Illinois Defense Counsel

A to Z Litigation Academy

This Academy is designed to help prepare an emerging attorney for the trials and tribulations of litigation. From the first days of a file to litigating the case in court, the A to Z Litigation Academy will prepare participants to develop a successful litigation practice.

	9/13/2021 to 12/9/2021
When:	September 13, 2021 - December 9, 2021
Where:	United States
Contact:	Sandra Wulf sandra@idc.law 800-232-0169

Online registration is closed.

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The IDC is thrilled to announce the creation of a new Academy program – the A to Z Litigation Academy, which will be presented over eight sessions, from September 2021 to April 2022. This Academy is designed to help prepare an emerging attorney for the trials and tribulations of litigation. From the first days of a file to litigating the case in court, the A to Z Litigation Academy will prepare participants to develop a successful litigation practice.

As a litigation attorney, it can sometimes be tough to get to know other defense counsel outside your firm, city, or region. In this “new normal” environment of working from home, Zoom court, and virtual education, it can be nearly impossible to develop those relationships. With the A to Z Litigation Academy, all participants will be placed into small groups and will stick with this same group throughout the duration of the Academy (September 2021 to April 2022). These groups will allow our participants to get to know each other, learn from and draw on each other’s strengths and experience, and develop those relationships that help to enhance and sustain a practice.

The Hallway

Often the best bits of information and career advice come from conversations in the hallway while taking a break from a conference or a meeting. That’s what the Hallway sessions for the Litigation Academy are all about. It is during these live sessions that participants will gather with their group to revisit and discuss the content presented in the pre-recorded sessions, network, ask questions, and gain further insight into developing a successful defense litigation practice. Please note that most Hallways will be virtual; only the December 9 and April 7 Hallways will be in person.

Happy Hours

To further develop the relationships between the Academy participants, we will host two Happy Hours for all participants, speakers, facilitators, and sponsors. One will be held December 9 and one will be April 7. Both will be held in Chicago, location TBA (COVID-19 restrictions allowing).

Sessions & Schedules

The A to Z Litigation Academy will be offered over the course of eight sessions, from September 2021 to April 2022. Each of the eight sessions will begin with pre-recorded content on the topic at hand. These recordings will be available for 2.5 weeks prior to the session’s Hallway meeting, allowing our participants to schedule their viewing of the content as their schedule allows. Each session will wrap up with The Hallway.

Session One

The First 100 Days – A New File! Now What?!

Speaker: Holly Whitlock-Glave, HeplerBroom LLC

Set yourself up for success. Your first 100 days with a new file are crucial, and we’re here to help you develop skills to hit the ground running. From organization to file review, we will discuss methods to perform a “high level” case review, determine client goals, create a timeline, prepare for your initial client conference, and more.

September 13-30 – Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
September 30, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Hallway

Session Two

Issue Analysis and Answering the Complaint – Your First Words Will Be “Heard”

Speakers: C. William Busse, Jr., Busse & Busse, P.C. and Adam C. Carter, Esp Kreuzer Cores, LLP

Your client’s answer to a complaint is their first chance to be “heard.” We will walk through tips to review complaints and identify service and jurisdictional issues. We will discuss how to identify and prepare affirmative defenses and how to assess whether to file a motion or answer. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to use your review of the complaint to identify discovery issues and pitfalls early, and to review coverage issues and issues related to co-defendants.

October 4-21 – Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
October 21, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Hallway

Session Three

Civility/Decorum – Lawyers as Team Players

Moderator: Untress "Trez" Quinn, Armstrong Teasdale, LLP

Speakers: Laura K. Beasley, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC, Mark P. Broderick, SmithAmundsen, LLC, and Tracy Stevenson, Law Offices of Tracy E. Stevenson, P.C.

Civility and decorum among counsel, especially opposing counsel, are essential in obtaining the best results for your clients. We will discuss the who, what, where, when, and why, and provide tips and strategies for making sure you never burn a bridge or become the next “cat-lawyer.”

October 25 – November 11 – Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
November 11, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Hallway

Session Four

Discovery – The Illusive Smoking Gun

Speakers: John P. Heil, Jr., Heyl, Royster Voelker & Allen, Jessica S. Holliday, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC, Glenn A. Klinger, SmithAmundsen, LLC, and Sommer R. Luzynczyk, Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered

Let’s talk discovery. In this session, we will discuss strategies for drafting written discovery and preparing for deposition. We will discuss 201(k) conferences, initial mandatory conferences, and how to manage discovery generally.

