The Quest for Silverado
April 7-10, 2005
Silverado Resort
Napa Valley, California
Evoking elegance and sophistication of days past,
the Silverado Resort, located in Napa Valley wine country, California,
invites guests to step back in time and be pampered with luxury accommodations.
The Resort provides the undeniable comforts that
keep guests coming back to this 1,200-acre retreat
located at the gateway to the Napa Valley Wine Country.
  
Special Event for Spouses / Significant Others
Friday, April 8, 10:00am
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 Grapes Make More Than Wine Cooking Class
Let our professionally trained chef expose you to other wonderful and tasty ways to utilize the grape. Wine, the common by-product of grapes, can be used to better complement the grapes you will find and enjoy in the crepes we call “Veronique”. With a contrast of textures, the chef will demonstrate and assemble a mouth watering culinary delight appropriate for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Having fun in a marriage is imperative when bringing food and wine together. We hope your experience is one of intrigue, interest and interaction. Bon Appetite! |
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2005
-- AGENDA UNDER DEVELOPMENT -- |
Thu -- 7:00p |
Welcome! Opening Reception and Dinner at the Fairway Deck
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Thu -- 10:00p |
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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2005
-- AGENDA UNDER DEVELOPMENT -- |
Fri -- 7:30a |
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Fri -- 8:30a |
OPENING REMARKS - SILVERADO BALLROOM
Susan Artinian -- 2005 Chair
Dykema
Detroit, MI |
Fri -- 8:35a |
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LITIGATION JEOPARDY
Test your knowledge on cutting edge issues in subjects ranging from ethics, Sarbanes-Oxley, experts, discovery and other current litigation topics.
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DEMOLISHING EXPERT WITNESSES AND EXPERT WITNESS MALPRACTICE
Since Daubert, expert witness work is not a free ride. Marshall Grossman shares his techniques built on decades of experience destroying opposing experts and delivering friendly experts unscathed after cross-examination.
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Fri -- 9:20a
Dan
Stephenson
Dykema
Ann Arbor, MI |
CHOICE OF LAW AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES
State-specific procedural rules and substantive law could leave unwary defendants deprived of discovery on punitive damages issues. An overview of choice of law issues as they relate to punitive damages, with examples from recent cases.
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 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ARBITRATION
Forum Selection, Process Control and Enforceability
The American legal system's primacy in international business dispute resolution is no longer assured as international consumers of litigation services seek quicker and more predictable solutions that satisfy the requirements of a growing body of international law. Business dispute arbitration agreements that may have served companies well five years ago require a close look today to account for rapid changes in international legal standards that call into question traditional jurisdictional, discovery and processing expectations. |
Fri -- 10:00a
John
Fitzpatrick
LeClairRyan
Richmond, VA |
 “RED FLAGS” FOR EVALUATING TRIAL LAWYERS
When a GC or Senior VP of Claims has a high exposure case, what questions should be asked when selecting a lead trial lawyer and what answers should cause clients to "run for the hills"? An entertaining discussion of counsel evaluation process. |
Fri -- 10:20a |
Coffee and Refreshment Break on the Fairway Deck
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INSIDE THE COURT OF APPEALS: APPELATE ADVOCACY FOR THE TRIAL LAWYER
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THE VALUE OF THE VIDEOTAPED DEPOSITION
Surprises and More
The practical use of videotaped depositions at settlement conferences and in trial. Discover the pitfalls that await the unwary practitioner and inhouse litigation counsel unfamiliar with the rules regarding the use of this discovery tool.
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ANTITRUST'S SECOND EDGE: PREDATORY BUYING POWER
The global economy has spawned innovative buying arrangements that some commentators view as tending to foreclose or limit competition. Usually concerned with the market power of the seller to control output and price, antitrust law may be moving to concern about buyer power, and domination of markets for raw materials and manufactured products by certain buyers as restraints of trade. Where we are, what's happening and how it impacts everyone in the chain of distribution.
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 BRAVE NEW WORLD: THE CLASS ACTION FAIRNESS ACT 2005
Too good to be true?
The Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 achieved in one swift signing a goal companies and their lawyers advocated for over a decade.
The Act is not perfect - but state courts will no longer be a haven for questionable "national class actions."t.
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 KEEPING THE JURY ENGAGED AND OPEN-MINDED IN A CATASTROPHIC CASE
Catastrophic personal injury cases with sympathetic plaintiffs result in juries looking for a deep pocket. A good, truthful story with persuasive points can make the jury listen. Keeping the jury interested and open-minded long enough to hear you out and deliver a sympathy-free verdict.
