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Hybrid Conference

2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference


Total Credits: 16.6 MCLE, 8.4 Ethics, 1.0 Elimination of Bias, 4.0 GAL Credit


Dates


Description

Join us virtually or in-person at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach for the
2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference!

 

Held at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, this nationally recognized Missouri Bar conference for solo and small firm lawyers offers the opportunity to fulfill all your minimum continuing legal education requirements, learn from recognized speakers, and network with colleagues in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Speaker

Nickolas Allen's Profile

Nickolas Allen Related Seminars and Products


Nick is a partner in the litigation department at Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, P.C. in Springfield, Missouri. Nick graduated from Harding University in 2013 and received his J.D. from the University of Arkansas in 2016. Nick focuses his practice on complex litigation, including class actions and multidistrict litigation, in the areas of consumer protection, insurance, and products liability. He also represents clients in personal injury and civil rights litigation. Nick was selected to the National Trial Lawyer’s Association’s 40 Under 40 for 2023 and 2024. 


Paemon Aramjoo's Profile

Paemon Aramjoo Related Seminars and Products

Aramjoo Law Firm


Paemon and Ashley Aramjoo started Aramjoo Law Firm right out of law school. Now running a firm that exclusively handles personal injury matters they understand the importance of diligently working on making sure the law firm is successful by creating goals and establishing a plan to reach their goals.


Ashley Aramjoo's Profile

Ashley Aramjoo Related Seminars and Products

Aramjoo Law Firm LLC


Paemon and Ashley Aramjoo started Aramjoo Law Firm right out of law school. Now running a firm that exclusively handles personal injury matters they understand the importance of diligently working on making sure the law firm is successful by creating goals and establishing a plan to reach their goals.


Thomas J. Armitage's Profile

Thomas J. Armitage Related Seminars and Products

Smith.Ai


Tom Armitage joined Smith.ai as senior marketing manager after spending more than a decade in the agency world – building campaigns for B2B companies. 
He also spent eight years as an adjunct professor, where he taught digital marketing concepts. He lives in Upstate NY with his wife and two kids.

 


Richard Ashe's Profile

Richard Ashe Related Seminars and Products

Ashe Law, LLC


Ric Ashe is a contract lawyer and trial attorney with over twenty years of experience helping clients understand, negotiate and enforce their contractual rights. His business and construction law practice is informed by his extensive time in the courtroom, where clarity is king and the fine print always matters. 


Danielle Atchison's Profile

Danielle Atchison Related Seminars and Products

Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm


Danielle Atchison practices in the area of corporate immigration law. She assists employers with immigration compliance plans, policies and procedures, I-9 audits, E-Verify compliance, and immigration related defense from ICE worksite enforcement investigations. Danielle assists the firm’s clients with visas for international personnel, investors, and executives.


Rebecca Auriemma Related Seminars and Products

Lifescape Law & Development, LLC


Comm. Spencer Bartlett's Profile

Comm. Spencer Bartlett Related Seminars and Products

Administrative Hearing Commission


Commissioner Bartlett was appointed to the AHC in 2021 and currently serves as its Presiding and Managing Commissioner. Previously, he served as General Counsel of the Missouri Department of Revenue and as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Boone County, Missouri.wide!


Hon. Jeff Bates's Profile

Hon. Jeff Bates Related Seminars and Products

Mo. Court Of Appeals


Judge Bates was appointed to the Court of Appeals, Southern District, beginning Dec. 1, 2003, and he was retained in 2006 and 2018. He has long served on the State Judicial Records Committee and Court Management of Technology Committee.

Judge Bates was engaged in private practice in Springfield from 1984 - 2003, trying complex personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Judge Bates earned his Juris Doctor in 1984 from the University of Missouri–Columbia where he served as associate editor-in-chief of the Missouri Law Review. He graduated in 1979 from Southwest Missouri State University with a B.S. in speech.


Kimberly Benjamin's Profile

Kimberly Benjamin Related Seminars and Products

Benjamin Law Firm


Kim Benjamin owns the Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at the Benjamin Law Firm, which is honored to be named in the top 30 of 355 criminal defense firms in KC. She regularly teaches lawyers all over the US how to try criminal and civil cases. www.DWICriminalLawCenter.com - kim@benjaminlawkc.com 


Melinda J. Bentley's Profile

Melinda J. Bentley Related Seminars and Products

Legal Ethics Counsel


Melinda J. Bentley serves as Legal Ethics Counsel in Missouri where she provides oral and written informal advisory opinions to attorneys on issues related to the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct. In that position, she also serves as administrator and counsel to the Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri. She began serving in that position in 2012. Prior to that she worked for the Illinois State Bar Association as Assistant Counsel from 2001-03, First Assistant Counsel from 2003-11, and Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs from 2009-11. She is a frequent speaker and author on professional responsibility matters. Ms. Bentley currently serves as a member of the Planning Committee for the American Bar Association (ABA) Center for Professional Responsibility’s National Conference on Professional Responsibility, the Planning Committee for The Missouri Bar Solo and Small Firm Conference, The Missouri Bar’s Special Committee on Remote Public Access to Case.net, and the National Organization of Bar Counsel’s Committees on Amicus, Website, Program, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She was a board member and officer of the National Organization of Bar Counsel from 2015-2020, including a term as President from 2018-2019, and formerly served on the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility (2020-2023), Editorial Board of the ABA/BNA Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct as a member (2015-2016) and Chair (2016-2018), as well as a member of the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility Coordinating Council (2016-2018). She is licensed in both Missouri and Illinois, and is a member of The Missouri Bar, Illinois State Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Organization of Bar Counsel, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Cole County Bar Association, and Mid-Missouri Women Lawyers’ Association.


Jordan Bergkamp's Profile

Jordan Bergkamp Related Seminars and Products

Husch Blackwell LLP


Jordan is a partner in Husch’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice group specializing ESOPs and equity and executive compensation. His legal training and accounting background allow him to navigate the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA in designing ESOPs and compensation packages that fit the client’s business needs.


Brandee Bower's Profile

Brandee Bower Related Seminars and Products

Bower Law Firm


Brandee Bower is well-versed in insurance law, first starting as a defense attorney and now advocating for policy holders. A fourth generation business owner in Missouri, Brandee is skilled at helping clients navigate the complex world of claims when their largest assets are damaged. 


Bryan Brody's Profile

Bryan Brody Related Seminars and Products

Brody & Cornwell


Since 2007, when he led the Missouri office of a national lemon law firm, Bryan Brody has handled over 1,000 consumer cases. He co-founded Brody & Cornwell in 2016, where he has continued to focus his practice on consumer law.


Cassie Bugalski's Profile

Cassie Bugalski Related Seminars and Products

Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC


Ms. Bugalski is the Managing Member of the law firm of Gump, Faiella, & Bugalski, LLC.  Ms. Bugalski is licensed in Missouri and focuses her law practice on cases involving wrongful death, personal injury, estate planning, probate, estate litigation, small business litigation, worker’s compensation and family law.

Ms. Bugalski grew up in Madison, Missouri, attended the University of Central Missouri where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the Honors College, and earned her Juris Doctor in 2008 from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.  

 


Jeffrey Bunten Related Seminars and Products

Jeffrey J Bunten LLC


Mr. Bunten practices in the areas of Veteran’s Compensation and Pension, Social Security Disability, and SSI. He is an accredited VA Attorney. He is admitted to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and the District Court - Eastern District Missouri. 


Julia Chaney-Faughn's Profile

Julia Chaney-Faughn Related Seminars and Products

Cruse Chaney-Faughn, P.C.


Julia Chaney-Faughn is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia, Law School and Missouri Western State University.  She is a partner with Cruse Chaney-Faughn, P.C. with its principal office located in Hannibal, Missouri, and is licensed in Missouri and Illinois.  She has volunteered with Avenues, First Steps RICC, her local 4-H club, church and other community organizations.  In her free time she gardens, plays piano, organ and clarinet and raises her two children with her husband Chris.  She enjoys advocating for those with special needs including her son Isaac who is on the autism spectrum.


Denise Childress's Profile

Denise Childress Related Seminars and Products

Childress Legal LLC


Focusing her practice on DWI law, Denise Childress has become a sought-after instructor in this field. She has trained officers at both the St. Louis Police Academy and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. She co-founded The Missouri DWI Institute, LLC, with a mission to educate Missouri's lawyers, judges, and law enforcement. She coordinates national DWI defense seminars as part of DUIDLA, training lawyers and judges across the country in places like Denver and Chicago. Denise hung out her own shingle, Childress Legal, in 2019 after working for and then partnering with Carl Ward. She is a trial attorney, representing clients in over 41 Missouri counties. Denise is proud to be hired by other lawyers to try their clients' DWI cases. 
Denise is the immediate past president of the St. Charles County Bar Association, where she remains as en banc-bar liaison and social chair. She has been proudly awarded the Women's Justice Award for General Practitioner, Missouri Lawyers Weekly, 2020; President's Award for Distinguished Service, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2019; and Up & Coming Law Firm Leader Award, Missouri Lawyers Weekly, 2016.

 


Annette Choti's Profile

Annette Choti Related Seminars and Products

Founder/Owner

Law Quill


Annette Choti, Esq. has been an attorney and a member of the Missouri Bar for 23 years. She is the Founder/Owner of Law Quill, a full-service legal digital marketing agency. Annette hosts the podcast, Legal Marketing Lounge and wrote the bestselling book Click Magnet: The Ultimate Digital Marketing Guide For Law Firms. 


Candice Coats's Profile

Candice Coats Related Seminars and Products

Truist Insurance Holdings, LLC.


