Michigan Defense Trial Counsel to conduct 2023 Winter Meeting in Novi

The Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (MDTC) will conduct its 2023 Winter Meeting, titled “The Future of Defense,” on Friday, November 3, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Detroit Novi, 21111 Haggerty Road in Novi.

The program schedule will include:

• 8:15 to 9 a.m.—Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (a follow up from last meeting), with Zabbia Albolou, Collins Einhorn and Farrell; Frederick Livingston, Novara Tesija & Catenacci; Regina Berlin, Garan Lucow Miller; and moderator Sarah Cherry, Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip.

• 9 to 9:45 a.m.—Effective Cross-Examination Tips & Strategies of Expert Witness, with Ven Johnson, Ven Johnson Law; Jenna Wright Greenman, Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti, & Sherbrook; and moderator Scott Pawlak, Collins Einhorn Farrell.

• 10 to 10:45 a.m.—A Perspective “In-House,” with Frank Penzato, The Hanover Law Group; Kathleen Lopilatio, Auto-Owners Insurance; and moderator D. Lee Khachaturian, Law Offices of Diana Lee Khachaturian.

• 10:45 to 11 a.m.—What Really Matters to Win Your Case, with Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Julie Gatti; Randy Juip, Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip; Mike Dolenga, Dolenga & Dolenga PLLC; and moderator Shawn Lewis, Hewson & Van Hellemont.

• 1 to 1:30 p.m.—Creating a Path to Success as a Young Attorney, with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden.

• 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.—Damages…What is Real?, with Bob Riley, Riley & Hurley; Dr. Paul Silcilian, Grand Valley State University; Erin O’Callaghan, Erin O’Callaghan Rehabilitation & Disability Services; Mike Huntsman, Cross Xamine Investigations; and moderator Sarah Cherry, Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip.

• 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.—Chief Judges & Their Thoughts on the Rapidly Changing Legal Landscape, with Macomb County Circuit Court Chief Judge James M. Biernat, 16th Circuit Court, Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Patricia P. Fresard; Oakland County Circuit Court Chief Judge Jeffery S. Matis; Wayne County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Leslie Kim Smith; and moderator John Hohmeier, Scarfone & Geen.

During the luncheon, the MDTC/MAJ (Michigan Association for Justice) Respected Advocate Awards will be presented. The MDTC annually gives the award to a member of the plaintiff’s bar for the purpose of recognizing and honoring the individual’s history of successful representation of clients and adherence to the highest standards of ethics. The MAJ does the same annually for a defense practitioner to promote mutual respect and civility.  This year’s honors go to Kevin Lesperance and Chad D. Engelhardt.  Also during the luncheon, Best Article Awards will be presented.

Cost for the Winter Meeting is $235 for MDTC members, $300 for non-members,  $75 for lunch-only, and a new member special of $285 which includes the cost of meeting and one year of membership. The registration fee includes program, lunch, and breaks.  To register, visit www.mdtc.org/event/2023-annual-winter-meeting.