Chicago Regional 2025
January 23-24, 2025
221 N Columbus Drive Chicago, IL
About the Event
The 2025 Chicago Regional and Boot Camp will take place January 23 -24 at the Radisson Blu. We look forward to seeing you there.
We will be kickstarting with our traditional Chicago Bootcamp. This intense “short course” taught by highly credentialed legal talent from across North America, will cover the fundamentals of managing and litigating freight claims. Attendees will enjoy a quick but deep dive into the evolving law and practical principles that govern freight claims involving motor carrier transportation, rail carriage, international ocean transportation, and air carriage as well as transportation intermediaries of all kinds (freight brokers, ocean freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers, and air freight forwarders). The curriculum will focus on the application of United States law, but each module throughout the afternoon will also address Canadian and Mexican law in order to ensure that attendees receive a comprehensive North American education. While the Boot Camp is particularly well-suited for those new to transportation law, even well-established professionals are sure to obtain some fresh, practical take-aways from the program.
The Regional Seminar will take place on Friday, January 24th, 2025.
We hope to see you there!
Check out the CLE program for more details.
Deadline to register online is January 10, 2025. Registration prices are as follows. *Please note registrations completed and paid by credit card will incur a 3% credit card fee in addition to the registration fee.
Register Here!
| Combo | |||||
| Member | $520 | Non-Member* | $685 | Student | $200 |
| Boot Camp Only | |||||
| Member | $275 | Non-Member* | $380 | Student | $90 |
| Seminar Only | |||||
| Member | $390 | Non-Member* | $560 | Student | $140 |
*Non-member attendees will be eligible for a discounted introductory membership in TLA that will be good through July 2025 if applicant meets the membership qualifications. A non-member is defined as an individual who has never previously been a member of TLA.
Cancelation policy:
- $75 cancellation fee will be imposed upon cancellations received before the registration deadline.
- Cancellations will not be accepted after that date; however substitutes will be allowed.
- Cancellations must be received in writing by email by January 10, 2025. After January 10, no cancellations will be allowed.
CLE Schedule
Registration
Introductions and Welcome by Marc S. Blubaugh, Boot Camp Chair
“Motor Carrier Liability (Panel #1)”
Explore the essentials of motor carrier freight liability in this session. We’ll cover establishing a prima facie case, burden(s) of proof, and the types and measures of damages. Learn about common and statutory defenses, including absence of negligence and preemption issues. We’ll also discuss claim periods, limitation of liability, statute of limitations, and removal/subject matter jurisdiction. Additionally, gain insights into Canadian and Mexican legal perspectives.
Presenters: Dan Sonneborn, Director, PretiFlaherty, Boston, Massachusetts
Kathleen C. Jeffries, Partner, Scopelitis Garvin Light Hanson & Feary, Los Angeles, California
M. Gordon Hearn, Partner, Gardiner Roberts, Toronto, Ontario
Carlos M. Sesma Jr., Partner, Sesma, Sesma & McNeese – Abogados, Mexico City, Mexico
“Motor Carrier Liability (Panel #2)”
Dive into the pivotal role of transportation contracts and motor carrier cargo insurance in managing freight claims. This session addresses sector-specific issues such as household goods and exempt transportation. We’ll examine how well-crafted contracts and insurance coverage can mitigate risks and resolve disputes. Additionally, gain valuable insights into how these elements are handled under Canadian and Mexican laws, providing a comprehensive North American perspective.
Presenters: Bridgette M. Blitch, Shareholder, Blitch Westley Barrette, Windermere, Florida
Kristen Johnson, Senior Counsel, Commercial and Transportation, Flexport, Inc., Tampa Bay, Florida
M. Gordon Hearn, Partner, Gardiner Roberts, Toronto, Ontario
Carlos M. Sesma Jr., Partner, Sesma, Sesma & McNeese – Abogados, Mexico City, Mexico
“Freight Broker Liability (Panel #3)”
This session delves into freight broker cargo liability, comparing and contrasting it with motor carriers. Key topics include FAAAA preemption and how it impacts liability of freight brokers in the context of freight claims, as well as strategies for recovering damages from motor carriers. We will also explore how these issues are addressed in Canada and Mexico, offering a comparative perspective to help attendees understand the nuances of freight broker responsibilities across North American jurisdictions.
Presenters: Jeffrey R. Simmons, Vice President, National Transportation Practice, McGriff Insurance Services
Deana S. Stein, Partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, Cleveland, Ohio
M. Gordon Hearn, Partner, Gardiner Roberts, Toronto, Ontario
Carlos M. Sesma Jr., Partner, Sesma, Sesma & McNeese – Abogados, Mexico City, Mexico
“Other Modes and Multimodal Transportation (Panel #4)”
Learn the intricacies of freight claims across various transportation modes—rail, ocean, and air—as well as multimodal scenarios. This session covers the distinct legal frameworks and practical considerations for each mode, highlighting key differences in liability, claims processing, and damage assessments. We’ll also address how these issues are managed in Canada and Mexico, providing a comprehensive view of North American practices in handling multimodal transportation claims.