Candice is Assistant General Counsel for Employment at Truist Insurance Holdings (“TIH”). In addition to being an attorney, she is also a SHRM Certified Professional and is responsible for all HR legal issues at her company. She works with outside counsel to defend claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour violations, and other unlawful employment practices.  She also works on EEOC claims, restrictive covenant matters, HR related litigation, separation and severance matters, discipline, and HR related complaint investigation.   A good deal of her time is also spent advising and counseling her company’s various business units and corporate HR.   Candice is located in Kansas City, MO where prior to joining TIH, she was an employment attorney for Seyferth Blumenthal Harris, LLC.   In that role, she represented businesses in all matters of employment litigation and provided advice and counseling on employment issues like DEI, performance evaluations,  and employee complaint procedure. Prior thereto she worked at The Meyers Law firm representing employees in employment matters so she has a unique perspective on both sides of the “v”.  Candice graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Law and  has her undergraduate degree in Speech/Theater/Debate Education and a minor in Spanish from Oral Roberts University.  Before going to law school, she worked as a public-school teacher in Texas and taught high school and middle school Spanish and Theater. In her free time, you can find Candice in the kitchen making up recipes, watching football and sports documentaries, volunteering at her church and in her community, watching live music or theater, dancing, or trying out the latest workout.


Morry Cole's Profile

Morry Cole Related Seminars and Products

Gray, Ritter & Graham P.C.


Morry S. Cole practices primarily in the areas of wrongful death, aviation, products liability, professional negligence, and corporate litigation at Gray, Ritter and Graham in St. Louis. He is a former President of the Missouri Bar (2017-2018) and is an adjunct law professor at Washington University.


David Crosby's Profile

David Crosby Related Seminars and Products

Crosby Law Office


David Crosby is a solo practitioner with over 30 years of experience. After graduating from the University of Missouri - School of Law he served as an Assistant Public Defender, First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. He then went into private practice. Since 2000, he has served as a guardian ad litem and parent attorney. He is currently a contract attorney for the Jefferson County Juvenile Court serving as GAL and parent attorney for abuse and neglect cases.  
You may reach David Crosby at 636/797-2266 or at david@davidcrosbylawoffice,com. 


Keith Cutler's Profile

Keith Cutler Related Seminars and Products

James W. Tippin & Associates


Keith Cutler is a trial attorney with the law firm of James W. Tippin & Associates in Kansas City, and has practiced in the areas of commercial, construction, general liability, and insurance defense litigation for close to 35 years.  He is a frequent CLE speaker on trial practice; ethics and professionalism; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.


Brennan Delaney's Profile

Brennan Delaney Related Seminars and Products

Langdon and Emison


As a former law clerk of both a trial judge and an appellate judge, Brennan spent countless hours in the courtroom, which have given him a unique understanding of both trial practice and the appellate process.  Brennan now utilizes this knowledge in his work as an attorney at Langdon and Emison, where he practices law in a variety of areas such as product liability, premises liability, and dram shop liability.

Brennan has received recognition for being a Top 10 Under 40 Attorney for Missouri by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (2017), a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers for Missouri by the National Trial Lawyers (2017, 2019, 2020), Premier Lawyers of America (2019), and a Rising Star by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers (2015-2018).  He is an active member of various legal organizations and including the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.  He also serves on the Law Alumni Board for his alma mater, the University of Missouri – Kansas City.  Brennan periodically performs continuing legal education presentations on topics such as social media discovery, use of technology in the courtroom, the use of experts, and legal ethics.


Diane Dragan's Profile

Diane Dragan Related Seminars and Products

Dragan Law Firm, LLC.


Ms. Dragan began her career in private practice as a criminal defense attorney. In 2006 she became an Assistant Federal Public Defender in EDMO. In 2018, Ms. Dragan began advocating for children with special needs. In April of 2023, she became a solo practitioner in SPED law in Missouri. 


Claude Ducloux's Profile

Claude Ducloux Related Seminars and Products

National Director of CLE, Ethics, and State Compliance

LawPay


Claude E. Ducloux, is an attorney licensed in Texas, Colorado and California who speaks nationally on legal ethics, law office management, and trial-related topics.  In 2011, he won the highest statewide award from the State Bar of Texas for lifetime contribution to CLE and has been invited to speak in more than 500 programs in since January 1, 2016. Claude has served as course director and creator of numerous CLE institutes and advanced courses.  

Mr. Ducloux has a long legacy of bar service, including being President of the Austin Bar Association, and serving as Chair of almost every major bar-related entity, as well as the Texas Bar Foundation.  He is a board-certified civil trial and appellate attorney in Texas.

 


Christopher Dunn's Profile

Christopher Dunn Related Seminars and Products

GeoVelo, LLC


Chris Dunn is frequently called to serve as an expert witness in geospatial forensics. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri Columbia, School of Law, and both an MA and a BS in geography from Kansas State University. His firm GeoVelo, LLC, uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GNSS, lidar, UAVs, and 3-D modeling software to map, model, and document complex property boundary issues, archeological sites, and crime scenes. Several of his cases had their origins in documents produced prior to Missouri’s statehood. Chris is a US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) combat veteran.


Nicole Forsythe's Profile

Nicole Forsythe Related Seminars and Products

Forsythe Law Office LLC


Nicole started her solo practice in 2013, focusing on civil and criminal tax defense. She represents taxpayers at all stages of IRS audits, criminal investigations, collections, and controversies, all with a focus on protecting the rights of her clients and mitigating their results. 


Heather Hardinger's Profile

Heather Hardinger Related Seminars and Products

The Meyers Law Firm


Heather Hardinger is Of Counsel with The Meyers Law Firm, LC, in Kansas City, Missouri. Heather focuses her practice on Plaintiff’s employment discrimination. Heather is a 2018 graduate of the Missouri Bar’s Leadership Academy. Since 2016, Heather has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers® Missouri & Kansas. Heather can be reached at hhardinger@meyerslaw.com and (816) 444-8500.


Craig Heidemann's Profile

Craig Heidemann Related Seminars and Products

Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, PC


Craig was born in 1969 in St. Louis, Missouri and is a top-rated Springfield personal injury lawyer. He was educated in the Hazelwood School District and the University of Tulsa and has a bachelor of arts degree in political science.  He graduated Cum Laude in 1991.Craig attended the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and received a Juris Doctorate degree in 1994. While at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, he was a member of the Journal of Dispute Resolution and published two case notes. He was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1994 and the Illinois Bar in 1995. Currently, he is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri as well as the Southern District of Illinois.  He is also admitted before the Supreme Court of the United States of America and hopes to argue there one day.


Annette Heller's Profile

Annette Heller Related Seminars and Products

TM Law & Associates


Annette P. Heller is an experienced trademark attorney with clients all over the United States. She's been practicing since 1976 and worked for Ralston Purina as an in-house Trademark and Copyright Counsel until 1983 when she started her practice limited to trademark law and copyright law primarily representing individuals and small to medium size companies and law firms that do not have Trademark Counsel within the firm.


Paul Henry's Profile

Paul Henry Related Seminars and Products

Denlow & Henry


Paul Henry has been a member of the Missouri Bar since 1990 and currently serves as the Chair of the Eminent Domain committee. He is also Missouri’s only member of the Owner’s Counsel of America. Mr. Henry’s entire legal career has been in private practice with the firm of Denlow & Henry which focuses on representing owners in condemnation and eminent domain law matters. He has authored many articles and spoken on dozens of occasions on eminent domain law. Some of his published articles include “Trial of Exceptions in Missouri Condemnation Cases”, St. Louis Bar Journal; “Inverse Condemnation: Airplane Noise and Damages," The Southwestern Legal Foundation; and several chapters in the three different editions of the Missouri Condemnation Practice Handbook. He also was a former Editor of the American Bar Association Committee on Condemnation Newsletter.


N. Carol Hutcheson's Profile

N. Carol Hutcheson Related Seminars and Products

Carol Hutcheson Law Office


Carol has been a solo practitioner since 1997 in Springfield, Missouri. Her practice focuses in the areas of juvenile law (abuse and neglect), adoption, guardianship, GAL, mediation and criminal defense. 


Jason Iezzi's Profile

Jason Iezzi Related Seminars and Products

Boyd, Kenter, Thomas & Parrish LLC


Mr. Jason Iezzi is an associate attorney at Boyd, Kenter, Thomas & Parrish, LLC, practicing in the areas of workers' compensation and personal injury. He first joined the firm in 2011 as a law clerk. Since he graduating from UMKC Law in 2012, he has litigated hundreds of workers' compensation cases. Jason has argued his clients' cases before the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission and Court of Appeals for the Western District of Missouri. 
Jason is an active member of MATA, the Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group, and the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City. He lives in downtown Kansas City with his wife, Kelly (who is amazing).

 


Comm. Carole Lewis Iles's Profile

Comm. Carole Lewis Iles Related Seminars and Products

Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission


Carole Iles was appointed to the AHC in 2023. Previously, she was in private practice where she focused on state tax litigation and tax incentives. She has also served as General Counsel of the Missouri Department of Revenue, an Assistant Missouri Attorney General, and a Missouri Supreme Court law clerk.


Stacey Janssen's Profile

Stacey Janssen Related Seminars and Products

Janssen Estate, Probate & Elder Law


Stacey L. Janssen practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and fiduciary litigation. Ms. Janssen currently serves as the chair of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s Probate Committee. She is recognized as a Super Lawyer, Best of the Bar and in 2021 received the KCBMA’s Distinguished Counselor Award. 


Stephen Jeffery's Profile

Stephen Jeffery Related Seminars and Products

Jeffery Law Group, LLC


Steve Jeffery has over 35 years of experience in environmental law and environmental litigation matters.  He is recognized in ChambersUSA®, Best Lawyers in America® and Missouri/Kansas Superlawyers.®  He was named by Best Lawyers in America® as the 2023 St. Louis "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation-Environmental and the 2014 St. Louis "Lawyer of the Year" for Environmental Law.  In 2022 and 2023, Missouri Lawyers Weekly® included Steve on the "Power List" for Environmental and Energy Law Attorneys in Missouri.

Steve's practice includes litigation, regulatory compliance and transactional matters, as well as representation before State and Federal regulatory agencies.  He has argued several environmental cases before the Missouri Supreme Court and all three Missouri Courts of Appeal.  Also, he is a frequent speaker on environmental topics.   


