The Pennsylvania Defense Institute

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - PDI PLATINUM SPONSOR MINNESOTA LAWYERS MUTUAL (MLM) PRESENTS "Artificial Intelligence Legal Ethics and Law Office Supervision"
2023-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Artificial Intelligence is a growing concept that has caused concerns as to how it can be used in the practice of law. PDI Platinum Sponsor, MINNESOTA LAWYERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (MLM) will present “Artificial Intelligence Legal Ethics and Law Office Supervision”. This will be a live Webinar and one (1) Ethics Credit will be provided. The presentation will be made by Todd C. Scott, VP Risk Management of MLM. Effective supervision is crucial for ensuring the success of a legal practice. With the advent of innovative technologies, such as remote working tools and ChatGPT, legal professionals have a unique opportunity to enhance their remote supervisory skills and streamline their management approaches. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations that arise when lawyers utilize AI, including the need for transparency and accountability in AI systems, and the potential impact on clients and society at large. The seminar will conclude with a discussion on how lawyers can adapt to these changes and incorporate AI technology in their practices while upholding ethical standards.

PDI BOARD MEETING
2023-11-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-15 10:00 - 12:00

PDI MOTOR VEHICLE COMMITTEE ROUNDTABLE
2023-11-16 12:00 - 13:30
PDI Motor Vehicle Committee Chair Seth T. Black, Esquire, Summers, McDonnell, Hudock, Guthrie & Rauch, will moderate this initial roundtable discussion on Thursday, November 16, 2023 @ 12:00 p.m. and lead a discussions regarding topics that may include the following topics:

Update on joint and several liability since Spencer;
Update on vehicle technology for accident reconstruction/biomechanical analysis;
Strategies, tips and pros/cons for ADR.
Any other topics on which attendees have questions or comments.

There will be an open microphone to allow all committee attendees to participate in the discussion and to share their thoughts, concerns, and questions on these topics or any other topic that may be of interest to the committee members.
Also to be discussed is the need for articles and webinars to be presented by the substantive committees to share with the general membership and the opportunities available for committee members and/or members of their professional staff to become published in Counterpoint or to participate as a presenter in a PDI Lunch Time Webinar or possible live CLE presentation.
Please let us know if you will attend and participate in this worthwhile and valuable event by contacting me at cwasilefski@padefense.org or Linda Gamby at lgamby@padefense.org .
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See you on Thursday, November 16, 2023 @ 12:00 p.m.

PDI EASTERN DISTRICT - LUNCH AND LEARN - "BEING A LAWYER, NOT JUST THINKING LIKE ONE: LESSONS FROM THE TRENCHES"
2023-12-07 12:00 - 13:30
PDI Eastern District Officers and Directors will host an in person Lunch and Learn for 1 PACLE Credit. The event will take place Magiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, 12th and Filbert Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The topic of the presentation is “Being a Lawyer, Not Just Thinking Like One: Lessons From the Trenches”. The Presenters will be Matthew Cioeta, Esquire, Ricci, Tyrrell, Johnson & Grey, Anthony M. Knapp, Esquire, Post & Schell, and Jean S. Scanlan, Wade Clark Mulcahy. The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. The cost of the event is $50 per person, which includes the lunch and 1 CLE credit. Please register and plan on attending this great educational and social event. REGISTRATION INFORMATION WILL BE COMING TO YOU SOON.

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PDI WEST DISTRICT CLE
2023-12-13 15:00 - 17:00
The Officers and Directors for the PDI West District is planning a 2 hour CLE in conjunction with the Annual Holiday Social. More information will be provided in the near future.

PDI WEST DISTRICT HOLIDAY PARTY
2023-12-13 17:00 - 19:30
PDI Officers and Directors for the West District are planning the Annual Holiday Party to take place at the Union Trust Building immediately after a planned CLE. The Holiday Party will have a charitable component associated with it. Be on the lookout for more information regarding the CLE, Holiday Party and the charitable component. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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PDI/PADC/PATL ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY - DOUBLETREE HOTEL, PHILADELPHIA - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 - 5:00 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. - COST AND OTHER DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED
2023-12-14 17:00 - 20:30
PDI/PADC/PATL Eastern District Annual Holiday Party is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2023 @ 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel-Philadelphia. Do not miss this first class Annual Social Event. WATCH FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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PDI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
2023-12-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-02-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-04-17 10:00 - 11:30

SCHOOL HOUSE SHOCK: A LOOK AT PENNSYLVANIA'S LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
2024-01-18 12:00 - 13:00
PDI Legislative Affairs Committee and Greenlee Partners have organized a webinar to be presented by Jason M. Banonis, Esquire, Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, and Madison Stromswold, Greenlee Partners will present “School House Shock: A Look at Pennsylvania’s Legislative Process” to provide significant information related to the process used on the Hill to pass legislation. This will enlighten the attendees with the process used to take a Bill in either the House and Senate and having it come out the other end of the process as a statute/law. Mark your calendars and plan on attending this interesting and important topic.

