2015 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability

2015 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability

Sponsored by the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section
Products Liability Committee and Automobile Law Committee
Uniting Plaintiff, Defense, Insurance, And Corporate
Counsel To Advance The Civil Justice System
2015 EMERGING ISSUES IN MOTOR
VEHICLE LIABILITY LITIGATION
APRIL 8-10, 2015
ARIZONA BILTMORE RESORT & SPA
PHOENIX, AZ
FEATURING IN-HOUSE
SPEAKERS FROM:
BOSCH
CATERPILLAR
CHRYSLER
GOOGLE
GENERAL MOTORS
GOODYEAR
HARLEY DAVIDSON
HONDA
HYUNDAI
KAWASAKI
KIA
MAZDA
NISSAN
POLARIS INDUSTRIES
SUZUKI
TAKATA
TOYOTA
207662
For more information visit americanbar.org/tips.
• Philadelphia! Where American law began
• Specialized practical CLE for all attorneys including young lawyers and judges
• Substantive committee meetings and social events
• Numerous opportunities to network with insurance defense, corporate and
plaintiffs attorneys, judges and local lawyers at events including the Leadership
in Action Luncheon and Gala Dinner at the Constitution Center
• Practice area-specific CLE tracks featuring premier speakers including judges
and in-house counsel
• Over 24 hours of top-notch CLE programming, including three hours of ethics
credit, to meet all of your educational needs
This inaugural event will feature:
April 29–May 1, 2015
The Ritz-Carlton
Philadelphia, PA
Join your colleagues for the premier CLE
conference for insurance defense, corporate,
and plaintiffs attorneys.
The TIPS Section Conference
Save the Date!
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654
SPONSORS
THE TORT TRIAL & INSURANCE PRACTICE SECTION WOULD
LIKE TO THANK OUR VERY GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
EXPONENT, INC.
KIA MOTORS AMERICA
BOWMAN AND BROOKE LLP
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
HONDA NORTH AMERICA, INC
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
SHOOK, HARDY, & BACON L.L.P.
TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, USA, INC.
HARTLINE DACUS BARGER DREYER LLP
LAVIN O’NEIL CEDRONE & DISIPIO
GOLD SPONSORS
KINETICORP
MERRILL CORPORATION
BIODYNAMIC RESEARCH CORPORATION (BRC)
THOMAS G. OAKES ASSOCIATES COURT REPORTING
SILVER SPONSORS
S-E-A LIMITED
DESIGN RESEARCH ENGINEERING (DRE)
BRONZE SPONSOR
WATKINS & EAGER PLLC
COLWELL CONSULTING LLC
ENGINEERING SYSTEMS, INC. (ESI)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2015
Hotel Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2015
ADVANCE REGISTRATION
Visit the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)
2015 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability
Litigation meeting website to register at www.americanbar.
org/tips or complete the registration form included in this
brochure and fax it to us at 312/988-5850. The registration
fee includes admission to the program, course materials,
continental breakfast, breaks, and receptions. If you wish
to have your name appear on the pre-registration list
distributed at the program, we must receive your meeting
reservation no later than March 20, 2015.
ON-SITE REGISTRATION
On-site registrations will be accepted if space is available.
Call Donald Quarles at 312/988-5708 or email Donald.
[email protected], 72 hours prior to the program
to confirm that space is available. On-site registrants
must pay the program fee by credit card or check made
payable to the American Bar Association. A $25 fee will
be charged to individuals registering on-site.
REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS
Law firms or companies that register two (2) or
more lawyers for the Motor Vehicle Product Liability
Litigation and Toxic Torts conference will receive a $100
discounts for each registrant. In order to receive this
discount and pay in full, you must send in payments
and registration forms for both meetings at the same
time. Advance Registration only. This opportunity
will not be available on-site.
CANCELLATION POLICY
No registration fee refunds will be granted for cancellations
received after March 20, 2015. In order to receive a refund
(less a $50 administrative fee), the ABA must receive
written cancellation by March 20, 2015. Registrants who
are unable to attend may send a substitute or will receive
course materials in lieu of a refund.
