BEYOND THE ACRONYM – THE STRENGTH OF DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE LEGAL TEAMS: Foundational for Powerhouse In-House Legal Departments and Outside Counsel

This panel discussion will present multiple perspectives on how diversity, equity and inclusion are foundational for powerhouse legal teams. Panelists will describe their teams’ DEI efforts and wins, and in-house counsel will discuss what they want to see from outside vendors, including law firms, when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. The benefits to teams invested in DEI efforts, from in the workplace to in the courtroom, will be explored, along with a specific call to action about what audience members at the PLAC Spring Conference can do to better align with and sponsor DEI initiative successes within their organizations and within the greater legal profession.

A QUICK PRIMER ON LITIGATION RELATED TO ILLINOIS’S BIOMETRIC INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT OR BIPA

MODERN PRODUCT LIABILITY – The Wave of Change Sweeping Europe and How it is Altering the Risk Landscape for International Product Manufacturers

After many years of debate and policy discussions, Europe is now on the verge of an unprecedented wave of legal and regulatory reforms affecting product manufacturers. The challenges presented by new digital technologies, the emergence of increasing consumer activism, and the growing demands for more sustainable consumption, are leading to widespread reforms of long-established liability and regulatory regimes, and the introduction of entirely new measures. Over the coming year alone we will see the finalization of a new General Product Safety Regulation, further steps to reform the current Product Liability Directive as well as to introduce a new Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive, and the launch of new Representative Action procedures across Europe. This will be accompanied by an increasing focus on enforcement by the regulatory authorities, with more resources, better organization amongst regulators, and higher penalties all in play. What does this mean in practice for product manufacturers? What are the implications for US litigation risks? What steps should companies be taking now to ensure they are in the best possible place to meet these challenges?

CLASS ACTIONS IN 2023: PLAINTIFFS’ TRENDS AND THE DEFENSE TOOLBOX

This panel segment will explore the new and evolving trends in nationwide class action litigation and defense best practice response.

CURRENT TRENDS IN PRODUCT RECALLS AND LITIGATION: AN EXPERT’S PERSPECTIVE

EVIDENCE-BASED LIFE CARE PLANS AND EARNING CAPACITY ASSESSMENTS: PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS

The presentation will discuss the standards, requirements and guidelines necessary for the production of evidence-based life care plans and earning capacity assessments.  Emphasis will be placed upon the need for adherence to published practice standards, consensus statements, treatise guidelines and research. Commonly observed issues will be outlined and discussed.    

PRESERVING ISSUES FOR APPEAL

AMICUS PROGRAM - 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: HOT TOPICS, DEVELOPMENTS AND EMERGING ISSUES

RULE 702 UPDATE

THE TRILOGY OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FORD

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR LAWYERS:
Avoiding the Ethical and Professional Pitfalls