Cassidy Johnston's Profile

Cassidy Johnston Related Seminars and Products

Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC.


Ms. Johnston is an associate for the law firm of Gump, Faiella, and Buglalski, L.L.C. She focuses her practice on family law, criminal law, estate planning, probate law, real estate transactions, and personal injury.
Ms. Johnston grew up in Clarence, Missouri and attended high school at South Shelby. She then went on to study Criminal Justice Administration at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and ultimately received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.
Ms. Johnston continued her education at Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska where she received her Juris. Ms. Johnston was admitted into the Missouri Bar and began her career at the James McConnell Law Office where she practiced for two years before joining the team at Gump, Faiella, and Bugalski, L.L.C.


Tiffannie Kennedy's Profile

Tiffannie Kennedy Related Seminars and Products

The Probate Law Center


Tiffannie M. Kennedy is the managing shareholder of The Probate Law Center, a probate focused law firm located in Kansas City, Missouri. Her firm assists clients in navigating the often-complicated process of probate, including probate litigation.
Tiffannie is licensed in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.

 


Tara Lamer's Profile

Tara Lamer Related Seminars and Products

Glass House Private Investigations LLC


Tara Lamer left the active practice of law in 2014, when she joined a national private investigation firm focused on litigation and jury research. She opened Glass House Private Investigations in 2021 and also volunteers as an investigator working to stop sex trafficking of minors.


Terry Lawson's Profile

Terry Lawson Related Seminars and Products

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc.


Terry Lawson is the Consumer Program Managing Attorney for LSEM in St. Louis. His consumer work includes defending tenants facing illegal evictions and suing landlords and property managers for misconduct. Terry is a member of the Missouri Supreme Court’s Civil Justice Reform and Associate Circuit Court Rules Committees.


Elizabeth Lynch's Profile

Elizabeth Lynch Related Seminars and Products

Chinnery Evans & Nail, P.C.


Betsy Lynch, is a proactive problem solver for small businesses. She represents small businesses in contract and vendor disputes, loan negotiations, bankruptcy, and also helps protect assets using estate & succession planning tools. She received her Bachelors degree in Business and Finance from Westminster College in 2002 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2005. While clerking for the Honorable Robert L. Trout, an Associate Circuit Judge in Jackson County, she gained experience with landlord-tenant matters, collection suits, small claims matters, county ordinance violations, and civil trials. She left the clerkship in 2007 to practice bankruptcy law at a small law firm in Kansas City. In 2011, she, like many of her clients, opened her own business where she practiced in the areas of business law, bankruptcy, and estate planning, representing small business owners in all areas of asset protection for over twelve years. She joined Chinnery Evans & Nail, PC in 2023 in an effort to provide more comprehensive services to her small business clients.


Lindsay Marty's Profile

Lindsay Marty Related Seminars and Products

Above the Bar Marketing, LLC


Lindsay Marty is the CEO and founder of Above the Bar Marketing, LLC, bringing over a decade of experience in legal digital marketing. Her passion lies in collaborating with clients to craft customized strategies that not only enhance their online reputation but also maximize the return on their marketing investments.


Denise McCracken's Profile

Denise McCracken Related Seminars and Products

D.B. McCracken Law, LLC and D/b/a Dogwood Advisors


Denise B. McCracken founded D.B. McCracken Law, located in St. Louis, in 2016. With a focus on Missouri cannabis law, Ms. McCracken represents license applicants, licensees, and third-party service providers in a variety of cannabis-related matters. She authored two books on Missouri Cannabis Laws and Regulations in 2020 and 2023. 


Timothy McCurdy's Profile

Timothy McCurdy Related Seminars and Products

The McCurdy Law Firm, LLC


Tim McCurdy is Of Counsel at the firm. Tim grew up on a farm in Southwest Iowa. After obtaining his law degree from the University of Notre Dame, Tim moved to St. Louis to “watch a few Cardinals games” before returning to Iowa. Tim met his now wife and his plans quickly changed – Tim has called St. Louis home for more than twenty years.

Throughout Tim’s legal career, he has helped clients protect their rights in lawsuits throughout the country. After watching a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, Tim developed a passion for elder law. Tim’s practice now combines his more than twenty years of litigation experience with an in-depth knowledge of estate planning and probate.

Tim devotes his practice to helping families navigate disputes involving estate plans and probate administration. Tim’s trusts and estates litigation practice includes trust and will contests, the removal of fiduciaries, demands for accountings, and contested guardianships. Tim is also frequently appointed by probate judges to represent individuals facing guardianship petitions, and as a court-appointed fiduciary.

Tim also helps families protect their life savings while ensuring access to the health care they need through Medicaid and special needs planning. Tim’s elder law practice also includes helping families develop estate plans to avoid probate and to protect against future challenges to their estate plan.

Tim lives in Chesterfield with his wife, two sons, and two dogs. Outside of the office you can likely find Tim in the stands at a hockey rink or a theater cheering on his sons.


Nina McDonnell's Profile

Nina McDonnell Related Seminars and Products

McDonnell Appeals, LLC


Nina McDonnell has spent her career working in criminal and civil appellate law, as well as post-conviction practice. In addition to working directly for clients in an appeal or post-conviction case, Nina provides embedded appellate services in trials, case consultation, issue consultation, and legal research and writing services to attorneys and law firms.
Before founding McDonnell Appeals, Nina was an assistant public defender where she practiced criminal and civil law in the Appellate and Post-Conviction unit of the Missouri State Public Defender. Nina's dedication to indigent clients continues as she serves as a special public defender for MSPD in conflict cases.


Stacy Parmer's Profile

Stacy Parmer Related Seminars and Products

The Missouri Bar


Stacy Parmer is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist and Registered Alcohol Drug Counselor. She received her master’s degree in education from Stephen’s College. She has more than 16 years of supervisory, counseling, and administrative experience working within the mental health and substance use field. Her career history includes delivering and managing staff assigned to provide individual and group therapy, developing and implementing a comprehensive dialectical behavioral therapy program, streamlining admission assessments and enrollment processes, and directing case management operations. She is the Director of the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program.


Joseph Passanise's Profile

Joseph Passanise Related Seminars and Products

Wampler & Passanise


Joseph S. Passanise has more than 25 years of criminal law experience and received his Juris Doctor, with honors, from Washburn University School of Law. A frequent speaker at Missouri Bar conferences, Passanise is a member of the National College of DUI Defense and a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.


Scott Pierson's Profile

Scott Pierson Related Seminars and Products

Twibell Pierson Criminal Law


Scott Pierson is an accomplished criminal defense attorney and partner at Twibell Pierson Criminal Law in Springfield, Missouri. He works closely with non-profits, including SMBA's Clean Slate Clinic, in offering expungement services for indigent clients. 


Kirk Presley Related Seminars and Products

Managing Partner and Co-Founder

Presley and Presley, LLC


David Ransin's Profile

David Ransin Related Seminars and Products

Ransin Injury Law


David W. Ransin, founder of Ransin Injury Law, in Springfield, Missouri, as a trial lawyer since 1982, exclusively represents people and their families in catastrophic injury and death litigation after car, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian and tractor trailer crashes including many jury trials, appeals, and the Supreme Court of Missouri.


Susan Sander's Profile

Susan Sander Related Seminars and Products

Fringe Benefits Specialists, Inc.


Susan Sander is a Partner with FBS, She works with Benefits for over 50 Clients Companies In addition she is a certified licensed Medicare Agent for over 20 years. She is a member of NABIP for 25 years and the Leading Producers Round Table for the past seventeen consecutive years. 


Tricia Scaglia's Profile

Tricia Scaglia Related Seminars and Products

Scaglia Law Firm, LLC


Patricia M. "Tricia" Scaglia is a solo practitioner in Independence primarily practicing in family law. She frequently serves as a guardian ad litem and mediator.

Tricia has served on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors since 2012. She is a past chair of the Family Law Section. Tricia was a recipient of the President's Award in 2016 and was the 2012 recipient of the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award.

Tricia earned her Juris Doctor from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1997.


Michael Shipley's Profile

Michael Shipley Related Seminars and Products

Law Offices of Michael S. Shipley , LLC


Mr. Shipley graduated in 1985 from of the University of Missouri Law School as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of the Coif.  Following a clerkship with U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs, he has spent over 35 years in small firm and solo practice, concentrating on civil and criminal litigation as well appellate practice.  He has served as lead counsel in dozens of jury and bench trials and approximately 30 appeals in the Missouri Court of Appeals, Missouri Supreme Court and United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.  Over the years he has presented numerous CLE’s on a variety of topics on behalf of the Missouri Bar Association, NBI, the Missouri Municipa



Natalie Spangler's Profile

Natalie Spangler Related Seminars and Products

Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel


Natalie Spangler is Staff Counsel for the Missouri Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. Previously, Natalie was an Assistant Attorney General for the Missouri Attorney General's Office and a law clerk for the Honorable Zel M. Fischer of the Supreme Court of Missouri. 


Kelly Spann's Profile

Kelly Spann Related Seminars and Products

FortmanSpann, LLC


Kelly is a wife and proud mom of three. (She is also the owner of three law firms!) As managing partner of FortmanSpann, she has niched the practice down to franchise law, in particular representing franchisees all across the country. She has over twenty years of experience representing franchisees nationwide!


Hon. Janet Sutton's Profile

Hon. Janet Sutton Related Seminars and Products

Missouri Court of Appeals


Honorable Janet Sutton was appointed to the Western District Court of Appeals in December of 2021.  She served previously as Circuit Judge in the 7th Judicial Circuit in Clay County, Missouri from 2013 to 2021 and as Associate Circuit Judge from 2003 to 2013.  She previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Clay County from 1990 to 1999, and as the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1999 to 2003.  She was the legal counsel to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office from 1993 to 1999.  She worked for the City of Excelsior Springs first as the municipal prosecutor from 1994 to 2000, and then as the municipal judge from 2001 to 2002.  She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from UMKC and her law degree in 1990, also from UMKC. Judge Sutton is married and has one son. She lives in Liberty, Missouri.