HOTEL INFORMATION
For Reservations call 602/955-6600
Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2015
A limited number of rooms have been blocked for program
registrants of the ABA 2015 Emerging Issues in Motor
Vehicle Product Liability Litigation Program at the Arizona
Biltmore Resort & Spa, 24 Street and Missouri, Phoenix, AZ
85016 for a hotel room rate of $264.00 single/double plus
12.27% tax, identify yourself as attending the American
Bar Association 2015 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle
Product Liability Litigation when making reservations.
For reservations, please call the hotel directly at 602/9556600. The room block will be held until exhausted or until
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. (CST). After the
specified hotel deadline, reservations will be confirmed
based on availability. Hotel check-in is 4:00 p.m. and
checkout is 12:00 p.m. (noon). All reservations must be
guaranteed by credit card or deposit check. Individuals
with guaranteed reservations must cancel their reservations
(72) hours prior to the scheduled day of arrival to avoid a
one-night cancellation charge.
AIRLINE INFORMATION
With ABA Orbitz for Business*, you can automatically
obtain ABA negotiated airfare discounts for travel to
ABA Meetings. ABA Orbitz for Business enables you
to purchase the best airfare at the time of booking by
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!
providing you with the ability to search for and compare
fares from virtually every airline serving the destination.
Reservations with ABA Orbitz for Business can be made
online or offline. For offline reservations, call 877/2224185. ABA Orbitz for Business is available online via ABA
Travel Services*.
ABA airfare discounts on some carriers may also be
obtained by purchasing your tickets under the ABA
Discount Codes directly from the airline or through your
travel agent.
American Airlines: ABA Discount only available at ABA
Orbitz for Business
United Airlines: 800-426-1122 Agreement Code:
414489 / Z Code: ZSZU; Discount available at www.
united.com Online Discount Code: ZSZU414489
Delta Airlines: 800-328-1111 ABA File Meeting Code
Domestic: NMKEJ
ABA File Meeting Code International: NMJHL. Discount
also available at www.delta.com Online Meeting Event
Code DOM: NMKEJ - INTL: NMJHL
*A Travel Profile is required when booking airline reservations
with ABA Orbitz for Business, visit www.americanbar.org/travel for
more information.
CLE INFORMATION
The ABA directly applies for and ordinarily receives
CLE credit for ABA programs in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA,
CO, DE, GA, GU, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS,
MO, MT, NM, NV, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC,
TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, VI, WA, WI, and WV. These states
sometimes do not approve a program for credit before
the program occurs. This course is expected to qualify
for 17.25 CLE credit hours in 60-minute states, and
20.70 credit hours in 50-minute states. This transitional
program is approved for both newly admitted and
experienced attorneys in NY. For more information
about CLE accreditation in your state, visit www.
americanbar.org/cle/mandatory_cle.html or contact
Donald Quarles at [email protected] or
312/988-5708.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
For more information about membership in the ABA or
the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS), please
visit us online at www.americanbar.org/tips/memberapp.
html or call 800/285-2221. Membership in TIPS includes
three industry-leading periodicals, discounts of up to
20% on many TIPS CLE programs, and other career and
practice-enhancing benefits. Join TIPS today!
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Services for persons with disabilities are available. If
special arrangements are required for an individual to
attend this program, please notify the ABA promptly at
312/988-5708. Reasonable advance notice is requested.
GET CONNECTED WITH TIPS!
Information on this and other TIPS CLE programs is
available online at www.americanbar.org/tips. Visit us and
get connected!
ATTENTION TIPS MEMBERS: Scholarships are available for all Section activities, courtesy of the TIPS Scholarship
Fund. The Fund, established with the International Risk Management Institute (“IRMI”) and supported by
subscriptions to the IRMI CGL reporter , is intended to increase membership involvement in TIPS’ activities among
minorities, solo and small firm practitioners, government attorneys, women, and young lawyers by providing
financial support to those who would otherwise be unable to participate. To request an application or receive
additional information, visit www.americanbar.org/tips/scholarship.html or contact Linda Wiley at 312-988-5673.
