Total Credits: 16.4 MCLE, 7.0 Ethics, 2.0 Elimination of Bias, 4.0 GAL Credit
Join us in-person at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach or virtually for the
2025 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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
3-6 p.m. | Conference Registration | Paradise Foyer
Thursday, June 5, 2025
7:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. | Conference Registration | Paradise Foyer
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Breakfast | Room 62/63/64
First Time Attendee Breakfast
8-4:30 p.m. | Exhibits | Windgate
Exhibit Hall open
8-9:50 a.m. | Pre-Session 1 | Parasol II
The ethics and malpractice risk when lawyers leave law firms
Hour 1 – The QUIZ: 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 – The Ethics and Malpractice Risk When Lawyers Leave Law Firms – Lawyers leave law firms. Sometimes to take positions at other firms, start their own firm, leave the practice entirely, retire, or…gulp, die, disappear or become disabled. All of these occurrences implicate the “left behind” lawyers’ duties under Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct 4-1.1. Competence, 4-1.3. Diligence, 4-1.4. Communication, 4-1.5. Fees, 4-1.6. Confidentiality of Information, 4-1.8. Conflict of interest; current clients; specific rules, 4-1.9 & 4-1.10. Duties & Conflict of Interest, Former Client & Imputation to Law Firm, 4-1.15. Safekeeping Property, 4-1.16. Declining or Terminating Representation, 4-5.1. Responsibilities of partners, managers and supervisory lawyers, 4-5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice, 4-8.3. Reporting Professional Misconduct, and 4-8.4. Misconduct, as well as the quality of a law firm's practice management procedures. Attendees will learn how to identify where their potential ethics and malpractice risk lies, and the systems they need to have in place BEFORE they are “left behind.”
Speaker: Chris Stiegemeyer, The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company, St. Louis
$75 additional registration
9:50-10 a.m. | Break
10-11 a.m. | Plenary 1 | Paradise A/B
Nice lawyers finish first
Speaker: Legal Humorist Sean Carter, Mesa CLE, Mesa, AZ
11-11:20 a.m. | Break
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 01A | Paradise A
To be or not to be: Is an expert required?
Presenters will discuss their experiences and share their expertise in using experts for the plaintiff (or the State) and the defendant.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: Hon. Deborah Daniels, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Columbia; Brennan B. Delaney, Langdon & Emison Attorneys at Law, Independence; Jacob L. Kurtz, Kurtz & Buck LLC, Kansas City; Mark A. Emison, Langdon & Emison Attorneys at Law, Independence
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 01B | Nautical Wheeler
Why an order of protection is more than just a family matter
Speaker: Nina McDonnell, McDonnell Appeals, LLC, Clayton
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 01C | Room 62/63/64
What new lawyers need to know about marketing and social media
In today’s digital world, effective marketing and social media strategies are crucial for lawyers looking to grow their practice and engage with potential clients. This presentation will cover the essential aspects of online marketing, including building an attorney brand, understanding ethical considerations to comply with the rules of professional conduct, and utilizing social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to enhance visibility with organic growth.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Paige M. Sparks, Sparks Legal, Washington
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 01D | Paradise B
Trust account rules and best practices - June 2025 edition
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, accepting payments by credit card, flat fees, and more. This program will also include a discussion on avoiding trust account scams.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Melinda J. Bentley, Office of Legal Ethics Counsel & Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Jefferson City
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 01E | Parasol II
Litigating claims against financial advisors: Arbitration and beyond
David and Max will walk attendees through the steps necessary to effectively represent an investor in either court or arbitration, starting with a demand letter and ending with a long-shot motion to vacate.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: David B. Cosgrove, Cosgrove Simpson, St. Louis; Charles 'Max' Simpson, Cosgrove Simpson, St. Louis
12:10-1:30 p.m. | Lunch | Windgate
12:30-1:20 p.m. | Lunch & Learn hosted by The Bar Plan | Paradise A
The Ethics and Malpractice Risks of AI
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 looks at AI's impact on the profession and its ethics and malpractice considerations.
