Convention
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Trailhead to Trial: Mapping the Path of Civil Defense
Join us at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA, for an exciting lineup of speakers and great opportunities to connect with fellow members, and plenty of fun activities.
9 CLE WSBA credits, including 1 Ethics credit
Agenda
| Thursday July 23, 2026 |
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| 3:00-5:00 pm | From Word Salad to Winning Argument Monica Marks & Molly Stoecklin, Preg O’Donnell & Gillett Stevenson A Ballroom |
| 5:30-8:00 pm | Welcome Reception Sponsored by WDTL Past Presidents Moonlight Pavillion Kids' activities, check in between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. at registration. |
| Friday July 24, 2026 |
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| 7:30-9:30 am | Breakfast Buffet & Exhibitor Showcase Opens Stevenson B Ballroom |
| 8:30-8:45 am | Welcome Remarks Ashley Nagrodski, Convention Chair, Smith Freed Eberhard Stevenson A Ballroom |
| 8:45-9:45 am | Hallucinations, Efficiency, Cost Recovery: What your Clients Need You to Know about AI Mike Chait, Fennemore Catherine Becker, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company |
| 9:45-10:45 am | Plaintiffing the Defense: Strategically Build Your Case for Success at Arbitration or Mediation Kim Reppart, Clyde & Co. |
| 10:45-11:00 am | Break |
| 11:00 am-12:30 pm | Litigation Look Back: Trends Across the Trial and Appellate Courts Moderator: Isaac Prevost, Carney Badley Spellman Panel: Rory Cosgrove, Carney Badley Spellman Elizabeth Collura, Elizabeth F. Collura & Associates Lloyd Bernstein, Wilson Elser Natalie Heineman, Larson Health Advocates |
| 1:30 pm | Golf Tournament Elk Ridge Golf Course |
| 7:30-10:00 pm | President's Party Honoring Rory Cosgrove Join us for Rory's “Farewell Open” at a golf-themed party. Moonlight Pavilion & Little Eagle Putting Course |
| Saturday July 25, 2026 |
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| 7:30-9:30 am | Breakfast Buffet & Exhibitor Showcase Stevenson B Ballroom |
| 8:30-8:35 am | Welcome Remarks Ashley Nagrodski, Convention Chair, Smith Freed Eberhard Stevenson A Ballroom |
| 8:40-9:50 am | Treble Jeopardy: Insurance Law Tidbits That Defense Counsel Should Always Keep in Mind Tom Ahearne, Foster Garvey, PC Rishabh Agny, Clyde & Co. |
| 9:50-10:50 am | Crossing the Columbia: Navigating Civil Defense Practice Between Washington and Oregon Kelsey Shewbert, HWS Law Cliff Wilson, Smith Freed Eberhard |
| 10:50-11:15 am | Break & First Sponsor Raffle Stevenson A Ballroom |
| 11:15 am -12:15 pm | Wild Wild East: Taming the Legal Frontier of Eastern Washington Practice Alison Turnbull, KS Lawyers Mary Rathbone, Moberg Law |
| 12:15 -12:30 pm | Second Sponsor Raffle Stevenson A Ballroom |
| 6:00-9:00 pm | Cocktail Party & Awards Dinner Close out the Convention as we dash for desserts, honor the recipient of the WDTL President’s Award, elect the 2026-2027 Board of Trustees and present the Golf Tournament awards and remaining Core Sponsor Raffle drawings. Dressy casual attire is recommended. Stevenson A Ballroom Kids' activities, check in between 5:30 and 6:00 pm at registration. |
| Sunday July 26, 2026 |
Check out of the hotel by 11:00 am |
Download the agenda
Convention Registration
Log in to your WDTL account to receive the appropriate rate.
Please register your guests attending the parties and breakfast.
| Member Type | |
| WDTL Members | $650 |
| Past Presidents | $450 |
| Guests | $250 |
| Kids (ages 3-11) To register children, click the down arrow under Guest Types. | $100 |
| Core Sponsors (2 reps included with your annual sponsorship) | $0 |
| Additional Core Sponsor Representatives: To add additional company reps or guests to your registration, click the down arrow under Guest Types and choose the appropriate category of Additional Rep or Guest. | $250 |
| Vendors Are you interested in representing your services and networking with top-level attorneys? The WDTL Annual Meeting & Convention is the place to be! Please contact Kathleen Howat at office@wdtl.org for details. |
$3000 |
Registration includes a Thursday evening reception, breakfast on Friday and Saturday, the Friday President’s Party, the Saturday evening Cocktail Party & Awards Dinner, and an extensive CLE Program. Children’s registration includes breakfast on Friday and Saturday, and dinner/entertainment on Thursday and Saturday evenings. The Kids' programs are designed for kids ages 3 to 11 (diaper-free).
Cancellation Policy: Registrants canceling their Convention Registration before June 21 will receive a refund less a $75.00 handling fee. No refunds will be given after June 21. Substitutions are welcome.
Convention Attire: Casual resort wear is recommended except where noted.
Book Your Stay!
1131 Skamania Lodge Way
Stevenson, WA 98648
(509) 203-7714
Superior King: $320
Premier King: $320
Rates include resort fee, taxes not included.
Use the WDTL room block link to reserve these rates.
If you would like a larger room or a double queen room, please call the hotel and reference WDTL.
Rates available for stays three days prior to and three days after the convention.
Reservations must be made by June 21 to guarantee the WDTL room rate.
Self-parking included
Pet deposit: USD 75.00 per stay
Pet fee: USD 75.00 per pet, per stay
Service animals are exempt from fees
Late check-out fee: USD 75.00 (subject to availability)
Golf Tournament
Friday, July 24 | 1:30 p.m.
Elk Ridge Golf Course
Sponsored by Mix Sanders Thompson
Golf Chair: Mike Sanders, Mix Sanders Thompson
Players of all ability levels are encouraged to participate.
No refunds for golf tournament registration after June 21, but substitutions are welcome.
Appropriate golf attire is required.
Activities
Welcome Reception Sponsored by WDTL Past Presidents: Start the weekend with networking and fun on Thursday night. (Dinner on Thursday will be on your own.)
President's Party: Join us Friday, July 24, for Rory's “Farewell Open” at a Golf-themed party.
Cocktail Party & Awards Dinner: On Saturday, July 25, we will close out the Convention by honoring the recipient of the WDTL President's Award. Dressy casual attire is recommended.
WDTL invites our Law Firm partners to sponsor the Convention. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Maggie Sweeney at maggie@wdtl.org.
Thank You WDTL Sponsors!
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