction

Many legal management teams recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion matters to the health of their firms, companies and client relationships; however, transitioning from thoughts and ideas to measurable results can be an arduous road to travel. This presentation discusses some immediate and practical steps to progress in the right direction while staying focused on the goal, including implicit bias training and the creation of value statements.

Discussion Leaders:
Ben Dachepelli – Hill Ward Henderson
Melissa Muro LaMere – Maslon
Melanie Margolin – Thumbtack
Jaimala Pai – ACIST Medical Systems

Joshua Metcalf

Joshua Metcalf

Forman Watkins & Krutz
Mississippi
12:10p - 1:00p

Track D: BYOD, not BYOB -- E-Discovery in the Workplace

Many companies permit their employees to use personal cell phones and other devices for work purposes. This is known as “BYOD” or “bring your own device” and allows for convenience to employees and lower technology costs to employers. However, when questions are raised in litigation about information that may be contained in an employee’s personal device, inquiries emerge regarding the collection and preservation of that data. Courts struggle to balance the parties’ need for information, the employee’s right to privacy, and the expense of recovering and preserving such data. This session explores recent court decisions regarding BYOD discovery and provides guidance on navigating this complicated area of the law.

1:30p - 5:30p

Afternoon Recreation: Nature Walk, Kayaking, College Football

7:00p - 10:00p

Cocktails and Lowcountry Dinner Celebration at Mingo Point

9:00p - 12:00a

Hospitality Suite