STLA convention

1. THE SOUTHERN TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
21st annual conference the weekend of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Designed for and limited exclusively to Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Trial Lawyers
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
J. W. Marriott Hotel, New Orleans
LESSONS
FROM THE
ARENA
This conference has sold out for fifteen
years in a row, and you are strongly en-
couraged to register immediately! Re-
maining rooms, if there are any, will be
released on January 31, 2009.
Message from the President
T
Fellow Trial Lawyers and Friends, lawyers, statesmen, or members of the Judiciary are honored
for their service to the profession and the people we serve. No
here is something to be said for the respect, honor, and where is there a more influential, dynamic and dedicated group
traditions that are the foundation of the Southern Trial Lawyers of lawyers than at the Annual WarHorse Awards Dinner where
Association. For me, as I tackle the often-tough challenges of the best of the best are honored and the rest of us are inspired.
our practice, it is refreshing to know that the annual meeting We see pride tempered with humility and the full measure of the
of the STLA in New Orleans is a great place to be, to share, to honoree’s dedication, sacrifice, and legacy. Honor and respect
learn, to honor our calling to serve others, and to have a little fun among peers fills the room with emotion leaving us all more
with friends. inspired and wanting to conquer the obstacles our clients face.
Although STLA has transcended a generation since it This year’s conference theme is Lessons From The Arena
was conceived, we are no less committed to our founding and promises to be everything the 20 before it have been. The
principles. STLA began in 1988 when a small group of southern education is unmatched and the hospitality genuinely southern.
trial lawyers got together to form an association dedicated to On Wednesday night a reception welcomes everyone. The CLE
friendship kindled through fellowship and legal education starts Thursday morning and concludes at noon on Saturday. I
delivered by and for the best and most experienced lawyers of encourage you to sign up for the WarHorse Dinner on Friday night,
the day. Over the years, with its annual meeting always in New consider riding in the Mardi Gras parade on a float on Saturday,
Orleans, the association has grown from a small band of lawyers and in true New Orleans style, join friends on a Bourbon Street
to a membership of several hundred while maintaining personal balcony for the Saturday night STLA party. Whatever parts you
relationships among each. choose to enjoy, of one thing you can be sure....STLA friends are
Politics and fundraising have never been allowed, and every among the best.
year the association donates a substantial sum to a deserving Adam Malone
non-profit cause. Once a year at the same time, distinguished President, STLA

2. The Agenda Wednesday Evening beginning at 6:30 through Saturday night -- is
evolving even as you read this notice. The learning is serious, yet
relaxed and from some of the best presenters in the country.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:40 - 10:00 a.m. Robert Parks, Florida - Forum Non Conveniens: An Update
Welcome reception hosted by J. W. Marriott Hotel
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. Break
10:20 - 10:40 a.m. Darren Penn, Georgia
Thursday, February 19, 2009 Brakeshift Interlock: A Deadly Defect
WELCOME- President Adam Malone, Atlanta, Georgia
8:25 - 8:30 a.m. 10:40 - 11:00 a.m. Peter Perlman, Kentucky
Introduction of Traumatic Brain Injury and More
8:30 - 8:40 a.m. Summation in Products Cases: Remember the Basics
by Program Chair and Moderator - Tommy Malone, Georgia 11:00 - 11:20 a.m. James Pratt, III, Alabama – Mediation Tactics Which Work
8:40 - 9:00 a.m. Randy Scarlett, California 11:20 - 11:40 a.m. Broadus Spivey, Texas - Legal Malpractice: How to
Handling the Catastrophic Brain Injury Plead it and How to Avoid It (Ethics)
9:00 - 9:20 a.m. Geoffrey Manley, M.D., California 11:40 - 12:00 noon Tyler Thompson, Kentucky – Hospital Credentialing -
Role of the Neurosurgeon in the Trial of a Brain Injury The John King Litigation
Mark Ashley, M.D., California – Role of a Rehabilitation
9:20 - 9:40 a.m. 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. LUNCH
Specialist in the Trial of a Brain Injury 1:30 - 1:40 p.m. Introduction of Persuasion in the 21st Century by
9:40 - 10:00 a.m. Joel Lavine, M.D., California Chairman and Moderator, Howard Nations, Texas
Understanding the Importance of Your Liver 1:40 - 2:00 p.m. Justin Kahn, South Carolina
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. BREAK Driving Decisions with Graphics, Psychology and Stories
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. Chief Judge Anne E. Barnes, Georgia; 2:00 - 2:20 p.m. William McMurry, Kentucky
Judge M. Yvette Miller, Georgia; Presiding Fight Hate Now More Than Ever
Justice Carol W.Hunstein , Georgia 2:20 - 2:55 p.m. Brian H. Tew, Texas – Persuasion with Technology:
What Women Want: Judges That Is Medical Proof
11:00 - 11:20 a.m. Ronald C. Savage, Ed.D., New Jersey 2:55 - 3:30 p.m. Dave Wenner, Arizona - Persuasion and the
The Role of the Educator in the Treatment of Brain Injury Unconscious Mind
Adam Malone, Georgia – Amputation in South Georgia
11:20 - 11:40 a.m. 3:30 - 3:50 p.m. BREAK
11:40 - 1:30 p.m. LUNCH 3:50 - 4:25 p.m. Howard Nations, Texas - Persuading the Old Fashioned
Introduction of Show Me Something Mister!