Attendees will:
Speaker: Chris Stiegemeyer, The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company, St. Louis
12:30-1:20 p.m. | Lunch & Learn hosted by RoadSafety.Law | Room 62/63/64
Speaker: David W. Ransin, Ransin Injury Law, Springfield
12:30-1:20 p.m. | Lunch & Learn hosted by MyCase/LawPay | Paradise B
When the wheels come off: How to handle, respond and resolve an ethics complaint or grievance
Nothing strikes fear and anger in a lawyer's heart like receiving notice that a client has accused you of professional misconduct. Pause, and learn how to handle it properly. This presentation will lay out how to react, research, and respond. And how do you get ahead of it in terms of resolving the client's claims? An enlightening hour of information.
Learning Objectives:
Speaker: Claude Ducloux, National Director of CLE, Ethics, and State Compliance, Affinipay - LawPay, Austin, TX
1:40-2:30 p.m. | Breakout 02A | Parasol II
Motor vehicle insurance: Tips, tricks and nuances you need to make sure you find all the coverage you can for your client
Liability coverages are not always as obvious as you might expect, and without careful analysis of all the facts, issues, and policies, you risk overlooking recoveries your client deserves, or risk chasing coverage that you will not obtain.
Speakers: Blake I. Markus, Carson & Coil, PC, Jefferson City; M. Blake Heath, Heath Injury Law, LLC, Kansas City
1:40-2:30 p.m. | Breakout 02B | Paradise B
Avoiding ethical pitfalls in mediation and arbitration
We will review the ABA Model Rules of Professional Responsibility with special focus on issues in mediation, arbitration and negotiation. We will compare and contrast the ethics of attorney interaction with the judiciary against attorney interaction with mediators and arbitrators. We will explore third-party neutrals' ethical parameters and how those affect the attorneys and parties. The presentation will include examples of case law and studies.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: Kim L. Kirn, Kim L. Kirn Mediation, St. Louis; C.J. Larkin, United States Arbitration and Mediation, St. Louis
1:40-2:30 p.m. | Breakout 02C | Room 62/63/64
Truck and heavy equipment litigation: Current trends in potential recovery beyond driver negligence claims
Much of the focus at seminars and conferences where litigation with trucks and heavy equipment is addressed, centers on what can be categorized as driver negligence claims. While driver fatigue and other issues related to driver negligence are important to consider in this area of litigation, there are contemporary trends and design defects in today's trucks and heavy machinery that go above and beyond claims of driver negligence. These matters can include negligent hiring, product defects and design flaws, and the relatively new area of Collision Mitigation Systems, or CMS. This presentation will look at a full spectrum of those issues that are not usually covered when talking about trucking cases, and solo practitioners will learn more about potential recoveries for their respective clients in this area.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Justin R. Watkins, Langdon & Emison Attorneys at Law, N. Kansas City
1:40-2:30 p.m. | Breakout 02D | Paradise A
Yakety, Tak! Do call back! The importance of client communication
Speaker: Sean Carter, Mesa CLE
1:40-2:30 p.m. | Breakout 02E | Nautical Wheeler
You SHALL remain silent… except - The do's and don'ts for when the estate planner becomes a witness (or defendant)
Our duty to protect the attorney-client privilege is paramount. But what happens when your communications with your client becomes key evidence in litigation? This seminar addresses the ethics rules regarding when and how an attorney can disclose otherwise privileged attorney-client communications. We will focus on real world scenarios when the attorney receives a subpoena or (worse) is sued. privilege) and what lawyers can do to be prepared for when/if that happens.
