Trial Magazine
Feature
The Big Easy Beckons
December 2019The intersection of Creole and Cajun cultures, New Orleans’s unique history and blend of traditions inspire its world-famous food, music, and joie de vivre—enjoyment of life. In the midst of its famous Mardi Gras celebration, the city will host the American Association for Justice’s 2020 Winter Convention, sponsored by Lisa Blue and John Eddie Williams Jr.
A Full Program
Located at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel, within walking distance of the city’s historic French Quarter, the convention will run from Saturday, Feb. 8 to Tuesday, Feb. 11, with events beginning on Friday, Feb. 7. Plan ahead for the
- Women Trial Lawyers Caucus (WTLC)’s biennial Leadership Summit—WTLC members are invited to attend this daylong program focused on personal and professional development.
- WTLC welcome reception on Friday evening and signature brunch on Sunday, both open to all convention registrants.
- Saturday evening opening reception at Mardi Gras World, sponsored by Herman Herman & Katz.
- New Lawyers Division party on Sunday at the Fillmore, as well as the myriad networking receptions hosted by Litigation Groups, Sections, and Caucuses, including one cohosted by the Minority Caucus and Public Justice.
- Closing reception, sponsored by Herman Herman & Katz, on Tuesday evening.
Visit www.justicewinterconvention.org for the convention schedule and information on housing and registration.
Network & Community
- At one of the 80+ meetings held by AAJ Sections and Litigation Groups, discuss case strategies, legislative and regulatory developments, trial techniques, and more. Hear updates on a range of hot topics, including updates from the Opioids, Nursing Homes, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Tenofovir Litigation Groups. Several groups also will hold networking receptions, including the Products Liability Section; the Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section; and the Class Action, 3M Combat Earplugs, and Sexual Assault Litigation Groups. To learn more or to join a Section or Litigation Group, visit www.justice.org/networking or call (800) 424-2725 or (202) 965-3500, ext. 8700.
- Open Friday through Monday, the Exhibit Hall will feature more than 100 companies showcasing practice-related technology and services.
- Full registration for spouses or guests includes access to the opening and closing receptions and other networking events. Child care services may be arranged with the hotel; call (504) 561-0500 for more information.
- Caucuses Service Project: Visit http://www.triallawyerscare.org/ for information on giving back to the New Orleans community through a Friday, Feb. 7, service project hosted by the LGBT Caucus, Minority Caucus, New Lawyers Division, and Trial Lawyers Care Committee.
Education at a Glance
Saturday, Feb. 8
Advocacy Track: Are There Secret Ingredients? The Latest Persuasion Techniques
Specialized Track: Medical Negligence—Analyzing the Case and Maximizing Damages
Sunday, Feb. 9
Early Morning Program: Ending Distracted Driving
Advocacy Track: Connect the Dots—Theming and Presenting Your Client’s Story
Specialized Track: Paving the Road Ahead—Using Technology to Build a Crash Case
Monday, Feb. 10
Early Morning Program: Litigation at Sunrise—Hot Topics and Emerging Litigation
Advocacy Track: Uncovering Critical Information Through Discovery and Depositions
Specialized Track: Traumatic Brain Injury—Proving the Invisible and Other Unique Challenges
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Advocacy Track: Strengthening Witnesses and Overcoming Defense Tactics
Specialized Track: Your Practice on the Go—Technology for the Office, Depositions, and the Courtroom
Winter convention education programs are recorded and available for preorder and purchase at
Discover New Orleans
Food, food, food! Beignets, muffulettas, crawfish . . . the choices are endless. Get your fill and maybe a lagniappe—a little something extra—at the renowned Café Du Monde or Commander’s Palace.
Explore the French Quarter’s Decatur Street antique shops; bustling open-air French Market; Preservation Hall, which celebrates traditional New Orleans jazz; or landmark St. Louis Cathedral overlooking the Mississippi River.
Honor the past at a historic site: Explore the National WWII Museum, tour one of the city’s unique aboveground cemeteries, or ride a streetcar Uptown to centuries-old mansions in the Garden District.
