19^th Annual

Insurance Law Institute

Dallas Nov 13-14, 2014 Cityplace Conference Center
Conference Concluded

Overview

Don’t miss the 2014 Insurance Law Institute—a unique forum for practitioners of all experience levels to interact with bench, bar, risk managers, adjusters, and policyholders.

2014 program highlights include:

The 85th Anniversary of Stowers explores the successes and failures, as well as recent developments
Bryan A. Garner, the leading authority on good legal writing, gives advice and practical tools for effective legal writing
Hear from a panel of distinguished judges on how to successfully present your case to both the judiciary and the venire
Gain insight on how Gilbert, Ewing and Lennar are relevant to many other types of coverage and bad faith disputes outside of the construction context
In-depth issue coverage of issues arising out of the oil patch, professional lines issues, brokerage issues, and more
Hear different client perspectives about what they want from their attorneys and how they approach coverage issues
Networking opportunities with program faculty and attendees at Thursday Evening's Reception
Earn up to 2.00 hours of Ethics credit

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Day 1 November 13, 2014
Day 2 November 14, 2014

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Nov. 13, 2014
Presiding Officer:
Vincent E. Morgan, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP - Houston, TX
7:30 am

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:35 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:45 am

1.00 hr

How to Deal with Appraisals and Keep It from Going Amok?

Use of the appraisal process in property insurance disputes has increased dramatically over the past few years. Is this the direct result of State Farm v. Johnson? Is it because of Hurricane Ike and recent severe hail storms? Or are there other reasons? Examine the current status of the Texas insurance appraisal process from both the policyholder and insurer perspectives.

Steven J. Badger, Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP - Dallas, TX
Timothy M. Hoch, Hoch Law Firm, PC - Fort Worth, TX

Steven J. Badger, Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP - Dallas, TX
Timothy M. Hoch, Hoch Law Firm, PC - Fort Worth, TX
9:45 am

0.50 hr

The 85th Anniversary of Stowers

The Stowers doctrine has now been a fixture in Texas insurance law for more than 85 years. Explore successes and failures in key cases, as well as recent developments that may impact how you approach these issues.

David H. Timmins, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP - Dallas, TX

David H. Timmins, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP - Dallas, TX
10:15 am

Break
10:30 am

0.50 hr

How to Write Reservation of Rights Letters Rightly and How to Respond to Them

Often done, but often done wrong, learn the ABC's of Reservation of Rights letters and what to put in them, as well as how to respond to them.

Robert O. Lamb, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, L.L.P. - Dallas, TX

Robert O. Lamb, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, L.L.P. - Dallas, TX
11:00 am

1.00 hr ethics

What Clients Want

Hear from an insurance broker, a major company senior counsel and a carrier in-house attorney about what they are looking for from their attorneys and how they approach coverage issues.

Moderator:
Stephen A. Melendi, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Donald E. Bowles, McQueary Henry Bowles Troy LLP - Dallas, TX
D. Christopher Heckman, Exxon Mobil Corporation - Irving, TX
Kiera O'Connell Goral, XL Group - Dallas, TX

Moderator:
Stephen A. Melendi, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Donald E. Bowles, McQueary Henry Bowles Troy LLP - Dallas, TX
D. Christopher Heckman, Exxon Mobil Corporation - Irving, TX
Kiera O'Connell Goral, XL Group - Dallas, TX
12:00 pm

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Nov. 13, 2014
Presiding Officer:
Stephen A. Melendi, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
Thank You to Our Sponsor

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
12:20 pm

0.50 hr ethics

Things Insurance Lawyers Need to Know

An examination of the special problems and challenges of practicing insurance law, including how to be a better coverage lawyer, how to avoid becoming a fact witness, how to avoid becoming an adjuster and other traps.

William J. Chriss, Law Office of William J. Chriss, P.C., Of Counsel to Gravely & Pearson, L.L.P. - Corpus Christi, TX

William J. Chriss, Law Office of William J. Chriss, P.C., Of Counsel to Gravely & Pearson, L.L.P. - Corpus Christi, TX
12:50 pm

Break
1:05 pm

0.50 hr

Understanding the Texas Department of Insurance's Role

Gain a better understanding of the TDI's role as an agency.