Speaker: Timothy F. McCurdy, The McCurdy Law Firm, LLC, Chesterfield
2:30-2:50 p.m. | Break
2:50-3:40 p.m. | Breakout 03A | Paradise A
Simplifying retirement plan options for small law firms
This presentation will provide a basic overview of the various retirement plan options that can be tailored to benefit small law firms. The presentation will begin with an introduction to the importance of retirement plans, followed by a detailed overview of key retirement plan types that are available to small law firms, including SEP’s, SIMPLE’s, 401(k)s, Profit-Sharing Plans, and Defined Benefit Plans. The presentation will include an introduction to the Secure Act 2.0, highlighting how this legislation enhances retirement savings opportunities and offers incentives for small businesses to establish and maintain retirement plans. The presentation concludes with practical advice on plan implementation and administration, actionable steps for selecting the right plan, and a Q&A segment to address specific audience questions.
Speakers: L. Monette Lawrence, Archford Capital Strategies LLC, Swansea, IL; James 'Jim' D. Maher, Archford Capital Strategies LLC, Swansea, IL
2:50-3:40 p.m. | Breakout 03B | Paradise B
Evidence at trial: Making a case for how to make your case
Trying a case is about telling a story, and creating a narrative, for your client. This CLE will provide tips for how to think about what you are trying to convey, and how to get your evidence admitted to support your side.
Learning objectives
Speaker: Allison Schreiber Lee, Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard, PC, St. Louis
2:50-3:40 p.m. | Breakout 03C | Room 62/63/64
The ethics of hanging out your own shingle: How to have positive client relationships and avoid complaints
In this session, I will discuss lessons from the disciplinary system's statistics, key ethical considerations when opening your own practice, and resources available to attorneys regarding their ethics' questions.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Nancy L. Ripperger, Office of Legal Ethics Counsel & Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Jefferson City
2:50-3:40 p.m. | Breakout 03D | Nautical Wheeler
GAL Topic TBD
Speaker: J.C. Weyand, 22nd Judicial Circuit - City of St. Louis Family Court, St. Louis
3:40-4:10 p.m. | Break
4:10-5 p.m. | Breakout 04A | Parasol II
The who, what, where, and why of trademarks and copyrights
This session will provide you with an overview of the ins and outs of trademark and copyright law. We will discuss WHO trademark and copyright law affects and how, WHAT is a trademark and copyright, WHERE trademark and copyright issues arise, and WHY you should care as business owner AND lawyer.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Kelly Spann, TM Law & Associates, Florissant
4:10-5 p.m. | Breakout 04B | Nautical Wheeler
Making sense of your law firm's website statistics
Many attorneys and law firms have websites advertising practice. Most web site host platforms provide statistics tracking visitor behavior. The purpose of this program is to what the statistics mean and how they can be utilized to improve website content.
Speakers: Paul G. Henry, Denlow & Henry, St. Louis; Brian Douglass, Fuel Web Marketing, Columbia, SC
4:10-5 p.m. | Breakout 04C | Paradise A
Points relied on and other drafting pitfalls
Speaker: Nina McDonnell, McDonnell Appeals, LLC, Clayton
4:10-5 p.m. | Breakout 04D | Paradise B
Nuts & bolts on probate
Whether you’re taking your first probate case or looking to expand your knowledge of the probate process, this session will walk you through the essential steps of probate administration in Missouri. Ideal for solo and small firm practitioners, this practical guide will help you build a solid foundation for handling probate matters with confidence.
We'll cover testate and intestate administration, supervised v. independent, determinations of heirship, small estate affidavits, and briefly touch on guardianship/conservatorship and probate litigation.
Speaker: Tiffannie M. Kennedy, The Probate Law Center, Kansas City
4:10-5 p.m. | Breakout 04E | Room 62/63/64
Starting a law firm with no clients: Ten strategies to launch your practice successfully
Starting a law practice without clients may feel overwhelming—but it’s not impossible. In this fast-paced, practical session, attorney Matthew Russell shares real-world strategies for launching a firm from scratch. This session will cover key steps to attract clients, market your services, and build a practice with staying power. You'll walk away with clear strategies, actionable advice, and a dose of honest insight from someone who’s been through it.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Matthew A. Russell, MRD Lawyers, Springfield
5 p.m. | Meeting | Room 76
Friends of Bill W.
