The Pennsylvania Defense Institute

PDI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-05 10:00 - 12:00 UTC

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.

PDI BOARD MEETING
2024-11-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-17 10:00 - 12:00

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - "Searching for AI: Case Management Tips For Existing Litigation's AI Issues"
2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:30
Gregory P. Graham, Esquire, Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, will share his expertise regarding Case Management in the use of AI during Litigation and the issues associated with that use. This will be an extension of the presentation that Mr. Graham made at the 2024 PDI Annual CLE & Conference in Bedford Springs. Do not miss that very informative presentation regarding litigation issues related to the use of AI during litigation. Look for Registration information that will be provided in the near future.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI/PTLA/PADC EAST DISTRICT HOLIDAY PARTY
2024-12-03 17:30 - 20:00
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - PDI PLATINUM SPONSOR MINNESOTA LAWYERS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. PRESENTS ETHICS WEBINAR - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M. - "EMBRACING CHANGE: 7 TECH TRENDS & 29 TECH TIPS IN 2024"
2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00
Todd C. Scott, Vice President Risk Management for MLM, will discuss the everchanging developments in technology as it relates to the practice of law. Much change has come in the technology available for lawyers in the post-pandemic era. So, where might we be going from here? And what does 2024 have in store for attorneys trying to stay windward of the tidal change happening with law office workflows? Humbly, we have identified 7 legal tech trends that will bring transformational change to lawyers and law firm processes everywhere.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI/PAJ MIDDLE DISTRICT HOLIDAY PARTY- HARRISBURG
2024-12-12 17:30 - 19:30

PDI WEST DISTRICT CLE AND HOLIDAY PARTY - PITTSBURGH
2024-12-18 17:00 - 19:00

PDI WEST DISTRICT LAW SCHOOL CONFERENCE - UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF LAW - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 - 12:30 P.M. TO 1:30 P.M.
2025-02-04 12:30 - 13:30
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the PDI West District will host a law school discussion by a panel of defense attorneys to discuss the option of a career on the civil defense side of the spectrum. The PDI panel will include: Kassie Segmiller, Esquire, Segmiller & Associates; Sarah Cobbs, Esquire, Thomas Thomas & Hafer; Joseph Hudock, Summers McDonnell; and Daniel Twilla, Esquire, Gordon Rees. The presentation will be made to Law Students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

PDI EAST DISTRICT LAW STUDENT CONFERENCE - VILLANOVA SCHOOL OF LAW - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025 - 12:00 P.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the PDI East District in conjunction with PADC and Villanova School of Law will host a law school discussion by a panel of defense attorneys to discuss the option of a career on the civil defense side of the spectrum. The presentation will be made to Law Students at the Villanova School of Law. Refreshments will be provided.

PDI EAST DISTRICT LAW STUDENT CONFERENCE - DREXEL SCHOOL OF LAW - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025 - 12:00 P.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the PDI East District in conjunction with PADC and Drexel School of Law will host a law school discussion by a panel of defense attorneys to discuss the option of a career on the civil defense side of the spectrum. The presentation will be made to Law Students at the Drexel School of Law. Refreshments will be provided.

PDI EAST DISTRICT LAW STUDENT CONFERENCE - TEMPLE SCHOOL OF LAW - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 - 12:00 P.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
2025-02-24 12:00 - 13:00
On Monday, February 24, 2025, the PDI East District in conjunction with PADC and Temple School of Law will host a law school discussion by a panel of defense attorneys to discuss the option of a career on the civil defense side of the spectrum. The presentation will be made to Law Students at the Temple School of Law. Refreshments will be provided.