Jordan Turk's Profile

Jordan Turk Related Seminars and Products

Attorney and Legal Technology Advisor

Smokeball


Jordan is a practicing attorney in Texas, and the Legal Technology Advisor at Smokeball. In addition to her law practice, she’s passionate about legal technology and how it can revolutionize law firms.’
Jordan graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Classics, History, and Religious Studies and then went on to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law to earn her J.D. After almost four years of practice with a high-asset family law firm in Houston (and after being frustrated at the lack of automation in her firm), she discovered the world of legal technology which ultimately brought her to Smokeball.
In her podcast, Hacking Law Firm Success with Jordan Turk, she interviews law firm founders about how they grew and scaled their practices, as well as their ethos behind managing a firm.

 


John Tyner's Profile

John Tyner Related Seminars and Products

Langdon & Emison


As a lawyer at Langdon & Emison, John devotes his practice to helping people who have been catastrophically injured or have lost loved ones in accidents involving defective products; trucking accidents; premises liability; and other instances of negligence. John’s depth of experience allows him to play a key role in all phases of litigation from case initiation to resolution.  In addition, John has experience in assisting consumers who have been deceived and lied to by corporations.
Prior to joining Langdon & Emison, John was a shareholder at a Kansas City, Mo., large law firm where he first- and second-chaired jury trials and bench trials in U.S. District Courts and other state courts. During that time, John also drafted appellate briefs and writs and argued to the Missouri appellate courts.
John is a licensed member of the Missouri and Kansas bar. Prior to becoming a litigator, John was a law clerk for the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.
John is a 2006 graduate of The University of Iowa College of Law where he graduated with distinction. In 2003, he graduated magna cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

 


Justin Watkins's Profile

Justin Watkins Related Seminars and Products

Langdon and Emison


Throughout his legal career Justin has obtained substantial results for his clients. At Langdon & Emison he represents clients in a wide array of personal injury litigation, including cases involving auto product defects, wrongful death, and dangerous consumer products.


James Weyand's Profile

James Weyand Related Seminars and Products

22nd Judicial Circuit - City of St. Louis Family Court


J.C. Weyand is the longtime State's Attorney & Chief Juvenile Officer for the 10th Judicial Circuit, handling all child abuse / neglect and juvenile cases for Marion, Ralls, and Monroe Counties. Weyand is also Professor at Hannibal-LaGrange University. He has been a featured presenter at MOSOLO every year since 2019.


Katherine Wessling's Profile

Katherine Wessling Related Seminars and Products

Crime Victim Center--Legal Rep. Program


Katherine Wessling is Managing Attorney at Crime Victim Center, St. Louis. For 27 years she has represented domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking survivors. Her work with traumatized clients makes her a firm believer that all attorneys should be cognizant of secondary trauma and how it may impact their practice.


Comm. Amy Westermann's Profile

Comm. Amy Westermann Related Seminars and Products

Administrative Hearing Commission of Missouri


Commissioner Westermann joined the AHC in 2024.  Previously, Commissioner Westermann served as Chief Counsel to the State Tax Commission of Missouri, as a Senior Hearing Officer for the State Tax Commission, and as Litigation and Policy Manager for the St. Louis County Assessor’s Office.  Prior to those positions, she served as a Judicial Law Clerk/Judge’s Staff Attorney for the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.  Commissioner Westermann also served many years as an adjunct professor of legal studies at St. Louis Community College and as a professor and the Chair for Law at University of Phoenix-St. Louis Campus, where she was named 2012 Faculty of the Year.  Prior to her legal career, Commissioner Westermann was a newspaper reporter, editor, and a public relations specialist.  


Comm. Katie Jo Wheeler's Profile

Comm. Katie Jo Wheeler Related Seminars and Products

Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission


Commissioner Wheeler joined the AHC in 2021. Previously, she served as Deputy Director and General Counsel for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, managing the Department’s environmental regulatory programs, administration, communications, and legal counsel. She has also worked in private practice advising clients on regulatory compliance, litigation, and business transactions.


Comm. Gretchen L. Yancey's Profile

Comm. Gretchen L. Yancey Related Seminars and Products

13th Judicial Circuit Court


Commissioner Gretchen Yancey was appointed in Family Court Commissioner in the 13th Judicial Circuit in 2024 and primarily presides over dissolutions, motions to modify, and paternity cases. She had over twenty years of experience in family law litigation, mediation, and guardian ad litem work in mid-Missouri prior to her appointment. 


Michael Watkins's Profile

Michael Watkins Related Seminars and Products

Watkins Law Firm, P.C.


Mike grew up in the St. Louis area and attended Central Methodist University earning a B.A. in Political Science. Upon graduation from college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 13 months in Vietnam. Mike then returned home, attended law school, and received his J.D. from the University of Missouri at Columbia. His former military experience afforded him the opportunity to return to the U.S. Army and serve in the J.A.G. Corps as a defense attorney and Summary Court Military Judge while stationed in Savannah, Georgia.

In 1976, Mike established his own law firm in Chillicothe, Missouri and remained there for 27 years. During that time, he gained experience in the areas of family law, criminal defense, bankruptcy, probate, real estate, farm and agricultural matters and served as city attorney.

In 2003, Mike and Marilyn returned to the St. Louis area in order to care for aging parents. He opened his office in O’Fallon and currently practices in the areas of family law, estate planning, real estate, small business law and offers his clients flat fee billing.

Mike has spoken for Missouri Bar Practical Skills Courses; Solo and Small Firm Conference; National Business Institute; University of Missouri Law School at Columbia for Practical Management. He is a Certified Family Law Mediator and a member of Missouri Bar and the St. Charles County Bar Association. Watkins Law Firm has been voted #1 law firm in St. Charles County for 2010, 2011 and 2013.

Mike has been married for 50 years, is the father of two sons, and “Poppy” to four grandchildren. Phone: 636-625-6448 Email: mwatkins@watlaw.net


Session information

Wednesday, June 5
Conference registration | 3-6 p.m. | Paradise Foyer

Thursday, June 6
Conference registration open | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Paradise Foyer

Exhibit Hall open | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Coffee Shop | 8-10 a.m.

Pre-conference program | 8-9:50 a.m. 
The Bar Plan risk management program: The 2024 Quiz and the ethics and malpractice risks of AI | Parasol II
Hour 1 - The Quiz: Ten questions and ten answers covering a potpourri of the hottest topics in legal malpractice and ethics, and what you need to know to protect yourself from novel malpractice risks and ethics complaints.

Hour 2 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to change the practice of law with real opportunities for growth and advancement for attorneys who knowledgeably adopt and use AI tools. However, ignoring AI technology or hastily rushing its implementation can create ethics and malpractice risks. 

By attending this program, you will:

  • Understand what AI can/cannot do.
  • Understand how the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct impact the use of AI.
  • Understand the malpractice risks in using AI badly, or worse, not at all.

Speaker: Christian A.Stiegemeyer, The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company, St. Louis
$75 additional registration 

Opening plenary | 10-11:10 a.m.
Remote public access: June 2024 update on common redaction and ethics questions | Paradise A and B
It has been almost a year since the opening of Case.net to the public by remote public access, but lawyers still have important questions about complying with the redaction requirements. This updated CLE will provide practical guidance to lawyers on common redaction questions. Through a series of scenarios, the redaction requirements will be applied to assist lawyers in understanding their obligations. Additionally, common ethics questions related to redaction issues will be discussed. 

Attendees will:

  • Gain a better understanding of what information is subject to the redaction requirements.
  • Gain a better understanding of the mechanics of how Case.net works, including security levels and document types.
  • Gain a better understanding of the ethical issues of proper redaction practices pursuant to the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct

Speakers: Hon. Jeffrey W. Bates, Missouri Court of Appeals, Springfield; Melinda J. Bentley, Legal Ethics Counsel, Jefferson City

Breakout 1 | 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Anatomy of car sales: How the MMPA applies before, during, and after the sale | Nautical Wheeler
Learn about common issues that consumers face in connection with the purchase of a vehicle. This presentation explores what constitutes violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, and then examines how those principles can form the basis of claims against a motor vehicle dealer. 
The MMPA is a broad statute that covers a wide variety of conduct that can occur during a vehicle transaction. Advertisements and disclosures before the sale can mislead consumers. Misrepresentations and documentation during the sale can lay the groundwork for consumers to have remedies for later problems. After the sale, the consumer may experience mechanical and financial problems with the vehicle for which the dealer bears responsibility.
Speaker: Bryan E. Brody, Brody & Cornwell, St. Louis

Redacting and filing documents | Paradise B
Speakers: Paul G. Henry
, Denlow & Henry, St. Louis; David W. Ransin, Ransin Injury Law, Springfield

What Missouri solo and small firm attorneys need to know about veterans' benefits | Paradise C
The session will survey the types of benefits claims Veterans can make, review the appeals process, provide some pointers to those who do not practice in this area to assist their clients who may have "basic" questions, and introduce a practice area for an under-served significant segment of Missouri residents. 

You will learn about:

  • Types of VA claims.
  • Appeals of VA Decisions.
  • Elements of Compensation (Service Connected) and Pension (Non Service Connected) Claims.
  • How to quickly assess a VA decision for the Non VA Advocate.
  • VA Myths & VA Math.

Speaker: Jeffrey J Bunten, Jeffrey J Bunten LLC, Chesterfield

How to keep their affairs in order | Paradise A
Estate lawyers are very good at helping clients get their affairs in order, from preparing and signing the right documents to reorganizing ownership and beneficiary designations for optimal and desirable results. This program will provide estate practitioners with tips and tools to help them get their clients' trusts fully funded and to keep their affairs in order for years after each engagement.

Focus points include:

  • What information is important to you, the attorney and the client. 
  • Common mistakes that clients make and how you can assist them. 
  • Tips for maintaining your relationship with clients.

