Maximize your networking at the seminar without missing out on valuable CLE credits! If you miss a main stage session due to a client call or other obligations, DRI has you covered. We're recording most main stage presentations (audio and slides) on Thursday and Friday, available on-demand after the seminar. Whether you're networking or handling work, this package ensures you can still earn maximum CLE credits. Please note, breakout sessions and some main stage presentations may not be recorded due to speaker restrictions. Recordings will be available within a week of the seminar, and CLE credit can only be claimed once per session.

Add-On Seminar+: $99. Non-refundable.

All attendees should meet in Salon G (5) for a brief welcome before splitting into groups. 

Hands on demonstration of the various equipment and testing procedures utilized to identify moisture intrusion in construction. This will include the identification of moisture and relative amount.

Mark Hopkins, YA Group, Los Angeles, CA 

*Please note, CLE is not available for this session. 

Hands on demonstration of the various equipment and testing procedures utilized to identify moisture intrusion in construction. This will include the identification of moisture and relative amount. 

Mark Hopkins, YA Group, Los Angeles, CA

*Please note, CLE is not available for this session. 

Review the various equipment used to collect data related to premise liability claims. This will include 3D Scans, a discussion of Coefficient of Friction, and lighting levels.

John Leffler, YA Group, Philadelphia, PA  

*Please note, CLE is not available for this session. 

Review the various equipment used to collect data related to premise liability claims. This will include 3D Scans, a discussion of Coefficient of Friction, and lighting levels.

John Leffler, YA Group, Philadelphia, PA  

*Please note, CLE is not available for this session. 

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. 

This event will take place on-site at the hotel. Please note this event is an additional cost and can be added when you register for the seminar. This event will cost $85; max is 20 people

Dine-Arounds

Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Please note, start times vary. 

Sign Up Here

James Weatherholtz, Womble, Bond, Dickinson (US) LLP, Charleston, South Carolina 

Rinaldo J. Cartaya III, Esquire, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood and Boyer, P.A., Orlando, Florida 

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.

Ryan Hathcock, Chartwell Law, Atlanta GA (Moderator)  

Taylor Poncz, Chartwell Law, Atlanta GA 

Angie Andresen, SFM Mutual Insurance Company, Bloomington, MN 

Mark Hopkins, YA Group, Los Angeles, CA 

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

Discussion of current defect allegations across the US that we are seeing used.  

Mark Hopkins, YA Group, Los Angeles, CA 

*Please note, CLE is not available for this session. 

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 

Christina VonderHaar, Admiral Insurance Group, Moorestown, NJ 

John Pipkin, Pipkin Ferguson, PLLC, Houston TX 

Smoke House Lunch Buffet

• Assorted Rolls and Butter
• Texas Chop:
  • Iceberg, Roasted Corn, Tomato, Cucumber, Black Beans, Crispy Onion Straws, Chipotle Ranch Dressing (on the Side - Vegan w/out dressing)
• Smoked Brisket, Knob Creek BBQ
• Chargrilled Local Chicken
• Alabama White Barbeque Sauce
• 3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
• Savory Corn Pudding
• Jalapeno and Cheddar
• Braised Greens (Vegan)
• Served with: 1201 Pickles, Onions, and White Bread
• Dessert:
  • Gooey Peach Cake
  • Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cake
  • Snickerdoodles

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.

Hon. Michael J. Aloi, US Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia   

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.

Nicholas Sansone, Donnelly, Petrycki, & Sansone PC, Cherry Hill, NJ (Moderator)   

Walter Nelson, TSIB, Vancouver, WA  

Kevin Caberto, Argo Group, San Francisco, CA 

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. 

This event will take place on-site at the hotel. Please note this event is an additional cost and can be added when you register for the seminar. This event will cost $85; max is 20 people

Get ready to mingle and mix at DRI’s Premier Networking Reception! This is your chance to step away from the sessions and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Hosted right at the seminar hotel, you'll enjoy delicious snacks, an open bar, and refreshing mocktails as you chat, laugh, and build new relationships. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned DRI pro, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind, network, and make the most of your time in the City of Brotherly Love. So, grab a drink, find a friendly face, and get ready to make some unforgettable connections with your fellow DRI seminar attendees!

Get ready to mingle and mix at DRI’s Premier Networking Reception! This is your chance to step away from the sessions and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Hosted right at the seminar hotel, you'll enjoy delicious snacks, an open bar, and refreshing mocktails as you chat, laugh, and build new relationships. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned DRI pro, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind, network, and make the most of your time in the City of Brotherly Love. So, grab a drink, find a friendly face, and get ready to make some unforgettable connections with your fellow DRI seminar attendees!

Benjamin Dowers, Gunther Legal PLLC

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.

Thamir Kaddouri (Moderator), Law Offices Thamir Kaddouri, Tampa FL 
 
Brian Harrell, QPWB Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 

William M. Tierney, Network Adjusters, Denver, CO  

Voir dire is that start of the presentation of the case to the ultimate jury. Join us for a discussion and demonstration on voir dire. Hear about handling this from lawyers from two different parts of the country, where voir dire is treated differently. The lawyers will review the different voir dire processes and how to handle it in the court room. The discussion will also include trends that the Plaintiff’s bar has been using and strategies for dealing with those.

Michael Sams, Kenney & Sams, Boston, MA 

John Cahill, Lanza Law Firm, Bellaire TX 

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 

Stephanie Eaton, Spillman Law, Winston-Salem, NC 

Megan Boyar, Wilson Elser, New York, NY