ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section to host conference April 26-30 in Chicago

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2017 — Ethics, cybersecurity and animal rights protections will be among the many topics discussed by federal and state judges, outside general counsel, insurance executives and industry professionals during the American Bar Association’s TIPS Section Conference, April 26-30 in Chicago.

What:  
TIPS Section Conference
Sponsored by the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section

When: 
April 26-30, 2017
Where: JW Marriott Chicago
151 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60603-3601

Program highlights include:

“Judicial Spotlight: What is Effective Advocacy?” — This panel will bring together trial and appellate judges to discuss issues relating to the state of legal advocacy. Topics will include civility and professionalism, adapting to new technologies that assist advocates in representing their clients and how young lawyers can become effective advocates in the “age of the disappearing trial.” Speakers include Reuben Castillo, chief judge, United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois; Joy V. Cunningham, appellate judge, First District, Sixth Division, Chicago; Ann C. Williams, judge, United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, Chicago.

Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m.

“Transcending Challenges in Risk and Crisis Management: Protecting Animals, People and Clients/Organizations” — This panel of general counsel from theme and zoological parks, a recreation and adventure law and liability attorney, an animal scientist specializing in equines and a public relations consultant will provide insight on assessing and managing risks, limiting liability, preparing for contingencies and addressing different interests including those relating to animals, people and the client’s reputation. Their lessons in risk and crisis management, as well as legal issues and liability, will apply to attorneys and other professionals in any field engaged in helping clients move forward in a constructive manner. Speakers include Jill Allread, CEO, Public Communications, Inc., Chicago; Wendy Bulger, general counsel, San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, Calif.; W. Stuart Dornette, partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Cincinnati; J. Tim Potter, equine scientist, Robson Forensic, Charleston, S.C.; and G. Anthony Taylor, CLO, general counsel and corporate secretary, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., Orlando, Fla.

Friday, 8:30-10 a.m.

“Anatomy of an Emergency Response: In-House Counsel, Government and Insurance in the Golden Hour” — In-house, private practice and government counsel will cover a range of issues and best practices. Topics include planning and training for the unexpected; coordination with corporate executives, in-house and outside counsel; interacting with multiple government agencies and competing demands; the dual role of government agencies – enforcement and criminal/civil litigation. Speakers are Elizabeth Breton, vice president, Global Marine Claims Manager, Gen Re, Hartford, Conn.; D. Michael Kaye, chief counsel – AG Services, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, Ill.; Paul J. Kozacky, Kozacky Weitzel McGrath PC, Chicago; Kathleen LaVoy, vice president, interim CLO and corporate secretary, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, Oakbrook, Ill.; Bradley R. Mozée, managing counsel, Shipping/Maritime Law, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., San Ramon, Calif.; Stephanie Penninger, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, Chicago; Sean T. Pribyl, Blank Rome LLP, Washington, D.C.; Sara Weber, counsel-downstream, BP, Chicago.

Friday, 10:30 a.m.-noon

A complete agenda can be found online.

There is no charge for media covering this event. To register, please contact Robert Robinson at 202-662-1097 or Robert.Robinson@americanbar.org

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