2019 STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS FOR SOLO & SMALL FIRMS
Institute
ITEM #:  1026082001   |   EVENT CODE:  274355
MEMBER PRICE
$345.00
STANDARD PRICE
$395.00
MSBA MEMBER, NEW LAWYER, AND OTHER DISCOUNTS, IF APPLICABLE, WILL BE APPLIED DURING CHECKOUT.

DULUTH

Monday, August 5, 2019 - Tuesday, August 6, 2019

8:15 AM - 4:15 PM   |   Check-In:  7:15 AM

DECC

Duluth Entertainment Conv Ctr

350 Harbor Dr

Duluth, MN 55802

2019 Strategic Solutions for Solo and Small Firms Conference

An Exceptional Learning and Networking Opportunity in a Fun, Family-Friendly Atmosphere!

The Best (and Most Fun) Conference of the Year for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys!
This year’s conference is jam-packed with new sessions – and many new speakers. It’s alive with new ideas to help you practice more successfully – with better processes, less stress, and better financial results. The Sunday opening reception at Pier B sponsored by MLM and the Monday evening Vista Fleet cruise in Duluth Harbor are just two of the highlights at the conference. Our terrific lineup of program topics includes:

  • How to Do Effective Internet Marketing on the Cheap
  • Best Practices for Digital Document Storage, Retention and Destruction
  • An In-Depth Study on the State of Legal Practice in Greater Minnesota: Lessons for All Small Firms, No Matter the Location
  • Open Forum on Estate Planning
  • Cybersecurity Tips for You and Your Law Firm 
  • 10 Tax Questions Every Solo/Small Firm Lawyer Should be Able to Answer
  • Barron Henley Returns! 
  • Ethics Requirements for Supervising Your Staff 
  • Medical Assistance Update 2019
  • And many more!

And, You'll Receive More Than $500 in FREE Practice Resources!

Day 1 – Sunday, August 4

4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

MLM WELCOME RECEPTION AT PIER RESORT
Bring your family and enjoy this fun kick-off to the 2019 conference. You’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages at the beautiful Pier B Resort that overlooks the harbor, Bayfront Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge. If you register online for the conference, please CALL us at 651-227-8266 or 800-759-8840 to make your reservation.


Day 2 – Monday, August 5

7:15 – 8:15 a.m.

CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

7:30 – 8:15 a.m.

SUNRISE SESSIONS

  • Sunrise Yoga with Matthew FolI
    Yoga mats provided; no special clothing required
  • Annual Planning for Lawyers: Setting Goals, Plans for Business Growth and Client Acquisition, and More
    Recommended reading at  https://s.coop/22foj
    Heather Olson & Chad A. Snyder
    Sponsored by the MSBA Practice Management and Marketing Section
  • I’ve Just Been Hacked!: Security Nightmares – And the Lessons They Can Teach You
    Mark Lanterman

8:15 – 8:30 a.m.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

8:30 – 8:45 a.m.

MSBA PRESIDENT'S WELCOME
Thomas F. Nelson

8:45 – 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS

How to Create Systems and Processes in Your Law Firm That Help You Make More Money
Billie Tarascio

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION A

A1
Important Family Law Developments – Includes Recent Child Support Legislation and Key Case Law

Lymari J. Santana

A2
Clearing Title Objections – Satisfying the Buyer, Seller and Lender

Matthew J. Foli

A3
Employment Law for the Law Firm – Hiring, Firing and Everything in Between

Leonard B. Segal

A4
Best Practices for Digital Document Storage, Retention and Destruction

Todd C. Scott

A5
The Solo – How to Practice Law, Run a Business and Still Have a Life

Jessica L. Birken, Leah R. Gilbert & Shawn M. Vogt Sween
Paul M. Floyd (moderator)

A6
Malpractice Prevention in Estate Planning Practice

Molly A. Teigen

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION B

B1
Intellectual Property for the Non-Specialist: What Everyone Should Know

Repeated at D5
James L. Young

B2
The Big Impact of the New Amended Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure – 7 Ways They Are Changing Discovery Practice

Rebekah Bailey & David E. Schlesinger

B3
Project Management Techniques and Methods That Create an Easier Workflow

Billie Tarascio

B4
Tech Tips for the Small Law Firm – What We Use and How It Can Help You

Repeated at D4
Jessica L. Birken & Benjamin R. Kwan

B5
How to Do Effective Internet Marketing on the Cheap – Including Dealing with Internet Reviews

Jason C. Kohlmeyer

B6
Open Forum on Estate Planning – From Wills, Trusts and Estates to MA and Beyond

Michael P. Sampson, Ruthanne Hedstrom Vos & Julian J. Zweber
J. Steve Nys (moderator)

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

LUNCH & NETWORKING

  • The Solo and Small Firm Section will meet for lunch in the French River Room. (Everyone is invited.)
  • The Practice Management and Marketing Section will meet for lunch in the St. Louis River Room. (Everyone is invited.)

