1:45 p.m.

Registration

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Aftermath and Responses of the SCOTUS decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al.

• Presented by: Mike Hallock, Hennessey & Roach, P.C., and Jamie Lane, Amundsen Davis LLC

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al. has sent significant ripples throughout the transportation, logistics, and insurance industries. This session will examine the immediate and evolving impact of the decision, including how brokers, shippers, carriers, insurers, and the plaintiffs’ bar are responding to a changing legal landscape.

Panelists will discuss shifts in broker activity following the decision, including increased carrier scrutiny, removal of carriers from networks based on safety considerations, tightening capacity, and the resulting impact on freight rates. The presentation will also explore emerging litigation trends as plaintiffs’ attorneys pursue new theories of liability, causing shippers to reassess risk exposure and reconsider how they engage with third-party logistics providers. Finally, the session will address insurance market implications, including potential coverage disputes involving policies issued before Montgomery and how insurers may adapt their underwriting and claims strategies moving forward.

CDL and Compliance – New Dangers and New Defenses to Them

• Presented by: Tim Smith, Pitt Ohio, and Maxwell Brusky, Transdev

Compliance issues involving commercial drivers and motor carriers can dramatically impact the evaluation, defense, and resolution strategy of transportation claims. This session will examine emerging risks surrounding CDL requirements, driver qualification, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on identifying potential issues early and developing effective defense strategies.

Panelists will discuss the top compliance failures attorneys and claims professionals should evaluate immediately following an accident, particularly during the rapid response phase when evidence preservation, claim assessment, and defense positioning are critical. The presentation will provide practical guidance on recognizing vulnerabilities, addressing plaintiff strategies, and using early compliance analysis to make informed decisions regarding litigation strategy, risk assessment, and opportunities for early resolution.

What to do in Illinois after McQueen v. Green (2022)

• Presented by: Brian Hunt, Hunt Law Group, LLC, and Emily Schroeder, Amundsen Davis LLC

The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision in McQueen v. Green has changed the landscape for defending claims involving negligent hiring, supervision, entrustment, and related theories of liability. This session will examine the practical impact of the decision and how defense strategies must evolve in response to expanded opportunities for plaintiffs to pursue these claims.

Panelists will discuss effective approaches to early motion practice, including challenges at the pleading stage and strategies for narrowing the scope of disputed issues through targeted discovery. The presentation will also examine lessons learned from jurisdictions such as Minnesota, Alabama, and other states that have addressed similar legal frameworks, highlighting practical defense models and strategies that can be applied in Illinois litigation. Attendees will leave with guidance for developing a proactive case strategy focused on early evaluation, issue refinement, and effective resolution planning.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Beyond the Crash Scene: Using Accident Reconstruction and Investigation Tools to Build a Stronger Transportation Defense

• Presented by: Steve DiNolfo, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd., and Chuck Fox, Ph.D., ESi

Accident reconstruction can play a critical role in evaluating liability, developing defense strategies, and achieving successful outcomes in trucking and transportation cases. This session will explore the many ways reconstruction evidence can be used beyond determining how an accident occurred, including identifying key facts, evaluating claims, supporting expert analysis, and shaping litigation strategy.

Panelists will discuss the tools and technology used in modern accident investigations, including surveillance footage, vehicle data, physical evidence, scene analysis, and other sources of information that help create a complete picture of an incident. The presentation will provide practical guidance on when and how to effectively use accident reconstruction resources, particularly during the early stages of a claim when rapid investigation and evidence preservation can significantly impact the defense.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour

Maxwell (Max) Brusky is currently Assistant General Counsel – Litigation for Transdev North America, a one of the largest operators and maintainers of municipal transit systems in the world, and as part of Transdev Group, based in Paris, France. Prior to joining Transdev NA, Max was Director, Claims Management for Bulkmatic, LLC, Assistant Branch Manager of Gallagher Bassett Specialty’s Transportation Practice Major Case Unit, and before that, Director, Claims Management for Hub Group and Hub Group Trucking. He has also in been in practice as a solo practitioner, with 2 Chicago insurance defense law firms, and as in-house tort counsel for the Chicago Transit Authority. Max is a 1995 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Mathematics and History of Science and a 2000 J.D. graduate of DePaul University College of Law. Max is an active member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC), ClaimsXchange Advisory Board, Illinois Defense Counsel, and the Trucking Industry Defense Association.

Steve DiNolfo, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd., is an experienced trial attorney whose practice focuses on local government, civil rights, employment litigation, labor law, and tort defense. He represents local governments, EMS providers, insurers, and other clients in state and federal courts, with experience handling matters involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, civil rights claims, employment disputes, tort liability, and emergency services litigation. Stephen has argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Illinois Supreme Court, and Illinois Appellate Courts, and has represented clients before state and federal administrative agencies.

After earning his doctorate from Iowa State University and completing a neuroscience fellowship at the University of Michigan, Chuck Fox, Ph.D. transitioned from academia to help pioneer the use of 3D animation in complex investigations. As Senior Director of Client Development at ESi, Chuck helps clients leverage scientific expertise, advanced visualization tools, and collaborative problem-solving to bring clarity and impact to complex cases.

John Fitzgerald is a partner at Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC in Chicago. He is a trial and appellate litigator with experience in commercial litigation, professional liability defense and constitutional disputes. John is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School and a past president of the Appellate Lawyers Association of Illinois. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Illinois Defense Counsel Amicus Committee. 

Mike Hallock is a seasoned trial attorney and Partner in the Chicago office of Hennessy & Roach, P.C., where he defends businesses and insurers in complex, high-exposure litigation involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and significant property damage. Licensed in Illinois and Washington, D.C., Mike’s experience includes numerous high-profile trials and appeals, as well as prior service as a federal prosecutor and in-house counsel at the U.S. Department of Transportation. He is President of the CLM Chicago Chapter, co-founder of the CLM 24/7 Incident Response Task Force, and a frequent author and speaker on litigation strategy, risk management, and emerging legal issues.

Brian Hunt, Managing Principal at The Hunt Law Group, LLC in Chicago, has extensive trial experience of over 25 years and more than thirty-five solo jury verdicts across transportation, premises, product, and construction liability. Brian is a former CPA and in-house counsel at a Fortune 100 company. Brian serves as Vice Chair of the FDCC Transportation Section, is a member of the American Law Institute, and a frequent speaker on tort defense and business litigation.

As a member of the firm’s Transportation & Logistics Service Group, Emily Schroeder of Amundsen Davis LLC represents truckers, manufacturers, logistics providers and insurers in all aspects of civil litigation, including contract disputes, wrongful death, bodily injury, premises liability and tort defense.

With more than 30 years in transportation, Tim Smith of Pitt Ohio offers a broad background in Operations, Sales, and Recruiting, complemented by national recognition for leading successful Safety and Risk programs. He has guided three different carriers' safety initiatives to national honors, each earning the highly esteemed American Trucking Associations’ President’s Trophy. Tim currently serves as Vice President of Safety at Pitt Ohio, a nationally-operating fleet, overseeing one of the nation's top Safety and Risk programs.

Claims Professionals & Corporate or Association Counsel

Complimentary

Complimentary

Private Practice Attorneys, Public Sector Attorneys, Educators, and Students