2025 Annual Meeting and Summer Conference
2025-06-20 | MI

Battle of the Bar III
2025-08-14 17:00 (America/Detroit) | The Corner Ballpark, 1680 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, 48216, United States

29th Annual MDTC Open Golf Tournament
2025-09-12 08:00 | Mystic Creek Golf Course, Champions Circle, Milford Charter Township, MI, 48380, United States

2025 Annual Winter Meeting
2025-11-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, MI, 48375, United States

2026 Future Planning
2026-01-16 13:00 - 17:00 | Double Tree Suites, 525 W. Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
This is an Invite Only Event

2026 Defense Network Reception
2026-01-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Double Tree Suites, 525 W. Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Meet and greet the MDTC leaders and local attorneys
The MDTC leaders will be holding their annual Future Planning Meeting in the area and would like to hold a meet and greet for any Members, Non-Members, or Prospective Members. This is an opportunity for Members to get to know the MDTC Board and expand their professional connections.

2026 Legal Excellence Awards
2026-03-19 18:00 - 21:00 | The Gem Theatre, 333 Madison Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Please join us for an MDTC event to honor this year’s award recipients!

Appellate Section Webinar
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
REGISTER HERE: Appellate Section Webinar Registration

Attend MDTC’s Appellate Section webinar on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. It will be hosted on zoom, allowing anyone to attend from anywhere.

Title: Preserve It or Lose It: Creating a Record that Works

The path to a successful appeal begins in the trial court. In this panel presentation, appellate attorneys will discuss some of the record-building decisions that can control the outcomes on appeal and what they often wished happened at the trial court level. Intended for both trial and appellate practitioners, this presentation will provide insight into protecting issues for review, framing arguments strategically, and creating a record that withstands appellate scrutiny.

Panelists:

Phillip J. DeRosier – Dickinson Wright PLLC
Drew W. Broaddus – Smith Haughey
Adam T. Ratliff – Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Nathan S. Scherbarth – Zausmer PC
Moderator: Grant O. Jaskulski – Hewson & Van Hellemont PC

2026 Past Presidents Reception
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Detroit Golf Club, 17911 Hamilton Rd, Detroit, MI, 48203, United States
This is an Invite Only Event
This reception will also celebrate and honor the 2026 Annual President’s Special Recognition Award Recipient, Anita L. Comorski Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient, and the President’s Award Recipient. View Award Recipient History below:
Awards

2026 Annual Summer Meeting + Conference
2026-06-12 09:00 - 17:30 | Double Tree Suites, 525 W. Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Register Now:
Register Online
*Includes credit card processing fees
Register via Check
Onsite Program
Housing Reservations

Join us for the 2026 Annual Summer Meeting + Conference: For the Sake of Trial – Elevating the Craft of Trial Practice

Opening Session
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
presented by Frederick Livingston (McDonald Baas and Livingston PLLC) & Shawn Lewis (Hewson & Van Hellemont PC)

AI in the Courtroom: Practical Tools for Modern Trial Lawyers
9:30 – 10:20 a.m.
presented by Scott Carvo – Partner, Warner Norcross & Judd

[No Fault] Social Media Solutions for the Innovative Insurance Adjuster
10:35 – 10:50 a.m.
Social media isn’t just for sharing updates – it’s shaping the outcome of claims every day. This dynamic course uncovers the hidden influence of social platforms and shows you how to turn online insights into actionable intelligence. You’ll discover just how prevalent social media really is, learn ethical and proven methods for investigating digital footprints, and see the powerful impact these findings can have on a claim. Plus, we’ll share practical strategies for monitoring, preserving, and leveraging social media evidence effectively.
presented by Mike Huntsman & Jack Sanders – Command Services

[Employment Law] Artificial Intelligence, Authentic Liability
10:50 – 11:05 a.m.
If you represent an employer of just about any size, their employees are using ChatGPT to do their work for them. Not all of them, but a lot of them. This presentation will discuss what employers need to know about the risks of restrictionless AI use in the workplace, what policies can be implemented to control liability risk, and what liability might result from failing to properly monitor and train employees.
presented by Andrew Cascini – Henn Lesperance PLC