REGISTRATION FORM
ABA TORT TRIAL & INSURANCE PRACTICE SECTION (TIPS)
2015 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle
Product Liability Litigation
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa – Phoenix, AZ • April 8 - 10, 2015
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2015
Hotel Deadline: March 17, 2015
1. REGISTRANT: (Please print or type one form per person; photocopy this form for additional registrants)
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
MI
NAME AS YOU WISH IT TO APPEAR ON YOUR BADGE
FIRM/COMPANY
WHAT STATE(S) ARE YOU LICENSED IN?
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
(AREA CODE) BUSINESS TELEPHONE
FACSIMILE
E-MAIL ADDRESS
Are you attending your first TIPS Motor Vehicle Program?
o Yes o No
o I am a member of the ABA and wish to join the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section. I have enclosed a
separate check for $50 made payable to the American Bar Association
2. REGISTRATION FEES:
TIPS Member
ABA Member
General Attendee
Government Employee
Insurance Company Employee
Law Student
On or Before
3/20/15
$575
$625
$695
$395
$350
$225
After
3/20/15
$600
$650
$720
$420
$375
$250
Subtotal
QTY
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
TOTAL
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
If someone else from your firm or company is attending the Emerging Issues in Toxic Torts Litigation Program, you are each
entitled to a $100 discount off the registration fee (see details inside)
In order to receive the above discount, both registrations must be submitted at the same time and entered on
the same day.
3. MATERIALS
o I will not be attending the meeting and wish to order program materials
TIPS Member
$125
____
$_______
I have registered for the 2015 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation Meeting and also
wish to order program materials for the 2015 Emerging Issues in Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Program.
TIPS Member
Non-TIPS Member
$85
$125
Subtotal
4. TOTAL PAYMENT
____
____
____
$_______
$_______
$_______
Total
$_______
PAYMENT INFORMATION
o Check (made payable to the ABA) o American Express o MasterCard o VISA
CREDIT CARD NUMBER
EXPIRATION DATE
SIGNATURE
THREE WAYS TO REGISTER
1. ONLINE:
www.americanbar.org/
groups/tort_trial_insurance_practice.html
2. MAIL:
2015 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product
Liability Litigation
American Bar Association
Attn: Service Center-Meeting/Event Registrations Department
321 North Clark Street, Floor 16
Chicago, IL 60654
3. FAX
(312) 988-5850 On-site
registrants must pay the
program fee plus an additional $25 by check or
credit card.
GREETINGS
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Mark your calendars for April 8-10 and plan to attend the premiere national CLE in
automotive litigation. This program, celebrating its 25th year, will take place at the
beautiful Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. Whether you represent defendants, plaintiffs,
or work in-house, this is a must-attend event if your practice includes motor vehicle
related litigation or products liability law.
This program will feature leading figures from the industry, in-house counsel, and
leading trial and appellate lawyers covering the issues that are on the cutting edge
of what is happening in both the industry and the courtroom. Among the faculty, are
representatives from the government and industry, along with leading in-house counsel
for companies such as Bosch, Caterpillar, Chrysler, Google, General Motors, Goodyear,
Harley Davidson, Honda, Hyundai, Kawasaki, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Polaris Industries,
Suzuki, Takata, and Toyota.
Our faculty of experienced counsel and experts will address legal and technical issues
relevant to motor vehicle litigation, as well as recent developments in class actions,
regulatory developments, automotive asbestos cases, trial related topics, and issues
unique to component part manufacturers, tire companies, motorcycle manufacturers,
and much more!
As a special treat this year, all registrants to the conference can attend the crashworthiness
boot camp on the afternoon of April 8. This will be a perfect opportunity to bring newer
attorneys up to speed quickly, or to refresh your existing knowledge in these areas. This
will be followed by a networking reception for young lawyers in their first ten years of
practice, open to the first 25 young lawyer registrants!
Be sure to set April 8-10 aside. We look forward to seeing you there!
Best Regards,
EVENT CO CHAIRS
Doug Bishop, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel
Honda North America, Inc.
Torrance, California
Ellen Farrell, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Torrance, CA
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Andrew Chang, Esq.
Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
San Francisco, CA
Lee Kellner, Esq.
Lavin O’Neil Ricci Cedrone & DiSipio
Philadelphia, PA
H. Grant Law, Esq.
Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
San Francisco, CA
Anthony J. Monaco Esq.
