Tobacco Public Policy Center, Trial Lawyers Academy Host Discussion on Tobacco Litigation's Future

MEDIA ADVISORY:
Contact: Nichole Johnson
Assistant director for media relations
(614) 236-6945
njohnson@capital.edu

Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006–The Tobacco Public Policy Center at Capital University Law School, in conjunction with the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, will hold the second annual Tobacco Public Policy Conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at Quest Business Centers, 8405 Pulsar Place, in Columbus (614) 540-5540. 

The theme of the continuing legal education conference is “Waiting to Exhale: The Future of Tobacco Litigation.” The conference will discuss litigation against the tobacco industry as well as lawsuits involving secondhand smoke exposure. The conference offers 5.75 CLE hours.

The keynote speaker is Richard Daynard, associate dean and professor of law at Northeastern University School of Law. Daynard is at the forefront of the national movement to establish the legal responsibility of the tobacco industry for tobacco-induced death, disease and disability. He is president of the law school's Public Health Advocacy Institute and was editor-in-chief of the Tobacco Products Litigation Reporter for more than 20 years.

Other speakers scheduled to attend include:

• Madelyn Chaber, who won verdicts of more than $70 million against the tobacco industry in California;
• Chuck Tauman, attorney for the plaintiff in the Williams v. Philip Morris case currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court;
• Kathleen Dachille, director of the Center for Tobacco Regulation at the University of Maryland School of Law;
• Former OATL presidents Russell Smith and Phil Fulton; and
• Ohio Sen. Marc Dann.

Who: The Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Tobacco Public Policy Center
What: “Waiting to Exhale: The Future of Tobacco Litigation”
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, 2006
Where: Quest Business Centers, Columbus, Ohio 43250


About the Tobacco Public Policy Center
The Tobacco Public Policy Center at Capital University Law School is a legal resource center for the Ohio tobacco control advocates, policymakers, and attorneys trying to reduce smoking and tobacco use in their communities. Established in February 2005, the center is funded by a generous grant from the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation (OTPF).  With the assistance of Capital University Law School’s faculty, staff and student resources, the Tobacco Public Policy Center conducts research and educates public-health organizations, community groups and legislators on legal policy matters that impact tobacco use and regulation.  The Center’s website is http://tobaccopolicy.org.   

About Capital University Law School
Capital University Law School, founded in 1903, offers three degree programs – a Juris Doctor Degree, LL.M. and a Master in Taxation Degree. The Law School houses national centers and institutes, including The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy and the Center for Dispute Resolution. In addition to enrolling nearly 1,000 students, Capital Law School also serves the legal profession and business professionals through certificate programs, such as the paralegal, legal nurse consultant and life-care planner program, and a variety of scholarly symposia and conferences. Located in Columbus, Ohio, Capital University combines personal attention with a balanced liberal arts and professional studies education to prepare students for lifelong learning, leadership and service through five colleges: College of Arts and Sciences; Conservatory of Music; Law School; School of Management; and School of Nursing. Capital serves its adult learners through the Center for Lifelong Learning in Columbus. Founded in 1830, Capital is the oldest and largest university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.