[MedMal] Top 5 Motions In Limine
11:05 – 11:15 a.m.
Motions in limine are a vital but sometimes overlooked part of preparing for trial. They can lead to dispositive rulings on critical issues such as the scope of damages, admissibility of expert testimony, and exclusion of harmful hearsay evidence. We will explore the top 5 motions in limine to position you for success in defending the case at trial—or eliminating the need for trial altogether.
presented by Karen E. Beach – Nauts, Dwaihy, Beach & Moran, PLLC

[No Fault] Anatomy of a Fraud Ring
11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
This session will discuss a year and half investigation of what it took to break open a fraud ring, the players involved, the multiple claims across numerous carriers, and how attention to detail matters.
presented by Robert Abramson – McDonald Baas & Livingston PLLC

[Employment Law] Reports of the Death of Non-Competes Are Greatly Exaggerated
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Defense attorneys who have represented employers know that when it comes to litigation, non-compete prosecution and defense are, well – a little bit unique. This presentation will bring attendees up to date about the legal status of non-competes in Michigan, discuss some special wrinkles that practitioners need to keep in mind when litigating cases, and provide some practical advice about drafting good agreements that are (hopefully!) enforceable.
presented by Andrew Cascini – Henn Lesperance PLC

Property/Premises
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Premises liability claims are evolving, and include more claims by invitees. The Michigan Supreme Court is considering the elimination of the three classes of visitors, which could affect this practice area yet again. This presentation will discuss how to prepare cases under the current case law while also preparing for the anticipated change in classification. Preparation through discovery and voir dire are essential to the successful defense of premises liability claims.
presented by Noah Zeidan – Vandeveer Garzia

Supreme Court Updates
1:25 – 1:35 p.m.
Stay current on the latest developments shaping Michigan law. This session will highlight key Michigan Supreme Court decisions, emerging issues in pending cases, and other notable rulings that may impact trial practice.
presented by Carlos Escurel – Foley Baron Metzger & Juip

Service of Process is Changing: Digital Service and Evasion in Modern Litigation
1:35 – 2:15 p.m.
A look at how avoidance is evolving, the role of digital touchpoints, and how courts are beginning to approach alternative and digital service. We’ve been actively developing a Virtual Digital Service framework around this, which gives some practical context to what’s coming next.
presented by Dan Klimek – Sherlock Investigations

View from the Bar (Practitioner Panel)
2:30 – 3:05 p.m.
Moderator: Laura Canfield – Secura Insurance
Panelists:

L. Ladd Culbertson – Secura Insurance
Cameron Getto – Zausmer PC
John Whitman – Garan Lucow Miller PC

View from the Bench (Judges' Panel)
3:05 – 3:55 p.m.
Moderator: Judge David Groner – Ret.
Panelists:

Judge Susan DeClercq – U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Michigan
Judge James Jamo – 30th Circuit Court Judge
Judge Michael Warren – Oakland County Circuit Court – Business Division

Closing Remarks
3:55 – 4:00 p.m.
presented by Fred Livingston – McDonald Baas & Livingston PLLC

2026 Defense Networking Reception (Summer)
2026-06-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Double Tree Suites, 525 W. Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Register Here: Registration
Join us after the 2026 Annual Summer Meeting to meet and greet the MDTC leaders and local attorneys.
This event is open to all Members, Non-Members, or Prospective Members. This is a chance for Members to connect with the MDTC Board and grow their professional network.

Commercial Litigation Webinar
2026-06-16 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
REGISTER HERE: Commercial Litigation Webinar Registration

Attend MDTC’s Commercial Litigation webinar on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. It will be hosted on zoom, allowing anyone to attend from anywhere.

Title: Navigating Michigan’s UPEPA

Michigan’s adoption of the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) introduces a new framework for addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP claims). This presentation will walk through the statute’s three-step analytical process, including key procedural considerations. It will also provide a practical overview of how courts in other jurisdictions have interpreted and applied UPEPA, offering attorneys insight into when UPEPA may be a viable and effective defense.

