Page 24 - FDCC Flyer - Winter 2022

FDCC Meeseticntgiosn- Ltiotloeking Back
Valerie Kellner then led us in a fascinating discussion regarding resiliency and crisis management after which we had an impactful presentation from Laurie Bresden, an attorney and Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in Pennsylvania, who shared her personal struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, incarceration, and her incredible story of sobriety as she now gives back to those who are experiencing addiction and mental health challenges in the practice of law.
Geneau Thames of Harford Mutual talked about contract issues that affect corporate counsel on a daily basis and best practices. She and her panel, including FDCC Defense Counsel Member Marisa Trasatti, Managing Partner of Cipriani
& Werner and FDCC Emeritus Member David Nicolas gave us an insider’s view of the issues that most impact corporate counsel from a contractual perspective, from small offices with a single attorney to large offices with large staffs with significant resources. We ended
day two with a presentation led by Tiffany Alexander and her panel regarding current trends in product liability. It was quite a day followed by fellowship during dine arounds at some of Philadelphia’s finest establishments.
The following day started with an employment panel moderated by Robert Lockwood with panelists Kelley Barnett of Amtrust Financial Services and defense counsel Chad Hatmaker. They discussed the current trends and increased activity by the EEOC. All of us then enjoyed a session with Courtney Schulnick from Marshall Dennehy who described her challenges of
controlling the challenges of an active law practice and balancing family and life, including how she uses mindfulness to take control
of her day and busy life. She
guided all of us from through a moderated session to demonstrate how mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety in our overly active lives. We ended with a session moderated by April Berman regarding environmental, social and government programs where she and Elizabeth Weidman of Comcast and Dennis Kerrigan of Hanover discussed the implementation
of ESG programs in our business and how it will ultimately impact outside law firms.
In all, it was a great program and was especially nice to see everyone in person. We look forward to an even better CCS in 2023.
Paul Finamore is an FDCC Defense Counsel Member and a Member of Pessin Katz Law, P.A. in Columbia, MD. Contact him at: pfinamore@pklaw.com
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, C.R.I.S. is an FDCC Corporate Counsel Member and Chief Risk Officer with the Island Companies in Calverton, NY. Contact her at: Eefitzpatrick@islandcompanies.com
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