5-6 p.m. | Sponsor Reception | Windgate Plaza
Sponsor & exhibitor reception
6-8 p.m. | Dinner | J.B.'s Boathouse Deck
Boathouse Bash dinner
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bowling | Fin City Bowling
Bowling (four lanes for attendees and their guests to enjoy at no charge)
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Arcade | Fin City Arcade
Arcade (all games open for attendees and their guests at no charge)
Friday, June 6, 2025
7 a.m.-1 p.m. | Exhibits | Windgate
Exhibit Hall open
7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Conference Registration | Paradise Foyer
Conference Registration
6:45 a.m.-8:10 a.m. | CLE @ Sunrise | Paradise B
Breakfast and attend CLE @ Sunrise
Must attend all sessions for full credit.
7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Exhibit Hall
8:30-9:20 a.m. | Breakout 05A | Nautical Wheeler
The ethics of serving as a GAL
Speakers: Cassie J. Bugalski, Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC, Moberly; Melinda J. Bentley, Office of Legal Ethics Counsel & Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Jefferson City
8:30-9:20 a.m. | Breakout 05B | Room 62/63/64
Basics 101- Administration
Basics 101- administrative law procedures, exhausting your remedies, etc.
Speaker: Katie Jo Wheeler, Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission, Jefferson City
8:30-9:20 a.m. | Breakout 05C | Paradise B
Representing consumers in debt collection cases
This presentation will review how to most effectively and efficiently represent consumers in debt collection cases.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Stacey L. Meinen, Law Office of Stacey L. Meinen, St. Charles
8:30-9:20 a.m. | Breakout 05D | Parasol II
Developing your personal brand as an attorney
Whether you are a solo practitioner or work within a law firm, you need to create a brand that showcases your expertise, authority, and trustworthiness to your potential clients and professional network. This program will detail exactly how to do that in a step-by-step format.
When you are a solo or small firm, learn the best ways to get new clients and how to build a good reputation.
Speaker: Annette Choti, Law Quill, Lees Summit
8:30-9:20 a.m. | Breakout 05E | Paradise A
Jury trials
Trying jury criminal cases
Speaker: Travis L. Noble, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis
9:20-10 a.m. | Break
10-10:50 am | Breakout 06A | Nautical Wheeler
TBD
10-10:50 a.m. | Breakout 06B | Paradise A
Harnessing collaborative power in legal tech for small players
In the vast ocean of legal technology, small law firms and law schools often feel like boats against the tide. The rapid pace of tech advancements can be daunting, especially when resources are limited. But what if the secret to navigating these waters lies not in competing alone but in joining forces?
This session aims to spotlight the transformative potential of multidisciplinary collaboration in leveling the playing field.
The Legal Technology Laboratory (LTL) serves as a shining example. Initiated by the University of Missouri Kansas City and backed by the Ewing Kauffman Foundation, LTL emerged from a fusion of diverse minds: tech-savvy legal experts, passionate access-to-justice advocates, and forward-thinking entrepreneurship educators.
Today, LTL stands as a beacon, championing the cause of collaborative innovation to tackle pressing societal challenges.
