Dinner
Prime
Holiday Party
Travel


Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cocktails and Dinner to Follow
PHD at Dream Downtown Hotel

Themis Prime is a separate and distinct practice area dedicated to the management of large loss and excess claims. Themis recognizes that the handling of large loss and excess claims is so significantly different than standard claims, that they require a dedicated practice area to better develop the skills and techniques for those handling these claims. The goal is to create an ongoing forum and communication network that develops cutting-edge techniques and strategies to properly manage and expediently defend sophisticated, large exposure, excess, or multi-party claims.

Who should attend: Insurance professionals who handle or are being trained to handle high exposure, excess, catastrophic or multi-party cases. You have the option of attending the morning beginner track, afternoon advanced track, or both. This event is complimentary but space is limited.

Download the Prime Invitation
Reserve Your Spot on the Waitlist
View the Prime Attendee List

Prime Conference Schedule:

Breakfast and sessions are held at PHD at the Dream Downtown NYC Hotel. PHD is the penthouse level of the hotel with a dedicated elevator for easy access from the lobby.
Morning Introductory Track: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Introduction to the Unique Aspects of Large Loss Claims and Excess Insurance
8:00 - 8:40 am Continental Breakfast
8:40 - 9:30 am

Introduction to Excess Insurance, Towers and Monitoring Counsel

Presented by: Joseph Moriarty, Willcox Savage PC

Panelists:
- Mike Almskog, CNA
- Mike Barrett, AXA XL
- Kevin Keller, Willcox Savage PC
9:40 - 10:30 am

Fundamentals of Mock Trials and Shadow Juries: When? Where? How?

Presented by: Steven Grubbs, Sheehy, Ware, Pappas & Grubbs, PC
10:40 - 11:30 am

A Primer on Unique Tactics and Strategies of the Catastrophic Accident: Reptile Defense, Comprehensive Investigation Tactics, Managing the Insured, Unique Resolution Strategies

Presented by: Jen Crow, Scheer.Law PLLC and Joseph Pappalardo, Gallagher Sharp, LLP

Panelists:
- Doug Betkowski, Gallagher Bassett
- Randy Reavis, Volvo
11:45 am - 12:45 pm Buffet Lunch (downstairs, lobby level at Bodega Negra)
Morning and afternoon session attendees are welcome to attend.
Afternoon Advanced Track: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Advanced Aspects of Large Loss Claims and Excess Insurance
1:00 - 1:50 pm

Managing the Tower: A Discussion from All Levels

Presented by: Beth Fitch, Righi Fitch Law Group and Theodore "Ted" Schaer, Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, PC

Panelists:
  - Jeff Annis, RSUI
  - Anita Rogers, Skyward Insurance
  - Matthew Spector, Chubb
2:00 - 2:50 pm

Handling the Non-Legal Issues: The Obstinate Plaintiff's Counsel, the Uncontrollable Client, the Outrageous and Time Limit Demands, Swaying Jury Bias, Brand Preservation and Publicity

Presented by: Gary Baumann, Baumann, Gant, Keeley, PA and Michael "Maz" Mazurczak, Melick & Porter, LLP

Panelists:
  - Michael Beagan, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
  - Geoff Borger, Nationwide
  - Britta Konopka, General Star
3:00 - 3:50 pm

The Eroding Attorney/Client/Carrier Relationship: Do High Exposure Cases Require a Different Approach?

Presented by: Howard Klar, Gallo Vitucci Klar LLP and Mitchell Kaplan, Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Toddy Schaer, PC

Panelists:
- Michael Cortese, Westfield Specialty
- Raymond Weisse, Ascot Group
3:50 - 4:00 pm

Closing Remarks and Wrap-up (Mitchell Kaplan, Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Toddy Schaer, PC)
4:00 - 5:00 pm Cocktails and Light Hor d'oeuvres (downstairs, lobby level at the Dream Lobby Bar)
5:00 - 8:00 pm Dinner Reception (Bodega Negra Restaurant at the Dream)


Location:

Dream Downtown NYC Hotel
PHD at Dream Downtown Hotel (Top floor)
355 West 16 Street, New York, NY 10011

Visit the Themis Week in NYC Travel page for room block details, parking, transportation and area information.