Breakfast

Session 1 - CLAIMS & LITIGATION: Artificial Intelligence in Claims Litigation Handling: Transforming Claims Management

• Speakers:

• Richard Goldberg, Constangy, Brooks & Smith & Prophete LLP

• Rakhi McNeill, Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara & Prout

• Pranav Pasricha, BluePond AI

• Kimberely Thuringer, American Family Insurance

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping claims litigation handling, from automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making and risk assessment. This session explores how insurers, attorneys, and claims professionals are using AI in practical, real-world applications to improve efficiency and outcomes. The discussion also addresses ethical considerations, governance concerns, and evolving expectations as AI adoption accelerates. Together, we will explore actionable strategies for leveraging AI responsibly to strengthen litigation management, operational performance, and the overall claims experience.

Session 1 - CYBER: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Claims: Managing Regulatory and Civil Exposure

• Speakers:

• Linda Comerford, Marsh

• Keshia Lipscomb, At-Bay Insurance

• Allen Sattler, Constangy, Brooks & Smith & Prophete LLP

• Dale Schulenberg, Tokio Marine HCC

Regulatory scrutiny of data security incidents continues to intensify, with states dedicating more resources to investigations and enforcement actions. This session examines how those regulatory developments intersect with trends in civil litigation, including the rise in technology E&O claims, subrogation actions, and class litigation stemming from both small- and large-scale data breaches. Panelists will explore practical strategies for resolving these claims, with a focus on defenses that have supported successful dispositive motions. The discussion equips claims professionals with insight into managing exposure, navigating enforcement activity, and driving more effective resolution outcomes.

Session 1 - SUBROGATION: From Spreadsheets to Smart Tech: Modernizing Work Comp Subrogation

• Speakers:

• Lovre Brajkovic, Nationwide Insurance Company

• Nicholas DeStefanis, Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.

• Lee Mendelson, ADR Services - Mendelson

Work comp subrogation has moved well beyond spreadsheets and manual reviews. This roundtable explores how data analytics, real-time tools, and integrated technology are reshaping how subrogation opportunities are identified, evaluated, and pursued. Attendees will examine practical applications such as early claim triggers, resource prioritization, and collaboration between claims teams and legal counsel, along with common challenges involving data accuracy, transparency, and professional judgment. Through real-world examples, the discussion will highlight how smart technology can enhance -- rather than replace -- legal strategy to support more efficient, consistent, and defensible subrogation outcomes.

Session 1 - TRANSPORTATION: Defending Transportation Claims Before the Claim Occurs

• Speakers:

• William Davis, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard

• Paul Frank, Delek US Holdings, Inc.

• Robert Peele, Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A.

• Lance Sloves, Computer Forensic Services, Inc.

Defending transportation claims has become increasingly complex and costly, making preparation before a loss occurs more critical than ever. With a focus on proactive strategies that set the tone for effective claim defense, including driver training, early response protocols, and coordination among risk teams, adjusters, and carriers; panelists will explore how pre-incident planning extends beyond the scene to expert preparation, defense counsel selection, case strategy development, settlement planning, and the strategic use of mock trials, focus groups, and appellate considerations. Designed for claims and litigation professionals, the discussion will highlight how sharing proven defense strategies with peers can strengthen outcomes, reduce exposure, and improve consistency across transportation claims.

Session 1 - TRANSPORTATION: Top 10 Techniques Plaintiffs Use to Drive Transportation Recoveries

• Speakers:

• Floyd Cottrell, Rawle & Henderson, LLP

• Jim Foster, Cassiday Schade LLP

• Jose Hernandez, North American Risk Services NARS

• Joseph Latas, Reserv

• Brad Wagner, Acuity, A Mutual Insurance Company

Recent trucking and transportation verdicts reflect a well-honed plaintiffs’ playbook designed to maximize recovery and increase settlement pressure. This session analyzes the top techniques plaintiffs use to drive transportation recoveries, including aggressive corporate representative depositions, expansive preservation demands, sophisticated demonstrative evidence, life care planning, and evolving reptile theory tactics. Together, attendees and panelists will examine how these strategies are deployed in both federal and state courts, along with the use of transportation safety experts, time-limited demands, and information sharing among the plaintiffs’ bar. Designed for claims and litigation professionals, the discussion pairs each tactic with practical countermeasures to reduce exposure, manage risk, and defend against inflated verdicts and settlements.

