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State Bar of Wisconsin 2020 Annual Meeting & Conference Canceled

After careful consideration, the State Bar of Wisconsin has canceled the 2020 Annual Meeting & Conference.

We hoped that by early June, it would be possible for us to gather at one of our favorite annual events. However, with an understanding of the ongoing personal, professional, and financial challenges all of us are facing, combined with a commitment to protecting the health and safety of our members, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and staff – we realized that forging ahead with the 2020 AMC wasn’t possible. With those factors in mind, we made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 AMC.

Some good news? Our goal is to deliver much of the content of the CLE sessions that were planned at the 2020 AMC through alternative channels, such as individual webinars. Watch your inbox for more information as we solidify plans.

Make plans for next year! The world-class AMC will be back better than ever at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, June 10 & 11, 2021. We look forward to overcoming this crisis and being able to celebrate safely with all of you, in person, next year.

Still have questions? Please contact our Customer Service representatives at (800) 728-7788.

CLE S​chedule

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Wednesday, June 10, 2020

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Legal Research Using Fastcase and Books UnBound

Session Description:

Are you making the most of the research tools available to you through the State Bar of Wisconsin? This breakout will show you how to effectively and efficiently utilize Fastcase and Books UnBound in your due diligence research. You will:

  • Get tips for navigating Fastcase, a comprehensive 50-state and federal case law database
  • Learn how to navigate Books UnBound, an interactive online library of secondary law

Presented By:

Carol Chapman
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Risk! 2020 Legal Ethics Edition

Session Description:

Rapid changes in technology have challenged the applicability of the Rules of Professional Conduct in areas like advertising and solicitation, communication with clients, and the delivery of legal services. As a result, there aren’t always clear cut answers to modern ethical questions. In this memorable session – featuring multiple choice answers and interactive polling – attorneys can practice evaluating risk when the answer may not be so straightforward.

You will:

  • Explore ethical considerations in hypothetical situations
  • Understand new developments and decisions in ethics
  • Pick up new methods for evaluating risk in future cases

Sponsored By:

Professional Ethics Committee

Presented By:

Dean Dietrich
Dietrich VanderWaal, Wausau

Aviva Kaiser
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Timothy J. Pierce
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Margaret Raymond
University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison

Keith Sallen
Office of Lawyer Regulation, Madison

Tom Watson
WILMIC, Madison


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Thursday, June 11, 2020


7:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Legal Expo Open

7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Opening Plenary

Session Description:

Program description coming soon.

 

 

Presented By:

s
Bass Institute for Diversity & Inclusion

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Refreshment Break

9:45 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.

Tips and Trends in Estate Planning & Elder Law

Session Description:

Understand how elder law issues and estate planning go hand in hand with this informative presentation. You’ll explore recent changes and trends that affect the fields of estate planning and elder law, and discuss topics such as:

  • New methods for notarization
  • Insights into future law office practices, possible new legal professionals, and potential online representation
  • Issues that affect health care powers and financial powers of attorney

Sponsored By:

Elder Law and Special Needs Section

Presented By:

Terry L. Campbell
Moertl, Wilkins & Campbell, S.C., Milwaukee

Larry J. Glusman
Davis|Kuelthau, s.c., Milwaukee

Margaret W. Hickey
Becker, Hickey & Poster, SC, Milwaukee

Impact of Methamphetamine on the Law: From Criminal to Civil Litigation

Session Description:

In certain areas of Wisconsin, methamphetamine use is increasing. From disputes between neighbors to addicted parents in divorce and custody cases, the societal impact of methamphetamine use is widespread and affects multiple legal practice areas. This session will give attorneys tools and strategies that they can apply directly to their cases and clients. You’ll be able to:

  • Spot direct and indirect effects of methamphetamine use
  • Identify agencies impacted by growing meth use
  • Know which agencies are best equipped to assist individuals with addiction
  • Navigate the effects of addiction issues in and out of the courtroom

Sponsored By:

Young Lawyers Division

Presented By:

Faculty TBA
 

Tips for Answering a Complaint…And Other Procedural Tricks

Session Description:

Answer practice is too often overlooked as a process of asserting general denials to claims the attorney will evaluate more closely later. During this time, valuable defensive tools can be squandered. This presentation will focus on procedural and strategic tools to maximize a defendant’s leverage in defending a lawsuit from its earliest stage: the answer to the complaint. You’ll cover:

  • Analysis of proper service
  • Which defenses are compulsory in the defendant’s initial pleading
  • Offensive options
  • Whether to file a motion vs. filing an answer

Sponsored By:

Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Creditors’ Rights Section
Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section

Presented By:

Sherry Coley
Davis|Kuelthau, s.c., Green Bay

Deanne Koll
Bakke Norman Law Offices, S.C., New Richmond

Painting the Town Blue? Legal Issues in Planning the 2020 DNC Convention

Session Description:

The City of Milwaukee is hosting the 2020 Democratic National Committee (DNC) Convention in July. This timely presentation will provide an overview of the various legal issues the city has had to address, as it prepares to welcome 50,000 visitors. You’ll discuss numerous legal issues that have wide-ranging applicability beyond the Convention, including:

  • 1st Amendment protections
  • Handling public records requests
  • Government purchasing procedures
  • Emergency management
  • Intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships

Sponsored By:

Government Lawyers Division
Administrative and Local Government Law Section

Presented By:

Richard Frohling
United States Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee

Heather Hough
Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee

Mary Schanning
Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee

Adam Stephens
Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee

Tyrone St. Junior
Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee

10:35 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.

