Analyzing SB68: Unpacking the Impact on Case Settlement
A Special Panel Discussion for Georgia Lawyers and Claims Professionals
Given the high interest in the May 15th event, we have arranged for an additional session. Please fill out the form to secure your spot for May 22nd for 3 – 5 pm.
Join us for an exclusive Mediator Panel Discussion featuring some of Georgia's top Plaintiff and Defense Counsel, as well as Carrier decision makers, as we tackle the hot topic reshaping settlement negotiations across the state: SB68.
What You'll Learn
- ✅ The key provisions of SB68
- ✅ How SB68 changes pre-suit demands, bad faith exposure, and settlement dynamics
- ✅ What Plaintiff and Defense lawyers REALLY think about the new law
- ✅ Practical insights for mediators, lawyers, and claims handlers
- ✅ Will cases settle more quickly? Or become even harder?
Why You Should Attend
Whether you are a trial lawyer, claims professional, or mediator, SB68 will change the way cases settle in Georgia. This dynamic discussion will give you actionable strategies to navigate the new playing field.
Topic Schedule
Moderator: Nigel Wright
Bifurcation
Panel: Jonathan Adelman, Drew Ashby, Halley Ramsey
Mediator: Lyle Warshauer
Damages/Medical
Panel: Ashley Fournet, Matt Nanninga, Nicky Shropshire
Mediator: Robert Katz
Premises
Panel: Melissa Bailey, Matthew Carlson, Shelly Huff
Mediator: Michael Rust
Bad Faith
Panel: Matt Barrett, Richard Dolder, A. Ali Sabzevari
Mediator: Nigel Wright & M. Gino Brogdon Sr.
Registration
The session is free, but registration is required. Seats are limited, please complete the form to secure your spot.
Registration closes once full.
☕ Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Thursday, May, 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Henning Mediation & Arbitration (Parking is free)
Registration Form
Meet the Moderator & The Mediators
Nigel Wright
Henning Mediation & Arbitration
Nigel Wright brings over 30 years of experience in insurance, reinsurance, and complex claims litigation. A seasoned attorney and mediator licensed in the U.S. and U.K., he’s led at major carriers and top law firms and is widely recognized for his expertise in dispute resolution.
M. Gino Brogdon
Henning Mediation & Arbitration
Gino presided over complex civil and felony cases for almost 10 years as a trial judge in the Superior and State Courts of Fulton County in Atlanta. Following his 2005 retirement from the bench, Gino tried high-visibility civil cases for plaintiffs and defendants and has become a highly sought-after mediator and arbitrator.
Robert Katz
Henning Mediation & Arbitration
Rob Katz is an award-winning attorney renowned for his exceptional track record in navigating challenging injury and wrongful death cases. He has deep experience advocating for clients across car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases, as well as handling claims related to hazardous property and products, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.
Michael Rust
Henning Mediation & Arbitration
Michael Rust has practiced law for 40 years and is a founding partner in the law firm of Gray, Rust, St. Amand, Moffett & Brieske, LP where he is actively engaged in litigation in Georgia state and federal courts. Michael has been lead counsel in numerous jury trials, most involving claims of serious injury or death or significant property damage.
Lyle G. Warshauer
Henning Mediation & Arbitration
Lyle brings over 30 years of civil trial experience and is a Senior Partner at Warshauer Woodward & Atkins. She has led the firm’s appellate and medical malpractice practice for 25 years and has argued cases before state and federal appellate courts. A Past President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, she is widely respected for her legal expertise.
Meet the Panelists
Jonathan M. Adelman
Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara and Prout
Jonathan Adelman is a veteran trial lawyer with over 150 jury trials and extensive experience in insurance defense, coverage, and civil litigation. He has argued before multiple appellate courts and played a key role in drafting and amending Georgia’s settlement demand and insurance laws. Recognized as a Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyer, he’s also a frequent lecturer and “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Drew Ashby
Ashby Thelen Lowry
Drew is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a focus on catastrophic injury, defective products, and chemical exposure. He’s secured seven-, eight-, and nine-figure verdicts—each before turning 40—and holds multiple record-breaking verdicts across Georgia. His work has led to four nationwide product recalls, many issued mid-litigation.
