Trial Lawyers Section and Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section

8:30 a.m.

Check in and Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.

Business Meeting of the Trial Lawyers Section Executive Committee: Executive Committee 2024-2025 Nomination Slate

Speaker

Angélicque Moreno, Esq. | Chair, Trial Lawyers Section Avanzino & Moreno P.C., Attorneys at Law Brookyln, New York

Business Meeting of the TICL Section Executive Committee: Executive Committee 2024-2025 Nomination Slate

Speaker

Kathleen Barclay, Esq. | Chair, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & First PC Albany, New York

9:05 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.

Welcome & Introductions

Speaker

Angélicque Moreno, Esq. | Chair, Trial Lawyers Section Avanzino & Moreno P.C., Attorneys at Law Brookyln, New York

Kathleen Barclay, Esq. | Chair, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & First PC Albany, New York

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Liens, Liens, Liens—Go Away! ERISA, Medicare, Medicaid: You Make It a Rainy Day What Is It All About, and What Must We Do About It? Do They Ever Go Away?

This session will provide a comprehensive refresher on handling liens related to ERISA, Medicare, Medicaid, and disability benefits in personal injury cases. Attendees will explore the latest case law and best practices to ensure compliance and protect client settlements from improper claims. The program will also address how to effectively handle all valid claims and liens from ERISA, Medicare, and Medicaid.

This is an essential program for practitioners seeking to stay informed on the complexities of lien resolution and safeguard client recoveries.

Speaker

Helene Blank, Esq. | Blank & Star, PLLC Brooklyn, New York

10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.

Break

10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.

Decoding Radiology: Using MRI Studies and CT Scans to Strengthen Your Case and Cross-Examine Expert Witnesses

In this interactive and hands-on CLE program, attorneys will learn practical techniques for leveraging radiological studies, such as MRIs of the brain, spinal column, and knees, to build stronger cases and effectively cross-examine radiologists. Participants will gain insights into: 1. Interpreting MRI reports and CT scans to identify key findings and inconsistencies. 2. Preparing for cross-examinations using marked-up and cropped MRI images. 3. Highlighting critical details live by drawing directly on radiological studies during testimony or in court presentations. This live, dynamic session will feature real-time demonstrations, allowing attendees to see how to enhance their advocacy skills by incorporating visual evidence and precise questioning techniques. Ideal for personal injury, medical malpractice, and other litigation-focused practitioners, this course will provide you with actionable strategies to improve your courtroom performance and outcomes.

Speaker

Evan Torgan, Esq. | Torgan, Cooper & Aaron New York, New York

10:55 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Medical Malpractice Insights from Both Sides

In this interactive session, the presenters will discuss issues and topics unique to medical malpractice cases from both the plaintiff and defense perspective, from case intake and initial response to a complaint, through discovery, and up to settlement and trial.

Speaker

Molly Casey, Esq. | O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & First P.C. Albany, New York

Amira Karic, Esq. | LaFave Wein & Frament, PLLC Albany, New York

11:45 a.m.

Remarks from NYSBA President, Domenick Napoletano

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Break for Lunch

(Lunch on your own)

12:45 p.m.

Check in

1:00 p.m.

Welcome Back

Speaker

Angélicque Moreno, Esq. | Chair, Trial Lawyers Section Avanzino & Moreno P.C., Attorneys at Law Brookyln, New York

1:05 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.

2025 Evidence Update

This program will focus on an in-depth analysis of key court rulings and significant decisions throughout the year, offering legal professionals an invaluable opportunity to explore and understand the latest shifts in evidentiary standards and practices.

Speaker

Professor Micheal J. Hutter | Albany Law School Albany, New York

3:05 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

Break

3:10 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.

Congratulations on Settlement, Now What? Complex Planning and Approval in PI and MedMal Cases for Infants and Adults

This panel discussion is designed to enable you to gain insight and a roadmap for navigating the myriad of post-settlement planning issues that arise for seriously injured plaintiffs with lifetime needs ranging from medical care, in home support and equipment, and governmental or long-term benefits. Is a guardian of person and property needed? Does the plaintiff have liens? What kind of trust is advisable? A panel of speakers, answering these and other questions while offering expert perspectives on behalf of the court, plaintiff and defense counsel, a guardianship and trust attorney, structured settlement advisor, and public benefit with professional administration advisor will lead the discussion.

Speaker

Justice Joseph Capella | Administrative Judge for Civil Matters Supreme Court, Bronx County

Tania Pagan, Esq. | Mediating Disputes The Pagan Law Firm, P.C. Brooklyn, New York

Craig Pawley | Medivest Oviedo, Florida

Michele Kern Rappy, Esq. | Michelle Kern-Rappy Dispute Resolution New York, New York

Jay Robert, Esq. | Robert Legal Group Long Beach, New York

Sam Senders | NYSM New York, New York

Alecia Walters-Hinds, Esq. | Lewis Brisbois New York, New York/Hartford, Connecticut

4:25 p.m.

Adjourn