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Chicago, IL
George M. Feygin, Esq.
Senior Managing Counsel
Nissan North America, Inc.
Nashville, TN
Mark Goldzweig, Esq.
Associate General Counsel
Kia Motors America
Torrance, CA
Thomas Vanderford, Esq.
Associate General Counsel
Hyundai Motor America
Fountain Valley, CA
Amir M. Nassihi, Esq.
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP
San Francisco, CA
Holly Polglase, Esq.
Hermes, Netburn, O’Connor & Spearing, P.C.
Boston, MA
Anthony J. Sbarra, Esq.
Hermes, Netburn, O’Connor & Spearing, P.C.
Boston, MA
Suzanne Swaner, Esq.
Bowman and Brooke
Dallas, TX
PROGRAM AGENDA
PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOP, APRIL 8, 2014
CRASHWORTHINESS BOOT CAMP
12:50 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
OPENING REMARKS
1:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.
ROOF DESIGN/CRUSH
SPEAKER:
1:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
SPEAKER:
2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
SPEAKER:
3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
Tiffany Alexander, Campbell, Campbell, Edwards & Conroy PC, Berwyn, PA
SIDE CURTAIN/ROLLOVER CURTAIN AND GLAZING
John R. (Jay) Reid, Jr., McDonald Toole Wiggins, P.A., Orlando, FL
Michelle F. Heller, Ph.D., P.E., Exponent, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
AIRBAGS AND RESTRAINTS 101
Mark D. Jicka Esq., Watkins & Eager PLLC, Jackson, MS
USE OF EDR EVIDENCE TO DEFEND CRASHWORTHINESS CASES
Karl Viehman, Esq., Bowman and Brooke, Dallas, TX
LITIGATING THE SEATBACK CASE
Chris Spencer, Esq., Spencer LLP, Richmond, VA
Todd Tracy, Tracy Law Firm, Dallas, Texas
3:30 P.M. - 3:40 P.M.
BREAK
3:40 P.M. - 4:10 P.M.
FIRE CAUSE AND ORIGIN
SPEAKERS:
4:10 P.M. - 5:10 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
5:10 P.M. - 5:40 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
5:40 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
Michael P. Cooney, Esq., Dykema Gossett PLLC, Detroit, MI
Jeff Colwell, Colwell Consulting LLC, Scottsdale, AZ
TRIAL TIPS FOR CRASHWORTHINESS CASES
Mary E. Bolkcom, Esq., Hanson Bolkcom Law Group, Minneapolis, MN
Gerry Cedrone, Esq., Lavin O’Neil Ricci Cedrone & DiSipio, Philadelphia, PA
Jeff Patterson, Esq., Hartline Dacus Barger Dreyer LLP, Dallas, TX
Craig Winterman Esq., Herzfeld & Rubin, LLP, Los Angeles, CA
PRESERVING ERROR FOR APPELLATE REVIEW
Jeffrey A. Cohen, Esq., Carlton Fields, Miami, FL
Patrick J. Gregory, Esq., Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., San Francisco, CA
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR FOR YOUNG ATTORNEYS IN
FIRST TEN YEARS OF PRACTICE
Our in-house co-chairs and other in-house faculty will be hosting a young lawyers’
networking happy hour in the Aztec Room/Patio to allow networking and relationship
building with attending in-house counsel. This is only open to the first 25 eligible
conference attendee registrants.
DAY ONE —THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2014
7:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
REGISTRATION
7:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:50 A.M. – 7:55 A.M.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Michael W. Drumke, Esq., Chair, ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section
Lee Kellner, Esq., Chair, Products Liability Committee
7:55 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE EVENT CO-CHAIRS
8:00 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CRASHWORTHINESS CASES
In a legendary career, Tom Girardi has seen the good, the bad and the ugly, and now he’s
going to share insights on voir dire, trial themes, and storytelling in crashworthiness cases.
SPEAKER:
8:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
SPEAKER:
Tom Girardi, Esq., Girardi & Keese, Los Angeles, CA
REGULATORY BLOCKBUSTER: PART 1: WHAT’S NHTSA DOING?
