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2026 Lighthouse Seminar
​Charlotte, NC

October 14-15, 2026​

2026 Ligthouse Seminar

Join us for NRRDA’s Lighthouse Seminar—an advanced, one-day educational event exclusively for NRRDA members. This year’s program, Steering Clear of Risk will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET at The Omni Charlotte Hotel.

Outsized verdicts are rarely the result of a single moment—they develop from risks that go unaddressed across the case lifecycle. This program focuses on identifying high-exposure cases early, strengthening deposition strategy, understanding key medical drivers, and leveraging insights into modern juries and AI-driven analysis to better predict outcomes.

Location of Seminar & Accommodations

The Omni Charlotte Hotel

132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The hotel booking link will be provided once your registration is completed and payment has been received.

Seminar Agenda

Steering Clear of Risk

Outsized verdicts are rarely the result of a single moment—they develop from risks that go unaddressed across the case lifecycle. This program focuses on identifying high-exposure cases early, strengthening deposition strategy, understanding key medical drivers, and leveraging insights into modern juries and AI-driven analysis to better predict outcomes.

October 14, 2026
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception – NASCAR Hall of Fame
October 15, 2026
8:00–9:00 a.m.
Registration & Breakfast
9:00–9:15 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Session 1 – Scouting the Track: Early Case Assessment & Runaway Risk
Todd Harris • Andrew Barson • Melanie Copic • Ryan Kaminsky
Strategies for investigating claims with a focus on identifying high-exposure cases early and mitigating risk before it escalates.
10:15–11:15 a.m.
Session 2 – Handling the Turns: Deposition Strategy in High-Risk Cases
Bradley Levien • Jennifer Hannigan • Rudie D. Baldwin
A dynamic session featuring a mock or recorded deposition to demonstrate effective defense tactics against aggressive plaintiff counsel.
11:15–11:30 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Session 3 – Engine Trouble: Medical Considerations Across Claim Types
Kurt Leisure • Jennifer Morris Jones
An integrated discussion of medical issues relevant to workers' compensation and employment practices liability claims.
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Session 4 – Understanding the Modern Jury: A Generational Deep Dive
Kathleen Klein • Kristi Harrington
An exploration of how generational attitudes, expectations, and behaviors influence jury decisions.
2:30–2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45–3:45 p.m.
Session 5 – The Next Lap: Using AI to Predict Jury Behavior
Robert Luskin • Leo Yeykelis (Viewpoints.ai) • Jim Cummings (Viewpoints.ai)
Learn how AI-powered jury simulations can be used to evaluate case strengths, test themes, and anticipate juror behavior.
3:45–4:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks

Support the Seminar
Become a Sponsor

Help make the 2026 NRRDA Lighthouse Seminar a success and position your brand in front of key decision-makers in retail, restaurant, legal, and insurance industries.

Sponsorship Opportunities Include:

  • Event visibility and recognition
  • Branding on-site and online
  • Dedicated networking time with attendees

Sponsorships are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee all listed benefits, payment must be received by October 1, 2026. Don't miss your chance to showcase your brand at this premier industry event-secure your spot today!

Contact the NRRDA office for more details at info@nrrda.org.

Click the image below to view available sponsorship opportunities!



Past Lighthouse Seminars

Date Location Title & Description
2025   Milwaukee, WI  Advanced Investigation Techniques: Getting the Cheese to Enjoy the Beer
Uncover the truth in Milwaukee through strategic investigation techniques—featuring outside experts, evidence preservation, medical analysis, and accident reconstruction to support stronger cases and better decisions.
2024 Nashville, TN

When Tech Meets Twang: Exploring Tech Trends in the Music City
In Nashville, we struck a chord with emerging technologies, industry disruptions, and the unique intersection of innovation and culture in Music City.
2023 Louisville, KY

Barreling Toward the Future
A dynamic exploration of urgent trends, from surveillance tech and virtual training to tort reform, mental health, and the burning question:"He's dead, Jim!" – Is civility dead and gone?
2022 Westlake Village, CA

The Great Attrition: Getting Workers Off the Sidelines & Retaining Your Talent
We tackled the workforce crisis head-on, discussing strategies to attract, re-engage, and retain talent in the face of unprecedented labor market shifts.
2021 Dallas, TX

AI
Focused on the transformative power of artificial intelligence, setting the tone for future-forward conversations in the legal, retail, and insurance industries.
2020 - Not Held
2019 Denver, CO  
2018 Columbus, OH  
2017 Dallas, TX  

Lighthouse Seminar Committee

Co-Advisors

  • Brad Levien – Murphy Sanches, PLLC
  • Bart Ridley – Bocell Ridley, PC
  • Andrew Barson - Davies Group
  • Scott Bermack - Weber Gallagher
  • Brett Bollinger – Roberts Perryman, PC
  • Stuart Colburn – Downs & Stanford, PC
  • Peter Enos – Arthur J. Gallagher
  • John Kemppainen - Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
  • Kathleen Klein - Clausen Miller PC
  • Kurt Leisure – The Cheesecake Factory Inc
  • Robert Luskin – Chartwell Law
  • Alan Nash - Marshall Dennehey
  • Britt Roarx - Texas Roadhouse
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