Presenters: Richard Furman, Furman Law Offices, LLC, Woodbury, NY
Stephanie Penninger, Associate General Counsel, Supply Chain, Wayfair LLC, Boston, Massachusetts;
Andrew J. Steif, Shareholder Gunster, West Palm Beach, Florida
M. Gordon Hearn, Partner, Gardiner Roberts, Toronto, Ontario
Carlos M. Sesma Jr., Partner, Sesma, Sesma & McNeese – Abogados, Mexico City, Mexico
Registration
Breakfast
Opening Remarks and Introductions
Katherine T. Garber, TLA President
Hillary Arrow Booth, 2025 Chicago Regional Seminar Co-Chair
Bradley A. Bertkau, 2025 Chicago Regional Seminar Co-Chair
Effectively and Efficiently Handling the Small Dollar Case
Small dollar cases are often complex and pose a unique challenge to attorneys as they navigate the litigation process, design a litigation plan, and efficiently use discovery tools, all while managing client expectations. This panel will provide insights on effectively handling these cases to achieve favorable outcomes.
Moderator: Vic Henry, Shareholder, Henry Oddo Austin Fletcher, Dallas, Texas
Panelists: Paul Custer, Shareholder, Pion, Nerone, Girman & Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saisha Mahil, Gardiner Roberts LLP
24 – Hour Emergency Response Teams
It’s 2:00 a.m., and your client calls to notify you of a major accident, what do you do? This panel will explain how to set up a response team, what to expect at an accident scene, the attorney’s role, and client expectations in accidents involving motor carriers and rail carriers; the panel will also address the next steps and evidentiary issues concerning the protection or use of information and evidence discovered at the accident scene including what is protected by attorney work-product, deciding what to disclose, and admissibility issues regarding information and evidence retrieved.
Moderator: Madison Romine, Associate, Booth LLP, Los Angeles, California
Panelists: Mark Barber, Shareholder, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, Atlanta, Georgia
Clark Monroe, Shareholder, DunbarMonroe, PLLC, Jackson, Mississippi
Joelle Nelson, Partner, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Houston, Texas
Refreshment Break
Lightning Round of Statutory and Regulatory Updates
The panelists will explain recent updates, including: Train/Rail Preemption (Discussion of preemption defenses that are available to the railroad and evidentiary issues that arise in these types of cases, as well as unique insurance issues); The Corporate Transparency Act (What it is, who is subject to it, how to comply, penalties for non-compliance, and law firm liability/risk mitigation for performing CTA services); M&A activity (Practical considerations for M&A activity when DOT-regulated fleet operations are involved); BIPA (Changes, newest case law, and insurance coverage issues).
Moderator: Chase Carmichael, Director, Aon, Little Rock, Arkansas
Panelists: Andrew Corkery, Of Counsel, Pitzer Snodgrass PC, St. Louis, Missouri
John Wagner, Member, Cors & Bassett, Cincinnati, Ohio
Elle Slattery, Partner, Taylor Nelson PL, St. Petersburg, Florida
Richard A. Westley, Esq., Shareholder, Blitch Westley Barrett
It All Starts With A Contract
This panel will dissect and explain transportation contracts and their application and implementation, including provisions relating to labor issues, non-competes, indemnity, confidentiality clauses, non-disparagement clauses, and choice of law provisions.
Moderator: Lucas L. Lopez, Associate, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, Birmingham, Alabama
Panelists: Caroline Synakowski, Associate Counsel, Flexport, Long Beach, California
Erick Harris, VP and General Counsel, UPT, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Katherine Flett, Principal, Danna McKitrick PC, St. Louis, Missouri
Where is my container? A New Era in Detention and Demurrage
Regardless of where a company is in the supply chain, there is a need to implement SOPs that comply with the new time-sensitive regulatory framework as soon as possible. This panel will discuss the new detention and demurrage billing procedures and requirements issued by the FMC; Dispute requirements for shippers/importers/carriers; Billing changes in light of the Incentive Principle; The new time restrictions preventing detention and demurrage invoices long after charges were incurred.
Moderator: Maria-Christina Sorbo-Mayrand, Lawyer, Gasco Goodhue St. Germain, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Panelists: James Duncan, Senior Counsel, Husch Blackell, Washington D.C.
Eric Palumbo, Shareholder, Flaster Greenberg PC, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
What, Me Worry? Exploring Effective Ways to Defend and Prevent Negligent Selection, Retention, Training, and Wrongful Termination Claims
The risks to motor carriers for liability separate from vicarious liability pose ever-increasing risks, including the failure to discover and discipline careless drivers, incomplete company policies, and inconsistent reporting. This panel will examine the issue from two perspectives: how to position a motor carrier to defend itself from a negligence case and how to avoid a wrongful termination or discrimination case arising from driver discipline. The discussion will also cover tips for preparing handbooks effectively without opening doors to problems in accident or employment termination cases.
Moderator: Sal Shah, Associate, UB Greensfelder, Columbus, Ohio
Panelists: Eric L. Zalud, Co-chair, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP, Cleveland, Ohio;
Don Vogel, Partner, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light Hanson & Feary, P.C., Chicago, Illinois
M. Gordon Hearn, Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP, Ontario, Canada
Understanding the Ethics of Generative AI
This panel will examine Formal Opinion 512 issued by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which is the first written opinion on this subject. The Opinion covers the ethical implications of AI on attorneys’ duties, including those stated in the preamble of the Opinion: To ensure clients are protected, lawyers using generative artificial intelligence tools must fully consider their applicable ethical obligations, including their duties to provide competent legal representation, to protect client information, to communicate with clients, to supervise their employees and agents, to advance only meritorious claims and contentions, to ensure candor toward the tribunal, and to charge reasonable fees.