Panelists:

John Sier – Kitch Attorneys & Counselors, PC
Annaclare Censoni – Kitch Attorneys & Counselors, PC

General Liability Webinar
2026-08-11 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
Register Here: Registration

Attend MDTC’s General Liability webinar on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. It will be hosted on zoom, allowing anyone to attend from anywhere.

Title: Whittling Away of the Invitee/Licensee Status: A Review of Past Present and Future Premises Liability Status

Panelists (more coming soon):

Kent Riesen – Janson & Riesen LLC

Battle of the Bar IV
2026-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 | The Corner Ballpark, 1680 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, 48216, United States
Register Now: Registration Link
Sponsor Now: Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities

30th Annual Golf Outing
2026-09-11 08:00 | Mystic Creek Golf Course, Champions Circle, Milford Charter Township, MI, 48380, United States
Register Here: Registration
Sponsor Now: Sponsorship Opportunities

Meet the Judges 2026
2026-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Detroit Golf Club, 17911 Hamilton Rd, Detroit, MI, 48203, United States
REGISTER HERE: Meet the Judges Registration

2026 Annual Winter Meeting
2026-10-30 08:30 - 16:00 | Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, MI, 48375, United States
Registration: Register Here
Join us for the 2026 Winter Meeting—an engaging day of insightful discussions, dynamic speakers, and valuable networking opportunities you won’t want to miss! Secure your spot and be part of a program designed to elevate your practice.
Title: Meeting The Challenge: A New Defense Model

Vendor Networking + Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Welcome
9:00 – 9:10 a.m.

[Opening Session] Defending Healthcare Heroes
9:10 – 10:10 a.m.
Runaway verdicts are no longer anomalies. They are a structural risk driven by psychology, narrative control, and early-case missteps that compound long before trial. John will teach us that “we don’t just try cases, we need to craft narratives that connect with juries, grounded in credibility, fairness and respect for the civil justice system.” Controlling the Uncontrollable teaches defense counsel, how to address increasingly aggressive plaintiff tactics and regain control. John also will emphasis the need for stronger defense cooperation and presentation to help avoid run-away verdicts, and describe practical tools to identify severity trajectories, establish credible defense anchors, and manage risk before exposure hardens.
presented by John E. Hall, Jr., Esq. – Hall Booth Smith, P.C

Vendor Networking + Refreshment Break
10:10 – 10:30 a.m.

[Keynote] Telling the Defense Story
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
David Mann shows lawyers how to simplify, clarify, and organize their case material to have lasting persuasive impact. All defense practice areas will benefit from this presentation, with a particular emphasis on medical malpractice cases. Going beyond basic presentation skills, David teaches defense lawyers of any experience level how to build on the facts to add a dynamic narrative arc that grabs attention and keeps it. He shares how to make a defense story resonate by unfolding it strategically, while using vocal inflection and body language to make it come alive.
Key areas of focus:
• Finding the most persuasive narrative angle on a case• Efficiently re-focusing the jury on “the story they’re not telling you”• Organizing the flow of spoken material for persuasive impact• Translating complex legal jargon into plain language• Using body language and simple staging to illustrate key case story aspects• Creating written material that sounds right when spoken• Projecting confidence and power in the space”
presented by David Mann

Lunch + Presentations
12:00 – 1:10 p.m.
MDTC/MAJ Respected Advocate Award: presented by Rik Joppich – Joppich Law, PLLC
Every year, MDTC and MAJ each present a “Respected Advocate Award.” 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. In doing so, we promote mutual respect and civility.
Best Article Award:
For its annual Best Article Award, the MDTC selects an article from each volume of Michigan Defense Quarterly to recognize as the best.

Unsubstantiated Anchoring: Paintings and Jets and Baseball Contracts, Oh My!
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
The multi-million-dollar cost of famous paintings, jets, and sports contracts has nothing to do with personal-injury damages awards. Yet, plaintiffs frequently reference them during closing arguments. Why? It’s anchoring—the exploitation of bias in numerical estimates based on exposure to arbitrary numbers. In this session, you’ll learn what anchoring is, how it works, and how defendants can address it.
presented by Mike Cook – Collins Einhorn Farrell PC
