Agenda / Content Covered

11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

1. Insurance Regulations and Insurance Company Operations, Strategies and Trends
   11:00 - 11:30, Martin J. Pujolar
   
   1. Developments in Insurance Regulations and Insurance Company Operations
   2. Hotly Contested Claims and Case Law
   3. Emerging Issues, Including Personal Liability for Adjusters
2. Spotting Red Flags From the Outset
   11:30 - 12:00, Robert J. Kasieta
   
   1. Overview of the Most Common Bad Faith Claims
   2. Top Bad Faith Tactics: What You Need to Look for
   3. Is the Case Worth Taking?
   4. Client Interview and Investigation
   5. Probing Interactions with the Insurance Carrier
   6. Issues with Multiple Claimants or Defendants
3. Tactics Used by Insurance Companies and How to Combat Them
   12:15 - 1:00, Robert J. Kasieta
   
   1. The "Delay" Tactic: Timing is Critical
   2. Knowing What the Adjuster Has a Right to Receive vs. Being Abusive
   3. Investigation Shortfalls and Biased IMEs
   4. Discounting Evidence, Estimates and Bills
   5. Video Surveillance, Recorded Statements
   6. The Tactic of Using Empty Promises
   7. Claim Denial; Concealing Coverage and Misinterpreting Policy Language
   8. The Adjuster's Settlement Authority and Policy Limit Strategies Used
4. Digging Deep Into the Policy, Claims Files and More: What Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Find
   1:00 - 2:00, T. Kevin Knight
   
   1. Defeating Relevancy Objections and Claims of Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product
   2. Skillfully Interpreting the Policy, Language, Terms and Coverage
   3. Delving Into the Underwriting File
   4. Digging Deep Into the Claims and Investigation Files
   5. Getting Discovery of Reserves and Other Policyholders' Claims Files
   6. Finding Gems in Internal Policies, Procedures, Manuals, Guidelines and Personnel Files
   7. Marketing/Advertising Documents
5. Deposing Claims Handlers/Representatives: Key Techniques
   2:30 - 3:15, T. Kevin Knight
   
   1. Tactical Considerations and Preparation Tips
   2. Powerful Questioning Tactics
   3. Staying in Control and Keeping the Witness Off Balance
   4. Creative and Compelling Questions
   5. Handling Difficult Claims Handlers and Career Witnesses
   6. Managing Obstructive Opposing Counsel
6. Sophisticated Negotiation Strategies: Maximizing Settlement Results
   3:15 - 3:45, T. Kevin Knight
   
7. Proving Bad Faith in Court: Critical Pointers That Will Make or Break Your Case
   4:00 - 5:00, T. Kevin Knight
   
   1. Tackling Authentication, Hearsay and Other Evidentiary Issues
   2. Jury Selection/Voir Dire Pointers
   3. Leveraging Juror Bias Against Insurance Companies
   4. Crafting Powerful Themes and Opening Arguments
   5. Keys to Maximize Expert and Lay Witness Testimony
   6. Strategies for Cross-Examining Insurance Representatives
   7. Compelling Exhibits
   8. Closing Argument and Jury Instruction Tips
8. Legal Ethics
   5:00 - 6:00, Martin J. Pujolar
   
   1. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   2. Managing Client Expectations and Keeping Them Informed
   3. Protecting Confidentiality and Privilege
   4. Ethical Issues in Using Witnesses

Accreditation Details:

ROBERT J. KASIETA is the founder of Kasieta Legal Group, LLC, in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a certified civil pretrial and trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. Kasieta practices in civil litigation, with an emphasis on plaintiff personal injury and employment cases, as well as commercial litigation. He has written and taught extensively in the areas of trial practice, personal injury law and insurance law, and is an instructor of trial practice at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Mr. Kasieta is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, and all Wisconsin courts. He is a member of the Dane County Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, and the American Association for Justice. Mr. Kasieta earned his B.S. degree, summa cum laude, from Northern Michigan University and his J.D. degree from Marquette University Law School.

T. KEVIN KNIGHT is a senior partner in the law offices of de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP, and has practiced law since 1981. Mr. Knight is board certified as a trial lawyer by both The Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Over the course of his practice, he has generally focused on personal injury litigation. Mr. Knight earned his B.S.B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Central Florida and his J.D. degree from Stetson University College of Law.

MARTIN J. PUJOLAR is a shareholder at Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S. His practice areas include construction defect, general liability, personal injury, product liability, insurance coverage, employment, UIM, and insurer bad faith/extra contractual liability litigation. Mr. Pujolar is a member of the King County, Pierce County, Washington State, and District of Columbia bar associations; State Bar of Nevada; and the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Puget Sound and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law.