General Counsel Symposium Sessions

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This schedule is for the General Counsel Symposium sessions only.
For breaks, meals, general sessions and networking activities, view the full Fall Super Regional Meeting schedule here.

CLE Credits

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are available for the sessions listed below. 7.0 hours credit in 50-min states and 5.83 credit in 60-min states.

Add CLE Credits to Your Registration

Monday, October 5

1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. — General Counsel Committee Meeting (open to committee members only)

2:30 p.m.-3:20 p.m. — Lease Amendments Discussion
William Mullins, Founder & Managing Partner, Mullins Law Group PLLC; Robert Wimbush, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC

4:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m. — STB Update
David Rifkind, Partner, Stinson LLP

Tuesday, October 6

12:20 p.m.-1:10 p.m. — Collaborative Defense: HR and Legal Strategies in FELA Claims — Midway 6

Human Resources often plays a critical role in the defense of a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) claim, it is essential for legal and HR teams to understand each other’s responsibilities and processes. Effective collaboration helps ensure regulatory compliance, protects employee rights, and strengthens claim management from the initial injury report through resolution. Join this interactive session to explore key questions, including:

What can be done when an employee is unable or unwilling to complete a timely injury report?
How should known pre-existing medical conditions be addressed in the context of a workplace injury?
When does an injury trigger alcohol and drug testing requirements?
Who should have access to details regarding an injured employee’s medical condition, and what privacy considerations apply?

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss real-world scenarios, share organizational best practices, and learn from the experiences of their peers. Leave with practical insights and strategies that can help improve coordination between HR and legal teams and enhance your organization’s approach to injury management, drug and alcohol testing and FELA claims.

Speaker(s): Colleen Helenhouse, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC; Bobbi Allen, Chief Administrative, Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd.; Holly Rainwater, VP, Business Development, Spark TS

1:20 p.m.-2:10 p.m. — Claims, Litigation and Market Trends

Navigating concerning shifts in jury verdicts, the critical role of video evidence, and how to build a defensible record on inspections and sightlines. State of the Market -2026/2027 Outlook- A broker and underwriter panel discussing carrier capacity, rate trends, and appetite shifts driving renewals heading into next year.

Speaker(s): Edwin Palmer, Member, Burns White LLC; Beth Gargiulo, VP Marketing & Sales, Lincoln Transportation Insurance Brokers, Inc.; Jeff Hinkle, President & CEO, Railroad Risk Management, Inc.

3:00 p.m.-3:50 p.m. — Power Line Co-Location and Railroads – Legal and Other Considerations

The need to expand our national’s power grid is driving renewed interest in railroad rights of way. This panel will cover the legal pitfalls of using the right of way for co-location and look ahead to national developments focused on grid expansion through the railroads.

Karin Stamy, Founder, Power & Rail Law Office; James Hoecker, Former FERC Chairman, Hoecker Energy

Wednesday, October 7

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. — General Counsel Panel
Aimee Nolan, Chief Legal Officer, Anacostia Rail Holdings; Miller Grumley, VP - General Counsel, Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc.; Onna Houck, General Counsel, Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd.; Katherine Bourdon, General Counsel, New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway

12:30 p.m.-1:20 p.m. — Investigating Crossing Accident/Major Trauma Incident

In the aftermath of a crossing accident or a particularly significant acute trauma, an immediate response from a legal and claims prospective is critical. Legal and claims professional must work hand in hand to ensure that all necessary evidence, information, and other critical items are secured and preserved. Proper post-incident investigation enables our railroad to be in the best position possible should litigation ensue. Further, proper preservation and collection will prevent potential spoliation claims. There are numerous important steps to follow to protect our client's interests.

Mark Kurz, Partner, Holmes Peters LLC