A Conversation With...: Recent Episodes
DRI
This is a program where we speak to DRI members about their practice, their careers and themselves. We don’t offer our guests any questions in advance because we have no pre-planned questions. Think of it as two lawyers striking up a conversation at a cocktail party. This isn’t an interview. This is two people talking about what matters to them and if it matters to them we hope it will matter to you.
Frank Ramos and Teresa M. Young of Brown & James P.C. discuss the realities of working during a pandemic and the possible long-term impacts.
Clausen Miller Appellate Practice Group Chair Melinda Kollross chats about her national appellate practice, litigating before the United States Supreme Court, and the impact of COVID-19 on appellate advocacy.
Independent appellate advocate Larry Ebner talks about his nationwide practice, why and how he launched his own appellate litigation boutique, and his leadership roles in DRI’s Center for Law and Public Policy, Amicus Committee, and Appellate Advocacy Committee.
Benjamin C. Block of Covington and Frank Ramos discuss sports law, veterans benefits issues, grit, and other topics.
Eric Rumanek of Troutman Sanders speaks with Frank Ramos about current trends in mass tort MDL litigation and how the current COVID-19 pandemic is impacting drug and medical device litigation.
In this fascinating interview, Mark Dombroff, who has been an aviation litigator for over 40 years, talks about, among other subjects, how he got into the world of aviation, his handling of the shoot down of Korean Airlines 007 by the Soviets, his involvement in the accident which took the life of PGA Champion Payne Stewart and his handling of the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
Matt Berard of Bowman and Brooke in Detroit talks with Frank Ramos about his product liability practice in Detroit, Michigan, passing four bar exams in one year, and the impacts of COVID-19 on the practice of law and potential implications in future litigation.
Steve Klepper, founder of the Maryland Appellate Blog, talks about appellate practice in the time of social distancing.
Current Kentucky state membership chair Todd S. Page and Frank Ramos discuss the challenges of DRI membership recruitment in the midst of a pandemic, and how his career and firm have adjusted to the “new normal” of working from home.
Scott Stolley, a solo appellate lawyer in Dallas, Texas and a founder of the DRI Appellate Advocacy Committee, discusses past and future appellate practice, including advice for young lawyers seeking to build an appellate practice.
Adam W. Hofmann of Hanson Bridgett LLP offers recommendations for young lawyers interested in an appellate practice and discusses the importance of preservation and post-trial motions.
Hillary Taylor, with the Portland law firm of Keating Jones Hughes, P.C., discusses the impact of the pandemic on practicing in the area of medical malpractice defense.
David M. Goodman of Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP discusses his experience as both a defense and plaintiff attorney with Frank Ramos, and explains the distinctions and differences in evaluating cases, and "best practices" in handling serious injury cases.
Frank Ramos sits down with past DRI Appellate Advocacy Committee chair Rob Wise of Bowman and Brooke LLP to discuss a wide range of topics, including the potential impact of COVID-19 on appellate and trial practice, appellate preservation, and the AAC’s upcoming 2021 seminar with the Product Liability Committee.
Sophia Lauricella, CCC Vice Chair, talks candidly with Frank about foreign culture and its influence on litigation around the world.
Former DRI Law Institute chair and insurance law leader Michael Aylward shared insights with Frank Ramos concerning the impact of the present pandemic on insurance coverage law and, in particular, the developing battle over whether courts or legislators may compel coverage for Covid-19 business interruption losses.
Frank Ramos discusses writing, working from home, and what post-shutdown work might look like with Amanda Heitz of Bowman and Brooke, LLP.
Pivot in the pandemic :
Rose Miller of ADR Solutions Group discusses how web-based and telephonic mediation helps her clients achieve their early settlement goals in these trying times
Frank Ramos and Dechert partner Erik Snapp discuss the importance of voting rights litigation in an election year, working with clients to manage media and public relations in high-stakes cases, and which COVID-19-related changes to embrace and which to leave behind.
Frank visits with Richard Boyette of Cranfill, Sumner, and Hartzog, a past-DRI president, for a wide ranging discussion including pathways to leadership in DRI, and how law firms are coping with the pandemic, and the likely impact of the pandemic on the practice of law going forward.
