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
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:
And, You'll Receive More Than $500 in FREE Practice Resources!
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.
7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
SUNRISE SESSIONS
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
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:
7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
SUNRISE SESSIONS
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.