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    TAC Risk Management Pool Defense Counsel Symposium

    • October 29, 2024 - October 30, 2024 Multi-day
    • 08:00 AM - 04:15 PM
    • Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center
      1101 Woodlawn Ave.
      Georgetown, TX 78628
    • For additional information, please contact Jennifer Kolbasinski.
    • Contact Us
    TAC Risk Management Pool Defense Counsel Symposium

    This session will discuss the critical role early investigations play in shaping the outcome of legal cases. Emphasizing a proactive approach, this session highlights how thorough pre-claim and pre-litigation investigations can significantly enhance case strategies and success.

    This session will delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on legal practice. Attendees will explore the ethical considerations of AI adoption, including issues of bias, transparency, and accountability. The session aims to equip legal professionals with the knowledge to ethically integrate AI into their work while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

    This session will provide an update on employment law changes defense counsel should know, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Guidance on Workplace Harassment, U.S. Department of Labor rule changes, and more. We will discuss how to navigate the complexities of these laws to effectively defend TAC Risk Management Pool members and mitigate potential risks.

    Courts interpreting exceptions to the waiver of immunity under the Tort Claims Act often grapple with defining the scope and limits of such exceptions. This session will cover whether the actions in question fall within specific categories, such as emergency response or discretionary functions, and how these decisions aim to balance the need for governmental accountability with protecting governmental entities from excessive litigation.

    Courts are increasingly permitting plaintiffs to replead and argue claims simultaneously. We will discuss the evolving legal landscape, where plaintiffs are allowed to navigate between isolated incidents and broader systemic issues in confinement cases. This session will provide strategies for effectively responding to and litigating these multifaceted claims.

    When the court denies motions to dismiss, it signals the start of the trial process, beginning with jury selection and voir dire. This underscores the reality that we can't always rely on qualified immunity or other dispositive motions to resolve cases early. It is crucial to consider the entire case strategy, including potential damages, from the outset.

    This session will explore the troves of digital evidence often overlooked in legal proceedings. Attendees will learn about unconventional sources of data, methods for uncovering and preserving these materials, and their potential impact on litigation. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the importance of thorough e-discovery to strengthen case strategies and outcomes.