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Hybrid Conference

2025 Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar--Virtual


Total Credits: 13.9 MCLE, 2.0 Ethics, 11.5 Kansas Credit-General, 2.0 Kansas Ethics


Dates
Schedule at a glance


Description

 

Join us virtually for the​​​​​​
Bernard Edelman 

DWI Law & Science Seminar

Missouri’s Premier DWI Seminar


Presented by MoBarCLE and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar provides lawyers with the opportunity to learn from national experts and even better understand the science behind the practice of DWI law.

This seminar covers everything from the essentials new lawyers need to win their first DWI case, to the advanced techniques and case law updates required to keep veteran practitioners at the top of their game. Designed for the entire firm, the Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar also features a Bootcamp for Lawyers and Paralegals on the last day of the conference.

Registration is also open for the in-person conference July 24-25, 2025, at The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Missouri. Click HERE to register for the in-person conference.

Speaker

Nickolas Allen's Profile

Nickolas Allen Related Seminars and Products

Douglas, Haun & Heidemann PC


Nick is a partner in the litigation department at DHH. He focuses his practice on civil plaintiffs work in the areas of personal injury, employment law, and class actions. He was named as a Top 40 under 40 member of the National Trial Lawyers Association in 2023 and 2024.


Kimberly Benjamin's Profile

Kimberly Benjamin Related Seminars and Products

Benjamin Law Firm


Kim Benjamin is the founder of Benjamin Law Firm in Kansas City. Kim was voted Best DUI Lawyer and a top 30 of 355 criminal defense firm. She serves on the board of National College for DUI Defense and MACDL, and is on faculty for NCDD and Trial Lawyers College.


Timothy Cisar's Profile

Timothy Cisar Related Seminars and Products

The Cisar Law Firm, PC


Admitted in 1983. SLU law, ND undergrad. General practitioner until about 1992, then began specializing in criminal defense. I have served as a municipal judge in two different cities. I have worked in the private sector since graduating from law school and currently run the Cisar Law Firm, P.C. There are two associates in the firm, one of them my daughter, both associates under 30.


Mimi Coffey's Profile

Mimi Coffey Related Seminars and Products

The Coffey Firm


Mimi Coffey offices in Ft. Worth and Dallas, Texas. She is board certified in DWI by the NCDD. She's the Dean of the NCDD (2024-2024). She is co-author of Texas DWI Defense- The Law and Practice. Her articles have been published in The Champion and The Voice. 


Jeffrey Eastman's Profile

Jeffrey Eastman Related Seminars and Products

Law Office of Keleher & Eastman


Jeff Eastman is a founding member of both the National College for DUI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, organizations established to advance the cause of aggressive DUI/DWI defense. He is the recipient of numerous awards and has had the privilege of educating others in effective DWI defense.


John Eccher's Profile

John Eccher Related Seminars and Products

Eccher Law Group


John M. Eccher is a criminal defense and civil plaintiff trial attorney, with the majorities of his criminal practice in the area of DWI defense and his civil practice in the areas of employment and civil rights litigation.



Matthew Fry's Profile

Matthew Fry Related Seminars and Products

Rosenblum Schwartz Fry & Johnson


Matt Fry is one of Missouri’s top DWI attorneys. He has successfully defended every type of DWI case, including assault, manslaughter, and felony murder. There is no DWI fact pattern Matt has not seen. Outside of DWI offense, Matt is passionate about teaching Trial Advocacy II at SLU Law and running his non-profit, St. Louis Impact.