1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

PLENARY SESSION

An In-depth Study on the State of Legal Practice in Greater Minnesota: Lessons for All Small Firms, No Matter the Location
Michele Statz, Ph.D.

2:00 – 2:15 p.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION C

C1
Family Probate Fights – A Litigator Explains What Goes Wrong and How to Avoid the Mess

Karen K. Ciano

C2
Running a Solo Litigation Firm: Alternative and Efficient Solutions for Success

Heather M. Gilbert

C3
Planning for Profitability – Financial Metrics, Processes, Billing, Staffing and Compensation

Kay A. Biga, Paul M. Floyd & Jon R. Schindel

C4
Choosing an Affordable Cloud-Based Case Management System Best for You

Todd C. Scott

C5
Cybersecurity Tips for You and Your Law Firm – How to Guard Against Theft, Hacking, Phishing, Ransomware and More!

Mark Lanterman

C6
Open Forum on Real Estate – Ask Your Most Pressing Questions

Charles H. Andresen, Jennifer L. Carey & Matthew J. Foli

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION D

D1
The New Will Drafting Document Assembly System and How It Saves You Time and Work

J. Steve Nys & Michael P. Sampson

D2
Don’t Let the Jerks Get You Down – Dealing with Difficult Persons Including the Professional and Ethical Rules and Obligations That Guide You

1.0 ethics credit applied for
Chad A. Snyder

D3
How You Can Turn Inquiries Into Clients or Fans

Billie Tarascio

D4
Tech Tips for the Small Law Firm – What We Use and How It Can Help You

Repeat of B4
Jessica L. Birken & Benjamin R. Kwan

D5
Intellectual Property for the Non-Specialist: What Everyone Should Know

Repeat of B1
James L. Young

JOIN US FOR THESE MONDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES:

  • Duluth Harbor Cruise – Sponsored by Minnesota Lawyers Mutual
    Bring your family and enjoy the scenery of the Duluth Harbor on this sightseeing tour aboard the Vista King. Make plans now to join us for this fabulous cruise, good conversation, and fun for everyone. Boat space is limited. Reservations are necessary – instructions will be emailed after registration.
  • Solo and Small Firm Section Sponsored Reception
    Join us for a fun reception at Grandma‘s Sports Garden from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Monday evening. Drop by and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and good conversation with other attendees and their families.


Day 3 – Tuesday, August 6

7:15 – 8:15 a.m.

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

7:30 – 8:15 a.m.

SUNRISE SESSIONS

  • Sunrise Yoga with Matthew Foli
    Yoga mats provided; no special clothing required
  • Managing, Mentoring and Learning WITH Millennials
    Steven R. Peloquin & Jade M. Rosenfeldt
    Sponsored by Greater Minnesota Practice Section
  • The New Will Drafting Document Assembly System and How It Saves You Time and Work
    J. Steve Nys & Michael P. Sampson

8:15 – 8:30 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO DAY 2

8:30 – 9:15 a.m.

TUESDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Lessons Learned While Building Our Small Firm Practice – Marketing, Technology, Financial and Customer Service Ideas That You Can Implement NOW!
Kay A. Biga & Patrick M. Spott

9:15 – 9:45 a.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

9:45 – 10:45 a.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION E

E1
How to Draft an LLC Operating Agreement – Including an Annotated Operating Agreement to Guide You

J. Patrick Plunkett

E2
Trust Basics and Beyond: An Introduction to Trusts Plus State Specific Matters

Jacqueline M. Schuh

E3
Critical Client Relations Forms to Use to Avoid Ethics and Malpractice Claims

Kent A. Gernander

E4
How to Create Forms Using Templates in Microsoft Word

Barron K. Henley

E5
Time Management – Stopping Distractions, Getting Organized and Making the Most of Your Time

Repeated at H2
Matthew E. Ludt
Session sponsored by the Practice Management and Marketing Section

E6
Open Forum on Family Law – Ask Your Toughest Questions on Any Family Law Matter

Jason C. Kohlmeyer & Lymari J. Santana

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION F

F1
How to Draft Buy Sell Agreements – Including an Annotated Form for You to Use

J. Patrick Plunkett

F2
Medical Assistance Update 2019

Repeated at H1
Julian J. Zweber

F3
Law Firm Staffing – Hiring Attorneys? Hiring Support Staff? Contract Workers? Compensation? Benefits?

