Total Credits: 15.0 MCLE, 11.0 Ethics, 3.2 Elimination of Bias
Plenaries, CLE tracks, YLS Series, Ethics Series “Lunch & Learn” sessions | Oct. 6-10
While there can be many reasons someone may not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person, our virtual option means taking advantage of the high-value, low-cost CLE programming of the Annual Meeting IS NOT an either/or proposition.
Our virtual alternative mirrors the highly successful virtual “Lunch and Learn” format that collectively more than 3,300 attended and enjoyed from 2020 to 2023. It features an approach that does not tether you to a computer screen for long hours over multiple days. Instead, you will be able to attend in convenient midday time blocks while still having time to attend to your practice each day and all sessions qualify for live MCLE credit. Your virtual experience looks like this:
Use the Schedule at a Glance tab above to explore the details of the Virtual Annual Meeting option.
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.
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 Co-Chair of the Planning Committee for the American Bar Association (ABA) Center for Professional Responsibility’s National Conference on Professional Responsibility, and is a member of the ABA Professionalism Committee, the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility Coordinating Council, the Planning Committee for The Missouri Bar Solo and Small Firm Conference, and the National Organization of Bar Counsel’s Committees on Amicus, Website, and Program. 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.
John Challis is a partner with Kirkland Woods & Martinsen in Clayton. He is an ACTEC fellow that specializes in fiduciary litigation. John is a frequent speaker, the Chair of the Missouri Bar Fiduciary Litigation Committee, and was named 2020 Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for Fiduciary Litigation.
Nimrod “Rod” Chapel, Jr., is a Missouri trial lawyer and former Commissioner of the Administrative Hearing Commission who has dedicated his professional and private life to helping people stand up for their rights.
Rod founded The Chapel Law Group, LLC, to create a vehicle for the protection of workers and their families through not only the court system, but also administrative and legislative avenues and venues. Chapel’s advocacy has protected the rights of workers in Missouri, impacted multi-million dollar settlements, and helped to make Missouri a safer place to live and work for everyone.
Most recently though, Rod served as a Commissioner on the Administrative Hearing Commission. The Administrative Hearing Commission is a neutral, independent, administrative tribunal. Rod also served as General Counsel/Director of Legal Services for the Missouri Department of Revenue.
The Chapel Law Group, LLC, has a practice restricted to the representation of people and families injured in any way, deprived of wages due for their labor, and consumer issues that affect working families.
He is married to Denise Chapel and has 2 young sons. Rod is active in his community and believes strongly in community service. Currently, he serves as President of the Jefferson City, MO, NAACP as a member of The Board of Governors for The Missouri Bar and he is on a number of other boards including the Missouri Kid’s First, YMCA, Crimestoppers, Boy Scouts of America, St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, United Way and Rotary.
Patrick Connaghan is a highly respected legal professional who previously served as the Probate Commissioner and Clerk of the Probate Division for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, which covers the City of St. Louis, from 2007 to 2022. In this role, he was responsible for administering and overseeing probate cases, including the management of trusts, estates, and guardianships, as well as hearing civil commitment cases involving mental health and addiction issues. He brings the deep knowledge and experience gained from his time at the probate court to help clients resolve issues in an effective manner and navigate difficult situations.
Before his appointment as Probate Commissioner, Patrick’s long and distinguished career in public service included 12 years as General Counsel for the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen. There, he was responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the board and its members, as well as drafting legislation and serving as a liaison to the city’s operating departments.