Speaker: Stacey L. Janssen, Janssen Estate, Probate & Elder Law, Mission, KS

Advanced GAL | Termination of parental rights: What's civil about the civil equivalent of the death penalty? | Parasol II
An examination of the termination of parental rights process with emphasis on the constitutional issues of notice, due process, separation of powers and legislative control of the bar. 

This program will review:

  • The examination of the goals of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) and how well those goals are being met.
  • The impact on the child of a termination.
  • Tips on how to handle a TPR case and preserve matters for appeal.
  • Understanding of the concept of "ambiguous loss" - a child's profound sense of loss and sadness that is not associated with a death of a loved one.
  • A comparison of the constitutional requirement of "unfitness" and the factors required under the Missouri TPR Statute.
  • Awareness of the legislative attempts to define the role of the guardian ad litem.

Speaker: David R. Crosby, Crosby Law Office, Hillsboro

Lunch | 12:20-1:20 p.m. | Exhibit Hall

Lunch and Learn programs | 12:30-1:20 p.m. 
Ransin Injury Law: Making mediation for work for you | Paradise A
Speaker: David W. Ransin, Ransin Injury Law, Springfield

Fastcase: vLex Fastcase demoParadise C
Speaker: Lisa Smith-Cressey

Breakout 2 | 1:30-2:20 p.m.
Advanced GAL | Unfounded claims and the results. What do you do when a child believes something that isn’t real? | Parasol II
Speaker: Cassidy Johnston
, Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC, Moberly

Starting a practice bootcamp | The business of law: A plan to make it work | Nautical Wheeler
Having a business plan is critical to ensure the success of solo and small firms, especially as marketing practices have increased competitiveness within the legal industry. This session will focus on the large picture blueprint of what to consider and how to create a business plan.

You will learn:

  • What a business plan is.
  • Why having a business plan is important.
  • How having a business plan can lead to success.

Speakers: Paemon Aramjoo and Ashley Aramjoo, Aramjoo Law Firm, LLC, Liberty

Franchise Law: It is more than a contract | Paradise A
This program will provide you with an understanding of franchise law and its complexities, including an insight into its intersection with trademark law. In particular, it will provide you with an understanding of the dynamic relationship involved in franchising that exists beyond the contract itself, as well as horror stories and cautionary tales to shed light on the complexities involved. 

You will learn:

  • An understanding of what franchising is;
  • An understanding of trademark law and its intersection with franchising;
  • An understanding of the complexities surrounding franchises, including state law and Federal requirements
  • An understanding of the dangers of both franchising a business and buying a franchise.

Speakers: Kelly Spann, FortmanSpann, LLC, Florissant; Annette P. Heller, TM Law & Associates, Chesterfield 

Mindfulness in the age of technology: The keys to lawyer well-being | Paradise B
This session will discuss the ways that technology has changed the practice of law and how that has impacted lawyers and their mental health. The blurring of boundaries between work and personal time can have mental (and physical) impacts that often go unrecognized or unaddressed. Come discuss how we can practice law ethically and still take care of ourselves.

Takeaways include:

  • Attendees will learn to recognize how technology has impacted their mental health.
  • Attendees will learn how these impacts are showing themselves in their practice of law.
  •  Attendees will gain tools to help them address these impacts and lessen the effects technology is having on their mental health.

Speaker: Katherine Wessling, Crime Victim Center, St. Louis

The current state of IRS enforcement: How to best protect your clients | Paradise C
In April of 2023, the IRS released a robust strategic plan covering fiscal years 2023-2031, which along with other initiatives, provides for enhanced enforcement of the U.S. tax laws. The information provided in this program is not intended to teach specific sections of the U.S. Tax Code. Rather, it provides practical information for non-tax practitioners on how to address their clients’ tax questions and concerns, including potential traps and pitfalls for the unwary. This program covers both civil and criminal IRS investigations as well as civil and post-conviction collection issues. The presenter has been representing taxpayers before the IRS in both civil and criminal matters for over 14 years and is a member of the American Bar Association – Section of Taxation – Civil and Criminal Penalties Committee, which meets annually in Las Vegas for the Tax Fraud and Controversy conference. Too often she sees clients who have been misdirected by well-meaning professionals (not just attorneys) which inspired the development of this presentation.

Takeaways include:

  • Who are the players (different divisions of the IRS and their roles) and key roles of a defense team.
  • Where to point clients when they ask how the USA has the power to tax its citizens.
  • When to advise your clients to hire a tax attorney who specializes in defending cases against the IRS and other taxing authorities.
  • What is happening with increased IRS funding.
  • IRS enforcement priorities.

Speaker: Nicole E. Forsythe, Forsythe Law Office LLC, Kansas City

Breakout 3 | 2:40-3:30 p.m.
Advanced GAL | No abuse or neglect… What’s a GAL to do? The role of GALs in cases where there is no abuse or neglect | Parasol II
Guardians ad Litem find themselves appointed sometimes in custody matters that do not involve abuse or neglect. What is the role of the GAL in such cases? During the session, we will discuss the ways in which the GAL can assist families and the Court in their quest to advocate for the children's best interests.

The presentation will focus on: 

  • Ways the GAL can define his or her role.
  • How the GAL can give the Court what he/she needs to act in the child's best interests.
  • How to help parents find the tools to act in their child's best interests.

Speaker: Commissioner Gretchen L. Yancey, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Columbia

Starting a practice bootcampManaging a law firm like a business, not a hobby | Nautical Wheeler
We will review the metrics and financial information you must have to be a successful business owner, not just a lawyer with a job in your own law firm. Where to start and how to find the resources you need to run your law firm like a business.

You will learn:

  • How and why to have a business plan.
  • How and why to have a budget.
  • How and why to have a cash flow prediction report.
  • How and why to have a marketing plan with marketing campaigns.
  • How and why to measure ROI (return on investment) for people and marketing.
  • How and why to monitor team members productivity for hourly or flat fee billing.
  • How and why to monitor leads and conversion rates (from lead to client).

Speaker: Kimberly Benjamin, Misssouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at Benjamin Law Firm, Belton

Administrative Hearing Commission: Nuts and bolts | Paradise A
During this presentation, we will outline the basics of handling a case before the AHC from filing to final decision. We start by describing what the AHC does and identifying the types of cases we hear. We will also discuss the applicable procedural and evidentiary rules applied by the AHC. Finally, we will identify some common mistakes by explaining how practicing before the AHC differs from your typical practice in state court.

After this presentation, you should be able to:

  • Describe what the AHC generally does and how it works.
  • Locate the substantive and procedural law governing your case, including evidentiary rules.
  • Understand what is expected at a hearing and in post-hearing briefing.
  • Avoid common mistakes by understanding when and how practicing before the AHC differs from typical state court practice.

Speakers: Commissioner Spencer Bartlett, Commissioner Carole Lewis Iles, Commissioner Amy S. Westerman, Commissioner Katie Jo Wheeler, Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission, Jefferson City

The basics of Workers' Comp | Paradise B
Learn how to handle a workers' compensation claim from the initial client intake through the appeals process from the perspective of representing an injured worker.

Focus points: 

  • Weed out problem clients.
  • Obtain evidence.
  • Prove medical causation.
  • Maximize settlement value.
  • Evaluate potential civil actions stemming from the workers' comp claim.

Speaker: Jason J. Iezzi, Boyd, Kenter, Thomas & Parrish LLC, Independence

Re-examining "the totality of circumstances" in a DWI arrest | Paradise C
Officers sum up their DWI arrest decision based on the "totality of circumstances," but what does that mean? The DWI Detection Process contains three phases. This session focuses on Phases One and Two of the NHTSA training for DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing which officers obtain in the academy. Using real case examples, Ms. Childress will demonstrate case analysis techniques and cross-examination practice tips to weigh evidence, revealing and challenging the totality of circumstances surrounding your client's arrest.

Focus points will include:

  • Driving requires divided attention, which is impaired by intoxication.
  • The DWI detection process aims to test a driver's ability to divide attention.
  • Understand officer training in Phase One - Vehicle in Motion.
  • Understand officer training in Phase Two - Personal Contact.
  • Reshape your case analysis around this training to issue-spot divided attention ability.
  • Develop cross-examination questions to best weigh the totality of circumstances.

Speaker: Denise L. Childress, Childress Legal LLC, Chesterfield

Breakout 4 | 4-4:50 p.m.
Advanced GAL | Parent manipulation: How to properly represent the child | Parasol II
Speaker: Cassie J. Bugalski
, Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC, Moberly

Starting a practice bootcamp | How to’s of a marketing plan | Nautical Wheeler
Speker: Annette N. Choti
, Law Quill, Lee's Summit

Bad faith: Maximizing recoveries | Paradise B
We will address the fundamentals of a bad faith claim and how settlement strategies can increase the likelihood of a full recovery for injured claimants in the face of limited coverage.

You will learn how to:

  • Recognizing the excess claim.
  • Make the carrier do its job.
  • Avoid pitfalls and defenses.
  • Secure the bad faith claim.

Speaker: Kirk R. Presley, Presley and Presley, LLC, Kansas City

Nuts and bolts for successfully handling small personal injury cases | Paradise C
Speaker: David W. Ransin
, Ransin Injury Law, Springfield

Sponsor and exhibitor reception | 4:50-5:50 p.m. | Sponsored by Clio | Windgate Plaza

Friends of Bill W. | 4:50 p.m. | Room 70

Boathouse bash dinner | 6-8 p.m. | Sponsored by ComplyAuto Esq | JB's Boathouse Deck

Bowling (4 lanes for attendees and their guests to enjoy at no charge) | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fin City Bowling

Arcade (all games open for attendees and their guests at no charge) | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fin city Arcade

Night cap reception | 8:30 p.m. | Parasol I

Friday, June 7
Conference registration open | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Paradise Foyer

Exhibit Hall open | 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Breakfast | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Exhibit Hall

CLE@Sunrise programs | 7-8:10 a.m.
(breakfast available at 6:45 in Room 60/61) | Paradise C

  • Tips, tricks and stories from recent cases
  • Our love/hate relationship with email 
  • How I am applying to my law practice what I am learning about boundaries
  • Voir dire: New approaches to an old procedure 
  • The internet has expanded the need for and power of trademarks…As well as claims and lawsuits 

Speakers: Brennan B. Delaney, Langdon and Emison, Lexington; Heather J. Hardinger, The Meyers Law Firm, Kansas City; Annette Heller, TM Law & Associates, Chesterfield; N. Carol Hutcheson, Carol Hutcheson Law Office, Springfield; David W. Ransin, Ransin Injury Law, Springfield

Breakout 5 | 8:30-9:20 a.m.
Starting a practice bootcamp | How to’s of client billing and collection | Nautical Wheeler
Speaker: Michael B. Watkins
, Watkins Law Firm, PC, O'Fallon

Civil procedure: Knowledge of the rules is power | Paradise C
Case study analysis of how to use the Rules of Civil Procedure to shape factual and legal issues for trial. Underlying case pitted solo attorney and small general contractor against a large resort developer and a national law firm with 800 attorneys. The small guys won the $6 million dollar war, but lost nearly every battle along the way because of opposing counsel's superior knowledge and effective use of the Rules. This program examines the inherent power of the Rules to dictate the course and conduct of litigation. 

Focus Points:

  • The Rules are a source of power for use in shaping factual and legal issues for trial.
  • The litigator with the most knowledge and experience with the Rules has the advantage.
  • A small firm or solo attorney can still beat the biggest and the brightest, but not without knowledge and effective use of the Rules. 

Speaker: Ric Ashe, Ashe Law, LLC, Springfield

Essentials of estate planning: The must-haves of estate planning | Paradise B
Speaker: Rebecca A. Auriemma
, Lifescape Law & Development, LLC, Liberty

Maximizing mediation: Understanding the psychology of settlement and getting the most out of settlement conferences | Parasol II
This highly-rated course takes us through the psychology of decision-making; client relations; adjusting risks; and dealing with high-conflict personalities. Also discussed are the 'Seven Steps to Settlement', and the biggest mistakes lawyers make in the settlement process. Ethical rules and obligations are also discussed and modeled throughout the presentation.

Takeaways include:

  • Honesty with clients and managing expectations.
  • Understanding the "process" of settlement.
  • Seven ways to enhance settlement possibilities through cooperation and communication and not sub-serving the wrong interests.
  • Managing high-conflict personalities. 
  • Knowing when the timing is right (and wrong) for a settlement conference.

Speaker: Claude E. Ducloux, LawPay, Austin, TX

Demystifying AI: How law firms can thrive in the age of intelligence | Paradise A
This presentation will review how law firms can leverage AI for superior marketing and business management. I will discuss AI's role in marketing, including attracting ideal clients through targeted lead generation, personalized content, and AI-powered assistants for better client experience.  I will also discuss AI’s role in business management, including freeing up lawyer time with automated tasks like legal research and document review. AI also helps predict client needs and optimize content creation.  The presentation concludes by addressing implementation considerations and emphasizes AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, legal expertise.

Takeaways include:

  • Briefly introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence in the legal industry.
  • Highlight the challenges law firms face in a competitive landscape (e.g., attracting clients, efficient workflows)
  • Position AI as a valuable tool to address these challenges and propel success.

Speaker: Lindsay Marty, Above the Bar Marketing, LLC, Madison, WI

Breakout 6 | 10-10:50 a.m.
Nobody's perfect: Common mistakes landlords make when evicting residential tenants | Paradise B
The eviction process can be simple and straightforward. Nonetheless, many landlords (and their counsel) make errors that can give rise to tenant defenses and even counterclaims. This session will cover a "hit list" of procedural mistakes, overreach, and greedy behavior that can get landlords into hot water. Think there are no defenses to eviction cases? Think again!

You will learn:

  • 1. Most common proper and improper methods of residential eviction.
  • 2. How tenants can capitalize on the errors landlords (and their attorneys) make when evicting.
  • 3. Basic tenant defenses and claims.

Speaker: Terry Lawson, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, St. Louis

An appellate primer: Perspectives from the bench and bar | Paradise C
Speaker: Michael S. Shipley
, Law Offices of Michael S. Shipley, LLC, Liberty; Hon. Janet Lodwick Sutton, Missouri Court of Appeals, Kansas City

Great case but client can’t pay: What to do? Litigating non-personal injury contingency cases | Parasol II
Contingency fee arrangements are not limited to personal injury lawsuits.  While disputes over construction projects, trusts and estates, contracts, and other business disagreements are generally handled on a billable hour arrangement, that arrangement is not the only option. Many times small businesses, contractors, and individuals have great cases but cannot afford to pay an attorney hourly to sue large corporations who have unlimited funds and high priced lawyers.  

John Tyner and Justin Watkins have experience in handling non-personal injury contingency cases and will discuss:

  • Good cases for contingency fee arrangements.
  • Which arrangements to consider.
  • Pitfalls to avoid.
  • General practice tips for maximizing potential recover for your clients and your firm.

Speakers: John M. Tyner and Justin R. Watkins, Langdon and Emison, Lexington

How to improve efficiency and productivity to grow your law firm | Paradise A
Speaker: Jordan Turk
, Smokeball, Chicago, IL

Starting a practice boot camp | Getting and keeping satisfied clients | Nautical Wheeler
Getting and keeping satisfied clients is a key to success in your law practice. We will discuss helpful techniques for effective communication with clients, avoiding surprises and disappointment, and serving as a good counselor to guide people through legal processes. 

Morry will review:

  • Effective communication techniques.
  • How to avoid surprises.
  • How to break bad news.
  • How to be certain your clients know they are important to you.

Speaker: Morry S. Cole, Gray, Ritter & Graham, PC, St. Louis,

Breakout 7 | 11:10-12 noon
Social sleuthing: The art of finding and analyzing social media for litigation and your life | Paradise C
For better or worse, social media is unavoidable. It is a source of great frustration and can also be a treasure trove. In this program, we will be looking not only at all the ways to find social media profiles that a litigant may not want you to see, but also breaking down how to pull the maximum amount of information when analyzing a profile for a case. 

You will learn:

  • Locating some social media is easy, but locating all social media can be difficult. It takes both creativity and diligence.
  • There are critical steps you need to take before and while conducting your own social media research, not only to protect yourself but to safeguard your ethical and legal obligations as attorneys.
  • When analyzing social media, it is easy to leave a lot of information on the table. 
  • The same considerations you use when analyzing social media for litigation can be applied to protect yourself and your family members when using social media for personal reasons.

Speaker: Tara J. Lamer, Glass House Private Investigations LLC, Kansas City

Essential tech, tools and talent for small firms | Nautical Wheeler
Do you procrastinate on practice improvements? Have you been pushing technology matters to the end of your to-do list? Software and services provide greater productivity, professionalism, and profitability, all of which are likely goals of your law firm — whether you're anchored by brick-and-mortar or operating virtually. From time-tracking tools to case management systems, email providers to calendaring solutions, there are several heavy hitters in each major category of legal tech (and most come in at affordable costs, too). Smith.ai's Tom Armitage is here to offer software suggestions and explain how each tool can help you run a more efficient and profitable law firm. He’ll also talk through the considerations you'll need when choosing your tools and how outsourcing can complement your legal work. 

Focus points of the presentation:

  • How to choose the right technology (with suggestions) to earn back more billable time.
  • How to offload thankless chores and unnecessary interruptions.
  • How to manage and assign projects and tasks efficiently.
  • How to better manage lead intake to create more business opportunities. 
  • Ways virtual receptionists can qualify and intake new leads effectively.
  • How to lead a more scalable small or solo law practice remotely.

Speaker: Thomas J. Armitage, Smith ai, Palo Alto, CA

Trust account rules and best practices – June 2024 edition | Paradise A
This program will provide attendees with a clear understanding of the trust account rules, address how to determine what goes in the trust account versus the operating account, give guidance on how to keep client trust account records, provide resources on how to do a self-audit to check for compliance in your office, and discuss additional issues such as accepting payments by credit card, flat fees, and more.

Learning Objectives:

  • Lawyers will gain a deeper understanding of Rules of Professional Conduct 4-1.145, 4-1.15, and 4-1.155 governing client trust accounts.
  • Lawyers will learn how to check for compliance with the Rules of  Professional Conduct through a self-audit and ethics resources.
  • Lawyers will learn the proper way to accept payments by credit card and how to handle flat fees.

Speakers: Melinda J. Bentley, Legal Ethics Counsel, Jefferson City; Natalie Jo Spangler, Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsell, Jefferson City

Constitutional updates on Missouri expungement law and marijuana and DUIs: A changing landscape | Paradise B
Speaker: Scott B. Pierson
, Twibell Pierson Criminal Law, Springfield

How to navigate insolvency issues: Practical tips for individuals and small business clients | Parasol II
Speaker: Elizabeth S. Lynch
, Chinnery Evans & Nail, PC, Lees Summit

Lunch | 12-1 p.m. | Exhibit Hall

Breakout 8 | 1-1:50 p.m.
Lingering Second Amendment problems after expungement: Advocating for clients with properly expunged convictions | Paradise C
You successfully obtained an expungement for your client. The Judge signed the Order restoring your client to their status prior to the conviction. Job well done! But the same client contacts you soon after, indicating they tried to buy a weapon but were flagged for being a convicted felon; or indicating they were stopped for a traffic violation but then arrested as a Felon in Possession. Even though RSMo. § 610.140 (describing the process for expunging certain criminal records) does not specifically address restoring firearm rights, the District Court for the Western District of Missouri recently interpreted the statute to restore such rights. This session will explore how to advocate for clients caught in this gray area, including litigation in Federal court and filing Civil cases against the FBI to address the lack of recognition of Missouri Expunged Felonies. 

Focus points:

  • How federal systems recognize or fail to recognize expungements.
  • Addressing an influx of clients who have successfully expunged records and had rights restored, yet continue to be arrested, and are unable to purchase or possess firearms to hunt. 
  • Helpful practical tips to defend your client’s firearm rights and understand what’s being done by firms at the Federal level to correct this situation. 

