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

CLM's mission is to bring defense law firms and claim professionals together to create more efficient ways to manage litigation. One way it accomplishes this is through its annual conference. With one event already under its belt, CLM returns this month to offer a second go of things on March 11-13 in Phoenix, Ariz. To provide a background on the upstart organization as well as a preview of things to come, Claims spoke with CLM's Executive Director Adam Potter.

In a nutshell, what is CLM all about?

As the largest organization focused exclusively on litigation management, we promote ethics, cooperation, and education. We encourage collaboration, communication and professional networking through our free training programs and local and national events. Adjusters and claim professionals are provided complimentary membership and can register at www.litmgmt.org.

Our 11 working committees focus on important issues. For instance, we are developing generally accepted litigation management principles and guidelines, certified by the CLM, to serve as a resource to the industry. We offer an approved attorney panel, and every attorney has been nominated by an individual who participates in litigation and the management thereof. This panel is accessible through our online directory or executive-managed referral network.

What kinds of educational opportunities and services does your organization offer outside the annual conference?

In 2009, we will offer eight adjuster training courses in two general tracks: legal and claim handling. Our goal is to train 5,000 claim professionals throughout the country — all without cost to participants. Taught by experienced lawyers and claim experts, each course is attended by about 50 participants in a classroom setting. Adjusters receive CE credits and build their professional network. Our Education Committee, composed of more than 40 seasoned professionals, provides quality control and develops new courses for claim professionals.

What topics will you highlight at this year's conference?

It will be an information-packed two days. The content is varied and includes topics to “bulletproof the defense alliance.” Because claim professionals are a cornerstone in the defense alliance, the sessions will provide the latest and best knowledge on collaboration, e-discovery, structured settlements, negotiation strategies, alternative legal fees, data convergence, forensics, and performance indicators. Each session includes a panel discussion, so we'll get different viewpoints from top people.

With more than 60 speakers, we are excited to have representation from insurance carriers, corporations, third-party administrators, and independent adjusters. It will also be quite interesting to hear from U.S. Attorney Jim Greenlee, whose office secured the indictment of nationally known plaintiffs' attorney Dickie Scruggs.

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

Our plans are to continue to build on our successes and to continue being a tremendous resource for the industry. In that regard, we will expand our educational offerings and are working to develop a college for litigation management. In addition, we will work to bridge the gap between corporations and insurance companies, and will continue to develop strong alliances with other organizations. We are excited about our future.

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