1:30 - 1:40 p.m. Way: Words and Body Language
Tips from the Masters by Chairman and Moderator, 4:25 - 5:00 p.m. Don Keenan, Georgia - Persuasion and the Reptilian Mind
Maria Glorioso, Louisiana 6:45 - 11:00 p.m. WarHorse Awards Banquet
Scott West, Texas - Fighting Car Makers: A Tale of Liars,
1:40 - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Cheats and Thieves
Chris Glover, Alabama - Rear Crashworthiness:
2:00 - 2:20 p.m. Introduction of Tips for Those in the Trenches
8:30 - 8:40 a.m.
Wasted Space Wasted Lives by Chairman and Moderator, John Romano, Florida
Morgan G. Adams, Tennessee – Big Rig Tractor-Trailer
8:40 - 9:00 a.m.
2:20 - 2:40 p.m. Judge Roland Belsome, Louisiana Court of Appeal
Crash Cases: Focusing on the Issue of Driver Fatigue
Fourth Circuit - Observations from the Bench
Dan Ramsdell, Missouri – Big Rig Tractor-Trailer Cases:
9:00 - 9:20 a.m.
Sach Oliver, Arkansas - Using Harm Scales in Closings
2:40 - 3:00 p.m.
Focusing on the Issue of Conspicuity
3:00 - 3:20 p.m. BREAK
Richard Shapiro, Florida – The Three Methods to a
9:20 - 9:40 a.m.
3:20 - 3:40 p.m. Jack Baldwin, Texas/Ken Peterson, Kansas
Knockout Punch When Cross-Examining Radiologists
Case Evaluation in Complex Litigation
and Neuro-radiologists
3:40 - 4:00 p.m. Eric Romano, Florida
Dr. Ronald A. Brodkin, Florida – Cutting-Edge Technology
9:40 - 10:00 a.m.
Risky Business: Defeating Pre-Injury Releases
in Proof of Medical Facts: Digital Motion X-rays and MRI’s
4:00 - 4:20 p.m. To Be Announced
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. BREAK
4:20 - 4:40 p.m. Vincent Glorioso, Jr., Louisiana
10:20 - 10:40 a.m. William Walker, Jr., South Carolina
Maximizing Damages in Child Injury Cases Burn Injury Litigation Strategies: Five Key Components
4:40 - 5:00 p.m. Roger Dodd, Georgia Gary Pillersdorf, New York - 3 Key Components to the
10:40 - 11:00 a.m.
Cross Examination - The Art and Science Making of a Quality Advocate
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. President’s Reception in Henrí Room Gary Gober, Tennessee – 3 New Components of The
11:00 - 11:20 a.m.
Paradigm Changes in The Practice of Law
Friday, February 20, 2009 (Which I Have Recognized in the Last 12 Months)
Gerald Greger, Florida – Six Hot Tips You Need to Know
11:20 - 11:40 a.m.
Introduction of Advocacy Dynamite by Chairman and
8:30 - 8:40 a.m.
About When Dealing With Structured Settlements and
Moderator, Peter Perlman, Kentucky
Case Settlement Strategy
Robert Langdon, Missouri – When is Your Car Crash
8:40 - 9:00 a.m.