Speakers: Joseph S. Passanise, Wampler & Passanise, Springfield; Craig R. Heidemann, Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, PC, Bolivar; Nickolas W. Allen, Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, PC, Springfield

Navigating retirement and the roles Social Security, Medicare, and financial planning will play | Paradise B
Americans look for the right guidance as they move from the world of employment to often part-time employment and retirement. The main facts regarding Social Security and Medicare have a major impact on clients' senior years. The media provides the sales pitch but what are the main elements that one should be aware of. *Take Cobra - not always wise before Medicare is elected * What about expensive prescriptions * How to work with trusted advisors for the pathway to answers. 

This session will review:

  • Knowing that solid advice is to be found through one's attorney, CPA, financial advisor and very possibly a certified and licensed Healthcare/Medicare Specialist. 
  • Employees at Social Security offices are able to provide only bare facts but are not of the same caliber as professionals.

Speaker: Susan E. Sander, Fringe Benefits Specialists, Inc., St. Louis

Nuts and bolts of probate | Paradise A
Introductory session to probate, probate administration, determination of heirship, small estate affidavits, guardianship, conservatorship, and probate litigation. This session is designed for practitioners who are new to a probate practice or want to learn the basics of the field of probate.

What you will learn:

  • Overview of a probate practice.
  • Basics of statutory construction in probate matters.
  • Helpful tips and resources for running a probate practice.

Speaker: Tiffannie M. Kennedy, The Probate Law Center, Kansas City

Mental health, ethics, well-being | Parasol II
Speaker: Stacy Parmer, Director of the Missouri Lawyer Assistance Program, Jefferson City

When has the line been crossed? Exploring illegal discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace | Nautical Wheeler
An interactive CLE discussing real workplace scenarios presented by both an employment-side and employee-side lawyer. The speakers will also discuss best practices for employers and employees regarding potential illegal activity in the work place. Use the information learned during this fun CLE to better represent your employer or employee clients. 

Focus Points:

  • Title VII 
  • ADEA
  • ADA
  • MHRA

Speakers: Heather J. Hardinger, The Meyers Law Firm, Kansas City; Candice D. Coats, Truist Insurance Holdings, LLC, Kansas City

Breakout 9 | 2:10-3 p.m.
Environmental litigation case study: Industrial sludge spreading in rural Missouri | Parasol II
This session is a case study concerning how to identify and analyze issues in an environmental case, and how to develop an effective strategy to address the environmental concerns.

Take aways include:

  • Identifying relevant environmental issues.
  • Developing an effective strategy to address the environmental concerns.
  • Effectively executing and implementing the strategy to resolve the environmental concerns

Speaker: Stephen G. Jeffery, Jeffery Law Group, LLC, Chesterfield

Dementia and the Courts: Litigating Powers of Attorney, Contested Guardianships, and Beneficiary Designations | Paradise C
As our population ages, attorneys are increasingly placed in the difficult position of assessing our client's capacity and protecting against undue influence. At the same time, we are ethically obligated to treat clients with diminished capacity as normally as possible. This presentation will focus on three increasingly common issues: litigating powers of attorney, contested guardianships, and beneficiary designations.

In this presentation we will cover the following:

  • Our ethical obligation to both assess the capacity of our clients and to treat clients with diminished capacity as normally as possible.
  • Potential abuses of powers of attorney and actions for accounting.
  • Key issues and evidence in contested guardianships of persons with dementia.
  • Litigating incapacity and undue influence claims with beneficiary designations.

Speaker: Timothy F. McCurdy, The McCurdy Law Firm, LLC, Chesterfield

How to create amazing and consistent content on social media | Nautical Wheeler
Speaker: Annette N. Choti
, Law Quill, Lee's Summit

The kid said what: Hearsay exceptions for children | Paradise B
Speaker: James "J.C." Weyand
, 10th Circuit Juvenile Office, Hannibal

Missouri cannabis law | Paradise A
From medical marijuana to delta-8, Missouri's cannabis industry is moving at a rapid pace. According to Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation, the state recently surpassed $2.29 billion in total sales, generated over $100M in taxes and fees, and added millions in local revenues with the 3% adult use excise tax. Today, we are witnessing the historic unfolding of marijuana reclassification under the federal Controlled Substance Act. This presentation gives an overview of marijuana legalization under the Missouri Constitution, federal reclassification, and current issues in Missouri and federal cannabis litigation, legislation, and regulation.

Key points covered:

  • Defining cannabis, marijuana and hemp.
  • Reclassification of marijuana under the federal Controlled Substance Act.
  • Licensing oversight by the Division of Cannabis Regulation, Department of Health and Senior Services.
  • Current issues in Missouri and federal cannabis litigation, legislation, and regulation. 
  • Cannabis lawyer ethical considerations.

Speaker: Denise B. McCracken, D.B. McCracken Law LLC, St. Louis

Breakout session 10 | 3:30-4:20 p.m.
The IDEA : Special education law IEP's and 504 plans | Paradise C
A summary of special education law which includes the litigation process of due process hearings and practice tips. This also includes information about the widespread use of physical and chemical restraints, seclusion/isolation and other aversive interventions particularly against students with disabilities.

Speakers: Julia A. Chaney-Faughn, Cruse Chaney-Faughn, PC, Hannibal; Diane Dragan, Dragan Law Firm, LLC, Kirkwood

Geofence warrants | Nautical Wheeler
Geofence warrants have proven to be an effective tool to help prosecutors and police make their case, often when no other evidence leads to a suspect. They are the latest intersection between rapidly advancing geospatial technology and law enforcement. In some jurisdictions prosecutors petition judges to authorize warrants which scrutinize one or more international locational databases, containing location records of every citizen in the US with a smartphone. Many legal scholars say it's the details of how those data are obtained from the warrant, selected, processed, and then presented in court which may, or may not, offend long-established Constitutional protections found under the 4th and 5th Amendments.

Focus points include:

  • Fourth Amendment considerations.
  • Understanding the geography, search process, and technology used in a geofence warrant.
  • Finding geofence warrant resources.

Speaker: Christopher W. Dunn, GeoVelo, LLC, Columbia

The ethics of hanging out your own shingle: How to have positive client relationships and avoid complaints | Paradise A
When you are setting up a new practice, the Rules of Professional Conduct can help guide you to success. This program will explore areas that frequently result in client complaints in the context of the Rules, and it will help you have positive client relationships and ethical firm practices. 

  • The most common ethics violations based on disciplinary complaints.
  • Key ethical considerations to hanging out your shingle.
  • Resources to assist with ethical questions.

Speakers: Melinda J. Bentley, Office of Legal Ethics Counsel and Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Jefferson City; Keith A. Cutler, James W. Tippin & Associates, Kansas City

Lawyering Lessons from Ted Lasso | Paradise B
This CLE will feature clips from the recent Apple TV Series "Ted Lasso" followed by a discussion applying principles from the show to the practice of law. 

Key points:

  • Collegiality.
  • Trial practice.
  • Personal well-being.

Speaker: Brennan B. Delaney, Langdon and Emison, Lexington

Friends of Bill W. | 5 p.m. | Room 70

Reception | 5-6 p.m. | Sponsored by Sanders.law | Windgate Plaza

Dinner and Big Game Show | 6-8 p.m. | Sponsored by LawPay | Paradise Ballroom

Saturday, June 8

Conference registration open | 7-11 a.m. | Paradise Foyer

Breakfast | 7-8:10 a.m. | Exhibit Hall

Breakout session 11 | 8:15-9:05 a.m.
Hail yes! Property damage and insurance claims | Nautical Wheeler
This informative CLE session will explore the billion dollar world of first-party property damage insurance claims. It will cover the anatomy of a claim, public adjusters, inspections and experts, policy language, burdens on the insured and the insurance company, past and current case law, and related topics. 

Takeaways include:

  • These claims/cases are not your typical litigation matters.
  • This practice is not for everyone because it requires deep pockets and knowledge of the laws in multiple states.
  • These cases are emotionally charged.
  • Reading and understanding insurance policies is a must.

Speaker: Brandee B. Bower, Bower Law Firm LLC, Lees Summit

Where did my day go? How to increase your productivity | Paradise B
Productive days not only make us money but make us feel positive about our day. Learn how to analyze your habits to be more efficient; find pockets of time that you can utilize more effectively; delegate or outsource things you don't enjoy or don't do well; reduce the number of hours you spend working while increasing the amount of work you accomplish.

What you will learn:

  • Structure not only your workday but your work week and month.
  • Organization of your workspace and work files is essential.
  • Write out your plan for the day, week, month.
  • Develop routines for work you do every day/every week.
  • Take back control of your communications - e-mails; phone calls; texts; etc.
  • Delegate and outsource - deleting items from your to do list is an amazing way to increase your productivity.

Speaker: N. Carol Hutcheson, Carol Hutcheson Law Office, Springfield

Seven things non-immigration lawyers should know about immigration law | Paradise C
Immigration law can be unwieldy and complex. This session is a one-hour presentation that gives lawyers who do not generally practice immigration a look into the nuts and bolts of immigration law, how immigration issues impact clients' experiences, as well as how immigration issues overlap with clients' needs in the family law and criminal law areas. 

Focus Points:

  • Immigration law is not simply completing forms for clients.
  • Immigration law requires a deep dive into many areas because there are many negative consequences that can result if there is not enough due diligence.
  • Clients and their Attorneys must be aware of the need to provide substantial evidence for immigration cases. 
  • Every case is indeed different.

Speaker: Danielle M. Atchison, Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm, Overland Park

ESOP as a business succession plan | Paradise A
This session will cover the basics of what an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is, how typical ESOP transactions are structured, and how ESOPs can fit into business succession planning.

  • What is an ESOP?
  • How does an ESOP compare to other business succession alternatives?
  • What are the tax benefits to a business owner selling to an ESOP?
  • What are the tax benefits of a company being owned by an ESOP?