Speakers: Ayyoub Ajmi, University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City; Kirsten F. Dunham, Executive Director, Mid-Missouri Legal Services, Columbia; Scott C. Stockwell, Ad Astra Legal LC, Lawrence, KS
10-10:50 a.m. | Breakout 06C | Room 62/63/64
Know what you don't know. Identifying and running away from ERISA claims
Long-term and short-term disability, health benefits, life insurance and accidental death benefits are the most common types of employee benefits, most of which are governed by ERISA (Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974). The ERISA statute, its accompanying regulations and the ever-changing body of case law make for a complex path for claimants and their lawyers to navigate successfully.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Matthew R. Davis, Davis Olszeski, LLP, St. Louis
10-10:50 a.m. | Breakout 06D | Paradise B
Commercial motor vehicle cases are much more than "big car crashes"
Knowing the applicable regulations, issues, strategies and tactics can make all the difference for your client
Learning objectives:
Speaker: David W. Ransin, Ransin Injury Law, Rogersville
10-10:50 a.m. | Breakout 06E | Parasol II
Nuts & bolts on medical malpractice
We will discuss the elements of medical malpractice claims in Missouri with reference to statutory requirements and present key practice tips.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: Amy Collignon Gunn, Gunn | Slater, St. Louis; Erica B. Slater, Gunn | Slater, St. Louis
10:50-11:10 a.m. | Break
11:10 a.m.-noon | Breakout 07A | Parasol II
14 Family law issues that can impact your non-family law practice, and vice versa
As a non-family law attorney, it's important to understand how titling property, settling PI cases, transferring property, and other actions during a marriage can impact how property may be awarded and divided in a divorce.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Allison Schreiber Lee, Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard, PC, St. Louis
11:10 a.m.-noon | Breakout 07B | Paradise A
Presenting with purpose: Effective strategies for jury communication
How to prepare a case in talking to juries in civil and criminal trials.
Speaker: Kimberly Benjamin, Benjamin Law Firm, Belton
11:10 a.m.-noon | Breakout 07C | Paradise B
Ethics update from the Missouri Legal Ethics Counsel - June 2025 Edition
The Missouri Legal Ethics Counsel will provide an update on current ethics issues relevant to Missouri lawyers, including a discussion of recently published Informal Opinions. This program will also include a discussion of recently published opinions in disciplinary matters. An overview of resources for researching ethics questions will also be provided.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Melinda J. Bentley, Office of Legal Ethics Counsel & Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Jefferson City
11:10 a.m.-noon | Breakout 07D | Room 62/63/64
Employee handbook - Does your firm have one and, if not, why your firm should consider
An employee handbook helps support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. If your law firm has more than one employee (contractors, vendors) or advises clients on employment matters, an employee handbook serves as a tool to communicate your firm's expectation, policies and procedures. Dr. Smith will dive into the key elements for an effective employee handbook and why your firm should consider having one and advise your clients to have one as well.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Dwayne E. Smith, Workplace Law Solutions PC, Lees Summit
11:10-noon | Breakout 07E | Nautical Wheeler
Resolving tax disputes with the Missouri Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue has hundreds of thousands of tax liens filed across the state and is ramping up its enhanced collections program. This may include garnishments (wages, bank and brokerage accounts), executions, tax intercepts and injunctions to name a few remedies. Both individual and business tax debtors alike are affected. This program will present the options a taxpayer has in resolving tax disputes with the department including audits and collections and will provide the practitioner information to present options to their clients and what to expect from the Department.
Speaker: Michael S. Kisling, Department of Revenue, Jefferson City
Noon-1:10 | Lunch | Windgate
Come and enter to win prizes! Must be present to win.
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08A | Paradise A
Smarter, faster drafting - From start to signature
Drafting documents is a pressure point in every law office. Most lawyers draft new documents by finding old documents and modifying them to work for the next case or client. This approach has a high margin of error, it’s inefficient, and there are superior, alternative methods. In this seminar, you’ll learn how to find and consolidate the best of your firm’s intellectual capital in a way that increases drafting speed and accuracy. I’ll lay out the roadmap for professional template-building (there’s a lot more to it than you think); and show you the spectrum of automation tools from the amazing things Microsoft Word is already capable of to document automation applications. For document-intensive and transactional areas of practice, improved drafting methods directly impact the bottom line and improve client satisfaction. Prepare to be amazed at the possibilities.
Speaker: Barron K. Henley, Affinity Consulting Group, Columbus, OH
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08B | Nautical Wheeler
Preparing your client for mediation: Observations from the mediator
Speaker: Jonathan Marks, The Marks Law Firm, LLC, Creve Coeur
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08C | Paradise B
Immigration law for the Missouri attorney
Immigration law overview for domestic, criminal and business practitioners.