Case a Crashworthiness Case?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
9:00 - 9:20 a.m. Nick C. Nichols, Texas
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Board of Governors Meeting
Courts and Sports: A Current Update
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Crawfish Boil sponsored by Medi Visuals
9:20 - 9:40 a.m. Ann Oldfather, Kentucky
7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Party on Bourbon Street
Turning Your Enemy’s Strength in Your Favor
ABOUT THE HOST HOTEL - The J.W. Marriott is located at 614 Canal WANT TO RIDE IN A MARDI GRAS PARADE?
Street and is one of New Orleans premier hotels, offering modern luxury combined As an STLA registrant, you have a unique opportunity to actually ride on a Mardi
with elegance and traditional Southern Charm. Located in the heart of this vibrant Gras float! The Krewe of Tucks is a Mardi Gras Krewe and many STLA members,
city, it is adjacent to the French Quarter and within easy walking distance to Bour- faculty and others participate in this annual event. It is the fourth largest parade
bon Street, all of the Mississippi River attractions, streetcar lines, Jackson Square, and rolls about 1:30 on Saturday, February 21st. There is a party following at the
and other attractions. Hotel reservations must be made through the STLA office in Sheraton, right down the street from the JW Marriott. Through the STLA, you are
tandem with your conference registration. No reservations will be accepted on a invited to experience all the magic of the season through participating in a parade,
direct basis by the hotel. Hotel reservations will be confirmed by the STLA office.
in full regalia, with family and friends. This opportunity is offered separate from
Reservations must be made by January 31, 2009. The STLA conference actually
the conference, for a fee of about $1,300 per person, which includes the costume,
kicks off on Wednesday night with a reception hosted by the hotel. Rooms are avail-
throws, and party. Additional throws can be purchased. For more information,
able several days before and after the conference for participants interested in an
contact Emily Frischhertz at info@kreweoftucks.com
extended stay in New Orleans. There is a three- day minimum on rooms and there
are no concierge-level rooms.

3. To Register
TO REGISTER for this convention, and to reserve
accommodations, complete the conference reg-
istration form and JW Marriott reservation form
made part of this flyer and MAIL BOTH TO
STLA at P.O. Box 1207, Crawfordville, FL
Name
32326-1207. Hotel reservations are controlled
through the STLA office in order to accommo-
Guest’s Name
date conference participants.
Address
Conference Registration Fees*
City State Zip
$650 for Non-STLA member
Telephone Fax
$550 for STLA members
$850 Exhibit Fee
E-mail
STLA Member Registration $550 = $
*Your conference registration fee covers the
STLA Non-member $650 = $
welcome reception for you and a guest, conti-
Exhibit Fee $850 = $
nental breakfast each morning, 1 ticket for the
Friday Evening War Horse Banquet $225 each x ____ = $
Balcony on Bourbon Street, the Crawfish Boil,
Balcony on Bourbon Street Sat. Night $75 each x ____ = $
CLE credits and the conference handbook. The
(One ticket included with registration)
WARHORSE Reception and Banquet are not
Spouse Program $98 each x ____ = $
included in the conference registration fee, as
TOTAL ENCLOSED $
the additional cost of $225 per person is cal-
culated to cover the cost of this extraordinary
HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Hotel reservations at the conference site, the J.W.Marriott,
event. It has proven to be the highlight of every
are possible only through the STLA office, and only after you have registered for the
convention, and you will not want to miss it!
conference. Your completed hotel reservation form may be found on the next page,
and it should accompany your conference registration form.
CLE Credit
Please provide one of the following to insure JW Marriott accommodations:
15 CLE hours are anticipated in the 13-mem-
1) Your check or money order payable to the JW Marriott Hotel covering the
ber southern states.
first night’s stay OR
2) Your credit card detail (credit card information will be provided to the JW
Marriott by STLA). You will receive confirmation of your reservation directly from
the JW Marriott by January 31st.