Frank Ramos and Paul S. Swinton of FBL Financial Group, Inc. discuss the practice of Corporate Law in the time of COVID-19.
Frank and I discussed the nuts and bolts of an aviation case and how attorneys practicing in such a niche market all work together (especially with such small pickin’s of aviation experts for attorneys to use).
Hal Adkins, ADR Chair, visits with Frank Ramos to talk the new virtual, its impact on mediations and the practice of law in general.
Jim Beck of Reed Smith LLP describes how he became “Bexis,” as well as blogging for fun and profit in the unusual context of product liability litigation.
Appellate Advocacy Committee vice-chair Sarah Elizabeth Spencer talks about her passions—doing intellectual battle as a Salt Lake City-based litigator and pursuing dangerous, daredevil hobbies in her spare time.
Tune in to hear how a former litigator is adjusting to her new General Counsel role in the midst of a pandemic.
Frank speaks with Pete Cantone, a partner at Bennett Schechter Arcuri & Will LLP in Buffalo, New York, about his defense practice, working remotely, and adapting to the changing legal environment during the COVID-19 crisis.
A friendly discussion about why the idea of a free and robust news media is neither liberal nor conservative, but rather vital to an informed electorate and continuing our democracy, along with a few words about the practice and profession of law in this age of new normal.
Frank and Mike Jones from the Martin Pringle firm in Wichita discuss the interesting practice of aviation law and how it can be done nationally from a mid-major, hometown city base.
Commentary from an in-house counsel regarding working remotely amid among the coronavirus pandemic
A conversation with Andrew Sefzik, Senior Corporate Counsel with international manufacturing company, Alamo Group Inc.
Following a dream. A path to an alternative “law practice” advocating for transportation safety at the NTSB.
In today’s episode, I talk with Jeff Holmstrand of Wheeling, West Virginia about his practice, jury trials, tort reform, and, of course, the impact of the novel coronavirus on the practice of law, both now and what it may portend for the future.
Gail Rodgers is a litigation partner in the New York office of DLA Piper and focuses on global white collar investigations and compliance reviews and pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.
Frank and Philipp discussed an international perspective to litigation – in particular the differences between the German and the US system and the Philipp’s work for German clients who face litigation in the US.
Carmen is a partner in the Atlanta office of King & Spalding, where she specializes in defending toxic tort and complex litigation matters.
“Mike McGrory, of SmithAmundsen in Chicago and chair of DRI’s Aviation Law Committee, discusses current issues the rapidly evolving areas of aviation law and cannabis law.”
“Hal Adkins talks about his practice as a litigator, now mediator, and what DRI has done to benefit his career”
Past DRI President Matt Cairns discusses the differences he has seen between practicing in a law firm and practicing as a member of the the General Counsel’s office at a Fortune 200 company, and his take on leadership development.
On this week’s “A Conversation With” Podcast, Frank Ramos and DRI President Toyja Kelley chat about the current state of diversity in the legal profession and how DRI’s commitment to diversity fueled Toyja’s rise through the leadership ranks.
“30 minutes of your life you’ll never get back, but you may very well enjoy the conversation.”
On this week’s “A Conversation With” Podcast, Frank Ramos talks with Scott Kreamer about his experiences as President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, including how the FDCC is giving its members a strategic advantage in the courtroom with the first of its kind, hands-on, technology training program
Amy Sherry Fischer practices at Foliart, Huff, Ottaway, and Bottom in Oklahoma City in the areas of Drug and Medical Device, Products Liability, Insurance, and Commerical Litigation. She has been actively involved in many legal organizations in her career and currently serves at President-Elect of IADC and on the DRI Board of Directors.
Phil Willman, DRI President Elect, is a principal with the St. Louis regional law firm of Brown & James. He devotes his trial practice to defending physicians, medical schools, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, psychologists and other healthcare providers in medical negligence and healthcare lawsuits and medical device manufacturers in medical device litigation’.
This podcast features Zach Adams from Tucker Ellis LLP and host of Driverless, a podcast covering the legal issues associated with the autonomous driving and artificial intelligence fields, to discuss the changing landscape of litigation in light of the impending arrival of autonomous cars.
