West Coast Casualty’s

Construction Defect Seminar May 14th and 15th, 2015

1150 West Magic Way, Anaheim, California 92802

Since 1993 . . .

America’s Largest ... America’s Favorite ... America’s Best...

Construction Defect Event ! ! !

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Coral Stern, AIC President West Coast Casualty Service, Inc.

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Since 1993, the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar has become an institution, a staple and a landmark for construction defect issues across the globe and the only reason we have achieved that status is because we concentrate our efforts on the most important people in this community, the attendees of our yearly events. Over the past years, we dedicated a lot of time to listening to those we serve at our seminars and we prepared our events with the ideas, suggestions and goals of the attendees in mind. Toward that end, we have made numerous changes in this year’s event which started with our questionnaire process that took place in late September 2014 and which will culminate with the seminar itself. While the total of amount of construction defect cases filed in the West are going down, there are more trials taking place than ever before, there continues to be more Appellate cases being decided than ever before and construction defect cases in the central and eastern portion of the country are increasing in tremendous numbers. At the time of the printing of this invitation, we have seen numerous changes taking place, many of which our speakers will discuss at our 2015 seminar and some of them will be discussed for the very first time. As you go through this invitation, click on the interactive links to see what others have said about our event and get a taste of one of our prior sessions that make our seminar so nationally and internationally famous. The theme of our 22nd annual construction defect seminar will be “Why Doing It Like We Always Did It Won’t Do Anymore” and while it was first developed over two years ago, we have been updating it based on what those who responded to our surveys told us was important to them. You will see many of the topics which make up our event surround our central theme but you will also see many important topics of interest and topics on the emerging trends of this specialized area of claims and law whether they meet our theme or not.

While no one can say with absolute certainty what the future will bring in this area of specialized claims and litigation, one thing is certain and we continue to believe that through the contribution of information and educational exchange by all members of this community, we all benefit. Working together, we’ll reduce the cost, effort and frustration in this ever-expanding specialized area of claims handling. So whether you are a returning attendee or someone who has never attended our yearly event before, I urge you to review these materials and I am sure you will find a topic of interest that meets your specific need. We’re looking forward to an educational, enjoyable and memorable seminar event and I look forward to seeing you in Anaheim on May 14th and 15th, 2015. Very truly yours, West Coast Casualty Service, Inc.

Coral Stern, AIC President

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The Topics and Speakers Committee of West Coast Casualty’s

2015 Construction Defect Seminar

Linda Tonkovich

Gallagher Bassett Committee Chair

Ross W. Feinberg, Esq. Glenn Barger, Esq. Cynthia Castro Mediator – JAMS Chapman, Glucksman, RSUI Group Dean, Roeb and Barger

Phyllis Modlin Kenneth Kasdan, Esq. Bruce Wick Markel Kasdan, Weber, California Professional Association Turner, LLP of Specialty Contractors

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While we want you to know about our seminar . . . . . . it’s more important to see what others say about our seminar

Matt Argue on West Coast Casualty's Benefits to Attendees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4AOTBoZwac

Gary Baumann Explains New Trends for Construction Defect Litigation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRRh2iFKfrY

Interview of Michael Ruetz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUueKUlYZ1E

Interview of Mark Bourassa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oeiypudi58

Current Inefficiency of Construction Defect Litigation – Jim Kurkhill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOQfnHWu5es

Interview of Jim Orland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4_5NlRSiaU

Rick Righi on WCC's Takeaways for the Construction Industry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g4_tS0xRpg

Get an idea about a session previously held at our event, right from your seat . . . right now!

Value Engineered-Alternative Dispute Resolution by Ed Martinet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh7h0yCA_cE

A New Business Model for Construction Defect Litigation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxu-keXyHdg

Videos supplied to West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar as a courtesy by

www.limasolutions.com

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West Coast Casualty’s

Construction Defect Seminars May 14th and 15th, 2015

“Yep . . . there’s an App for that now . . .”

Why is our new interactive app the most useful to our attendees?

Because it gives you everything you need but allows you to choose what you want . . . .

Our Construction Defect Seminar Mobile App has been designed to enhance your overall seminar experience and once you are registered, it enables you to: Easily access important event information, such as:

o A complete schedule of events (breakouts, keynotes, meals, expo hours etc.) o Speaker information o Product information o Sponsor details o Interactive floor plans and Disneyland Hotel venue maps o For registered attendees only: access to session presentations

- Share your event experience with others by checking in to sessions, meeting areas, and sponsor booths.

- See what is most popular with your fellow attendees. - Expand your professional network and have fun! The App provides an

easy way to connect with fellow attendees, and sponsors during the event but only if you want too.

- Respond to general event surveys. - Rate general sessions and speakers. - Receive reminders of upcoming sessions. - Get notifications with the latest news and updates.

Our Mobile App is available for iPhone/iPad, Android and HTML5 for Blackberry. Once you have downloaded the App and accessed it the first time, you will still have access to your event content, with or without a WiFi or cellular internet connection.

So bring your own device and you’ll find plenty of charging stations, compliments of your host

www.westcoastcasualty.com

Another First

New Feature!

Another First

New Feature!

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S E M I N A R S C H E D U L E

Wednesday, May 13th, 2015

Early Seminar Registration 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Thursday, May 14th, 2015 Registration and Breakfast - 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Breakfast Sponsored by

www.scwright.com

8:30 AM – 8:40 AM Welcome Remarks

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM “Recent California, Arizona and Nevada Court Decisions that Impact Construction Litigation and Defect Claims” Thomas L. Halliwell, Esq. and Barry Vaughan, Esq.

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM “Peeling Another Layer of the Onion:

Are You Crying or Savoring the Sweet Taste of Consent Judgments” Elizabeth S. Fitch, Esq., Mark Scheer, Esq., Ken Kasdan, Esq., Karen Rice and Lee Wright

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Morning Break

Morning Break Sponsored by

www.jamsadr.com

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The Elephant in the Room: How to Ethically Navigate Litigation and Billing Guidelines

Jeffrey Kramer, Esq., Adrienne Cohen Esq., Lisa Unger, Steve Lokus, Robert Mann, Esq. and David Stern

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM “Ollie” and “Legends” Awards Presentation

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch (Seminar Registration Will be Closed During Lunch)

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S E M I N A R S C H E D U L E

Thursday, May 14th, 2015

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM “Why Doing It Like We Always Did It Won’t Do Anymore”

Stephen Henning, Esq., Mary Rowe, Ted Bumgardner, and Jim Kurkhill, Esq.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM "Conflicts in CD Litigation: Walking on a Tightrope"

Tom Lincoln, Esq., Andrew McCloskey, Esq., Karl Sorenson, Esq., Craig Meredith, Esq. and John Thompson.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Afternoon Break

Afternoon Break Sponsored by

www.AMCCenter.com

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM “Risk Transfer – Everything But The Defects, Part 2 : Overcoming AI and Crawford Obstacles to Settlement”

Brian Kahn, Esq., Ramie Morales, Esq., Mathew Adler, Keith Koeller, Esq. and Ross Hart, Esq.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cocktail Reception

Proudly sponsored by

www.xperagroup.com

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S E M I N A R S C H E D U L E

Friday, May 15th, 2015

7:30AM - 8:30AM Registration and Breakfast

Breakfast Sponsored by

www.corecongroup.com 

Grand Ballroom South Ballroom 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Grand Ballroom South Ballroom 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Morning Break

Grand Ballroom South Ballroom 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Grand Ballroom South Ballroom 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

“What’s wrong with the CMO/PTO process” Michael Kennedy, Esq., Brian M. Sanders, Esq., James Rzepecki, Matthew Hawk, Esq., and Katherine Gallo, Esq.

“Guardians of the Subcontractor Galaxy” Rick Seely, Esq., La Tonya Darby,

Mark Collinsworth, Esq. and Sean Paden, Esq.

‘'Back to the Future with the Joint Defense Agreement - How to Use it to Benefit Everyone” Wendy Wilcox, Esq. Glenn Barger, Esq., Eric Michna, Lisa Unger, Robert Friedenberg, Esq. and Dale Winchell

“Advanced Communication Systems for Attorneys and Adjusters”

Linda Northrup, Esq., Jillisa O’Brien, Esq., Marisa Helmich,

Katherine James and Janet Rubin Fields, Esq.

“Coverage Tail Wagging the CD Dog? Strategies for Handling Coverage Issues in Mediation” Holly Harvey, Esq., Bruce G. Alexander, Esq., Rachel K. Ehrlich, Esq., Adrienne D. Cohen, Esq. and Mark A. Boyle, Esq.

“An Update on Privacy Protection Act (Ins. Code 791.13), SIR’s, and Indemnity

Provisions” Bob Closson, Esq., Gary Barrera, Esq.,

John Mcleod, Esq., Bruce Wick, Traci S. Lagasse, Esq. and Jean Fisher, Esq.

“Florida: Life in an Ever-Changing World” Joe Miele, Esq., Ronald Kammer, Esq., Craig Meredith, Esq. and James N. Welsh, Esq.

“Exploring the Legal Landscape for Design Professional in a

Post-Beacon World” William Peters, Esq.,

Dan Rottinghaus, Esq. and Scott Finch

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We’re Counting on You! ! !

Please take a moment of your busy day to help us select who is deserving of this year’s “Ollie”

Internet Café for West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar proudly sponsored by

www.mcconsultants.com

Robert Bellagamba, Esq. Craig Meredith, Esq. Linda Tonkovitch Wendy Wilcox, Esq. Mediator Mediator Claim Manager Defense Counsel Castle & Dekker JAMS Gallagher Bassett Skane Wilcox, LLP

Whether you are coming to the seminar or not –

Don’t forget to vote for the “Ollie” Details on Page 31

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Matthew Adler, Senior Claims Consultant XL Group, Los Angeles, CA Matthew Adler is currently with XL Group, a worldwide group of insurance companies and he works out of the Los Angeles office as a senior claims consultant. At XL, Mr. Adler handles a variety of claims including excess, reinsurance and wrap programs involving commercial and residential construction. Mr. Adler was previously with OneBeacon and handled construction defect claims and coverage actions of all types, exposures and jurisdictions across the United States. Mr. Adler’s prior work history includes many years at The St. Paul/Travelers and The

Zenith Insurance Companies. In addition to the construction field, his experience includes general liability, SIU and Workers Compensation. He currently serves as the President of the Construction Defect Claim Managers Association (CDCMA). Mr. Adler is a frequent speaker at the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar series on a variety of claims related subjects. Mr. Adler earned his bachelor degree from Pitzer College and is proud to serve as an executive board member of a local theater group, The Production Company.

