Now in its eighth year, the Galloway Claims & Litigation Conference in New Orleans was held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton. The session insights, conversations, and connections combined for an incredibly successful event that industry professionals traveled from across the country to attend. Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith continues to deliver value and outstanding service through its premier events.
Early Resolution and Mediation
Director Tim Hassinger welcomed guests to the annual event and moderated the first panel, which featured Galloway attorney Doris Bobadilla and well-respected professionals within the claims industry. In this opening session, panelists explored early resolution models and actionable strategies to identify and resolve high-exposure cases before costly litigation. Structured programs that assess claims within the first 30 days consider factors such as injury severity, liability, expense, and risk. Targeted plans for resolution at each stage – early investigation, mediation, and post-settlement evaluation – are designed to improve claims and allocate resources more effectively in a complex litigation environment.
Negotiations
Tim was then joined by mediators and industry experts to deliver a master class in the art and science of mediation and negotiations. Galloway’s panelists in this session discussed foundational negotiation principles with an eye towards bridging gaps to achieve resolution. The psychology of persuasion and strategies on how to creatively negotiate in a litigious climate were also featured. As more cases settle before trial, effective negotiations are critically important to maximize the value of mediation and claim resolution.
Developing Case Themes
James Prather, Mike Grimley, and claims professionals presented a comprehensive framework for crafting a persuasive narrative from the earliest stages of a case through trial. The engaging panel focused on identifying and leveraging a tailored theme to guide discovery and defense strategies that counters opposing tactics such as reptile tactics. Practical methods for assessing case strengths and weaknesses and using the theme to focus negotiations, mediation, and trial were discussed, showcasing expertise in maintaining evidence-based approaches throughout litigation.
Preparing Corporate Witnesses
Following up on this panel, Tim Hassinger and legal services professionals led a live demonstration and case study on preparing corporate representatives for deposition. Noting the importance of communicating corporate perspectives with clarity and impact, the panel presented an interactive session with a construction company playing the integral role of being readied for consequential testimony. Tim and his fellow panelists illustrated the critical significance of witness preparation, responding to reptile-type questioning, and paving the way towards resolution. Strategic witness preparation with an eye towards controlling the deposition environment and protecting client interests were a valuable addition and highlight for many participants.
Medical Panels
Two sessions shed light on illuminating medical information that is relevant for claims professionals, in-house counsel, and outside counsel. Jennifer Woulfe was joined by a respected neurosurgeon, a pain management physician, and in-house counsel for a deep dive into spinal injections and radiofrequency ablations. The panel equipped participants with an exhaustive understanding of spinal anatomy, diagnostic testing, and treatment modalities. Predictors of facet pain, the importance of accurate pain assessment, the appropriateness and repeatability of various interventions – all of which have an impact on claims evaluation – were discussed in depth.
Mark “Tiger” Pharr led a panel discussion on Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Impairment Claims with a neuropsychologist and in-house counsel. This session provided an analysis on the evolving landscape on TBI diagnosis, assessment, and litigation. From cranial anatomy to the distinction between objective and subjective findings, attendees learned about factors influencing prognosis and symptom reporting, and the panel addressed strategies for equipping clients to more accurately assess risk and damages in complex claims.
Galloway thanks all of the Conference participants and sponsors for contributing to a successful day, and the firm looks forward to its next event for their professional colleagues.
Key Takeaways
- Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith hosted its most successful New Orleans conference to date.
- Early resolution and effective negotiation drive better outcomes.
- Strong case themes and well-prepared depositions protect clients and reduce risk.
- Medical insights help accurately evaluate complex injury claims.
- Connect with Galloway’s team for more information on future events for claims and litigation professionals.
