National Plaintiffs’ Summit: Sexual Harassment & Employment Discrimination

This session will uncover fact patterns that consistently yield the highest settlement and verdict values in sexual harassment cases—particularly those involving powerful harassers such as CEOs, C-suite executives, business owners, law firm partners, and high-level supervisors.

Gain first-hand insights into how to frame the dynamics of different types of harassment for maximum impact in negotiations and at trial, and how to document the power imbalance to drive value.

Key discussion areas include:

• Leveraging high-level harasser status to accelerate case value
• Harassment types that resonate with juries and mediators
• Building damages narratives around retaliation after ending a relationship
• Key proof sources beyond direct testimony
• Early expert integration to substantiate economic, emotional, and punitive damages

While many harassment cases are resolved after discovery, high-value power-imbalance matters can often settle pre-suit when counsel applies early, strategic pressure. This session covers how to craft persuasive damages narratives before filing, decide what evidence to disclose, and deploy experts and investigations to strengthen leverage. Participants will learn how to profile defendants, uncover patterns of misconduct, and exploit corporate vulnerabilities—while protecting sensitive evidence and preserving trial readiness if negotiations fail.

Key discussion areas include:

• How often pre-suit settlements happen and when they make the most sense
• Early evidence disclosure: risks vs. rewards
• Strategic early expert use (medical, psychological, economic, HR/EEO, ESI)
• Defendant history searches
• Corporate vulnerability profiling and reputation risk tools
• Timing considerations: mediation vs. filing for maximum value

What is this case worth? In this interactive game show–style session, a panel of experienced litigators will review the same fact pattern and independently assign their valuation. After hearing each panelist defend their number and walk through the key drivers of liability, damages, mitigation, and summary judgment risk, the audience will cast their vote for the most persuasive and realistic assessment. Following the results, there will be a brief Q&A with the panelists to explore areas of disagreement and strategic nuance. The winning panelist will then be given the floor to share additional insights from their practice on valuing sexual harassment cases, including practical considerations that influence settlement strategy and trial risk. Expect lively discussion, thoughtful debate, and practical takeaways you can use in your next mediation or case evaluation.

Key discussion areas include:

• How facts, jurisdiction, and defense counsel strategy shape case value
• Assessing emotional distress, economic loss, and punitive damages exposure
• Why some cases with strong liability still settle low
• Common undervaluation traps and how to avoid them
• Practical frameworks for more accurate settlement predictions

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how plaintiff attorneys investigate, build, and resolve cases. This session explores the practical applications of AI that can help maximize efficiency, sharpen case strategies, and ultimately increase case value. We’ll also examine the risks and ethical considerations that come with integrating these tools into daily practice.

Key discussion areas include:

• Identifying opportunities for efficiency and value creation – leveraging AI to streamline intake, case assessment, and litigation strategy
• Using AI tools in discovery to organize, review, and analyze massive volumes of documents and data
• Avoiding pitfalls and risks – confidentiality, bias, reliability, and compliance with professional responsibility rules
• Practical strategies for adopting AI responsibly while maintaining client trust and ethical safeguards

This session examines how litigators can apply trauma-informed principles from initial intake through discovery and depositions while still building a strong evidentiary record. Attendees will learn practical strategies for client interviewing, case development, and witness preparation that minimize re-traumatization and enhance credibility. The program emphasizes ethical advocacy, effective litigation techniques, and improved client outcomes at every stage of a case.

Key discussion areas include:

• Trauma-informed intake and client interviewing in sensitive matters
• Applying trauma-informed principles during written discovery
• Preparing clients for depositions without exacerbating trauma
• Conducting and defending depositions in a manner that protects both the record and the client
• Managing opposing counsel tactics that may re-traumatize witnesses
• Balancing zealous advocacy with professionalism, ethics, and client well-being

Mediation can make or break the outcome of a harassment or discrimination case—but too often, plaintiffs’ counsel approach the process without fully appreciating how mediators perceive the dynamics in the room. In this candid discussion, experienced mediators will share what they see from both sides, the strategies that shift settlement value, and the missteps that can stall resolution. Participants will learn how to frame their client’s story to maximize credibility, pace negotiations for momentum, and anticipate defense tactics that mediators flag as significant. The session will also explore how to use client participation effectively—without risking overexposure or retraumatization.

Key discussion areas include:

• What truly “moves the dial” in mediation: damages narratives, credibility factors, and risk framing
• Common mistakes plaintiffs’ attorneys make in tone, presentation, or demand strategy
• Balancing client voice with protection: making testimony impactful without overexposing them
• Timing and pacing of offers/demands to keep negotiations on track
• How mediators assess defense arguments, leverage points, and openings for resolution

Set against the backdrop of the ocean, our Monday evening Networking Reception and Dinner will feature live music by The French Horn Collective, one of South Florida’s premier jazz ensembles known for their vibrant blend of gypsy jazz, swing, and French-inspired classics. Enjoy a relaxed, soulful atmosphere as attorneys, industry leaders, and special guests connect over cocktails, conversation, and the sounds of world-class musicianship.

Sponsored by