With close to 35 years in the practice of law, Dana has served in several positions of bar leadership during her career, including being the first woman of color elected as president of The Missouri Bar, in 2016. Her numerous bar-related awards include the 2020 Eighth Circuit Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service; three President’s Awards from The Missouri Bar; a President’s Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association; the Ronda F. Williams Spirit of Diversity Award; and the Sly James Diversity and Inclusion Award, just to name a few. She has been recognized as one of the Top 30 Education Law attorneys in Missouri; a Missouri Super Lawyer since 2014; and was honored as the 2018 Woman of the Year by Missouri Lawyers Weekly at their Annual Women’s Justice Awards Luncheon. Dana has tried more than twenty bench and jury trials.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with honors, from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
When not practicing law, Dana, along with her husband and law partner Keith Cutler, are co-judges on the two-time Emmy-nominated, nationally syndicated daytime television courtroom show “Couples Court with the Cutlers.” The show is seen daily on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Deborah Daniels served as the probate judge in Boone County for almost 12 years. During that time, she was responsible for a docket on involuntary commitments involving a 32-county "catchment area" for the psychiatric hospital in Columbia. She also has worked on various committees involving the probate court and mental illness, including the Boone County Sheriff's Department. She currently is a senior judge and neutral.
Michael P. Downey is a legal ethics lawyer and founder of Downey Law Group LLC, a St. Louis law firm devoted to legal ethics, lawyer discipline defense, and the law of lawyering. Michael regularly advises lawyers at law firms and legal departments regarding legal ethics and risk management issues. Michael also assists lawyers responding to disciplinary complaints, and has defended lawyers in civil litigation and disciplinary cases in both Missouri and Illinois. Michael has taught legal ethics at Washington University and St. Louis University, published 180 articles, and presented more than 700 times on legal ethics. Learn more about Michael and his practice at www.DowneyLawGroup.com, or contact him at (314) 961-6644 or mdowney@DowneyLawGroup.com.
Laura Elsbury is Missouri’s chief disciplinary counsel, appointed by the Supreme Court of Missouri in the fall of 2022. Upon graduating from law school, she worked as an assistant attorney general for the state of Missouri for nearly 10 years. After leaving the Attorney General’s Office, and before joining the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, she spent more than three years at the Missouri Ethics Commission as its general counsel.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Laura spent 25 years working for Commerce Bank in Columbia.
William Gust is the Probate Commissioner for St. Louis County. Comm. Gust regularly hears a variety of contested probate matters including: adult guardianships, minor guardianships, contested matters relating to decedent estates, trust matters, and mental health civil commitment matters. He also presides over the administration of probate matters.
Prior to his time on the bench, Comm. Gust was a shareholder at an Am Law 100 law firm. While in practice he maintained both a local and national practice. He tried and litigated cases in various parts of the United States, ranging from St. Louis County Probate Court to Delaware Chancery Court. His expertise included everything from contested probate matters to complex civil matters.
Heather M. Hall began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Kathleen Forsyth in the Jackson County probate court. Following her clerkship, Heather gained valuable trial experience at the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office.
In private practice, she has focused on fiduciary litigation, probate/trust administration and guardianships/conservatorships.
Roger Johnson is the elected Prosecutor in Boone County, Missouri. Originally from Wright County, he is a graduate of the University of Missouri and Washington University in St. Louis. He served as an assistant attorney general before working twelve years as an assistant prosecutor. Over the years, Roger has spent a smaller amount of time in private practice representing schools and later in family law and criminal defense. He has an interest in cognitive bias as well as practical applications for Artificial Intelligence.
Rod joined the firm in 1974. He focuses his practice on products liability, insurance defense, and medical malpractice. He has been lead trial lawyer in cases tried in Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Rod is admitted to practice in the following courts: U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri; U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit; and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Rod's legal career has been distinguished by awards and honors, including Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers; American Bar Foundation, Products Liability Advisory Council; and Missouri Bar President’s Award in 1995.
Rod is a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (president, 2001); The Missouri Bar (Young Lawyers' Section Council, 1979–1985; member, Board of Governors, 1985–1993); Defense Research Institute; American Board of Trial Advocates; American Counsel Association; American Bar Association; member of the Order of Barristers; and the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers.
Rod received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1974. He completed his undergraduate degree at Missouri State University in 1971.
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.
Mira serves as immigration law counsel to U.S. and multi-national corporations, providing advice, representation, immigration compliance audits, and training. She represents employers in IT, engineering, food processing, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, insurance and banking industries, working closely with executives, in-house counsel and HR professionals to ensure corporate immigration compliance and availability of visas for international personnel.
