The Defense Research Institute hosted its 31st annual Civil Rights and Government Tort Liability Seminar in New Orleans on January 25-26, 2018. Ryan Kunhart, attorney with Dvorak Law Group, LLC, served as Program Co-Vice Chair. He will serve as the upcoming 2019 Program Chair.

According to its website, the Institute is the international membership organization of all lawyers involved in the defense of civil litigation. Its five main goals are education, justice, balance, economics, and professionalism and service. It also provides resources and tools for attorneys who are members.

This seminar covered topics in areas affecting governmental entities, covering pre-trial litigation, trial, and appellate issues. Attendees also heard from leading Constitutional scholars on recent Court decisions and developments involving qualified immunity and the Americans with Disabilities Act as it affects governmental entities. The seminar set a record with over 550 attendees.

Kunhart’s practice focuses on management-side employment law and civil litigation. In his litigation practice, he represents governmental entities on matters such as alleged civil rights violations, police misconduct, sexual harassment, discrimination, inverse condemnation, and other matters common to municipalities and public entities. In his employment practice, Kunhart assists clients in complying with applicable federal, state and local employment laws and advises clients on hiring, discipline, discharge, discrimination, and compensation.