The Council on Litigation Management (CLM) hasn't been aroundfor years, but what it lacks in age it more than makes up for inexperience and momentum, as demonstrated by the way it has beenembraced by claim professionals at more than 300 insurance carriersand independent organizations.

CLM's mission is to bring defense law firms and claimprofessionals together to create more efficient ways to managelitigation. One way it accomplishes this is through its annualconference. With one event already under its belt, CLM returns thismonth to offer a second go of things on March 11-13 in Phoenix,Ariz. To provide a background on the upstart organization as wellas a preview of things to come, Claims spoke with CLM's ExecutiveDirector Adam Potter.

In a nutshell, what is CLM all about?

As the largest organization focused exclusively on litigationmanagement, we promote ethics, cooperation, and education. Weencourage collaboration, communication and professional networkingthrough our free training programs and local and national events.Adjusters and claim professionals are provided complimentarymembership and can register at www.litmgmt.org.

Our 11 working committees focus on important issues. Forinstance, we are developing generally accepted litigationmanagement principles and guidelines, certified by the CLM, toserve as a resource to the industry. We offer an approved attorneypanel, and every attorney has been nominated by an individual whoparticipates in litigation and the management thereof. This panelis accessible through our online directory or executive-managedreferral network.

What kinds of educational opportunities and servicesdoes your organization offer outside the annualconference?

In 2009, we will offer eight adjuster training courses in twogeneral tracks: legal and claim handling. Our goal is to train5,000 claim professionals throughout the country — all without costto participants. Taught by experienced lawyers and claim experts,each course is attended by about 50 participants in a classroomsetting. Adjusters receive CE credits and build their professionalnetwork. Our Education Committee, composed of more than 40 seasonedprofessionals, provides quality control and develops new coursesfor claim professionals.

What topics will you highlight at this year'sconference?

It will be an information-packed two days. The content is variedand includes topics to “bulletproof the defense alliance.” Becauseclaim professionals are a cornerstone in the defense alliance, thesessions will provide the latest and best knowledge oncollaboration, e-discovery, structured settlements, negotiationstrategies, alternative legal fees, data convergence, forensics,and performance indicators. Each session includes a paneldiscussion, so we'll get different viewpoints from top people.

With more than 60 speakers, we are excited to haverepresentation from insurance carriers, corporations, third-partyadministrators, and independent adjusters. It will also be quiteinteresting to hear from U.S. Attorney Jim Greenlee, whose officesecured the indictment of nationally known plaintiffs' attorneyDickie Scruggs.

What are the future plans for CLM? Where do you go fromhere?

Our plans are to continue to build on our successes and tocontinue being a tremendous resource for the industry. In thatregard, we will expand our educational offerings and are working todevelop a college for litigation management. In addition, we willwork to bridge the gap between corporations and insurancecompanies, and will continue to develop strong alliances with otherorganizations. We are excited about our future.