For the second consecutive year, Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith hosted an exclusive Roundtable Symposium on April 1, 2026 at the Firm’s Dallas office. The collaborative discussion gathered professionals and Galloway attorneys for insightful dialogue on significant challenges faced in the corporate sector.
The second annual symposium was hosted by Mark “Tiger” Pharr and Kelly Hartmann, who manages Galloway’s Dallas, Houston, and The Woodlands offices. Their expertise, experience, and legal knowledge laid the groundwork for profound conversation.
AI in Legal
A major topic was the use of Artificial Intelligence in legal settings. From closed AI systems to notetaking features on Zoom, generative AI and its ethical implications for legal teams remains a “hot button” issue for participants.
Attendees discussed that it is a matter of when, not if, AI will impact e-discovery, with concerns on data preservation, compliance, and the use of personal emails in discovery. While there is benefit in productivity, education and encouragement may be necessary amid privacy concerns and a reluctance to adopt.
One emerging area of policy creation is Meta Glasses as some consumers are wearing then filing suit against businesses in healthcare, automobile, and premises liability cases. Galloway attorneys like Pharr and Hartmann stay current with evolving technology and its subsequent effect on litigation trends. Ultimately, data is key and highly worth protection.
Nuclear Verdicts
With the rise of third party litigation funding, proactive and creative defensive strategies against nuclear verdicts was another major point of discussion. Corporate counsel can advise in a preventative manner that minimizes risk.
Corporate depositions are a crucial component. Participants dove into training, questioning rhythm, and confusion that can stymie opposing tactics and position cases for favorable resolution. Arbitration was discussed as a confidential, alternative method that can remove the possibility of nuclear verdicts.
Brand and Business
For in house legal teams, protecting the brand is paramount for case resolution. Essential elements of protecting businesses include:
- Training, trust, and starting early
- Transparency
- Developing relationships
- Active listening
- Temperament
Galloway Representation in Texas
Galloway has maintained a flourishing practice in Texas for over 30 years. With a recent expansion to The Woodlands, we continue to provide forward-thinking, pragmatic representation in complex matters. Our attorneys remain active in the Dallas legal community, strengthening our reputation for legal excellence, service, value, and true partnership with clients.
