THE SOUTHERN TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION21st annual conference the weekend of Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Designed for and limited exclusively to Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Trial Lawyers

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Sunday, February 22, 2009J. W. Marriott Hotel, New Orleans

LESSONS FROM THE ARENAThis conference has sold out for fifteen years in a row, and you are strongly en-couraged to register immediately! Re-maining rooms, if there are any, will be released on January 31, 2009.

TMessage from the PresidentFellow Trial Lawyers and Friends,

here is something to be said for the respect, honor, and traditions that are the foundation of the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. For me, as I tackle the often-tough challenges of our practice, it is refreshing to know that the annual meeting of the STLA in New Orleans is a great place to be, to share, to learn, to honor our calling to serve others, and to have a little fun with friends.

Although STLA has transcended a generation since it was conceived, we are no less committed to our founding principles. STLA began in 1988 when a small group of southern trial lawyers got together to form an association dedicated to friendship kindled through fellowship and legal education delivered by and for the best and most experienced lawyers of the day. Over the years, with its annual meeting always in New Orleans, the association has grown from a small band of lawyers to a membership of several hundred while maintaining personal relationships among each.

Politics and fundraising have never been allowed, and every year the association donates a substantial sum to a deserving non-profit cause. Once a year at the same time, distinguished

lawyers, statesmen, or members of the Judiciary are honored for their service to the profession and the people we serve. No where is there a more influential, dynamic and dedicated group of lawyers than at the Annual WarHorse Awards Dinner where the best of the best are honored and the rest of us are inspired. We see pride tempered with humility and the full measure of the honoree’s dedication, sacrifice, and legacy. Honor and respect among peers fills the room with emotion leaving us all more inspired and wanting to conquer the obstacles our clients face.

This year’s conference theme is Lessons From The Arena and promises to be everything the 20 before it have been. The education is unmatched and the hospitality genuinely southern. On Wednesday night a reception welcomes everyone. The CLE starts Thursday morning and concludes at noon on Saturday. I encourage you to sign up for the WarHorse Dinner on Friday night, consider riding in the Mardi Gras parade on a float on Saturday, and in true New Orleans style, join friends on a Bourbon Street balcony for the Saturday night STLA party. Whatever parts you choose to enjoy, of one thing you can be sure....STLA friends are among the best.

Adam MalonePresident, STLA

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Welcome reception hosted by J. W. Marriott Hotel

Wednesday Evening beginning at 6:30 through Saturday night -- is evolving even as you read this notice. The learning is serious, yet relaxed and from some of the best presenters in the country.

The Agenda9:40 - 10:00 a.m. Robert Parks, Florida - Forum Non Conveniens: An Update10:00 - 10:20 a.m. Break10:20 - 10:40 a.m. Darren Penn, Georgia Brakeshift Interlock: A Deadly Defect10:40 - 11:00 a.m. Peter Perlman, Kentucky Summation in Products Cases: Remember the Basics11:00 - 11:20 a.m. James Pratt, III, Alabama – Mediation Tactics Which Work11:20 - 11:40 a.m. Broadus Spivey, Texas - Legal Malpractice: How to Plead it and How to Avoid It (Ethics)11:40 - 12:00 noon Tyler Thompson, Kentucky – Hospital Credentialing - The John King Litigation12:00 - 1:30 p.m. LUNCH 1:30 - 1:40 p.m. Introduction of Persuasion in the 21st Century by Chairman and Moderator, Howard Nations, Texas1:40 - 2:00 p.m. Justin Kahn, South Carolina Driving Decisions with Graphics, Psychology and Stories2:00 - 2:20 p.m. William McMurry, Kentucky Fight Hate Now More Than Ever2:20 - 2:55 p.m. Brian H. Tew, Texas – Persuasion with Technology: Medical Proof2:55 - 3:30 p.m. Dave Wenner, Arizona - Persuasion and the Unconscious Mind3:30 - 3:50 p.m. BREAK3:50 - 4:25 p.m. Howard Nations, Texas - Persuading the Old Fashioned Way: Words and Body Language4:25 - 5:00 p.m. Don Keenan, Georgia - Persuasion and the Reptilian Mind 6:45 - 11:00 p.m. WarHorse Awards Banquet