Break

Session 2 - CLAIMS & LITIGATION: Breaking Bias: Jury Selection Unfiltered

• Speakers:

• Kristi Harrington, First Court – An IMS Legal Strategies Company

• Kim Noble, Applied Financial Lines

• Frances O'Meara, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP

• Carl Perri, Clausen Miller

Jury verdict value is often driven by implicit bias, yet those influences are rarely addressed directly during jury selection. This roundtable will offer a candid examination of how implicit bias shapes juror decision-making and how it can be ethically identified and addressed during voir dire. Drawing on real-world trial experience, panelists explore practical methods for uncovering bias, including the use of publicly available digital footprints, while navigating professional and ethical boundaries. The discussion will provide practical tools for identifying bias early, managing its impact, and reducing verdict exposure through more informed jury selection strategies.

Session 2 - CYBER: The Reasonable Security Standard: A Moving Target

• Speakers:

• David Cole, Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP

• Kirsten Mickelson, GB Specialty (Division of Gallagher Bassett)

• Stephen Ramey, IronGate

• Aarati Yadav, ARC Global Risk

The concept of reasonable security is increasingly defined by technical frameworks, insurer underwriting practices, and evolving state and federal requirements. This session examines how baseline controls such as multi-factor authentication, endpoint detection and response, centralized logging, and network segmentation have become market expectations -- and how those expectations influence regulatory enforcement, underwriting decisions, and litigation outcomes. Plan to explore how security questionnaires, attestations, and external scans surface later in claims handling and coverage disputes, as well as strategies for defending reasonable security against hindsight-driven allegations. The discussion also will highlight current and proposed data security laws that may offer affirmative defenses or liability protections for organizations that maintain industry-recognized security practices.

Session 2 - SUBROGATION/ PROPERTY: Making Small Claims Work

• Speakers:

• John Kneale, Sedgwick

• Jason Kramarczyk, EFI Global, Inc.

• Diana O'Hara, Murphy Sanchez, PLLC

Small homeowner subrogation claims can present outsized challenges, particularly when losses fall below $50,000. Roundtable presenter will explore practical strategies for advancing recovery when expert retention, extensive forensic investigation, or litigation leverage may not be realistic. Learn how to develop evidence efficiently, apply targeted investigative techniques, and create pressure for resolution despite limited claim value. Designed for claims professionals, the discussion focuses on making smaller claims economically viable while improving consistency and recovery outcomes.

Session 2 - SUBROGATION: Preserving Recovery: Critical Scene Practices in Subrogation Claims

• Speakers:

• Angela Blanch, CCMSI

• Hannah Conrardy, Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP

• Christopher McCoy, Engle Martin

Early missteps at the scene of a loss can significantly undermine subrogation recovery. Examine common pitfalls in subrogation investigations, including evidence preservation failures, inadequate documentation, spoliation risks, and delayed or incomplete origin and cause analysis. Attendees will explore best practices for identifying potentially responsible parties, maintaining chain of custody, conducting effective witness interviews, and managing scene contamination. This robust discussion also intends to address comparative and contributory negligence considerations, statute of limitations risks, and how to align expert findings with legal strategy to protect recovery potential from the outset.

Session 2 - TRANSPORTATION: Facts Over Opinions: Challenging Unsupported Expert Testimony Through Evidence-Based Analysis

• Speakers:

• Robert J. Barth, Barth NeuroScience

• William Pipkin, Austill, Lewis, Pipkin & Maddox, P.C.

• Greg Sample, WTW

• Trey White, Orgill

Expert testimony is intended to clarify disputes, yet conflicting opinions often complicate claims and litigation rather than resolve them. In practice, the ability of experts to offer broad opinions can introduce uncertainty and inflate exposure, particularly when conclusions are not grounded in verifiable data. This session examines the gap between commonly asserted claims in litigation and conclusions supported by scientific research, including recurring issues involving chronic pain, concussion-related impairment, and psychological injury allegations. Plan to explore standardized, evidence-based methodologies that emphasize facts and objective analysis over subjective opinion, gaining practical tools to evaluate, challenge, and manage expert input more effectively in disputed matters.

