Pre-Conference – August 2, 2026

FREE BONUS SEMINAR
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.  |  Pier B Resort & Hotel

1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
CHECK-IN

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
AI Product Comparisons – The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Leading AI Products
– Jess Birken, Eric T. Cooperstein & Joshua Weaver
– Paul M. Floyd (moderator)

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
How to Avoid Generating Ethics Issues with Generative AI 
1.0 ethics credIt applied for
– Eric T. Cooperstein

MLM OPENING RECEPTION
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.  |  Pier B Resort & Hotel
Join Us for the Sunday Evening MLM Welcome Reception! Catch up with friends and colleagues at the annual MLM Opening Reception. Everyone is invited – including families! Great food, drink, and conversation – plus fun for the kids and prize drawings for the adults!
Sponsored by Minnesota Lawyers Mutual

Conference Day 1 – August 3, 2026

7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
CHECK-IN, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & NETWORKING

7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
SUNRISE SESSIONS

• Networking Professionally and Ethically
  1.0 ethics credit applied for
  – Roy S. Ginsburg
• The Conversion Code: Innovative Marketing for Real Client Growth
  Repeated at #G3
  – Heather D. Olson

8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

8:45 – 9:30 a.m.
MONDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Using AI to Create Time-Saving Systems
– Joshua Weaver; State Bar of Texas; Austin, Texas

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A

A1
Understanding Medical Assistance and How It Works
– Jill M. Sauber

A2
Family Law Update – Cases, Legislation and Practice
– Natalie M. Moriarty & Cheryl M. Prince

A3
Nine Helpful Discovery and Pre-Trial Tips
– Brooks Hazelton & Steven L. Reyelts

A4
Reviewing and Drafting Contracts Using AI (Claude)
– Paul M. Floyd

A5
The Nuts and Bolts of a Small Firm Practice – The Early Years
– Leanne R. Fuith & Heather M. Gilbert

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B

B1
Understanding Estate and Gift Tax
– James T. McNary

B2
Improving Your Presentation Skills – In the Courtroom, Boardroom or Anywhere!
– Honorable Edward T. Wahl (ret.)

B3
Watch Out! 10 Common Real Estate Title and Recording Mistakes
– Matthew J. Foli

B4
Leveraging Your Phone and AI – How to Get More Done More Easily
– Joshua Weaver

B5
Managing Clients and Client Expectations
– Eric T. Cooperstein, Paul M. Floyd & Jill M. Sauber

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCHEON & OPTIONAL ROUNDTABLES

Today’s roundtable topics include:

• Probate/Estate Planning/Elder Law Issues
• Real Estate Issues
• Family Law Matters
• Litigation Tips
• Using AI
• Books and Movies
• And More!

1:15 – 1:45 p.m.
AFTERNOON PLENARY
Managing Your Time – What Actually Works in the Real World
– Shannon D. Hoagland; Hoagland Law PLLC; Orlando, Florida

1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION C

C1
9 Things Every Attorney Should Know About Representing an Injured Party
– Michael B. Lammers

C2
Technical Conveyancing Requirements for Pretty Much Any Entity You Encounter, Whether Normal or Weird
– Marty G. Helle

C3
How to Protect Your Firm, Your Files and Yourself from Hacking, Phishing and Other Attacks
– Todd C. Scott

C4
Phone, Intake and Scheduling Made Easier – Keeping and Not Losing Clients
– Heather D. Olson

C5
The Business of Law – Focusing on the Financial Issues
– Jess Birken, Samuel J. Kavalier & Jason C. Kohlmeyer
– Leanne R. Fuith (moderator)

3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION D

D1
15 Things Everyone Should Know About Minnesota Real Estate, but Few People Do
– Matthew J. Foli

D2
Open Forum on Probate – Bring Your Toughest Questions
– Daryl T. Fuchihara, Yvonne M. Novak & Susan L. Waldie

D3
How Minnesota’s New Paid Leave and Sick and Safe Time Laws Impact Your Clients and YOU!
– Samuel J. Kavalier

D4
Help for Colleagues in Crisis: Recognizing and Responding to Impairment and Other Challenges in the Legal Profession
1.0 mental health/substance use credit applied for
– Jon M. Tynjala

JOIN US FOR THESE MONDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES:

• Solo and Small Practice Experience Section Happy Hour
  4:30 – 5:30 p.m.  |  310 Pub on Canal Park
  Stop by for hors d’oeuvres, beverages and good conversation. Free to Section members. (Join the Section for only $30.)
  
