Oct. 16, 2024 – Fall weather, falling leaves, and football weekends mean that State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® fall programming is on the docket.
CLE Programs and Conferences in October
PINNACLE ramps up its programming every fall to ensure members can meet their CLE reporting deadlines while they learn what’s new in specific practice areas. Here's what's brewing for the rest of October and into November.
Starts tomorrow, walk-ins welcome:Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference 2024 (WSSFC). (Oct. 17 to Oct. 19, in-person at the Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells.) Gain valuable practice tips and a boatload of CLE and connect with colleagues at the WSSFC, the conference made for lawyers in solo to mid-size practices. It’s two-and-a-half days of learning, networking, trading practice tips, swag and prizes in the vendor hall, and enjoying great food and maybe some bowling with pizza, riding on a carousel, and fun at the waterpark. Really, what’s holding you back from attending this gem of a conference?
Find out much more at wssfc.org, or just come out on Thursday morning – all are welcome.
Can’t attend the WSSFC Conference this week? Webcast replays of this sensational event will begin in November (keep an eye out via this link on marketplace.wisbar.org).
Annual Debtor-Creditor Bankruptcy Updates
Eastern District 2024 (7.5 CLE, 1.0 EPR; in person 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at the Sheraton Milwaukee in Brookfield, and via webcast seminar on various dates through January 2025)
Western District 2024 (7.5 CLE, 1.0 EPR; in person 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the State Bar Center in Madison; and available via webcast seminar on various dates through January 2025).
Gain a better understanding of recent rulings from the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern and Western districts as the judges themselves reveal the reasoning behind their decisions. Experienced practitioners will be on hand to provide clarity, practice tips, and varying perspectives on:
Non-dischargeability under 11 U.S.C. §532(a)(4) and (6);
Chapters 7 and 13 concerns when an insolvent client passes away;
Common real estate questions in bankruptcy.
You’ll also delve into key evidentiary issues in bankruptcy cases, including direct and cross-examination of expert witnesses. Increase the odds your evidence is admitted and learn strategies for overcoming objections.
These programs are co-produced with the Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Creditors’ Rights Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin.
45th Annual Estate Planning Update 2024 (7.5 CLE, 1.0 EPR, in person 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at the State Bar Center in Madison; via webcast seminar on specific dates through Jan. 30, 2025.)
Learn the latest developments in state and federal case law and legislation. Plus, experienced estate planning practitioners will share:
Tips for protecting assets from creditors;
Practical pointers on modifying irrevocable trusts;
How to structure representation of married clients;
Strategies for using trust terminations;
How to handle conflicts when representing closely held businesses or multiple generations.
In the sequel to the Eighth Circuit’s ruling in
Connelly v. United States, the Supreme Court sided with the IRS, holding that a shareholder’s life insurance proceeds should be considered when valuing that owner’s stake in the company for estate tax purposes.
Go in-depth on
Connelly’s potential ripple effects, including higher (and possibly unanticipated) estate tax bills for business owners and increasingly complex valuations.
Evens and Odds: When Do You Report Your CLE Credits?
"Active" status lawyers admitted to practice law in Wisconsin must obtain at least 30 continuing legal education (CLE) credits every two years. At least three of those credits must be in the area of ethics and professional responsibility (EPR).
If you were admitted in an even-numbered year, the reporting period technically ends on Dec. 31, 2024. The rules grant an additional month to obtain and report CLE activity for the reporting period. That is, to avoid a late filing fee or other penalties, 2023-24 courses must be completed by Jan. 31, 2025, and CLE reports must be submitted electronically to the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) on or before Feb. 1, 2025. Note that the 30-credit requirement applies to “Active” status members.
“Senior Active” members – those age 75 and older who are still practicing law – are only required to obtain 15 credits, three of which must be ethics and professional responsibility (EPR) credits.
21st Annual Commercial Real Estate Update 2024 (4.0 CLE; in person 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at the State Bar Center in Madison; via webcast seminar on various dates through January 2025.)
Stay on top of current and evolving trends impacting buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants with guidance from the
21st Annual Commercial Real Estate Update.
Presenters will provide insights on:
Complying with and qualifying for exemptions under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA);
Conducting phase I and phase II environmental site assessments and environmental due diligence;
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concerns in commercial real estate transactions.
Seller impersonation (or vacant land fraud) happens when scammers try to sell property they don’t own. Walk through a real seller impersonation fraud attempt experienced – and stopped – by a Milwaukee title company. Benefit from lessons learned and receive best practices for identifying, preventing, and stopping these common scams.
34th Annual Institute of Trial Practice (ABOTA) 2024 (10.0 CLE, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at the Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee; and via webcast seminar on various dates through February 2025.) Sharpen your trial advocacy skills at the
34th Annual Institute of Trial Practice from PINNACLE for an immersive learning experience covering the strategies, techniques, and insights you need to excel in the courtroom.
Get ready to be captivated by Wisconsin’s best trial lawyers as they demonstrate their prowess in a mock trial before the Hon. Eugene A. Gasiorkiewicz, the Wisconsin ABOTA Chapter’s Trial Judge of the Year.
Lawyers for the plaintiff and defense will have the chance to display courtroom mastery as they present compelling arguments and examine witnesses to make their cases. Listen as they reveal the rationale behind their tactics during opening statements, witness examination, and closing arguments.
Judge Gasiorkiewicz will discuss each lawyers’ actions and share the reasoning behind his pivotal decisions. Watch jury deliberations and listen as the jurors arrive at a verdict.