November 15 – December 9 – Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
December 9, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – The Hallway at Johnson & Bell, Ltd., 33 W. Monroe Street, Ste 2700, Chicago AND Happy Hour, The Berghoff, 17 W. Adams Street, Chicago

Session Five

Depositions – Let’s Talk

Speakers: Joseph A. Bleyer, Bleyer & Bleyer, Justyna M. Kruk, Tribler Orpett and Meyer, P.C. and James W. Ozog, Goldberg Segalla LLP

Do you want to take a deposition like a pro? You will hear from a pro about the nuances to effective preparation, guidelines, tips, and other strategies to this important form of discovery.

January 17 – February 3 – Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
February 3, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Hallway

Session Six

Motions – Let the Arguments Begin

Speakers: Elaine C. Davenport, Sanchez Daniels Hoffman LLP and Bradley C. Nahrstadt, Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth LLC

Effective written and oral argument skills are developed through time and experience. This session delves into what it takes to get your client an early exit from a lawsuit by way of dispositive motion practice, including effective strategies and important considerations before and after the brief is submitted.

February 7-24 – Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
February 24, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Hallway

Session Seven

Pre-trial –Are We Really Ready to Try This Thing?

Speakers: Jessica Holliday, Brown & James, P.C. and Amanda L. Zink, Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis, Ltd.

You never want to feel unprepared or underprepared for trial. This segment will focus on key pre-trial, trial, and post-trial considerations, including tips and suggestions, real life examples, and discussions about alternatives to trial so you are never underprepared again.

February 28 – March 16– Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
March 16, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Hallway

Session Eight

The Job – Being a Defense Litigator; It’s an Artform

Speakers: Britta Sahlstrom, SmithAmundsen, LLC, Patrick W. Stufflebeam, Tressler LLP, and Eugena A. Whitson-Owen, Zurich North America

There’s more to lawyering than what’s filed with the court or seen in the courtroom. We’ll walk through the art of billing, how to manage and find the value in non-billable work, and where to look for resources inside and outside of your firm. You’ll also learn tips on the ins and outs of reporting to clients and partners, how to give good and not-so-good news, and how to navigate the business-side of the law.

March 21 – April 7– Pre-Recorded Content Available for Viewing
April 7, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – The Hallway AND Happy Hour

Continuing Legal Education Credit

Participants in the A to Z Litigation Academy may earn up to 16 general CLE credit hours and 2 professionalism credit hours from the Illinois MCLE Board.

Registration

Registration for the A to Z Litigation Academy is limited to ensure exceptional interaction and to focus on our participant’s needs, questions, and concerns.