Speaker: W. Michael Sharma-Crawford, Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law, Kansas City
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08D | Room 62/63/64
Bedsores, broken bones and brain damage: Pursuing justice for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect
An overview of nursing home cases in Missouri, how nursing homes fail to provide proper care for their residents, how to pursue a legal case and how nursing homes defend legal cases.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: David Terry, Terry Law Firm, St. Louis
2-2:20 p.m. | Break
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09A | Nautical Wheeler
Style matters: How to control Microsoft Word’s most powerful feature
Microsoft Word combines all font and paragraph formatting into a feature called Styles. Then Word surreptitiously applies styles to every paragraph in every document (without your knowledge or consent); and the feature cannot be turned off. Since you cannot avoid styles while using Word, it is a good use of any Word user's time to learn about them. Unfortunately, using Word teaches you almost nothing about what Styles are, what they do, or how to control them. This seminar will demystify this subject and show you how they work, and how to control/customize them. Be prepared for many “a-ha” moments because an understanding of styles will also show you how to solve many Word formatting issues that may have frustrated you in the past.
Speaker: Barron K. Henley, Affinity Consulting Group, Columbus, OH
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09B | Paradise A
Buy-sell agreements: Their role in succession planning
Business partners have concerns about the death, retirement or divorce of a partner. To make sure there's a smooth transition following the departure of a partner, business owners rely on buy-sell agreements to help facilitate the succession of their business. This session will review the many factors to consider when creating an agreement. We will cover both redemption and cross-purchase structures as well as the various funding and valuation considerations that determine the purchase price. We will also cover the impact of the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court case, Connelly v. United States, that has upended buy-sell planning for many business owners.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Jeffrey D. Keiser, Archford Capital Strategies LLC, Kansas City
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09C | Paradise B
Tech-savvy or tech-stagnant? Decoding legal competency in the digital age
It's been 6 years and 8 months since the Supreme Court of Missouri updated Rule 4-1.1 of Missouri’s Rules of Professional Conduct, underscoring the importance of lawyers keeping pace with technology. Despite this, much of the legal sector remains anchored in traditional methods. While there's a noticeable move towards integrating technology for routine tasks, the heart of legal practice is yet to fully embrace the technological wave. In this session, I'll delve into the present landscape of legal tech competency, particularly in the context of transformative elements like AI, heightened privacy concerns, and shifting economic patterns. Additionally, I'll challenge prevailing notions about the inherent tech proficiency of the modern generation and discuss strategies to genuinely assess and uplift tech expertise within our profession.
Speaker: Ayyoub Ajmi, University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09D | Nautical Wheeler
The eyes never forget what the heart has seen
In working with the Maasai of Tanzania, Judge Crane learned to be open to a new way of thinking and through the insight of this ancient African proverb began a process to identify and be mindful of her own implicit biases which she uses in her professional life today.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Hon. Sue M. Crane, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Fulton
3:10-3:40 p.m. | Break
3:40-4:30 p.m. | Breakout 10A | Paradise B
Should I stay or should I go? Maximizing ROI for legal technology investments
Unlock the potential of your legal technology investments with our insightful session on Return on Investment (ROI). We'll delve into how to measure the financial benefits of your tech tools relative to their costs, considering factors like increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced client satisfaction. Join us to learn how to evaluate the performance of your current products, assess new solutions, and establish a strategic foundation for future technology decisions. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to make the most out of your tech investments and drive your practice forward.
Speaker: Catherine Sanders Reach, North Carolina Bar Association, Chicago, IL
3:40-4:30 p.m. | Breakout 10B | Parasol II
From cloudy to clear: Navigating common title defects
Clouded title can bring even the smoothest real estate transaction to a halt—and for many individuals and families, resolving those issues can feel out of reach. This session introduces lawyers to practical, effective legal tools for clearing title and restoring confidence in ownership.