Mira has served as chair of The Missouri Bar's Immigration Law Committee and chair of the Kansas Bar Association’s Immigration Law Section. She has written books and articles on corporate immigration law, and has spoken on business immigration issues before lawyers and business leaders across the United States.
Mira's professional work and leadership have been recognized by numerous awards, including The Missouri Bar President's Award, Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City President's Award, Business Practitioner of the Year by Missouri Lawyers Media, Best of the Bar by the Kansas City Business Journal, Robert Gernon Award for Excellence in Continuous Legal Education, and pro bono recognition from the University of Missouri – Kansas City Law Foundation, the Kansas Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Mira received her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
Jalilah Otto was appointed as Circuit Judge in October 2017 by Governor Eric Greitens. Judge Otto had served as an Associate Circuit Judge in Jackson County from 2014-2017. Prior to her appointment to the Court, Judge Otto served as a Chief Trial Assistant for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as a Special Assistant United States Attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Judge Otto began her legal career in 2002 as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Lisa White Hardwick of the Missouri Court of Appeals. In 2005, she became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and was the recipient of the Louis Lombardo Award for Prosecutor of the Year in 2009. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010 where she prosecuted large-scale narcotic and gang cases. In 2013, she rejoined the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office as a Chief Trial Assistant while maintaining her role at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
At the time of her appointment, Judge Otto was very active in the legal community having served on the Kansas City Commission on Violent Crimes, the Kansas City Municipal Ethics Commission, the Kansas City Youth Court, and the Missouri Bar’s Committee on Minority Issues. In addition, she provided leadership as the President of the Jackson County Bar Association, Chair of the Criminal Law Committee of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and Vice-Chair of the Public Service Committee of the Association of Women Lawyers.
Judge Otto is a native of Kansas City and received her law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. She also received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Political Science from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Judge Otto has also served as an adjunct professor at Metropolitan Community College - Penn Valley, and National American University.
Andrew T. Peebles is a shareholder and member of the Estate Planning Practice Group of Carnahan Evans PC. Mr. Peebles’ practice involves communication with clients aimed at understanding their unique estate planning needs and objectives, and the preparation of various estate planning documents, including simple and complex trusts, wills, powers of attorney, premarital agreements, and business documents to accurately reflect those needs. Mr. Peebles also assists clients in the administration and distribution of the estates and trusts of recently deceased loved ones.
Jay Preston is a shareholder in the Litigation/Dispute Resolution, Transactional, and Medical Marijuana & Hemp practices groups of Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown, P.C. Mr. Preston represents clients in civil litigation in both federal and state court focusing on business and real estate matters. Mr. Preston also assists clients in avoiding litigation through proper drafting of contracts/agreements, and counseling on how to deal with precarious situations. Mr. Preston attended the University of Missouri where he obtained a B.S.B.A. in finance, Master of Business Administration, and Juris Doctorate. Mr. Preston is a native of Springfield, Missouri, an eagle scout, and a graduate of Leadership Springfield and the Missouri Bar Leadership Academy.
Josh represents beneficiaries, trustees, and others in the administration of trusts and estates. Josh is especially recognized for his counsel in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. His experience includes will and trust contests; contested probate estates; modifying irrevocable trusts; creditor claims; and disputes regarding power of attorney documents.
Krista Shelton is the president and founder of Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC. With over 13 years of experience as a former IRS special agent, Krista has a distinguished career in uncovering financial fraud and providing litigation support.
Laurie's spent thirty years in private practice representing parents in family court in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to private practice, Laurie was an AJO (Attorney for Juvenile Officer) & Assistant Prosecutor. Her bachelor’s degree is from the University of Missouri-Columbia and law degree from University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Judge Sweeney is a retired circuit court judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit (Greene County), serving since his appointment as associate circuit judge in 1984 and his appointment as circuit judge in 1990. He served nine years as presiding judge. Judge Sweeney has tried over 300 jury trials. He served the judiciary of the state in a variety of committee positions.