In the wake of high profile recalls and seismic changes on the regulatory front,
NHTSA’s chief counsel Kevin Vincent will provide an update on what NHTSA is doing
and what to expect in 2015.
O. Kevin Vincent, Esq., Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, Washington D.C
9:00 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
SPEAKERS:
9:30 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
SPEAKERS:
10:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
SPEAKERS:
REGULATORY BLOCKBUSTER: PART 2: WHAT’S NEW IN THE REGULATORY ARENA?
No one can bundle up the morass of regulatory changes under the FMVSS and
present it in as concise and interesting a fashion as George and Erika. So buckle up
and sit back and get a year’s worth of regulatory updates.
George Feygin, Esq., Senior Managing Counsel, Nissan North America, Nashville, TN
Erika Z. Jones, Esq., Mayer Brown, Washington D.C
TESTING THE VALIDITY OF RUMORS AND MYTHS SURROUNDING TIRE FAILURES
Richard and Gray bring their extensive expertise to assess accident reconstruction
issues surrounding alleged tire failure.
Gray Beauchamp P.E., Kineticorp, Denver CO
Richard Monk, Esq. Bradley Arant Boult & Cummings, Birmingham, AL
SMART CARS: AUTOMATIC BRAKING TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
This human factors expert and trial lawyer will provide the latest on the human factors
aspect to automatic braking technology and the legal implications of this new technology.
David M. Cades, Ph.D., Exponent, Inc., Chicago, IL
Lee Kellner, Esq., Lavin O’Neil Cedrone & DiSipio, Philadelphia, PA
10:30 A.M. – 10:40 A.M.
BREAK
10:40 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
PUTTING ON THE BRAKES OR STEPPING ON THE GAS? THE FUTURE OF
AUTOMOTIVE ASBESTOS LITIGATION
Asbestos claims against automotive companies continue to proliferate. This
distinguished panel will evaluate the current state of asbestos litigation, the new
theories, recent decisions, expert issues, and where we are headed.
MODERATOR:
PANEL:
11:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
SPEAKER:
Anthony J. Sbarra, Esq., Hermes, Netburn, O’Connor & Spearing, P.C., Boston, MA
Rich Haas, Esq., Senior Attorney, Navistar, Inc., Lisle, IL
Humma S. Siddiqi, Esq., Managing Counsel, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.,
Torrance, CA
Sheila Doyle Kelley, Esq., Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, San Francisco, CA
Michael E. Hutchins, Esq., Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, Atlanta, GA
THE USE OF RADIOLOGY TO UNDERSTAND SEATBELT WEAR PATTERNS
In assessing seatbelt performance, use, or misuse, an important recent first step is
to analyze radiology. A biomechanical expert and leading trial lawyer will provide a
roadmap to effectively using radiology to understand seatbelt wear patterns.
Cynthia M. Day, MD, Biodynamic Research Corporation, San Antonio, TX
Derek Whitefield, Esq., Dykema, Los Angeles, CA
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
LUNCH
1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
USING 3D FARO FOR FAILURE ANALYSIS
As 3D Faro technology has developed, it is proving to be an invaluable tool in failure
analysis and evidence preservation and presentation. This topic will provide an
overview on effectively using 3D Faro in your case.
SPEAKERS:
1:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
SPEAKER:
3:00 P.M. – 3:10 P.M.
Brittany Schultz, Esq., Dykema, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Lisa A. Brown, Esq., Dykema, Detroit, MI
UPDATE ON EMBEDDED CONTROL SYSTEMS LITIGATION
With the increased prevalence of embedded control system technology, litigation
related to these systems has continued to grow. John Martens and Kurt Kern have
been at the forefront of this, and will share their insights.
John D. Martens, Ph.D., PE, CFEI, Exponent, Inc., Chicago, IL
Kurt Kern, Esq. Bowman and Brooke, Dallas, TX
ILLUMINATING THE COMPLEX, MODERN AIRBAG SYSTEM AT TRIAL
Enhancements in motor vehicle occupant protection have been achieved through
sophisticated modern passive restraints. System complexity, combined with increased
expectation, have the potential to complicate the trial of these claims. A solid trial
plan requires a well-packaged and simple explanation of an otherwise complicated
product’s design, its capabilities, and its proper performance, and this presentation
will provide the guidance to get you there.
