ONLINE REPLAY NOTE:
Online replay includes all plenary sessions and the selected breakout sessions highlighted in yellow below.

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
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.
– Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz, Judge Dominick D. Mathews, Judge Jon Schmidt & Judge Nicole J. Starr
– Kevin D. Hofman (moderator)

10:05 – 10:15 a.m.
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 Responsibility.
– Eric T. Cooperstein

11:15 – 11:20 a.m.
BREAK

11:20 a.m. – 12:20 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.
– Allison E. Cole, Jacob C. Harksen & Anisha J. Murphy
– Jonathan J. Fogel (moderator)

12:20 – 12:40 p.m.
NETWORKING BREAK & DISTRIBUTION OF LUNCH
(provided by Minnesota CLE)

12:40 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH SESSION & PRIZE DRAWING **
A Practicing Attorney's Guide to Minnesota CLE Resources
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.
– Wesley J. Cornwell, Holly L. Garland & Adam F. Nelson

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

1:25 – 2:25 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
How to Use AI to Stand Out as a New Lawyer and Take Your Practice to the Next Level
Learn how AI and other tech platforms and tools can make you more efficient and effective and provide the tools you need to stand out as a new lawyer and take your practice to the next level.
– Daniel A. Tysver

103
Well-Rooted Reminders –  A-Z: Tips for Keeping Perspective as a New Lawyer
Get practical strategies and tips for keeping perspective and avoiding burnout while assuming new responsibilities and making decisions that further your vision for your career.
– Adrienne Baker

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 J. 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 Lovett, PhD & Dyan Williams
– Jon Tynjala (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 & James J. Vedder

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

3:45 – 4:45 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
Be Indispensable as a New Associate – Strategies for Increasing Your Value and Leveraging 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.
– Roxanna V. Gonzalez, Krista M. Larson & Elissa R. Meyer

303
Avoiding and Addressing Mistakes – Practice Foundations and Professional Liability for New Lawyers
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 E. 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.
– Heather M. Gilbert & Courtney Sebo Savica

4:45 – 5:15 p.m.
ANNUAL NEW LAWYER MIXER – FOOD! FUN! PRIZE DRAWING! **
Join your friends and colleagues for tasty refreshments, plus in-person conversation and networking!

** Prize Drawing Terms and Conditions:
Prize drawings will take place at the lunch session and at the reception on Thursday, January 29, 2026. You must be present at the prize drawing to win. Any person may receive an entry slip on Thursday, January 29 at the Minnesota CLE Conference Center front desk. Registration for the 2026 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 29, 2026
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAY
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Attend online
Limited online replay includes plenary sessions and selected breakout sessions. A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.

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

Other discounts that may apply:

• FREE for attorneys first licensed in 2023, 2024 or 2025
  Use coupon code 2026NLE-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
• 1.0 ethics credit for session #301
• 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.