What were some of the lessons you learned early in your claims career? For our guest this week on The Defense Never Rests, Michael Benson, he shares that he learned early on that facts are not always the most important. Which can be a shocking discovery at first. In...
Winning Claims Practices: Plaintiff’s Attorney Perspective
Have you ever wondered what tactics have the most bang for your buck when trying to resolve a claim? Or….more importantly, what really puts a wedge in early negotiations. This week on the Defense Never Rests I am joined by my law school classmate David Kwalter. Like...
Uncovering Captive Insurance
For many the response to that is: “what the heck is a captive?” OR perhaps you are in the position that you are evaluating your loss ratios with your premium costs and maybe you are intrigued with the idea of potentially joining a risk retention group. Maybe you’ve...
Is Social Media Professional?
Do you use social media to help promote your professional persona? Well…if you are reading this on Linkedin, chances are the answer to the question is yes. I think we all utilize this platform in similar but also different ways. Some use to gather information that is...
Dos and Dont’s of Defense Counsel (Part 2)
What does outside counsel do that makes you want to pull your hair out? Multiple typos in reports? Retaining experts without consent? Long and wordy reports? Or how about failing to respond to repeated follow up requests? On this week's podcast episode of The Defense...
Managing Risk: An Engineer’s Perspective
What advice do you give your insureds to mitigate future risk? I think we all have some general line items that we tell insureds or clients that they could be doing differently. But usually, that is after the claim and sometimes that is too late! But what about...
Insider Tips: Panel Counsel
What do you know about insuring cannabis products and navigating the related claims? Whether it is used for recreational or medical purposes, cannabis has an element of uncharted territory. But is it all that different from insuring another crop? Or how about a...
Insider Look at Public Entity Claims
How are the risks of a public entity different? Or maybe the better question to ask is: how does one approach a claim against a public entity differently? This week on the Defense Never Rests, we are joined by Eileen Fay, SVP and Head of Claims at Berkley Public...
100th Episode! Then and Now
Careers and Parenthood
For our parents out there, what was the biggest challenge you faced professionally as a young parent? For many expecting mothers, the first challenge is TELLING your employer. What will they say? What type of reaction will you receive? When do you even break the news?...
Defense Counsel Do’s and Don’ts: Candid Advice from a Claims Adjuster
Which of your defense counsel’s characteristics really impress you? Could it be an executive summary at the start of a report? Picking up the phone to discuss an issue or ask a question? Better yet - what do they do that you absolutely loathe? We attorneys may not...
Single Mother’s Road to Genral Counsel
What drives you each day to keep working toward your professional goals? Better question…do you know what those goals even are? Some of us are determined to put in the work solely to best serve our insureds. Others it could be monetary rewards or promotions. And for...
Hot Topics in Trucking (Part 3) 2021 TIDA Annual Seminar
How does the average juror view the trucking industry? You know what we mean, does the average individual have a positive or negative opinion of truckers. As we approach the holiday season with warnings of supply shortages and we are worrying about getting those all...
Hot Topics in Trucking (Part 2) 2021 TIDA Annual Seminar
Hot Topics in Trucking (Part 1) 2021 TIDA Annual Seminar
What do you think are the hot topics the trucking industry is facing right now? Driver shortage… Nuclear verdicts... Or is it something else? This week on the Defense Never Rests we launch a new series: Hot Topics in Trucking where I set up a special podcasting booth...
Confessions of a Risk Manager
When you assign your outside counsel, did you ever stop and think about the traits you’re seeking? Maybe it is an aggressive approach to litigation. Maybe it is mental dexterity. Maybe both. Perhaps trial experience is an absolute “must.” Perhaps you just genuinely...
Corporate Depositions: Tips from a Claims Professional
There is a corporate designee deposition on the horizon: what are your expectations for your outside counsel? Undeniably, corporate designee depositions are not the sexiest event during litigation. But, in many cases, it might just be the most vital piece of your...
Fixing Gender Bias in the Workplace
Do you know how implicit gender bias is impacting your workplace? It is not always easy to spot and the best of us may be guilty of it as well. Men AND women. In fact, do you even know what it looks like? It goes far deeper than overt discrimination you may see with...
Imposter Syndrome in the Courtroom
The Career of a Sports Lawyer
Have you wondered how to become a sports lawyer? What does a sports lawyer do? In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by Sam Burum, associate counsel for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Sam currently works with the New Jersey Devils...
The Evolution of Insurance Claims
This week on The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Porter Nelms, VP of Claims at Premier Group Insurance Company, who after over 25 years in the industry has witnessed first hand how the insurance industry is changing with the times.