Moderator: Sophia Rago, Associate, Canty Novy Bertkau Gordon, LLC, Chicago, Illinois
Panelists: Megan Baker, Attorney, Chartwell, Framingham, Massachusetts
William Davis, Partner, Bovis, Kyle, Burch & Medlin, LLC, Atlanta, GA
Meet the Speakers
Our bench of speakers includes some well-established and successful attorneys who are known to be ruling the industry for years. Join the seminar and take a step closer to being an expert.
Mark Barber
Mr. Barber's approach to litigation differentiates him from other lawyers. He provides his clients with an immediate evaluation of each matter as if a trial were imminent. This early evaluation process allows clients to make better informed decisions for the remaining arc of the case. If litigation is necessary, the client can focus on aggressive, narrowly-targeted measures that result in a much more predictable and manageable result. Mr. Barber's approach informs every step of the discovery and trial preparation process. A major focus of Mr. Barber's practice is insurance coverage, and he has become a trusted advisor to his clients on a broad range of insurance coverage and bad faith matters. Mr. Barber brings 35 years of experience evaluating and litigating insurance policies. Many of these cases involved catastrophic losses. He has handled cases involving virtually every type of insurance policy form, from "occurrence" type forms, including commercial general liability, commercial property, trucking and auto, to "claims made" forms, including Directors and Officers and Errors and Omissions. Mr. Barber has also developed specialized knowledge of the various types of cyber insurance policies. Through the years, he has assisted both policy holders and insurers in cases spanning a wide range of industries and professions, including commercial property, construction, trucking, commercial auto, cyber liability (breach and malpractice), directors and officers liability, professional errors and omissions, insurance bad faith (first and third party), primary/excess disputes, and reinsurance. Mr. Barber also has considerable experience in electric utility litigation and has written extensively about the topic. He is national coordinating counsel for a major insurance company on all its catastrophic electric line contact cases. He has advised electric cooperatives and their insurers in cases all over the United States, and routinely handles rapid response scene investigations for his clients.
Megan Baker
Megan K. Baker is of counsel in Chartwell Law’s Boston office and is a general liability and casualty defense attorney with experience in both state and federal courts. Megan’s practice encompasses a variety of litigation defense cases, including commercial litigation, premises and professional liability, trucking and transportation matters, motor vehicle accidents and bad faith litigation. In addition, she is experienced in handling a broad range of insurance coverage claims, serving clients, both private companies and insurance carriers, nationwide in complex litigated and non-litigated coverage matters. Before joining Chartwell Law, Megan began her practice in South Florida, followed by practicing in the Wellesley office of a regional, New England law firm. Prior to law school, Megan spent several years working in court administration for the Chief Justice of the District Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court and the Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Megan lives in the Boston area with her family and dog. She is originally from Minnesota, has a lot of Minnesota pride and knows how to ice skate, full speed, backwards.
Chase Carmichael
Chase Carmichael is a member of Aon’s Transpiration & Logistics Practice based in Little Rock, Arkansas. He draws on his experience representing insurance companies and their insureds in state and federal court to assist in evaluating their risks. Experience Prior to joining Aon in 2019, Mr. Carmichael was a partner at the Roberts Law Firm, PA, in Little Rock, Arkansas. His experience has concentrated on civil litigation, commercial litigation, workers’ compensation, product liability, premises liability, wrongful death, personal auto, commercial truck, insurance coverage, and general commercial liability. Mr. Carmichael has tried cases to judges, juries, and administrative law judges. Additionally, he has resolved numerous claims through alternative dispute resolution. Expertise Mr. Carmichael’s expertise includes risk management, compliance, contracts, insurance law, tort law, and legal analysis. Education Mr. Carmichael holds a BS in Political Science & History from Ouachita Baptist University and a JD from the University of Arkansas School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Arkansas and the federal courts; he is also a licensed insurance producer in Arkansas
Bridgette M. Blitch
Bridgette Blitch founded Blitch Westley Barrette with a passion to serve those in the supply chain. As part of her practice, Bridgette regularly counsels shippers, motor carriers, brokers, warehouses, insurance agents, freight-forwarders, ocean transportation intermediaries, and insurance providers in matters related to the execution of transportation contracts, corporate matters, regulatory compliance issues, management-side employment law, coverage issues and insurance defense. Past experience includes representation of clients before the state and federal courts of Florida, Wisconsin, as well as before various administrative agencies. Bridgette has represented both buyers and sellers in multi-million dollar mergers and acquisitions, and counseled clients on corporate restructure plans to mitigate risk exposures in the midst of rising nuclear verdicts. Bridgette routinely drafts and negotiates shipper, broker and carrier contracts and is an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and Transportation Lawyers Association.
Andrew Corkery
Andrew Corkery’s practice primarily focuses on transportation law, medical malpractice, and construction litigation. He has significant trial experience in Illinois and Missouri State Courts and Illinois Federal Courts. He attended the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel Trial College. He is licensed in Illinois and Missouri. Attorney Andrew Corkery has received the rating of AV Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest peer rating standard. According to Martindale-Hubbell guidelines this rating signifies that the lawyer’s reviewed peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. He is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society. Selection as a Fellow is based on excellence in litigation at the trial and appellate level. He has also been named one of Americas Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators for Illinois. He is involved in Bar and professional organizations including the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Association of Defense Counsel, and Bar Associates of Metro St. Louis. He is currently the Chairman of the Illinois Defense Counsel Civil Practice Committee.
