2012 Spring Symposium

Day in the Life Videos: A Case Study
Speakers: Roger R. Clayton, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen; Stephen D. Phillips, Phillips Law Offices; 
 

What are the components of an effective Day In The Life Video?  What defense techniques can be utilized to reduce the effectiveness of this powerful evidentiary tool?  The presenters of this topic will provide insight into these questions within the context of a case in which they were adversaries.

Empirical Ways of Assessing and Predicting Damages
Speaker: Bill Kanasky, Ph.D., Courtroom Sciences, Inc.

This presentation will furnish attendees with specific information on forecasting damages. These strategic approaches are derived directly from applied research in mock and real trial settings by utilizing a scientific perspective on predicting jury behavior within all trial venues throughout the U.S.  Topics will be addressed from a psychological measurement and behavioral/cognitive science vantage point, rather than from a legalistic perspective. Additionally, topics will focus on the use of these strategic approaches during the discovery phase of litigation, as well as the trial preparation phase.

Attacking the Plaintiff's Financial Expert
Speaker: Reinhard Krestel, MDD Forensic Accountants; Daniel G. Litchfield, Litchfield Cavo, LLP

Feeling overwhelmed by the numbers laden charts, graphs and reports disclosed by the Plaintiff’s financial expert?  Learn from a financial expert and a seasoned defense attorney how to de-mystify these numbers and effectively attack the opinions of the Plaintiff’s financial expert.

Use of Neuropsychological Evaluations in Defending the Traumatic Brain Injury Case
Speaker: Carlton D. Fisher, Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP; Ronad J. Ganellen, Ph.D., ABPP

A board certified neuropsychologist and veteran defense attorney will discuss the goals sought in neuropsychological evaluations, the types of tests administered, how to interpret the results and the uses to which the defense can put the testing in evaluating and defending cases involving a traumatic brain injury.
 

Perspectives on Evaluation of Damages
Speakers: M. Gerard Gregoire, Allstate Insurance Company, Law Office of M. Gerard Gregoire; Michael E. McConnell, J.D., Resurrection Healthcare;  Hon. Michael Panter, Circuit Court of Cook County

A panel discussion focusing on the evaluation of damages from the perspectives of a sitting judge, defense lawyer, Plaintiff’s lawyer and risk management professional.  Learn how each evaluate a Plaintiff’s damages claim.  Gain insight into what each of these distinct but interconnected disciplines find significant in the evaluation process.
 

Trial Strategy on the Use of AMA Impairment Ratings
Speakers: Edward B. Ruff, III, Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered; Michael R. Zindrick, MD, Rush University Medical Center

This presentation will feature a discussion of the latest version of the American Medical Association Impairment Ratings by a veteran defense trial lawyer and a prominent orthopedic surgeon in the context of three hypothetical case studies.

The Strengthening of the Petrillo Rule - Post Alyward
Speakers: Omar B. Lateef, MD, Rush University Medical Center; Dede K. Zupanci, HeplerBroom, LLC

Has Aylward Expanded the List of Petrillo-Prohibited Communications? A defense attorney and a board certified physician will discuss the potential ramifications to defense counsel and physicians in light of the recent First District decision in Alyward, v. Settecase.