Since retirement, he has conducted over 300 mediations and arbitrations as well as trial consultation and expert witness assignments. He has served on four cases as a special judge to the Supreme Court of Missouri and one for the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. He is a member of the National Association of Distinguished Neutrals.
Judge Sweeney received the Spurgeon Smithson Award from The Missouri Bar in 2007. He also received the Judicial Excellence Award from the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Wall of Fame Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Kansas Army ROTC.
Judge Sweeney was born in Pittsburg, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas for both his undergraduate and law degrees, where he was an editor of the Law Review. Between degrees, he was a First Lieutenant in the U. S. Army, serving one year in Vietnam.
Erwin (Erv) is a co-chair of the appellate practice group at Greensfelder. He has argued or briefed dozens of appeals in state and federal court. He has written numerous articles and presented or moderated appellate practice seminars for The Missouri Bar and other organizations. In addition to his appellate practice, Erv has deep knowledge of areas of law including consumer protection, governmental regulatory affairs, and data security. He is a co-editor of the treatise State Consumer Protection Law, recently published by the American Bar Association.
For 11 years, Erv served as chief counsel in the Office of the Missouri Attorney General, where he led litigation on matters including the Merchandising Practices Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, civil rights, First Amendment law, and taxation in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout Missouri. He has been involved in dozens of high-profile matters, including the relocation of the Rams to St. Louis, representation of the Missouri Commissioner of Securities and Secretary of State, and litigation resulting in a ban against the sale of ephedra products in Missouri. Recently he represented the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority (the governmental body responsible for the Dome at America’s Center) in negotiations with St. Louis City and St. Louis County regarding the allocation of a $500 million settlement with the NFL and the Rams.
Erv has significant community and leadership experience, including serving as president or chair of the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, the St. Louis Housing Authority, and the St. Louis Public Library. He also served on the St. Louis Police Board, the Missouri Technology Corporation Board, the Governor’s Council on Disability, and the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life. Missouri Lawyers Media has recognized Erv with an ICON award, a Mentorship award, and attorney Power List designations. He has been included in Best Lawyers in Appellate Practice and was named Lawyer of the Year in Government Relations Law.
L. Michaelle Tobin is Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the University of Missouri Kansas City Law School's award-winning trial advocacy program. She received her B.A. and her J.D. from the University of Missouri – Columbia, where she was awarded the National Moot Court Prize and the Allen H. Parke Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.
Prior to joining the faculty, Professor Tobin was a practicing attorney with nine years at the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office and seven years in private practice. During her career, she has first chaired many jury trials ranging from misdemeanors to murders. She is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College.
Misty Watson was appointed Deputy Probate Commissioner for Saint Louis County in 2019. Prior to appointment, Watson was a member of the executive committee at Danna McKitrick. She has over fifteen years experience in trusts, estates, and guardianships.
Watson received the 2019 Publico Pro Bono Award from The Missouri Bar. She was the Washington University School of Law Women's Law Caucus International Women's Day 2013 Celebration Honoree and received the John R. Essner Award for pro bono work through Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.
Watson received her LLM in Taxation and Juris Doctor from Washington University.
Timothy Weaks was appointed Public Administrator of St. Louis County on June 8, 2022. Prior, he served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, and Attorney for the Juvenile Officer in Jefferson County, and Franklin County. He is a 2013 graduate of St. Louis University School of Law.
Supreme Court of Missouri Judge Paul C. Wilson assumed the role of chief justice beginning July 1, 2021. His term as chief justice will run through June 30, 2023. He succeeds Judge George W. Draper III, who remains on the Court.
A Jefferson City native, Wilson earned his undergraduate degree from Drury College in Springfield and his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, where he was named to both the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers. He clerked at the Supreme Court of Missouri and then the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit before becoming a litigation associate at the New York law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. He returned to Missouri in 1996 to work in the Attorney General’s Office, culminating there as deputy chief of staff for litigation and, later, as counsel for budget and finance in the office of administration. He served as a circuit judge in 2010 in Cole County before joining the Columbia law firm Van Matre, Harrison, Hollis, Taylor and Bacon PC. Governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon appointed him to the Supreme Court in December 2012, and voters retained him for a twelve-year term in November 2014.