Paul Custer
Paul A. Custer concentrates his practice in the areas of transportation litigation, commercial property and casualty litigation, product liability defense, and professional liability claims. Having broad experience in both private and in-house law firms, he has extensive experience in the courtroom, arbitration, and mediation. He has also been a frequent lecturer on topics such as Risk Management, Risk Transfer, Tort Reform, and How Juries Make Decisions. He is a Member of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), the Transportation Lawyers Association, USLAW Network, and the Pennsylvania Motor Truck
William Davis
Billy Davis defends businesses and professionals in a variety of contract and tort claims. His practice areas include professional negligence, transportation litigation, catastrophic accidents, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, nursing home liability, premises liability, products liability, contractual obligations and insurance coverage. In additional to handling individual matters throughout the state of Georgia, Billy also serves as national coordinating counsel for several clients, leading investigation and pre-litigation strategy for claims across the country. He is dedicated to providing value by establishing cost-effective defense litigation strategies. Billy is a proponent of alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation and arbitration resulting in favorable outcomes to his clients. When specific cases have necessitated protracted litigation, he has successfully advocated for his clients at trial and in the appellate courts. Prior to entering the practice of law, Billy was a financial advisor for major international and regional financial services firms advising Atlanta businesses and businesspersons on various transactions in commercial finance, debt structuring, management of interest rate risks and personal portfolio management. Billy remains active outside of the office. He is the Chairman of the Technology Committee for the Transportation Lawyers Association, an international bar association of lawyers practicing in all modes of transportation. He is a member of the Grand Lodge (the national board of directors) of Theta Xi Fraternity and he is closely involved in the Beta Zeta Association of Theta Xi--the alumni organization for the Auburn University chapter of Theta Xi fraternity. He was twice awarded the Franklin Award for Outstanding Alumni Service in recognition of his outstanding service to that organization. When the work is done, Billy is a recreational triathlete who enjoys cycling, running and swimming. He’s also a cinephile and audiophile and loves discussing movies, music and home theaters.
James M. Duncan
James M. Duncan Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell, LLP Bachelor of Music, Brigham Young University, 2011 Juris Doctor, University of Iowa College of Law, 2014 Admitted in Utah, Montana, and Arizona state and federal courts Prior Positions: Director of Enterprise Risk Management, Utah Valley University Assistant Attorney General, Utah Office of the Attorney General Associate Attorney, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard and Smith, LLP Associate Attorney, Crowley Fleck, PLLP James represents supply chain participants and providers including shippers, brokers (3PLs), motor carriers, freight forwarders, marine and energy companies, intermediaries, NVOCCs, warehouses, and ocean vessels in a variety of shipping-related litigation and regulatory matters. Many of his cases revolve around cargo loss or damage, as well as vehicle accidents, contract disputes, and other commercial litigation for transportation clients. James handles disputes involving intrastate, interstate, and international commerce and routinely deals with a mix of international, federal, state, and local laws.
Katherine Flett
Katherine Flett is a principal at Danna McKitrick, P.C. in St. Louis, Missouri. Katherine represents businesses in a variety of industries and sizes, from closely-held family businesses to large corporations. Early on in her career, she developed a niche in the transportation industry, representing motor carriers and brokers as outside general counsel and advises regarding various matters, including DOT compliance, employment law issues, contract drafting, negotiation, and litigation. A St. Louis native and enthusiastic St. Louis sports fan, Katherine completed her undergraduate studies summa cum laude at Lindenwood University, where she earned a full-ride softball scholarship. She then earned her law degree cum laude from the University of Missouri School of Law (Mizzou Law). Katherine is licensed to practice in the Circuit Courts for the State of Missouri, the Circuit Courts for State of Illinois, the United States Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the United States Court for the Western District of Missouri, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Katherine is actively involved in her community, serving on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the St. Charles Regional Chamber and the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. She was also recently recognized by Small Business Monthly as one of the “Top 100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business.”
Richard L. Furman
Richard possesses extensive experience in the representation and litigation on behalf of companies engaged in international and domestic cargo transportation and trade. He currently serves as the United States general counsel to a number of global transportation service companies tending to their transportation, regulatory and commercial interests. This includes providing advice and representation before numerous federal administrative agencies tasked with regulation of domestic and international trade and transportation.
Erick Harris
Erick W. Harris is the Vice President for Legal Services and General Counsel for United Petroleum Transports, Inc. He also serves as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing House District 39. Before entering private practice, Erick was an Assistant Attorney General for the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office. Erick also served as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma. Erick is licensed to practice law in all state courts and federal district courts in Oklahoma and Texas. A very community-oriented individual, Erick is a volunteer for several organizations. He is a member of the board of trustees for Tuskegee University. Additionally, he is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma. Among his many honors and awards, Erick is a recipient of the “NextGen Under 30 Award,” which recognizes the next generation of leaders in the State of Oklahoma. Erick is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Oklahoma Journal of Law and Technology. He received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma. Erick received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Tuskegee University where he served as Student Body President.