Dr. Marcus Iszard PhD, P.I.'s Profile

Dr. Marcus Iszard PhD, P.I. Related Seminars and Products

Iszard Investigational Pharmacology & Toxicology Services, LLC


Dr. Marcus Iszard is a pharmacologist and toxicologist with over 25 years of experience in higher education and more than two decades of forensic and investigative consultation in pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutics. He has provided expert testimony and legal deposition in both state and federal courts, and under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for the United States Army and the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. 
His academic career includes extensive teaching of pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutics to pharmacy, medical, dental, and nursing students, with a focus on clinical, research, and investigative applications. Dr. Iszard has also developed and delivered specialized curricula, including the "Investigative Toxicology" course at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Pharmacy (2010–2013), and a Continuing Legal Education (CLE)-accredited program titled Basic Use and Application of Toxicolegal Science Information with Guidelines for Investigating Drug-Related Cases (Missouri Bar: 6.8 CLE hours; Kansas CLE Commission: 6.5 CLE hours).
Dr. Iszard holds advanced degrees (MS and PhD) in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Florida A&M University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics. He is licensed as a private investigator in the State of Kansas (License #D-6161) and serves as an item writer for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME).

 


Travis Jones's Profile

Travis Jones Related Seminars and Products

TBJ, LLC


Travis Jones has been an instructor for the last 25 years. He is a court recognized expert in the field of DWI, breath testing for alcohol, radar, crash data retrieval and accident reconstruction. Travis is currently the owner of TBJ LLC which conducts training, case reviews, investigation/download, diagraming and testimony.


Erin McClernon's Profile

Erin McClernon Related Seminars and Products

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC


Erin is the Attorney Development Manager and Well-Being Working Group Chair at Ogletree Deakins. After twelve years practicing law, she now helps lawyers successfully navigate their careers and well-being. Erin serves on The Missouri Bar’s Well-Being Committee, speaks regularly on well-being topics, and has been recognized nationally for her work.

 


Troy McKinney's Profile

Troy McKinney Related Seminars and Products

Schneider & McKinney, PC


Troy McKinney graduated magna cum laude from South Texas College of Law and having been a briefing attorney at the First Court of Appeals. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as well as in DWI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense (the only lawyer in Texas to have all three of these Board Certifications). He is the Dean of the National College for DUI Defense, a past President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and past Board member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Project
Troy McKinney, a shareholder in Schneider & McKinney, P.C., has been licensed for over 25 years. He graduated summa cum laude from South Texas College of Law and was a briefing attorney at the First Court of Appeals. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as well as in DWI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense (the only lawyer in Texas to have all three of these Board Certifications). He is a member of the Board of Regents of the National College for DUI Defense and is a past President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and past Board member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Project. He is a Fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas and of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute. McKinney is co-author of Texas Drunk Driving Law (Lexis 4th Ed) and has authored a variety of articles that have been published in the Champion, Defender, and Voice for the Defense. He is a frequent speaker throughout the country (25 states) and internationally (5 foreign countries) on DWI and other criminal law issues. He has spoken and taught at over 140 CLE courses. The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association has twice named him the Outstanding Member of the Year. He has repeatedly been named a “Texas Super Lawyer, a Thomson Reuters Service” in Criminal Law (2004-2011) and in DWI Defense (2005-2011), a “Top Lawyer for the People” by H Texas Magazine (2005-2011) and one of “America’s Best Lawyers” (2007-2011) by America’s Best Lawyers.

 


Travis Noble's Profile

Travis Noble Related Seminars and Products

Travis Noble, PC


Travis Noble is a trial attorney that concentrates in the areas of DWI, drug charges and other felonies. He has lectured across the country regarding DWI Investigation and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. Before attending law school he was a police officer and narcotics agent from 1985 until 1995. 


Megan Oliver's Profile

Megan Oliver Related Seminars and Products

Benjamin Law Firm


Megan Oliver has practiced criminal law since 2019, starting as a public defender. She has handled numerous DWI cases, including many DOR trials, preliminary hearings, and suppression motions. Now in her second year with the Benjamin Law Firm, Megan loves being part of a team dedicated to expert DWI defense.


Joseph Passanise's Profile

Joseph Passanise Related Seminars and Products

Wampler & Passanise


Joseph S. Passanise graduated with honors from Washburn University School of Law. As the managing partner of Wampler & Passanise, he practices criminal defense in Federal, State, and Municipal courts. His peers have recognized him as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 18 years in criminal defense.


Christian Stiegemeyer's Profile

Christian Stiegemeyer Related Seminars and Products

The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company


Christian A. Stiegemeyer is the Director of Risk Management for The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company where he helps lawyers arrive at practical solutions to a wide variety of ethical and legal malpractice issues. He received his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law.


Bogdan Susan's Profile

Bogdan Susan Related Seminars and Products

Holder Susan Slusher, LLC


Bogdan Susan is a founder and partner with Holder Susan Slusher Law Firm in Columbia, Missouri. He has made mid-Missouri his home since graduating from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1984 to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Mr. Susan is committed to the idea that clients accused of committing crimes not only deserve the best defense possible, but that our freedoms depend on it.  He strongly believes that good people make mistakes and that those mistakes should not define a person’s life or prevent them from accomplishing their future goals. 


R. Michael Vang's Profile

R. Michael Vang Related Seminars and Products

R. Michael Vang PC


In July 2022, Mr. Vang was presented the National College of DUI Defense “TRIAL ADVOCACY AWARD.” Mr. Vang has thirty-eight (38) - reported appeals before the Wyoming Supreme Court dealing with DUI and implied consent issues and he will be presented the National College of DUI Defense “APPELLATE ADVOCACY AWARD."


Carl Ward's Profile

Carl Ward Related Seminars and Products

The Law Office of Carl M. Ward


Carl Ward is a nationally recognized DWI trial and appellate attorney who has represented thousands of citizens accused of DWI in nearly 90 Missouri counties. He is a Past President of MACDL, the founder of FUDOR, and current MoBar Governor.


Session Descriptions

Exact times may change

Monday, August 25, 2025
Make the most out of scientific perspectives Monday
10-10:30 a.m. | Pleanry 1-1 | Issue spotting: Top ten things to know about DWI cases

The definition and purpose behind different sections of the DWI Investigation. This will include the 10 things to review in any report you receive and are commonly investigated incorrectly. 

Learning objectives:

  • Use of the preliminary breath test as only determination and as part of the determination.
  • Effectiveness of the eye observations on determining the arrest.
  • The so-called driving cues of DWI investigation.

Speaker: Travis B. Jones, TBJ, LLC, St. Peters

10:30-11:20 a.m. | Plenary 1-2 | Alcohol and drug intoxication - Role in driving and impairment, Part 1 
Objectives: Following completion of this section, the learner will have a working knowledge base and understanding of how alcohol and drugs work in the biological system relative to driving and impairment. The learning approach for this session utilizes both experience-based case evaluation and critical forward review regarding the role of drugs and alcohol, both single or combined, relative to driving and impairment.

Learning objectives:

  • Alcohol intoxication.
  • Combination of alcohol and drug intoxication.
  • Value of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  • Interpretation of numbers and graphs.
     

Speaker: Dr. Marcus Iszard, PhD, P.I., Iszard Investigational Pharmacology & Toxicology Services, LLC, Overland Park, KS

11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Plenary 1-3 | Alcohol and drug intoxication - Role in driving and impairment, Part 2 
This presentation is a continuation of the 10:30 session. 

 Learning objectives:

  • Interpreting impairment: Subjective vs. objective.
  • Drugs and driving.
  • Case studies.

Speaker: Dr. Marcus Iszard, PhD, P.I., Iszard Investigational Pharmacology & Toxicology Services, LLC, Overland Park, KS

12:10-1:10 p.m. | Lunch 

1:10-2:00 p.m. | Plenary 1-4 | Attacking indicators of intoxication with innocent explanations
How common sense, aging and sleep deprivation play a role in a DWI arrest.

Learning objectives:

  • Sleep deprivation/fatigue-how it affects the mind and body at play in a DWI.
  • Aging issues: hearing, balance, brain deterioration and more-how it affects the mind and body at play in a DWI.
  • Proof of the lack of science in SFSTs.

