Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Stewart Reid, Firmwide Managing Partner, will serve as a faculty member at the prestigious Litigation Management Institute (LMI), taking place October 15-18, 2025, at the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago.
Reid will be presenting a course titled Legal Budgeting and Fee Considerations along with fellow thought leader Kate Dombrowski, VP, Claims General Counsel of Selective Insurance at 2:45 p.m. on October 16. Dombrowski will address legal budgeting while Reid will focus on alternative fee arrangements (AFAs) and their role in reshaping the business of litigation management.
Unlike traditional conferences or trade shows, LMI is a focused executive education experience that bridges the gap between legal theory and the real-world business of litigation management. Each session is taught by seasoned executives and industry leaders with hands-on experience navigating litigation in innovative ways.
"AFAs are more than a pricing model, they are a collaboration tool," commented Reid. "When structured thoughtfully, they align client and counsel interests, improve predictability, and create real incentives for efficiency and value."
In addition to highlighting the advantages of innovative litigation budgeting, the course will provide an in-depth look at the benefits of AFAs, from flat fees and phased billing to success-based arrangements. Participants will also explore how AFAs can work in tandem with budgeting and data mining to promote transparency, better manage litigation costs, and deliver more strategic outcomes.
"Stewart is at the forefront of helping the industry rethink how legal services are delivered and valued," said Founding Partner Stephen Henning. "His leadership on AFAs reflects a broader commitment to strategic, client-focused solutions in litigation management."
Reid has decades of experience overseeing high stakes litigation and leading firmwide initiatives that promote efficiency, transparency, and innovation. His participation at LMI reflects WSHB's commitment to forward-thinking litigation management and client-focused results.
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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.