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PDI PRODUCTS LIABILITY COMMITTEE ROUNDTABLE/TOWNHALL MEETING - SULLIVAN V. WERNER CO. DISCUSSION
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:30
Plan to participate in the Products Liability Committee Roundtable/Townhall Meeting for an important discussion of the recent Supreme Court Decision in Sullivan v. Werner Co. in which a divided Court has concluded that “a product’s compliance with governmental regulations or industry standards is inadmissible in design defect cases to show a product is not defective under the risk-utility theory.” This is a very important opinion that all defense attorneys participating in the defense of a products liability case should be aware and what can be done in defending these cases.
As a result of the Sullivan opinion, the PDI Products Liability Committee has been working on alerting the PDI members and members of their firms that are involved in Products cases of the current situation and to provide information to assist in handling these matters in the future. In order to provide initial information, the PDI Products Liability Committee had prepared a Memorandum that was attached to a previous email and again attached to this email. Please read the Memorandum and pass it on to any attorneys in your firm that are handling a products liability matter.
The second activity in alerting the membership and members of their firms is to present a Roundtable/Townhall Meeting to discuss the case, its ramifications, and possible tactics and solutions to level the playing field. That Roundtable/Townhall Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. Although the meeting will be hosted by the PDI Products Liability Committee, it will be an open mike session to allow other thoughts and opinions to be discussed. Please alert members of your firms who have products liability cases, even those who handle such cases on a random basis, of this meeting and mark your calendars, plan to attend. Registration information is below
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT METHODS:

__________ Email your request to attend to cwasilefski@padefense.org or lgamby@padefense.org .

__________ Register online https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkduurrDssHtR8g12bVeookmdRBTc-GAmS

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M. VIA ZOOM - "The Advantages of Utilizing Matterport for Demonstrative Evidence"
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
PDI Lunch Time Webinar, in conjunction with CED Technologies Inc., and organizer Gavin D. O’Hare, Director of Business Development will present a very interesting live Webinar that will provide information regarding technology for the use as evidence to prove your case. In the realm of legal proceedings, the effective presentation of evidence is crucial to building a compelling case. Traditional methods of conveying information in courtrooms in courtrooms have evolved with technological advancements, and one such innovation that has significantly impacted the legal landscape is Matterport. Matterport is a cutting-edge technology that allows for the creation of immersive 3D models and virtual tours, offering a range of benefits for presenting demonstrative evidence in legal settings.
Matterport provides: Enhanced Visualization and Understanding; Increased Engagement and Attention; Time and Cost Efficiency; Remote Accessibility; and Objectivity and Consistency.
The integration of Matterport into legal proceedings as a tool for presenting demonstrative evidence heralds a new era of efficiency, engagement and objectivity. Its ability to create immersive 3D models enhances the visualization of complex scenarios, while its cost-effective and remote accessibility features make it a practical choice for modern legal practices. As technology continues to advance, leveraging innovative tools like Matterport will likely become a standard practice in enhancing the efficacy of legal presentations and ensuring a fair and thorough examination of evidence.
Mark your calendars and plan on attending this important discussion of new technologies for the use in the courtroom. REGISTER NOW!!!

PDI EAST DISTRICT LAW STUDENT ROUNDTABLE ON DEFENSE CAREER -TEMPLE LAW SCHOOL
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:30
PDI and PADC will provide a panel of defense attorneys to meet with and discuss the opportunities in the defense of civil lawsuits with law students at Temple Law School. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2023 @ 12:00 P.M. VIA ZOOM - CONSULTING ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS presents "Utilizing Experts in Defense Matters"
2024-03-19 12:00 - 13:30
Consulting Engineers & Scientists is presenting “Utilizing Experts in Defense Matters”. The presentation will include: Premises Liability Cases – Ronald J. Cohen, P.E. (Civil Engineer); Accident Reconstruction – Paul D. Doyle (Mechanical Engineer); and Construction Cases – Harry J. Dales (Civil Engineer). This promises to be a great primer regarding the use of an expert in several types of cases. Do not miss what promises to be an excellent presentation.

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PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M. VIA ZOOM - Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co. presents "Ethics Social Media Engagement for Lawyers"
2024-03-22 12:00 - 13:30
PDI Platinum Sponsor Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company will be presenting “Ethical Social Media Engagement for Lawyers”. This will be a live Webinar and one (1) Ethics Credit will be provided. The presentation will be made by Todd C. Scott, VP Risk Management of MLM. Please be on the lookout for more information on this Ethics CLE for those who need an Ethics CLE Credit in Group 1.