Speaker: Mimi Coffey, The Coffey Firm, Ft. Worth, Texas

2-2:50 p.m. | Plenary 1-5 | The Ethics and Malpractice Risks of Artificial Intelligence
The Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct require lawyers to “keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology”. This program will look at the relevance of AI on the profession and the ethics and malpractice considerations when using it in your practice. 

Learning objectives:

  • Understanding what AI is, and is not;
  • AI's ethical and malpractice liability risks;
  • Processes and procedures to mitigate AI's ethical and malpractice liability risks;
  • How to make AI work in the everyday practice and its implications for the profession.

Speaker: Chris A. Stiegemeyer, The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company, St. Louis

2:50 p.m. | Adjourn 

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Trial and procedure Tuesday

10-11 a.m. | Plenary 2-1 | How to streamline and excel at voir dire in a DUI

Speaker: Troy McKinney, Schneider & McKinney, PC, Houston, TX

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Plenary 2-2 | How to use your team to win more cases during investigation and pre-trial preparation
This session will review what your staff can do to assist you prior to trial.

Learning objectives:

  • Review of discovery and obtain anything that’s missing.
  • Interviewing witnesses.
  • Organize all discovery.
  • Investigate areas of arrest/accident.

Speaker: Travis L. Noble, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis

12-1 p.m. | Lunch 

1-1:45 p.m. | Plenary 2-3 |The good, bad and ugly of DWI defense
Learn the history of DWI offense in Missouri from several of the most seasoned and experienced DWI attorneys in Missouri. They will discuss their good, bad, and ugly cases and experiences throughout all of the courtrooms in Missouri. Please come prepared to ask questions.

Speakers: Mattthew D. Fry, Rosenblum Schwartz Fry & Johnson, St. Louis (Moderator); Jeffrey S. Eastman, Law Office of Keleher & Eastman, Gladstone; Carl M. Ward, The Law Office of Carl M. Ward, Washington; Timothy R. Cisar, The Cisar Law Firm, PC, Lake Ozark

1:45-2:15 p.m. | Plenary 2-4 | Unique issues for CDL drivers

Speaker: John M. Eccher, Eccher Law Group, St. Louis

2:15-3:05 p.m. | Plenary 2-5 | How to challenge priors in DWI cases

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

3:05 p.m. | Adjourn

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
On Wednesday, we learn case law
10-10:50 a.m. | Plenary 3-1 | Case law update
During this session you will learn the black letter rule on every relevant case handed down from July 2024 to July 2025 and how to apply those cases to your DWI practice.

Learning objectives:

  • The law you need to know to defend your clients charged with DWI. 
  • The legal principles you need to know to protect your client's driver's license. 
  • How to use case law to shape winning arguments.

Speaker: Matthew D. Fry, Rosenblum Schwartz Fry & Johnson, St. Louis

10:50 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Plenary 3-2 | Attacking blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measurements in DWI cases under a statutory predicate, court rules (Daubert), due process, and confrontation
Mr. Vang will explain how to use implied consent statutes that have been incorporated into DUI statutes to demand chemical testing discovery and to suppress chemical testing evidence under a statutory predicate. Mr. Vang will explain how to use statutes and court rules to suppress chemical testing measurements in DUI cases. 

Speaker: R. Michael Vang, R. Michael Vang PC, Laramie, WY

12-12:30 p.m. | Plenary 3-3 | How to effectively use State v. Hatfield to win a DWI case

Speaker: Kim Benjamin, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton

12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch 

1:30-2:20 p.m. | Plenary 3-4 | DWI by THC: Has the case law caught up? 
With the legalization of marijuana in Missouri, prosecutions for DWI by THC have increased substantially. However, the caselaw regarding DWI by THC has not. Matt Fry will discuss the law on DWI by THC and the issues the State may have with proving causation. 