Paul Malek, Esq., Huie, Fernambucq & Stewart, LLP, Birmingham, AL
Daniel E. Toomey, Ph.D., P.E., Design Research Engineering, Novi, MI
PREPARING AND PRESENTING THE CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE TO TESTIFY
Preparing the corporate representatives to testify entails a number of competing
considerations in automotive cases. This experienced trial lawyer will provide a
roadmap on effectively preparing and presenting a company witness.
Jeff Patterson, Esq., Hartline Dacus Barger Dreyer LLP, Dallas, TX
BREAK
RECENT VERDICT TRENDS
These trial lawyers will update you with highlights from recent automotive products
liability trial verdicts and shed light on what worked and what didn’t work.
3:10 P.M. –3:40 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Swaner, Esq., Bowman and Brooke, Dallas, TX
Dave Rogers, Esq., Campbell, Campbell, Edwards & Conroy, Boston, MA
AND NOW, THE LAW
These appellate specialists will tell us in their informative style what every products
lawyer needs to know about the developing legal issues in the world of automotive
products liability and beyond.
3:40 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.
SPEAKERS:
Darrell Barger, Esq., Hartline Dacus Barger Dreyer LLP, Dallas, TX
Jeffrey A. Cohen, Esq., Carlton Fields, Miami, FL
DEFENDING THE MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS LIABILITY CASE
Motorcycle products liability cases may be less common than automobile cases, but
that doesn’t mean the litigation is any less complex. This panel will explore recent
regulatory activity and developments in products liability cases involving motorcycles.
4:15 P.M. – 5:05 P.M.
MODERATOR:
PANEL:
Paul G. Cereghini, Esq., Bowman and Brooke, Phoenix, AZ
Ashley Dunn, Ph.D. P.E., S-E-A, Ltd., Columbus, OH
Jeff Eyres, Esq., Assistant General Counsel, Polaris Industries., St. Paul, MN
Tom Johnson, Esq., Legal Counsel, Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA, Irvine, CA
Jerry Hashimura, Manager Legal Department, Suzuki Motor of American, Inc., Brea, CA
ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN PRODUCTS LIABILITY CASES
Through this enlightening presentation, you will learn the ethical issues that may arise
in litigating a products liability case, and how to appropriately respond to them.
5:05 P.M. – 5:35 P.M.
SPEAKER:
Tim Bouch, Esq., Leath, Bouch & Seekings, LLP, Charleston, SC
JOINT WELCOME RECEPTION WITH THE TOXIC TORTS & ENVIRONMENTAL
LAW COMMITTEE
6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
DAY TWO — FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
7:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
REGISTRATION
7:00 A.M. – 7:55 A.M.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:55 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.
REMARKS BY THE EVENT CO-CHAIRS
8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON? EMERGING LITIGATION THEORIES AND THEMES
This panel of leading plaintiff lawyers has been at the forefront of developing new
themes and theories in automotive cases. Here, they’ll share some of the recent new
themes and theories, and discuss what’s on the horizon.
MODERATOR:
PANEL:
9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
CO-MODERATORS:
PANEL:
Khaldoun A. Baghdadi, Esq., Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, San Francisco, CA
Chris Spagnoli, Esq., Greene Broilett & Wheeler, L.L.P., Santa Monica, CA
Lance Cooper, Esq., The Cooper Law Firm, Marietta, GA
James S. Rogers, Esq., Law Offices of James S. Rogers, Seattle, WA
Todd Tracy, Esq., Tracy Law Firm, Dallas, TX
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: THE PROMISE AND THE IMPLICATIONS
Autonomous vehicles are no longer a distant possibility, they’re here and regulation
is already developing. Hear this expert panel discuss the technology, regulation, and
products liability considerations with self-driving vehicles.
Lee Kellner, Esq., Lavin O’Neil Cedrone & DiSipio, Philadelphia, PA
Douglas Robinson, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., Orange County, CA
Jerry L. Johnson, Esq., Vice-President & Deputy General Counsel. Robert Bosch LLC,
Farmington Hills, MI
Anand Rao, Esq., Senior Counsel, Google, Mountain View, CA
Gerry Cedrone, Esq., Lavin O’Neil Cedrone & DiSipio, Philadelphia, PA
John Gersch, Esq., Thomson Coe, Dallas, TX
10:00 A.M. – 10:10 A.M.