Wilson was raised in a home devoted to public service. His father was a longtime municipal and associate circuit judge in Cole County; his mother served as director of the county health department and the state division of maternal, family and child health and was the first executive director of the Missouri Association of Local Public Health Agencies. Wilson is an Eagle Scout and elder of the first Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City; he previously served on the Legal Services of Mid-Missouri board of directors. He was awarded the National Association of Attorneys General’s Ray Marvin Award in 2002 for excellence as an assistant attorney general and dedicated service in a leadership role in multistate legal initiatives and other projects. He has served for many years as the Court’s liaison to the Missouri Court Automation Committee and other committees.
Wilson and his wife, Laura O’Kelley Wilson, are the proud parents of Meredith Wilson and Alice and Julianna Whitson.
11-11:50 a.m. | Track 1
Business - Professional licensing: Clients in your hometown
Presented by: David Barrett, Nimrod Chapel
MCLE 1.0
Family - From harm to healing: The lawyer’s role in identifying and assisting familial trafficking survivors
Presented by: Veloris Juneman
MCLE 1.0
Litigation - Approaching the bench – trial judges' insights
Presented by: Hon. Brouck Jacobs, Hon. Jalilah Otto, Hon. Steven Privette, Hon. Jody Stockard
Moderator: Hon. J. Miles Sweeney
MCLE 1.0
Probate - Adventures in guardianship – the public administrator’s perspective
Presented by: Timothy Weaks, Karen Digh-Allen
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0
12-12:50 p.m. | Track 2
Business - Implicit bias & Generative AI: Understanding and addressing human bias through machine learning analogies
Presented by: Roger Johnson
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0 | Bias 1.0
Family - Missouri’s extended order of protection: How to get one and how to defend against one
Presented by: Nina McDonnell
MCLE 1.0
Litigation - Best practices for appeals: Advice from the appellate judges
Presented by: Hon. Paul Wilson, Hon. Ted Ardini, Hon. Lisa Page, Hon. Jennifer Growcock
Moderator: Erv Switzer
MCLE 1.0
Probate - Protecting the vulnerable or battle for control? The challenges of contested guardianships and conservatorships
Presented by: Catherine Moore, Comm. Misty Watson
MCLE 1.0
1-2 p.m.
YLS Series - Splitting hairs and assets: How to leave a law firm or take over a practice
Presented by: Michael Downey
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
11-11:50 a.m. | Track 3
Business - Cyber resilience and risk management: Business-critical insights for lawyers
Presented by: Shawn Tuma
MCLE 1.0
Family - Duties to client/parents at family court--confidentiality, competence, diligence, zealousness, and so much more
Presented by: Laurie Snell
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0 | Bias 1.0
Litigation - Tactics for effective mediation
Presented by: Molly Brown Bartalos
MCLE 1.0
Probate - What’s in a claim? – Filing and fighting claims in decedent estates
Presented by: Comm. William Gust, Josh Rose
MCLE 1.0
12-12:50 p.m. | Track 4
Business - Subchapter S corporations from start to finish
Presented by: John Carnahan, III; David Olive; Justin Cantwell
MCLE 1.0
Family - Peer-to-peer: How platforms like PayPal and Venmo are used to hide money
Presented by: Krista Shelton, Professor L. Michaelle Tobin
MCLE 1.0
Litigation - View from the jury box
Presented by: Rod Loomer, local jurors TBA
MCLE 1.0
Probate - Can you sleep at night? Ethical landmines in estates and trusts
Presented by: John Challis, Hon. Pat Connaghan
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0
1-2 p.m.
