Speaker Bios and Segment Descriptions

TRUMP II: THE FIRST 100 DAYS AND WHAT LIES AHEAD

Thomas H. Dupree, Jr., Esq.

Thomas H. Dupree, Jr., Esq.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

LATEST TRENDS IN CPSC COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

AMICUS PROGRAM - 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW: Hot Topics, Developments and Emerging Issues

Members of PLAC's Case Selection Committee will discuss its work in 2024 including issues briefed, decisions and developments on key topics, and notable trends to watch in 2025.

Paul Alarcón, Esq.


Paul Alarcón, Esq.
Bowman & Brooke LLP

James Beck, Esq.


James Beck, Esq.
Reed Smith

L. Michael Brooks, Esq.


L. Michael Brooks, Esq.
Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons L.L.P.

David R. Geiger, Esq.


David R. Geiger, Esq.
Foley Hoag LLP

Alan Lazarus, Esq.


Alan Lazarus, Esq.

Shelley Merkin, Esq.


Shelley Merkin, Esq.
Ford Motor Company

 Terri S. Reiskin, Esq.


Terri S. Reiskin, Esq.
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

SETTLEMENT IN MASS LITIGATION – SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES AND OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

The Honorable Michael B. North

The Honorable Michael B. North
Chief Magistrate Judge
US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

CASE STUDY & LESSONS LEARNED – TRYING A SUCCESSFUL ADAS CASE

Huie attorneys Tom Bazemore, Morgan Turner, and Mary Beth Duckett Brown recently secured a defense verdict for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (“FCA”), an automotive manufacturing client, in a product liability trial in Missouri. The product liability lawsuit arose from a two-vehicle crash, which included a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan that rear-ended another vehicle. Plaintiffs alleged that the Dodge Grand Caravan was defective and unreasonably dangerous for failing to be equipped with Forward Collision Warning (“FCW”) and Automatic Emergency Braking (“AEB”) systems, which Plaintiffs alleged would have prevented the collision. This was the first Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (“ADAS”) case tried by FCA.

Tom Bazemore, Esq.


Tom Bazemore, Esq.
Huie, Fernambucq & Stewart, LLP

 Reed Darsey, Esq.


Reed Darsey, Esq.
Stellantis

SAFETY ADMISSIONS IN PATENTS 

 Bobbie Hooper, Esq.


Bobbie Hooper, Esq.
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP

Chris Strobel, Esq.


Chris Strobel, Esq.
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP

CORPORATE FUTURE LEADERS PANEL

TRENDS AND TOPICS FROM A-Z: THE FOOD INDUSTRY

 Paul E. Benson, Esq.


Paul E. Benson, Esq.
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

DEBUNKING THE UNSOUND METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING FIRE CAUSATION IN A LITHIUM-ION BATTERY – PART II

Evaluate the application of FRE 702 to claims of defect in a lithium-ion battery by reviewing the changing landscape of theories utilized by Plaintiffs in product liability litigation and state of scientific literature and testing regarding the ability to determine a cell that is the cause of the fire as opposed to one that is a victim of the fire.

Jonathan Barton, Esq.


Jonathan T. Barton, Esq.
Stanton | Barton LLC

THIRD PARTY LITIGATION FUNDING

 Dan Steen, Esq.


Dan Steen, Esq.
Lawyers for Civil Justice

Kristine Campbell, Esq.


Kristine Campbell, Esq.
U-Haul International, Inc.

AI FYI: What You Should Know Right Now About Artificial Intelligence and the Law

It is frequently said that AI will change how we practice law, but what does this really mean, and how do you separate the hype from the reality? This session will give practical advice for using AI in your law practice right now, including specific tools that you might want to use, and will also discuss AI developments on the horizon.

Jeffrey Richardson, Esq.

Jeffrey Richardson, Esq.
Adams and Reese

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MASS TORT LITIGATION

  • Types of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • AI Strengths, Weaknesses, and Real-World Use Cases
  • Use of AI in Mass Tort Litigation
  • Considerations and Rules Governing the Use of AI in Litigation
  • Emerging Landscape of AI in Mass Tort Litigation
  • Best Practices
Ann Motl, Esq.

Ann Motl, Esq.
Bowman & Brooke LLP

Matthew Mott, Esq.

Matthew Mott, Esq.
Medical Research Consultants

Devlin Liles

Devlin Liles
Improving - Houston

THE PROMISES OF AI

As AI technologies become integral to business innovation and operational efficiency, organizations face unique opportunities and unprecedented challenges. This presentation will provide a roadmap for navigating the complex landscape of AI governance and risk management, equipping companies to harness AI’s potential while mitigating legal, regulatory, and reputational risks. We will explore strategies to address critical issues such as algorithmic transparency, bias mitigation, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Attendees will gain actionable insights into building robust governance frameworks, embedding ethical principles into AI systems, and fostering trust among stakeholders. This session will empower organizations to confidently adopt AI, balancing innovation with accountability to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

George Wray, Esq.

George Wray, Esq.
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF AI USE IN LITIGATION

Katelyn Stone, Esq.

Katelyn Stone, Esq.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Michael Zogby, Esq.

Michael Zogby, Esq.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP