Schedule 

Registration Fees

Hotel Information

Featured Speakers 

CLE/CE Credit

Sponsorship

Social & Dinner

Notice of Scams 

1:00 - 4:00

Registration

3:00 - 4:00

PLDF Book Club

Join with your fellow PLDF members for a lively discussion of Leading Inclusion, by Gina Cox, PhD.

4:00 - 5:15

From the Top of the Deck: Past Presidents Deal Out Industry Truths | Presented by: David Anderson, Collins Einhorn Farrell PC, Erin K. Higgins, Conn Kavanaugh, Jason Jobe, Thompson Coe, and Lisa C. Tulk, Kessler Collins 

Rolling in early to the conference? Sure, you could hit the Strip, try your luck at the slots, or catch a show, but we have something even better lined up. Join us Wednesday afternoon for “From the Top of the Deck: Past Presidents Deal Out Industry Truths” – a candid conversation where former PLDF leaders lay their cards on the table and share insights into the current state of the industry.

5:15 - 5:45

Annual Business Meeting

5:45 - 6:30

Board of Directors Reception (Invitation Only)

6:30 - 7:30

Welcome Reception

7:30

Dine Arounds

7:00

Registration

7:00 - 8:00

Breakfast

8:20 - 9:10

GENERAL SESSION

Betting the House: Nuclear Verdicts in Management Professional Liability
• Presented by: Peter Biging, Goldberg Segalla, LLP, Susan Fillichio, Fillichio Hastings, Ari Magedoff, Westfield Specialty, Eric Marler, Counterpart, and Christopher Vlasich, Trisura Group, Ltd.

What are the risks of nuclear verdicts in management & professional liability? How do we assess them? What can be done from both a claims and defense perspective to do a better job to identify and mitigate these risks throughout the claims handling and defense process? During this presentation, a panel composed of senior claims executives and an esteemed jury consultant will talk through the issues, and offer advice and guidance as to what we need to be concerned about in the M&PL space, and what can and must be done proactively both right now, when the claims come in, during the claims handling process, and at trial.

9:15 - 10:05

GENERAL SESSION

Hedging Your Bets: Mastering Engagement Letters and Other Tricks for Managing Legal Malpractice Risk
• Presented by: Donald Patrick Eckler, Freeman, Mathis & Gary LLP, Barbara Serafini, Gallagher Bassett, and Alice Sherren, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company

Engagement letters are the initial and most critical tool for lawyers to use in risk management. Engagement letters set out the scope and terms of the engagement, including retainers and fees. Accordingly, engagement letters are often critical in defending disputes with clients, whether current or former. In addition, some professional liability policies of insurance provide a discount on deductibles just for having an engagement letter.

Among the recent developments in the law impacting the drafting of engagement letters are advance conflict waivers and enforceability of arbitration clauses. As law firms grow, especially defense firms that were once one office or regional in nature, the possibility of conflicts, both business and ethical arise with greater frequency. In order to avoid such issues, law firms are increasingly using advance conflict waivers in their engagement letters and with their use come disputes over the scope and application of those waivers. The law is just beginning to develop in this area, but so far seems largely dependent on the sophistication of the client to appreciate the disclosure of potential conflicts by the law firm in the waiver.

Arbitration clauses are increasingly being used by law firms, but as with so much of the use of arbitration agreements, litigation often follows the invocation of arbitration. One of the great advantages of arbitration for law firms is that it is confidential, but litigation over the enforceability of an arbitration clause is anything but and so it is essential that arbitration clauses be written commensurate with the type of matter and client who is to be represented.

Finally, as important as engagement letters, equally so, are disengagement letters. Whether the engagement ends amicably or not, a definitive end needs to be put to the relationship and all financial matters, including money held in trust, needs to be settled between the lawyer and now (or soon to be) former client. Such letters are critical to avoid the client believing that the lawyer still represents the client and to avoid future claims of malpractice or violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

10:05 - 10:25

Refreshment Break

10:25 - 11:15

GENERAL SESSION

Closing Line: Trends, Cases, and Hot Topics in Professional Liability Insurance Coverage 2025
• Presented by: Chloe Angotta, SOMPO Commercial, Sharon Fry, Robinson & Cole LLP, Michael Handler, Forsberg & Umlauf PS, and Laura Ruettgers, Freeman, Mathis & Gary, LLP

Our panel of insurance coverage experts discuss significant developments over the last couple years in E&O coverage, including updates on timing and aggregation of defense and indemnity, and on other concerns including attempts to avoid overlap and surprises in comparing E&O coverages to Cyber coverages. D&O coverage issues will also be addressed in various jurisdictions, including Delaware whose holdings have national influence for corporate insurance customers.

11:25 - 12:15

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

The 5 W’s of Risk Management in Healthcare
• Presented by: Richard Behr, Evans & Dixon, Bill Bower, Gallagher Bassett, Doug Mason, COPIC, Michelle Meloche, Bartosiak Makepeace, and Suzanne Sheldon-Krieger, BJC Healthcare

This esteemed panel of industry and legal (private & in-house) professionals will speak to the "Who, What, When, Where and Why" of healthcare risk management, all culminating to assist our audience members in understanding how healthcare risk management is unique and paramount in the practice of healthcare, and in understanding within the scope of professional and healthcare liability.

Viva Lost Values: Defending Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Presented by: Michelle Arbitrio, Wood Smith Henning & Berman, Aram Desteian, Bassford Remele, Bob Kopka, Kopka Pinkus Dolin, and J. Michael Reese, Mayer Brown, LLP

Our panel will explore the proliferation of lawsuits and other challenges to institutional DE&I programs in companies, government and in society. We will discuss the path from Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 to Students for Fair Admission in 2024 and provide insight into how DE&I efforts have been accused of racial preferences and have fallen into disfavor. We will frame the benefits of a strong DE&I effort, which provides opportunities to traditionally marginalized groups to participate in every aspect of society, including in higher education and top employment, without discrimination. We will draw attention to the Supreme Court’s admonition against using race as a factor in college admission, and provide context for society’s need and desire to acknowledge the lingering affects of racism and to right historical wrongs. Organizations that effectively use DE&I to recruit, hire, retain and promote enhance their over-all performance and reap the economic benefit. Organizations that promote diversity, equity and inclusion among their workers have happier, harder-working employees with less turn-over, providing value, stability and security. Companies, law firms, non-profits and others have been threatened and have been sued for having DE&I programs that allegedly discriminate in violation of federal and state anti-discrimination suits. These programs are being dropped by government and companies are facing lawsuits. Our panel will show how effectively run DE&I programs are both lawful and beneficial.

12:15 - 1:15

Luncheon

1:30 - 2:20

CONCURRENT SESSIONS:

When the House, The Dealer and the Player Are All Looking to Control the Hand that’s Been Dealt: Managing the Tripartite Relationship
• Presented by: Kathleen Buck, DWF Claims, John Horrell, ALPS Insurance, Lisa Midkiff, B&B Protector Plans Inc., and Kathryn S. Whitlock, McAngus Goudelock & Courie

The tripartite relationship has always been a complicated one. However, recent trends--nuclear verdicts, settlement demands with non-monetary components, cyber and other new risks, to name a few—are making the relationship ever more stressful and difficult for all three members of the relationship. This panel will discuss some of the new challenges and suggest ways that carriers and counsel can work together to avoid catastrophic results.

Playing the Hand You're Dealt: Navigating IRS Appeals and Government Investigations
• Presented by: Brian Callahan, Esq., Great American Insurance Group, William R. Covino, Esq., Freeman, Mathis & Gary LLP, and Harrison Holmes, Esq., Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

In the high-stakes environment of government audits and disciplinary investigations, knowing how to manage risk and mount an effective defense can make the difference between success and costly consequences. This seminar will focus on how to assist accountants in handling adverse tax consequences imposed on their clients through the IRS Appeal process as well as, responding to a myriad of other types of investigations by the PCAOB, the Department of Justice, and state licensing boards when accountants face government scrutiny. Attendees will walk away with practical knowledge for assisting their clients handle these disputes to stack the odds in their favor.

2:30 - 3:20

CONCURRENT SESSIONS:

The Intersection of Technology, Cybersecurity, and Insurance Risk Management
• Presented by: Lainee Beigel, Kroll, David Groveman, AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., and Richard Sheridan, Berkley Cyber Risk Solutions

In today’s digital landscape, legal and insurance professionals must go beyond traditional risk assessments and develop a foundational understanding of the technology that underpins their work. This session will provide a comprehensive yet accessible overview of critical technological concepts, including computer systems, networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity best practices. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how businesses manage and protect sensitive data, the cyber threats they face, and the evolving role of cyber insurance in mitigating risk.

Through practical guidance, real-world examples, and expert insights, this presentation will bridge the gap between technology and professional liability. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to enhance digital security, strengthen risk management practices, and ensure compliance with evolving professional and ethical responsibilities. Whether you are evaluating cyber insurance policies, responding to data breaches, or simply looking to improve digital hygiene, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the modern cyber landscape with confidence.

Outside Bets: The Expanding Threat of Third Party Claims Against Lawyers
• Presented by: Jeffrey P. Brien, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, William Oberts, Oberts Galasso Law Group, James G. Schu, Jr., Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer, LLP and Megan H. Zurn, AXA XL

In recent years, lawyers’ professional liability claims have expanded more and more beyond the traditional bounds of clients suing lawyers. We see lawsuits from opposing parties and lawyers, beneficiaries, and others alleging everything from abuse of process, to fraud, to conspiracy/aiding & abetting. Anything a creative plaintiff can think of to circumvent that pesky “attorney client relationship” element. It creates new challenges for both lawyers and carriers, and new issues to grapple with: Rather than hide behind the attorney-client privilege, can the lawyer-defendant waive the privilege to defend themselves? Should they obtain a waiver from the client? Should the lawyer join their client (or assert a crossclaim)? What are the pros and cons? This discussion will consider these issues, strategies to best avoid these types of claims, and coverage issues.

3:20 - 3:30

Refreshment Break

3:30 - 4:20

GENERAL SESSION

High Stakes: Managing Emerging Risks in a Deregulated Environment
• Presented by: Charles Jones, Bassford Remele, Jeffrey Cunningham, Cohen Vaughan LLP, Frank McElroy, Weaver, and Laura Walker, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC

Recent deregulation efforts and defunding of oversight agencies are reshaping the professional liability landscape for accountants and financial professionals. Reduced SEC, PCAOB, and IRS enforcement presents operational flexibility but increases legal and ethical exposure. This presentation will analyze these regulatory shifts, their impact on liability, and strategies for compliance.

Additionally, Arizona’s adoption of Alternative Business Structures (ABS) is disrupting the legal and accounting industries. Firms like KPMG and Aprio are pioneering non-lawyer-owned legal entities, challenging traditional business models and raising ethical and competitive concerns. This session will examine ABS trends, liability implications, and strategic responses.

5:30 - 8:30

Social & Dinner | Flight Club, Las Vegas

Thanks to our Flight Club Sponsors:

Bassford Remele |  BST & Co. CPAs | Cohen Vaughan LLP | Collins Einhorn Farrell PC | Consilio

Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP | Goldberg Segalla LLP

Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels LLC | Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer, LLP

Marsh McLennan | McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC

Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company | Ringler Associates  | Wood Smith Henning Berman

6:45 - 7:45

Breakfast

8:00 - 9:00

GENERAL SESSION

Playing the Right Cards: Leveraging AI for Legal work and assessing the risks and ethics of use
• Presented by: Blake Fisher, Consilio, Alexander Ko, Esq., AIC, Westfield Specialty, Valerie Lipic, Berkley Select, Terry Mead, Clear Brief, and Daniel S. Strick, Goldberg Segalla LLP

This session explores the transformative impact of generative AI on legal technology. It covers the basics of generative AI and large language models (LLMs), their applications in legal tech such as document drafting, legal research, and eDiscovery, and the associated risks including data privacy, intellectual property, and accuracy issues. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive guide for legal professionals on integrating AI into their practice, highlighting the benefits, current applications, and technical limitations. Finally, it delves into the ethical challenges posed by generative AI in legal practice, including the importance of understanding AI technology, adhering to professional conduct rules, and mitigating ethical risks through competency, confidentiality, supervision, and informed consent. Real-world scenarios illustrate how AI can impact legal duties, stressing the need for vigilance and responsible use of AI tools in legal settings.

9:10 - 10:00

CONCURRENT SESSIONS:

Jokers in the Deck: Risks and Ethical Considerations In Representing Closely-Held Organizations
• Presented by: Charles Jones, Bassford Remele and Kim Noble, Applied Financial Lines

This session will explore the risks and ethical challenges that arise when attorneys represent a closely-held organization. Who is the client? Under what circumstances can constituents of the organization claim that the organization’s counsel represents them? We will review the applicable rules, discuss some examples of how those rules are applied in practice, and offer some tips for preventing and addressing conflicts.

The Impact of Climate Change on Professional Claims
• Presented by: Anthony Burrows, Sompo, Joel Paulsen, ESi, and Julie Jorgensen, Spencer Fane

The presentation will discuss increased liability exposure due to climate change. It will include discussions about how climate change impacts what areas are at risk for natural disasters, such as flooding and other extreme weather events, and how those changes may result in claims against design professionals, agents and brokers.

10:00 - 10:15

Refreshment Break

10:25 - 11:15

GENERAL SESSION

Jackpot Justice: Jury Selection - AI, Blink, Bull and Other Approaches
• Presented by: Randall Bauman, Eckenrode-Bauman, Jason Crew, COPIC, and Michael Gross, Esq., CogentEdge

The presentation will use video clips, slides and other interactive materials to discuss the evolution of voir dire considerations and approaches in 2025 and beyond including a discussion of AI, Blink, and more traditional methods of juror de-selection.