Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that New Jersey Managing Partner Jill Mucerino will serve as a featured speaker at the 2026 Claims & Litigation Management Annual Conference, taking place March 25-27, 2026, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando.
Mucerino will present on March 26, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. as part of the Litigation Management Track. Her session, Positive Trends in Defense Litigation and Tort Reform, will examine emerging developments that are reshaping the civil litigation landscape in favor of defense counsel, insurers, and corporate defendants.
After years of mounting challenges, the litigation environment is showing a meaningful shift. Courts across key jurisdictions are granting more summary judgments and dismissals, while tort reform initiatives are gaining traction and influencing outcomes in complex civil matters. The session will highlight increased judicial scrutiny of plaintiff expert testimony under Daubert standards, defense verdicts in high stakes product liability cases, and growing success in motions to dismiss across commercial and civil litigation.
Attendees will gain practical strategies for building on these positive trends, replicating successful approaches across jurisdictions, and helping sustain defense momentum in an evolving legal climate.
Mucerino will be joined by fellow thought leaders Diane Stephens, Director of Excess and Transportation Programs, Triton Claims Management, LLC; and Alecia Walters-Hinds. Together, the group will offer a multi-jurisdictional and strategic perspective on developments that are driving improved outcomes in high exposure litigation.
"Defense counsel are seeing real and measurable progress in courts across the country," said Mucerino. "This session is about identifying what is working, understanding why it is working, and ensuring we continue to advance disciplined, strategic advocacy that produces strong results for our clients."
The CLM Annual Conference brings together leading professionals in claims and litigation management to address the most pressing issues facing the construction and insurance industries. The Litigation Management track is designed to provide practical insight and advance strategies for managing complex disputes and risk.
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Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.