Refreshment Break

10:55 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Dealing with Ambiguities in Estate and Trust Procedure

Session Description:

This session will identify procedural gaps and ambiguities that exist in the Trust Code (Ch. 701) and Probate Code (Ch. 879). The information will be especially helpful to attorneys involved in a will contest, a trust petition, or any other contested issue coming before a court involving an estate or trust.

You’ll discuss:

  • The ways attorneys and courts have dealt with the statutes’ gaps and ambiguities
  • How you can address new and novel issues as they arise
  • Forthcoming proposed changes to Wisconsin law

Sponsored By:

Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
Trust and Estate Procedure Committee

Presented By:

Jeff A. Goldman
DeWitt LLP, Madison

How to Collect from an LLC or Corporation

Session Description:

Trying to collect a claim from a company can feel like traversing through a sunless morass. To avoid payment, companies often create multiple obstacles by employing tactics like “switch and flush” or filing bankruptcy cases and receiverships. This program will focus on increasing the likelihood of recovering on a claim through the use of charging orders, receivers, and garnishments.

You will:

  • Learn cost-effective, productive tools for collecting a claim against a company or against the individual owner of a company
  • Improve your ability to obtain recoveries on claims
  • Understand why certain strategies are ineffective

Sponsored By:

Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Creditors’ Rights Section
Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section
Business Law Section

Presented By:

James V. Block
Krautkramer & Block LLC, Wausau

J. David Krekeler
Krekeler Strother, S.C., Madison

Brittany S. Ogden
Quarles & Brady LLP, Madison

Appellate E-filing in Wisconsin

Session Description:

In April 2019, the Wisconsin Supreme Court authorized a pilot e-filing project and the creation of a work group. To test the new system, a small number of cases were identified to be e-filed in District 4. This program will reveal what the group has learned so far and explain:

  • How the system will work
  • Anticipated changes to appellate procedure
  • How to comply with appellate e-filing

Sponsored By:

Appellate Practice Section

Presented By:

Faculty TBA
 

Forensic Science

Session Description:

Program description coming soon.

Sponsored By:

Bench and Bar Committee
Judicial Education Committee

Presented By:

Jerome F. Buting
Buting, Williams & Stilling, S.C., Brookfield

Dean A. Strang
Strang Bradley, LLC, Madison

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Luncheon Plenary

Session Description:

Program description coming soon.

 

 

Presented By:

Ellen "Ellie" Krug
Human Inspiration Works, LLC, Minneapolis, MN

1:00 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.

Break

1:10 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Dealing with Financial Elder Abuse: A Review of Civil Relief

Session Description:

With the rising age of Baby Boomers and an increasing amount of dementia and other forms of decline, there is a lot of money changing hands. Consequently, the area of elder law is growing, as clients are subjected to financial abuse – or are wrongfully accused of financially abusing a loved one.

This session will provide overviews of the areas of Wisconsin civil law that can be utilized when dealing with alleged elder financial abuse, including:

  • Ch. 244, statute on financial power of attorney
  • Ch. 701, Wisconsin’s Trust Code
  • Probate law
  • Tort of international interference with inheritance

Sponsored By:

Trevor Lippman

Presented By:

Trevor C. Lippman
O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., Milwaukee

Update on Wisconsin Criminal Law and Procedure

Session Description:

Without a firm understanding of current legal developments, prosecutors cannot effectively seek justice and defense attorneys cannot be constitutionally effective. This session will focus on recent, significant cases that affect critical areas of criminal practice. You will cover:

  • Case law developments arising from the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
  • Pertinent federal case law on evidence, substantive criminal law, and criminal procedure

Sponsored By:

Criminal Law Section

Presented By:

Rebecca Coffee
Mastantuono & Coffee S.C., Milwaukee

Roy Korte
Retired Criminal Litigation Unit Director (Wisconsin Department of Justice), Madison

Hon. Phil Koss
Walworth County Circuit Court, Elkhorn

Michael O’Hear
Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee

Sharpening Your Law Practice Management Skills: Incorporating Systems, Methods, and Analytics

Session Description:

Is your firm operating at optimal performance? The only way to know is to use data that’s available within your firm, but if there aren’t any systems in place, you won’t be able to produce metrics. This presentation draws from proven effective law practice management techniques to teach you tools that you can immediately put to use in your own practice. You’ll learn how to:

  • Incorporate systems and methods that produce consistent, measurable results
  • Get the most out of your systems and improve efficiency
  • Better manage your law practice

Sponsored By:

State Bar of Wisconsin Law Office Management Assistance Program (Practice411)

Presented By:

Christopher Shattuck
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Parenthood, Esq.