Navigating a Law Student Internship Amid the Pandemic
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, we are joined by our very own intern Ted! On his last day of his legal internship, he sat down with us to discuss being a law student in 2021 and navigating his internship amid a pandemic.
Claims Strategies to Transform the Defense Bar
Preparing for an Effective Mediation
Advice from a Retired Claims Attorney
Workers’ Comp Post-Pandemic
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Vice President - Claim Consultant for Lockton Companies, Alicia DePalma. Tune in to hear about the changes in workers' comp, comp claims, medical and recreation marijuana, and much more in the post-pandemic...
Millennial Lawyers Remodeling the Industry?
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by millennial attorney, Matt Margolis. As an attorney in south Florida, he stands by the statement that he doesn't have to have gray hair to be excellent at his job. Tune in to hear his alternative...
The Keys to Success in Mediation
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast we are joined by Elliot Herland, a mediator in workers' compensation. Tune in to hear about the keys to a successful mediation as well as his legal journey and the many shifts he has taken in his caree
Pulling Back the Curtain on Underwriting
What do underwriters do? What does a career in underwriting look like? Senior VP and head of environmental at Argo Group David Corry joins us to answer those questions and more!
Education vs Experience: Should Your College Degree Matter?
Do Employers Care About Your College Degree? Should Your College Degree Matter? In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we explore these questions. Host Meghan Henry sits down with job recruiter Bryan Jackson with tips to try to land your next opportunity...
Confessions of a Divorce Attorney
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by divorce attorney, online mediator, and divorce strategy coach Gabrielle Hartley. Tune in to hear her personal journey that led her to her position today, and the ins-and-outs of bring a divorce...
Working Remotely One Year Later
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by return guest Dana Applegate. The last time we spoke was at the start of the pandemic. Tune in to hear how working remotely has changed one year later.
Philanthropic Experiences Shaping Work Culture
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Senior Vice President of Claims at Berkley Industrial Comp, Greg Hamlin. Tune in to hear how his life experiences have shaped the work culture he has created. Also be sure to check out Greg's podcast Adjusted!
Covering Civility in a Changing Legal World
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan Henry is joined by Laura Gregory. As a partner of Sloane & Walsh LLP in Boston, Laura's practice concentrates on the representation of insurers and insureds in insurance coverage and bad faith matters,...
Partnering with Your Counsel
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan Henry is joined by Jay Carleton. As the VP of Casualty and Workers Compensation Claims at State Auto Insurance, Jay opens up with his philosophy on how they handle claims and what they look for in counsel.
Dirty Little Secrets About Mediation
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by guest Winter Wheeler. Tune in to hear her peel back the curtain to take a look into her personal life as a hard working mother of 4, and the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of mediation.
Mother’s Day Tell All
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan is joined by fellow Morgan & Akins colleagues and their mothers! Tune in for this Mother's Day special to hear the heartwarming stories, embarrassing tales, and everything in between! Happy Mother's Day...
Digging Up Dirt on Claimants
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Erin Larrea, our very own paralegal at Morgan & Akins. Tune in to hear more about Erin's journey in life that led her to our office!
COVID’s Impact on Workers’ Comp One Year Later
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Wendy are joined by Audrey Allsopp, the National Worker's Compensation Practice Leader for Conner Strong & Buckelew. A lot has changed in the world of workers' compensation post-2020 as the world...
Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, hosts Meghan and Oliver are joined by Daryl Sanchez. Tune in to hear about his experience in the professional world, and what happens when your identity becomes stolen.
Defending New York City
In this episode host Meghan Henry is joined by returning guest Shari Belitz as well as Christopher Dickerson. NYC residents Chris and Shari work for the city of New York. Driven by his passion for the Big Apple, Chris defends the city that never sleeps as a public...
From Big Law Firm to Startup CEO
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan is joined by her longtime law school friend Jenn Maher. Fueled by her drive to succeed and urge to stay busy, Jenn has had quite the journey from working for big a law firm to working startup.
Traveling During COVID
In this episode hosts Meghan and Nate are joined by Meghan's old time friend (and previous prom date) Rob Shainess. Not only is he a practicing attorney in Minneapolis, but he also traveled across the country via road trip during COVID.
Ethical Pitfalls in Claims
In this episode, hosts Meghan and Scott are joined by Manny Emandulis, Corporate Vice President at Kaufman Financial Group. They discuss ethics in an unethical world while offering insight on what leads people to make unethical decisions, how to spot it, and how to...