Bruce Alexander, Esq. Partner Ciklin Lubitz Martens & O’Connell, West Palm Beach, FL

Bruce Alexander is an Equity Partner with Ciklin Lubitz Martens & O’Connell, where he has practiced law since graduating from Case Western Reserve Law School in 1983. As of 2012, Mr. Alexander's practice is dedicated exclusively to serving as a Mediator and Arbitrator on construction related disputes on a full-time basis. He is Florida Bar Board Certified in Construction Law since 2005, and has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit mediator since 2010. Mr. Alexander attended Fettes College in Edinburgh, Scotland, before

attending Brown University, where he received a BA in economics and business administration. Mr. Alexander's lecture topics have included delay damages, construction contracts, contractor licensing, construction lien law, construction insurance coverage, drafting and interpretation of A.I.A. contract documents and ADR. Mr. Alexander was also selected by the Florida Supreme Court to serve on the Florida Bar's Inaugural Committee for Construction Law Certification, and was appointed to serve as Chairperson of the Committee for the period 2007-2008. Mr. Alexander served as an Adjunct Professor at the St. Thomas University School of Law, where he taught on the subject of Florida Construction Law for the years 2006-2012. Mr. Alexander received the Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Construction Law Award in 2009, and was the recipient of the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Bar Construction Law Committee for his recognition state wide in the area of Construction Law. Mr. Alexander is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell and has been designated as a Tier 1 level Construction Lawyer by Chambers USA every year since its publication debut.

Glenn T. Barger, Esq. Partner Chapman Glucksman Dean Roeb & Barger – Los Angeles, CA Mr. Barger is a partner at Chapman Glucksman Dean Roeb & Barger. He is currently the Vice-President for the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, where he is also the Committee Chairperson for the Construction Practice Group and will serve as the President in 2016. He is also on the Litigation committee for the Los Angeles Bar Association and on the executive board for the California Defense Counsel. He is also a member of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California, the California Building Industry Association and is on the

Speaker’s & Topic’s Committee for the annual West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar. Mr. Barger has trial, arbitration, and mediation experience. He has the distinction of achieving the highest rating of “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell. He specializes in Construction Litigation, Environmental, Toxic and Hazardous Substance Litigation, Commercial/Business Litigation, General Negligence, Professional Liability and Complex, Multi-Party Litigation.

Seminar Speakers

Don’t forget to visit our Sponsors and Vendors at the seminar or do it Right Now ! ! !

Turn to pages 33 through 39

for a vendor listing and visit their websites for advanced news and special announcements about their products or services

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Gary A. Barrera, Esq., Senior Counsel Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP, San Francisco, CA Gary A. Barrera is Senior Counsel with Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP in San Francisco, California. Mr. Barrera has over 15 years of experience handling and resolving insurance-related matters as both an attorney and claims professional. His current practice focuses on representing and advising insurers in resolving complex insurance coverage disputes, with an emphasis on construction defect claims. Mr. Barrera’s prior experience also includes representing

residential home builders and developers in construction defect litigation. Mr. Barrera received his B.A. degree from the University of San Francisco and his J.D. degree from Rutgers University School of Law.

Mark A. Boyle, Esq. Partner Boyle, Gentile & Leonard, P.A., Fort Myers, FL Mark A. Boyle is currently a partner with the law firm of Boyle, Gentile & Leonard, P.A., located in Fort Myers, Florida. Mr. Boyle began his legal career working as an Assistant County Attorney for Pasco County in New Port Richey, Florida. Mr. Boyle began his foray into the world of insurance when he became associate general counsel for Armor Insurance Company in Tampa, Florida. In 1996, he entered into private practice with Fink & Lane, P.A., which is now known as Boyle, Gentile & Leonard, P.A. Mr. Boyle’s current areas of practice include civil litigation, with a

concentration in the handling of first and third party insurance disputes, including extra-contractual and bad faith matters. Mr. Boyle is a 1993 graduate from Stetson College of Law, located in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 1990, Mr. Boyle received a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from the University of South Florida.

Ted Bumgardner, President Xpera Group, San Diego, CA

Ted Bumgardner is president of Xpera Group, California’s most comprehensive group of real estate advisors, construction consultants and forensic experts. Based in San Diego, the firm brings together leading professionals in the industry with expertise in virtually every facet of the development, design and construction of the built environment. Mr. Bumgardner holds a degree

in Architectural Engineering from the University of Texas and has been designated as an expert witness in over 600 construction litigation cases on the topics of general contractor standard of care, construction management, cost estimating and scheduling delays. He is past president of the San Diego chapter of the Forensic Expert Witness Association, he is a founder and technical advisor to NoteVault, a technology company that provides automated project documentation and risk management services to the construction industry worldwide and is an adjunct professor at San Diego State University where he taught a graduate level course in Construction Management as a part of the Masters in Civil Engineering program.

Robert V. Closson, Esq. Hirsch Closson, APLC, San Diego, CA Following graduation from law school in 1986, Mr. Closson initially served as a multi-lines claims representative with Travelers Companies in San Diego before entering private practice in 1987. For the past 25 years he has concentrated his AV rated practice almost exclusively in insurance coverage litigation and appeals, and the rendering of coverage opinions for insurers and insureds. His insurance practice has involved the property and casualty fields of commercial and personal

lines policies with an emphasis on construction defect, intellectual property, business litigation and environmental claims. His clients have included insurers, risk retention groups, builders, subcontractors, and trade associations. Mr. Closson is admitted to practice before the California state courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Central and Northern Districts of California, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, and the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Closson lectures both locally and nationally.

Seminar Speakers

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Adrienne D. Cohen, Esq., Founder Law Offices of Adrienne D. Cohen, Santa Ana, CA Adrienne D. Cohen is the founder and principal of the Law Offices of Adrienne D. Cohen, a ten-attorney firm with offices in Santa Ana and San Rafael, California. Ms. Cohen received her Juris Doctorate from the USC School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA. Ms. Cohen has represented major insurance companies and their insureds for over 20 years in the areas of insurance coverage and defense. Her office often represents subcontractors in construction defect litigation. Ms. Cohen is president of the William P. Gray Legion Lex Inn of Court. She has

been an instructor in the UCI paralegal program, where she taught legal writing, ethics and insurance law. Ms. Cohen is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer. Ms. Cohen has tried several jury and court trials. She has argued and won many appeals, including those dealing with complex coverage issues, including Rosenbloom v. Hanour Corp., (1998) 66 Cal.App.4th 1477, Travelers v. Transcontinental (2004) 122 Cal.App.4th 949, Parkwoods Community Association v. California Insurance Guarantee Association (2006) 141 Cal.App.4th 1362, and Fort Bragg Unified School District v. Solano County Roofing Inc. (2011) 141 Cal.App.4th 891.

Mark Collinsworth, Esq. Collinsworth, Specht, Calkins & Giampoli, LLP, San Diego, CA Mark Collinsworth has handled a variety of civil litigation matters over his 20+ year career, including construction defect (residential and commercial) cases, commercial landlord-tenant disputes, products liability, personal injury, and contract. Mr. Collinsworth’s practice predominately includes the representation of residential homebuilders and commercial developers and general contractors. Mr. Collinsworth regularly deals with OCIP and Wrap insurance policies

in his representation of residential and commercial builders. Mr. Collinsworth received his undergraduate degree from Occidental College and his J.D. from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. He is a member of the California and Arizona bar, and has given several presentations to builders and insurance carriers regarding a variety of topics impacting construction litigation and arbitration.

La Tonya Darby, Construction Defect Claims Manager Tristar Risk Management, Cranbury, NJ La Tonya Darby is a Claims Manager with Tristar Risk Management in Cranbury, New Jersey. Ms. Darby received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University and she attended law school. She has over 22 years in the insurance industry, and she currently manages a group of claim adjusters who handle high exposure West Coast Construction Defect Claims involving large

commercial developers, general contractors and subcontractors. Ms. Darby also provides training in a number of areas including coverage, effective claim handling, proper investigation, file documentation, effective negotiating, risk transfer, litigation management and reserving. She also assists the marketing team on developing new business. Ms. Darby was previously employed with Admiral Insurance Company as a Claims Superintendent for 12 years where she handled large high exposure construction defect and professional liability claims on a nationwide basis under primary, umbrella and excess policies. Ms. Darby was also a Settlement Master/Civil Case Manager for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas judiciary where she mediated cases on behalf of the judiciary to resolve the civil case backlog in the Day Forward Program. She has also held senior level and management positions at Philadelphia Insurance Company, Cigna Property and Casualty and St. Paul Insurance Company where she handled/oversaw high exposure commercial toxic tort, environmental and professional liability claims. Ms. Darby is the Director of Education for the South Jersey Chapter of CLM, and she is a regular speaker at various industry conferences. She is also an adjunct professor who teaches Composition and Research.

Seminar Speakers

Exhibit Hall Wi-Fi Proudly Sponsored by

www.berthowe.com

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Rachel K. Ehrlich, Esq. Principal Ehrlich Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services, Oakland, CA Rachel Ehrlich is a national mediator specializing in complex civil disputes. She has particular expertise with insurance coverage disputes, bad faith cases, and matters in which insurance issues are a complicating factor. Prior to becoming a mediator, she spent 20 years gaining a nuanced understanding of civil disputes and the insurance industry as a casualty and coverage attorney, insurance claims person, underwriter, and executive. She has managed the resolution of tens of

thousands of matters, brought in every state in the country. A full listing of insurance coverage and dispute types with which Ms. Ehrlich has experience may be found at her website www.ehrlichadr.com. She is a graduate of University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D. 1996) and the University of California at Santa Cruz (B.A. Politics 1990). She is admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, the US Courts of Appeal for the Ninth and Tenth Circuits, and the US District Courts of Northern California and Colorado.

