Focus on (Free) CE

It’s already October, which means 2021 is just around the corner. Are you still looking to fulfill your CE and CLE requirements? If so, CLM has you covered with its free Focus event, which takes place virtually on Nov. 3-5, 2020.

The event features six different tracks to choose from, including Cannabis, Environmental, Insurance Fraud, Property, Subrogation, and Claims & Litigation Management. The majority of the sessions in each track have been approved for individual CE, too, which means you don’t have to attend the entire conference to earn credit; you can earn it one hour at a time. Here is a sampling of the interesting sessions available in each track; you can register at theclm.org/events.

CANNABIS

Election Results and the Prospects for Cannabis Reform

Speakers: Andrew Kline, National Cannabis Industry Association; Ian Stewart, Wilson Elser

This presentation takes place the day after the 2020 election. Based on the results, the presenters will discuss the prospects for federal marijuana legalization and the outcome of state ballot initiatives. Joining this session is Michael Correia, director of government relations for the National Cannabis Industry Association.

ENVIRONMENTAL

COVID-19’s Impact to Date on Non-Covid-19 Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation

Speakers: Martha Kersey, Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company; Stephen Rossetti, Cetrulo LLP

Attendees will learn practical considerations for claims professionals and outside counsel during COVID-19; how different courts and states are handling discovery, court conferences, and their respective docket management in environmental and toxic tort matters; and how COVID-19 has impacted the federal, state, and local agencies and laboratories tasked with enforcing environmental laws and regulations.

INSURANCE FRAUD

How to Manage the Wealth in Pain Management

Speakers: Vincent Gerbino, Bruno Gerbino Soriano & Aitken; Cathy Gicker, Allstate; Mary Sadousky, MetLife

This presentation will address the use of injections by pain-management physicians and their teams before surgical recommendations in soft-tissue cases. The presenters will also address payments available under PIP and LOP with the medical team that may provide the service.

PROPERTY

Business Interruption Update: Developing Law Arising Out of COVID-19

Speakers: Madhu Ahuja, Ahuja & Clark PLLC; Timothy Molony, BSC Forensic Services; Rodney Patterson, Seneca Insurance; Rhonda Thompson, Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons LLP

The discussion will focus on updates around the country related to business interruption and similar policy coverages, with particular emphasis on the impact of the prolific COVID-19-related lawsuits on policy interpretation and overall claims issues.

SUBROGATION

The Challenges, Pitfalls, and Successes of a Cohesive Large-Loss Response Team

Speakers: Lawrence Bowman, Kane Russell Coleman & Logan PC; Michael Driscoll, Envista Forensics; Samuel Pace, Dugan Brinkman Maginnis & Pace; Joe Slane, Engle Martin & Associates Inc.

Subrogation and claims professionals will better understand the importance of having a cohesive team that works together to bring about the expedient and positive conclusion to a large/catastrophic event.

CLAIMS & LITIGATION MANAGEMENT

Insurance Claims in the Instagram Age: Using Technology and Social Media to Investigate Bodily Injury, Property Damage, and Business- Interruption Claims

Speakers: Diana Castiov Weller, Kennedys; Jarred Dichek, Kubicki Draper; Paul Juster, Assurant; Jennifer Newell, FedNat Insurance Company

This interactive presentation will use three case studies to explore the use of technology and social media in investigating different types of claims.