BREAK
10:10 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
CLASS ACTION MEDLEY
This panel of leading class action practitioners will cover key developments in the
class action arena.
CO-MODERATORS:
Mark Goldzweig, Esq., Associate General Counsel, Kia Motors America, Torrance, CA
Amir Nassihi, Esq., Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., San Francisco, CA
PANEL:
Jason D. Menges, Esq., Director and Assistant General Counsel, Litigation Nissan
North America, Nashville, TN
Robert J. Nelson, Esq., Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, San Francisco, CA
Jim Oliva, Esq., Senior Counsel, Honda North America, Inc., Torrance, CA
Holly P. Smith, Esq., Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., Kansas City, MO
11:00 A.M. – 11:50 A.M.
CO-MODERATORS:
PANEL:
11:50 A.M. – 12:40 P.M.
CO-MODERATORS:
PANELISTS:
12:40 P.M.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PANEL: “SHOULD WE TRY IT OR BUY IT”?
This esteemed panel of in-house counsel will provide their insights into
the decision-making process for trying and settling cases. This is a mustattend program for anyone interested in knowing the ins and outs of case
evaluation from the manufacturer’s side.
Anthony J. Monaco, Esq., Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, Chicago, IL
Holly Polglase, Esq., Hermes, Netburn, O’Connor & Spearing, P.C., Boston, MA
Nancy Cody, Esq., Corporate Counsel, Goodyear Tire and Rubber
Company, Akron, OH
Kristi K. Fielder, Esq., Corporate Counsel, General Motors Company,
Detroit, MI
Alan DeGraw, Esq., Senior Counsel - Product Litigation, Chrysler
Group LLC, Detroit, MI
Steven L. Grey, Esq., Chief Counsel, Product Legal, Isuzu North
America, Inc., Anaheim, CA
Don Marshall, Esq., Managing Counsel, Toyota Motor Sales,
USA, Inc., Torrance, CA
Don A. Schiemann, Esq., General Counsel, TK Holdings Inc. (Takata),
Auburn Hills, MI
Tom Vanderford, Esq., Associate General Counsel, Hyundai Motor America,
Fountain Valley, CA
MANAGING THE CORPORATE COUNSEL RELATIONSHIP: THE
INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ATTORNEY CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
Hear this prestigious corporate counsel panel cover the best practices
and helpful tips in maintaining and developing the corporate counsel
relationship.
John Gersch, Esq., Thomson Coe, Dallas, TX
H. Grant Law, Esq., Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., San Francisco, CA
Doug Bishop, Esq., Assistant General Counsel, Honda North America, Inc.,
Torrance, CA
Ellen Farrell, Esq., Assistant General Counsel, Toyota Motor Sales,
USA, Inc., Torrance, CA
George Feygin, Esq., Senior Managing Counsel, Nissan North America,
Nashville, TN
Charles S. Kim, Esq., Assistant General Counsel, Mazda North American
Operations, Irvine, CA
Ryan Polkowski Esq., Senior Products Counsel, Harley-Davidson,
Milwaukee, WI
Kevin W. Brennan, Esq., Senior Corporate Counsel – Litigation,
Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria, IL
ADJOURN
CHARITABLE SERVICE PROJECT:
The Motor Vehicle Conference will be coordinating donations in support of
Crisis Nursery in Phoenix. For 30 years, Crisis Nursery has been a safe haven
for children threatened with abuse, negligence or homelessness. Crisis
Nursery assures each child protection from experiences and environments
that are harmful to their wellbeing. Crisis nursery also provides support
to families through crisis intervention, counseling, parenting classes and
referral to community resources. A $50 donation sponsors one child for a
day while a donation of $100 provides enough food to feed all the children
for one day. More information will be provided advising what you can do
to help the Crisis Nursery. In the meantime, please feel free to visit their
website at www.crisisnurseryphx.com. Any questions may be directed to
Andrew Chang at [email protected].