Schedule
Schedule is subject to change
Substantive Law Track
Practice Management Track
Technology Track
Quality of Life and Ethics Track
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Opening Plenary: ChatGPT: The Future is Here (1.5 LPM)
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are already rapidly changing the legal industry, giving early adopters a big advantage. ChatGPT uses natural language processing to create various types of written content – from articles to emails to legal briefs. But is it something you need to (or should) incorporate into your law practice? Learn how to use tools like ChatGPT to produce content that resembles something a human would write. Plus, see a real-time demonstration of ChatGPT to find out how it’s being used by law firms to increase efficiency.
The Alternate Universe of Administrative Law Practice (1.5 CLE)
If a client needs assistance with a matter that falls within the purview of a local or state administrative agency, would you be in unfamiliar territory? Gain valuable insights from practitioners with experience advocating before the Department of Workforce Development, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Natural Resources. Find out how appearing before an administrative body differs from traditional litigation and receive tips for handling the ins and outs of administrative processes.
Business Analytics for Your Law Firm (1.5 LPM)
How often do you update your website and how do you know if it’s performing? How many times per month should you post on social media? Find out how to track and analyze metrics for your web traffic and social media marketing. You’ll also learn how to set a marketing budget and discover ways to determine how well your efforts are working.
Technology Considerations When Setting Up a Law Practice (1.5 LPM)
When you’re setting up a law practice from scratch, choices about what technology your business will need can be overwhelming. Gain a competitive edge with the right hardware and software solutions, document management systems, client communication platforms, network and data security, and artificial intelligence. You’ll come away with the knowledge and tools to leverage technology effectively and turn your practice into a tech-savvy powerhouse.
Interactive Legal Malpractice Claim Scenario (1.5 EPR)
Travel through a typical malpractice claim from start to finish with a plaintiff’s attorney, a defense attorney, and an in-house counsel malpractice insurance claim professional. You’ll find out what makes a routine claim more favorable to the plaintiff and discover more about the risks to avoid when an OLR grievance or legal malpractice claim is filed.
Grand Opening of the Expo Hall – Lunch Served to Registrants
Plenary Session: Jumping the Generation Gap (1.5 LAU)
With five generations (spanning from Gen Z to the silent generation) simultaneously in the workforce, your staff and your clients have a wide range of expectations and priorities. But generational stereotypes could be holding your firm back. Get an overview of the characteristics of each generation and find out how the “generational divide” can impact your practice. You’ll come away with real-world, practical suggestions on bridging generational gaps between staff and clients alike.
One Year Later: Effects of the New Uniform LLC Law (1.0 CLE)
One year after the implementation of Wisconsin’s new Uniform Limited Liability Company Law, what’s the buzz in business? Check in with fellow business practitioners to assess the new law’s impacts on business entity formation, compliance, and transactions, as well as resulting litigation. Discuss how your advice to LLC and member clients has changed to adapt to the new law’s provisions.
Know Your Niche (1.0 LPM)
Embracing a niche topic or practice area can make you the go-to resource for clients and colleagues. But be careful not to toot your horn too loudly - Supreme Court Rules prohibit you from holding yourself out as an “expert” or “specialist” in a given area. Find out how to let people know what you do and don’t do in your practice without running afoul of your ethical obligations.
Secure Setup of Microsoft 365 (1.0 LPM)
Take a deep dive into Microsoft 365’s settings to enhance the security and productivity of your practice. Through insightful discussions and demonstrations, you’ll learn what you need to know about secure authentication, protecting your firm from malware and ransomware, and more. Understand how Microsoft 365 can be a secure, efficient platform for your practice.
Ethics Jeopardy (1.0 EPR)
Who says learning about ethics has to be boring and uneventful? In this energetic, interactive game show session, you’ll hear about real ethics scenarios and take your best guess on the outcomes. Get a refresher on the basics and leave with updated information on recent ethics opinions and best practices.
The Ups and Downs of Co-Counsel (1.0 LPM)
Partnering with another firm is a great way to gain experience and can help you achieve better results for your clients. But there are potential partnership pitfalls when it comes to client identification, fee sharing, and referrals. Recognize the risks involved in teaming up with co-counsel so you can work to avoid confusion, misunderstandings, and unexpected outcomes.
50 Tips (1.0 LPM)
A WSSFC favorite and back by popular demand, this energetic session has useful hacks and tricks for everyone. Attorneys, legal administrators, and paralegals will discover tidbits about software and hardware, practice management, social media, productivity, cloud computing, mobile devices, and more!