Jean Fisher, Esq. Associate General Counsel RiverStone Claims Management, San Diego, CA

In October 2013, Jean became part of RiverStone Claims Management after the acquisition of American Safety Indemnity Company, where she continues to handle litigation against American Safety and other insurers. Jean Fisher joined American Safety in 2005, tasked with oversight of the construction defect claims handled primarily by third party administrators and establishing its

positions on endorsements and coverage issues. In early 2006, she helped to train the San Diego claims office which handled all of American Safety’s construction defect claims. When the construction claims were brought in-house, she transitioned to her role as internal claims counsel, in which she oversaw the lawsuits against American Safety entities throughout the U.S., assisted adjusters with complex coverage issues and also worked with underwriting on drafting of American Safety endorsements. Prior to joining American Safety, Ms. Fisher was a partner at the coverage law firm of Selman Breitman in California where she previously worked for eight years in both coverage and defense work. Since passing the California Bar in 1992, her practice has been primarily focused on insurance coverage and insurance defense claims, handling complex insurance lawsuits and successfully defending insureds through multiple trials. She started her career as in-house counsel at Golden Eagle Insurance, handling construction defect claims. Ms. Fisher obtained her Juris Doctorate in 1992 from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, San Diego.

www.cochranlaw1.com

Seminar Speakers

Gold Sponsorship for this event has been generously provided by

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Elizabeth S. Fitch, Esq. Managing Member Righi Fitch Law Group, Phoenix AZ

Elizabeth S. Fitch is the managing member of Righi Law Group. She is an AV rated trial lawyer with 25 years of insurance defense experience. Beth has defended multi-million dollar cases ranging from catastrophic injuries to construction defect. She has defended developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and all types of professionals from civil engineers to architects in both commercial and residential construction disputes. In 2014 she was recognized as one of Phoenix’s

top lawyers and again recognized as a Southwest Super Lawyer. She co-authored the Construction Defect chapter of the Arizona State Bar Tort Handbook and currently serves on the Executive Committee for the CLM School of Construction.

Scott Finch, Claims Consultant XL Design Professional Mr. Finch is a claims consultant with XL Design professional. Prior to joining XLDP in 2011, Mr. Finch practiced law with the firm of Burnham Brown in Oakland, California primarily representing design professionals and contractors. Mr. Finch joined Burnham Brown in 1979. Mr. Finch currently handles claims venued throughout the United States, with most of his claims in the western states. Mr. Finch has a B.S. Degree in Political Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He obtained his law degree in 1978 from McGeorge School of Law, University of

the Pacific.

Robert Friedenberg, Esq. Friedenberg Mediation, San Diego, CA Robert Friedenberg has conducted hundreds of mediations and arbitration over the past 15 years since forming Friedenberg Mediation in 2000. He practices throughout California and the western states. Although the majority of his cases involve construction-related issues, Bob has also mediated extensively in other fields, including insurance and insurance bad faith, homeowner association matters, real estate, business disputes, employment, product liability, professional liability and civil rights. As a practicing lawyer Bob litigated and tried cases involving all of the issues with which he has mediation experience, with his main focus on construction defect and claims on all sides of the

cases. Bob has spoken at many seminars involving construction defect litigation, and has been a speaker/participant at the last two West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminars. Bob is a proud Cal grad, who received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 1983.

Katherine Gallo, Esq. Discovery Referee, Special Master, Mediator Foster City, CA

Katherine Gallo is an expert in complex discovery issues, actively involved in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a court-appointed Special Master, Discovery Referee and Private Mediator in Northern California since 1994. Ms. Gallo is known for her extensive discovery seminars, in house discovery training, and go-to blog on the discovery process. Since 2010, she has authored a blog on discovery titled "Resolving Discovery Disputes -- Using Discovery to Reach Evaluation, Mediation

and Trial Goals". Ms. Gallo has served as a court appointed or party selected private Discovery Referee or Special Master in over 200 hotly litigated matters concerning business, construction defect (including lines and construction operations losses), insurance, employment (including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour claims), elder abuse, real property (including eminent domain, easements, and commissions), Lemon Law, personal injury and family law, many with multiple party litigants, including class actions. Well known to the judiciary, her court appointments in complex matters have come from the Superior Courts of Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties.

Seminar Speakers

Don’t forget to vote for the “Ollie” Whether you are coming to the seminar or not . . . Details on Page 31

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Thomas L. Halliwell, Esq. Senior Of Counsel Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb and Barger, LLP, Los Angeles, CA

Thomas L. Halliwell is senior of counsel to the law firm of Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb & Barger in Los Angeles, California. He has a Martindale Hubbell “AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5” rating. Mr. Halliwell’s practice focuses on the representation of developers and general contractors in construction defect lawsuits. He is the editor of Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb & Barger’s “Recent Developments in California Construction Defect Litigation,” which reviews

recent cases that impact construction defect litigation in California, Nevada and Arizona. He has been a speaker on issues relating to construction defect, coverage, and class action litigation at conferences sponsored by West Coast Casualty, HB Litigation Conferences and Southern California Association of Defense Counsel. Mr. Halliwell received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, and his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, and has been in practice for more than 25 years.

Ross Hart, Esq. Mediator and Arbitrator AMCC (Arbitration Mediation Conciliation Center), CA, NV, AZ and CO

Ross Hart is widely recognized as one of the top ADR professionals for construction, insurance coverage, real estate and commercial disputes. As a full time neutral for more than two decades, he has mediated and resolved countless numbers of complex, multi-party disputes involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Universally respected by members of the construction community, among his many awards and accomplishments he is proud to be the inaugural recipient of the West Coast Casualty Jerrold Oliver Award of Excellence in 1996, as well as the 2013 Legend of an Era Award.

Available nationally as a mediator, arbitrator or referee, he is the premier panelist for AMCC, an ADR provider specializing in the resolution of construction, insurance and real estate related disputes.

Holly S. Harvey, Esq. Thornton, Davis & Fein, P.A., Miami, FL Holly Harvey leads the insurance coverage and bad faith practice at Thornton, Davis & Fein, PA, one of Florida’s best known complex civil litigation boutiques. In over 22 years of practice with the Firm, Holly has served as coverage counsel in hundreds of construction defect cases. She also handles third and first party coverage matters involving a variety of claims. Holly is frequently requested by clients and industry leaders to speak and write on coverage and defect issues, and for

several years co-chaired the Complex Torts Subcommittee for the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation, Corporate Counsel Committee. She is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First and Eleventh Circuits, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida, and all Florida state trial and appellate courts.

Matthew T. Hawk, Esq. Partner Gordon and Reese, LLP, San Francisco, CA

Matthew Hawk is a partner in the Construction and Green Technology & Climate Change practice groups at Gordon & Rees. His practice focuses on the representation of various construction-related entities including owners, developers, general contractors, design professionals, and subcontractors in all aspects of business including risk management consulting, contract formation, claims management, and litigation. Mr. Hawk is also one of the few attorneys in California to be accredited by the United States Green Building Council as a LEED Green Associate.

Seminar Speakers

After all, you’ll be here anyway, so why not make the most of it?

With most companies and organizations demanding reduction in expenses these days and so many of your co-workers, clients, colleagues, partners, associates and others coming to our event, doesn’t it make sense to have your annual or semi-annual meeting at the same time as our seminar since you will be here anyway? As a leader in holding business meetings, conferences, conventions, family reunions, weddings, trial prep sessions, military reunions, church events, or most any type of group function, you couldn’t ask for a better venue than the Disneyland Resort for any group meeting.

Contact: Karen Truesdale, Disney Convention Services (714) 956 6711 - Karen.Truesdale@disney.com

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Marisa Helmich, Vice President Swiss Re, Westlake Village, CA Marisa Helmich has worked in the Ins. Claims Industry for over 30 years for several insurers. She maintains Adjuster Licenses in multiple States. As a Senior member of the NAC Claims Department in Westlake Village, CA Ms. Helmich has participated in Seminars with TPA's and other team members to stay in touch with the ever changing challenges and trends facing those involved in the ever changing Construction Defect arena. Ms. Helmich has participated in the West Coast Casualty

Seminar as a member of the Speakers and Topics Committee and has spoken at several HB Litigation Conference Events. Over the past 17 years while at SwissRe, Marisa has been involved in both Supervision and direct handling of Construction Defect, General Liability, Coverage B and Excess/Umbrella claims in Jurisdictions around the United States. Ms. Helmich's primary roll for the past 9 years has been direct handling of construction defect cases on behalf of General Contractors / subcontractors for high end custom homes, commercial / mixed use and apartment projects throughout many States.

Stephen J. Henning, Esq., Founding Partner Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman, CA, NV, AZ, CO, WA, OR, NJ, FL & NY Stephen J. Henning is a co-founder of Wood, Smith, Henning, and Berman, LLP, an Am Law 300 law firm with 16 offices throughout the United States. Steve is a skilled litigator who is nationally recognized for his results in complex construction, real estate, business and toxic tort litigation. Regularly representing Fortune 500 companies, as well as preeminent members of the business community, Steve has represents some of the nation's largest residential and commercial public and private owners, homebuilders, developers, investors, contractors and lenders. Additionally,

Steve has a thriving practice focusing on public entities, where he handles all facets of litigation and risk management pertaining to construction and toxic tort issues. Steve received both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Nebraska, where he competed on the National Trial team. In addition to his extensive legal practice, he regularly gives back to the community by taking on leadership positions in several national and local charities. Steve currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes, and he is a founding Board member and past President of the Construction Defect Community Charitable Foundation. Steve is also on the Board of Directors for both the Alzheimer's Association and Levitt & Quinn, a public aid law firm which provides legal services to people in need. Steve is proud to be the first defense lawyer awarded the Jerold S. Oliver Award for contribution to the construction defect community. An AV rated lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell, for ten years he has been selected for inclusion as either a "Rising Star" or "Super Lawyer."

Katherine James, Founding Director ACT of Communication, Culver City, CA

A trial consultant who specializes in live communication skills based in the discipline of theatre, Katherine James has been working to make attorneys and witnesses better courtroom communicators since 1977. Over 30,000 attorneys have taken ACT of Communication workshops that she developed with co-founder Alan Blumenfeld. She has helped take over 1,500 cases to trial and helped prepare literally thousands of witnesses, including experts of every stripe.

She coaches witnesses and their lawyers to reach, persuade and activate jurors. She has taught for AAJ (formerly ATLA) ABTL, ABA, NITA, DRI, CICA as well as many private law firms and bar associations. Over 30,000 lawyers have taken her workshops. Over the past 15 years more have purchased her Online/DVD series “What Can Lawyers Learn From Actors”. She has just released another Online CLE - “How To Make Your Witness A STAR” encapsulating her unique witness preparation system. She has also developed “GoodLawyer/BadLawyer Hats” for attorneys to use in witness preparation. She has been widely published and her articles can be read in the Knowledge Tank on the ACT of Communication website. She and her co-founder and husband, Alan Blumenfeld, are proud members of The American Society of Trial Consultants. She is an active theatre artist (katherinejamesplays.com) who performs and directs regularly. She holds a BFA from Illinois Wesleyan University and an MFA from The American Conservatory Theater.