WANT TO RIDE IN A MARDI GRAS PARADE? As an STLA registrant, you have a unique opportunity to actually ride on a Mardi Gras float! The Krewe of Tucks is a Mardi Gras Krewe and many STLA members, faculty and others participate in this annual event. It is the fourth largest parade and rolls about 1:30 on Saturday, February 21st. There is a party following at the Sheraton, right down the street from the JW Marriott. Through the STLA, you are invited to experience all the magic of the season through participating in a parade, in full regalia, with family and friends. This opportunity is offered separate from the conference, for a fee of about $1,300 per person, which includes the costume, throws, and party. Additional throws can be purchased. For more information, contact Emily Frischhertz at info@kreweoftucks.com

ABOUT THE HOST HOTEL - The J.W. Marriott is located at 614 Canal Street and is one of New Orleans premier hotels, offering modern luxury combined with elegance and traditional Southern Charm. Located in the heart of this vibrant city, it is adjacent to the French Quarter and within easy walking distance to Bour-bon Street, all of the Mississippi River attractions, streetcar lines, Jackson Square, and other attractions. Hotel reservations must be made through the STLA office in tandem with your conference registration. No reservations will be accepted on a direct basis by the hotel. Hotel reservations will be confirmed by the STLA office. Reservations must be made by January 31, 2009. The STLA conference actually kicks off on Wednesday night with a reception hosted by the hotel. Rooms are avail-able several days before and after the conference for participants interested in an extended stay in New Orleans. There is a three- day minimum on rooms and there are no concierge-level rooms.

Saturday, February 21, 20098:30 - 8:40 a.m. Introduction of Tips for Those in the Trenches by Chairman and Moderator, John Romano, Florida8:40 - 9:00 a.m. Morgan G. Adams, Tennessee – Big Rig Tractor-Trailer Crash Cases: Focusing on the Issue of Driver Fatigue9:00 - 9:20 a.m. Dan Ramsdell, Missouri – Big Rig Tractor-Trailer Cases: Focusing on the Issue of Conspicuity9:20 - 9:40 a.m. Richard Shapiro, Florida – The Three Methods to a Knockout Punch When Cross-Examining Radiologists and Neuro-radiologists9:40 - 10:00 a.m. Dr. Ronald A. Brodkin, Florida – Cutting-Edge Technology in Proof of Medical Facts: Digital Motion X-rays and MRI’s 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. BREAK10:20 - 10:40 a.m. William Walker, Jr., South Carolina Burn Injury Litigation Strategies: Five Key Components10:40 - 11:00 a.m. Gary Pillersdorf, New York - 3 Key Components to the Making of a Quality Advocate11:00 - 11:20 a.m. Gary Gober, Tennessee – 3 New Components of The Paradigm Changes in The Practice of Law (Which I Have Recognized in the Last 12 Months)11:20 - 11:40 a.m. Gerald Greger, Florida – Six Hot Tips You Need to Know About When Dealing With Structured Settlements and Case Settlement Strategy

Saturday, February 21, 200912:00 - 1:00 p.m. Board of Governors Meeting 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Crawfish Boil sponsored by Medi Visuals 7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Party on Bourbon Street

Friday, February 20, 2009 8:30 - 8:40 a.m. Introduction of Advocacy Dynamite by Chairman and Moderator, Peter Perlman, Kentucky8:40 - 9:00 a.m. Robert Langdon, Missouri – When is Your Car Crash Case a Crashworthiness Case?9:00 - 9:20 a.m. Nick C. Nichols, Texas Courts and Sports: A Current Update9:20 - 9:40 a.m. Ann Oldfather, Kentucky Turning Your Enemy’s Strength in Your Favor