Lunch

Session 3 - CLAIMS & LITIGATION: Beyond the Dashboard: How Communication Drives Claims and Litigation Outcomes

• Speakers:

• Joe Duncan, Hand Arendall LLC

• Gracemarie Mende, Arch Insurance Group Inc.

• Russ Patane, Golden, Rothschild, Spagnola, Lundell, Boylan, Garubo & Bell, P.C.

As claims organizations and defense counsel increasingly rely on analytics, AI tools, dashboards, and litigation management platforms, one truth remains constant: effective communication is still the most critical driver of successful claims and litigation outcomes. Even with unprecedented access to data and technology, high-exposure claims often deteriorate due to misalignment, delayed escalation, and communication breakdowns among claims professionals, defense counsel, and insureds. This session explores why clear, timely, and strategic communication continues to shape outcomes and how strengthening collaboration can help prevent avoidable claim deterioration.

Session 3 - CYBER: A True Nightmare Before Christmas

• Speakers:

• Wendy Lanphere, CCMSI

• Donna Markus, The Kopka Law Group

• Erin Salfen, Mickes O'Toole, LLC

• David Standish, Liberty Mutual

In late 2022, a major cyberattack brought a law firm’s operations to a standstill, testing its preparedness, leadership, and resilience. Despite deploying sophisticated security tools and outside support, the organization faced weeks of disruption after being targeted by the Black Cat ransomware group. Drawing on firsthand experience, this session examines the critical decisions made during the crisis, the operational and legal challenges that followed, and the lessons learned during recovery. Participants will gain practical insight into incident response, business continuity, and managing risk in the aftermath of a large-scale cyber event.

Session 3 - PROPERTY: After the Fire: Navigating Complex Contents Claims After Wildfire Losses

• Speakers:

• Daun Davidson, J.S. Held LLC

• Thomas Gormley, J.S. Held LLC

• Jennifer Martin, Wilson Elser

• Ryan Siu, McLarens

Wildfire losses often bring complex and emotionally charged contents claims, particularly when significant personal property exposures are involved. This roundtable examines the challenges of evaluating losses after wildfire events, including smoke damage, partial losses, and disputed valuations. Participants will explore advanced forensic and valuation methods, emerging technologies for inventory reconstruction, and common friction points involving depreciation, unique or irreplaceable items, and policy interpretation. Through a fictional case study inspired by recent wildfire events, the discussion follows how contents disputes can escalate from initial adjustment to litigation, underscoring the importance of defensible valuation, clear communication, and collaboration among claims professionals, attorneys, and contents specialists.

Session 3 - SUBROGATION: Awkward But Essential: Difficult Conversations With Outside Counsel and Vendors That Get Results

• Speakers:

• April Grimm, W.R. Berkley Corporation

• Cortney Helfrich, Wilber Group

• Nicole Kustermann, Yost & Baill, LLP

• Sally Noma, Noma Law Firm

Difficult conversations with outside counsel and vendors are unavoidable in effective subrogation practice, yet they are often delayed or handled reactively. This interactive roundtable explores how to navigate challenging discussions around performance, expectations, strategy alignment, and outcomes while maintaining productive professional relationships. Through anonymized, real-world scenarios, attendees will examine practical techniques for preparation, clear communication, and course correction before issues escalate. Designed for subrogation professionals, the session provides actionable tools to address concerns confidently, strengthen collaboration, and drive better results without sacrificing long-term partnerships.

Session 3 - TRANSPORTATION: Spending Money to Save Money: Early Resolution Strategies for Trucking Liability Claims

• Speakers:

• Maxwell Brusky, Transdev NA

• Brian Hunt, The Hunt Law Group, LLC

• Lifang Lu, American Family Insurance

• Killian Walsh, Knight MacKay Morrow

Early decisions in trucking liability claims can significantly influence ultimate cost and outcome. Together, we'll examine how strategic investment at the outset -- before evidence is lost and positions harden -- can reduce indemnity exposure, defense costs, and claim duration. Roundtable presenters will explore practical approaches for early coverage verification, liability assessment, and focused investigation, including techniques tailored to both minor incidents and more complex injury claims. Drawing on real-world examples, the discussion highlights how timely engagement, jurisdiction-aware strategy, and targeted negotiation can accelerate resolution and improve results across the full spectrum of trucking liability claims.