Four Decades Years in Insurance
In this episode, host Meghan is joined by Rick Howley. Tune in to hear how the unpredictable path in insurance has lead him to becoming the VP and Claims Specialist at the large insurance brokerage, Willis.
Fear & Anxiety in the Courtroom
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Philadelphia trial attorney and podcaster Bob Levant. Together, we deep dive into navigating the courtroom culture which does not encouraged to admit fear and anxiety. What do you do when...
Nuclear Verdicts & Reptile Theory
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined again by Rebecca Gregg and Shari Belitz. Tune in as they discuss nuclear verdicts, the pivot of utilizing fear in courtroom culture, defining reptile theory, and the use of reptile theory in trucking...
From Prosecuting Crimes to Criminal Defense
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Christon Halkiotis. From the start of her legal career prosecuting crimes, to running her own law firm for criminal defense, the story of Christon's career is fascinating. To donate to her Mount Kilimanjaro...
Small Carriers, Big Challenges
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Wendy are joined by Michael Siedlecki. Tune in to hear them discuss the challenges of a smaller carrier and how they are overcome.
Understanding The Dilution Effect
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at LBS, Dr. Niro Sivanathan. Tune in to hear about the importance of effective communication, negotiation, and how the dilution effect applies to your...
Successfully Side Hustling
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast we are joined by two women who have proved that with hard work and determination, your passions can become your money making side hustle! (All while working full time in the legal world, I might add.)
From Law Enforcement to Insurance Claims
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by Rob McGaver. Tune in to hear how he went from working in law enforcement to the working in the legal world, and what surprising skills he took from the sheriff's office to the insurance office.
Design Your Life: Setting 2021 Goals EFFECTIVELY
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined again by our life coach Olivia Vizachero. Dubbed the Less Stressed Lawyer, Olivia offers tips on the "do's and don'ts" of setting new goals, overcoming defeats, and motivation to successfully achieve...
Drones: The Future Takes Flight
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, hosts Wendy and Nate are joined by two guests who have made drones their professions. Chief Operating Officer at REIN, Travis Wherry who writes drone insurance policies, and forensic engineer Joe Teitelman specializing in...
Let’s Talk Money & How to Build Wealth
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Celebrity World Class Attorney and founder of Goldberg LLP, Natalie Gold. Tune in to hear how to grow wealth, the importance of asset protection, trusts, wills, and the MINDSET of...
Should You Start a Podcast?
It seems like everyone and their mother has a podcast these days. Have you been thinking about starting one? Why should you start one? Tune into this episode of The Defense Never Rests as our guest and founder of Podcast Launch Lab, Sebastian Rusk. Be sure to check...
Real Estate as a “Side Hustle”
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast we are joined by author, educator, and the founder of Real Estate Investor Goddesses Monick Halm. Tune in to hear how she supports women in investing in properties and helps stop the stigma of trading hours for...
Silent Stigmas and Fertility
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by guests Shari Belitz and Jacqueline Harounian. Tune in as we candidly share the legalities behind surrogacy, the Mary Beth Whitehead legal case, as well as our ups and downs in the journey of...
Running a University in a Global Pandemic
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, we are joined by Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration at Kentucky State University Douglas Allen, and General Counsel Lisa Lang. Join us as we discover the challenges and unpredictable obstacles their...
Get a Job Through the Comments Section?!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcasts, we welcome our guest and man-of-many-hats, Trevor Houston. Tune in to hear his unique solution to help introduce job recruiters with job seekers virtually IN REAL TIME! You won't want to miss this...
Life Coaching and Mind Management
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined again by cohost Talar Herculian Coursey. This episode is very special as our guest, Olivia Vizachero is a life coach to both of us. Dubbed the Less Stressed Lawyer, Olivia touches on how to train your...
Deep Work: The Skill of Focusing
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, I am joined again by my cohost Oliver Brooks. Tune in as we explore the importance of not only focusing on deep work without distractions, but also unplugging and disconnecting. How do you focus? How do you center...
One Woman’s Road to Becoming General Counsel.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, we sit down with Talar Herculian Coursey. Tune in to hear her incredibly heartfelt story of her life in the Middle East, her relationship with her father, and her journey to becoming General Counsel. To learn more about SOAR...
Frozen at the Podium: Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by "The Introverted Lawyer" professor Heidi K Brown. We get candid and vulnerable about the struggles of self doubt and fear of public speaking. Tune in to hear her amazing tips and tricks to help...
First Generation Pre-Law Student Creating Legal Opportunities During COVID
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by the founder of LawyerUp, Umeesha D'Alwis. Tune in to hear this inspiring story of this 19 year old first generation immigrant, pre-law student who created her own virtual internship during a global pandemic....
