Changing Times In The Airline Industry Focus Of Ninth Annual Aviation Litigation Program
CHICAGO, May 27, 2003 - How are airlines facing uncertain times, liability and litigation in the aftermath of 9/11? Government officials, aviation law experts, defense and plaintiff counsel and industry leaders will gather to address these issues at the Ninth Annual Aviation Litigation Seminar on Thursday, June 5 in New York City. The program is designed to offer practical tips, insights on accident investigation, and perspectives on insurance including settlement, litigation and mediation. The one-day in-depth program is sponsored by the Aviation Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation. The seminar will be held at the St. Regis Hotel.
A highlight of the meeting will be a luncheon address by Carol J. Carmody, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board who recently served as the acting chair. In her remarks, Carmody will share her experiences of the course of her aviation career that has included positions at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). She will report on the status of recent investigations as well.
Programs include:
· Recent Developments. This panel features Andrew J. Harakas, New York; Thomas J. McLaughlin, Seattle; John C. “Rusty” Allman, Austin, Texas; and John F. Easton, Houston. This session will address the Multi-Party Multi-Forum Jurisdiction Act, FAA enforcement proceedings and product liability.
· September 11th Report: Where We are And Where We Go from Here. Speakers include Russell M. Mirabile, senior vice president and director of claims, U.S. Aviation Underwriters and Steve Pounian, Mitch Baumeister and Kenneth Nolan, all of New York. This special session will focus on the aftermath of September 11th including a report on the Victim Compensation Fund, pending litigation and the status of war risk insurance.
· Ethics in the Media. This session, on practical tips for litigators dealing with the news media, features Desmond T. Barry, Jr., Los Angeles; Lawrence J. Fox, Philadelphia; and Robert A. Clifford and Kevin Durkin, Chicago. Speakers will focus on what to say, and what not to say, as they analyze a “mock” television news broadcast featuring interviews with counsel in response to a fictional commercial airline crash.
· Insurance: An Insurer’s Perspective on Settlement, Litigation and Mediation. In-house counsel for major insurers will discuss case evaluation, reserve, funding and sharing and the benefits and drawbacks of various options including settlement, litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Speakers include Neil R. McGilchrist, Beaumont and Son, London, England; W. Timothy McSwain, senior vice president and deputy director of claims, U.S. Aviation Underwriters, New York; John P. Meehan, vice president-manager of airline claims, Global Aerospace, Short Hills, New Jersey, consultant Harold Caplan of London, England; and Joseph A. Franceski, managing director, Marsh Aviation, New York.
· Accident Investigation. Two sessions, “The Airlines’ Perspective in the Immediate Aftermath of An Accident” and “Working with the Accident Investigation Authorities,” will offer perspectives on steps to take, procedures to follow, how to work with the airlines and the families of those involved, payments, and the technical work involved in the analysis of the incident by the NTSB and other authorities. Speakers include Margaret F. Martin, emergency response coordinator-risk management, American Airlines, Dallas; Christa Meyer Hinkley, Global Runoff Claims Leader, GE ERC, Overland Park, Kansas; Scott BeVier, vice president, Global-BMS Catastrophe, Fort Worth, Texas; Tommy F. McFall, Southlake, Texas.; Judge James E. Hall, former NTSB chairman; Speiser Krause, Washington, D.C.; and Judge Ken Johnson, Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board, Ottawa, Ontario.
· In-House Counsel Perspective: An Inside Look at Issues Currently Affecting Airlines and Manufacturers. Panelists include Paul Ehlenbach, vice president and assistant general counsel, The Boeing Company, Chicago; James Hnat II, vice president and general counsel, JetBlue, New York; Kenneth Resnick, senior counsel, litigation and preventative law, GE Aircraft Engines, Cincinnati; and R. Bruce Wark, senior attorney, American Airlines, Dallas.
· Tips from the Trenches: Trying an Aviation Case. This session will provide practical advice for litigators on voir dire, opening statements, closing arguments and aspects of in- court practice.
· Tributes will be dedicated to two lawyers who led the way in aviation litigation: Lee S. Kreindler and John Howie.