Sara Waitt, Texas Department of Insurance - Austin, TX

Sara Waitt, Texas Department of Insurance - Austin, TX
1:35 pm

0.50 hr

Environmental Claims: Old Battles, New Issues

Discussion of the coverage battles that have historically existed in environmental claims and how the battlefields have shifted in the last few years. Particular emphasis is given to the impact of Don Building and Lennar on the current battles being fought in environmental cases.

R. Brent Cooper, Cooper & Scully, P.C. - Dallas, TX

R. Brent Cooper, Cooper & Scully, P.C. - Dallas, TX
2:05 pm

0.50 hr

Why You Should Care About Gilbert, Ewing and Lennar Outside of the Construction Context

Gilbert, Ewing and Lennar are landmark cases with respect to Texas construction defect insurance law; however, these cases are relevant to many different types of coverage and bad faith disputes. Gilbert seems to sanction an insurer requiring an insured to move for summary judgment on counts that will eliminate a defense obligation and Lennar takes the prejudice requirement to a new level.

Robert D. Allen, Law Offices of Robert D. Allen, PLLC - Dallas, TX

Robert D. Allen, Law Offices of Robert D. Allen, PLLC - Dallas, TX
2:35 pm

Break
2:45 pm

0.75 hr

How to Pick Your Battlefield

An important preliminary consideration in any insurance coverage action or bad faith lawsuit is whether the action should be filed in state or federal court. Identify the strategies employed by both insurers and policyholders to secure, and protect, the most advantageous forum.

J. James Cooper, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP - Houston, TX
Rhonda J. Thompson, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP - Dallas, TX

J. James Cooper, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP - Houston, TX
Rhonda J. Thompson, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP - Dallas, TX
3:30 pm

0.50 hr

How to Make Mediation of Coverage Disputes Work Well Again

Mediation has too often become more of an exercise rather than a help to settling cases. Hear some ideas from those on the front lines about how to make it useful once again.

Moderator:
Vincent E. Morgan, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP - Houston, TX
Panelists:
Jeff Kichaven, Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation - Los Angeles, CA
Paul J. Van Osselaer, Van Osselaer Dispute Resolution PLLC - Austin, TX

Moderator:
Vincent E. Morgan, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP - Houston, TX
Panelists:
Jeff Kichaven, Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation - Los Angeles, CA
Paul J. Van Osselaer, Van Osselaer Dispute Resolution PLLC - Austin, TX
4:00 pm

1.00 hr

What Judges Want

A distinguished panel of judges share their thoughts and opinions on what it takes for attorneys to successfully present insurance cases to both the judiciary and the venire, with helpful tips on what works and what does not.

Moderator:
Lisa A. Songy, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Hon. David C. Godbey, United States District Court - Dallas, TX
Hon. Douglas S. Lang, Fifth Court of Appeals - Dallas, TX
Hon. Jim R. Jordan, 160th Civil District Court - Dallas, TX
Hon. T. King Fifer, Dallas County Court At Law No. 2 - Dallas, TX

Moderator:
Lisa A. Songy, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Hon. David C. Godbey, United States District Court - Dallas, TX
Hon. Douglas S. Lang, Fifth Court of Appeals - Dallas, TX
Hon. Jim R. Jordan, 160th Civil District Court - Dallas, TX
Hon. T. King Fifer, Dallas County Court At Law No. 2 - Dallas, TX
5:00 pm

Reception

Thank You to Our Sponsor

Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Nov. 14, 2014
Presiding Officer:
Stephen A. Melendi, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
7:30 am

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:45 am

0.50 hr ethics

The Bermuda Triangle in Texas: How to Navigate the Tripartite Relationship

An overview of the who, what, where, when and how with regard to the tripartite relationship between an insurer, its insured, and the defense counsel, placing particular focus on the ethical dilemmas faced by the parties, and when the insured is entitled to the selection of independent counsel.

Jes Alexander, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. - Dallas, TX

Jes Alexander, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. - Dallas, TX
9:15 am

0.50 hr

Pattern and Practice in Claims Handling

Is a carrier's course of treatment of other claims for the same insured relevant? What if it is a different insured? Is there a new national trend developing?