Melissa Bailey
Copeland, Stair, Valz & Lovell
Melissa is a trial lawyer and co-chair of the Architects & Engineers Practice Group, known for defending complex catastrophic loss and professional liability cases across Georgia. She regularly represents design professionals and has successfully handled jury trials and appeals in state and federal courts. A frequent speaker and active member of CLM and Themis Advocates Group, Melissa has been recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Star® since 2019.
Matt Barrett
Markel
Matt is Director and Senior Counsel with over 20 years of experience managing complex litigation, coverage issues, and claims nationwide. His background spans both in-house and litigation roles, bringing a strategic, results-driven approach to high-exposure matters.
Matthew Carlson
Chubb
Matt is an experienced claims professional with a wide variety of experience. Matt began as a staff adjuster handling all levels of Auto claims from FNOL through litigation, including Garage Keeper and Garage Liability policies. He then moved into the ‘field’ handling Personal and Commercial property, premise liability, and construction defect. He decided staying in one place was cramping his style so he then transferred to handling storm (catastrophe) claims across the country. He then decided travelling too much was cramping his style and transitioned into management roles where he developed and managed claims offices at a carrier. He then worked as an Independent Adjuster handling everything from Motor Carrier, Premise Liability, Municipality, and cargo survey claims. He currently handles Employment Practice Liability files both domestically and internationally.
Richard Dolder
Slappey & Sadd
Rich Dolder is a partner at Slappey & Sadd, focusing on insurance coverage and bad faith claims. He represents individuals and businesses denied coverage or mistreated by insurers, with litigation successes including multimillion-dollar settlements and jury awards. A former journalist and top law school graduate, Rich is known for his strategic approach and dedication to fair outcomes.
Ashley Fournet
Brodhead Law Firm
Ashley is a seasoned personal injury attorney with over 16 years of experience, including time on both the defense and plaintiff sides in the U.S. and Australia. Known for her sharp legal mind and strong results, she frequently speaks at CLEs and contributes to legal publications. Ashley also serves on the Executive Board of the Sandy Springs Bar Association and is a former President.
Shelly Huff
Morgan & Morgan
Shelly Huff has a strong track record in negligent security, premises liability, and dram shop cases. Known for securing seven-figure results in complex matters, she brings a deep commitment to client advocacy and meticulous case preparation. Shelly is also a Top 100 Verdicts honoree and an active member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.
Matthew Nanninga
Drew, Eckl & Farnham
Matt Nanninga is a trial attorney focused on general liability defense, representing clients across industries including hospitality, retail, entertainment, and transportation. He also serves as Administrator of the Georgia Self-Insurers Guaranty Trust Fund, advising on self-insurance regulation and managing high-value claim transitions. A former professional baseball player, Matt holds an AV Preeminent Rating for ethics and professionalism.
Halley Ramsey
Sompo
Experienced Property and Casualty commercial Claims Adjuster with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. Experience in commercial claims, GL, PL and AL. Strong finance professional with a Bachelor of Science - BS focused in Criminal Justice with concentration in Forensic Science. Experienced Property and Casualty commercial Claims Adjuster with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. Experience in commercial claims, GL, PL and AL.
A. Ali Sabzevari
Freeman Mathis & Gary
Ali Sabzevari is a Partner in Freeman Mathis & Gary's Atlanta office and practices in the firm's Government Liability and Nonprofit D&O sections. For over a decade, Ali has represented local government entities, including counties and municipalities, in state and federal lawsuits involving a wide range of claims, including civil rights and personal injury. He also defends non-profits in defending of a wide-range of claims, including tort and commercial claims. He has represented clients in several high-profile cases at both the trial and appellate levels. Ali has been named in Georgia Super Lawyers – Rising Stars and recognized on the Benchmark Litigation “40 & Under Hot List.” Ali received his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law, magna cum laude, and his undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University. While at UGA, interned for Congressman Jack Kingston in Washington, D.C. and the Honorable Richard W. Story of the United States District Court Northern District of Georgia.
Nicky Shropshire
AXIS Capital
Nicky Shropshire leads a team of internal claims personnel, ensuring high-quality service and serving as a strategic partner to underwriting, brokers, and clients. She manages complex claim evaluations, coverage analysis, and litigation strategies. Nicky's previous experience includes working as a paralegal for a wrongful death and bodily injury plaintiff firm in Atlanta.