IDC Members: $299
Non-Members: $499

Featured Speakers and Facilitators of The Hallway

	Laura K. Beasley is a member of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC in Belleville. Ms. Beasley focuses her practice in the areas of manufacturing, insurance, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and medical device. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geography in 1996 from Austin Peay University and her law degree from Southern Illinois University School in 2001. She is a member of several bar associations and currently serves as President of the IDC Board of Directors. She is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Missouri state and federal courts.
	Joseph A. Bleyer is a partner with Bleyer & Bleyer in Marion and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is a graduate from Southern Illinois University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, United States District Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He has tried more than 75 jury trials in various Illinois State Courts and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. He has argued appeals in the Fifth District Appellate Court, the Illinois Supreme Court and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
	Mark P. Broderick is a partner with SmithAmundsen LLC in Milwaukee with more than 22 years of experience in the courtroom. He has successfully tried cases to verdict in Wisconsin and Illinois. Mark handles matters related to construction defects, professional liability, products liability, premises liability and employment law. He also handles matters involving general torts, contracts and corporate related disputes. In the past, he has handled large cases, including death cases, multi-million dollar personal injury cases, and large loss fire cases. In addition to being an experienced litigator, Mark is a trained arbitrator and presides over arbitrations for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in Lake Country, Illinois and for private litigants.
	C. William Busse, Jr. is the President of the law firm of Busse & Busse, P.C. He has more than 35 years of legal experience handling civil jury trials and appeals. Mr. Busse has concentrated his practice in the defense of tort and insurance coverage litigation. He has handled hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death cases in various Illinois venues, including automobile, trucking, premises liability, product liability, aviation and construction injury claims, as well as fire and explosion and property damage claims. Mr. Busse serves on the IDC Board of Directors and is a co-author of, “The 50 Year History of the IDC”. Mr. Busse previously served as the chair of the Civil Practice Committee and currently serves as a member of the IDC Civil Practice, Construction Law, Insurance Law, and Legislative Committees.
	Adam C. Carter is a partner with Esp Kreuzer Cores LLP in Wheaton. He focuses his practice in the areas of construction law, product liability, professional liability, aviation law, propane and explosives litigation, catastrophic injury and loss litigation, environmental litigation, and business torts and commercial Litigation. Mr. Carter is currently an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Defense Counsel and serves as Chair of the IDC Civil Practice Committee and as a member of the IDC Legislative Committee. He earned his B.A. cum laude from Augustana College in 1998 and earned his juris doctor cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2001. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar and United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois in 2001, and has been admitted pro hac vice to defend clients in numerous state and federal courts across the country.
	Elaine C. Davenport a partner with Sanchez Daniels Hoffman LLP in Chicago where she concentrates her practice on representing and advocating on behalf of municipalities and their law enforcement officers in civil rights matters in both state and federal court. She is also highly experienced in complex litigation including construction actions representing owners and contractors; premises liability matters representing national corporate clients; and, litigation of personal injury/wrongful death matters. Ms. Davenport earned her J.D. from DePaul University in 2000 and her B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1997. She is admitted to the Illinois and Utah bar, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, U.S. District Court, Trial Bar, Northern District of Illinois, Federal Trial Bar, Northern District of Illinois, and United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
	John P. Heil, Jr. is a partner with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen. Mr. Heil joined Heyl Royster in 2007 after serving for eleven years with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Heil handles matters in the firm’s Peoria and Chicago offices. He focuses his practice on business and commercial litigation, complex civil rights litigation, the representation of insurance carriers in liability coverage disputes, and the defense of catastrophic tort claims. Mr. Heil is a Co-Chair of the firm’s Business and Commercial Litigation Practice Group and Chair of the Drone Law Practice Group.
	Jessica S. Holliday is a partner with Brown & James, P.C., practicing in the firm’s Belleville, Ill., office. She has been with the firm since 2011. Jessica focuses her practice on premises liability, transportation, and employment matters. In addition, she has argued before the Illinois Fifth Appellate District. Jessica graduated from the Saint Louis University School of Law. She serves as a judge for moot court competitions at Saint Louis University School of Law, as well as mock trial competitions at Washington University School of Law. She also participates as an arbitrator in the St. Clair County, Ill., mandatory arbitration program. As a college graduate of the University of Tennessee, Jessica is an avid supporter of Tennessee athletics.
	Glenn A. Klinger is an associate in the Chicago office of SmithAmundsen, LLC, where he concentrates his practice on insurance coverage disputes involving commercial and professional policies. He also litigates commercial and bad faith cases, and advises clients on issues related to risk management and transfer. Glenn serves as the Vice-Chair of the IDC Educate Pillar.
	Justyna M. Kruk is an associate with Tribler Orpett and Meyer, P.C. in Chicago where she represents individual and corporate insureds in a variety of matters, including wrongful death, product liability, premises liability and construction cases. Her practice also includes professional liability and property damage matters, as well as general tort defense. She has handled all aspects of the litigation process, including resolution through mediation and trial. Before joining Tribler Orpett & Meyer, Ms. Kruk honed her advocacy skills while working in-house with a major insurance company. Justyna is chair of the IDC Practice Development Committee and a member of the Illinois State and Chicago Bar Associations.
	Erica Longfield is corporate counsel with Allstate Insurance Company in the Claim Litigation Practice Group, where she oversees matters against the Company involving coverage, bad faith and excess verdicts. Erica was previously in private practice for over 13 years where she had experience trying cases to verdict in multiple venues throughout Illinois, as well as extensive arbitration and deposition experience. She is also an active member of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and Chicago Bar Association.