Break

Session 4 - CLAIMS & LITIGATION: Rx for Excessive Damages: A Legal Treatment Plan

• Speakers:

• Adam Bobkin, Mauro Lilling Naparty

• Tammy Wade, TransRe

Economic damages often set the foundation for non-economic awards, making their defense critical to overall case outcomes. A well-developed damages strategy brings realism into the courtroom by clarifying the true cost of future medical care and placing projected expenses and lost earnings in proper present-value perspective. Through early assessment and focused defense of these damages categories, claims professionals and defense counsel can improve case valuation and increase the likelihood of earlier, more favorable resolution.

Session 4 - CYBER: Critical Changes to Incident Response Requirements and Their Impact on Cyber Claims Teams

• Speakers:

• Rebecca Barton, Bowhead Specialty Underwriters, Inc.

• Dominik Cvitanovic, Wilson Elser

• Nurishah Knushaj, Cowbell Cyber Insurance

Evolving incident response requirements are placing increased pressure on cyber claims teams to act quickly and decisively. This roundtable examines the delayed but anticipated CIRCIA reporting rule, including its 72-hour notification framework and the operational strain it may place on claims handling and early triage. Attendees will explore how recent and emerging regulatory requirements may expand review obligations for both underwriting and claims teams, particularly as more insureds fall within the scope of critical infrastructure reporting. The discussion offers practical insight into managing regulatory risk, coordination challenges, and compliance-driven claim exposure.

Session 4 - PROPERTY: From Conflict to Closure: Evaluating Resolution Strategies for Property Disputes

• Speakers:

• Nick Arnold, Blue Williams, LLC

• Jonathan Pruitt, Addison Riley, LLC

• Dale Sherman, PURE Insurance

• Jeffrey Sotland, Murphy Sanchez, PLLC

Property insurance disputes are inevitable, but the path to resolution is rarely one-size-fits-all. Together, we'll examine the advantages and drawbacks of common resolution strategies, including early settlement, alternative dispute resolution, appraisal, declaratory judgment actions, motion practice, and trial. Panelists will explore how to assess which approach best fits a given dispute based on risk, cost, timing, and leverage considerations. Designed to stretch conventional thinking, the discussion encourages claims professionals to solve familiar challenges in more creative and effective ways.

Session 4 - SUBROGATION: Nuclear Negotiations: Strategies to Maximize Effectiveness in Claims Resolution

• Speakers:

• Ashton Kirsch, Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.

• Krissy Mendoza, American Contractors Insurance Group, Inc.

• Erik Stremke, Recovery Concepts & Solutions

Negotiation is one of the most critical skills for successful subrogation professionals, as the vast majority of claims resolve well before trial. This session focuses on practical strategies to maximize recovery through effective negotiation, from foundational techniques to more advanced, subrogation-specific approaches. Roundtable presenters will explore psychological principles used by skilled negotiators, common tactics encountered in claim negotiations, and methods for increasing leverage without escalating disputes unnecessarily. Designed to strengthen both immediate performance and long-term professional growth, the discussion offers actionable tools participants can apply across a wide range of claims.

Session 4 - TRANSPORTATION: Autonomous Vehicles and ADAS Litigation

• Speakers:

• Lars Daniel, Rimkus

• Bert Dizon, Cardinal Captive Strategies

• John Pettit, QuantivRisk, Inc.

• Kenneth Williams, Segal McCambridge

Rapid advances in autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems are reshaping how liability, coverage, and claims handling are evaluated. This session explores the evolving driverless ecosystem, including automation technology, regulatory frameworks, and shifting responsibility among drivers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Participants will gain insight into how product liability and negligence principles may be redefined, along with the growing influence of data privacy and cybersecurity in personal and commercial lines. The discussion also addresses coverage challenges such as the limits of traditional auto liability policies, the role of cyber protections, and emerging approaches to risk assessment. Designed for claims professionals and defense counsel, this program offers practical guidance for anticipating, investigating, and resolving losses involving autonomous vehicle technology.

Networking Reception