Schedule
Schedule is subject to change
Substantive Law Track
Practice Management Track
Technology Track
Quality of Life and Ethics Track
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Opening Plenary: Litigation ABCs: D is for Discovery... and Don't Distress (1.5 CLE)
In this practical and engaging session, you’ll receive guidance on how to effectively handle discovery as both proponents and respondents. The presenters will emphasize efficient strategies tailored for clients with limited resources for cases with modest stakes. Learn to prioritize essential elements for case preparation and trial, ensuring a streamlined discovery process.
10:10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
From Inception to Succession Series: Creating a Business Plan (1.0 LPM)
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in practice for years, a business plan is valuable (and sometimes necessary) for many reasons: to obtain financing, open a new office, recalibrate for profitability, or to expand or merge firms. Discover the basic elements, resources, and adaptations for a law firm specific business plan and leave with tools to help get you started on creating your own plan.
Overcoming Obstacles: Implementation Mindset for Legal Tech (1.0 LPM)
Successfully implementing legal technology starts with the right mindset to overcome resistance, outdated habits, and inefficient processes. Discover strategies to foster a tech-friendly environment, address human obstacles, and provide actionable steps to get everyone in your firm on board with legal tech advancements.
From Inception to Succession Series: Succession Planning (1.0 LPM)
Understand the importance of planning not only for disability, death, and retirement, but any unplanned early cessation of practice. A good succession plan is crucial for the long-term health of your practice and to upholding ethical obligations to clients. You’ll also discuss the emotional and mental impact of preparing to leave the practice of law.
Alcohol Laws and Other Unique Rules and Regulations (1.0 CLE)
Delve into the changes ushered in by Act 73, overhauling Wisconsin’s alcohol beverage regulations, including expanded retail options for producers, the new definition of “public spaces” prohibited from selling without a permit, and permitting options for wedding barn owners. You’ll also explore lesser-known commercial laws such as the Fair Dealership Law and the Unfair Sales Act.
Securely Sharing Documents (1.0 LPM)
Explore secure ways to share documents and information, including document management systems, client portals, encrypted email, or even electronic fax. Receive sound guidance on the options available and the pros and cons of each so you can find the best fit for your firm.
Alternative Fee Arrangements (1.0 EPR)
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 remnant from the past. In this session, you’ll explore alternative fee arrangements, walk through sample agreements, and consider relevant ethics rules.
Grand Opening of the Legal Expo in the Expo Hall (Lunch served to registrants)
Cybersecurity for Solo and Small Law Firms: Updates and Best Practices (1.0 LPM)
In an era of ever-evolving cybersecurity threats, solo and small firm practitioners must stay vigilant. This session covers the latest cybersecurity updates, focusing on risks unique to smaller law practices. Learn best practices, tools, and strategies to protect sensitive client information, ensure compliance, and mitigate the risk of cyberattacks, keeping your practice secure in today’s digital landscape.
Recent Changes to Estate Planning Laws (1.5 CLE)
Learn about recent changes to estate planning laws, including updates to Wisconsin’s Trust Code and the new provisions for remote witnessing of estate planning documents (SB 898, 626, and 759). This intermediate-level session offers essential insights for practitioners navigating these developments.
The Effects of the Corporate Transparency Act on the Wisconsin Lawyer (1.5 LPM)
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires certain businesses to report their beneficial owners to the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. What does your firm need to do to ensure it’s in compliance? Receive practical guidance on navigating the CTA and a walk through on completing the forms you’ll need for compliance.
AI and Legal Research (1.5 LPM)
Unveil the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) for legal research. Learn how AI is reshaping the way legal professionals conduct research, analyze case law, and predict legal outcomes. Explore the latest AI tools and platforms that streamline research processes, enhance accuracy, and provide unprecedented insights, enabling lawyers to make more informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve in a competitive landscape.
Unlock the Power of Adaptable Communication in Your Firm (1.5 LAU)
Effective communication across virtual, cultural, and generational divides is crucial. This interactive session helps you enhance your communication skills and connect with anyone, anywhere. Explore your personal communication style and learn how to recognize how others prefer to receive information. You’ll come away with a toolkit of adaptable communication strategies to help you build trust, align goals, and achieve breakthrough results.
Friday, October 18, 2024
Plenary Session: 25 Things Every Lawyer Should Know (1.5 CLE)
No matter if your practice is specialized or general, a broad understanding of various substantive law issues is crucial. This rapid-fire primer will equip you with essential knowledge in bankruptcy, intellectual property, tax, employment, and elder law. Speakers will cover the key five key points you need to know about each practice area, so you’re equipped with the information every solo and small firm practitioner needs.
From Inception to Succession Series: Strategic Budgeting for Law Firms (1.0 LPM)
Join this interactive session to learn the fundamentals of budgeting, including managing fixed and variable costs, and accurately projecting revenue. Explore real-world scenarios to enhance your financial planning skills so you’re well-prepared for challenges and growth opportunities. Gain valuable insights into effective financial management and the tools to ensure the financial success of your practice.