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Fri -- 12:25p
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS |
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Fri -- 1:30p
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 Golf Tournament at the Silverado South Course
An excellent way to enjoy Silverado's natural beauty is to play its 18-hole Napa Valley Wine Country south golf course, in the distinctive style of its architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The resort's courses cover 360 acres and feature lush vegetation, ponds, lakes, three sweetwater creeks, trees arching over the fairways and artfully placed traps and greens. Home of the Transamerica Senior P.G.A. Championship, Silverado will host the Smothers European Mercedes-Benz Napa Valley Mustard Festival Golf Benefit on the South Course. See card at http://www.golfersweb.com/golfsnfr/silver.htm. |
 The Ultimate Winery Tour -- Part I
Situated in the heart of Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge specializes in producing wines that embody the unique characteristics of the appellations in which their estate vineyards are located. Since the winery was founded in 1978, old world traditions have been fused with innovative viticultural and winemaking practices to yield powerful, yet balanced, Bordeaux-style red wines and Chardonnays with classic aromas, rich textures and lingering flavors of French oak. With over 220 acres of densely spaced vineyards located throughout five of Napa Valley's most renowned appellations, Pine Ridge estate-bottled wines have consistently received critical acclaim, with the Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon ranking among the top ten wines in the world. |
 The Silverado Spa
Inspired by the serene sophistication of a classic Roman spa, The Spa at Silverado offers fitness, Spa and salon services surrounded by tranquil garden courtyards and breathtaking scenic views. Our goal is to offer both the novice and seasoned spa-enthusiast a haven of absolute relaxation and healthy rejuvenation - our philosophy is, quite simply, to create joy. |
 Tennis
Come and play at Silverado's Tennis Center offering 17 plexi-pave courts in a truly majestic setting. The full-service pro shop offers the latest in fashions for men and women, including top of the line shoes and state of the art tennis racquets. Our resident tennis pro will organize a variety of tournaments for both avid and casual competitors, with an emphasis on fun and participation. |
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Fri -- 6:30p
Busses Board
Fri -- 7:00p
Dinner at
The Culinary Institute |
Greystone’s terraced gardens of herbs, vegetables, and flowers provide the perfect introduction to the vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and bustling activity of the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant. Local, seasonal ingredients are the inspiration for the cuisine, which features California’s bounty from the land and sea.
Begin your wine country experience on the terrace, with views across the Napa Valley vineyards, or in front of a roaring fire in the lounge. The beverage menu offers unique tasting flights as well as our chefs’ favorite wines by the glass or bottle. You’ll also enjoy traditional and creative seasonal cocktails and northern California microbrews on tap.
The dazzling restaurant space, created by noted designer Adam Tihany, offers a view of the chefs at work from every hand-crafted table. We invite you to relax and settle into your meal with Today's Temptations, which is an array of delicious "small" bites to be shared by all at the table. Our chef's calls them temptations because they are inspired by the culinary artisans, farmers and foragers who bring their tempting products to the kitchen door everyday. Enjoy the variety of flavors with a glass of sparkling Querenica Brut Rose, a Greystone exclusive. Then, perhaps, sample one of our first-course soups, salads, or pastas. What better place to experience the mingling of food, wine, and friends than the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, in the very heart of California’s wine country.
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Fri -- 10:00p
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Hospitality Suite and Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament
Cigars, Wine, Munchies and Lots of Talk
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SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2005
-- AGENDA UNDER DEVELOPMENT -- |
Sat -- 7:30a |
Continental Breakfast on the Fairway Deck
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Sat -- 8:30a |
  WELCOME FROM SEMINAR CO-CHAIRS
Scott O'Connell
Nixon Peabody; Boston, MA
Mark Miller
Wildman Harrold; Chicago, IL |
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SAFEGUARDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Is your IP in the vault where it should be? When was the last time you looked? Some current strategies for cataloging, safeguarding and putting your IP to work for your company before it is taken and put to work by others.
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UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: THE NEWEST FRONTIER
Unfair trade practice statutes that prescribe unfair or deceptive acts or practices allowing enforcement by plaintiffs are being now applied to professionals and product manufacturers as an alternative to traditional liability models. This new approach provides conflicting standards and the potential finding of liability in the absence of any standards. The various state statutes, modeled under the Federal Trade Commission Act, provide little guidance for what an "unfair trade practice or deceptive act."
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TOP TEN ETHICAL ISSUES FACING IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll
The resolution of conflicts by in-house counsel is taking on paramount importance since the Enron debacle. Who does in-house counsel represent and who must be notified of conflicts? Brian Lewis will be providing answers to this and other important ethical issues, including unauthorized practice issues, reporting attorney misconduct and the role of counsel in lobbying and other business efforts.