M. Gordon Hearn
Gordon Hearn Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP Gordon represents international and domestic interests involved in the transportation, supply chain and distribution of goods in litigation, regulatory and contractual matters. He advises shippers, receivers, carriers, logistics providers (3PL’s, supply chain and “fulfillment” providers, freight forwarders, load brokers, customs brokers and warehousemen) and their insurers on their legal interest and exposure in the international, cross-border and domestic carriage of goods by all modes of carriage. Gordon provides advice and representation in the following areas: Litigation: Cross-Border and Domestic Commercial Litigation, Cargo Claims, Products Liability, Insurance and Casualty Claims Contracts: Drafting and Negotiation Insurance: Coverage and Related Issues Regulatory Compliance: Operational and Licensing Issues Sale of Goods (Domestic and International) Multi-Modal (ocean, air, rail + road) and Inter-modal (rail + road) carriage Gordon is a Past President of the Transportation Lawyers Association, an independent, international bar association whose members assist providers and commercial users of transportation and logistics services. Gordon is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars throughout North America on the above matters. Gordon has authored numerous related papers and articles. Gordon is recognized in Martindale Hubbell (AV® “Preeminent”)., Chambers Global (Transportation Law), The Legal 500 (Canada), Best Lawyers in Canada, Lexpert and in Who’s Who Legal Canada.
Vic Henry
Vic Houston Henry was born in Big Spring, Texas. Vic graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Texas, with Special Honors. Vic received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Georgetown University Law Center, cum laude, in 1983. Vic served as law clerk to the Chief Judge of the Northern District of Texas, from 1983-1984. He is licensed by the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Colorado and the Oklahoma Bar Association. Vic is a member of the American Bar Association, 1983 - present (Member, Litigation, Tort and Insurance Practice sections); a past Chairman of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers’ Federal Casenotes Committee; a member of the Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Committee, United States District Court, Northern District of Texas; a Barrister in the Dallas Inn of Court; a Chairman of the Small Firm Trial Practice Subcommittee of the American Bar Association Litigation Section,; a member of the Conference of Freight Counsel, 1995-present, and Chairman 2013-2015; and a member of the Transportation Lawyers Association. He has repeatedly been selected a Super Lawyer, a Martindale-Hubble Preeminent Attorney, and one of the Best Lawyers in Texas. He and his wife Candy have two adult sons and a daughter-in-law, a Wheaten Terrier (Scout). Vic practices with Henry Oddo Austin & Fletcher, P.C., [email protected], principally in the areas of Transportation Law, Negligence, Products Liability and Mass Tort Defense.
Kathleen C. Jeffries
Kathleen C. Jeffries, a partner with Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, LLP in Pasadena, California, has over 40 years of litigation, administrative, transactional and advisory experience in transportation and general business law. With an emphasis on freight claim and freight charge litigation, she represents motor carriers, freight forwarders and property brokers, among other transportation entities, in civil litigation, regulatory and transportation-related misdemeanor proceedings, contract development and general business counsel. Kathleen is a past president of the Transportation Lawyers Association; is a recipient of TLA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished Service Award, Special Presidential Commendation for Leadership and Mentorship and Bullshipper Award. In addition, she is an active member of the Transportation & Logistics Council and the Conference of Freight Counsel (having served as Vice Chair and Chair). She is admitted to practice before the Bars of the United States Courts of Appeals for the 9th and District of Columbia Circuits; the United States District Courts for the Central, Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of California; and the State of California. Kathleen is AV Peer Review-Rated, is recognized as a “Top Rated Lawyer in Transportation” by Martindale-Hubbell™ and American Lawyer Media; and has been selected as one of the top Southern California lawyers in the Southern California Super Lawyers Peer Survey Selection. She is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, (BA, 1980) and University of California, Los Angeles, (JD, 1983).
Kristen Johnson
Kristen MJ Johnson is Senior Counsel, Commercial and Transportation, at Flexport. She is a legal strategist and thought leader, providing deep transportation industry knowledge and business partnership to oversee risk management, litigation and corporate strategy, and regulatory compliance. Kristen has extensive experience managing legal teams, including roles as chief legal officer and litigation managing partner. In 2020, Kristen was the only private practice attorney selected as a Top Woman to Watch in Transportation by the Women In Trucking Association. She advises on risk management, case and witness preparation, regulatory response, compliance programs, and critical strategy. Kristen was a Fulbright Scholar and is active in her industry and community. She is a member of Women in Trucking, the Transportation Lawyers Association, the American, California, and Florida Trucking Associations, and the Conference of Freight Counsel. When she is not practicing law, she advocates for children and those in need.
Lucas L. Lopez
Mr. Lopez is an associate in the Firm's Birmingham Office and a member of the Corporate Group. While in law school, Mr. Lopez served as a legal intern at a major foreign-owned automotive manufacturer and as a legal extern for the Hon. Jennifer Henderson of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama. He also clerked for Chief Judge L. Scott Coogler of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama. Prior to law school, Mr. Lopez served in the Teach for America Corps and taught ninth and twelfth grade English language learners, as well as twelfth grade English Literature in Miami, Florida. Mr. Lopez is fluent in Spanish.
Saisha Mahil
Saisha Mahil is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group at Gardiner Roberts LLP. Saisha maintains a general litigation practice with a focus on corporate and commercial disputes. Saisha also assists clients with general corporate matters such as contract drafting and review. Saisha obtained her JD from Western University where she volunteered at Western’s legal clinic as well as with Pro Bono Students Canada. Saisha has assisted on matters before the Federal Court of Canada and the Ontario Court of Appeal. Saisha has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and various tribunals
Clark Monroe
Clark Monroe is a founding member of DunbarMonroe, PLLC in Jackson, Mississippi. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, he practices in all state and federal courts in Mississippi, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and is also admitted in federal district courts in Illinois and Arkansas. He is an experienced trial lawyer with a practice spanning truck accident casualty defense, transportation insurance coverage, employment status, cargo and freight claims, and transportation regulatory matters. He holds an AV Preeminent rating and has been named in Super Lawyers for Transportation since 2016.