YLS Series - New tricks from old dogs: How to start your career off on the right foot
Presented by: Chuck Lonardo
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
11-11:50 a.m. | Track 5
Business - Inside the AI black box: What lawyers need to know about how tech companies build and deploy AI
Presented by: Matthew Braunel
MCLE 1.0
Family - Accessible wellness: Chair yoga, ethics, and law
Presented by: Karen Bickel; Matthew Harris, MA, LPC
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0
Litigation - Crossing the (blue) line: Tactics for deposing police officers in civil and criminal cases
Presented by: Dustin Goldberger
MCLE 1.0
Probate - From drafting to defense: How to prevent trust and estate litigation before it starts
Presented by: Jay Preston, Andy Peebles
MCLE 1.0
12-12:50 p.m. | Track 6
Business - What businesses and employment lawyers should know about changes in business immigration law and policy: From work visas to work permits, and I-9 compliance updates
Presented by: Mira Mdivani, Danielle Atchison
MCLE 1.0
Family - Real estate and land title law: Overview for family law practitioners
Presented by: John Banjak
MCLE 1.0
Litigation - That’s extraordinary! The use (and misuse) of applications for extraordinary writs in trial
Presented by: James Meadows, Hon. Deborah Daniels, Hon. Jennifer Growcock
MCLE 1.0
Probate - Family feuds and final wishes: The intersection of family law and probate
Presented by: Heather Hall, TBA
MCLE 1.0
1-2 p.m.
YLS Series - Analyzing experiences and solutions for retention and advancement of women attorneys
Presented by: Danielle Atchison
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2 | Bias 1.2
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Plenary 1 - The Darryl Burton Story: Lessons for Lawyers & Judges
Explore the intricacies, strengths, and weaknesses of our legal system as we hear the story of Darryl Burton, an innocent man, who was wrongfully convicted of a murder and spent 24 years in a Missouri prison before being exonerated, and insights from Hon. Richard Callahan, who oversaw Burton’s exoneration case.
Presenters: Darryl Burton, Hon. Richard Callahan
Moderator: Liz Ramsey McIntosh
MCLE 1.5
12:25-1:25 p.m.
Ethics Series 1 - Ethics update from the Missouri Legal Ethics Counsel: September 2025 edition
Presented by: Melinda Bentley
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Plenary 2 - Law in Flux: Navigating 2025’s Legal and Judicial Crosswinds
With perspectives from the bench, bar, academia, and private practice, this plenary panel will speak to the current moment. Panelists will address the impact on Missouri lawyers’ practices following 2025’s expansive, rapid changes to federal and state laws and agencies, as well as challenges to the independent judiciary and the ability to represent clients without repercussions.
Presenters: Bill Bay, Hon. David Dolan, Prof. Steve Leben, Jenifer Placzek
Moderator: Dana Tippin Cutler
MCLE 1.5
12:25-1:25 p.m.
Ethics Series 2 - A conversation with the Chief Disciplinary Counsel: Frequent complaints and related violations
Presented by: Laura Elsbury
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
Track 1 | Monday, October 6 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: David Barrett, Nimrod Chapel
Track 2 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0 | Bias 1.0
Presented by: Roger Johnson
Track 3 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Shawn Tuma
Track 4 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: John Carnahan, III; David Olive; Justin Cantwell
Track 5 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Matthew Braunel
Track 6 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Mira Mdivani, Danielle Atchison
Track 1 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Veloris Juneman
Track 2 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Nina McDonnell
Track 3 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0 | Bias 1.0
Presented by: Laurie Snell
Track 4 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Krista Shelton, Professor L. Michaelle Tobin
Track 5 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0
Presented by: Karen Bickel; Matthew Harris, MA, LPC
Track 6 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: John Banjak
Track 1 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 11-11:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Hon. Brouck Jacobs, Hon. Jalilah Otto, Hon. Steven Privette, Hon. Jody Stockard
Moderator: Hon. J. Miles Sweeney
Track 2 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Hon. Paul Wilson, Hon. Ted Ardini, Hon. Lisa Page, Hon. Jennifer Growcock
Moderator: Erv Switzer
Track 3 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Molly Brown Bartalos
Track 4 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Presented by: Rod Loomer, local jurors
Track 5 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Dustin Goldberger
Track 6 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: James Meadows, Hon. Deborah Daniels, Hon. Jennifer Growcock
Track 1 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0
Presented by: Timothy Weaks, Karen Digh-Allen
Track 2 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 12-12:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Catherine Moore, Comm. Misty Watson
Track 3 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Comm. William Gust, Josh Rose
Track 4 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0 | Ethics 1.0
Presented by: John Challis, Hon. Pat Connaghan
Track 5 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 11-11:50 a.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Jay Preston, Andy Peebles
Track 6 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 12-12:50 p.m.