	Sommer R. Luzynczyk is a partner at Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered in Chicago where her practice includes Medical Negligence & Healthcare, Long-Term Care Liability, and Premises & General Liability. The majority of Sommer's practice is devoted to defending complex medical negligence matters. She has successfully defended cases involving various medical specialties. Sommer earned her J.D., cum laude, from The John Marshall Law School in 2009 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Memphis in 2005. Sommer’s bar admissions include the Supreme Court of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She is a member of the Illinois Defense Counsel and the Illinois State Bar Association. Sommer is a member of the State of Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee and Co-chair of the IDC North Central Region Trial Academy and IDC Deposition Academy.
	Bradley C. Nahrstadt is Chief Operating Officer at Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth LLC in Chicago. As the COO, Brad is responsible for the ongoing business operations of the firm, including recruiting, hiring, training and reviewing associate attorneys, assigning new files, overseeing firm administration and facilitating and coordinating promotional and professional development activities. Prior to joining Donohue Brown, Brad was a partner and one of the founding members of Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis Ltd. As a practicing attorney, Brad was responsible for all aspects of litigation with an emphasis on defending product liability, medical malpractice, premises liability, insurance bad faith and professional malpractice cases in state and federal courts around the country. Brad has been an active member of the Illinois Defense Counsel and served as President in 2018-2019. He is a member of The American Law Institute, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, the Chicago-Lincoln Inn of Court, the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance, the Defense Research Institute, the Illinois State Bar Association, the International Association of Defense Counsel and the Litigation Counsel of America.
	James W. Ozog is a partner in the Chicago office of Goldberg Segalla LLP. He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and law degree from Washington University in 1977. Mr. Ozog concentrates his practice in product liability defense matters, class action litigation, toxic tort, and construction. In addition to his Illinois defense practice, he is National Trial Counsel for a number of national and international manufacturers in fire, explosion, and catastrophic burn cases, and he defense several food and beverage manufacturers. He has handled cases in 28 states and tried product liability cases to verdict in nine states. He is a member of the American Bar Association, DRI, Illinois Defense Counsel, IADC, and the Propane Gas Defense Association.
	Untress “Trez” Quinn is a partner and seasoned trial lawyer at Armstrong Teasdale, LLP, focusing his practice on the defense of medical malpractice and other catastrophic loss lawsuits. He has defended multiple complex litigation cases in both state and federal courts involving civil rights, product liability, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims. He serves as the Diversity Committee Chair for the Illinois Association for Defense Trial Lawyers and has been recognized by Leading LawyersSM, National Black Lawyers Top 100, and received the NAACP’s 54th Freedom Fund Awards for Excellence in Law.
	Britta Sahlstrom is an attorney with SmithAmundsen in the Chicago, where she concentrates her practice on various aspects of coverage litigation, with a focus on the areas of environmental and mass tort, automobile liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorists. Britta attended University of Wisconsin Law School where she was an editor of the Wisconsin Law Review, a member of the Mock Trial team and the competition chair for the Moot Court Board. She is licensed to practice in Illinois and Wisconsin.
	Tracy Stevenson of the Law Offices of Tracy E. Stevenson, P.C. in Chicago focuses her litigation practice on medical malpractice defense of physicians and hospitals. Tracy has actively assisted municipal and governmental agencies in litigation including breach of contract and defense tort claims pursuant to the tort immunity act. Tracy has tried over 30 cases to jury verdict in federal and state courts in Illinois, Florida, Louisiana and other jurisdictions. Outside her work in the courtroom, Tracy represents litigants during arbitration/mediation, and also acts as a neutral. She was a regular columnist for the IDC Quarterly, for over 10 years, and has written and published multiple articles in trade magazines. Further, Tracy is an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School and chairs the Tri-State North Central Region Trial Academy and the IDC Deposition Academy.
	Patrick W. Stufflebeam is a partner in the St. Louis Metro Office of Tressler LLP. He concentrates his practice on the defense of civil litigation including toxic tort (asbestos, talc, and benzene), premises liability, product liability, commercial litigation, and insurance coverage issues. Patrick also maintains a practice in assisting individuals and businesses with cybersecurity and privacy issues, corporate formation, reorganization, acquisition, and contracts. Patrick obtained his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law after graduating from the Western Illinois University. He is a member of the Illinois Defense Counsel (twice elected Director, 2011-2017), Madison County Bar Association, International Association of Privacy Professionals, and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. Patrick holds an AV Preeminent® rating with Martindale-Hubbell and was named a 2018 Leading Lawyer by Leading Lawyers, Products Liability Defense and Toxic Torts Defense.
	Holly C. Whitlock-Glave is a senior associate at HeplerBroom, LLC in Crystal Lake. She primarily focuses her practice in the defense of complex, multi-party commercial construction litigation involving construction injury, construction defects, risk transfer, construction contract, risk management, general liability coverage issues, expert analysis & investigations and settlement negotiations/alternative dispute resolution. She has been admitted to practice in the state of Illinois and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. She is a long-standing member of the Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC), receiving IDC’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2018. As a member of IDC, she serves as an author, speaker, Chair of the Construction Law Committee and Director at Large on the Board of Directors.
	Eugena A. Whitson-Owen is Staff Legal Team Lead - Central Region at Zurich North America. Eugena specializes in defense of complex litigation, product liability, medical device, construction, and toxic tort. Eugena earned her J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in 1996 and her B.A. from Eastern Illinois University in 1992. She is licensed to practice in Illinois and before the United States Supreme Court. She is past president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, a former IDC Board Member, and member of DRI and the Illinois State Bar Association.
	Amanda L. Zink is a litigation partner with Lipe Lyons Murphy Nahrstadt & Pontikis, Ltd. in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on the defense of personal injury, premises liability, construction liability, employer liability, and product liability claims. Prior to joining Lipe Lyons, Ms. Zink spent more than a decade as in-house counsel for The Hartford, where she defended its insureds in both federal and state court. Ms. Zink graduated from DePaul University College of Law in May of 2004. Ms. Zink is an active member in a number of professional and civic organizations, including the Illinois Defense Counsel, Chicago Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association, and the International Society of Primerus Law Firms. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the IDC Practice Development Committee.