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone Fax
Arrival Date/Time Departure Date
STLA IS NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT Please check room requested:
Deluxe (Corner room with King Bed) Superior (King or twin beds)
CREDIT CARDS FOR CONFERENCE
$275 plus 13% tax $246 plus 13% tax
REGISTRATION FEES King Twin
Smoking Non-smoking
Please issue checks payable to The Southern
Trial Lawyers Association to cover the cost of DEPOSIT OF ONE ROOM NIGHT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL RESERVATIONS:
each conference option that you choose. You Please charge my credit card for the one room night deposit required.
may reserve your hotel room by credit card as
noted at the right. In order to assure the group
Credit Card # Exp.
rate, the STLA office must receive reservations
before January 31, 2009. If the rate requested is Name
not available, the nearest available rate will be
Signature
confirmed. Reservations requested beyond the
cut-off date are subject to availability. Rooms
Mail your conference registration form and fee, plus your completed hotel reser-
may still be available after the cut-off date but
vation form with credit card detail to cover the one night room deposit to:
not at the group rate. Valet Parking is available
Southern Trial Lawyers Assoc.
at the 609 Common Street entrance. All confer-
PO Box 1207 • Crawfordville, FL 32326-1207
ence registrations and hotel reservations will be
Phone/Fax: 850-926-4599
acknowledged/confirmed by January 31, 2009.

4. ADVANCE NOTICE TO STLA MEMBERS AND LOYAL CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS
All you need to register is included in this ADVANCE notice!
War Horse Banquet New Orleans Style Shrimp/Crawfish Boil
Friday Evening, February 20, 2009
in the Quarter
Reception 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
This started two years ago and has become a huge suc-
Dinner 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. AT THE WINDSOR
cess. Bob Shepherd and Medi Visuals in Richmond Virgin-
COURT
ia will sponsor an old fashioned crawfish boil just a couple
of blocks from the hotel. There was a fair crowd at the first
Tickets to the formal WARHORSE reception and ban-
event but last year after everyone heard about how much
quet are $225 each. Please order tickets in advance using the
fun it was, the place was packed. Very, very casual and
conference registration form, as tickets will not be available
dress appropriately for the weather as it will be outside.
on site.
An elegant celebration in honor of three of the nation’s
most outstanding trial lawyers. You are cordially invited to
Balcony on Bourbon Street
participate in this special evening with lawyers and their fam-
ilies from throughout the South. The occasion is formal and
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 232 Bourbon Street -
masks can be worn for the reception.
7 p.m. til 1 a.m.
In tribute to: J. Lewis Cromer, South Carolina;
Howard Nations, Texas; Judge George Leighton, Illinois.
You think Bourbon Street is crazy on the streets during
WAR HORSE honorees are nominated by members of
Mardi Gras, well you ought to see it from a balcony. We have
the Southern Trial Lawyers Association in recognition of ex-
rented a balcony on the second block of Bourbon and will have
traordinary contributions to the cause of Justice. Acknowl-
finger sandwiches and an open bar and there will be uniformed
edged leaders in their communities, they have been in active
personnel on hand. STLA will be the only folks on the bal-
practice for more than thirty years, demonstrated outstanding
cony and we will provide beads to throw to the crowd. Masks
skill as trial advocates, and shown exceptional commitment
should be worn but aren’t required. The dress code is 60’s style.
to furthering the cause of justice. A solid bronze casting de-
(1 ticket included in registration fee and extra tickets are $75).
signed by renowned wildlife artist Pierre Pierce depicting a
reared stallion symbolizes the remarkable careers of these
TOUR OF NEW ORLEANS -
WarHorses of the South.
Spouses Program
The Professor W. McKinley Smiley, Jr. Lighthouse
Award is presented annually to America’s Most Outstanding
Friday morning, February 20, 2009
lawyer in the field of academics, legal scholarship and advo-
cacy teaching and training. This award recognizes lifelong
Depart hotel around 9:30 and go to Garden District. There will
devotion to the noble profession of trial law. Honorees stand
be a walking tour of the Garden District and tour of the Lafay-
out as mentors to young lawyers and professional peers, thus
ette Cemetery. Depart the Garden District and have lunch at
the award’s name “Lighthouse Award-the light that shines
Hersaint. Return to hotel around 1:30.
from the lighthouse provides guidance and direction to those
Price is $98 per person.
weathering the storm. W. McKinley Smiley, Jr., for whom
the award is named, embodies all that the award seeks to up-
hold. This year’s recipient is Mike Pappantonio, Florida.
The Tommy Malone Great American Eagle Award
recognizes an individual who has a calling to help others.
This person is a powerful example of the bold pursuit of Ex-
cellence and Justice. Such an individual is one who inspires
others and is a living symbol of Integrity, Strength, Bravery,
Justice, Freedom, Pride, Devotion, Excellence, and Friend-
ship and to many a Hero.