Shari Belitz
Litigation consultant and strategist, owner and CEO of Shari Belitz Communications, LLC a company which provides mock trial, focus groups, and other litigation consulting services to lawyers and insurance industry professionals. Shari Belitz Communications, LLC is a WBENC certified company.
founder of “The Psychology Methodology for Litigation Education” and its companion course EnPSYCHLAWpedia™ an educational platform which uses video and written materials to teach lawyers how to use social psychology to achieve favorable litigation outcomes, at settlement or trial.
Prior to her litigation consulting career, she was an insurance coverage attorney at a law firm and litigation manager in-house at AIG where she handled complex mass tort lawsuits for Fortune 500 insured clients.
David M. Scott
David Scott is the Managing Partner of BMD’s Columbus office and co-Vice President of the firm.
He applies his skills as a litigator, arbitrator, mediator, and negotiator to resolve all manner of business, healthcare, real estate, construction, and employment conflicts.
David won Central Ohio’s largest jury verdict in 2011, he is rated “AV® Preeminent™” by Martindale-Hubbell® (signifying “the highest level of professional excellence”), he is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and he is a LEED® Accredited Professional. He represents numerous NYSE-listed global enterprises, for which he has developed proprietary litigation systems to accelerate workflow efficiencies.
Matthew R. Duncan
Matt is a courtroom litigator and counselor whose primary goal is to problem solve and be his clients’ advocate. He
represents businesses, individuals, banks, property owners and families seeking solutions in areas of conflict. Matt is
experienced in representing clients in:
- Business and CommercialLitigation
- Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy
- Intellectual Property Infringement
- Probate Litigation
- Toxic Torts and Asbestos Litigation Defense
- Foreclosures
- Evictions
- Employment Law Defense
Matt is also experienced in advising governmental clients and as a part of that guidance provides policies, rules and
regulations.
In addition, Matt is trained in TitleIX decision making, investigation,and advocacy in educational institution settings.
Approved for CLE Credit in Ohio State Only
Inside the War Room: Trial Preparation Strategies Every In-House Counsel Should Know
Event Description
When litigation heads toward trial, in-house counsel are more than observers—they’re the strategic anchors guiding outside counsel, managing risk, and aligning trial decisions with business realities. Every element of trial prep, from case themes and witness coordination to media messaging and ethics, carries enterprise-level implications. Understanding how to lead effectively from the inside is what separates reactive litigation management from proactive trial strategy.
Join us in person on Wednesday, November 5 at 5:30 PM ET as Matthew Duncan and David M. Scott, of BMD, and Shari Belitz, CEO of Shari Belitz Communications, LLC, take you inside the war room to explore the real-world mechanics of trial preparation. Through practical examples and candid insights, they’ll unpack how in-house counsel can shape narrative development, strengthen collaboration with outside trial teams, and ensure the company’s story is both credible and compelling.
Key Takeaways:
- How in-house counsel can shape case themes, messaging, and trial strategy from the start
- Best practices for managing outside counsel collaboration and trial team alignment
- Using voir dire and mock juries to anticipate risks and refine strategy
- Managing corporate reputation and media relations during trial
- Ethical and procedural considerations unique to in-house legal leadership
Who Should Attend:
This in-person session is designed for in-house counsel and legal department leaders who oversee litigation, coordinate with outside counsel, or advise senior management on trial-related matters. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming case or building internal playbooks for the future, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your company’s trial readiness from the inside out.
There is NO COST to attend this program!
This program is FREE thanks to our gracious sponsor, Brennan, Manna & Diamond.