Seminar Speakers

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Brian Kahn, Esq., Partner Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb & Barger, LLP, Los Angeles, CA

Brian Kahn is a Partner with Chapman, Glucksman, Dean Roeb & Barger. His law practice focuses on complex civil litigation, business and the representation of general contractors, developers, construction managers and design professionals throughout the state of California. He has trial, arbitration and mediation experience. Mr. Kahn earned his B.A. degree from the University of Southern California and his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law. While in school he became active in politics, working in various capacities for the U.S. Senate,

Governor's office and the White House. Prior to joining Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb & Barger, Mr. Kahn practiced with various law firms, where his practice included complex litigation, construction litigation, insurance bad faith, toxic tort, business litigation and provided general business advice. Mr. Kahn is a returning speaker at West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar and has recently co-authored the 2013 and 2014 editions of West’s Torts (California Civil Practice Series). He has also been a regularly contributing staff writer for multiple audio / video and home theater magazines. When not practicing law or writing, Mr. Kahn enjoys spending time with his family and does community work through Kiwanis International and sits as a Judge Pro-Tem in Ventura County as well as on the board of directors of a non-profit educational group.

Ronald L. Kammer, Esq. Partner Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Miami, FL

Ronald L. Kammer is the National Unit Leader for the firm's Insurance Practices Group. He focuses on the representation of insurers nationally. He has litigated, at trial and on appeal, many significant cases addressing coverage and bad faith with particular expertise in the context of construction defect, pollution, trademark and patent infringement claims. Mr. Kammer regularly provides advice on issues involving policy interpretation, claims handling practice and procedures, and the drafting of insurance policy provisions. Mr. Kammer also practices in general civil

litigation with an emphasis on legal malpractice and insurance agents’ errors and omissions. He has served as an expert in legal malpractice, insurance coverage, bad faith and attorney fee disputes. Mr. Kammer received his undergraduate B.A. Degree, cum laude, from Macalester College and graduated from the University of Miami School of Law, in 1980. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1980 and the Florida Bar in 1983.

Ken Kasdan, Esq., Senior and Managing Partner Kasdan Weber Turner LLP, Irvine, CA

Ken Kasdan is one of the nation’s leading construction defect attorneys and has been managing partner of the Kasdan Weber Turner LLP, which he established, for more than 25 years. He earned his law degree from the State University of New York, at Buffalo, and his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York. Ken was admitted to the California State Bar in 1976, and is licensed to practice before the U.S. District Court, Central

District of California. Ken was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 2003. Ken is a member of the American Bar Association (Member: Business Law Section); Committee on Commercial Financial Services; Subcommittee on Interest and Usury, Credit Rights; Litigation Section; Construction Industry Forum Committee); State Bar Association of California; Orange County Bar Association: (Member: Business Litigation Section); Orange County Trial Lawyers Association; Judge Pro Tem, Orange County Superior Court; the Orange County Superior Court Judicial Arbitration Panel; the Maricopa County Bar Association; and Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC). Ken is a member of the Community Associations Institute (CAI). Mr. Kasdan has been selected for inclusion as a Southern California Super Lawyer in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2006. Ken also sits on the Board for the Construction Defect Community Defect Charitable Foundation (CDCCF). Established to provide financial assistance for active members of the construction defect community who have uninsured expenses due to a disability, illness, and/or the death of a community member. .

Seminar Speakers

Don’t forget to visit our Sponsors and Vendors at the seminar Or do it Right Now ! ! !

Turn to pages 33 through 39 for a vendor listing and visit their websites for advanced

news and special announcements about their products or services

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Keith D. Koeller, Esq. Founding Partner Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck LLP, Irvine, CA

Mr. Koeller is the founding partner of Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck LLP. For the last 33 years, Mr. Koeller has focused his practice on the representation of developers and general contractors in both residential and commercial construction litigation. Mr. Koeller has handled significant claims concerning construction defect, construction delay, inverse condemnation, nuisance, bodily injury, and wrongful death. The firm currently has approximately 80 attorneys with offices in California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. Mr. Koeller is AV-rated by Martindale-

Hubbell. He is a Past Chair of the Orange County Bar Association, Construction Law Section. He has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer each year from 2009-2015. In 2003, he was awarded the Larry Syhre Commitment to Service Award at the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Conference. Also, in 2009, he was awarded the prestigious Judge Jerrold Oliver Commitment to Excellence Award. Mr. Koeller has been an innovator in the development of alternative strategies for the resolution of construction defect claims and is a frequent speaker at leading industry seminars concerning important topics impacting construction litigation. Mr. Koeller and his wife have raised five children, served their church, coached numerous youth athletic teams, and enjoyed countless opportunities to serve others in their community.

Michael T. Kennedy, Esq. Senior Attorney Kasdan Weber Turner, LLP, Walnut Creek, CA

Michael T. Kennedy is a senior attorney with Kasdan Weber Turner handling construction defect litigation involving both multifamily and single family residential as well as commercial projects. Michael has been involved in residential and commercial construction defect litigation for over 18 years. Michael’s experience and insight into the construction industry helps quickly identify building defects and the necessary investigation methods. This knowledge leads to concise investigations, which ultimately saves the experts’ time and this savings is then passed onto our clients. He has tried

over 20 construction defect cases as well as numerous binding arbitrations. Michael began his career representing builders and their insurance carriers. Michael’s extensive experience gives him unique insight into their strategies and approaches to defending and resolving construction defect claims. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Western State University, College of Law in Fullerton. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California. Michael was admitted to the California State Bar in 1998. He is licensed to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California. Michaels’s professional affiliations include the Legislative Committee of the Associated General Contractors; Executive Council of Homeowners; Community Associations Institute; and California Association of Community Managers. He has served as a Judge Pro Tem in the Alameda County Superior Court.

Jeffrey Kramer, Esq. Co-Managing Partner Kramer, deBoer & Keane, Woodland Hills and San Francisco, CA

Jeffrey S. Kramer is a co-managing partner of Kramer, DeBoer & Keane, LLP, practicing out of the firm’s Los Angeles and San Francisco offices. Jeff is an A-V rated litigation attorney who has practiced in the construction defect arena since the mid-1980’s. Although he has primarily represented various subcontractor trades and material suppliers, he has also represented developers and general contractors and recently favorably resolved a developer’s case during the Calderon stage. In addition to defending construction defect claims, Jeff routinely handles commercial

transportation and commercial liability claims for both domestic carriers and Certain Underwriters at Lloyds. He is part of a quick response team for a commercial trucking carrier, covering wrongful death and catastrophic accident claims throughout California. Jeff graduated from San Jose State University with a BS degree in Administration of Justice, interning in the Robbery Division of the San Jose Police Department. He graduated from Southwestern University School of Law, having interned with the Los Angeles City Attorney office and the Los Angeles Superior Court. In addition to an active litigation practice, Jeff volunteers as a Mediator/Arbitrator for the Los Angeles Superior Court and serves as a professional Mediator for Alternative Resolution Centers.

Seminar Speakers

Don’t forget to visit the Exhibit Hall -

Vendors, Demonstrations, Food, . . . and a whole lot more ! ! !

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Jim Kurkhill, Esq. Attorney and Litigation Consultant Law Office of Jim Kurkhill, Long Beach CA; Founder of Kulit Consulting

Mr. Kurkhill has been an attorney since 1993 and has concentrated his practice on all aspects of construction law, including transactional matters, construction defect, project delays and change order disputes involving both commercial and residential projects. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Kurkhill worked for seven years as an engineer in the aerospace industry and in product

development. Mr. Kurkhill has represented owners, developers, general contractors and design professionals with an emphasis on the resolution of complex technical and multiparty disputes. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Kurkhill founded Kulit Consulting in 2008, a litigation consulting firm that offers trial strategy, litigation support, and litigation graphics for other attorneys nationwide on cases involving complex or tech-heavy cases. Mr. Kurkhill has lectured on myriad topics in construction, including managing complex cases and presenting construction cases for mediation, arbitration and trial. Mr. Kurkhill graduated with a B.S. in Optics from the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY in 1983 and received his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University in 1993.

Traci S. Lagasse, Esq. Founding Member Andrews · Lagasse · Branch & Bell, LLP, San Diego and Los Angeles, CA Traci Lagasse is a founding member of Andrews · Lagasse · Branch & Bell LLP and specializes in the areas of construction and professional liability, with a primary focus on the defense of architects and engineers. Ms. Lagasse obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and received her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. Ms. Lagasse has been included on the list of San Diego Super Lawyers in the area of Professional Liability from 2009 through 2014, and named by the San Diego Daily Transcript

as a Top Attorney for 2007 in Construction and Real Estate Law. In 2010, Ms. Lagasse, along with her partners Jennifer Branch and Margi Bell, was honored by the San Diego Business Journal as one of San Diego’s Women Who Mean Business, an award presented annually to women leaders in San Diego’s business community.

Thomas J. Lincoln, Esq. Founding Partner Lincoln, Gustafson and Cercos, LLP, San Diego, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ Thomas J. Lincoln has been practicing law for over 35 years and is the Founding Partner of Lincoln, Gustafson and Cercos, LLP, a civil litigation firm with offices in San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Mr. Lincoln devotes his practice to a variety of areas including products liability,

construction defect litigation, premises liability, construction injury cases and business. In addition to trial work, Mr. Lincoln is General Counsel to the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, has acted as an arbitrator on over 150 cases, provided expert testimony in legal malpractice and bill disputes matters, acted as a mediator, and lectured on a variety of topics. Mr. Lincoln has taught general civil litigation and ethics at the University of San Diego in the Paralegal Studies Program. He has authored articles on subjects including ethics, mediation, and other topics. Mr. Lincoln is licensed in both California and Nevada, serves on the State of California and San Diego County Bar Associations' Fee Arbitration Committees, and is an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He is “AV” rated and has been designated as a “Super Lawyer” for many years. Mr. Lincoln is the Founding member of the Las Vegas Defense Lawyers and is currently the Co-Chair of that organization. In addition, Mr. Lincoln is on the Executive Committee for Professionalism for the Nevada Bar. Mr. Lincoln is a past recipient of the Larry Shyre Commitment to Service Award for contribution of education benefitting the construction defect community, and continued commitment and support of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar.

