Sept. 5, 2018 – Once you’ve completed the hard task of getting the right people on your team, how do you keep them – and keep them motivated to work hard?

One solution: Establish a fair compensation structure for your team, says Sarah Ruffi, conference chair of the upcoming Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference.

The formula works like this, “For every dollar that comes in, I break that dollar up in percentages: for the person who originated the work, the person who did the work, our overhead, and the balance for the shareholders,” says Ruffi, who runs Ruffi Law Offices S.C., a three-attorney firm in Wausau.

Establish a fair compensation structure for your team, says Sarah Ruffi of Ruffi Law Offices S.C. and conference chair of the upcoming Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference.

That’s just one part of compensating your team – and money isn’t the only motivator to use. “Proper compensation is about the energy in your office, and having everyone on board to move forward,” she says.

Together, the attorneys and staff at Ruffi’s firm set goals – and celebrate when they reach them, with special outings like going zip lining.

Ruffi’s team also works on open accountability. Team members email everyone each morning, listing the three things they want to accomplish that day. “Then we share our wins,” says Ruffi. “That has helped our energy levels go up.”

More Motivation Techniques

Learn how to set a fair compensation formula and gather ideas for nonmonetary motivators from Sarah Ruffi and David Krekeler at the 2018 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 25-27 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

Ruffi and Krekeler, of Krekeler Strother S.C., Madison, discuss practical tips in the CLE seminar, Establishing a Compensation Structure for Associates and Staff, on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018.

Plenaries and CLE

Earn CLE, EPR, LPM, and LAU credits while networking and making friends with other solo and small-firm attorneys. Learn how you can feel better, work smarter, and reduce strain in an atmosphere of learning, networking, and fun.

Plus, free access to recorded sessions after the conference ends means the chance to earn even more CLE credits.

Plenaries include:

• Negotiation Origami: Five Key Skills to Improve Your Negotiation Effectiveness

• Women in the Law – A Candid Discussion

• Gadgets, Gizmos, and Widgets

• What You Need to Learn Now to Prepare for 2023

• The Top Six Things Solos and Small Firms Can Do to Avoid Disciplinary and Malpractice Claims

You can also attend CLE topics in four tracks: Substantive Law, Practice Management, Technology, and Quality of Life/Ethics. CLE seminars discuss topics like protecting your practice from cyber threats, becoming a mobile lawyer, and updating your firm website.

Expo, Networking, Luncheons, Receptions, and More

There’s more to the conference than plenaries and CLE seminars. There’s plenty of opportunities for networking and more:

• On Thursday, visit the Legal Expo for lunch – compliments of Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C. – while gathering great information on tools, services, and ideas from exhibitors.

• Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and soda, thanks to WILMIC and West Bend Mutual Insurance, at the reception on Thursday.

• Sign up for one of multiple dine-arounds at local restaurants where you'll meet and network with fellow conference-goers.

• Celebrate the recipient of the John Lederer Service Award at lunch on Friday.

• Relax and enjoy the hospitality suite and refreshments sponsored by Krekeler Strother S.C.

First-time Attendees Save $50 on Registration

First-time registrant? Take $50 off the regular tuition rate of $349. Plus, register by Oct. 3 to save an additional $50.

Become an Ultimate Pass Gold subscriber and get free tuition, or use the Ultimate Pass Silver, which gives you 50 percent off tuition.

To register:

• WisBar’s Marketplace (credit card or Ultimate Pass only)

• Phone: (800) 728-7788 (credit card or Ultimate Pass only)

• Fax: (608) 250-6020 (credit card or Ultimate Pass only)

• Mail: State Bar PINNACLE Registrations, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707-7158 (check, credit card, passbooks, or Ultimate Pass)

Already registered? Be sure to join the conference’s Facebook page for updates about the event.

At the Kalahari Resort – Register by Sept. 24 for Best Rate

Bring your family for a mini-vacation at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Ideally located in the heart of Wisconsin, the Kalahari Resort features a 27-hole golf club, spa, dining, retail shopping, movie theater, and waterparks. To reserve your room, call (877) 253-5466 by Sept. 24 for the best rate – be sure to mention you’re with the 2018 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference.