Segment Descriptions & Speaker Bios
SUPREME COURT UPDATE
AGGREGATED LITIGATION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: Is US-style Litigation Coming to OUS Jurisdictions?
THE CHANGING DEFINITION OF ADULTERATED FOOD—LESSONS IN FOOD LITIGATION
HEAVY TRUCKS—THEY AREN’T JUST “BIG CARS”: The Unique Challenges of ADAS and other Product Defect Litigation in Heavy Trucking
There are significant differences between passenger cars and heavy trucks in the development and roll-out of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These differences inform both the challenges and strengths of the defense of “failure to equip” and “failure to perform” ADAS product liability claims. The heavy trucking industry faces other unique challenges when compared to passenger vehicle manufacturers, including how perceptions of the trucking industry is reflected in inflated verdicts in trucking products liability cases.
STRATEGIES FOR DEFENDING CANCER CAUSATION CASES
Lawsuits alleging consumer products and environmental substances have increased significantly over the last decade. Nuclear verdicts and attorney-advertising campaigns have fueled the litigation surge, and litigation developments suggest the risk for corporate defendants will continue to expand. The presentation will provide an overview of cancer litigation and address strategies simplifying the science, presenting alternative causes without undertaking the burden of proof, and exposing bias in science relied on by plaintiffs.
Sabrina Mizrachi, Esq.
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Litigation & Global Product Regulatory
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
HOW TO WIN YOUR CASE IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS: Focusing on Mediation and Early Substantive Evaluation of New Litigation
Product liability defense lawyers should assess the risks of their case from the moment it begins – and should always be mindful of when the timing is right to mediate a case. A moderated panel, including two experienced in-house counsel and a seasoned mediator, will discuss the best practices for early case assessment during the first 90 days of a case, best practices for mediation, and potential legal pitfalls to avoid when undertaking early assessment and mediation.
Raul E. Tellez, Esq.
Chief Legal Officer & VP of Information Technology
Luminex Home Décor & Fragrance Co.
Product Recalls: Bridging Consumer Perceptions and Regulatory Expectations
This session will highlight recent findings from the consumer survey on product safety and recalls, conducted by Sedgwick Brand Protection. Panelists will discuss the results of the survey, how they compare to that of regulatory expectations, and ways companies can bridge the gap when facing a product recall. These insights will help companies understand consumer behavior, what motivates them to respond to a recall and emerging trends companies need to plan for as part of their recall strategy.
Ryan Gooley
Director, Business Development - Brand Protection Solution
Sedgwick
POTENTIAL SAFETY IMPLICATIONS IN THE RIGHT TO REPAIR MOVEMENT
The Right to Repair movement is reshaping industries and consumer perceptions, with significant legal, environmental, and economic implications. Stakeholders must prioritize innovation and collaboration to design sustainable solutions and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. The panel will address the current state of regulation in the US and Canada and will discuss the impending challenges facing the consumer and automotive industries as they adapt to this changing landscape.
TELEMATICS DATA COLLECTION: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR (AND COLLECT)
Troy E. Schick, P.E.
Private Engineering Consultant
NEW RULE 702 PROVISIONS
EMBRACING EQUITY: WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ALLY
In this panel, we will discuss the intersection of these two different concepts of allyship, and we’ll explore how both companies and law firms can thrive when they embrace an ally mentality.
Jennifer White, Esq.
Corporate Counsel - Automotive Products Liability & Litigation
Volkswagen of America, Inc.