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 Laura A. Moehrle, Judge Nelson L. Peralta, Judge Laura M. Provinzino & Judge Stephen L. Smith
– Kevin D. Hofman (moderator)

10:05 – 10:15 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
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 Conduct.
– Eric T. Cooperstein

11:15 – 11:25 a.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

11:25 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
Find Your Strengths, Pursue Your Passion, and Innovate – 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.
– Jacob M. Abdo, Callyn T. Bedker & Allison E. Cole
– Judith M. Rush (moderator)

12:25 – 12:45 p.m.
NETWORKING BREAK & DISTRIBUTION OF LUNCH
(provided by Minnesota CLE)

12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH SESSION & PRIZE DRAWINGS! **
Minnesota CLE Resources for New Lawyers
Minnesota CLE has a plethora of resources to help you in your practice. As our Director of Publications highlights some of the most useful books, guides, and annotated documents for new attorneys, illustrates why Season Passes are the best deal in CLE, and shows how Minnesota CLE’s online seminars can help you meet your needs from wherever you are, two new lawyers will discuss how these resources have been indispensable in their practice.
– Wesley J. Cornwell, Holly L. Garland & Gabrielle D. Schneck

1:15 – 1:25 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

1:25 – 2:25 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A

101
How to Make Presentations to Clients, the Court or Any Audience
Learn practical tips for making powerful, persuasive, and effective presentations, whether speaking to a client, in court, or any audience. Retired Judge Edward Wahl shares strategies for organizing your message, communicating with clarity and confidence, and keeping your audience engaged, that will help you deliver presentations that are both compelling and memorable.
– Edward T. Wahl

102
How to Build Your Professional Reputation from Day One: Practical Strategies for Establishing Credibility with Clients, Colleagues, Opposing Counsel, and Judges
Your professional reputation begins taking shape from your very first day as a lawyer. Learn practical strategies for building credibility, earning trust, and making a positive impression on clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, and judges. Discover how everyday interactions, communication, preparation, and professionalism can help establish a reputation that opens doors and creates opportunities throughout your legal career.
– Brandon E. Vaughn

103
How to Use AI to Stand Out as a New Lawyer and Take Your Practice to the Next Level
AI is here and ever-changing. In this session, Paul Floyd will provide practical tips on how using AI can make you more efficient and effective, as well as provide the tools you need to stand out as a new lawyer and take your practice to the next level.
– Paul M. Floyd

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.
– Shauna L. Coons & David L. McGee

2:25 – 2:35 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

2:35 – 3:35 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B

201
7 Document Review Concepts New Lawyers Need to Know
Learn the seven key concepts new attorneys should understand to make the most of a document review platform – whether managing a production, reviewing documents or preparing for depositions.
– Ann E. Motl

202
What I Would Do Again, Differently, or Not At All – 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.
– Steven K. Budke & Emily K. Cooper

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 face high rates of stress, trauma, and mental health challenges that require awareness of the problem and practical strategies for wellness. This session discusses signs, symptoms, risk factors, and resources; reducing stress through daily practice habits and effective deadline management; using yoga, meditation, and mindfulness; and responding to a crisis in the workplace.
– Matthew J. Foli, Andrea L. Lovett & Dyan Williams
– Patty Devoy (moderator)

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.
– Nicole J. Tabbut & Tifanne E.E. Wolter

3:35 – 3:45 p.m.
NETWORKING & EXHIBITOR BREAK

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION C

301
When Things Go Sideways: What to Do with Difficult Clients, Hostile Counsel, Bad Facts, and Other Challenges
Not everything goes according to plan in the practice of law. Difficult clients, challenging opposing counsel, unfavorable facts, and unexpected complications can challenge even the most experienced attorneys. When things go sideways, it’s critical that you make sound decisions, keep matters on track, and protect your credibility. In this session, you will learn practical strategies for navigating these situations, managing difficult personalities, responding effectively when problems arise, and maintaining your professionalism under pressure.
– Michael H. Frasier

302
Be Indispensable as a New Associate – Strategies for Increasing Your Value and Making the Most of Your Opportunities
Success as an associate starts with sharpening your fundamental skills: clear communication, effective workload management, navigating feedback with confidence, and project ownership. Get guidance on how to improve your skills, make an impact, and connect to resources.
– Sharon S. Beck, Patrick H. Kratz & Paola K. Maldonado
– Kathy S. Kimmel (moderator)

303
AI and Attorney Ethics: Navigating Professional Responsibility in 2026
1.0 ethics credit applied for
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the delivery of legal services and creating new ethical challenges for attorneys and law firms. This presentation will examine how the Rules of Professional Conduct apply when lawyers use AI for drafting, research, client communication, workflow management, and decision-making support. Topics will include attorney competence, confidentiality safeguards, supervision of AI-generated work product, verification obligations, bias concerns, cybersecurity risks, and maintaining independent professional judgment. The session will provide practical guidance and risk management strategies lawyers can immediately apply within their practices.
– Todd C. Scott

304
An Open Forum on Estate Planning Law – Two Experienced Estate Planning Lawyers 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.
– Heather M. Gilbert & Courney Sebo Savica

4:45 – 5:15 p.m.
ANNUAL NEW LAWYER HAPPY HOUR – FOOD! FUN! PRIZE DRAWINGS! **
Join your friends, colleagues, and others for tasty refreshments, casual conversation, and prize drawings.

** Prize Drawing Terms and Conditions:
Prize drawings will take place at the lunch session and at the reception on Thursday, January 28, 2027. You must be present at the prize drawing to win. Any person may receive an entry slip on Thursday, January 28, 2027 at the Minnesota CLE Conference Center front desk. Registration for the 2027 New Lawyer Experience is not required. The following individuals are not eligible to win: employees of Minnesota CLE and the Minnesota State Bar Association, as well as family members of those employees.

LIVE IN-PERSON
Thursday, January 28, 2027
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 2024, 2025 or 2026
  Use coupon code 2027NLE-FREE during checkout. Admittance date will be verified.
• New Lawyer Discount: New lawyers who have been admitted to the bar less than 5 years, but who don't qualify to attend this course for free, receive a 50% discount.
• 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, 1.0 ethics credit for session #303, and 1.0 mental health/substance use credit for session #203. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.