Wood Smith Henning & Berman is honored to announce that partner, Keith Smith, will speak at the 2025 CLM Construction Conference in San Diego. His session, "Verdicts Gone Wild: Protecting Construction Professionals from Explosive Outcomes," will be held Thursday, September 18, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Joined by other distinguished thought leaders, Paul Balentine- Associate Vice President for Nationwide Insurance Company, Christopher Perez- Senior Counsel for AECOM, Lee Wright- Vice President, Casualty Claims for Tokio Marine HCC, and David Zehner- Founding Partner of Zehner Trial Consulting, the panel will confront the growing threat of unpredictable, high-dollar verdicts in construction litigation. The session will offer a strategic look at how construction professionals, insurers, and legal teams can better prepare for and protect against jury-driven outcomes that defy expectations and inflate exposure.
"Runaway verdicts aren't just outliers anymore; they're a growing reality," said Smith. "We're equipping attendees with the tools to recognize vulnerabilities, counter plaintiff tactics, and reassert control in high-risk litigation environments."
Panelists will explore real-world examples of explosive verdicts, dissect the tactics that drive jury sympathy, and share proactive approaches for mitigating risk before trial, from pre-litigation strategy through jury selection and closing argument.
As one of the country's leading events for professionals in construction, insurance, and risk management, the CLM Construction Conference provides a platform for leaders to share insights, strengthen networks, and chart the future of the industry.
For more information or to register for the event, please visit: https://events.theclm.org/event/Construction25/summary.
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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 42 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.