Imposter Syndrome (1.0 LAU)
For attorneys at any stage of their careers, self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy can manifest in extreme anxiety, stress, and depression. Too often, attorneys put tons of pressure on themselves and have a desire for perfection. Learn how to recognize imposter syndrome and manage it using mind/body techniques – and keep moving toward the next level of success in your career.
Friday, October 20, 2023
Opening Plenary: Three Views: A "Crossfire" (1.5 CLE)
Using a complex hypothetical fact pattern, seasoned estate planning, real estate, and family law practitioners will walk you through a hypothetical scenario touching on all three areas of law. You’ll determine the best course of action for Lois and Clark, clients who are divorcing after 20 years of marriage. Be prepared to spot issues and resolve conflicts that may cross over into practice areas outside your own.
A Tenant Filed Bankruptcy: Now What? (1.0 CLE)
When a tenant files for bankruptcy, what options does a landlord have? Can they continue to accept or collect rent? What about initiating eviction proceedings? A debtor’s attorney, a creditor’s rights attorney, and a landlord attorney will weigh in on the potential remedies, rights, and obligations of landlords with tenants facing insolvency.
Efficient, Effective, Economic Use of Your Time (1.0 LPM)
Ever feel like you’ve spent the whole day doing lots of things without getting anything done? For lawyers living in 6-minute increments, mindful and effective time management is crucial to preventing over or underbilling. Get tips for mastering your schedule, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining focus so you can get things done without coming unglued.
iOS Tools for Trial Preparation and Presentation (1.0 LPM)
What makes the iPad the go-to tool for trial prep? How do you know which apps and equipment you need? Delve into courtroom technologies to find answers to all your questions about using an iPad for case prep and at trial. You’ll receive tips and tricks to make your equipment and apps work together seamlessly. Find out how an iPad can boost your confidence and effectiveness in the courtroom.
Leave a Message: Client Communication and Your Ethical Duties (1.0 EPR)
Develop best practices for client communication and understand what constitutes diligence in interactions with clients. Get answers to your questions about the appropriate time frame for responding to calls and emails from your clients. You’ll learn what the Supreme Court Rules require of you when it comes to client communications.
Networking Lunch and Presentation of the 2023 Lederer Award
Final Break in the Expo Hall - Prizes are Drawn!
Are you Kid-ding? Child Custody, Placement and Support (1.0 CLE)
Review the basics of child custody and placement in divorce proceedings in Wisconsin, including the presumption of joint legal custody and child support calculation formulas. Hear advanced strategies for litigating in divorce and paternity actions and discover how recent legislative changes could impact your cases.
Should the Corporate Transparency Act Change How You Practice? (1.0 CLE)
The Corporate Transparency Act will require most U.S. business entities to disclose information about their beneficial owners to the U.S. Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. As a result, lawyers and paralegals who form or register these entities may be required to provide personally identifiable information. Consider ethical concerns associated with the new reporting requirements and prepare your practice for the changes taking effect January 1, 2024.
Now and Into the Future: Legal Research with Fastcase and AI (1.0 LPM)
Explore the convergence of cutting-edge technology and legal research, where the power of artificial intelligence meets the comprehensive resources of Fastcase. Leverage the potential of AI-powered research tools and discover how Fastcase’s intuitive platform can streamline your legal research process. You’ll see examples and demonstrations to help you refine search queries, find relevant authority, and receive intelligent recommendations for further analysis.
Incorporate Attorney Wellness into Your Firm to Increase Efficiency & Modernize (1.0 LAU)
Attorneys and their staff are focusing more and more on the quality of their professional lives while also seeking ways to improve their overall quality of life. Learn how incorporating wellness techniques into your business decisions can make your firm more efficient, modern, and attractive to new talent and how the same techniques can help you on a personal level.
Nail It! Construct Compliant Home Improvement Practices & Contracts (1.0 CLE)
Inaccurate and incomplete home improvement contracts, along with improper practices, result in numerous consumer protection complaints every year. Join a representative from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and a business lawyer to hear about some of the most common pitfalls that lead to DATCP investigations, and learn how you can avoid becoming a cautionary tale.
The Price Is Right? Alternative Billing Models for Law Firms (1.0 LPM)
Today’s consumer-savvy clients are accustomed to flexible and convenient pricing and payment options, making the standard billable-hours formula for legal services look like a relic from a bygone era. Learn more about “knowing the competition” models, subscription billing, and retainer billing so you can give your clients options that work for them.
