The Pennsylvania Defense Institute

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 UTC
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 BOARD MEETING
2025-03-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-16 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00

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!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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OPENING EVENTS OF PDI ANNUAL CLE & CONFERENCE AND PDI BOARD MEETING
2025-07-09 18:00 - 20:30
Opening Social and Networking Events for 2025 PDI Annual CLE & Conference @ OMNI Bedford Springs Resort – Register for the Event and Reserve your Room NOW. Plan on joining the PDI Officers, Directors and Members at the historical and beautiful OMNI Bedford Springs Resort. An excellent CLE Program is being planned by this year’s Annual Conference Committee Chair and Executive Vice President – Programming, Tricia S. Springer, Esquire, QVC Group, along with plenty of enjoyment with the company of your colleagues and the many activities available at the Resort. This year the highlight of the CLE presentations relate to discussions about the use of AI by lawyers in various areas, including bad faith issues, how the insurance industry is using and/or anticipating using AI and how this may impact defense counsel representing the interests of the insurance companies and their insureds, and ethics issues that are involved in the ongoing advance of the use of AI in the legal community. This is a very current topic that if it has not yet affected you and your practice, I very soon may. Learn about AI and how it will potentially could impact your practice of law.

In addition to the educational component of the Annual Conference, there will be plenty of time to socialize and relax. Also consider having a family outing at the Resort. Bedford Springs Resort offers many activities that are family friendly and a wonderful place for a family vacation. Please consider involving your family in this great event. The event is planned so that you will have plenty of time for family activities in addition to the social events with your colleagues. In addition to the educational program, there will be a golf outing and activities at OMNI Bedford Springs Resort for those non-golfers and family. There will also be social events/mixers Wednesday evening, and Thursday evening, including the President’s Dinner. There will be plenty of collegial time with old friends, new friends, and family throughout the conference.

Register your room now to assure that you will have a room at the PDI discounted price. Last year, the rooms sold out early. The Resort gets filled and rooms become unavailable. So act now. In order to reserve your room you can book online at: https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/bedford-springs/pennsylvania-defense-institute-meeting-07092025 . You may also book a room over the telephone by calling 800-843-6664 (800-THE-OMNI) and make sure you reference “Pennsylvania Defense Institute Meeting”. Do not delay and make sure you can stay at the resort.

Attached is the 2024 PDI Annual CLE & Conference Brochure that includes the Conference Registration Form and the information for registering for a room at OMNI Bedford Springs. There are three methods to register for the conference:

Complete the Registration Form in the Annual Conference Brochure and mail with a check payable to “PDI” at: Pennsylvania Defense Institute, P.O Box 6099, Harrisburg, PA 17112

E-mail the Completed Registration Form to cwasilefski@padefense.org or to lgamby@padefense.org and mail check payable to “PDI” at: Pennsylvania Defense Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Harrisburg, PA 17112

Go to PDI website at www.padefense.org and register using the form provided on the website and pay through PayPal. Do not miss this outstanding annual event. In association with the management and staff at the OMNI Bedford Springs Resort, PDI is working to assure that this will be a safe educational, social, and family experience
OUTLINE OF EVENT COSTS

PDI ANNUAL CLE AND CONFERENCE
2025-07-10 08:00 - 23:00
PDI CLE Program at 2025 PDI Annual CLE & Conference – First Day CLE Program is AI focused: “Ignorance Is No Excuse: Embracing the AI Revolution in Casualty Claims” – Presenters: Benjamin C. Frommer, Esquire, and Heather Norris, Pennsylvania National Mutual Insurance Co. “AI Litigation: The Current Landscape” – Presenter: Gregory Graham, Esquire, Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin “AI for Attorneys in 2025 – AI Legal Applications and Ethical Considerations” – Presenter: Todd Scott, Esquire, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company Afternoon Free Time to enjoy the PDI Golf Tournament or the great facilities of the OMNI Bedford Springs Resort and the fantastic food at the evenings President Dinner.
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PDI ANNUAL CLE AND CONFERENCE
2025-07-11 08:00 - 12:00
PDI CLE Program at 2025 PDI Annual CLE and Conference – Second Day CLE Program: “Beck’s Legal Update – 2025” – Presenter: James M. Beck, Esquire, Reed Smith “AI and Bad Faith Issues” – Presenter: Henry M. Sneath, Esquire, Houston Harbaugh “Ethical Decisions Related to Technical Expert Witnesses” – Presenters: Lisa Lallo, Ph.D., P.E., CPIT, EXPONENT, and Jessica Isaacs, PhD., P.E., EXPONENT

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 - MICHAEL E. GOLDBERG, CONSULTING ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS PRESENTS "The Role of Industrial Hygiene & Safety in Litigation"
2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:00
Michael E. Goldberg, CIH, CSP, a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional, from Consulting Engineers & Scientists, Inc., will discuss the role of a safety professional in the evaluation of safety processes and procedures as they relate to injuries and hazard exposure. Using case examples, Mr. Goldberg will discuss how the individual facts of the incident, the nature of the injury and the Safety Professional’s investigation can bring all facts together to determine responsibility of various parties and potential liability. This is an important presentation that will provide attorneys another view in determining whether or not there is potential responsibility and/or liability. Do not miss this Webinar. REGISTER NOW!!!
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PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - CONSUMER FINANCE DEFENSE COMMITTEE WEBINAR
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00
John Berry, Esquire, Dinsmore & Shohl, will present a webinar on FCRA identity theft issues and the impact identity theft claims have n data furnishers’ investigation and potential coverage issues related to these claims. Be on the lookout for registration materials that will be sent via PDI Listserv in September.