Heather M. Gilbert, Paul M. Floyd & Jon R. Schindel
Eric T. Cooperstein (moderator)

F4
Tech on a Tight Budget – A Legal Technology Roadmap While Keeping the Costs as Low as Possible

Barron K. Henley

F5
Business Transition and Estate Planning for the Client Who’s NEVER Going to Retire! Practically Managing Expectations of Small Business Owning Estate Planning Clients

Dennis L. O’Toole & Barbara J. Heen
Session sponsored by the Greater Minnesota Practice Section

F6
Your Referral Network Is Broken – And Here’s the Fix

Danny Decker
Session sponsored by Spotlight Branding

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

LUNCH & NETWORKING

The Greater Minnesota Practice Section will meet for lunch in the French River Room to discuss:
Make a Good Living and Have a Good Life Practicing Law in Greater MN
Patrick K. Costello & Dennis L. O’ Toole
(Everyone is invited.)

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.

PLENARY SESSION

What Every Attorney Should Know About PDFs and How to Use Them
Barron K. Henley

1:45 – 2:00 p.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION G

G1
10 Tax Questions Every Solo/Small Firm Lawyer Should Be Able to Answer

Kathleen E. Splett & Benjamin A. Wagner

G2
Better Business: Branding, Marketing, and Communications for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys

Kristin L.C. Haugen

G3
I’ve Got My Eyes on You: Ethics Requirements for Supervising your Staff

1.0 ethics credit applied for
Eric T. Cooperstein

G4
Microsoft Office 365 – What It Includes and Why You Need It

Barron K. Henley

G5
The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Steps and Supports for Solo and Small Firms

2-hour session
2.0 elimination of bias credits applied for

Joan M. Bibelhausen, Satveer S. Chaudhary & Jade M. Rosenfeldt

3:00 – 3:15 p.m.

NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

3:15 – 4:15 p.m.

BREAKOUT SESSION H

The Path to Lawyer Well-Being (continued)

H1
Medical Assistance Update 2019

Repeat of F2
Julian J. Zweber

H2
Time Management – Stopping Distractions, Getting Organized and Making the Most of Your Time

Repeat of E5
Matthew E. Ludt
Session sponsored by the Practice Management and Marketing Section

H3
Collecting Fees from Clients and the Potential Ethical Issues

1.0 ethics credit applied for
Eric T. Cooperstein

H4
Help Session – Bring Your Laptop and Your Tech Issues and Get Hands-On Help

Jessica L. Birken & Barron K. Henley

IN-PERSON LIVE PRESENTATION
Sunday-Tuesday, August 4-6, 2019
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
800-628-8385 or 218-722-5573

Check out these great hotel rates – remember, it’s peak season in Duluth! Reservation deadline is July 3. Make your reservations EARLY to ensure room/rate availability. Be sure to mention Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Strategic Solutions for Solo and Small Firms Conference when making your reservations.

Comfort Suites Canal Park – $179 and up
408 Canal Park Drive
218-727-1378

The Inn on Lake Superior – $175 and up
350 Canal Park Drive
218-726-1111 or 888-668-4352

Canal Park Lodge – $169 and up
250 Canal Park Drive
218-279-6000

Pier B Resort – $179 and up
800 West Railroad Street
218-481-8888

$345 MSBA members / $345 paralegals / $395 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.

Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 11.0 standard CLE credits. We also have applied for 1.0 ethics credit each for sessions D2, G3 and H3 and for 2.0 elimination of bias credits for session G5. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this course is 11.0 credits.

SPONSORED BY:
MEMBER PRICE
$345.00
STANDARD PRICE
$395.00
MSBA MEMBER, NEW LAWYER, AND OTHER DISCOUNTS, IF APPLICABLE, WILL BE APPLIED DURING CHECKOUT.
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