On this week’s “A Conversation With” Podcast, Frank Ramos and Tom Hurney chat about Tom’s family of lawyers (including his grandmother), trying cases and communicating with jurors, challenges of the profession and life in general.
Sara Turner, Committee Chair of the DRI Retail and Hospitality committee discusses her committee’s great work and upcoming Retail and Hospitality Seminar on May 8–10, 2019 at the Loews Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls Resorts at Universal Orlando.
Thomas F. Segalla is considered by many to be a world leader in Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith litigation having been retained as an expert in over 40 jurisdiction nationally and internationally and having grown his firm from 6 lawyers in 2001 to over 400 today.
On this episode of “A Conversation With,” Andy Bolin talks with Frank about how young lawyers can hone their craft, his routine when preparing for trial and whether he’s ever been surprised by a verdict.
DRI's Second Vice President on the importance of Diversity and Inclusion, what it takes to become a partner, and DRI's on demand offerings.
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DRI’s Pathway to Partnership webinar series consists of six (6) webinars presented by some of DRI’s finest leaders. The series of webinars is designed to help Mid-level Associates/Senior Associates/Young Partners learn how to progress to partnership while managing the responsibilities partnership entails. Learn more here: https://digitell.dri.org/dri/conferences/82/view
This podcast covers the fundamentals that both attorneys and employers need to know during the recruiting process.
DRI Immediate Past President John Kuppens on meeting the needs of young lawyers, adapting to changes in the profession, and the importance of member service.
Stacy Moon and Frank Ramos discuss encouraging less-senior lawyers to take more interest in the business of law; a few cost-cutting measures that firms can implement easily and painlessly; and other law practice management issues facing firms in today’s environment.
DRI’s philanthropic work has measurable value beyond the satisfaction of making a difference—it’s become part of the DNA of the organization. Hear about this important focus for DRI, the value it can provide to you, and how you can get involved.
Frank Ramos had a conversation with trial attorney and FDLA President Traci McKee to discuss ideas for growth and change for the FDLA, the ever-changing practice of law, and the importance of attorney involvement in voluntary bar associations.
Frank Ramos and Don Myles have a conversation about Law , Leadership and practical decisions we make that effect our future.
Frank Ramos and Craig Thompson discuss everything from diversity to drumming in this wide-ranging conversation about professional success and strategies for building winning teams.
DRI Podcaster Frank Ramos explores how experienced trial lawyer and law professor, Craig Marvinney of Cleveland, Ohio, cultivates a discipline of creativity to grow and enhance success in the legal practice, in the courtroom, and in life.
Catherine Ava Kopiec discusses tips for associates to work toward a specialty practice and various career considerations often faced by many young lawyers
Ana Ramos, new Executive Director of the FDLA, talks about taking on her new role, working with new President, Traci McKee, and what the future holds for the Florida Defense Lawyers Association.
Tim Pratt, retired General Counsel from Boston Scientific, explains the importance of leadership, how to identify leaders and how to become one. Tim also discussed rainmaking, trial and cross examination tips and his plan to empower the next generation of lawyers.
A Friday morning conversation with Phoenix shareholder Alison Christian about the genesis of the FDCC Ladder Down program, tips for taking action in your own community, and musings on how life for a lawyer changed after parenthood.
Marisa Trasatti focuses her practice primarily on civil litigation, with an emphasis on product liability litigation, including cases involving drugs and medical devices. She serves as outside General Counsel for Sciton, Inc., a prominent medical and dermatological laser company based in Palo Alto, California. Marisa has experience litigating medical malpractice and insurance defense cases and has defended, locally and nationally, several large corporations in connection with toxic tort litigation. Her experience in life sciences includes domestic and international regulatory issues; negotiation, design and drafting of clinical trial agreements; interpreting court pronouncements; and vetting marketing materials for domestic and international regulatory compliance. Marisa also handles a broad spectrum of matters related to corporate, employment, regulatory, contract and product liability issues in the United States and abroad. She has lectured on the topics of Federal Preemption, learned intermediary defense and social media.