MCLE 1.0
Presented by: Heather Hall
YLS 1 | Monday, Oct. 6 | 1-2 p.m.
Presented by: Michael Downey
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
YLS 2 | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 1-2 p.m.
Presented by: Chuck Lonardo
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
YLS 3 | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 1-2 p.m.
Presented by: Danielle Atchison
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2 | Bias 1.2
Explore the intricacies, strengths, and weaknesses of our legal system as we hear the story of Darryl Burton, an innocent man, who was wrongfully convicted of a murder and spent 24 years in a Missouri prison before being exonerated, and insights from Hon. Richard Callahan, who oversaw Burton’s exoneration case.
Presenters: Darryl Burton, Hon. Richard Callahan
Moderator: Liz Ramsey McIntosh
MCLE 1.5
Friday, Oct. 10 | 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
With perspectives from the bench, bar, academia, and private practice, this plenary panel will speak to the current moment. Panelists will address the impact on Missouri lawyers’ practices following 2025’s expansive, rapid changes to federal and state laws and agencies, as well as challenges to the independent judiciary and the ability to represent clients without repercussions.
Presenters: Hon. David Dolan, Bill Bay, Prof. Steve Leben, Jenifer Placzek
Moderator: Dana Tippin Cutler
MCLE 1.5
Ethics Series 1 | Thursday, Oct. 9 | 12:25-1:25 p.m.
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
Presented by: Melinda J. Bentley
Ethics Series 2 | Friday, Oct. 10 | 12:25-1:25 p.m.
MCLE 1.2 | Ethics 1.2
Presented by: Laura E. Elsbury
Triple Platinum
Davis Bethune & Jones LLC
President and Chief Justice Opening Night Reception;
Opening Lunch and Chief Justice's Address; Litigation Track sponsor
Exclusive Platinum
Robb & Robb LLC
Best of Missouri Reception Sponsor
Platinum
The Bar Plan
President and Chief Justice Opening Night Reception sponsor
Lear Werts LLP
President and Chief Justice Opening Night Reception sponsor
Silver
Pearl Insurance
Ethics Series sponsor
UMKC Law Foundation
Missouri Bar Foundation & Public Service Awards Luncheon sponsor
Gray Ritter Graham
Thursday breakfast sponsor
Notepad sponsor
Strong Law
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Sustaining sponsors
James W. Tippin & Associates
Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law
We encourage you to send a qualified substitute if you cannot attend. Registration fees, less a $40 processing fee, will be refunded to registrants who cannot attend and notify the office in writing prior to the meeting.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Business Track 1 | Professional licensing: Clients in your hometown
|
David Barrett
Nimrod Chapel
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Family Track 1| From harm to healing: The lawyer’s role in identifying and assisting familial trafficking survivors
|
Veloris Juneman
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Litigation Track 1 | Approaching the bench – trial judges' insights
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Probate Track 1 | Adventures in guardianship – the public administrator’s perspective (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Dereama Allen
Timothy Weaks
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Business Track 2 | Implicit Bias & Generative AI: Understanding and Addressing Human Bias Through Machine Learning Analogies (qualifies for 1.0 Ethics hour and 1.0 Bias hour)
|
Roger Johnson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Family Track 2 | Missouri’s extended order of protection: How to get one and how to defend against one
|
Nina McDonnell
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Litigation Track 2 | Best practices for appeals: Advice from the appellate judges
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Probate Track 2 | Protecting the vulnerable or battle for control? The challenges of contested guardianships and conservatorships
|
Catherine Moore
Comm. Misty Watson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 06, 2025 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
YLS Series 1 | Splitting hairs and assets: How to leave a law firm or take over a practice (qualifies for 1.2 ethics hours)
|
Michael Downey
|
Total Credits: 1.2 MCLE | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Business Track 3 | Cyber resilience and risk management: Business critical insights for lawyers
|