Joelle Nelson
Joelle Nelson is a partner in the Houston and Dallas offices of Lewis Brisbois and Co-Chair of the National General Liability Practice and Co-Chair of the Transportation Practice. She has successfully handled a wide variety of claims related to transportation, which includes bus, trucking, TNC, and dram shop related accidents; catastrophic injury; construction and construction defect claims; products liability defenses ranging from horizontal auger boring machines to common household products; premises liability claims on behalf of small businesses to large national retailers; hospitality litigation regarding both premises and food safety matters; oil and gas; as well as environmental and environmental clean-up litigation, which includes all phases. Ms. Nelson empowers her clients with a steadfast commitment to each and every case, offers straightforward strategies that provides guidance through the legal process, and engages in diligent preparation, while recognizing and taking advantage of any and all opportunities that arise.
Eric Palumbo
Eric Palombo is a shareholder at the law firm of Flaster Greenberg, P.C., and is member of the firm’s Litigation Department and the Transportation Law Practice. Eric has extensive experience having litigated matters throughout the country serving as both corporate plaintiff’s and defense counsel with a focus on transportation law. He represents clients in matters involving substantial property damage claims and commercial disputes, including significant derailments, freight claim litigation, breach of contract claims and matters involving damage to transportation infrastructure such as maritime allisions, maritime limitation of liability actions, and architectural, engineering, and construction defect cases. His transportation experience covers rail, motor carrier and maritime law as well as claims arising under the Carmack Amendment and the Carriage of Goods by Seas Act. Eric handles matters through all stages of litigation from the inception of the claim through trial and appeal. Eric has litigated cases in state and federal courts throughout the country including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and West Virginia. He has also handled matters involving federal agencies including NTSB and U.S. Coast Guard investigations, matters before the STB, and Customs and Border Protection. He graduated from Villanova University School of Law with honors including being awarded Order of the Coif.
Stephanie Penninger
Wayfair, Associate General Counsel, Supply Chain Stephanie leads Wayfair’s legal team with respect to supporting end-to-end global supply chain and transportation and logistics matters, strategically assisting the company in navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape and in developing operational best practices and global supplier and customer solutions. With over a decade of industry experience, Stephanie joined Wayfair after serving in senior in-house counsel roles at multibillion dollar, publicly traded, leading providers of tech-enabled freight brokerage, global forwarding, intermodal, managed transportation, last mile, air charter, expedited and LTL truckload services. Before going in-house, Stephanie was a Partner and Chair of the Maritime Transportation Practice Group in the Chicago office of an Am Law 200 and leading Transportation Law firm. She is a past Chair and current Vice President of the American Bar Association’s Admiralty & Maritime Law Committee and has served as a Member-at-Large on the Transportation Lawyers Association’s Executive Committee. Stephanie has spoken before various industry groups and their membership throughout North America and written numerous published articles regarding maritime law matters, avoiding and litigating cargo claims and mitigating risk when transporting or arranging the transportation of goods.
Sophia Rago
Sophia M. Rago Associate Attorney at Canty, Novy, Bertkau, Gordon, LLC Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, 2017 University of Illinois Chicago School of Law Juris Doctor, 2022 Bar Admissions: - State of Illinois, 2022 - United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2022 - United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, 2022 - United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, 2022 Published Works: “The Current Split in Appellate Authority: Should Tort Law Claims Against Freight Brokers Be Preempted by the FAAAA?” Transportation Lawyer, Sophia Rago, July 2023 “Seventh Circuit to Review FAAAA Preemption of Negligence Claims Against Freight Brokers,” Transportation Lawyer, Sophia Rago, December 2022
Madison Romine
Madison Romine is an associate at Booth LLP in Los Angeles whose practice focuses on the transportation industry, representing brokers, motor carriers, and freight forwarders in freight claims, casualty claims, fee disputes, and employment disputes. As part of a 24-Hour Response Team, Madison is often involved with casualty claims from the beginning, helping clients navigate from the immediate aftermath through litigation. Madison regularly obtains favorable results for clients through motion practice and settlement negotiations. She is admitted to practice in all state courts in California and the United States District Court for the Central, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California. In addition to Transportation Lawyers Association, Madison is a member of DRI and LGBTQ+ Lawyers Association of Los Angeles.
Carlos J. Sesma, Jr.
Senior Partner, Sesma Sesma & McNeese. Carlos M. Sesma Minevielle specializes in monitoring and negotiating international agreements in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Creation of a successful implementation of business strategies to enter the Mexican market. Change of direction of foreign companies interested in making business in Mexico. Legal monitoring of business.
M. Salman Shah
Salman is a litigator with significant experience representing clients in cases and matters involving transportation, cargo claims, general liability, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, and professional liability. He has participated on catastrophic loss emergency response teams and has investigated dozens of trucking accidents involving death and serious personal injury. He has first-chair case management experience at all phases of litigation. Salman also has experience in appellate matters.
Elle Slattery
Elle is a Partner at the boutique transportation law firm of Taylor Nelson, PL, specializing in regulatory compliance and corporate restructuring, and a member of the Florida and Washington DC Bars. She enjoys creating practical legal and operational solutions for clients that minimize exposure while taking into account the realities of a competitive, complex industry. She routinely handles mergers and acquisitions of transportation entities from both the buyer and seller side, ensuring the fair valuation of companies and the smooth transition of operations throughout the transaction process and beyond. The challenges of balancing the frameworks of state and federal transportation regulations, employment classification requirements, insurance policy provisions, and general business law make this work particularly exciting and fulfilling. Elle is a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to her career in transportation law, Elle served as a litigator and special adviser in the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Employment, Litigation, and Information at the United States Department of Commerce. There, she specialized in defending the work-product and privileged communications of the Executive Office of the Secretary and represented the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Freedom of Information Act litigation. She is well-versed in federal regulatory procedure, and is a frequent speaker at industry events, presenting on the importance of holistic Enterprise Risk Management for transportation companies. Elle’s Pro-Bono work focuses on Indigenous Mineral, Land, and Water Treaty Rights.
Jeffrey Simmons
Jeff Simmons serves as Vice President in McGriff’s National Transportation Practice Group. McGriff is the fifth largest insurance broker in the U.S. Previously, Jeff served as Chief Legal Officer at GlobalTranz and Senior Vice President of Legal and Risk at Worldwide Express. Jeff earned his bachelor’s from Georgetown University and his JD from the University of Arizona. Jeff is a past President of the Transportation Lawyers Association and former Chair of the Conference of Freight Counsel. While Chief Legal Officer at GlobalTranz, Jeff built and scaled the legal and risk management function from the ground up to support the rapid organic business growth and aggressive acquisition strategy. He also played a pivotal role in acquiring 15 companies since 2017, including the 2021 merger with Worldwide Express, helping facilitate all M&A due diligence and integration of people, services, technology, IP, and insurance, as well as corporate governance, structure and compliance. Jeff’s robust Transportation Industry experience also encompasses over 30+ years representing motor, rail, ocean, air carriers, and brokers before courts and regulatory agencies, and in contract negotiations.
Dan Sonneborn
Dan Sonneborn is a Director in the Boston, Massachusetts office of Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios, LLP. Dan is licensed to appear in the state and federal courts in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and has been admitted pro hac vice in several courts throughout the United States. Dan regularly represents motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, shippers, and insurance companies in transportation related matters and litigation (including cargo loss and damage, warehousing, contractual issues, casualty, and employment matters). Dan received his undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, where he was also a member of the men's ice hockey team, and his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law. He is currently an at-large member of TLA'S Executive Committee.
Maria-Christina Sorbo-Mayrand
Called to the Bar of Quebec in 2017 and to the Law Society of Ontario in 2022, Maria-Christina Sorbo-Mayrand began her career in the litigation department of a public insurer before joining Gasco Goodhue St-Germain. Over the course of her career, Maria-Christina has practiced in various fields of law such as civil liability, insurance law, transportation law, and administrative law, all of which allow her to regularly plead before the different courts of Quebec. Her practice is primarily focused on drafting legal opinions and proceedings and representing clients of the firm before civil courts in matters of insurance law and civil liability. Maria-Christina obtained her Bachelor of Laws, her Juris Doctor in North American common law, and her Master of Laws in comparative common law from the University of Montreal. She also holds a certificate in Chinese law from the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing.
Andrew J. Steif
Andrew Steif is a trial lawyer with more than fifteen years of practice experience in complex transportation and commercial litigation matters in state and federal court. As co-leader of the firm’s Transportation Industry Sector Group, he represents clients in a full range of transportation related disputes, including complex matters under the Carmack Amendment, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Shipping Act of 1984, shipping delay and demurrage issues, rate disputes, and a variety of tort claims. Andrew has assisted clients in addressing many different types of transportation issues and he is dedicated to providing creative solutions that solve problems and reduce risk. Andrew has also defended clients in hundreds of real property, banking, product liability and trust and estate litigation matters. He has handled or worked on dozens of appeals before Florida’s appellate courts, as well as before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh and Sixth Circuits and the United States Supreme Court. Andrew provides personalized legal services that are thoughtful and appropriate to each client’s needs. He endeavors to understand his clients’ business models and objectives and then seeks to achieve results that are uniquely tailored to each client. At the core of Andrew’s legal counsel is a client-centered focus and creative strategies that are based on agile critical thinking. His even-keel approach to delivering arguments resonates not only with opposing counsel, but also with judges and juries. Named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine every year from 2013-2017, Andrew is active in the transportation law legal community, the Jacksonville community and he is involved in bar and charitable organizations. He represents indigent and charitable clients in pro bono matters in state and federal court on a variety of issues. Prior to joining the firm, Andrew served as hiring partner at a national law firm.
Deana S. Stein
Deana S. Stein Litigation Partner at Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Juris Doctor (2013); Boston University, Bachelor of Music (2008) Admitted to state and federal courts in Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, as well as the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, WD Michigan, and SD Texas Member of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra Chorus The Gathering Place, Vice Chair, Rising Leader's Council Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America Honorees from 2021-present Successfully defended motor carrier in Carmack dispute and obtained full dismissal of lawsuit on summary judgment, including successfully defending dismissal on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Caroline Synakowski
Associate Counsel, Flexport, Charlotte, North Carolina
Don Vogel
Donald Vogel’s practice focuses on labor and employment issues in the transportation industry and general business counseling. His work for clients includes defending management and individuals against Title VII, ERISA, Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendment Act claims, and related employment, wrongful discharge, and discrimination claims; handling corporate and commercial litigation involving insurance, land trusts, real estate, contracts, secured transactions, sales, leasing, and related commercial issues; counseling on rights and responsibilities under labor and employment contracts; and offering advice on various business matters. Vogel has represented clients in a variety of venues, including the Illinois Department of Human Rights, State and Federal Departments of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, American Arbitration Association, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Vogel is a past president of the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA) and a recipient of TLA’s Distinguished Service Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a frequent author and lecturer on issues involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, ERISA withdrawal liability, independent contractor issues, and other employment and labor-related topics.