Michael W. Huddleston, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. - Dallas, TX

Michael W. Huddleston, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. - Dallas, TX
9:45 am

0.50 hr

Current Insurance Issues Arising Out of the Oil Patch

A survey of recent, significant decisions construing Texas law across a broad array of oil patch claims including control of well, personal injury, business interruption, pollution, subrogation and additional insured status.

Claude L. Stuart III, Hall Maines Lugrin, P.C. - Houston, TX

Claude L. Stuart III, Hall Maines Lugrin, P.C. - Houston, TX
10:15 am

Break
10:30 am

0.50 hr

How to Deal with Additional Insured Issues

Additional insured issues can present unique problems, ranging from choice-of-law, the interplay of the policy and the underlying agreement between two counter-parties, and "other insurance" clauses. Learn how to properly analyze these issues so you are prepared to deal with them when they arise.

Ernest Martin Jr., Haynes and Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX

Ernest Martin Jr., Haynes and Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX
11:00 am

0.50 hr

The Cobbler's Children Have No Shoes: Professional Lines Issues

All too frequently, insurance coverage lawyers know little about their own E&O insurance policies. An exploration of E&O issues that every lawyer should know when submitting the application, evaluating available coverages and asserting a claim under the policy, including a review of disclosure and reporting issues, construction and application of "innocent insured" provisions, coverage for fee disputes, tail coverage, and various exclusions to coverage.

Veronica Carmona Czuchna, Duggins Wren Mann & Romero, LLP - Austin, TX

Veronica Carmona Czuchna, Duggins Wren Mann & Romero, LLP - Austin, TX
11:30 am

0.75 hr

Business Interruption and Time Element Coverage

A primer on key business interruption and the time element coverage, along with a discussion of how to prepare a claim for these losses.

Moderator:
Beth D. Bradley, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Peter Hagen, Hagen, Streiff, Newton & Oshiro Accountants, PC - Dallas, TX
Nigel P. Henley, EY - Dallas, TX

Moderator:
Beth D. Bradley, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Peter Hagen, Hagen, Streiff, Newton & Oshiro Accountants, PC - Dallas, TX
Nigel P. Henley, EY - Dallas, TX
12:15 pm

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration.
Friday Afternoon, Nov. 14, 2014
Presiding Officer:
Vincent E. Morgan, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP - Houston, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
Thank You to Our Sponsor

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
12:35 pm

1.00 hr
Legal Writing in Plain English
Designed for lawyers, judges, legal scholars, law students, and paralegals alike, this presentation focuses on sound writing advice and practical tools. The goal, in essence, is to teach straight-thinking by studying:
- Principles applicable to all legal writing
- Principles mainly for analytical and persuasive writing
- Principles mainly for legal drafting
- Principles of document design
- Ways to continue improving your writing skills
Bryan A. Garner, LawProse, Inc. - Dallas, TX
Bryan A. Garner, LawProse, Inc. - Dallas, TX
1:35 pm

Break
1:50 pm

0.50 hr

Personal Lines Issues: Homeowners and Auto

Review of leading edge cases in homeowners and auto insurance litigation.

George L. Lankford, Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom - Dallas, TX

George L. Lankford, Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom - Dallas, TX
2:20 pm

0.50 hr

What is Bad Faith Today?

An update on extracontractual claims under Chapters 541 and 542 and the common law duty to good faith and fair dealing, including the current state of the “independent injury rule”, adjuster liability, and recovery of attorney fees in absence of damages.

David J. Schubert, Schubert & Evans PC - Dallas, TX

David J. Schubert, Schubert & Evans PC - Dallas, TX
2:50 pm

0.50 hr

Whose Agent Is It? Broker Liability Issues

Insurance agent liability issues, including whether the retail agent is the agent for the insured or the insurer, with discussion of common claims and defenses.

Thomas A. Culpepper, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP - Dallas, TX

Thomas A. Culpepper, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP - Dallas, TX
3:20 pm

0.75 hr

Post-Lennar: What's Next?

The post-Lennar world reveals several issues raised by settlements and/or judgments in connection with policy conditions, trigger, and allocation.