Seminar Speakers

Don’t forget to vote for the “Ollie” Whether you are coming to the seminar or not . . . Details on Page 31

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Steve Lokus, Assistant Vice President, Claims Manager Navigators Management Company, Inc., Irvine, CA 

Steve Lokus has been with Navigators since 2012 where he is the Claims Manager of the Southern California Construction Defect unit which handles construction defects nationwide. He has handled and managed various claims including large commercial general liability claims on a primary and excess layer, claims within large SIRs and wrap policies with a focus on coverage, liability, risk transfer and litigation management. Prior to Navigators, Mr. Lokus was a Construction Defect Claims Supervisor at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and Branch Manager for West Coast Casualty Service, Inc. He is a current member and corporate officer of the Construction Defect Claim Managers Association as well as a member of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM).

Robert S. Mann, Esq. The Mann Law Firm, Los Angeles, CA

Robert S. Mann is regarded as one of the most accomplished construction lawyers in California. He was selected as one of the Top 50 Neutrals in the state by the Daily Journal and has been named as a Superlawyer in 2012 and 2013 in both Construction and Alternative Dispute Resolution. In the capacity of Mediator and Arbitrator he has successfully resolved hundreds of construction disputes in California and Nevada. Mr. Mann provides alternative dispute resolution services through ADR Services, Inc. and the American Arbitration Association where he is a member of the National Panel of Construction Neutral Arbitrators/Mediators and the Large

Complex Case Panel. He is the author of a major technical work on construction: Defect-Free Buildings, published by McGraw-Hill in 2007 and he has published more than 30 articles on mediation and arbitration. His private clients include many of the most prominent members of the business and entertainment community in Los Angeles. Mr. Mann received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his J.D., cum laude, from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he was an Editor of the Law Review.

Andrew R. McCloskey, Esq. Founding Partner McCloskey, Waring & Waisman LLP, San Diego and Los Angeles, CA Andrew R. McCloskey is a founding partner of McCloskey, Waring & Waisman LLP, a California-based law firm with offices in San Diego and Los Angeles. Mr. McCloskey’s practice focuses on advising and representing insurance companies with respect to general insurance coverage and bad faith. Mr. McCloskey has handled numerous complex insurance coverage matters, including litigated and non-litigated claims involving environmental, asbestos non-products, construction

delay, construction defect, personal injury, advertising injury, bad faith defense and other insurance-related issues. Mr. McCloskey is a member of the California and Nevada bars and has appeared pro hac vice in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. He is admitted to practice in numerous appellate and federal courts throughout the country and is an AV-rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. McCloskey received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut and is a cum laude graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law.

Seminar Speakers

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John J. McLeod, Esq. Shareholder McLeod Law Group, A.P.C., San Diego, CA Mr. McLeod represents policyholders relating to the evaluation, negotiation and litigation of insurance coverage matters. This representation includes, but is not limited to, developers and contractors, including specialty trades, in matters involving wrap programs (owner controlled and contractor controlled), project specific policies, annual insurance programs, alternative insurance arrangements and other risk-shifting methodologies. His insurance litigation practice extends to all

types of disputes, including coverage, bad faith, rescission/reformation, reimbursement and declaratory relief actions. Mr. McLeod’s representation of developers and contractors extends beyond insurance policies and includes issues that involve construction contracts, warranties, statutory pre-suit procedures and enhanced protection agreements. He also handles broker malpractice disputes and other disputes involving fiduciary relationships, real property litigation, business disputes and other types of civil litigation. Mr. McLeod represents clients throughout California, both in state and federal courts. He has also appeared pro hac vice as counsel in the states of Florida, Colorado and Arizona and has assisted in matters pending in Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Mr. McLeod is admitted in California, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. He is a graduate of Loyola Law School, J.D., 1994, University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., cum laude, Economics, International Area Studies, 1991 (College of Honors) and he is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association

Craig S. Meredith, Esq. Mediator JAMS, San Francisco, CA

Craig S. Meredith, Esq. has successfully served as a mediator in hundreds of cases, locally and nationally, involving complex insurance disputes, including construction defect cases, inter-carrier and insured-carrier disputes, broker disputes, bad faith litigation, bodily injury suits, and other disputes. Additionally, he has participated in more than 400 settlements of major construction litigation as coverage counsel for the developer or general contractor. Mr. Meredith is widely known for his expertise in the area of insurance coverage, having practiced exclusively in that

specialty starting in 1986. His primary emphasis is on general liability coverage issues for commercial construction, construction defect, and environmental matters. He has also handled numerous matters involving directors and officers liability coverage, professional liability coverage, property coverage, and builders risk insurance. He is also known and respected for his ability to form relationships with both carrier representatives and outside counsel. Mr. Meredith is lauded for his ability to resolve coverage issues as the first step in settlement discussions that are essential to case resolution.

Eric Michna, Assistant Vice President, Construction Defect & Professional Liability Claims Services, Zurich North America, Irvine, CA Eric Michna has over 27 years experience in the insurance industry managing personal and commercial line claims, including 23 years managing construction defect operations with American International Group, Travelers and Zurich North America. In October 2005, Eric joined Zurich North America as Assistant Vice President of Construction Defect & Professional Liability Claim Services in Irvine, California. He is currently responsible for the overall management of construction

defect claims and professional liability claims nationwide. During his career, he has served in multiple management roles managing construction defect, professional liability (architects & engineers), construction site injury, 3rd party mold/bodily injury, product liability and professional liability claims both throughout the United States and internationally. His areas of expertise include insurance coverage, litigation and risk management. Mr. Michna has lectured on various construction, insurance and claim related topics to attorneys, construction professionals, brokers and insurance industry professionals. Mr. Michna received his B. A. in Business Economics from University of California, Santa Barbara.

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Seminar Speakers

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Joseph R. Miele, Jr. Esq. Partner Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Miami, FL

Joseph R. Miele represents insurers in all aspects of complex insurance coverage and bad faith litigation. He has particular expertise in First Party, Construction Defect, Environmental/Toxic Tort, Employment Liability and Director and Officer coverage claims. He also counsels insurers on proper claim handling practices, represents insurers in Department of Insurance investigations, reviews and drafts policy language and provides input on legislative reform. Mr. Miele graduated with an undergraduate degree in business from Seton Hall University and received his juris doctorate degree from New York Law School in 1991. He was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1991, the New York Bar in 1992, the D.C. Bar in 1994 and the Florida Bar in 2000.

Ramiro Morales, Esq. Morales Fierro & Reeves, CA and NV Ramiro Morales is the founder of the Law Offices of Morales Fierro and Reeves, with offices in California Nevada and Arizona. Mr. Morales has extensive experience in all aspects of coverage analysis and litigation. His practice has been exclusively devoted to insurance coverage and bad faith for the last 20 years. He is well-known in the practice, not only for his breadth of knowledge, but also for his skill as a negotiator in complex, multi-party litigation. He has successfully litigated cases involving all types of insurance conflicts including issues related to carrier-policyholder conflicts,

including: occurrence disputes, drop-down, self-insured retention and priority disputes; independent counsel claims; owner controlled insurance program (or wrap-up insurance) issues, and bad faith litigation; he has successfully tried these issues to conclusion in both California and Nevada. Mr. Morales has been a featured speaker at seminars on a wide variety of insurance topics in both California and Nevada. He has lectured on behalf of the Nevada State Bar, California State Bar, the Construction Claims Managers Association, HBW Litigation, and specialized corporate training for his clients. Mr. Morales is a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, a California Super Lawyer, a Fellow of American Bar Association, and an AM Best recommended attorney.

Linda L. Northrup, Esq. Founding Partner Northrup Schlueter, APLC, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara, CA

Linda Northrup is a founding partner of Northrup Schlueter, APLC, a firm with offices in Westlake Village and Santa Barbara, California. Ms. Northrup has been involved in representing parties in real estate and construction related matters for over 30 years. She has represented developers, property owners, property managers, contractors and construction professionals in every aspect of construction transactions and litigated disputes. Ms. Northrup has handled multi-million dollar disputes through binding arbitration as well as through jury and bench trials in the California state

and federal courts and has handled appeals in the California Courts of Appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal and the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Northrup speaks regularly on litigation issues for nationally recognized CLE providers as well as local bar associations. Ms. Northrup was honored with a Trusted Advisors award by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in 2014. In addition to her law practice, Ms. Northrup is a member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity – Ventura County Chapter and acts as the Chair of the Planning Commission for the City of Agoura Hills, California. Ms. Northrup received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and graduated in 1981 from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, California.

Seminar Speakers

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Jillisa L. O’Brien, Esq., Managing Partner Murtaugh Meyer Nelson & Treglia, LLP, Irvine, CA Jillisa is a trial lawyer with over 17 years of civil defense experience. Jillisa has defended numerous multimillion dollar cases ranging from catastrophic injury to high-rise construction defect cases. Because of her defense of clients under general liability insurance policies, Jillisa has successfully handled, resolved and tried the entire gamut of complex tort cases ranging from deaths at construction sites to claims of copyright infringement of architectural products. Jillisa’s practice emphasizes the representation of parties in all areas of complex civil litigation. As such, over the

years she has acquired tremendous knowledge and experience with the substantive law of California while dealing with the interrelated contractual, insurance and risk-transfer issues that often complicate litigation. Additionally, she has applied her litigation experiences to advise Common Interest Developments in transactional matters so as to avoid litigation wherever possible and minimize exposure for controversial business decisions, serving as General Counsel to large self-managed homeowner associations. Finally, over the last two decades, Jillisa has developed wide ranging expertise in risk management which allows her to provide advice on complicated risk transfer strategies, such as pursuing and maximizing indemnity rights and securing primary, excess and additional insurance coverage for clients. Acting as a strong advocate, Jillisa also recognizes that clients are best served by the speedy resolution of cases. Accordingly, at the outset of every case, she looks for creative solutions and strategies that may position a case for early resolution in an economical and expedient manner. As the managing partner for Murtaugh Meyer Nelson & Treglia, LLP and its 26 attorneys, Jillisa appreciates the business needs of clients and applies entrepreneurial principles to her cases. Jillisa is presently admitted to the United States Supreme Court, California Supreme Court, and most of the United States District Courts with California jurisdiction.

Sean Paden, Esq. Hammons & Baldino, LLP, Torrance, CA Sean is an attorney with over fifteen years experience in construction defect litigation (both residential and commercial) matters, representing subcontractors, insurance carriers, and general contractors. Mr. Paden has had substantial experience in representing subcontractors with coverage issues, such as self insured retentions, fronting policies, horizontal excess policies, exhausted policies, policies administered through CIGA and disputes with carriers concerning the applicability of insurance coverage. Mr. Paden earned his B.A. from the University of California, Riverside in

1993 and his JD from Loyola Law of Los Angeles Law School in 1997 and is a former Planning Commissioner in the City of Fullerton.

