Oil Spill in Gulf Subject of American Bar Association Webinar

CHICAGO, July 9, 2010 – On July 21, the legal implications of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will be explored in a special webinar. With the effects of the spill likely to take decades to remedy, the American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section has gathered some of the top experts on tort and environmental law to examine the legal landscape surrounding what is considered to be one of the greatest environmental disasters in history. “Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: The Legal Fallout” will be webcast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., CT.

Participants with first-hand experience in mass torts, government, the insurance industry and environmental law will discuss the legal framework, including the Oil Pollution Act and the application of other laws; the role of the federal and state governments in regulating oil drilling and coordinating responses; the claims process; disaster response; insurance liability; pending and potential litigation, including civil remedies and economic damages; and insurance coverage and exclusions.

What: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: The Legal Fallout

When: July 21, Noon ET (11 a.m. CT)

Who: James Kosch, Newark, N.J.

Raymond Papperman, Cherry Hill, N.J.

Timothy Bergere, Philadelphia

Vincent Foley, New York

Allan Kanner, New Orleans

The ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section unites plaintiff, defense, insurance, and corporate counsel to advance the civil justice system. TIPS is a national source of expertise in tort, trial and insurance practice and brings lawyers together to share information and speak out on issues of importance. The section has about 30,000 members and 32 general committees that focus on substantive and procedural matters in areas across the broad spectrum of civil law and practice. For more information about the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section visit the TIPS website.

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

Note to Editors: Reporters are welcome to participate in the webinar for free. To register, contact Debbie Weixl, ABA Division for Media Relations and Communication Services, 312/988-6126 or weixld@staff.abanet.org. Those wishing to interview panelists should contact Debbie Weixl.