Aaron Mitchell, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Lee H. Shidlofsky, Shidlofsky Law Firm PLLC - Austin, TX

Aaron Mitchell, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP - Dallas, TX
Lee H. Shidlofsky, Shidlofsky Law Firm PLLC - Austin, TX
4:05 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 November 13, 2014
Day 2 November 14, 2014

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Jes Alexander

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
Dallas, TX

Robert D. Allen

Law Offices of Robert D. Allen, PLLC
Dallas, TX

Steven J. Badger

Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP
Dallas, TX

Donald E. Bowles

McQueary Henry Bowles Troy LLP
Dallas, TX

Beth D. Bradley

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP
Dallas, TX

William J. Chriss

Law Office of William J. Chriss, P.C., Of Counsel to Gravely & Pearson, L.L.P.
Corpus Christi, TX

J. James Cooper

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP
Houston, TX

R. Brent Cooper

Cooper & Scully, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Thomas A. Culpepper

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
Dallas, TX

Veronica Carmona Czuchna

Duggins Wren Mann & Romero, LLP
Austin, TX

Hon. T. King Fifer

Dallas County Court At Law No. 2
Dallas, TX

Bryan A. Garner

LawProse, Inc.
Dallas, TX

Hon. David C. Godbey

United States District Court
Dallas, TX

Peter Hagen

Hagen, Streiff, Newton & Oshiro Accountants, PC
Dallas, TX

D. Christopher Heckman

Exxon Mobil Corporation
Irving, TX

Nigel P. Henley

EY
Dallas, TX

Timothy M. Hoch

Hoch Law Firm, PC
Fort Worth, TX

Michael W. Huddleston

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Hon. Jim R. Jordan

160th Civil District Court
Dallas, TX

Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven Commercial Mediation
Los Angeles, CA

Robert O. Lamb

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, L.L.P.
Dallas, TX

Hon. Douglas S. Lang

Fifth Court of Appeals
Dallas, TX

George L. Lankford

Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom
Dallas, TX

Ernest Martin Jr.

Haynes and Boone, LLP
Dallas, TX

Stephen A. Melendi

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP
Dallas, TX

Aaron Mitchell

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP
Dallas, TX

Vincent E. Morgan

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Houston, TX

Kiera O'Connell Goral

XL Group
Dallas, TX

David J. Schubert

Schubert & Evans PC
Dallas, TX

Lee H. Shidlofsky

Shidlofsky Law Firm PLLC
Austin, TX

Lisa A. Songy

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP
Dallas, TX

Claude L. Stuart III

Hall Maines Lugrin, P.C.
Houston, TX

Rhonda J. Thompson

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
Dallas, TX

David H. Timmins

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP
Dallas, TX

Paul J. Van Osselaer

Van Osselaer Dispute Resolution PLLC
Austin, TX

Sara Waitt

Texas Department of Insurance
Austin, TX

Planning Committee

Stephen A. Melendi—Co-Chair

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP
Dallas, TX

Vincent E. Morgan—Co-Chair

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Houston, TX

Erika L. Bright

Wick Phillips
Dallas, TX

J. James Cooper

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP
Houston, TX

Hollis L. Levy

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Candace A. Ourso

Hall Maines Lugrin, P.C.
Houston, TX

Douglas P. Skelley

Shidlofsky Law Firm PLLC
Austin, TX

Lisa A. Songy

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP
Dallas, TX

Rhonda J. Thompson

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
Dallas, TX

Brett Alan Wallingford

Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP
Dallas, TX

Stephen E. Walraven

Langley & Banack, Inc.
San Antonio, TX

Credit Info

Dallas

MCLE Credit

Texas – 13.75 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Civil Appellate Law, Consumer and Commercial Law, Civil Trial Law, Personal Injury Trial Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 13.75 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Oklahoma – 16.50 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Other Credit

TX Accounting CPE – 16.50 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

TX Insurance – 0.00 hr

UT Law CLE conferences are considered "qualifying" courses, not certified by TDI. Such qualifying courses may be used for credit.