Thursday, February 19, 20098:25 - 8:30 a.m. WELCOME- President Adam Malone, Atlanta, Georgia 8:30 - 8:40 a.m. Introduction of Traumatic Brain Injury and More by Program Chair and Moderator - Tommy Malone, Georgia 8:40 - 9:00 a.m. Randy Scarlett, California Handling the Catastrophic Brain Injury9:00 - 9:20 a.m. Geoffrey Manley, M.D., California Role of the Neurosurgeon in the Trial of a Brain Injury 9:20 - 9:40 a.m. Mark Ashley, M.D., California – Role of a Rehabilitation Specialist in the Trial of a Brain Injury9:40 - 10:00 a.m. Joel Lavine, M.D., California Understanding the Importance of Your Liver10:00 - 10:20 a.m. BREAK10:20 - 11:00 a.m. Chief Judge Anne E. Barnes, Georgia; Judge M. Yvette Miller, Georgia; Presiding Justice Carol W.Hunstein , Georgia What Women Want: Judges That Is11:00 - 11:20 a.m. Ronald C. Savage, Ed.D., New Jersey The Role of the Educator in the Treatment of Brain Injury11:20 - 11:40 a.m. Adam Malone, Georgia – Amputation in South Georgia11:40 - 1:30 p.m. LUNCH1:30 - 1:40 p.m. Introduction of Show Me Something Mister! Tips from the Masters by Chairman and Moderator, Maria Glorioso, Louisiana1:40 - 2:00 p.m. Scott West, Texas - Fighting Car Makers: A Tale of Liars, Cheats and Thieves2:00 - 2:20 p.m. Chris Glover, Alabama - Rear Crashworthiness: Wasted Space Wasted Lives2:20 - 2:40 p.m. Judge Roland Belsome, Louisiana Court of Appeal Fourth Circuit - Observations from the Bench 2:40 - 3:00 p.m. Sach Oliver, Arkansas - Using Harm Scales in Closings3:00 - 3:20 p.m. BREAK 3:20 - 3:40 p.m. Jack Baldwin, Texas/Ken Peterson, Kansas Case Evaluation in Complex Litigation3:40 - 4:00 p.m. Eric Romano, Florida Risky Business: Defeating Pre-Injury Releases4:00 - 4:20 p.m. To Be Announced4:20 - 4:40 p.m. Vincent Glorioso, Jr., Louisiana Maximizing Damages in Child Injury Cases4:40 - 5:00 p.m. Roger Dodd, Georgia Cross Examination - The Art and Science 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. President’s Reception in Henrí Room

TO REGISTER for this convention, and to reserve accommodations, complete the conference reg-istration form and JW Marriott reservation form made part of this flyer and MAIL BOTH TO STLA at P.O. Box 1207, Crawfordville, FL 32326-1207. Hotel reservations are controlled through the STLA office in order to accommo-date conference participants.

Conference Registration Fees*$650 for Non-STLA member$550 for STLA members$850 Exhibit Fee

*Your conference registration fee covers the welcome reception for you and a guest, conti-nental breakfast each morning, 1 ticket for the Balcony on Bourbon Street, the Crawfish Boil, CLE credits and the conference handbook. The WARHORSE Reception and Banquet are not included in the conference registration fee, as the additional cost of $225 per person is cal-culated to cover the cost of this extraordinary event. It has proven to be the highlight of every convention, and you will not want to miss it!

CLE Credit 15 CLE hours are anticipated in the 13-mem-ber southern states.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Hotel reservations at the conference site, the J.W.Marriott, are possible only through the STLA office, and only after you have registered for the conference. Your completed hotel reservation form may be found on the next page, and it should accompany your conference registration form.

Please provide one of the following to insure JW Marriott accommodations:1) Your check or money order payable to the JW Marriott Hotel covering the

first night’s stay OR2) Your credit card detail (credit card information will be provided to the JW

Marriott by STLA). You will receive confirmation of your reservation directly from the JW Marriott by January 31st.

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone Fax

Arrival Date/Time Departure Date

Please check room requested: Deluxe (Corner room with King Bed) Superior (King or twin beds) $275 plus 13% tax $246 plus 13% tax King Twin Smoking Non-smoking

DEPOSIT OF ONE ROOM NIGHT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL RESERVATIONS:Please charge my credit card for the one room night deposit required.

Credit Card # Exp.

Name

Signature

Mail your conference registration form and fee, plus your completed hotel reser-vation form with credit card detail to cover the one night room deposit to:

Southern Trial Lawyers Assoc.PO Box 1207 • Crawfordville, FL 32326-1207

Phone/Fax: 850-926-4599

STLA IS NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES

Please issue checks payable to The Southern Trial Lawyers Association to cover the cost of each conference option that you choose. You may reserve your hotel room by credit card as noted at the right. In order to assure the group rate, the STLA office must receive reservations before January 31, 2009. If the rate requested is not available, the nearest available rate will be confirmed. Reservations requested beyond the cut-off date are subject to availability. Rooms may still be available after the cut-off date but not at the group rate. Valet Parking is available at the 609 Common Street entrance. All confer-ence registrations and hotel reservations will be acknowledged/confirmed by January 31, 2009.

