August 31, 2018

    Chair's Letter

    Welcome to the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, otherwise known as TIPS.  We are squarely located at the intersection of the broad array of tort matters, insurance law, and trial practice in the ABA.  With over 17,000 lawyers, judges, law students and non-lawyers, TIPS is the largest national organization of its kind in America and includes all of the constituent groups.  For more than 85 years, TIPS and its members have been contributing to the vitality of the American civil justice and jury trial system. 

    The theme for TIPS over this next year, "RAISING THE BAR," is confirmation of what members have been seeing and experiencing over the last several years.  The message confirms our overall effort to raise up the profile, prominence, content, messaging, and activity of the organization to levels not experienced in the past.

    TIPS Committees and Task Forces - We have 36 committees and task forces that are actively engaged in delivering content in specific areas of practice.  Many of our groups are already industry leaders and continue to create the dialogue and produce content that is the best in the business.  These groups are now charged with providing opportunity for new and existing members and making sure that we are delivering on the promise.  General Committee involvement will enhance your practice through webinars, blogs, social media connections, newsletters, teleconferences and networking opportunities at committee and Section meetings.  Join a committee here.
    Our emerging issues initiative has led to the new Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Committee, Women's Trial Lawyers' Committee, Cannabis Law & Policy Task Force, and Insurance Institute Task Force, all hard evidence of the cutting-edge focus of TIPS approach to addressing issues of importance to the legal industry.  We continue to evaluate areas for new groups, programs, and publications that address the more immediate needs of our members and potential members.

    Opportunity and Inclusion – What most distinguishes TIPS from other organizations is the breadth of opportunity afforded our diverse membership and the ease with which members can participate and advance in our committees or the larger Section. For those willing to contribute to our broad array of activities, the opportunities are endless.  Come to a meeting or CLE program and network with the nation’s top plaintiff and defense attorneys, corporate decision-makers and in-house counsel.  Our THINK TIPS FIRST initiative asks members to refer matters to TIPS members before looking elsewhere.  Young lawyers who are interested in networking and improving their trial skills need look no further – young lawyer appointments to our committees, the active tie to the Young Lawyers' Section, the Trial Academy, Leadership Academy and TIPS Now Program all are focused on mentoring and credentialing.  TIPS also offers plenty of ways you can participate remotely and meet your annual CLE requirements without leaving the office.  There are publishing opportunities in The Brief, TortSource, the Law Journal, and a wide variety of books that we edit and publish every year.

    Section Meetings and National CLE Programs – The Section Conference is already our signature TIPS annual meeting, and the New York City venue from May 1-4, 2019 will be a premier event, with a Welcome Reception Wednesday night, an awards dinner on Thursday evening at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center, and three days of unsurpassed CLE.  This meeting will bring more than 60 company speakers and a host of networking opportunities that will be better than ever.  This is an affordable NYC meeting that you really should not miss. Put it on your calendar now.  The Fall Planning Meeting will be on Amelia Island, Florida on October 10-13, 2018; strategy and networking focused, informal, and fun.  Both meetings are mandatory attendance for TIPS leadership. 

    Our slate of national programs for 2018-2019 is unmatched.  Aviation Litigation, Fidelity & Surety (Fall, Midwinter, and Spring), Insurance and Employee Benefits, Insurance Coverage Litigation, Transportation Megaconference/Trucking Litigation, Admiralty & Maritime Law, Motor Vehicle Product Liability, Toxic Torts & Environmental Law, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Cannabis Law & Policy, and Workers' Compensation are slated.  Each is a cutting-edge program in which attendance is as important for subject matter as it is to network with the leaders in those areas of practice.

    Joining TIPS is easier than ever. For online access, click here or email or call our Membership Associate, Jeane Emily DuBose at (312) 988-5673 with any questions.  If you want to get active and just do not know what to do, then click here and I will get back to you.

    Best regards,
    Roy Alan Cohen, Chair
    ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section