DULUTH
Monday, August 7, 2023 - Tuesday, August 8, 2023
7:30 AM - 4:15 PM | Check-In: 7:15 AM
DECC
Duluth Entertainment Conv Ctr
350 Harbor Dr
Duluth, MN 55802
Minnesota CLE’s beloved Solo & Small Firm Conference returns to Duluth on August 6-8, 2023 with great content and great fun for all attendees and their families.
Join other solo and small firm attorneys in Duluth for a great time of learning, networking, and relaxation. The Conference is filled with more than 40 helpful sessions – and you choose the ones that are best for you. You'll learn strategies and hear ideas to help your law practice become more successful, to minimize stress, and to help you have more time to enjoy life. Spend time listening to and discussing practice issues with those who know it best…other solo and small firm attorneys from around the state. There is no place like it – where you can learn so much and have such a good time in the process.
And, as always, your family is welcome! We invite your family to attend, at no extra charge, the receptions on Sunday and Monday evenings, as well as the "Night at the Aquarium" event on Monday evening. And they are welcome to join us for lunch both days as well. Of course, just being in Duluth in the summer is a great get-a-way. Your family will enjoy the lake walk, the ship watching, the beautiful scenery, and all that Duluth has to offer.
| Click HERE to RSVP for the Sunday Evening Welcome Reception and the Monday Evening Night at the Aquarium. |
Here are some of the sessions featured at this year's conference:
All Attendees Receive More than $800 in BONUS Practice Resources, Including:
Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to improve your practice and enjoy a wonderful conference experience.
7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
CHECK-IN, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & NETWORKING
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
Paul M. Floyd
8:45 – 9:30 a.m.
MONDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Regaining Your Life – “My Top Technology Tools for Managing Clients, Communications and Processes”
Barron K. Henley; Affinity Consulting Group; Columbus, Ohio
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A
001
The New Electronic Wills Act and Other Recent Developments in Probate and Trust Law
Cameron R. Kelly & J. Steve Nys
002
Single Member LLCs – How to Organize, Advise and Terminate
J. Patrick Plunkett
003
What I Know Now That I Wish I Knew Then: Important Lessons Learned in 40+ Years of Civil Litigation Practice
Repeated at #403
Steven L. Reyelts
004
The Incredibly Useful Excel and What It Can Do For You!
2-hour session
Barron K. Henley
005
How to Run a Business, Practice Law and Still Have a Life
Shannon D. Hoagland, Jill M. Sauber & Vince Stevens
Paul M. Floyd (moderator)
11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B
The Incredibly Useful Excel and What It Can Do For You! (continued)
101
Tough Evidence Questions: You Make the Call
Honorable Edward T. Wahl
102
10 Tips That Will Make Your Family Law Practice More Successful – Better Results, Less Stress and More Satisfied Clients!
Cheryl M. Prince & Diana B. Dodge
103
Understanding Trusts – An Overview of Trusts Including Practical Tips for Their Usage
Margaret M. Barrett & Benjamin J. Francis
104
The Systems I Use to Increase Efficiency
Jess Birken, Heather M. Gilbert & Jennifer L.J. Gilk
Eric T. Cooperstein (moderator)
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH & NETWORKING
NOTE FOR SOLO & SMALL PRACTICE EXPERIENCE SECTION MEMBERS – Join your fellow Section members for lunch in the French River Room for good conversation and a discussion of Section matters.
1:15 – 1:45 p.m.
AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION
Understanding AI and ChatGPT – What’s the Big Deal?
Daniel A. Tysver; Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP; Minneapolis
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION C
201
Preparing Client Estate Plans: A Balancing Act Between Avoiding Probate and Avoiding Medical Assistance Recovery Claims
Jill M. Sauber
202
Improving Your Presentation Skills – In the Courtroom, Boardroom or Anywhere!
Honorable Edward T. Wahl
203
Document Automation – DIY or a Subscription Service
Barron K. Henley
204
How to Make Money, Help People and Create Clients for Life: The Keys to Your First Client Meeting
Patrick M. Spott
205
More on ChatGPT – How Will It be Used by Lawyers for Better (or for Worse)
Todd C. Scott & Daniel A. Tysver
Eric T. Cooperstein (moderator)
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION D
301
New Employment Laws That Impact Every Employer of Any Size – and Most Employees! Marijuana, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and More
Repeated at #401
Leonard B. Segal
302
How to Conduct a Successful Purchase or Sale of a Business – Including a Comprehensive Checklist for Both Buyer and Seller
J. Patrick Plunkett
303
Getting the Most from Minnesota CLE’s “CLEPro” for Your Probate Practice
Barron K. Henley
304
The Keys to Growing a Law Firm – The Things We’ve Learned Along the Way
Margaret M. Barrett & Vince Stevens
305
Networking Professionally and Ethically
1.0 ethics credit applied for
Roy S. Ginsburg
JOIN US FOR THESE MONDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES:
7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & NETWORKING
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
Reconnecting in 2023 and Beyond: Marketing Strategies for a New Era
How to take your marketing efforts to the next level, without overburdening yourself, your staff, your clients, or prospective clients.