To RegisterName

Guest’s Name

Address

City State Zip

Telephone Fax

E-mail STLA Member Registration $550 = $ STLA Non-member $650 = $ Exhibit Fee $850 = $ Friday Evening War Horse Banquet $225 each x ____ = $ Balcony on Bourbon Street Sat. Night $75 each x ____ = $ (One ticket included with registration) Spouse Program $98 each x ____ = $TOTAL ENCLOSED $

War Horse BanquetFriday Evening, February 20, 2009Reception 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.Dinner 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. AT THE WINDSOR COURT

Tickets to the formal WARHORSE reception and ban-quet are $225 each. Please order tickets in advance using the conference registration form, as tickets will not be available on site.

An elegant celebration in honor of three of the nation’s most outstanding trial lawyers. You are cordially invited to participate in this special evening with lawyers and their fam-ilies from throughout the South. The occasion is formal and masks can be worn for the reception.

In tribute to: J. Lewis Cromer, South Carolina; Howard Nations, Texas; Judge George Leighton, Illinois.

WAR HORSE honorees are nominated by members of the Southern Trial Lawyers Association in recognition of ex-traordinary contributions to the cause of Justice. Acknowl-edged leaders in their communities, they have been in active practice for more than thirty years, demonstrated outstanding skill as trial advocates, and shown exceptional commitment to furthering the cause of justice. A solid bronze casting de-signed by renowned wildlife artist Pierre Pierce depicting a reared stallion symbolizes the remarkable careers of these WarHorses of the South.

The Professor W. McKinley Smiley, Jr. Lighthouse Award is presented annually to America’s Most Outstanding lawyer in the field of academics, legal scholarship and advo-cacy teaching and training. This award recognizes lifelong devotion to the noble profession of trial law. Honorees stand out as mentors to young lawyers and professional peers, thus the award’s name “Lighthouse Award-the light that shines from the lighthouse provides guidance and direction to those weathering the storm. W. McKinley Smiley, Jr., for whom the award is named, embodies all that the award seeks to up-hold. This year’s recipient is Mike Pappantonio, Florida.

The Tommy Malone Great American Eagle Award recognizes an individual who has a calling to help others. This person is a powerful example of the bold pursuit of Ex-cellence and Justice. Such an individual is one who inspires others and is a living symbol of Integrity, Strength, Bravery, Justice, Freedom, Pride, Devotion, Excellence, and Friend-ship and to many a Hero.

New Orleans Style Shrimp/Crawfish Boil in the Quarter

This started two years ago and has become a huge suc-cess. Bob Shepherd and Medi Visuals in Richmond Virgin-ia will sponsor an old fashioned crawfish boil just a couple of blocks from the hotel. There was a fair crowd at the first event but last year after everyone heard about how much fun it was, the place was packed. Very, very casual and dress appropriately for the weather as it will be outside.

ADVANCE NOTICE TO STLA MEMBERS AND LOYAL CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTSAll you need to register is included in this ADVANCE notice!

Balcony on Bourbon Street Saturday, February 21, 2009, 232 Bourbon Street - 7 p.m. til 1 a.m.

You think Bourbon Street is crazy on the streets during Mardi Gras, well you ought to see it from a balcony. We have rented a balcony on the second block of Bourbon and will have finger sandwiches and an open bar and there will be uniformed personnel on hand. STLA will be the only folks on the bal-cony and we will provide beads to throw to the crowd. Masks should be worn but aren’t required. The dress code is 60’s style. (1 ticket included in registration fee and extra tickets are $75).

TOUR OF NEW ORLEANS - Spouses ProgramFriday morning, February 20, 2009

Depart hotel around 9:30 and go to Garden District. There will be a walking tour of the Garden District and tour of the Lafay-ette Cemetery. Depart the Garden District and have lunch at Hersaint. Return to hotel around 1:30.Price is $98 per person.