John Wagner
John focuses his work on general business law and litigation. He represents the firm’s clients as litigation matters arise, while also counseling clients on business formation, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and all aspects of the law relating to the operation of a business. John has significant experience in the area of transportation law where he represents motor carriers and logistics service providers, with a particular focus on truck accident and cargo claims litigation, as well as review of agreements that control the movement of freight. Representing individuals and businesses throughout his career on both sides of disputes enables John to effectively advise clients when issues arise. John graduated Cum Laude from Denison University with a B.A. in Religion and Political Science in 2007. He received his Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 2010. Outside of work, John enjoys traveling with his family, playing tennis and soccer, and supporting his favorite sports teams. John has volunteered with the Greater Cincinnati Adapted Sports Club, and as a youth basketball coach at Fairview Clifton German Language School and Blessed Sacrament School. John also serves on the Civil Service Commission for the City of Madeira.
Richard A. Westley
Richard Westley is admitted in the state and federal courts of Wisconsin and is past president of the Transportation Lawyers Association. Richard’s practice includes litigation, with special focus on transportation-related issues such as freight loss and damage claims, issues relating to rates and service, property damage, personal injury as well as a variety of labor and employment issues. He has represented motor carriers in dozens of contested safety enforcement cases before the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. He has also frequently represented non-transportation parties in general business litigation matters including real estate and contract disputes, adverse possession, condemnation, easements, unemployment, workers compensation, wage and hour issues, overtime, and patent/trademark infringement. His transactional practice has also expanded to include a wide variety of transportation-related contracts as well as numerous mergers and acquisitions.
Eric L. Zalud
Eric is Co-Chair of the firm’s Transportation & Logistics Practice Group and a Vice Chair of the Litigation Group. Under Eric’s leadership, Benesch was named Law Firm of the Year for 2023, 2022, 2020, 2017, 2016 and 2014 in the area of Transportation Law by Best Lawyers®/U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Firms”. Only one law firm per practice area in the U.S. receives this recognition each year, making this award a particularly significant achievement. For the tenth consecutive year (2014-2023), Benesch also received a national first-tier ranking in Transportation Law also by U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” Eric has litigated or arbitrated matters in 31 states, before state and federal trial and appellate courts in various jurisdictions, and before the Surface Transportation Board, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Olympic Committee, the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Maritime Commission and the Court of International Trade. Over the past 18 years, Eric has taken 36 cases to trial. His record in these cases is 33-3. Eric focuses his practice primarily upon commercial litigation, transportation, logistics and e-commerce law consult and litigation, insurance, coverage and bad faith matters, and product liability matters, including medical device defense, consumer product defense and industrial product defense.
Networking Events
TLA prides itself on the collegiality and unique networking environment its conferences create. The Chicago Regional Seminar and Bootcamp is no different. Enjoy any of the networking events we have planned.
Corporate Counsel and New and Young Lawyers Committee Reception
TLA’s Corporate Counsel & New and Young Lawyers members will hold a reception for committee members only
Welcome Reception
Join us for the Welcome Reception on Thursday where we will gather together to greet old friends and welcome our new members and first-time attendees.
Welcome Dinner
Chicago’s restaurants are some of the best in the world, so don’t miss the annual Welcome Dinner where we will show our appreciation for the moderators and speakers who make the Chicago Regional Seminar and Boot Camp such a success.
Dinner is a separate registration fee.
Wine & Cheese Reception
After a stimulating day of education, we will relax at the wine and cheese reception on Friday evening.
Dine Arounds
For those of you who would like to continue networking and relaxing with your friends and colleagues, Dine Arounds on Friday evening following the Wine & Cheese Reception are being planned. Further information will be distributed to registered attendees as we approach the event.
Hotel
Dive into the rich culture of downtown Chicago from the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago (221 North Columbus Drive), located minutes from the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Navy Pier. Designed by famed architect Jeanne Gang, our striking hotel places guests in the heart of the city with easy access to Financial District businesses and must-see attractions like “The Bean.” As the first Radisson Blu in the United States, the Aqua Hotel is the standard for upscale accommodations in Chicago. Our eco-friendly practices have also earned platinum-level status with TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Program.
During your stay, you can enjoy amenities such as our indoor and outdoor pools and our state-of-the-art fitness center with a full-size basketball court, an outdoor running track, and a steam and sauna room. Our tranquil lifestyle garden provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the day, and the on-site FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar offers delicious Midwestern cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. Hosting a large wedding or gala in Chicago? Our 28,000-square-foot meeting facilities and delicious catering options are sure to make your event shine.
Book your hotel now using this link. Don’t delay in booking your room – this block will sell out. The group rate is $139. You will see a $26 urban fee when making your reservation, however, this fee does not apply to group bookings and will be waived upon checkout. You can also call 312-638-6686 and reference “TLA” to receive the group rate.
(*plus applicable taxes and fee)
