Hosted by the TBA Criminal Justice Section, this free event will provide a comprehensive, science-based foundation in alcohol toxicology, interdisciplinary examination of alcohol-related litigation, integrating scientific principles, legal frameworks and ethical considerations relevant to impaired driving (DUI) and dram shop matters. Through a three-part structure, participants will hear from practitioners who will provide a practical understanding of how alcohol toxicology, legal standards, and professional responsibilities intersect in real-world cases.

Panelists will discuss managing client expectations, structuring fees, communicating the costs and value of expert involvement and maintaining professional responsibility while advocating effectively for clients. 2 hours of dual CLE credit are available for a processing fee. Contact jword@tnbar.org with questions involving CLE.

Presenters

DAVID LEHMANN is a leading expert in toxicology and a senior toxicologist at Intertox Inc. With nearly two decades of experience spanning academia, industry, and government, Lehmann excels at evaluating potential human health risks posed by environmental pollutants, alcohol and drugs, medical devices, and consumer products. His accomplishments include both rigorous investigational laboratory studies and comprehensive written assessments. Renowned for his expertise in scientific assessments and communication, Lehmann has consistently demonstrated a proven track record of addressing complex scientific issues tailored to serving client needs with precision and clarity.
 

JOHN GRIFFITH is the founding attorney at Griffith Law, a personal injury firm representing victims throughout Middle Tennessee. Starting his career as an insurance claims adjuster, he saw how his decisions could impact people’s lives, positively or negatively, after someone else’s carelessness had seriously injured them. That’s when he began to realize the frustration of working for insurance companies, whose main products are promises in exchange for money and those promises of coverage were broken far too often. As a result, John decided to focus on combating those broken promises by attending law school and committed his career to standing up for injured victims. As an experienced personal injury lawyer, he fights on behalf of deserving people who have been treated unfairly by those same insurance companies. Griffith has served in multiple positions within the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, including legislative chair, vice president and president.
 

PHIL HARVEY is the founder and attorney at Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers in Memphis. He began his career as an attorney at the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office, representing hundreds of clients each year in many difficult cases. Having learned the ins and out of criminal defense as a public defender, Harvey switched to private practice, learning under a talented and experienced plaintiff’s attorney, Parke Morri. While he continued to hone his negotiation and advocacy skills, he grew interested in business and founded Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, where he helps clients secure dismissals, probation offers, and reduced prison sentences through meticulous review of each case and skillful negotiating.