What to Know About Copilot (1.0 LPM)
Discover how Microsoft’s Copilot can automate and support your firm. Copilot is a new feature designed to help you unleash your creativity, maximize productivity, and elevate your Microsoft 365 game. Available in Microsoft Bing, Edge, 365, and Windows, learn what Copilot is capable of and what it can do for you.
50 Tips in 50 Minutes (1.0 LAU)
This WSSFC favorite is back by popular demand, but this time with a quality-of-life track twist! Discover useful hacks and tricks designed to improve your well-being. Hear rapid-fire tips you can implement right away to make your life and your practice more efficient, rewarding, and enjoyable!
How to Have Effective Firm Retreats and Meetings (1.0 LPM)
In this interactive session, learn strategies to enhance the value and productivity of your staff meetings and firm retreats. You’ll come away with a toolkit of techniques to help you run more efficient and impactful meetings, so you can spend more time practicing law and billing hours. If you’re considering holding a firm retreat for the first time, this session will provide you with the resources to get you started!
E-Signature Technology and Remote Witnessing and Notarization Under Wis Stat. 140.147 and 140.145 (1.0 LPM)
Explore the evolving world of electronic signatures and remote notarization. This session focuses on the technology available to help you comply with recent amendments to Wis. Stat. §140.147 and authorizing remote ink notary (RIN) and witnessing signatures for estate planning and Wis. Stat. §140.145, authorizing remote online notarization (RON) in real estate and business transactions, and general use of e-signature technology for everyday documents. Get a comprehensive overview of the legal framework, practical applications, available options, and best practices for using e-signature and remote notarizations.
Risky Business When Representing Friends and Family (1.0 EPR)
How many times has a friend or family member come to you for legal advice, even if it’s not related to your practice areas? At this session, you’ll discuss the benefits, risks, and key ethical considerations when deciding whether or not to represent friends or family members.
Networking Lunch and Presentation of the 2024 Lederer Award
Last Break in Expo Hall - Dessert - Passport to Prizes and other Prizes Awarded
2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Consequences of Criminal Convictions on Other Legal Matters (1.0 CLE)
Explore the wide-ranging consequences of criminal convictions or proceedings in various legal settings. Discover how criminal convictions impact employment opportunities and rights. You’ll also discuss the implications for family law matters and the significant potential immigration consequences, including deportation.
Getting Help: Virtual, Remote, or Part-Time Staff? (1.0 LPM)
You know you need help, but you don’t want to or can’t afford to hire a full-time employee. Compare and contrast three potential options: (1) artificial intelligence; (2) hiring a vendor or freelancer that provides remote staff on a limited basis; and (3) hiring a part-time employee. Hear candid analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of each option so you can decide what might work best for your practice.
Understanding Deepfake Technology (1.0 LPM)
Deepfakes are among the most effective, and therefore threatening, tools of disinformation. But what exactly is a deepfake? In this session, you’ll receive the answer to that question and learn ways to distinguish authentic from inauthentic content using tools such as metadata, video and audio cues, and Google.
Conflicts When Representing Both Parties in a Legal Transaction (1.0 EPR)
Is it ever okay for a lawyer to represent both sides of a legal transaction? It’s common for parties to a transaction to want to save money by hiring only one attorney, but is it a good idea? Are there certain practice areas that are better suited to this type of arrangement? Get answers to these questions and explore the ethical considerations involved in representing both sides.
Plenary Session: Don't Try This at Home - Why You Should Never Emulate TV Lawyers (1.5 EPR)
In this multimedia presentation, legal humorist Sean Carter explores the often outrageous behavior of TV lawyers and its real-life implications. Through entertaining examples, you’ll see some of the worst TV lawyer antics and discuss how similar, though less extreme, behaviors can sometimes infiltrate real-life legal practice. You’ll find out how such conduct can undermine a lawyer’s ability to effectively serve clients and uphold professional standards.
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Plenary Session: Move Your Clients Up or Out (1.5 LPM)
In a military career, the traditional maxim is “up or out” – you either progress or move on. And in legal practice, we all have clients we enjoy working with and others we dread hearing from. The best clients are those who are easy to work with, pay promptly, and refer other great clients. In this session, you’ll apply Moneyball concepts to grade your clients on various criteria and learn techniques to elevate your “C clients” into “B clients and “B clients” into As, so you’re delivering quality service to clients you want to work with.
9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Refreshment Break / Hotel Checkout
Plenary Session: Boomers, Millennials, & Gen Z!: The Ethics of Marketing Across Generations (1.5 EPR)
Looking to expand your client base? Discover how to invigorate your marketing strategy and connect with clients across different generations. Delve into the expectations of each generational group, the tools and technologies needed to reach younger clients, and how to update your web presence to appeal to all ages. Gain insights into the ethical considerations of marketing your firm, including social media and texting/online chatting.