Spring 2024 Update on the Latest Programs and Events in Your Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section

Section Conference

Thank you to so many of you who took the time to attend the Section Conference in Hollywood, California, from May 1–3 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel! The CLE programming was outstanding, covering a variety of substantive legal issues including the ethics of artificial intelligence, the use of story-telling at trial, tips from the bench on how to present your case, an in-house counsel panel, an insurance coverage panel, an alternative dispute resolution panel, conflicts of interest in litigation, DEI, and more! The networking events, including the Wednesday welcome reception, the Thursday evening reception and dinner at Universal Studios, and the Friday networking luncheon, were tremendous and gave us opportunities to catch up with friends and colleagues and make new connections.

Liberty Achievement Award

We were pleased to present the Honorable Samantha Jessner with the Liberty Achievement Award at the Wednesday welcome reception, sponsored by Thomson Reuters, for her diversity efforts in the California judiciary. This award celebrates lawyers and judges who have spent their career actively promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award

Congratulations to Barbara Gislason, who was presented with the Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award at the Thursday afternoon reception. Barbara is a trailblazer who had the vision to start the first Animal Law Committee at the American Bar Association and other organizations. The award recognizes exceptional work by an Animal Law Committee member whose commitment and leadership have advanced the humane treatment of animals through the law.

Edmund S. Muskie Pro Bono Service Award

We were delighted to recognize our friend and colleague James J.S. Holmes with the Muskie Award at the Friday networking luncheon for his considerable pro bono and public service efforts through the years.

Networking Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Camille Vasquez

The Friday networking luncheon, sponsored by the Women Trial Lawyers Committee, was fantastic and featured keynote speaker Camille Vasquez, who gave us a glimpse into her life and experiences as a lawyer, including defending Johnny Depp in his defamation case.