PROJECT LITIGATE EVENT - "Stepping Up and Standing Out: Branding Your Legal Career"
2025-03-04 12:00 - 19:00
PDI and PADC has organized a Project LITIGATE Eevent that will provide three (3) PACLE credits including such topics as branding within the firm and the legal community, information regarding the attorneys participating in appellate appellate arguments through the eyes of an experience appellate attorney and an assisting associate, in conjunction with opportunity to observe Supreme Court arguments at City Hall on the date of the event, and a panel discussion regarding the need and benefits to be provided by Project LITIGATE, featuring Justice Donohue, Pa. Supreme Court, Judge McNally, Court of Common Pleas for Dauphin County and Judge Reichley, Court of Common Pleas for Lehigh County. A Happy Hour will follow immediately after the CLE presentations for networking opportunities. It is encourage that participants attend in person but the presentations will be provided live virtually for those from outside of the PDI East District and unable to attend in person. The Exact TIme of the Events and Location will be announced in the near future.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI MIDDLE DISTRICT NORTH TO PRESENT MARCH MADNESS @ DAVE & BUSTER'S
2025-03-20 12:00 - 17:00
You are invited to attend and enjoy a few hours of Tournament Basketball with the opening of the NCAA National Tournament (MARCH MADNESS), good conversation, and cordial camaraderie with fellow attorneys at DAVE & BUSTER’S, 6000 Shoppes Boulevard, Moosic, Pennsylvania. Enjoy some refreshing drinks and appetizers as you root on your favorite teams. Also enjoy meeting and networking with PDI Statewide Sponsors. This will be an enjoyable and relaxing event with friends and colleagues. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW.
You can register for this event in one of the following ways:
REGISTRATION METHODS:
Complete Form and mail 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.
NAME(S) ______________________________________________________________
FIRM _________________________________________________________________
E-Mail _______________________________________________________

For additional information, contact PDI
Pennsylvania Defense Institute
P.O. Box 6099, Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-579-0343 (P)
cwasilefski@padefense.org
lgamby@padefense.org

VERSED AND PDI PRESENTS PHILADELPHIA MARCH MADNESS SOCIAL
2025-03-20 16:30 - 19:30
PDI Sponsor, VERSED, is sponsoring and inviting PDI Members to a Philadelphia March Madness Social. The event will be held at The Mulberry, 1835 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA starting at 4:30 p.m.. Stop by for an open bar, light appetizers, and a lot of basketball, good conversation with colleagues, and just plain fun and relaxation. DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT!!
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - MINNESOTA LAWYERS MUTUAL ETHICS PRESENTATION - Topic to be Announced - Friday, March 21, 2025 @ 12:00 P.M. VIA ZOOM
2025-03-21 12:00 - 13:00
Todd Scott, Esquire, Vice President of Risk Management, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, will present an ethics webinar on a topic “Legal Malpractice Trends in 2025”.
A recent report from the ABA reveals startling new trends in professional liability for attorneys. Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company (MLM) Vice President Risk Management Todd C. Scott, Esquire, will provide information regarding which areas of practice suddenly became the riskiest practice area after 4 decades of claim reporting and the errors mot frequently made by attorneys. This program will identify the latest trends leading to malpractice claims and ethics complaints against attorneys and will also provide best practices advice for lowering the risk of malpractice in your legal practice.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI CLE LUNCHEON - PDI SPONSOR ARRCA PRESENTS LIVE CLE "Assessing Injury Causation: The Role of the Biomechanical Engineer"
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:30
PDI and ARCCA will present a live Lunch and Learn Program at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, 12th and Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA on March26, 2025. The Program is entitled: “Assessing Injury Causation: The Role of the Bio-mechanical Engineer”. Speakers are Scott Schneider, moderator, and Featured Speaker Dr. Jacqueline Lewis Devine from ARCCA. The presentation will include s biomedical analysis of injury causation involving 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 bio-mechanical 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 n determining a cause and effect relationship. WATCH FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI WEST DISTRICT AND VERSED PRESENT SPECIAL SOCIAL EVENT - APRIL 17, 2025 FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M. @ CITY WORKS, 2 PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH
2025-04-17 17:00 - 20:00
PDI sponsor VERSED has made arrangements for a fantastic social event to take place on Thursday, April 17, 2025 @ City Works, 2PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be an open bar and delicious bites to eat. This promises to be a great event to meet, socialize and share good conversation with your colleagues.
PDI thanks VERSED for sponsoring this event and inviting the PDI members to join in the fun.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT METHODS:
Complete Form and e-mail Registration to Abbey Johnson at ajohnson@versedexperts.com .
NAME(S) ______________________________________________________________
FIRM _________________________________________________________________
E-Mail _______________________________________________________
Please make an effort to attend this fun and relaxing event.

