Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Partner Catherine Deter will join a four-person panel at the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Annual Conference set to take place March 25-27, 2026, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. The session, "Why Can't We Be Friends: Turning Tension into Teamwork Among Claims Representatives, Insureds, Attorneys, and Advocates," will take place March 27 at 10:00 a.m. The discussion will offer a dynamic, interactive look at how to transform friction into collaborative momentum across the claims process.
Tension among stakeholders- claims professionals, insureds, defense counsel, and coverage or advocacy teams- is practically inevitable. Common pain points such as billing disputes, communication breakdowns, misaligned expectations, and differing priorities around costs and resolution timelines can erode trust and disrupt progress. However, these challenges can be reworked into opportunities for stronger alignment as well as clearer, more productive partnerships.
This session explores the most frequent sources of conflict and provides real-world strategies to build trust, enhance communication, and create shared objectives.
"Our industry runs on relationships," said Deter. "When we acknowledge friction points and address them openly, we create faster resolutions, better outcomes, and a more unified approach to claims handling."
Fellow thought leaders joining Deter on the panel include: Mark Kovacs, Claims Director Aon; Walter Nelson, Claims Manager TSIB; and Amy Jensen, AVP Head of Staff Counsel- The Hanover Insurance Group. The group will share practical tools attendees can implement immediately, including techniques for reducing miscommunication, setting mutually understood expectations, and improving collaborative efficiency across all touchpoints of a claim.
Participants will leave the session with a deeper understanding of how to cultivate resilient working relationships that reduce conflict and contribute to more effective, streamlined claims outcomes.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
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.