• Duluth Harbor Cruise
  2 Sailings – 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
  Bring your family and enjoy this fabulous cruise, the scenery of the Duluth Harbor, good conversation, and fun for everyone!
  Sponsored by Heimerl & Lammers

Conference Day 2 – August 4, 2026

7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & NETWORKING

7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
SUNRISE SESSIONS

• Buying or Selling a Legal Practice: Everything You Need to Know
  – Roy S. Ginsburg
• Getting the Most from AI – How to Write Prompts That Give You the Help You Need
  – Todd C. Scott

8:15 – 8:30 a.m.
INTRODUCTION TO DAY 2

8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
TUESDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Business Development Strategies That Actually Work
– Claire Mayweather; Sandler Training; San Antonio, Texas

9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION E

E1
Real Estate for Family Law and Probate Attorneys – Getting Things Right
Repeated at #H1
– Peter L. Radosevich

E2
You Make the Call – How Would You Rule on These Evidentiary Objections?
– Honorable Edward T. Wahl (ret.)

E3
How Do I Get the Tech Support I Need?
– Jess Birken & Todd C. Scott

E4
How to Practice Law, Have Fun, and Make More Money
Repeated at #H2
– Shannon D. Hoagland

E5
Our Best Ideas for Making Your Practice More Successful
– Heather M. Gilbert, Jason C. Kohlmeyer & Heather D. Olson
– Eric T. Cooperstein (moderator)

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION F

F1
How to Use Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts Successfully
– James T. McNary

F2
Contracts for Deed – The Complete Guide to Proper Use
– Marty G. Helle

F3
8 Tips to Improve Any Contract – And Help Avoid Disputes
– Jennie A. Clarke

F4
Convert More Leads into Clients – Build and Execute a Discovery-Based Call
– Claire Mayweather

F5
Finding, Training and Keeping Staff
– Kay A. Biga & Patrick M. Spott

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
LUNCHEON & OPTIONAL ROUNDTABLES

Today’s roundtable topics include:

• Staffing Challenges
• Marketing Strategies and Tactics
• Use of Technology 
• Client Management
• Vacation Destinations
• And More!

1:00 – 1:30 p.m.

AFTERNOON PLENARY
Your Firm’s Culture and Values – Does It Really Matter in a Solo or Small Firm?
– Leanne R. Fuith; Mitchell Hamline School of Law; Saint Paul

1:30 – 1:45 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION G

G1
Handling the Sale or Purchase of a Small Business (Under $3 Million)
– Jennie A. Clarke

G2
Medical Assistance in Action – Case Studies and What You Need to Know
– Jill M. Sauber

G3
The Conversion Code: Innovative Marketing for Real Client Growth
Repeat of Monday Sunrise Session
– Heather D. Olson

G4
Stop Getting “Think It Overs” after Great Meetings
– Claire Mayweather

G5
Pricing, Billing and Getting Paid
– Kay A. Biga & Patrick M. Spott

2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR TIME

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION H

H1
Real Estate for Family Law and Probate Attorneys – Getting Things Right
Repeat of #E1
– Peter L. Radosevich

H2
How to Practice Law, Have Fun, and Make More Money
Repeat of #E4
– Shannon D. Hoagland

H3
Breaking the Silence – Mental Health, Substance Use and Resilience in the Legal Profession
1.0 elimination of bias credit applied for
– Jon M. Tynjala

LIVE IN-PERSON
Sunday-Tuesday, August 2-4, 2026
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, Minnesota

Make Hotel Reservations Early!
Minnesota CLE has secured reduced room rates at four great Duluth hotels. Make reservations early to ensure room rate and availability. Be sure to mention the Minnesota CLE Solo and Small Firm Conference when making your reservations.

Canal Park Lodge
$269-$289 (August 2-3)
250 Canal Park Drive
218-279-6000
Includes free hot/cold breakfast and free parking. Located in Canal Park adjacent to the Lakewalk.

Inn on Lake Superior
$268-$281 (August 2-3)
350 Canal Park Drive
218-726-1111 / 888-668-4352
Includes free hot/cold breakfast and free parking. Located in Canal Park adjacent to the Lakewalk.

Pier B Resort Hotel
$259-$289 (August 2-3)
800 West Railroad Street
218-481-8888
Site of the Sunday bonus program and Sunday night reception. Located on the harbor near the DECC.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Duluth Waterfront
$189-$199 (August 2-3)
1000 Minnesota Avenue
218-722-6001
Includes free breakfast. Located on Park Point.

For additional lodging options, visit: 
www.visitduluth.com/stay

$425 MSBA members / $425 paralegals / $495 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Register by June 30 and save $50!
• Season Pass Discount
• New Lawyer 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.

CREDITS – CONFERENCE
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 12.25 total credits, including:

• 1.0 ethics credit for the “Networking Professionally and Ethically” sunrise session on Day 1
• 1.0 mental health/substance use credit for session #D4
• 1.0 elimination of bias credit for session #H3

The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 12.25 credits.

CREDITS – SUNDAY BONUS PROGRAM
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 2.0 total CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credit.