Digital Forensics for the Digitally Fearful (1.0 LPM)
Need a simple explainer on digital forensics? Gain a basic understanding of the difference between a “forensic image” and a “forensically sound copy” of digital files and explore the benefits of retaining a professionally certified forensics examiner. You’ll learn more about requesting images from phones and mobile devices, where so much of our communication now takes place.
Just Say No (1.0 LAU)
It can be difficult to say “no” to judges, clients, and fellow attorneys who demand your attention. Learn how to set boundaries between your work life and personal life when others expect your schedule to work for them. Keep control of your calendar and time so you don’t get overworked and overwhelmed or resort to stress-induced bad habits.
Plenary Session: Gadgets, Gizmos, and Widgets (1.0 LPM)
Whether you’re looking for tips on getting more from your favorite gadgets or the coolest new gizmos to streamline your work, discover technology that can make your practice and your life easier. In this fun, fast-paced conference favorite, you’ll find even more suggestions you can put to use right away to help you in your professional and your personal life.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Advising Licensed Medical Professionals in a Post-Dobbs World (1.0 CLE)
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Wisconsin abortion providers began closing their doors for fear of violating an 1849 law banning nearly all abortions. With abortion bans on the books and pending litigation about which law controls, what is the current legal status of abortion and reproductive health care in the Badger State? Examine current considerations for health care systems and providers of reproductive care and discuss how anticipated developments may impact licensure and patient care.
Goals and Habits: The Foundations for Success (1.0 LPM)
We all have dreams about what we want to achieve, but goals are dreams with deadlines. Learn how creating and communicating actionable goals can foster motivation, accountability, and ultimately freedom. Develop better goals, action plans, and habits that will help you and your staff turn dreams into reality.
Upping Your PDF Game (1.0 LPM)
PDF is a ubiquitous and powerful tool in any law firm’s toolbox. Beginners and experienced users will receive an overview of available PDF options. Through step-by-step demonstrations, you’ll learn the basics of PDF creation, editing, redacting, manipulating, inserting, and deleting pages. More advanced features such as Bates numbering, electronic signatures, and authentication will also be covered.
Ethics of Working with Your Paralegal and Legal Assistant (1.0 EPR)
Understand and account for ethical considerations when supervising legal assistants, staff, and paralegals, while developing a strong relationship that benefits the entire firm. Discuss the requirements for the supervisory lawyer under the Rules of Professional Conduct and get tips for developing a great work relationship with your staff.
Refreshment Break / Hotel Checkout
Myths about Elder Law & the Power of the POA (1.0 CLE)
From “that’s only for poor people” to “my spouse can’t get benefits if I’m still working,” there are SO many myths surrounding Medicaid. It’s time to put the rumors to rest and set the record straight about this vitally important long-term care benefit. You’ll also discuss crucial provisions and execution considerations for financial powers of attorney that will advance, rather than limit, your clients’ long-term care planning options.
Ten Things to Include in Your Client Intake Process (1.0 LPM)
First impressions count, which means your client intake process matters. Client intake is more than just a meeting and a handshake – it also involves marketing, expectation setting, and time management. Learn how incorporating drip emails, appointment reminders, checklists, and streamlined agreements can boost client relations, reduce inefficiencies, and facilitate payment for the services you provide.
How to “Excel” in the Practice of Law (1.0 LPM)
Microsoft Excel is the program we all have, but few law firms really use it to its true potential. Learn how to use Excel to keep simple books, create charts and graphs, automatically calculate dates and interest owed, and much more. Discover how Excel can make your practice more efficient and your life a little easier.
Challenges and Benefits of Solo Practice (1.0 LPM)
In solo practice, you have flexibility, total control over business decisions, and a personal investment in your firm’s success. But you also bear complete responsibility for anything that goes wrong, which is undeniably stressful. Learn how you can start or keep flying solo while maintaining your sanity and generating profits.
Closing Plenary: How Not to Commit Malpractice with Your Computer (1.5 EPR)
Practicing anywhere at any time is no longer just a dream. It’s reality. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and cloud-based tools, emerging technologies have made remote practice achievable for many lawyers. But this convenience comes with its own set of risks and there are ethical pitfalls you should be aware of. Learn from the mistakes of those who have run afoul of ethical rules by misusing electronic tools. This humorous look at the dos and don’ts of computing will help you meet ethical challenges with confidence. You’ll come away knowing more about how to avoid ethical trouble associated with technology.