Seminar Speakers

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William J. Peters. Esq. Gordon and Reese LLP, San Francisco, CA William J. Peters specializes in construction and complex tort litigation at Gordon & Rees and is head of the Construction practice group. His practice includes matters involving alleged construction defects, delay and disruption, product liability and trade secrets. Mr. Peters has represented developers, general contractors and design professionals in his practice at Gordon & Rees. He has conducted major litigations on behalf of these clients in state and federal courts as well as before the

American Arbitration Association. These matters include: large public and private projects as well as multi-family and single family residential projects. Mr. Peters has also been active in advising clients on bid dispute matters, contractual issues and risk management options. He is frequently involved prior to the commencement of litigation and prior to the completion of a project to give advice on appropriate dispute avoidance actions that can be taken. Mr. Peters received his J.D., University of California Los Angeles School of Law, 1982 where he was Editor-in-Chief, UCLA Journal of Environmental Law and Policy and he received his B.A., University of California, Davis, 1978. Mr. Peters has been rated Top Rated Lawyer-AV® Preeminent™, Martindale-Hubbell as well as a Super Lawyers® distinction in the fields of Construction/Surety Litigation, Environmental, Business/Corporate (2004-2014) Law & Politics. Mr. Peters is a Member of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California, American Bar Association, Tort and Insurance section and the San Francisco Bar Association.

 

Karen Rice, Vice President - Head of Construction Claims Operations XL Insurance, Los Angeles, CA Karen Rice is the Head of Construction Claims Operations for XL Insurance out of Los Angeles, CA. Prior to joining XL, she was the National Construction Defect Claim Manager for OneBeacon Insurance (OBI), and the AVP of National Construction Defect claims and Western States ACE Risk Management claims with ACE USA. Ms. Rice is past President of the Construction Defect Claim Manager Association and the past Chair of the Speakers and Topics Committee for the Annual West

Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar. She has sat on the DRI Construction Law Steering Committee for the past several years, and was a co-chair of the Construction Committee for the Council on Litigation Management. She is on the advisory board for ALFA International Construction Committee and has been a frequent lecturer at various Construction and Insurance Law seminars throughout the country, including Defense Research Institute, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, West Coast Casualty Annual Construction Defect Seminar, HB Litigation Construction Law, and the American Bar Association. Ms. Rice earned her Bachelor degree from University of California at Santa Barbara and her Masters in Business Administration from the University of LaVerne.

Daniel L. Rottinghaus, Esq. Berding & Weil LLP, Walnut Creek, CA Mr. Rottinghaus has been specializing in construction defect claims at Berding & Weil LLP from 1994 through the present time. He has litigated construction defect cases in California, Nevada, and Florida representing owners of commercial, apartment, and common interest residential properties and developments He focuses on both construction disputes and insurance coverage disputes, with particular focus at the intersection of construction, contract law, and insurance. He received his

BS/BA University of California, Los Angeles (1984), his J.D. Santa Clara University School of Law (1987) and LL.M Georgetown University School of Law (1993). He is a former Captain and U.S. Army Judge Advocate General and Attorney with the U.S. State Department (1987 - 1994)

Mary Rowe, Construction Defect Claims Manager Markel Corp., Red Bank, NJ

Mary Rowe is the Construction Defect Claims Manager for Markel Corp where she manages a department that handles all Construction Defect Claims nationwide. Markel has CD units in California, Virginia, Chicago and New Jersey that report to her. She has held a number of claims management positions for the last 35 years.

Seminar Speakers

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Jim Rzepecki, Claim Manager RLI Insurance Services, Oakland, CA Jim Rzepecki is currently with RLI Insurance Services located in Oakland, CA. His primary risk management responsibilities include general liability along with commercial and personal umbrella lines of coverage throughout the Western Region of the United States for RLI. Jim has over 30 years of claims experience where he has handled a variety of complex construction defects and bodily injury losses that range from dollar one to fronted multi-million dollar policies. Jim is a

graduate of Michigan State University.

Brian M. Sanders, Esq. Partner Ericksen Arbuthnot, Oakland, CA Mr. Sanders is a shareholder and partner in the Oakland office. His primary focus is on complex construction defect litigation. He is co-chair of the firm’s Construction practice group. However, his practice also encompasses personal injury, premises liability, product liability, mass tort, business defense and professional responsibility matters. Mr. Sanders is a member of the Association for Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada’s Construction Defect Committee. He frequently publishes (most recently in the Oakland Business Journal) and speaks (recently at the

Claims Conference of Northern California) on matters within his expertise. He is also a frequent contributor to the firm’s Construction blog.

Richard Seely, Esq. Skane Wilcox, LLP, Los Angeles, CA Rick Seely is an attorney with 20 years of experience representing general contractors, subcontractors and engineering professionals throughout California. Mr. Seely earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside in 1990 and obtained his J.D. from Loyola of Los Angeles Law School in 1993. Recently, Mr. Seely defended a general contractor accused of poor construction and breach of contract. While the plaintiffs sought $700,000.00 in

damages, the jury returned a net verdict of only $32,000. Rick returns as a moderator and speaker at this seminar, having presented topics in 2012 (“Occupy Crawford”) and 2013 (“Zero Dark Subcontractor”). He has been a member of the William P. Gray Legion Lex American Inn of Court and several bar associations.

Mark P. Scheer, Esq. Founding Partner Scheer & Zehnder LLP, Seattle, WA

Mark P. Scheer is the founding partner of Scheer & Zehnder LLP in Seattle. He attended undergraduate and law school at the University of Oregon, and is an avid Duck fan. His practice focuses on complex and commercial litigation, including insurance defense and coverage, personal injury, product liability and professional liability. Mr. Scheer is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer on legal topics at regional, national, and international conferences. He is a member of the IADC, and he has been on ABC's Good Morning America, and involved in numerous highly

publicized cases, and has been noted by Washington Law & Politics magazine as a “Super Lawyer” multiple times.

Seminar Speakers

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Public Lounge Areas Wi-Fi Proudly Sponsored by

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Karl E. Sorenson, Esq., Assistant General Counsel Lusardi Construction Company, San Marcos, CA Karl E. Sorenson is Assistant General Counsel for Lusardi Construction Company, headquartered in San Marcos, California. Mr. Sorenson handles insurance issues and claims, contract negotiation, risk management, labor and employment, and supervises litigation for Lusardi, a commercial general contractor that performs construction services nationwide. Previously, Mr. Sorenson was a partner with Lincoln, Gustafson & Cercos, where his practice included insurance coverage, construction

defect litigation, premises liability, business litigation, employment law and personal injury matters. He has argued before the California Court of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. Mr. Sorenson is admitted to practice in California and Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona for undergraduate study in Political Science (B.A. 1986), and received his J.D. from the University of Denver in 1990.

David Stern, RPA, Vice President and Corporate Secretary West Coast Casualty Service, Inc., Westlake Village, CA Dave Stern joined West Coast Casualty Service, Inc. in 1993 and presently serves as its Secretary and Vice President. Dave has in excess of 37 years of diverse claims experience spanning the insurer, self-insurer, third party administrator and independent adjusting arenas. Dave’s experiences include the handling of multimillion dollar, multi-line exposures throughout the United States, Canada, Austria and the United Kingdom. At present, Dave’s practice is devoted primarily to the handling of construction defect claims and litigation. He regularly represents the insurer and self-

insured interest of developers, general contractors, design professionals as well as specialty trade subcontractors that are involved in the construction of single family homes, multi-unit condominium projects and commercial/industrial projects throughout the United States. In addition, Dave is has testified as an expert in construction defect and insurance related litigation and has been asked to be a consultant on articles involving construction and insurance featured in the nationally recognized newspapers, magazines as well as numerous industry publications.

John J. Thompson, Vice President, Branch Claims Manager HDI-Gerling America Insurance Company, Glendale, CA John J. Thompson, a California native, began his insurance career in 1982 with AIG, followed by 13 years with CIGNA Property and Casualty. John joined Gerling America Insurance Company in 1999 and in 2007 the company merged with "Haftpflichtverband der Deutschen Industrie" and is now HDI-Gerling America Insurance Company, with US headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. HDI-Gerling provides insurance solutions for medium to large commercial and industrial clients with complex risks around the world. Mr. Thompson is currently a Vice President and is the Branch

Claims Manager in the Glendale, California office. Mr. Thompson supervises product liability, general liability, toxic tort, transportation, habitation, workers compensation and property damage claims, in all of the states. John holds multiple licenses as required by the different State Insurance Departments and is involved with overseeing the Special Investigation Unit. Mr. Thompson was a past recipient of the Larry Syhre Award for claims handling. Mr. Thompson has also been invited to speak at numerous seminars on a variety of topics.

Seminar Speakers

Seminar Speakers

Silver Sponsorship for this event has been generously provided by

www.marshalldennehey.com

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Lisa Unger, Senior Claims Examiner Markel – Claims, Woodland Hills, CA Lisa Unger began her career in insurance in 1990 working for Chubb & Son, Inc., in New York City. She was responsible for handling various types of general liability claims including Labor Law, Products Liability, Premises Liability, Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Advertising Injury and Personal Injury (Discrimination, Termination and Harassment). She joined AIGTS as a

Complex Director in 1996, responsible for handling excess construction defect cases, most of which were located on the West Coast. In 1998, Lisa moved to California and was a Claims Supervisor for Zurich N.A. handling mostly construction defect primary and excess claims in California, Nevada, Colorado and Texas as well as handling complex general liability claims. In 2002, Lisa joined Markel as a Senior Claims Examiner handling construction defect claims as well as high exposure general liability excess claims and coverage cases nationwide. In her fourteenth year at Markel, Lisa continues to handle complex claims and frequently works on special projects. Lisa is a graduate of Colgate University where she was a double major in English and Fine Arts. Lisa currently serves as the President of the Los Angeles Chapter of The CLM and is the Treasurer of the CDCCF.

Barry Vaughan, Esq. Vaughan Mediation Services, Los Angeles, CA

Barry Vaughan is an attorney licensed to practice in California and Colorado. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, he has been practicing law since 1981 and represented both plaintiffs and defendant in complex construction defect cases throughout California for over 25 years. An experienced trial and appellate lawyer, he has a number of reported appellate decisions to his credit. In 2014 Barry opened Vaughan Mediation Services and is serving as a neutral in construction defect and other civil litigation matters. This will be Barry’s 11th year as a speaker at

West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar.

James N. Welsh, Esq. Regional Managing Attorney American Family Mutual Insurance Company

James N. Welsh is a Regional Managing Attorney for American Family Mutual Insurance Company. He has represented insurance companies in complex claims and litigation for over twenty years as both a practicing defense attorney and as an in-house claim and litigation manager. As a Regional Managing Attorney, Mr. Welsh is responsible for overseeing, directing and resolving complex claims and litigated matters in various jurisdictions on behalf of company

insureds and the company. As a practicing attorney, Mr. Welsh has defended insurers in a wide variety of coverage disputes including those which were, at the time, some of the largest insurance coverage matters in the country. In both claims and litigation, Mr. Welsh is experienced in the areas of construction defects, environmental contamination and toxic torts, advertising injury, copyright infringement, first party losses and "bad faith". Mr. Welsh earned his law degree in 1993 as a graduate of New York Law School. He is admitted to practice law in Arizona, New Jersey, Colorado, and Washington and is Nevada certified to practice as in-house counsel. Mr. Welsh also earned the prestigious designation of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and is formally educated in risk management, underwriting, insurance operations, and financial services institutions.

Bruce Wick, Director of Risk Management CALPASC, Redlands, CA

With over 25 years of risk management experience, Bruce Wick is an industry leader and educator on issues critical to the construction industry. His expertise in the areas of workers’ compensation, Cal/OSHA, construction defect, general liability and workplace safety make him a frequently sought presenter throughout California. His most recent seminars cover topics such as SB 800, Cal/OSHA and safety programs as well as claims handling for general liability and workers’ compensation. Mr. Wick currently serves as Director of Risk Management for the

California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC), an association of 500 specialty contractors and suppliers for the construction industry in California. Additionally, he sits on several Cal/OSHA advisory committees and has been instrumental in the area of improved protection against falls on construction sites.

Seminar Speakers

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Wendy L. Wilcox, Esq. Partner Skane Wilcox LLP, Los Angeles, CA

Wendy Wilcox is founding member of Women’s Construction Litigation Alliance (WCLA). Wendy has extensive jury and bench trial experience, with the most recent jury trial ending in November 2014, the “Watermill Trial” which she succeeded in obtaining defense verdicts for her two subcontractor clients and manufacturer/supplier client. She has written numerous articles concerning insurance coverage, construction defect, litigation, arbitration, professional and products liability, expert witnesses and employment litigation. Wendy has also been a lecturer on

several of these topics in numerous seminars, including the West Coast Casualty Seminar as well as others located on the West Coast and East Coast. She has represented defendants in published California Appellate and Supreme Court decisions and is a member of the Association of Southern California Defense Lawyers, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance and Professional Liability Underwriters Society. Wendy earned her B.A. in Sociology, with honors, from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1993 and her J.D., with honors, from Southwestern University School of Law in 1997, and has received various awards, including Excellence For the Future Award – Employment Discrimination Law and Exceptional Achievement Award – Intellectual Property.

Dale Winchell, Jax Kneppers Associates, Inc., Tustin, CA Dale Winchell has been a California licensed General Contractor since 1984. He has a Bachelors degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University. Mr. Winchell is the manager of the Southern California office of Jax Kneppers Associates, Inc. and has been involved in construction defect analysis and resolution since 1995. Mr. Winchell has provided deposition testimony on more than 50 occasions and has qualified to provide Trial and Arbitration testimony on more than 25

occasions throughout California as an expert on construction defects, cause, liability and allocations, costs of repair, and standard of care. Mr. Winchell’s background and knowledge provide an excellent understanding of contracts, standards of care and industry standards. His insight into contracts makes him uniquely qualified to provide subcontractor allocations and meaningful information at mediations and trials. In his capacity as a Project Manager, Mr. Winchell is actively involved in site data collection, analysis and documentation of existing conditions, and preparation of scopes of repair and estimates. The interpretation of data gives Mr. Winchell the ability to make cogent presentations and participate in expert meetings, mediations, and settlement negotiations as well as working with repair contractors to make necessary repairs if needed. Mr. Winchell has worked with developers, general contractors, subcontractors, insurance companies, attorneys, homeowners and homeowners associations throughout California. For four decades Mr. Winchell has been on the front lines of the construction industry including the past two decades working with JKA to provide cutting edge forensic analysis of complex construction issues on behalf of both defendant clients and plaintiff clients on thousands of cases involving tens of thousands of homes.

J. Lee Wright, Assistant Vice President - Sr. Claim Manager QBE North America, Irvine, CA Lee Wright is an Assistant Vice President and Senior Claim Manager for QBE North America as well as being the National Co-Chair for the Construction Committee of the Council on Litigation Management and the immediate past President of the Construction Defect Claim Manager Association. He serves as the Dean of the Construction School of the CLM Claims College. He founded and manages the Construction Defect Claims & Coverage Group on Linked in which

currently has more than four thousand members from around the world. He has more than twenty five years of experience focusing on large, complex litigation files involving products, transportation and construction risks and has overseen national claims programs for self-insureds and foreign insurers. He has acted as a Regional Training Coordinator for a major insurer, is an approved CE instructor in several states and conducts seminars and classes on insurance coverage and risk transfer issues. Lee has a B.S. in Liberal Studies from Middle Tennessee State University as well as having earned the Certified Litigation Management Professional, Associate in Management, Master Certified Special Arbitrator and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist designations.

Save Time ! ! Register On-Line ! ! Click Here: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/?eventid=1653657

Seminar Speakers

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This year West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar is proud to provide its support to the Wounded Warrior Project®

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound relating to their military service. With advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of service members are surviving severe wounds or injuries. For every US soldier killed in World Wars I and II, there were 1.7 soldiers wounded. In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, for every US soldier killed, seven are wounded. Combined, over 48,000 servicemen and women have been physically injured in the recent military conflicts. In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment.

WWP’s mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, WWP is the hand extended to encourage our military heroes as they adjust to their new normal and achieve new triumphs. Offering a variety of programs and services, WWP is equipped to serve warriors with every type of injury, from the physical to the invisible wounds of war. From all of us at West Coast Casualty, first we say Welcome Home Heroes to our brave men and women who served our nation and through WWP, we say, we’re here for you now, our brothers and sisters, and how can we help.

"I have this theory that if one can go out of their way to show compassion, . . .

. . . it will start a chain reaction of the same" - Rachel Scott

“Buy A Banner” Banners hanging in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Convention Center

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17th Anniversary Celebration

Buy a Banner . . . . Support a Charity . . . .

Lift a Life . . . .

As in the past 16 West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminars, those wishing to receive recognition for the support of West Coast Casualty’s Charity Program may purchase a banner to hang in the halls of the seminar event. The banner will acknowledge the name of the sponsor as well as the charity itself. The “Buy a Banner, Support a Charity” program is tax deductible(*) and sponsors of this program will be recognized in the seminar handout.

No matter who you donate the banner to or who it is named for, the results are that the proceeds will go to a worthy cause in the name of someone you knew or someone who touched your heart.

Please contact me to participate in this worthwhile cause. I’ll always be available to take your calls, answer any questions and offer any assistance.

Coral Stern, President West Coast Casualty Service, Inc.

5743 Corsa Avenue # 205, Westlake Village, CA 91362 Tel. 818 735 3595, Ext 108 - Fax. 818 735 3596

coralstern@westcoastcasualty.com

Proudly Gives its Support to

West Coast Casualty’s

Construction Defect

Seminar

May 14th and 15th 2015 The Disneyland Resort Hotel Anaheim, California, U.S.A.

West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect program, “Buy A Banner, Support A Charity” sponsorship program has helped over a 150 charitable organizations which proudly include, but are not limited to; The City of Hope, Los Angeles Firefighters’ Widows and Orphans Fund, Interval House Crisis Centers for Battered Women and Children of Long Beach, Shriners’ Hospital, The Los Angeles Mission, Disabled American Veterans of Orange County, The American Parkinson’s Association, Blind Children’s Learning Center of Santa Ana, AIDS Walk Los Angeles, Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure, Girl Scouts USA, USO, Smile Train, American Cancer Society, St Vincent De Paul Villages, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, UNICEF, Alameda County Community Food Bank, CASA Foundation, 999 for Kids, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Olive Crest Children’s Home, and Habitat for Humanity.

(*) In order to receive tax deductible status, you should check with the charity and your financial planner to determine if you are eligible to take a tax deductible contribution in accordance with the tax law as established under the Internal Revenue Service Code and/or your state tax bureau.

Banner Orders due by April 15, 2015

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Hon. Jerrold S. Oliver (1934 - 1996)

Along with the recognition of the award is a donation in the winner’s name to Habitat for Humanity

We’re Counting on You! ! !

Please take a moment of your busy day to help us select who is deserving of this year’s “Ollie”

I would like to vote for: _________________________________________________________________ Reason: _____________________________________________________________________________ Your Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Of:_____________________________________ Telephone Number: ( ) ______________________

You can vote regardless of whether or not you are coming to the seminar Please return by April 15, 2015 by mail, fax or e-mail to:

West Coast Casualty Service, Inc.

5743 Corsa Avenue # 205, Westlake Village, CA 91362 Tel. 818 735 3595 - Fax. 818 735 3596 - E-mail: claims@westcoastcasualty.com

The Jerrold S. Oliver Award of Excellence Each year, West Coast Casualty’s Annual Construction Defect Seminar recognizes an individual who is outstanding or has contributed to the betterment of the construction defect community. This person is recognized at the seminar and receives a plaque citing his or her achievement. This award has been named after the late Judge Jerrold S. Oliver who was truly a “founding father” in the alternate resolution process in construction defect claims and litigation. His loyalty and commitment to this community were beyond mere words. The award, affectionately referred to as the “Ollie” is presented each year at our seminar to someone who has invoked the same spirit of commitment, loyalty and trust for the betterment of the entire construction defect community. This year, we asked 6,000 members of the construction defect community to nominate someone whom they believed to be deserving of this award and the top nominees are listed below:

Robert Bellagamba, Esq. Craig Meredith, Esq. Linda Tonkovitch Wendy Wilcox, Esq. Mediator Mediator Claim Manager Defense Counsel Castle & Dekker JAMS Gallagher Bassett Skane Wilcox, LLP

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West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar

The Legend of an Era Award

“Legend” - One that inspires or achieves legendary fame based upon ones own achievement(s) which promises to be enduring.

“Era” - A fixed point of time from which a series of years is reckoned and an order of things prevail.

