Events

Contractual Risk Transfer: Risks and Rewards

November 14, 2025 – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (PST)

Bethany L. Barrese, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Benjamin Evans, University of Pennsylvania
David Parker, Pina Community College

Understanding the scope and limitations of contractual indemnity and additional insured coverage is critical to effective risk management for higher education institutions, but the legal landscape surrounding these risk transfer mechanisms has become increasingly complex. The latest developments in anti-indemnity statutes and the interpretation of additional insured endorsements will be discussed with the ultimate goal of providing risk managers with a toolkit on how to address and overcome common risk transfer challenges. Real-world claim examples will be provided to illustrate the importance of getting contractual language correct and the proper insurance coverage placed to avoid complicated multi-party claims (and headaches!).

Fires, Storms, and Property Coverage Forms: Trending Claims and Coverage Issues

Thursday, July 31 – 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM EST

Cheryl L. Kozdrey, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Carrie Porter, Quarterra
Frank Russo, Imperium
Matthew Tahbaz, Marsh

This session will focus on construction risk management in light of trending property claims and natural disaster risks. It will include discussion surrounding the types of damages,
coverage disputes, valuation issues, and claims management strategies general contractors and owners can employ to protect their bottom line and financial stability.

Cyber-Risk Resilience in the Energy Industry

Wednesday, June 18 – 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM CST

Richard W. Brown, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Joseph Critelli, Imperium Consulting Group, LLC

Cyber risk arises from the growing interconnectivity between people, systems, and places, along with a global reliance on digital infrastructure. In the energy industry, this digital transformation—driven by the integration of advanced technologies and computer systems—has introduced new vulnerabilities that many risk managers are not fully prepared to handle. These risks extend beyond data breaches to include physical damage, reputational harm, business interruptions, and third-party liabilities. This panel will explore the main sources of cyber-related loss, the specific challenges facing the energy sector, and the strategies and insurance solutions available to address these evolving risks.

Getting a LEG Up with Builders Risk Insurance

Thursday, June 12 – 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM (EST)

Janie Reilly Eddy, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Aaron Haimowitz, NFP
Jackson Parmenter, Kelly, Souza, Parmenter & Resnick, PC

This presentation explains the main features of builders risk insurance, focusing on proving “direct physical loss or damage” and understanding LEG and inherent vice exclusions. It will also explore how Owners and GCs control risk exposure by using builders risk insurance in conjunction with carefully negotiated contractual terms.

Posturing for Plaintiff’s: How to Maximize Insurance Coverage

Monday, June 9 – 11:30AM – 12:30PM EST

Stephanie A. Giagnorio and Kelly A. Johnson, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.

This webinar will examine insurance considerations for plaintiffs in filing, litigating, and resolving construction liability cases to ensure maximum recovery on any judgment against liable contractor defendants from their carriers.

Building Better Deals: Pro Trips for Successful Contract Negotiation

Thursday, June 5th – 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

K. Alexandra O’Neill, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Eve Biggers-Lewis, Curtis Partition
Ona Dudonis, Enovate
Cynthia Olinger, Willis Towers Watson
Miranda Fischer, Alliant Insurance Services (Moderator)

Navigating public sector contracts and high-stakes construction deals can be overwhelming. Join industry leaders as they share practical strategies for smarter contract negotiation, with a focus on insurance, risk management, and avoiding costly pitfalls. Gain the real-world insights you need to build stronger, safer deals.

Register now to attend the premier event in higher education risk management as URMIA’s 56th Annual Conference will be in the vibrant city of Las Vegas October 12-16, 2025!

Everything a Risk Manager Needs to Know about Risk Transfer and Additional Insured Coverage

Thursday, June 5

Bethany Barrese, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.

This presentation will include a discussion of the latest developments in anti-indemnity statutes and the interpretation of additional insured endorsements, and will focus on providing solutions to common risk transfer challenges. Attendees will receive guidance for identifying risk transfer issues and ensuring that contractual indemnity and insurance obligations are satisfied.

Common Construction Insurance Policy Gaps

Tuesday, May 20 – 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM EST

Will S. Bennett, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Emily Glanz, Cottingham & Butler

In the complex world of construction, ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage is crucial yet challenging. This session will dive into the common gaps found in construction insurance policies, the risks they pose, and strategies to address them. Attendees will gain insights into how to better negotiate their insurance policies with their specific needs, ultimately reducing the risk of costly disputes. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will leave with practical knowledge to enhance their risk management strategies.

Climate-Related Property Insurance Claims

Wednesday, May 7 – 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM EST

Eve-Lynn Gisonni, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Drew Howard, Roux
Josh Weisberg, Sterling Risk
John O’Marra, RT New York
Manda Lefton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The End of the World As We Knew It: What is the Role for Government and Private Industry in How Insurance Markets Respond to Extreme Weather Events and A Changing Climate?

Over the past several years, news stories reveal how weather patterns have changed. Atmospheric rivers bring substantial rain events, higher winds cause more damage, and flooding has become more prevalent as storms intensify. Dry conditions and drought can bring significant fires. Hurricane damage and changing sea levels will likely serve to make the problem more intense in various parts of the state.

The Panel discussion will bring together a diverse group with unique experience, expertise and perspective as the focus on the challenges that are being observed and those that are expected in the future. They will address property exposures, claims, loss control, underwriting considerations and proposed legislative involvement.

Insurance Matters: Risky Business and the Future of ADR

April 25, 2025 – 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST

Janeen Thomas, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Terrance Evans, Duane Morris, LLP
Kim Keenan, JAMS
Rebekah Ratliff, JAMS

Join the NBA ADR and Insurance Law Sections for the webinar entitled, “Insurance Matters: Risky Business and the Future of ADR.” This informative conversation is focused on the current cancel climate and implications on potential arising conflicts. ADR (mediation) is fast becoming the forum of choice for dispute resolution and trial is the alternative. Don’t miss this explorative “table-talk” style conversation between NBA professionals who stay in the know about what’s next.

Friday, April 4, 2025 – 8AM – 9AM (PST)

Jeremiah M. Welch, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Chris Ives, Fenchurch Law

In this webinar, Chris Ives of Fenchurch Law and Jeremiah Welch of Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. will be discussing the recent UK Court of Appeal decision in Sky UK Ltd and Mace Ltd vs Riverstone Managing Agency & Others and its commercial consequences within the UK, as well as the potential influence the case may have on the US legal landscape. The Court’s decision covers a number of issues relevant to contractors including:

• The recoverability of development/deterioration damage after the period of insurance
• Investigation/mitigation costs
• What constitutes “damage”
• Potential impact on claims and co-insurance.

If you missed the live airing of this webinar, you can view the recorded version here.

From Challenges to Champions: The Mindset of Future-Focused Insurance Leaders

April 3, 2025 – 12:45 PM – 1:35 PM EST

Janeen Thomas, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Omari Aarons, NAAIA
Thais Moore, Lockton
Terrence Pringle, Aon

Highlighting how modern insurance leaders can transform challenges into opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and long-term vision.