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PDI EAST DISTRICT LAW STUDENT CONFERENCE - DREXEL LAW SCHOOL
2024-04-04 12:00
PDI and PADC will provide a panel of defense attorneys to meet with Law Students from Drexell Law School to discuss career opportunities in the defense of civil lawsuits. Pizza and refreshments will be provided

PDI EAST DISTRICT ROUNDTABLE LAW STUDENT CONFERENCE - DREXEL LAW SCHOOL
2024-04-04 12:00 - 13:30
PDI and PADC will provide a panel of defense attorneys to meet with Law Students at Drexel University to discuss career opportunities in the defense of civil lawsuits. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

PDI EASTERN DISTRICT/PADC - PARTICIPATES IN ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND CHARITABLE EVENT
2024-04-10 10:00 - 14:00
PDI and PADC will again participate in the Alex’s Lemonade Stand charity event on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Drexel University between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Drexel University and Philadelphia City Hall. There is a need of volunteers for the following:
Drexel Table 1 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 volunteers)
Drexel Table 2 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 volunteers)
City Hall Table – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (3 volunteers)
Drexel Table 1 – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (3 volunteers)
Drexel Table 2 – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (3 volunteers)
City Hall Table – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (3 volunteers)
PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE
PDI thanks Tiffany Turner, Esquire, Dickie McCamey, for organizing this worthwhile charitable event. If you would like to volunteer, please email Tiffany Turner at TTurner@dmclaw.com .
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Overview
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is changing the lives of children with cancer by funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer. Every day, over 1,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with childhood cancer. Yet, childhood cancer research is consistently underfunded as compared to other types of cancer research. It is up to all of us to fund research and find cures, so that someday these children are cured. ALSF started with one lemonade stand, hosted by our founder Alexandra “Alex” Scott in her front yard which raised $2,000. Alex was just 4 years old and battling neuroblastoma when she asked to donate the money so doctors can find cures for all children battling cancer. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is changing the lives of children with cancer by funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer. Every day, over 1,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with childhood cancer. Yet, childhood cancer research is consistently underfunded as compared to other types of cancer research. It is up to all of us to fund research and find cures, so that someday these children are cured. ALSF started with one lemonade stand, hosted by our founder Alexandra “Alex” Scott in her front yard which raised $2,000. Alex was just 4 years old and battling neuroblastoma when she asked to donate the money so doctors can find cures for all children battling cancer. Since that first stand, ALSF has funded more than 1,000 cutting-edge research projects at nearly 150 institutions in the U.S. and Canada and supported families through much-needed programs like Travel For Care that helps make cutting-edge treatments accessible to children. ALSF and its supporters are propelling the world towards a future without childhood cancer. From hosting stands and events to joining the One Cup at a Time Club, everyone can make a difference and help find cures for childhood cancer.
Watch for more information on this great charity and how you can help support this important cause. PLEASE VOLUNTEER!!

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M. - 1 1/2 HOURS - "The Best Mediation Tips You've Never Heard"
2024-04-19 12:00 - 14:00
Honorable Emil Giordano (Retired), Honorable James S. Miller (Retired) and Richard B. Lord, Esquire, very experienced Neutrals/Mediators/Arbitrators, will provide a very interesting and informative presentation providing “The Best Mediation Tips You’ve Never Heard” Mark you calendars and plan on attending this Webinar and hear from very experienced mediators and obtain information on mediation that you may not have ever heard before. MARK YOUR CALENSARS AND WATCH FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

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PDI LIVE LUNCH AND LEARN PROGRAM - TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M. AT GRAN CAFFE L'AUILA - ARCCA WILL PRESENT "Accessing Injury Causation: The Role of the Biomechanical Engineer"
2024-05-07 12:00 - 13:00
The PDI East District Officers and Directors will provide a PDI Live Lunch and Learn Program on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. at Gran Caffe L’Auila, 1716 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Arrangements have been made for PDI Sponsor ARCCA present the CLE program entitled “Accessing Injury Causation: The Role of a Biomechanical Engineer”. This program will provide a biological analysis of injury causation involving the understanding the severity of the incident, individual response, and the presence or absence of the required injury mechanism in the context of human tolerance and an individual unique biomechanical attributes. This presentation will explore each of these areas and outline the foundational methods and tools often used by ARCCA experts. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the concept of an injury mechanism and its critical role in determining a cause and effect relationship.

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M. VIA ZOOM - ARCCA presents "How to Manage Slip, Trip or Fall Cases"
2024-06-12 12:00 - 13:30
PDI Sponsor ARCCA will present “How to Manage Slip, Trip or Fall Cases”. This course will discuss a biomechanical engineer’s review of the causative factors of slips, trips and falls, including both the injured party’s behavior as well as the specific factors of the incident. Attendees will benefit from an understanding of human movement, human factors, and injury biomechanics. Also discussed will be the kinematic differences between a “slip” and a “trip”, as well as the injuries that result from slip, trip and fall events. In addition, factors related to the engineered (e.g. building codes, ADA and design standards} and natural environments (e.g. weather ad illumination) will be covered. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this very informative webinar. Watch for Registration Material that will be provided closer to the event.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:30

PDI BOARD MEETING AND ANNUAL CLE AND CONFERENCE
2024-07-10 18:00 - 20:30

PDI ANNUAL CLE AND CONFERENCE - OMNI BEDFORD SPRINGS RESORT
2024-07-11 08:00 - 23:00
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PDI ANNUAL CLE AND CONFERENCE - OMNI BEDFORD SPRINGS RESORT
2024-07-12 08:00 - 12:00
