WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023

1:40 P.M. – 2:10 P.M. | Update on the State of the Trucking and Logistics Industry
Join us for an informative session with Pamela Bracher, deputy general counsel at the American Trucking Associations (ATA). With nearly 20 years of experience in the transportation industry, Pam is an expert on legal and regulatory issues impacting the trucking industry. She will help kick off our Forum with a valuable update on the state of the industry, including tort reform initiatives and partnering with the defense bar to advocate for the interests of the trucking industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the legal landscape of the trucking industry from a respected industry professional.

Session Facilitators:

• Thomas L. Oliver, II, Carr Allison (Birmingham, AL)
• Pamela Bracher – Deputy General Counsel, American Trucking Associations

2:10 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. | “Wow, Did the Mock Juror Say That?”

This session will feature recordings from a mock jury deliberating on a trucking case. You will have the opportunity to observe and analyze the jury decision-making process from a jurors’ perspective. The mock juries will consider the effectiveness of storytelling, the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and arguments from both sides of the case. These interactive sessions will provide valuable insights into how juries deliberate and reach a verdict. You will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of jury selection and effective communication during a trial to make a compelling case.

Session Facilitators:

• Christina Marinakis, IMS Consutling & Expert Services
• Michael P. Sharp, Fee, Smith & Sharp, L.L.P. (Dallas, TX) 
• Kurt M. Spengler, Wicker Smith (Orlando, FL) 

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2023

8:00 A.M. – 8:30 A.M. | Open Mic – Mock Jury Recap: What’s on Your Mind?
In this session, we will reflect on the previous mock juries and discuss how to apply the insights gained from the experience. We will share our observations on the jury decision-making process and explore ways to strengthen our case presentation skills. This session aims to enhance our ability to effectively communicate with a jury.

Session Facilitators:

• Lew R.C. Bricker, Amundsen Davis LLC (Chicago, IL)
• Jack J. Laffey, Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC (Milwaukee, WI)
• Clarice A. Spicker, Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, P.L.C. (Phoenix, AZ)

8:30 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. | Exploring the Latest Mediation Trends
Join this interactive conversation with well-known and nationally utilized mediator, Craig Paul Scott, to learn about Plaintiff’s tactics and how we can counter them. We will discuss ways to enhance your mediation practice and offer practical skills and strategies to resolve your case. We invite you to share your perspectives and insights, as well as learn from the experiences of others.

Session Facilitator:

• Craig Paul Scott, The Law Office of Craig Scott & Company, LPA
• Bradley A. Wright, Roetzel & Andress (Cleveland, OH)

10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Knowing Your Adversary: Top-Tier Plaintiff’s Firm or a Copycat?
It’s one thing to deal with the “real deal” plaintiff’s firms (you know who these formidable firms are). It is a different story when you have to deal with the copycat “wannabies” who have little, or no clue what they’re doing or why. This session will focus on defending truck accident cases from such firms and will include a discussion concerning strategies for handling discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation. We will share and learn from each other practical insights into managing the complexities of dealing with these types of adversaries.

Session Facilitator:

• Mark S. Barrow, Sweeny Wingate & Barrow, P.A. (Columbia, SC)
• Tamara B. Goorevitz, Franklin & Prokopik, P.C. (Baltimore, MD)
• John F. Wilcox, Jr., Dysart Taylor (Kansas City, MO)