Lawyers who Write for a Living and for Fun!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by cohost Meghan Henry as we speak to guests Lisa Goldkuhl and Steven Joseph. Powerful lawyers by day, and creative writers by night!
Lighten up! How to Use Humor in Claims and Litigation
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, I sit down with Dr. Brian Harman, a PhD leadership professor at UCLA and Berkeley specializing in executive coaching. After leaving his corporate world to pursue his dream of integrating humor and trust in leadership. Tune...
Attorneys Who TikTok
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we sit down with business Wilson Murphy Law owner, Michelle Murphy. We discuss her fascinating story and current success on TikTok, and how it can be utilized for more than just dancing to catchy songs.
Lessons from Lloyd’s of London: The World’s Oldest Insurance Market
People in the insurance industry and even outside have heard of Lloyd’s of London. It’s the oldest insurance market in the world – founded in 1688! Fun Fact: The Lloyd’s Building is the Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter films. But have you ever wondered what...
Is it Time to Re-think the Hourly Billable Model… Again?
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by my cohost Meghan Henry and our guests Diana Dearmin, Jackie Jensen Erler, and Steve Shanker. Listen as we take a look at Alternative Fee Arrangements, and the reasons why they should be considered over...
SCOTUS: A Peek Behind The Supreme Court’s Veil
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests I am joined by my cohost Nate Bohlander as we talk with Kit Kinports. While speaking about her time when she clerked Justice Harry Blackmun, we take a peek behind the veil of the United States Supreme Court.
What The H*ll is Going On? A Discussion about Racism in America
On this very important episode of The Defense Never Rests, I am joined again by Alexis Robertson as well as Michelle Silverthorn. We discuss the current state of the world after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of someone who is supposed to protect. Alexis and...
Tricia Baxter quoted in Above the Law about the need to respect the right for employees to disconnect.
https://abovethelaw.com/2020/06/respect-the-right-to-disconnect/?rf=1
Tricia Baxter on Product Liability, Current Writings, and The Defense Never Rests
Patricia Baxter, Partner at Morgan & Akins, recently sat down with Ron Sykstus for his podcast, Next Lawyer Up to talk about her journey through college, law school and career choices. Mr. Sykstus is a very well respected attorney who has practiced in northern Alabama for almost 30 years. His podcast has featured interviews with attorneys from all over Country.
A Look at the Next Generation of Lawyers
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I sit down with Gordon Chung as he walks us through what brought him from his humble roots in Hong Kong to work in the legal world in the UK.
I Hate My Job! What Do I Do?
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, I sit down with Annie Little and Alex Su, who both began their careers in the legal world, only to find that they hated their jobs.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
In this episode, we sit down with Alexis Robertson, who's job is to put herself out of business. She is a diversity and inclusion professional and helps law firms recruit and keep people who are otherwise underrepresented in the law firm ranks. Listen as she talks...
Determine Your Exit Strategy Early
After 40 years in claims, you pick up a thing or two! If you want perspective, sit down and talk to someone who started their career before people used email, or even computers, who completed claim notes using pen and paper, and when people could actually smoke in the...
What Would Help Your Claims Handling Challenges?
Banished & Presumptively Positive: Navigating Litigation From The Basement
Ever been banished by your family? We know someone who has! Dan Sherry, Jr. of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, PC was a fantastic guest on this episode of The Defense Never Rests! We discussed his experience with COVID-19 and time quarantined in...
Medical Marijuana and the Law
Medical Marijuana is now legal in more than half of the United States (33 states, to be exact)! With these changes come a whole new set of challenges for employers, risk managers and claims adjusters handling EPL and WC claims. This week's podcast features Dillon...
Social Inflation and Nuclear Verdicts: A Deep Dive Into What’s Driving Excessive Verdicts
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, I am joined by co host Scott Rybny as we talk with Shari Belitz and take a deep dive into the root causes of social inflation and nuclear verdicts.
The Plaintiffs’ Perspective of Your COVID Decisions
There's no better way to look at your decision making process than through the eyes of your opposing counsel. In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, we talk to a well-known and seasoned coverage attorney, but from the Plaintiff's bar, Anthony DiUlio, Esq. of...
Determine Your Exit Strategy Early
Talking Risk With Founder of Prime Insurance Rick Lindsey
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests I am joined by CEO and chairman of Prime Insurance Company, Rick Lindsey. We talk risk, claims, and much more. Let us know what you think.
Addiction in the Courtroom with Brian Cuban
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, I am joined by attorney, author, speaker, and activist Brian Cuban. Tune in as he candidly opens up to discuss his experiences with eating disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism, depression and rehabilitation.