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - "Premises Liability Cases - Practical Tips to Avoid Tripping Up Your Case"
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:00
David Littlewood, P.E., David H. Fleisher, P.E., and Lee Elsey, AIA, of PDI sponsor FLEISHER FORENSICS will provide a presentation that will enhance your understanding of premises cases from the perspective of professionals, which include engineers, architects, construction administrators and managers, and scientists.
Join the experts from FLEISHER FORENSICS for an invaluable session where they will share insights, codes, standards and practical tips for handling premises liability cases. This event offers an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of design, construction, and maintenance considerations, with expert analysis of walkway surfaces such as stairways, sidewalks, floors and decks. DO NOT MISS THIS COMPREHENSIVE DISCUSSION LED BY A SEASONED TEAM!
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PDI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-10 10:00 - 12:00

PDI EAST DISTRICT WILL HOST AN EVENING OF EXPERTS AND PIZZA - "How to Best Use an Expert"
2025-10-29 17:30 - 19:00
The Officers and Directors of the PDI East District will again host a Pizza, Beer, & Experts education and social event. This will be an hour long presentation entitled “How to Best Use an Expert” followed by social time to network with colleagues and the experts. The event will provide 1 PACLE substantive credit. You will learn how the following experts can assist you with the defense of your case.
EXPONENT
RUDICK FORENSIC ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS
PREMIER VOCATIONAL EXPERTS
This list is the experts who have currently registered for attendance. This may change as we get closer to the event.
Come to this event and enjoy an evening of discussion, social interaction and an enjoyable evening.
Please register for this event by emailing me at cwasielfski@padefense.org or Linda Gamby at lgamby@padefense.org. Please RSVP on or before Tuesday, October 27, 2025.

PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - 1 PACLE ETHICS CREDIT - DECEMBER 5, 2025 @ 12:00 P.M. - TODD SCOTT, VP RISK MGT, MLM PRESENTS "Cyber Security Protection for Lawyers in 2026"
2025-12-05 12:00 - 13:30
Cyber Security Protection for Lawyers (2026) equips attorneys to prevent, detect, and respond to
modern threats. Todd Scott, Esquire, VP of Risk Management, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, will cover phishing, deep-fakes and AI-driven fraud, Ransomware, data-loss prevention, secure communications, vendor/cloud risks, and practical safeguards (MFA, encryption, backups, zero-trust). Learn incident-response steps, breach-notification basics, ethics and confidentiality duties, and insurer expectations. Attendees leave with a prioritized checklist, policy templates, and recommended low-cost tools suited to solo, small, and mid-size practices. Attendees will learn how to:
• Identify top cybersecurity threats facing lawyers in 2026.
• Understand ethical duties to protect client data.
• Spot phishing, spoofing, and AI-driven scams.
• Secure email, cloud, and remote systems effectively.
• Create a practical incident-response plan.
• Use affordable security tools for small firms.
• Align cyber insurance with risk management goals.
• Apply a prioritized cybersecurity checklist immediately.
The following ethics rules will be addressed:
ABA Model Rule 1.1 – Competence
ABA Model Rule 1.4 – Communication
ABA Model Rule 1.6 – Confidentiality of Information ABA Model Rule 1.15 – Safekeeping Property

Download the PDF form here >>

PDI/PADC/PATL EAST DISTRICT HOLIDAY PARTY
2025-12-09 17:30 - 19:30
PDI/PADC/PATL will host the East District Holiday Party @ The Lucy-Cescaphe, 231 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plan on joining in the festivities and enjoy good company with friends and colleagues to bring in the holiday season.
Cost: $125 per person – $150 after November 30, 2025.
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PDI LUNCH TIME WEBINAR - PDI WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMITTEE - "UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS AND THE PA WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT"
2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:00
PDI Workers’ Compensation Committee will present a one hour webinar on the issue of undocumented workers and the Pa. Workers’ Compensation Act. Stephen F. Moore, Esquire of Peters & Wasilefski will moderate a discussion with Neil T. Dombrowski, Esquire of The Dombrowski Group and Daniel P. Ryan, C.P.A., Certified Forensics Accountant, DABFA, CGMA. The panel will address the legal implications of an individual being an undocumented workers as related to the Pa. Workers’ Compensation Act and the Employer’s burden to establish that the individual is ineligible to work and its impact upon a Claimant’s claim for benefits. Mr. Ryan has served as an expert and has document review expertise. He has testified in numerous workers’ compensation proceedings on whether or not a given individual is work eligible in the United States. The presentation will address both legal requirements and strategy and the nuances of presenting expert testimony n this topic. This presentation is beneficial for workers’ compensation practitioners, claims professionals, and risk managers.
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PDI/PAJ MIDDLE DISTRICT SOUTH HOLIDAY SOCIAL - LEVEL 2, HARRISBURG - 5:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
2025-12-18 17:00 - 19:00
PDI/PAJ will co-host the Middle District South Holiday Party at LEVEL 2, 215 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending this great opportunity to enjoy good food, great drinks and fantastic opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with friends and colleagues.
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