Shannon D. Hoagland; Hoagland Law PLLC; Orlando, Florida
9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION E
401
New Employment Laws That Impact Every Employer of Any Size – and Most Employees! Marijuana, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and More
Repeat of #301
Leonard B. Segal
402
Using TODDs to Avoid Probate – While Avoiding the TODD Pitfalls Along the Way
Jennifer L. Carey
403
What I Know Now That I Wish I Knew Then: Important Lessons Learned in 40+ Years of Civil Litigation Practice
Repeat of #003
Steven L. Reyelts
404
Getting the Help You Need – Hiring, Contracting, Outsourcing or Technology Solutions
Jess Birken, Patrick M. Spott & Robin Ann Williams
Eric T. Cooperstein (moderator)
405
Data Security Checklist for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys
Todd C. Scott
10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION F
501
Estate Administration of Agricultural Assets – Methods, Tips, and Traps
Jennifer L.J. Gilk
502
10 Real Estate Title and Conveyancing Problems and Solutions
Kimberly E. Brzezinski
503
Medical Assistance Update – Latest Developments and Traps for the Unwary
Repeated at #603
Julian J. Zweber
504
The Law Firm Is Also a Business – Business Practices and Ideas to Make You More Successful
Leanne R. Fuith, James H. Gempeler & Benjamin A. Wagner
Paul M. Floyd (moderator)
505
Advancing Your Law Firm Mission While Living Your Values
Sarah Soucie Eyberg & Patrick Patino
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH & NETWORKING
NOTE FOR GREATER MINNESOTA SECTION MEMBERS – Join your fellow Section members for lunch in the French River Room for good conversation and a discussion of Section matters.
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION
How to Claim and Grow Your Online Reputation
Jess Birken; Birken Law Office PLLC; Minneapolis
1:30 – 1:45 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION G
601
New Minnesota Statutes and Their Impact on the Residential Landlord-Tenant Relationship and Eviction Actions
Robin Ann Williams
602
Six Things You Absolutely Have to Know (or Do) When Your Client Is Buying or Selling Commercial Real Estate
Shannon D. Hoagland
603
Medical Assistance Update – Latest Developments and Traps for the Unwary
Repeat of #503
Julian J. Zweber
604
How Do You Price Your Legal Services (and Get Paid)?
Kay A. Biga & Benjamin A. Wagner
Paul M. Floyd (moderator)
605
Ethics Hot Seat: Who Is My Client and Why Does It Matter?
1.0 ethics credit applied for
Eric T. Cooperstein
2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION H
701
Cocktail Law – Answers to Questions You’ll Be Asked by Friends, Family and at Cocktail Parties
Yvonne M. Novak, Brent R. Olson & Andrew T. Poole
Roy S. Ginsburg (moderator)
702
How to Make Social Media a Powerful Marketing Tool for Your Practice – Without Wasting Time or Creating Headaches! (Including Practical Social Media Do’s and Don’ts)
Jess Birken & Todd C. Scott
703
Reducing Stigma and Chronic Stress to Avoid Burnout
1.0 elimination of bias credit applied for
Judith M. Rush
LIVE IN-PERSON
Sunday-Tuesday, August 6-8, 2023
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, Minnesota
Make Hotel Reservations Early!
Minnesota CLE has secured blocks of rooms at some of Duluth’s hotels close to the conference and Duluth’s Canal Park. Reservations must be made by July 5, 2023. Be sure to mention the Minnesota CLE Solo and Small Firm Conference when making your reservations.
Pier B Resort
$279
800 West Railroad Street
218-481-8888
The Inn on Lake Superior
$231-$311 (includes breakfast)
350 Canal Park Drive
218-726-1111
Canal Park Lodge
$269 (includes breakfast)
250 Canal Park Drive
218-279-6000
Holiday Inn & Suites
$179
200 West First Street
218-727-7492
Fairfield Inn & Suites Duluth Waterfront
$189 (includes breakfast)
1000 Minnesota Avenue
218-722-6001
For additional lodging options, visit:
www.visitduluth.com/lodging
$395 MSBA members / $395 paralegals / $445 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 12.0 total CLE credits. We also have applied for 1.0 ethics credit each for sessions #305 and #605 and for 1.0 elimination of bias credit for session #703. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 12.0 credits.
