Michigan Defense Trial Counsel to conduct 2022 Winter Meeting in Novi

The Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (MDTC) will conduct its 2022 Winter Meeting, titled “The Future of Law and Your Practice. How to Strengthen Your Skills and Become a Better Lawyer, Colleague, and Manager,” on Friday, November 4, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Sheraton Detroit Novi, 21111 Haggerty Road in Novi.

The program schedule will include:

• 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.—Panel: Diversity & Inclusion in the Modern Practice, with Carmen Bickerdt, Bowman and Brooke LLP; Kristina Bilowus, Michigan State University; and moderator Reginald M. Turner, Clark Hill.

• 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.—Discovery Preservation, Collection, and Production in a Virtual Workplace, with John Winkler and Nimisha Patel, FTI Consulting.

• 11:15 a.m. to noon—Use of Technology at Trial: Best Practices, with Patrick Muscat, Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

• 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.—Getting to Yes: 5 Keys to Persuasive Communication, with Michael Caruso.

• 2:15  to 3 p.m.—Panel: Best Practices For Effective (Virtual) Advocacy and Tips for the Young Lawyer, with David Ottenwess, Ottenwess Law PLC; Jodi Munn Schebel, Bowman and Brooke LLP; Macomb
County Circuit Court Judge Julie Gatti; and moderator Sarah Cherry, Ottenwess Law PLC.

• 3:15 to 4 p.m.—Future of Law Firms in a Post-COVID World, with Stephanie Ottenwess, Ottenwess Law PLC; Deborah Brouwer, Nemeth Law PC; and moderator Thomas Isaacs, Bowman and Brooke LLP.

• 4 to 4:45 p.m.—A year in review in the Michigan Supreme Court, with Timothy Diemer and Eric Conn, Jacobs & Diemer PC; Michael Cook, Collins Einhorn Farrell PC; and moderator Morgan Esters,
Honigman LLP.

During the luncheon, the MDTC/MAJ (Michigan Association for Justice) Respected Advocate Awards will be presented.  The MDTC annually gives the award to a member of the plaintiff’s bar for the purpose of recognizing and honoring the individual’s history of successful representation of clients and adherence to the highest standards of ethics. The MAJ does the same annually for a defense practitioner to promote mutual respect and civility.  This year’s honors go to Deborah A. Lujan and Donna M. MacKenzie.  Also during the luncheon, Best Article Awards will be presented to Michael J. Cook and Trent B. Collier.

Cost for the Winter Meeting is $235 for MDTC members, $300 for non-members, $75 for lunch-only, and a new member special of $285 which includes the cost of meeting and one year of membership. The registration fee includes program, lunch, and breaks. To register, visit www.mdtc.org/mdtc-winter-meeting-2022. Anyone with questions may contact Madelyne Lawry at 517-627-3745.