This course will walk through common title problems—such as the death of a grantee, divorce, unpaid judgment liens, tax liens, and more—and the legal remedies available to cure them. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of actions like quiet title, partition, and adverse possession, and how to apply these tools in everyday practice. There will also be discussion of title issues involving estates and probate.
Speaker: Joseph A. Gagnon, Gagnon Law Firm, LLC, Plattsburg
3:40-4:30 p.m. | Breakout 10C | Nautical Wheeler
Square peg, round hole
Learn what Judge Crane means when she describes cases with kids involved as the square peg, round hole dilemma and why GALs are so important.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Hon. Sue Crane, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Fulton
3:40-4:30 p.m. | Breakout 10D | Paradise A
Defendant insolvency issues
Defendant insolvency and issues when the opposing party is in bankruptcy
Speaker: Elizabeth 'Betsy' S. Lynch, Chinnery Evans & Nail, PC, Lees Summit
5 p.m. | Meeting | Room 76
Friends of Bill W.
5-6 p.m. | Sponsor Reception | Windgate Plaza
Reception
6-9 p.m. | Dinner & Casino Night | Paradise A/B
Dinner & Casino Night
Saturday, June 7, 2025
7-11 a.m. | Conference Registration | Paradise Foyer
7-8:10 a.m. | Breakfast | Exhibit Hall
8:15-9:05 a.m. | Breakout 11A | Paradise B
The two A's of implicit bias: Attorney and artificial intelligence (AI)
Attorney's cultural competence and implicit bias took center stage to improve equitable access to the law and better client representation. Then artificial intelligence burst into the profession, adding a new layer of ethical complexity and implicit bias. As the use of AI increases, consider some of the challenges and concerns of implicit bias in your practice of law.
Speaker: Sherilyn J. Tucker, Tucker Legal Services dba Your Estate Ally, St. Louis
8:15-9:05 a.m. | Breakout 11B | Parasol II
Immigration program
Speaker: Richard B. Hein, The Hein Law Firm, LC, St. Louis
8:15-9:05 a.m. | Breakout 11C | Paradise A
What every solo/small firm attorney needs to know about Social Security
This program will provide an overview of the Social Security disability program, disability criteria and provide an overview of the SSA Retirement program as well. As part of this overview the mySocialSecurity application will be introduced and explored. This program is for young, old, senior, and brand-new lawyers offering insight into what is most individuals' largest retirement source of income.
Speaker: Jeffrey J. Bunten, Jeffrey J. Bunten LLC, Chesterfield
9:05-9:20 a.m | Break
9:20-10:10 a.m. | Breakout 12A | Parasol II
Friendly takeover: Assuming ownership of an established practice - the dos and don'ts
When you spend your career building something of value, many people want to know it will live on in their absence. You want clients who have trusted your legal advice to have someone else to turn to that you feel confident will provide equally good advice. At the same time, someone stepping into your shoes wants to feel like they are building on something of value, that their efforts in the coming years will build upon an already stellar reputation. This session will discuss some of the ways each side can walk away feeling confident their goals are achievable when an established practice changes hands.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: T. Nikki Mitchell, Mitchell, Brown & Associates, LLC, St. Louis
9:20-10:10 a.m. | Breakout 12B | Room 62/63/64
Causes of action to remove fiduciaries
This session will cover causes of action to remove fiduciaries, including personal representatives, trustees, and agents under powers of attorney. Topics will include grounds for seeking removal of fiduciaries and the procedure for seeking removal. We will also cover causes of action for recovering damages based on breaches of fiduciary duties.
