The Pennsylvania Defense Institute

PDI BOARD MEETING
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, 2024-09-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 UTC

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 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
2024-02-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-04-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00

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.

>> Download The PDF Registration

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.

>> Download The PDF Registration

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.

>> Download The PDF Registration

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

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - PDI PLATINUM SPONSOR MINNESOTA LAWYERS MUTUAL INSURANCE TO PRESENT ETHICS WEBINAR - THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 - "ETHICS-SUPERVISING LAWYERS AND STAFF IN THE AGE OF REMOTE WORKING AND CHATGPT"
2024-08-22 12:00 - 13:00
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. This seminar is designed to equip legal professionals, including law firm partners, senior attorneys, and legal administrators, with the essential knowledge and practical strategies to effectively supervise and lead their teams who may be working remotely, and using problematic tools like ChatGPT and similar language models.
Todd C. Scott, VP Risk Management of MLM will explore the following key topics:

Adapting supervision techniques to the virtual workspace and understanding the unique challenges and advantages of remote supervision.
Developing strategies for effective communication and collaboration.
Establishing clear expectations and performance metrics in a virtual environment.
Promoting data privacy and security in remote setting and promoting data privacy and security in remote settings.
Implementing best practices for responsible AI usage.
Establishing guidelines for human oversight and intervention in AI-assisted workflows.
Training legal professionals on the responsible use of ChatGPT.

>> Download The PDF Registration

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 VIA ZOOM - FLEISHER FORENSICS presents "Practical Tips for Premises Cases"
2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:30
“Practical Tips for Premises Cases”
Enhance your understanding of premises cases from the perspective of professional engineers!
Join liability experts Jared E. Barket, P.E., Dave J. Littlewood, P.E., and founder of Fleisher Forensics, David H. Fleisher, P.E., on September 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM via Zoom as they share their useful and practical tips from over 50 years of combined experience. Mark your calendars and sign up— you won’t want to miss this unparalleled event covering design, construction, and maintenance with topics like stairways, sidewalks, flooding, walkway surfaces with ice and snow, floors, and decks. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION CLOSER TO THE DATE OF THE EVENT.

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PRODUCTS LIABILITY UPDATE - FEATURING NEWLY REVISED PDI/PADC SUGGESTED STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS
2024-10-29 12:00 - 13:30
PDI Products Liability Committee will present a Products Liability Update, featuring a discussion of recent cases and the effect upon the defense of product liability cases and the Newly Revised Suggested Standard Jury Instructions for Products Liability cases. The speakers will include William J. Ricci, Esquire, Ricci, Tyrrell, Johnso & Grey, James M. Beck, Esquire, Reed Smith, and other panel members to be announced. Hear from those who were involved in the drafting and revision of the PDI/PADC Suggested Standard Jury Instructions that were developed to assist those attorneys defending a products liability case as a counter to the questionable PBI Products Suggested Standard Jury Instructions. For a history of the development of the PDI/PADC Suggested Standard Jury Instructions see COUNTERPOINT – September 2024 for an article written by the experienced attorneys who were instrumental in developing these counter jury instructions. Do not miss this very informative Webinar. Let the members of your firms who are involved in the defense of product liability cases of the date and time of this Webinar and request that they join to assure that they have the most update information to assist in the handling of Products Liability matters.
This is a live Zoom presentation and provides one (1) substantive PACLE credit. Do not miss this excellent webinar.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT METHODS:
Complete Form and mail with check payable to “PDI” to: Pennsylvania Defense Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Harrisburg, PA 17112 and e-mail Registration to cwasilefski@padefense.org
or lgamby@padefense.org.
Register online athttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e5y5tvz8Rp-Bv67-3RgnhA and mail a check , if applicable, to PDI, P.O. Box 6099, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Go to PDI website: www.padefense.org and register using for provided on Events Page and pay via PayPal
Upon receipt of Registration and Fee, Registrant will receive information for joining Webinar and required submission following Webinar via e-mail.
Look forward to seeing you at this informative webinar.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI EAST DISTRICT HOSTS "Experts Potpourri - What Expertise is Available" - WEDNESDY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. @ WADE CLARK MULCAHY, BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOM, 1515 MARKET ST, PHILADELPHIA
2024-10-30 17:30 - 19:30
Join the Officers and Directors for the PDI East District for an evening of pizza, beer, and other beverages and information regarding the various expertise that is available for your cases. Robert Cosgrove, Esquire, Wade Clark Mulcahy, will host this event that will feature information regarding the various expertise that is available from PDI Sponsors. You will be exposed to the various areas of expertise that is available to PDI Members. This is an opportunity to discuss possible solutions to obtaining an expert for your cases. It will be a social evening with the ability to gain knowledge that could assist you with your cases. Please register for this event by contacting Chuck Wasilefski at cwasilefski@padefense.org or Linda Gamby at lgamby@padefense.org . REGISTER NOW!!
Look forward to seeing you at this event.