Speaker: Jordan W. Bergkamp, Husch Blackwell LLP, Kansas City

Breakout session 12 | 9:20-10:10 a.m.
Successful Succession: Make a Plan for Your Firm | Paradise C
Speaker: Jordan Turk
, Smokeball, Chicago, IL

A recap of the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session | Paradise A
This session will review legislation passed in 2024.

Speaker: Patricia M. Scaglia, Scaglia Law Firm, LLC, Independence

The right to confrontation: No sick days for the Constitution | Paradise B
The US and Missouri Constitutions guarantee a criminal defendant's right to confront the witnesses against him or her in open court. The pandemic sent courts scrambling for ways to hold trials while protecting litigants, jurors, lawyers, and court staff. Remote appearances by video were quickly adopted, but raised the question of whether a defendant's right to confrontation was satisfied when a witness appeared by video over the defendant's objection. In 2022, in State v. Smith, the Supreme Court of Missouri held that two-way video testimony violates confrontation. Since then, there has been a plethora of litigation concerning confrontation. This session will review the Smith case and opinion, as well as other recent opinions involving confrontation, as well as statutory considerations. In addition, attendees will learn about emerging confrontation issues and receive sample motions to challenge these emerging issues. 

You will learn:

  • Understanding the right to confrontation.
  • Recent relevant cases.
  • Emerging confrontation issues.
  • Sample motions and tips to raise and preserve claims of confrontation violations.

Speaker: Nina McDonnell, McDonnell Appeals, LLC, Clayton

Closing plenary | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Top 10 ethical issues for solo and small firm practitioners | Paradise B
This ethics CLE will cover the top 10 ethical issues from the perspective of a solo and small firm practitioner. We will review the latest Missouri OCDC report and compare from previous years the top ethical complaints and how they pertain to solo and small firm practitioners. 

Takeaways include:

  • Where to find data on ethical issues for Missouri attorneys.
  • Understanding the top ethical pitfalls and how to avoid them.
  • Accessing public case information, conducting comparative analysis and how to avoid these top ethical problems.

Speaker: Danielle M. Atchison, Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm, Overland Park

Schedule as of 5/29/24

Opinions and positions stated by presenters of MoBarCLE programs are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of The Missouri Bar. This program is intended as information for lawyers in Missouri, in conjunction with other research they deem necessary, in the exercise of their independent judgment.

Pass Details

Standard Pass
Early: $320* | Regular: $370
* Early rates end 5/7/2024

  • Access to CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries
  • Provided meals:
    • Thursday: Lunch, dinner, reception
    • Friday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, reception
    • Saturday: Breakfast
  • Access to program recordings for one year (available approximately one-month after the conference). 
  • NOTE: Program recordings viewed after the event can only be reported for self-study. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.

Virtual Pass 
Early: $320* | Regular: $370

* Early rates end 5/7/2024

  • Virtual access to CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries
  • Access to program recordings for one year (available approximately one-month after the conference). 
  • NOTE: Program recordings viewed after the event can only be reported for self-study. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.

Paralegal/Legal Aid Attorney or Paralegal/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
In-person Pass | $250

  • Access to CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries
  • Provided meals:
    • Thursday: Lunch, dinner, reception
    • Friday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, reception
    • Saturday: Breakfast
  • Access to program recordings for one year (available approximately one-month after the conference). 
  • NOTE: Program recordings viewed after the event can only be reported for self-study. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.

Paralegal/Legal Aid Attorney or Paralegal/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
Virtual Pass | $250
 

  • Virtual access to CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries
  • Access to program recordings for one year (available approximately one-month after the conference). 
  • NOTE: Program recordings viewed after the event can only be reported for self-study. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.

Law Student
In-person Pass | $200

  • Access to CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries
  • Provided meals:
    • Thursday: Lunch, dinner, reception
    • Friday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, reception
    • Saturday: Breakfast
  • Access to program recordings for one year (available approximately one-month after the conference). 
  • NOTE: Program recordings viewed after the event can only be reported for self-study. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.

Law Student
Virtual Pass | $200
 

  • Virtual access to CLE sessions, panel discussions, and plenaries
  • Access to program recordings for one year (available approximately one-month after the conference). 
  • NOTE: Program recordings viewed after the event can only be reported for self-study. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.

 

 

 

Sponsors & Exhibitors

2024 Sponsors and Exhibitors

 

Exclusive Premier

 

Platinum Sponsors

      

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

  

Bronze Sponsors

          

Exhibitors

ABA Retirement Funds Program
Above the Bar Marketing, LLC
American Cancer Society
Armanino
Association of Missouri Mediators
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Bob Sutton Real Estate and Loans, LLC
Civille
Clear Numbers Bookkeeping
Duck Hunts Records
Fuel Web Marketing
Jeffrey J Bunten LLC
Kliethermes Research
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
Lexitas
Midwest Special Needs Trust
Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program
Missouri Legal Services
Missouri State Public Defender
Nifty Marketing
Pearl Insurance
Smith.ai
Smokeball
Spotlight Branding
St. Louis Center for Cognitive Health

Tabs3 Software
TBJ LLC/JB Hammer
vLex Fastcase

Conference Lodging Rates

Margaritaville Sign Margaritaville Aerial View Margaritaville Sleeping Room

Margaritaville Lake Resort 
494 Tan Tar A Drive | Osage Beach, MO

Resort & Estate Complex Rates
Guest Room $147
1 Bedroom Suite $241*
2 Bedroom Suite $379*
Rates are per night, plus tax.
*Suites can only be reserved by phone.

Resort Complex guest rooms and suites are in interconnected buildings within walking distance of meeting rooms, resort dining and recreation.

Estates Complex guest rooms and suites are approximately 10 minutes away from the Resort Complex; a free shuttle is available.

Click on the following link to reserve your sleeping room with the code MBAR: https://irm.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/irmng/index.html?g=MBAR.
Or by calling 1-800-826-8272 and providing the agent with group code MBAR or mentioning that you are attending the Solo and Small Firm Conference.

Conference lodging rates end May 7, 2024, or when the block is filled, whichever occurs first.

Group rate is available two days before and after the conference dates, subject to availability. 

Additional Meal Ticket Information

Additional meal ticket pricing:

All meals for children 12 and under are free.

Thursday dinner ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00

Friday breakfast ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00

Friday dinner ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00

Saturday breakfast ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00

If you would like to purchase additional meal tickets at a later date once you have completed the registration process, login to your MoBarCLE account, locate the 2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference, and click on the blue "Buy the Add-On" button. 

If any of your additional meal tickets require dietary restrictions, please contact us at mobarcle@mobar.org.

Scholarships

Thank you to our generous scholarship sponsors!

Application Deadline | April 19, 2024
Recipient Notification | May 3, 2024
***Unless otherwise noted

MoBarCLE | MoBar Practice Management Scholarships

  • Covers a Standard Pass or Virtual Pass for the 2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference.
  • Applicant requirements: 
    • Solo or small firm practitioner.
    • Open to new and past attendees.
    • Applicants must demonstrate financial need

Application: MoBarCLE | MoBar Scholarships

 

MoBarCLE Financial Hardship Assistance

Limited funds are available through the MoBarCLE Programs Department for those in need of financial assistance to attend the 2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference. If you are not able to attend without a registration fee waiver or a reduced registration fee, you may submit a completed application.

MoBarCLE Financial Hardship Application

Deadline: April 19, 2024

 

Clay County Bar Foundation Scholarship
Provided through the Clay County Bar Foundation

  • Covers a Standard Pass for the 2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference
  • Applicant requirements: 
    • Applicant must practice in the Kansas City area

Submit application letters to:
Douglass F. Noland
Noland Law Firm, LLC
34 Westwoods Drive
Liberty, Missouri 64068
816-781-5055 / fax 816-781-5216
Email: doug@nolandlawfirm.com

 

Bob Sigoloff Memorial Scholarship

Covers a Standard Pass for the 2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference and two nights of lodging at Margaritaville Lake Resort.

Applicant requirements:

  • Solo or small firm practitioner.
  • Has attended no more than three MOSOLO Small Firm Conferences.
  • To honor the spirit of Bob Sigoloff, the application should describe how attendance will help you further your commitment to promoting a sense of family, camaraderie, and collegiality among attorneys.

Application: Bob Sigoloff Memorial Scholarship

Cancellation Policy

2024 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference Registration Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • All cancellation and refund requests must be in writing to mobarcle@mobar.org
     
  • A full refund of the registration fee will be issued if we receive your written cancellation by May 30, 2024. You will not have access to electronic course materials.
     
  • No refund of the registration fee will be issued if we receive your written cancellation after May 30, 2024. You will have access to electronic course materials.

Photo/Video/Comments Permission

MoBarCLE may take photos and video at this program. By attending, you give The Missouri Bar permission to use images or audio captured at these programs, as well as any written comment on evaluation forms, in any electronic or printed communications by The Missouri Bar and for any educational, advertising, and promotional purposes. You agree to release The Missouri Bar, its employees, agents, and designees from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right you may have in connection with such use.

Health and Safety Information

The Missouri Bar takes the safety and well-being of its members, the public, and its employees very seriously. We continue to monitor the latest public health updates. We will inform you of any changes to events that affect you. This includes any cancellation notices or changes to venue, format, or safety guidelines.

We encourage all attendees of Missouri Bar events to be aware of and follow public health guidelines for large gatherings. Help us keep everyone in attendance safe by not attending an event if you are ill or believe you may be contagious. Be respectful of the personal comfort level of other attendees when it comes to physical distancing, including shaking hands or other gestures common in networking environments.

By registering for and attending a Missouri Bar event, you agree to take reasonable health and safety precautions and to abide by The Missouri Bar’s posted meeting guidelines.

Please also be advised that, pursuant to RSMo. 537.1005, effective Aug. 28, 2021, “under Missouri law, any individual entering the premises or engaging the services of the business waives all civil liability against the individual or entity for any damages based on inherent risks associated with an exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19, except for recklessness or willful misconduct.”

Please contact The Missouri Bar with any questions or concerns.

Program Guide