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 PANEL DISCUSSION ON
THE ASSAULT ON ATTORNEY/CLIENT PRIVILEGE
The attack on attorney-client privilege, criminal liability of in-house counsel.
Panel:
Dan
Fisk
V.P., Gen. Counsel and Sec.
Computer Sciences Corp.
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Sat -- 10:20a |
Coffee and Refreshment Break on the Fairway Deck
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WHEN CIVIL WRONGS RESULT IN CRIMINAL CHARGES
The trend toward criminalization of formerly civil offenses. Companies now must be alert to the potential for criminal prosecution resulting from workplace accidents, faulty products, environmental discharges and other wrongs previously the exclusive domain of the civil law.
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 PANEL DISCUSSION:
CONSUMER FRAUD AND MASS TORT CLASS ACTION LITIGATION
Developments in the management of tobacco, mold, asbestos, FRT plywood, silicone breast implants, Fen-Phen diet drugs, Pondimin, lead paint, Propulsid, Rezulin, PPA, latex gloves, and groundwater air pollution cases involving cancer clusters, property damages, and consumer fraud.
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Hon. Marina Corodemus
(ret.)
Civ. Div., NJ |
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| Sat -- 11:50a |
 CLOSING REMARKS BEFORE BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
Susan Artinian -- 2005 Chair
Dykema
Detroit, MI |
Sat -- 12:00p
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
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Sat -- 1:30p
R
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C
R
E
A
T
I
O
N
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Golf at Silverado South
An excellent way to enjoy Silverado's natural beauty is to play its 18-hole Napa Valley Wine Country south golf course, in the distinctive style of its architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The resort's courses cover 360 acres and feature lush vegetation, ponds, lakes, three sweetwater creeks, trees arching over the fairways and artfully placed traps and greens. Home of the Transamerica Senior P.G.A. Championship, Silverado will host the Smothers European Mercedes-Benz Napa Valley Mustard Festival Golf Benefit on the South Course. See card at http://www.golfersweb.com/golfsnfr/silver.htm. |
 The Ultimate Winery Tour -- Part II
Learn the secrets to making great Napa Valley wines at Trefethen. Our vineyard tours detail the unique geology and climate of this section of California and looks at the discoveries made by early wine pioneers. Enjoy wine tasting with spectacular panoramic views. |
 Wine Country Photography Safari
Learn photography in the beautiful Wine Country with renowned photographer Keith Rosenthal. Keith is fun and a great teacher. His hands-on class provides each guest with individual attention for all levels of photographic experience. The class will be in the field with private access to the vineyards and barrel rooms of famous wineries. Bring your own camera or with advanced notice, we will purchase digital or disposable cameras for your guests. Everyone will have a good time and learn how to take better photographs. |
The Silverado Spa
Inspired by the serene sophistication of a classic Roman spa, The Spa at Silverado offers fitness, Spa and salon services surrounded by tranquil garden courtyards and breathtaking scenic views. Our goal is to offer both the novice and seasoned spa-enthusiast a haven of absolute relaxation and healthy rejuvenation - our philosophy is, quite simply, to create joy. |
Tennis
Come and play at Silverado's Tennis Center offering 17 plexi-pave courts in a truly majestic setting. The full-service pro shop offers the latest in fashions for men and women, including top of the line shoes and state of the art tennis racquets. Our resident tennis pro will organize a variety of tournaments for both avid and casual competitors, with an emphasis on fun and participation. |
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Sat -- 7:00p
Dinner |
Dinner at Markham Vineyards
It all begins with a casual, yet elegant reception, complete with Markham wines specially paired with hors d'oeuvres. Our guests are free to roam the facility, view the current art exhibit, or enjoy the wonderful courtyard water gardens. After working up an appetite for a memorable dining experience, we pull out all the stops. We invite everyone to enter Markham's historic Stone Cellar. This magnificent room was the original winemaking facility and is still in operation today. It was built in 1879 with rough hewn stone from Glass Mountain. These stone walls are surrounded by hundreds of oak barrels filled with red varietals. |
Sat -- 10:00p |
Hospitality Suite and Texas Hold 'Em Poker Finals
Cigars, Wine, Munchies and Lots of Talk
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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2004
-- AGENDA UNDER DEVELOPMENT -- |
Sun -- 8:00a |
Business Meeting For Network Member Firms:
Breakfast Meeting
Location: Vintner's Court
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This CLE program is produced by The Network of Trial Law Firms, Inc., a not-for-profit business league organized as a 503(c)(6) corporation, on behalf of its 26 member law firms and more than 4,000 attorneys in 90 offices throughout the United States and Canada. The Network is well-known for its outstanding CLE programs. Since 1993, we have produced more than 25 cutting-edge CLE programs on trial and litigation management topics.
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