Qualifying courses are insurance courses that are: (A) offered for credit by accredited colleges, universities, or law schools; or (B) part of a national designation certification program; or (C) approved for classroom, classroom equivalent, or participatory credit by the continuing education approval authority of a state bar association or state board of public accountancy; or (D) certified or approved for continuing education credit under the guidelines of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.

Continuing Education Credit Information for Agents and Adjusters

Agent/Adjuster Continuing Education Forms

Key Dates

Dallas – Nov 13-14, 2014 – Cityplace Conference Center

Conference Concluded

Buy

Dallas

Individual
Last day for $475.00 Regular pricing: Nov 5, 2014
$525.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $430.00 Regular pricing: Nov 5, 2014
$480.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $380.00 Regular pricing: Nov 5, 2014
$430.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Nov 7, 2014
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Nov 10, 2014

Venue

Cityplace Conference Center

2711 North Haskell Avenue
Dallas, TX
214.515.5100

Parking Information

Complimentary parking.

Nearby Hotel Accommodations

Warwick Melrose Hotel Dallas

3015 Oak Lawn Avenue
Dallas, TX 75219
214.521.5151 (reservations)

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Cooper & Scully, P.C.

Cooper & Scully, P.C.
www.cooperscully.com

Cooper & Scully, P.C. is a premier litigation firm that handles trials, appeals and arbitrations. We have offices in Texas and California, and our practice is national in scope. Our clients come first and we are dedicated to client satisfaction. Since our founding in 1993, Cooper & Scully has grown into a formidable trial and appellate team of over thirty lawyers with skills that are second to none.

Our firm has the flexibility to address the needs of small and large business concerns alike. We represent business entities, business owners and health care providers in a broad range of litigation and other legal matters. In addition to litigating complex cases from inception, our firm is frequently retained to try cases prepared by other lawyers and to handle the post-verdict or appellate phases of cases tried by other counsel.
Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom

Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom
www.mdjwlaw.com

Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom is a Texas litigation boutique with offices in Houston, Dallas and Austin. The firm was founded on January 1, 2000 and our lawyers have received repeated accolades, recognition and awards for our trial and appellate prowess and our substantive expertise. What sets our firm apart from every other law firm? Our lawyers. Most importantly, we try cases. We are trial lawyers, not "litigators." Many law firms handle cases by over-working them, over-billing them, and then settling them. We do not. We love to try cases, and it shows. The courtrooms of Texas are as comfortable to us as our own offices.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
www.pillsburylaw.com

Pillsbury is a full-service law firm with an industry focus on energy and natural resources, financial services including financial institutions, real estate and construction, and technology. Based in the world’s major financial, technology and energy centers, Pillsbury counsels clients on global business, regulatory and litigation matters. We work in multidisciplinary teams that allow us to understand our clients’ objectives, anticipate trends and bring a 360-degree perspective to complex business and legal issues—helping clients to take greater advantage of new opportunities, meet and exceed their objectives and better mitigate risk. This collaborative work style helps produce the results our clients seek. For more information about our Insurance Recovery & Advisory practice and other services, please visit us at www.pillsburylaw.com/insurance.
Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
www.thompsoncoe.com

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP is the litigation firm of choice for one of the most sophisticated buyers of legal services in American business—the insurance industry. Since 1951, Thompson Coe has dedicated itself to being recognized as a national authority on insurance law, insurance-related litigation, and complex coverage issues. With offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin, Los Angeles, and Saint Paul, Thompson Coe has established itself as one of the largest Insurance Litigation and Coverage groups in the southwestern United States, and has expanded its legal services to include, among others: Insurance Litigation and Coverage, Casualty, Insurance Law, Governmental and Legislative Advocacy, Construction Law, Appellate, Labor and Employment, and Professional Liability.
Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP

Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP
www.zelle.com

There are few law firms with Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP’s breadth and depth of experience in commercial insurance law. With offices in Dallas, Boston, London, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, our attorneys have been on the cutting-edge of commercial insurance litigation for decades, including first- and third-party property and liability coverage, reinsurance, and subrogation. Zelle Hofmann attorneys have represented major clients at the forefront of monumental cases, including the World Trade Center litigation, hurricane-related matters and asbestos litigation. In Texas, Zelle Hofmann attorneys are involved with all major property damage claim issues, including leading the commercial property insurance industry’s response to the current influx of hail and wind related claims.
Hall Maines Lugrin, P.C.

