The PLAC Fall Conference 2023, organized by the Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC), took place from October 4 to 6, 2023, in Austin, Texas. PLAC is a specialty bar association that brings together a global network of professionals dedicated to managing product risk from design through litigation.
The conference featured a diverse range of sessions covering critical topics such as Supreme Court updates, the impact of artificial intelligence on legal case valuations, and emerging issues in product liability, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Notable presentations included discussions on the evolving legal landscape in Europe and the implications of the AI Act proposal for devices and services incorporating AI.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in various networking events, including Dine Arounds at Austin's top restaurants and optional activities like a golf outing at Barton Creek Country Club and a tour of the Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas. The conference also hosted a Future Leaders Mock Rule 702 Presentation, providing a platform for emerging legal professionals to engage in practical exercises.
This conference was ideal for legal professionals, in-house counsel, and industry experts seeking to stay abreast of developments in product liability law and to connect with peers in the field.
Speakers(27)
Aaron Boersma
Aaron Boersma is a professional at Google, involved in legal technology initiatives.
Alexander M. DeGuire
Esq. at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Alexander M. DeGuire is a partner at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, focusing on product liability defense.
Baxter D. Drennon
Esq. at Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
Baxter D. Drennon is a partner at Hall Booth Smith, P.C., focusing on complex litigation.
Bobbie Hooper
Esq. at Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP
Bobbie Hooper is an attorney at Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP, specializing in intellectual property litigation.
Chris Strobel
Esq. at Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP
Chris Strobel is an attorney at Shook Hardy & Bacon, LLP, focusing on intellectual property law.
D. Casey Flaherty
Chief Strategy Officer at LexFusion
D. Casey Flaherty is the Chief Strategy Officer at LexFusion, specializing in legal technology and innovation.
Darth D. Vaughn
Esq. at Ford Motor Company
Darth D. Vaughn is litigation counsel and Legal Innovation & Technology Operations Manager at Ford Motor Company.
Elizabeth V. McNulty
Esq. at Evans Fears Schuttert McNulty & Mickus
Elizabeth V. McNulty is a partner at Evans Fears Schuttert McNulty & Mickus, with expertise in product liability defense.
Hon. Hildy Bowbeer (Ret.)
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
Hon. Hildy Bowbeer is a retired U.S. Magistrate Judge from the District of Minnesota, with extensive experience in federal litigation.
Jamison Power
Esq. at Hyundai Motor America
Jamison Power is an attorney at Hyundai Motor America, specializing in product liability and regulatory compliance.
Janell M. Adams
Esq. at Bowman and Brooke LLP
Janell M. Adams is an attorney at Bowman and Brooke LLP, specializing in product liability defense.
Jim Frederick
Esq. at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath
Jim Frederick is a partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, specializing in product liability litigation.
John F. Sacha, Jr.
Esq. at Dykema Gossett PLLC
John F. Sacha, Jr. is a member at Dykema Gossett PLLC, with expertise in commercial litigation.
John M. Thomas
Esq. at Dykema Gossett PLLC
John M. Thomas is a member at Dykema Gossett PLLC, specializing in automotive product liability litigation.
Jonathan Judge
Esq. at ArentFox Schiff
Jonathan Judge is a partner at ArentFox Schiff, specializing in product liability and regulatory compliance.
Joshua D. Cools
Esq. at Evans Fears Schuttert McNulty & Mickus
Joshua D. Cools is an attorney at Evans Fears Schuttert McNulty & Mickus, focusing on complex litigation matters.
L. Michael Brooks Jr.
Esq. at Wells, Anderson & Race, LLC
L. Michael Brooks Jr. is a partner at Wells, Anderson & Race, LLC, focusing on civil litigation defense.
Libby Stennes
Esq. at Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Libby Stennes is a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, specializing in environmental and product liability law.
Linda Coberly
Esq. at Winston & Strawn LLP
Linda Coberly is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, specializing in appellate and critical motions practice.
Malcolm E. Wheeler
Esq. at Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell LLP
Malcolm E. Wheeler is a founding partner at Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell LLP, renowned for his work in product liability defense.
Mario Madden
Esq. at Microsoft
Mario Madden is an attorney at Microsoft, focusing on legal technology and compliance.
Miranda Cole
Esq. at Norton Rose Fulbright
Miranda Cole is a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, focusing on competition and antitrust law.
Niky R. Bagley
Esq. at Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Niky R. Bagley is an attorney at Toyota Motor North America, Inc., focusing on intellectual property law.
Sarahann Rackl
Ph.D., P.E. at Exponent
Sarahann Rackl is a Principal Engineer at Exponent, with expertise in environmental engineering.
Sean Carter
Esq. at Mesa CLE
Sean Carter is the founder and Chief Humorist at Mesa CLE, providing legal education with a humorous twist.
Thomas P. Branigan
Esq. at Bowman and Brooke LLP
Thomas P. Branigan is a managing partner at Bowman and Brooke LLP, with expertise in automotive litigation.
Wendy F. Lumish
Esq. at Bowman and Brooke LLP
Wendy F. Lumish is a partner at Bowman and Brooke LLP, focusing on appellate practice and product liability defense.
Event Details
- Date
- October 12-13, 2023
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- Austin, Texas
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Legal professionals, in-house counsel, industry experts