Chemical Products and Toxic Torts: From Crisis to Mass Litigation: Starting Smart and Finishing Strong

10/8/2010 - 10/8/2010

8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Exxon Mobile Corporation, 800 Bell Street, Houston, Tex.

Sponsored by the ABA Section of Litigation, Products Liability and Mass Torts Committees

A Regional CLE Workshop focusing on toxic and mass tort litigation impacting the chemical and industrial products industries.

This will be an interactive seminar involving nationally known plaintiffs’ lawyers, members of the judiciary, in-house counsel, consultants and defense-oriented trial lawyers who will discuss new developments and significant trends in toxic and mass torts involving chemicals and industrial products.  The focus will be practical discussion for the seasoned trial attorney of the latest tips for managing the complex case from the initiating crisis through trial, including ethical considerations in preparing witnesses, navigating the MDL process and litigating international and cross border claims.

Click here to view the brochure.

Program Co-Chair: Sarah Grider Cronan, Member, Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group, Louisville office.

Schedule:

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Registration and Networking Breakfast

8:30 a.m. - 8:35 a.m. - Welcome & Introductions

8:35 a.m. - 9:35 a.m. - "Houston, we have a problem . . . managing the chemical and industrial crisis as its emerges, with a view toward the resulting litigation"

9:35 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. - "Demystifying the MDL Process" (Moderator: Sarah Grider Cronan)

10:35 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. - Break

10:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. - "The ethical dilemmas inherent during discovery - wood-shedding witnesses, preserving evidence, electronic data and other potential pitfalls"

11:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. - Networking Lunch

12:20 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. - "2010 Update - Developments on the legal and governmental front"

12:50 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - "Litigating international and cross border claims"

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - "Jury themes and effective communication"