Hall Maines Lugrin, P.C.
www.hallmaineslugrin.com

Since opening its Houston office in 2000, Hall Maines Lugrin has been dedicated to delivering only the highest quality legal services through consistent practice standards. Our primary objective is to assist clients in their efforts to resolve disputes in a way that also meets their specific business needs. And although litigation is but one of the many ways to resolve disputes, HML lawyers have extensive trial and appellate experience supported by outstanding academic and professional backgrounds. HML understands the unique demands of effectively trying complex cases in a variety of state and federal courts, and we maintain the depth to offer top-notch appellate experience throughout Texas and Louisiana at all state and federal levels.
Hanna & Plaut, LLP

Hanna & Plaut, LLP
www.hannaplaut.com

Hanna & Plaut, LLP is an AV-rated law firm formed in 1998 by The University of Texas School of Law graduate David L. Plaut and Stanford Law School graduate Catherine L. Hanna. Both Catherine and David received their initial training at elite law firms and wanted to combine that same level of high-quality legal work and professionalism with the responsiveness of a small-firm. It is our goal to provide the friendly client service and close personal relationships that one associates with small law firms to the legal work that is traditionally done by larger firms. We maintain a relaxed office atmosphere, but our attitude toward our work is serious and whole-hearted.
Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
www.munsch.com

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C., is a Texas-based, mid-sized commercial law firm with more than 125 attorneys in Dallas, Houston and Austin. From corporate transactions to dispute resolution, Munsch Hardt provides wide-ranging legal expertise to its clients, navigating each step with in-depth knowledge and responsive action. Munsch Hardt attorneys are known for having large law firm backgrounds and providing clients with a personal and focused approach. Practice groups include all aspects of Admiralty & Maritime; Business Litigation; Corporate & Securities; Energy; Environmental; Finance; Health Care; Immigration; Insurance; Intellectual Property; Labor & Employment; Real Estate; Restructuring & Creditors’ Rights and Tax. For more information about the Firm and its services, visit munsch.com.
Nelson Forensics

Nelson Forensics
www.nelsonforensics.com

Nelson Forensics, serving nationwide from strategically located offices in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Colorado, and California, specializes in forensics and consulting. We are investigators who assess damage from perils such as hurricanes, explosions, fires, structural failures, and design and construction defects. Our services include cause and origin determination, recommendations for remediation, and cost estimating—typically within an insurance, legal or architectural design setting. Nelson Architectural Engineers excels in multi-disciplined Forensic Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical), Architecture, Chemistry and Environmental Science Consulting, Cost Estimating, Materials Science Laboratory Testing, Evidence Storage, and Expert Witness/Litigation/Subrogation assistance.
Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP
www.tbmmlaw.com

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP is a law firm with offices in Dallas, Texas. The firm was founded in 2006 and has received national and statewide recognition for its expertise in insurance coverage matters. Our partners have all practiced insurance law for 10-35 years. Our expertise in insurance coverage is diverse, spanning numerous lines, including primary and excess general liability, auto liability, trucking and transportation liability, commercial property, professional liability (lawyers, accountants, architects, real estate, engineering), and directors and officers liability. The firm is recommended by Best’s Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys and Adjusters. It has been awarded a Tier 1 ranking in U.S. News – Best Lawyers, “Best Law Firms.” All of our partners have been named in Super Lawyers, a Thompson Reuters publication, in the field of insurance coverage for multiple years. All of the firm partners are rated “AV Pre-eminent” by Martindale-Hubbell.

Insurance Law Institute

Overview

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Nov. 13, 2014

Thursday Afternoon, Nov. 13, 2014

Friday Morning, Nov. 14, 2014

Friday Afternoon, Nov. 14, 2014

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

Cityplace Conference Center

Parking Information

Nearby Hotel Accommodations

Warwick Melrose Hotel Dallas

Our Sponsors

Cooper & Scully, P.C.

Martin Disiere Jefferson & Wisdom

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP

Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP

Hall Maines Lugrin, P.C.

Hanna & Plaut, LLP

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

Nelson Forensics

Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP

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