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - "VENUE AND FORUM NON CONVENIENS: NAVIGATING PENNSYLVANIA'S LATEST UPDATES"
2025-05-06 12:00 - 13:00
Jonathan B. Stepanian, McQuaide Blasko, will present “Venue and Forum Non Conveniens: Navigating Pennsylvania’s Latest Updates”. This program provides an overview of recent legal developments regarding venue and forum non conveniens in Pennsylvania. Attendees will gain insights into key case law updates, strategic considerations for defense counsel, and pratical implications for raising venue defenses, including in medical professional liability cases.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI/PADC HOSTS OSHA TRAINING FOR CLE AND OSHA CERTIFICATE
2025-05-08 08:00 - 17:00
PDI and PADC are jointly presenting a new program for the PDI/PADC Members and their clients. PDI/PADC will host “OSHA 10 Construction Training” presented by Lancaster Safety Consulting, Inc. on Thursday and Friday, May 8 and 9 in the Large Conference Center, 1515 Market Street, Suite 2050, Philadelphia, PA 19102. The program offers instruction on hazard identification, avoidance and control, and responsibilities under OSHA. Topic areas to be covered will include: OSHA Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Electrocution, Struck-By [e.g. falling objects, trucks, cranes), Caught-in or Between (e.g. trench hazards, equipment); Personal Protection and Lifesaving Equipment; Health Hazards in Construction; Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators and Conveyors; Excavations; Materials Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal; Scaffolds; Stairways and Ladders; and Tools-Hand and Power. The program is intended for liability defense counsel and their clients involved n construction and products liability litigation. Ten substantive PACLE credits are offered to attorney attendees and OSHA training certification is offered to all attendees. Lunch on May 8 is included in the cost of registration. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn about the construction site rules and regulations, better prepare our clients in construction site operation and arm defense counsel with the information to defend our clients against litigation. WATCH FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION and plan on attending this unique event. The cost will be $275.

PDI/PADC HOSTS OSHA TRAINING FOR CLE AND OSHA CERTIFICATE
2025-05-09 08:00 - 12:00
PDI and PADC are jointly presenting a new program for the PDI/PADC Members and their clients. PDI/PADC will host “OSHA 10 Construction Training” presented by Lancaster Safety Consulting, Inc. on Thursday and Friday, May 8 and 9 in the Large Conference Center, 1515 Market Street, Suite 2050, Philadelphia, PA 19102. The program offers instruction on hazard identification, avoidance and control, and responsibilities under OSHA. Topic areas to be covered will include: OSHA Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Electrocution, Struck-By [e.g. falling objects, trucks, cranes), Caught-in or Between (e.g. trench hazards, equipment); Personal Protection and Lifesaving Equipment; Health Hazards in Construction; Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators and Conveyors; Excavations; Materials Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal; Scaffolds; Stairways and Ladders; and Tools-Hand and Power. The program is intended for liability defense counsel and their clients involved n construction and products liability litigation. Ten substantive PACLE credits are offered to attorney attendees and OSHA training certification is offered to all attendees. Lunch on May 8 is included in the cost of registration. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn about the construction site rules and regulations, better prepare our clients in construction site operation and arm defense counsel with the information to defend our clients against litigation. WATCH FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION and plan on attending this unique event. The cost will be $275.
Download the PDF form here >>

PDI MIDDLE DISTRICT NORTH CIGAR AND BOURBON SOCIAL - THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 CLE - 4:00 P.M. - SOCIAL 5:00 P.M. @ SCRANTON CLUB
2025-05-15 16:00 - 19:00
PDI Middle District North will host and present a CLE and networking social on Thursday, May 1, 2015 – CLE – 4:00 p.m. and Social – 5:00 p.m. at The Scranton Club. Come and obtain 1 PACLE credit and enjoy the camaraderie with fellow attorneys. Topic of the CLE, and speakers TBA. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORMS.

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025 @ 12:00 P.M. - PDI WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMITTEE PRESENTS "Significant Workers' Compensation Case Law Developments and Trends" -
2025-06-20 12:00 - 13:30
Neil M. Dombrowski, Esquire, The Dombrowski Group, P.C., Co-Chair of the PDI Workers’ Compensation Committee, will moderate a distinguished panel of Workers’ Compensation practitioners including: Jane A. Lombard, Esquire. Swartz Campbell, Co-Chair of the PDI Workers’ Compensation Committee, Katherine M. Richardson, Esquire, The Dombrowski Group, and Stephen F. Moore, Esquire, Peters & Wasilefski. The panel will discuss the most significant and recent case law developments and trends on subjects such as payments, counsel fees, notice to report injury, employment status, petitions and other issues with recent developments. Do not miss this very informative presentation. Free to PDI Members and $35.00 non-members. 1.5 PACLE substantive credits
Download the PDF form here >>
