Staying Sharp: Lessons from the 2025 GTLA Auto Torts Seminar

At Kevin Patrick Law, we don’t just show up for our clients—we commit ourselves fully to the work it takes to be effective, empathetic, and prepared. One of the ways we keep that promise is through continuing legal education. The law is always evolving, especially in Georgia, and it’s our responsibility as trial lawyers to stay current—not just for our own development, but to better serve the individuals and families who count on us after life-altering events.

That’s why I recently attended the 2025 Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) Auto Torts Seminar. With three full days of educational programming, presentations, and panels led by some of the most experienced trial lawyers in Georgia, it was a weekend rich with ideas, strategies, and inspiration.

This blog post captures my reflections from the seminar—including what I learned, why it matters, and how we plan to apply these insights at Kevin Patrick Law to better serve our clients throughout Georgia.

Why Ongoing Legal Education Is Essential in Personal Injury Law

At first glance, some may think seminars are only about credits or networking. But for those of us handling serious injury and wrongful death cases, these gatherings are far more than a professional obligation—they are a necessity. Here’s why:

1. Laws Change – Georgia’s auto tort statutes and appellate rulings don’t stay the same. Senate Bill 68, for example, has dramatically reshaped what’s admissible and how we prove damages.
2. Jury Expectations Shift – Jurors today respond differently to evidence than they did a decade ago. We must evolve the way we present cases and explain harm.
3. Technology Moves Fast – Tools like telematics, AI, and demonstrative exhibits can change how a jury sees the facts. Staying on top of new technology helps level the playing field.
4. We Represent Real People in Crisis – When someone’s been injured in a crash, they deserve a lawyer who’s sharp, current, and ready. That starts with showing up—to the seminar, and to the courtroom—with full attention.

The GTLA Auto Torts Seminar reaffirmed for me how important it is to remain a lifelong student of the law. Every topic we covered had direct, practical implications for how we manage and try auto tort cases in Georgia.

Day One: Rethinking Trial Tactics in the SB 68 Era

The seminar opened strong with sessions focused squarely on Senate Bill 68, a landmark piece of legislation that has shifted how plaintiffs’ attorneys must prove damages at trial. If there was one recurring theme across Thursday’s lineup, it was this: We can’t try cases like it’s 2022.

“Keep Calm & Carry On: Lessons from Post-SB 68 Trials”

Led by the team at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, this session offered valuable insights from attorneys who’ve actually tried auto cases post-SB 68. They talked openly about challenges and shared how they’ve modified their strategies—from prepping witnesses to recalibrating damages models.

The panel emphasized two things:

• First, you must get creative in how you build a case in the absence of certain medical evidence.
• Second, don’t lose sight of credibility and clarity—jurors still respond to authenticity.

“Strategies, Procedures & Forms to Maximize Damages After SB 68”

This presentation, led by Natanya Brooks, JL King, and David McCain, was packed with practical resources. It focused on using the right documentation and case strategy to ensure that insurance payments, liens, and letters of protection don’t undercut the client’s recovery.

They also shared templates and forms, which I plan to integrate into our own case management system to improve how we track and present medical expenses under these new rules.

“Demonstrative Exhibits & Storytelling in Trial”

As attorneys, we know that what we say matters—but how we show it can be just as important. Michael Ruppersburg presented on the power of demonstratives—from accident animations to medical illustrations—and reminded us that effective visual aids aren’t fluff. They’re strategy.

Then, MJ Blakely brought it all home with “The Storytelling Ape.” His talk wasn’t just about closing arguments—it was about human connection. He asked: Are we speaking like lawyers or like people? Are we telling our client’s story, or just listing facts?

This first day was an important reminder: If we want jurors to engage, we need to do more than present data. We need to paint the whole picture—visually, emotionally, and logically.

Day Two: Discovery, Technology & Full-Value Advocacy

Day Two of the seminar took a deep dive into tools and techniques—the kind of knowledge that sharpens how we litigate before trial even begins.

“Discovery in the World of Telematics & AI”

Rebekah Cooper’s presentation was one of my favorites. She highlighted how vehicle telematics—data collected from GPS, acceleration, braking patterns, and more—is becoming a goldmine in auto tort discovery.

She showed us how to subpoena this data, interpret it, and use it to reconstruct events in a way that’s objective and irrefutable. With more vehicles and commercial fleets using connected devices, this area is only going to become more important.

“UM Claims: Who, What, When, Where & How”

This was a strong reminder from Carl Varnedoe that uninsured motorist coverage remains one of the trickiest and most overlooked components of many auto cases. He unpacked common missteps—like not preserving coverage notices or failing to explore excess policies—that can cost clients dearly.

I walked away from this session with a renewed commitment to leave no policy unexplored and to be thorough in early investigation.

“Going the Distance: Full Justice Isn’t ‘Nuclear’”

Trial legends Nick Rowley and Joseph Wilson challenged the idea that asking for full compensation is “going too far.” They argued passionately that plaintiffs’ lawyers must stop apologizing for the value of what their clients have endured.

This session hit home. It reminded me that courage in the courtroom isn’t just about confidence—it’s about conviction. And clients deserve nothing less.

Day Three: Back to the Basics—Better Than Ever

On Day Three, the programming turned to some of the most foundational elements of trial practice, offering rich reminders that even seasoned attorneys benefit from reviewing the basics—with fresh eyes.

“Estate Administration Essentials for Trial Lawyers”

Leslie Cadle addressed how wrongful death and estate-related litigation intersect. She discussed why probate documentation, personal representative authority, and estate administration timelines can make or break a damages claim.

I appreciated her clarity in explaining how small procedural mistakes—like waiting too long to open an estate—can result in major delays or disputes.

“Insurance Coverage Primer”

Joseph Padgett tackled one of the trickiest parts of any auto case: finding coverage. He shared helpful strategies for conducting coverage discovery early, identifying umbrella and excess policies, and challenging wrongful denials.

His message was clear: Coverage is out there—you just need to know where to look and how to ask.

“Closing Arguments & Judicial Perspectives”

In the final sessions, Andy Conn offered a workshop on closing arguments and trial strategy, emphasizing how the best closings are crafted throughout trial—from voir dire to rebuttal. He underscored the value of thematic consistency and using juror language to reinforce key messages.

Lastly, the Judicial Staff Attorney Panel moderated by Natalie Woodward gave us a unique view from inside the courtroom. Judicial staff attorneys from DeKalb and Chatham County shared candid insights about what makes for effective written motions, how to get judges’ attention on key issues, and how not to frustrate court staff.

It was a fitting conclusion to a seminar focused on professionalism, preparation, and performance.

How We’re Applying This at Kevin Patrick Law

Here’s what this all means for our firm and, more importantly, for our clients:

• We’re integrating telematics and AI discovery into our early investigation process for commercial vehicle cases.
• We’re increasing our use of demonstrative exhibits and visual storytelling during mediation and trial prep.
• And we’re doubling down on authentic advocacy—telling our clients’ stories with courage and clarity, not playing it safe out of fear of how it “might look.”

Our clients come to us in some of the hardest moments of their lives. They deserve a lawyer who never stops learning, never backs down, and never cuts corners. This seminar affirmed that path for me—and for our entire team at Kevin Patrick Law.

Contact Kevin Patrick Law

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, we’re here to help—with the knowledge, experience, and relentless preparation you deserve.

Kevin Patrick Law, LLC
📍 529 Pharr Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
📞 (404) 566-5880
📧 kevin@patricktriallaw.com
🌐 www.patricktriallaw.com