The Legend of an Era Award is the newest in the series of awards created to recognize those in the construction defect community who inspire, contribute, advocate and influence others for the benefit and betterment of this community, making it a better place. Candidates for this award will be chosen by those who sit on West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar’s Speakers and Topics Committee for that year’s event.

Along with the recognition of the Legend of an Era award is a donation in the winner’s name to the 2015 designated charity of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar, the Wounded Warrior Project.

- - -

“Salute to Past Speakers Presentation”

West Coast Casualty and the Speakers and Topics Committee will pay special tribute and recognition to all those past speakers who have contributed to the success of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar series throughout this year’s event !

Presented by

www.petefowler.com

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www.adrservice.org www.amgt.com www.apex411.com www.avbuilder.com www.bethematchfoundation.org www.berthowe.com

A Sampling of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar Exhibitors

Visit them at our event for face-to-face time or you can visit them right now!

www.amccenter.com

34

www.btiappraisal.com www.bucklesassociates.com www.caseanywhere.com

www.ctasc.com matthew.adler@xlgroup.com

www.defectpro.com www.cdssm.com

www.corecongroup.com

Construction Defect Claim Manager

Association

A Sampling of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar Exhibitors

Visit them at our event for face-to-face time or you can visit them right now!

35

www.esquiresolutions.com www.exponent.com

www.forensisgroup.com

www.groupdelta.com www.groundforcecrew.com

www.guardiangroup.com

www.haagglobal.com

A Sampling of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar Exhibitors

Visit them at our event for face-to-face time or you can visit them right now!

36

www.iveyengineering.com

www.jamescoleconsulting.com www.jamsadr.com www.jhccusa.com

www.kpaa.com www.kulit-consulting.com

www.lombardcs.com www.mdd.com

A Sampling of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar Exhibitors

Visit them at our event for face-to-face time or you can visit them right now!

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www.mkainc.com www.mcconsultants.com

www.nautilusgeneral.com

www.nelsonforensics.com www.nuwaynow.com

www.petefowler.com

A Sampling of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar Exhibitors

Visit them at our event for face-to-face time or you can visit them right now!

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www.expertinfo.com

www.pronetgroup.com www.PTCLWG.com www.rgl.com www.ravelar.com

www.rimkus.com

www.smithfreed.com

A Sampling of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar Exhibitors

Visit them at our event for face-to-face time or you can visit them right now!

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www.scwright.com www.scfia.org

www.veritext.com

www.xperagroup.com

A Sampling of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar Exhibitors

Visit them at our event for face-to-face time or you can visit them right now!

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West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar

has selected the world renowned

Disneyland Hotel to be our seminar site and official hotel

Attendees requiring overnight accommodations may take advantage of

West Coast Casualty’s special seminar rates of:

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa $239.00 per night

Disney's Paradise Pier® Hotel $179.00 per night

(Standard Room Single-Quad occupancy rates apply)

Reserve rooms on-line right now by clicking below

https://resweb.passkey.com/go/GDWE15B (Special rates effective May 12, 2015 through May 16, 2015)

Seminar attendees should make hotel reservations directly with the Disneyland Hotel via the website above or by calling the group reservation department at

Tel. (714) 520 5005 or Fax. (714) 520 6011 or e-mail; dlr.convention.groups@disney.com

A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees of the seminar and the cut off date for this special rate is Friday April 17, 2015 unless the block of room is sold out prior to that time so please make your reservations early ! ! !

Group Room Rates are subject to applicable State and local City of Anaheim occupancy taxes

Disneyland Hotel® $194.00 per night

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Coming for the education? Stay for the fun! ! ! (or bring the kids down after the seminar and save a few dollars also)

Listed below is our new link just for West Coast Casualty attendees. You can use this link to order Disney tickets ahead of time at the Convention Rate.

Below is the link for the West Coast Casualty Service CD Seminar Ticket Store:

http://www.mydisneymeetings.com/gdwe15b to purchase specially-priced Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets.

These special ticket prices are not available once you arrive at the Resort. Our ticket store closes at 9:00 PM PST on Monday, May 11, 2015

Don't delay! Prices are subject to change without notice.

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On behalf of your seminar host West Coast Casualty Service, Inc, welcome to Southern California, Orange County and the City of Anaheim.

After your seminar experience, take in the magic that is Southern California and if you show your West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar Badge, you’ll save on a whole host of Restaurants, Attractions, Retail Establishments, Sports/Recreation, the Theater and the Arts and on Transportation needs throughout Orange County. Promotional offers and discounts are exclusively available to you and are always being upgraded, so click the link below before your trip or during your visit to Anaheim and Orange County. Show your event badge and save at participating merchants.

http://microsite.anaheimoc.org/

While attending West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar for 2015,

don’t forget to pick up a map of the local area which leads you to more attractions and savings

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West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar

Travel Requirements Provided by

Frosch Classic Travel Frosch Classic Travel has been selected as the official travel agency for West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar for May 2015. Frosch is a full service travel organization headquartered in Woodland Hills, California. Our large single location allows us to offer all the sophisticated services available to this industry, while maintaining attention to the smallest detail. We excel at providing quality service and quality control. Frosch’s strong presence in the airline industry has given us the relationships and strong negotiating power necessary to guarantee the lowest possible rates for our clients.

Please complete the form below, fax and/or mail to Frosch at (818) 346-1492. You may also call Liz Kramer at 818-936-2000 or email your request to Liz.Kramer@Frosch.com

Full Name(s) as it appears on your Driver’s License 1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

Home Address: (Billing address)

Company Name:_______________________________________________________________

Street:________________________________________________________________________

City:______________________________________ State_______________ Zip____________

Preferred Travel Itinerary:

Departing from _______________________________________ On May ___________, 2015 (Major airport)

Departure time: _______________________________________________________________ (Approximate)

Preferred Airline Carrier: American Southwest United

Return travel date on May ______________, 2015 Departure time: _______________ (Approximate)

Seating Preference: Aisle Window Center Comments:_____________________

Frequent Flyer Information: Carrier:__________ Number:____________________________

Form of Payment: _______ Check Enclosed ________ Charge the above flight itinerary to my credit card Credit Card Information: Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Credit Card #_________________________________________Exp. Date: _______________

Cardholder’s Full Name (please print)_____________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________________________

Ground Transportation for West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar for 2015 provided by Element Transportation Group PO Box 11688 Burbank, CA 91510 - Toll Free. 855.768.9001 Tel. 818. 768 9001 Fax 818. 768 8995

jim4element@gmail.com Ground Transportation for the Intelligent Traveler www.elementtransportation.com

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West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar

An Important Special Announcement for those seeking CPE credits From the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)

For those seeking CPE credits from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), please note the following: It remains our goal that the following learning objective be met as a result of the presentation of this seminar: At the conclusion of the program participants should be able to put to practical

use the study materials combined with the verbal issues demonstrated by the speakers and/or presenters regarding Management Advisory Services, Business Management and Organization and Regulatory Ethics.

Distinguish through practical application, the use of actual financial method versus the use of actuarial method and how it impacts risk management.

The ability to recognize the application of risk management and how it relates to your client’s particular branding of business.

The ability to realize the proper use of self-insured retentions and what financial exposure will result versus the traditional role of insurance

Prerequisites: For courses identified with an (*) the following prerequisites must be met:

_________________________N/A______________________________

Advanced preparation; for all advance preparation regarding those identified with an (*) above, please visit www.westcoastcasualty.com

This program has been designed to be an Intermediate Level/Update/Overview course

offering and its delivery method will be Group Live

You may earn up to 10.0 CPE Credits for attending this seminar West Coast Casualty Service, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasba.org A full refund will be provided to those who request same up to fifteen (15) days prior to the first day of the seminar. There will be no refunds within fifteen (15) days of the first day of the seminar and for more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, please contact our offices at 1-818-735-3595 or by e-mail cdseminar@westcoastcasualty.com

National Registry of CPE Sponsor identification number: 108987

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MCLE Credits

West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar has applied for MCLE credits from 20 State Bars. Some level of approval is expected from each individual state bar which may include ethics credits and diversity credits. Credit updates are reported on our website;

http://www.westcoastcasualty.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=3322

CPCU and RPA CE

West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar has applied for CE credits from the Society of CPCU and the Registered Professional Adjusters (RPA) program. Some level of approval is expected from the

CPCU and RPA. Credit updates are reported on our website http://www.westcoastcasualty.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=3322

Insurance Department Continuing Education Credits (CE)

West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar has applied for continuing education credits from 40 different State Insurance Departments requiring continuing education for adjusters, agents and brokers and we are awaiting approval (Various state insurance departments require us to inform all interested parties that an application for CE credits does not guarantee approval which is subject to the various insurance departments rules, guidelines and regulations). In all past events some level of approval has been received. Credit updates are reported on our website;

http://www.westcoastcasualty.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=3322

Refunds

A full refund will be provided to those who request same up to fifteen (15) days prior to the first day of the seminar. There will be no refunds within fifteen (15) days of the first day of the seminar.

Handicap Accessibility

West Coast Casualty encourages and seeks participation from all members of the physically challenged community. In that regard, West Coast Casualty will only agree to hold its events at sites and locations that meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title 21 of the California Administrative Code. Please contact West Coast Casualty for any special needs or requirements.

Cancellation

West Coast Casualty assumes no liability in the event a speaker is unable to attend and reserves the right to replace any speaker at West Coast Casualty’s sole discretion.

Since 1993

America’s Largest . . . America’s Favorite . . .

America’s Best . . .

Construction Defect Event Awaits You ! ! !

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S E M I N A R R E G I S T R A T I O N P A G E

We’ve made it easier for you ! ! !

Register on line by credit card or check (*)

Save Time ! ! Register On-Line ! ! Click Here:  

https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/?eventid=1653657  

Individual Registration(s) $549.00 Per Person or

$499.00 Per Person if registered by April 15, 2015

Luncheon tables may be reserved for groups of 10 guests per table and sponsor gets its name on reserved table at lunch. To obtain table(s), register

10 or more individuals and send your table list to:

CoralStern@westcoastcasualty.com

Friday, May 8, 2015, will be the last day to pre-register,

otherwise registration will be conducted on site, space permitting.

(*) All Inquiries, Questions and Checks Should Be Sent To:

West Coast Casualty Service Inc. 5743 Corsa Avenue # 205, Westlake Village, CA 91362

Tel. 818 735 3595 - Fax. 818 735 3596 E-mail: cdseminar@westcoastcasualty.com

All reservations accepted on a first come, first served basis