State Bar to focus on toxic mold
Seminars in Madison, Milwaukee to educate professionals
MADISON, June 3, 2002 - Concern about mold in
Wisconsin buildings has increased during the last year. Classes were
moved from schools in Madison, Oconomowoc, Sheboygan, Berlin and Oshkosh
because of mold found in buildings. An environmental health specialist
for the state of Wisconsin told the Wisconsin State Journal in
March that "there are a lack of experts in the field of toxic mold."
The State Bar of Wisconsin is responding to the growing concern over
toxic mold and the need for experts by sponsoring two, full-day seminars dedicated to studying all
aspects of mold. Seminars will be held June 5 at the State Bar Center in
Madison and June 6 at the Radisson Milwaukee West from 8:30 a.m. to 4
p.m. Video replays will be aired statewide on June 26.
A wide variety of professionals involved in mold claims will share
their perspective on all issues brought by mold contamination. Attendees
will include lawyers, contractors, sub-contractors, builders, building
managers, insurers, and real estate brokers.
The seminar will overview the science of mold from knowledgeable
physicians, industrial hygienists, and engineers who will discuss
studies of the effects of inhalation exposure to mold, the methodology
for sampling, analyzing and remediating mold, and the analysis of
construction techniques and materials for the prevention of mold growth.
Both lawyers and representatives from the insurance industry will also
discuss effective claims investigation and claims management
techniques.
Topics to be covered include:
- What is Mold and Can it Make you Sick?
- Investigating for Mold and Interpreting the Data
- Mold Remediation
- Prosecuting and Defending Mold Claims
- Alternative Solutions for Resolving Mold Claims
- Construction Techniques to Avert the Mold Problem
Insurance Coverage Issues Attorney Cynthia E. Smith
of Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP in Milwaukee is chairing the
seminar, which includes the following well-known mold experts:
Sharon Bessa, Bessa & Associates, Madison
(biography attached)
Mark Meiling, Foresight Home Performance, Milwaukee
(biography attached)
Donald Murphy, Murphy, Vaughan, Boller & Pressentin
LLC, Madison
James Olson, Lawton & Cates, SC, Madison
John J. Ouellette M.D., UW Health, Madison (biography
attached)
Kent Rahowser, A&J Specialty Services, DeForest
(biography attached)
John Rieter, Kisco, Inc., Milwaukee
Richard Schulz, Schulz, Duffy & O'Brien, SC,
Milwaukee
The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association,
created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law
license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids
the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides
continuing legal education for its members, and assists Wisconsin
lawyers in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the
legal system.
For more information, visit the online
brochure.
Press Releases