3rd Annual Chemical Products Liability and Environmental Litigation

PRE-CONFERENCE Science Boot Camp

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Registraion begins at 12:00 p.m.)

Pre-conference Science Boot Camp:
Employing Effective Defense Strategies to Explain Complex Science and Medical Terminology to Judges and Juries

Elizabeth Foley
Founding Partner
Zagnoli McEvoy & Foley LLC (Chicago, IL)

Robert Scofield, D.Env., M.P.H.
Principal and Center Director for the Exposure Assessment and Dose Reconstruction Center
Exponent, Inc. (Oakland, CA)

The developing science in the field of chemical products liability litigation is of key concern not only to chemical and consumer products manufacturers, but also to the attorneys who represent them. The science and technology in chemical products cases involving trace chemicals are becoming increasingly technical and complex, yet juries are not getting any more sophisticated. This workshop will give you the information you need to effectively communicate the science of chemical products cases to juries, and provide the knowledge to select and “check” your experts.

• Understanding the impact trace chemicals will have on defense litigation strategy
• Recognizing chemicals in everyday products: a primer on the science behind formaldehyde, BPA, TCE, MTBE, etc.
• Using exposure modeling and other scientific tools to strengthen your case
• Overcoming the public perception and understanding of science and the scientific method through effective communication skills
• Proven methods to effectively and clearly communicate the causal nexus between exposure and illness
• Strategies to educate the jury about the complexities of the case they are about to hear
• Selecting the best experts to relate to judges and juries
  • The best scientists are not necessarily the best witnesses
  • Ensuring your expert is engaged in the case and will present him/herself well
• Understanding the science of the case to “check” your experts
• Defending general causation when possible

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