Why You Should Ask Your Attorney for a Budget
How to Gain Clients Using LinkedIn with Shay Rowbottom
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, I am joined by The Content Queen herself, Shay Rowbottom. Tune in and get a glimpse into some social media secrets, including how she went from 0 to 200,000+ followers on LinkedIn. Yes- followers convert to real business...
Coverage Lawyers Aren’t Boring
If you are one of those people who think handling coverage claims is boring, we have some guests to change your mind! In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, host Patricia Baxter is joined by insurance gurus Laura Gregory, Michael Young, and Scott Rybny. What do...
Legal Spend Management
Working From Home in the Coronavirus Era
As Coronavirus continues to spread, chaos has seemed to permeate into every inch of our daily lives. Though we are each lucky to be healthy, there is still so much uncertainty that lies ahead. In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, host Patricia Baxter is joined...
Why Your Attorneys are NOT Proactive
The Impact of Diversity and Gender on Case Handling
In this episode, we are honored to have two well respected, esteemed and diverse claimants attorneys, Lisa D. Eldridge from Martin Law and Melissa Chandy from Pond Lehocky, on our podcast. Both candidly discuss their challenges and strategies in the practice of...
Mediation
In this episode, host Patricia Baxter is joined by cohost Oliver Brooks to welcome their guests. Two well-respected and widely used mediators, Judge Michael Snyder, the newly elected Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and Barbara Lyons. Judge Snyder has...
Balancing Life, Career, and Family
Juggling family and career is tough for so many people. While this topic certainly isn't new, talking about it is still so important! In this episode, host Patricia Baxter is joined by Kara White, Meghan Henry, and Scott Rybny. Tune in and listen to the experiences of...
Health & Fitness for Your Busy Schedule
New Year, New Podcast! Who isn't talking health and fitness this week? Guilty! In this episode, host Patricia Baxter talks with lawyer turned corporate wellness coach, personal trainer and nutrition coach, Megan O'Neill. She gives away her "actionable" tips for...
Litigation Lessons in Game of Thrones
Top 10 Factors to Evaluate Claims Early
In this episode, host Patricia Baxter is joined again by some of the smartest lawyers she knows: Wendy Smith, Oliver Brooks, and Nate Bohlander. Join them as they discuss their top 10 factors to evaluate claims early with little to go on. What do you think? Let us...
What a Plaintiff’s Counsel Truly Thinks About Their Case
Ever wonder what a plaintiff’s counsel was truly thinking about their case, or yours? In this podcast episode host Patricia Baxter is joined by cohost Oliver Brooks, and guests Tracy Finken, and Dan Sherry Jr. Join us as we discuss what a plaintiffs counsel really...
Litigation Efforts to get BANG for Your Buck
What litigation efforts get you the most bang for your buck? Do you always take a plaintiff’s dep? What about serve discovery? In the next episode, host Patricia Baxter is joined by Wendy Smith, Oliver Brooks, and Nate Bohlander. Join them as they discuss how to “pick...
Pictures (or CCTV) are Worth a Thousand Words; Failing to Preserve ALL of Them Could Cost You in Court
Do you maintain a security system? Do you have CCTV on premises? More and more businesses are installing surveillance systems. But how often do business owners think about the process for preserving footage? If you ever have someone slip and fall on your property,...
“Star Wars” or Tincher v. Omega Flex: Will Disney or Pennsylvania Courts Add More Chapters to Their Respective Legacies?
For those who practice in the field of strict product liability, the name “Tincher” has become more synonymous with a seemingly endless string of decisions and appeals than anything else. The only saga with more sequels in the past few years is the "Star Wars"...
Motion for Summary Judgment: An Arrow Back in the Defense’s Quiver?
Is the motion for summary judgment arrow back in the defense bar’s quiver for defect and failure to warn claims? The Pennsylvania products liability law landscape has been in constant flux since the seminal Tincher v. Omega Flex, Inc., 628 Pa. 296 (Pa. 2014)...
Admissibility of Industry-Standards in Product Liability Cases Remains Uncertain
Historically, to defend against a design defect claim the fact that a product’s design complied with industry standards was not admissible. That type of evidence was viewed as focusing on the quality of the defendant's conduct in making design choices, rather than...
Product Defect and Inadequate Warning Claims: We’ve Got a Jury for That
If a product lacks any cognizable defect and conspicuously warns against the exact harm which befell plaintiffs, do defect and failure to warn claims against a manufacturer require a jury determination? Your response would likely fall somewhere on the spectrum...