Speaker: Timothy F. McCurdy, The McCurdy Law Firm, LLC, Chesterfield
9:20-10:10 a.m. | Breakout 12C | Paradise A
Legislative update
Speaker: Patricia M. Scaglia, Scaglia Law Firm, LLC, Independence
9:20-10:10 a.m. | Breakout 12D | Paradise B
Mediation advocacy: Best practices representing your clients
This session will be divided into best practice for attorneys representing clients before, during and after a mediation. The course will cover practical skills in preparing you, your client, and the mediator to improve opportunity for success at mediation, including choosing the right mediator and the timing of the mediation. Strategies during the mediation will be reviewed including brackets and Mediator Proposals. Post mediation suggestions for following up with the mediator after the mediation session for cases that do not settle at mediation.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Robert Litz, Miles Mediation & Arbitration, St. Louis
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Plenary 2 | Paradise B
2025’s Best legal tech tips, tricks, services, gadgets and websites
The best of legal technology, AI, practice management, electronics, services and incredibly useful websites for lawyers. This rapid-fire hour is full of great ideas you can immediately incorporate into your practice for improving workflow, client service, efficiency and profitability. We’ll also provide you with tips for how to use your existing applications better (Word, Outlook, Acrobat, etc.).
Speakers: Barron K. Henley, Affinity Consulting Group, Columbus, OH; Catherine Sanders Reach; North Carolina Bar Association; Chicago, IL
11:30-11:45 a.m. | Closing Remarks | Paradise B
Closing remarks and grand prize drawing.
11:45 | Adjourn
Schedule as of 4/28/25
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.
Standard Pass
Early: $320* | Regular: $370
* Early rates end 5/6/2025
Virtual Pass
Early: $320* | Regular: $370
* Early rates end 5/6/2025
Paralegal/Legal Aid/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
In-person Pass | $250
Paralegal/Legal Aid/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
Virtual Pass | $250
Law Student
In-person Pass | $200
Law Student
Virtual Pass | $200
Sponsors and Exhibitors
RoadSafety.Law
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Exhibitor Reception Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Wifi Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Exhibitors
Above the Bar Marketing
Bob Sutton Real Estate and Loans LLC
Boyd Harris Companies
Caseflood.ai
Clear Numbers Bookkeeping
Duck Hunts Records
Edward Jones
Fuel Web Marketing
GoldFynch eDiscovery
Hampton Chocolate Factory
Hive
Jeffrey J Bunten LLC
Kliethermes Research LLC
Legalfit
Lexitas
Midwest Data Center
Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program
Missouri Legal Services
Missouri State Public Defender - Contract Cases for Private Attorneys
Pearl Insurance
PracticePanther
ProSites Legal
Smokeball
St. Louis Center for Cognitive Health
TL Cashman Legal Nurse Consultants
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
494 Tan Tar A Drive | Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-348-3131
Resort & Estate Complex Rates
Guest Room $164
1 Bedroom Suite $399
2 Bedroom Suite $509
Rates are per night, plus tax and resort fee.
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 SOLO
https://irm.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/irmng/index.html?g=SOLO.
Or by calling 1-800-826-8272 and providing the agent with group code SOLO or mentioning that you are attending the MOSOLO Small Firm Conference.
Conference lodging rates end May 6, 2025, 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 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 2025 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.
Thank you to our generous scholarship sponsors!
Application Deadline | April 25, 2025
Recipient Notification | May 9, 2025
***Unless otherwise noted
MoBarCLE | MoBar Practice Management Scholarships
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 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
Bob Sigoloff Memorial Scholarship
Covers a Standard Pass for the 2025 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference and two nights of lodging at Margaritaville Lake Resort.
Applicant requirements:
Application: Bob Sigoloff Memorial Scholarship
Clay County Bar Foundation Scholarship
Provided through the Clay County Bar Foundation
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
2025 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference Registration Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you request accommodations addressed by the American Disabilities Act, email your request to mobarcle@mobar.org at least three weeks prior to the program.
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.
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.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At the time of purchase |
Master Series: QDROS - Moving Beyond the Models
|
Total Credits: 1.8 Self Study | Self-Study | 1 Hour 31 Minutes | More info » |