Shawn Tuma
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Family Track 3 | Duties to client/parents at family court-- confidentiality, competence, diligence, zealousness, and so much more (qualifies for 1.0 Ethics hour and 1.0 Bias hour)
|
Laurie Snell
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Litigation Track 3 | Tactics for effective mediation
|
Molly Bartalos
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Probate Track 3 | What’s in a claim? – filing and fighting claims in decedent estates
|
Comm. William Gust
Joshua Rose
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Business Track 4 | Subchapter S corporations from start to finish
|
Justin Cantwell
John Carnahan
David Olive
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Family Tack 4 | Peer-to-peer: How platforms like PayPal and Venmo are used to hide money
|
Krista Shelton
Lynn Tobin
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Litigation Track 4 | View from the Jury Box
|
Rodney Loomer
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Probate Track 4 | Can you sleep at night? Ethical landmines in estates and trusts (qualifies for 1.0 Ethics hour)
|
John Challis
Comm. Patrick Connaghan
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 07, 2025 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
YLS Series 2 | New tricks from old dogs: How to start your career off on the right foot (qualifies for 1.2 Ethics hours)
|
Chuck Lonardo
|
Total Credits: 1.2 MCLE | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Business Track 5 | Inside the AI black box: What lawyers need to know about how tech companies build and deploy AI
|
Matthew Braunel
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Family Track 5 | Accessible wellness: Chair yoga, ethics, and law (qualifies for 1.0 Ethics hour)
|
Karen Bickel
Matthew Harris
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Litigation Track 5 | Crossing the (blue) line: Tactics for deposing police officers in civil and criminal cases
|
Dustin Goldberger
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Probate Track 5 | From drafting to defense: How to prevent trust and estate litigation before it starts
|
Andrew Peebles
A. Jay Preston
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Business Track 6 | What businesses and employment lawyers should know about changes in business immigration law and policy: From work visas to work permits, and I-9 compliance updates
|
Mira Mdivani
Danielle Atchison
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Family Track 6 | Real estate and land title law: Overview for family law practitioners
|
John Banjak
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Litigation Track 6 | That’s extraordinary! The use (and misuse) of applications for extraordinary writs in trial
|
Hon. Deborah Daniels
Jennifer Growcock
James Meadows
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT) |
Probate Track 6 | Family feuds and final wishes: The intersection of family law and probate
|
Heather Hall
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webinar | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 08, 2025 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
YLS Series 3 | Analyzing experiences and solutions for retention and advancement of women attorneys (qualifies for 1.2 Ethics and 1.2 Bias hours)
|
Danielle Atchison
|
Total Credits: 1.2 MCLE | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » |
| Oct 09, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 1 | The Darryl Burton Story: Lessons for Lawyers & Judges
|
Darryl Burton
Richard Callahan
Elizabeth Ramsey
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webinar | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » |
| Oct 09, 2025 @ 12:25 PM (CDT) |
Ethics Series 1 | Ethics update from the Missouri Legal Ethics Counsel: September 2025 edition (qualifies for 1.2 Ethics hours)
|
Melinda Bentley
|
Total Credits: 1.2 MCLE | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » |
| Oct 10, 2025 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 2 | Law in Flux: Navigating 2025’s Legal and Judicial Crosswinds
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webinar | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » | |
| Oct 10, 2025 @ 12:25 PM (CDT) |
Ethics Series 2 | A conversation with the Chief Disciplinary Counsel: Frequent complaints and related violations (qualifies for 1.2 Ethics hours)
|
Laura Elsbury
|
Total Credits: 1.2 MCLE | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » |
