Successfully Defending Trials at CLM Claims College
National thought leader Tracy Abatemarco has been tapped again to share her knowledge on trial success at the upcoming CLM Claims College, which is taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, from September 7 through 10, 2022. Joining Abatemarco is Rose Charles, trial attorney turned claims manager for one of the largest insurance companies in the nation. Together, they are teaching a highly anticipated class to eager students on the nuance of trying high-profile, large-exposure cases. Abatemarco, co-managing partner of the New York office of Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman, is returning for her third-year professorship.
“Rose and I are thrilled for the opportunity to share our knowledge and success navigating emerging trends, practice pointers and practical tools which individuals can take home to their respective practices,” said Abatemarco. “With courts open, clearing backlogs of trials which built up during the pandemic, we are seeing marked changes in juror composition, plaintiff theories and the evolution of the Reptile theory, among other things. We will tackle head-on how to avoid the runaway verdicts, which some refer to as nuclear awards, and issues including social inflation." Abatemarco and Charles have been tapped as instructors in the school of litigation management. Both enjoy a remarkable record of success in trial, which makes this program highly coveted.
CLM’s renowned Claims College is comprised of eleven specialty schools that focus on issues ranging from construction, cyber, professional liability and more in a highly regarded three-level program. Upon completion of the program, students earn their Certified Claims Professional designation. “Claims college was established by CLM more than a decade ago, seeking out top talent and thought leaders like Tracy and Rose, to create and teach courses within their areas of expertise,” said Daniel Berman, chairman of WSHB. “The instructors are the best and the brightest in the industry.”
“Over the course of three intense days, we literally hit all facets of trial practice and emerging trends,” explained Abatemarco. “With a group of trial lawyers and claim professionals from across the nation, we always have engaged, collaborative discussions which make every one of the participants better lawyers and litigation managers. On a personal note, I am energized by the high-level discussions and strategies thought leaders from across the nation share during these intense sessions.”
Tracy Abatemarco is a seasoned, results-oriented litigator that aggressively handles matters and obtains early resolution and favorable settlements where appropriate. She is a powerful communicator which dovetails into her reputation as a celebrated defense litigator throughout the Northeastern United States. As a founding partner of the New York office, Tracy has been instrumental in navigating the international reputation of being the go-to law firm for a host of matters due to her creative strategies and sage litigation prowess. Tracy also serves as the co-managing partner of the New York office and takes pride in the results, trial verdicts and impressive string of consistent results which continue to fuel the reputation and growth of WSHB’s footprint in New York State.
Tracy focuses her practice on construction and labor law litigation, premises, lead paint, mold, toxic tort, transportation and complex general liability and casualty actions. Her clients include insurance companies, financial institutions, and real estate owners and managers. She has extensive experience in state and appellate practice and has enjoyed success in the trial, appellate and arbitration forums. Tracy has developed protocols for compliance with lead paint guidelines for private landlords and real estate managers. Tracy obtained a prominent defense verdict in a lead poisoning action where it was alleged that the infant-plaintiff was brain damaged and sustained neurological and cognitive impairments.
Widely regarded as a thought leader in the legal industry, Tracy frequently lectures and presents at seminars and symposiums in the areas of labor law, lead paint and mold litigation, and the art of taking and defending depositions. She has published articles in the field of lead paint litigation and has presented Continuing Legal Education classes on topics including the defense of lead paint and mold claims.
Tracy is active in various initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. She takes particular pride in the fact that WSHB consistently ranks as one of the top law firms nationally for diversity and female lawyers. Outside of litigation, Tracy can be found on the soccer field where she is a fierce advocate for her daughter or on the sidelines advocating for her son as he competes in marathons.