Learning objectives:

  • The difference between ethanol and THC in chemical composition and in the law. 
  • The steps required for the State to prove a driver is impaired by THC. 
  • The legal issues the State may face in proving DWI by THC. 
  • The studies involving DWI by THC.
  • What the future holds for the legal landscape involving DWI by THC.

Speaker: Matthew D. Fry, Rosenblum Schwartz Fry & Johnson, St. Louis

2:20-3:10 p.m. | Pushed to the limit: Exploring the biology of chronic stress and strategies to mitigate its impact
The legal field is often fast-paced, deadline-driven, and high-pressure, leading many in the profession to experience chronic stress which, if not tamed, can contribute and/or lead to serious health issues. In this session we will review important statistics about the well-being of legal professionals, explore the biology of chronic stress (including why our bodies are not built to withstand it), and learn a three-part recipe for managing stress and mitigating its impact.

Learning objectives:

  • An understanding of the status of well-being in the law, including the rates at which lawyers suffer in silence with varying types and levels of decreased well-being.
  • The biological impact of chronic stress on our bodies and minds and on our performance (including, for lawyers/judges, heightened chances for a breach of ethical duties).
  • A three-part recipe to mitigate the impacts of chronic stress.

Speaker: Erin McClernon, Ogletree Deakins, Kansas City

3:10 p.m. | Adjourn

Thursday, August 28, 2025
Thursday is for paralegals

9-9:50 a.m. | Basics/Bootcamp: Criminal and civil consequences for DWIs

Speakers: Jeannean Fenske, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis, Megan G. Oliver, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton

9:50-10:40 a.m.  | Basics/Bootcamp
AH + TDN + Refusals

Speakers: Jeannean Fenske, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis; Megan G. Oliver, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton

10:40-11:30 a.m. | Basics/Bootcamp: Demonstration of a DOR hearing for legal assistants and paralegals

Speakers: Jeannean Fenske, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis; Megan G. Oliver, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. | Pushed to the limit: Exploring the biology of chronic stress and strategies to mitigate its impact  
The legal field is often fast-paced, deadline-driven, and high-pressure, leading many in the profession to experience chronic stress which, if not tamed, can contribute and/or lead to serious health issues. In this session we will review important statistics about the well-being of legal professionals, explore the biology of chronic stress (including why our bodies are not built to withstand it), and learn a three-part recipe for managing stress and mitigating its impact.

Learning objectives:

  • An understanding of the status of well-being in the law, including the rates at which lawyers suffer in silence with varying types and levels of decreased well-being.
  • The biological impact of chronic stress on our bodies and minds and on our performance (including, for lawyers/judges, heightened chances for a breach of ethical duties).
  • A three part-recipe to mitigate the impacts of chronic stress.

Speaker: Erin McClernon, Ogletree Deakins, Kansas City

12:20-1:20 p.m. | Lunch 

1:20-1:50 p.m. | Basics/Bootcamp: Issue spotting in DWIs
Learn to identify key legal issues in DWI cases for effective case management and client advocacy.

Learning objectives:

  • Spot important facts and evidence that affect the case.
  • Know the key deadlines and paperwork needed.
  • Recognize common defenses and when to alert the attorney.

Speaker: Megan G. Oliver, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton

1:50-2:40 p.m. | Basics/Bootcamp

Speaker: Jessie Greathouse, Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton

2:40-3:40 p.m. | Basics/Bootcamp

Speaker: TBD

3:40-4:40 p.m. | Plenary 4-8 
How to use your team to win more cases during investigation and pre-trial preparation 

This session will review what your staff can do to assist you prior to trial.

Learning objectives:

  • Review of discovery and obtain anything that’s missing.
  • Interviewing witnesses.
  • Organize all discovery.
  • Investigate areas of arrest/accident.

Speaker: Travis L. Noble, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis

4:40 p.m. | Adjourn 

Schedule as of 7/11/25

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.

 

Cancellation Policy

Click HERE to review the Cancellation Policy.