8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

9:05 – 10:05 a.m.
Your Day in Court: What to Expect and What Judges Expect of You
A panel of judges discuss the rules of their courts and give advice on scheduling matters, working with clerks, proper communication with the courts, and etiquette in the courtroom and chambers.
– Judge Karie M. Anderson, Judge Jean E. Burdorf, Judge Dean C. Eyler & Judge Andrew S. Gordon
– Kevin D. Hofman (moderator)

10:05 – 10:15 a.m.
BREAK

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.   
Ethics in the Age of AI – How to Avoid Common Real-World Ethics Problems
1.0 ethics credit applied for
Learn how to work through the situations that commonly present ethics problems for lawyers and avoid conduct that would violate the Rules of Professional Responsibility.
– Nicholas M. Ryan

11:15 – 11:20 a.m.
BREAK

11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
5 Things I Know Now I Wish I Knew Then – Candid Advice for New Lawyers
Attorneys from a variety of practice areas share advice. Hear what they like about their work, what they find challenging, and what it takes to succeed.
– Adrienne Baker, Jevon C. Bindman, Sarah Soucie Eyberg, Ryan C. McCarthy & Letty M-S Van Ert

12:20 – 12:35 p.m.
NETWORKING BREAK & DISTRIBUTION OF LUNCH
(provided by Minnesota CLE)

12:35 – 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH SESSION & PRIZE DRAWING
Minnesota CLE Resources for New Lawyers
Learn about the most useful books, guides, and annotated documents for new attorneys. Discover why Season Passes are the best deal in CLE and how our online seminars help you meet your needs from wherever you are.
– Holly L. Garland & Luke E. Olson

1:00 – 1:10 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

1:10 – 2:10 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A

101
How to Write Better Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Proposed Orders
Get practical and actionable tips for drafting useful, logical, clear documents.
– Judge Edward T. Wahl

102
Using AI and Technology to Make Your Practice Better and Your Life Simpler
Learn how AI tech and other tech platforms and tools can keep you organized, secure your client data and make you more efficient and effective.
– Jess L. Birken

103
Finding Your First (or Next) Position – Career Planning for New Lawyers
Get practical strategies and tips for finding the right position and making decisions that further your vision for your career.
– Monica K. Gould & Summra M. Shariff
– GeWaden Dunkley (moderator)

104
An Open Forum on Real Estate Law – Two Experienced Real Estate Lawyers Answer Your Toughest Questions
Join a round-table discussion led by two experienced real estate attorneys for an enlightening look at questions newer lawyers have about real property law.
– Matthew J. Foli & Mary C. Taylor

2:10 – 2:20 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

2:20 – 3:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B

201
How to Use the New Minnesota Litigation Forms Deskbook
From pre-trial preparation through closing arguments and beyond, get practical tips and strategies for trying cases.
– Jenny Gassman-Pines & Megan K. Lefebvre

202
Tips for Running a Successful Solo or Small Firm
Learn the basics of launching a law practice, attracting and servicing clients,  managing cash flow and practicing ethically and effectively.
– Paul M. Floyd, Heather M. Gilbert & Inti Martinez-Alemàn

203
What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do – Managing Stress, Trauma, Mental Health and Substance Use as a New Lawyer
1.0 mental health/substance use credit applied for
Lawyers often experience high rates of trauma and stress. Left unresolved, chronic stress and trauma can adversely affect one’s health and well-being. This session offers insight on signs, symptoms, risk factors and resources for prevention and recovery
– Joan M. Bibelhausen & Matthew M. Ziebarth

204
An Open Forum on Family Law – Two Experienced Family Lawyers Answer Your Toughest Questions
Join a round-table discussion led by two experienced family law attorneys for an enlightening look at questions newer lawyers have about family law.
– Azure Schermerhorn-Snyder & James J. Vedder

3:20 – 3:30 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION C

301
How to Deal with Difficult People – Don’t Let the Jerks Get You Down
1.0 ethics credit applied for
Bad behavior is often part and parcel of legal disputes and processes. This session looks at behavior that negatively impacts our profession, discusses some reasons lawyers and others might resort to jerkish behavior, discusses the ethical rules around behaving badly and offers tips for addressing bad behavior.
– Chad A. Snyder

302
Managing Client Relations Effectively – 7 Forms You Can Use to Make It Easy
An experienced practitioner offers insight and suggestions for improving your practice correspondence. (Illustrated with your complimentary Client Relations Formbook)
– Speaker TBD

303
Mistakes New Lawyers Often Make and What to Do About Them
Managing risk and maximizing results requires thoughtful analysis and decision making. Get practical advice for avoiding common mistakes and creating practices that serve your clients and further your goals.
– Leanne R. Fuith & Todd C. Scott

304
An Open Forum on Estate Planning Law – Two Experienced Estate Planners Answer Your Toughest Questions
Join a round-table discussion led by two experienced estate planning attorneys for an enlightening look at questions newer lawyers have about estate planning law.
– Claire Langton-Yanowitz

4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
The Annual New Lawyer Mixer – FOOD! FUN! PRIZE DRAWINGS!
Join your friends and colleagues for tasty refreshments, plus in-person conversation and networking! 

LIVE IN-PERSON
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

$295 MSBA members / $295 paralegals / $345 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• FREE for attorneys first licensed in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024
  Use coupon code 2025NLE-FREE during checkout. Admittance date will be verified.
• Season Pass Discount

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 6.0 CLE credits, including:

• 1.0 ethics credit for the 10:15 a.m. plenary session
• 1.0 ethics credit for breakout session #301 
• 1.0 mental health/substance use credit for breakout session #203 

The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.