Session Description:

Work-life integration and flexible fair leave policies correlate positively with enhanced lawyer well-being. Yet, attorneys often struggle with initiating conversations with their employer about pregnancy, nursing, post-partum, and other issues related to family needs. This presentation will empower lawyers to advocate for themselves and seek accommodations when needed. Employers will also benefit by learning how to develop policies that minimize adverse effects on workplace productivity and attract, support, and retain employees.

You’ll learn:

  • What the law requires so parental leave doesn’t become a barrier to career advancement
  • Strategies for initiating conversations about family leave and related issues
  • Best practices for leave, return, and other family-related policies

Sponsored By:

Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP)

Presented By:

Sara J. Geenen
The Previant Law Firm, S.C., Milwaukee

Elizabeth A. Groeschel
Legal Action of Wisconsin, Oshkosh

Mary Spranger
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

1:10 - 2:10: Bringing Your Tribe Full Circle (WALA program)

Session Description:

The ever-changing dynamics of a law firm create a lifetime to-do list for every legal administrator and managing partner / executive committee. From introducing yearling associates to the business side of law, to transitioning legends into retirement, there is a world of information that needs to be constantly shared. To keep a healthy dynamic in a firm amidst changes, you need to build trust amongst all attorneys, at every stage of their careers. This presentation will review how to “bring your tribe full circle” by emphasizing the importance of:

  • Training young attorneys on the importance of smart business practices
  • Easing seasoned attorneys through technological and cultural shifts
  • Getting the best results in succession planning when legends retire

 

 

Presented By:

Kathy Pline
Executive Director, Boardman & Clark, LLP, Madison

2:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

Break

2:20 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Social Media in Family Law

Session Description:

The legal environment is being transformed by society’s ubiquitous use of communication technologies. This session will identify and resolve key ethical questions regarding the use of technology in family court, including the use of social media platforms, practice management systems, website, email, and texting. A few of the issues to be discussed include:

  • Privacy/confidentiality and duties owed to clients, opposing counsel, and the court
  • Attorney/client privilege and privilege waivers
  • Potentially prejudicial evidence or improperly obtained evidence
  • Independent searches of social network sites
  • Client communication and keeping client info secure
  • Ethical duties when mining metadata or electronically-stored information
  • Personal privacy and security concerns arising from database searches

Sponsored By:

Family Law Section

Presented By:

Comm. Sally Danner
Family Court Commissioner, Fond du Lac

Hon. Michael R. Fitzpatrick
Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District IV, Madison

Comm. Mark Fremgen
Dane County Circuit Court, Madison

David Karp
Karp & Iancu, S.C., Milwaukee

Timothy J. Pierce
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Using Legal Design Thinking to Solve Ethical Dilemmas

Session Description:

In this interactive session, you’ll discover how legal design thinking can transform how in-house legal teams respond to clients’ concerns. After hearing a hypothetical case, the group will be tasked with finding a creative solution that uses the legal design thinking approach. Discover how this new and innovative way of solving ethical dilemmas can help:

  • Make your communications and documents clearer
  • Increase collaboration, innovation, and productivity across your team
  • Improve client services at all levels
  • Deliver value that your clients demand

Sponsored By:

International Practice Section

Presented By:

Ngosong Fonkem
Page Fura, P.C., Milwaukee

Kristen Hardy
Briggs & Stratton, Milwaukee

Jeffrey Perzan
Law Offices of Jeffrey Perzan, Milwaukee

Bethany Wilson
Palmersheim Dettmann, S.C., Middleton

Gray Area Thinking

Session Description:

Humans are naturally wired to group others who are “different” than themselves, which can lead to harmful labels and marginalization. In this inclusivity presentation, Ellen “Ellie” Krug will teach a simple three-part toolset for challenging black and white thinking. Gray Area Thinking© will help attendees:

  • Develop self-awareness of the human tendency to group and label
  • Gain strategies for overcoming fear of the unknown
  • Interact with diverse people in more mindful and compassionate ways

Sponsored By:

Nonresident Lawyers Division
Diversity & Inclusion Oversight Committee
Civil Rights and Liberties Section

Presented By:

Ellen "Ellie" Krug
Human Inspiration Works, LLC, Minneapolis, MN

Timing is Everything: Recognizing the Red Flags of Business Disputes and Using Proactive ADR Strategies to Efficiently and Successfully Navigate Resolution

Session Description:

When small or closely-held companies or LLCs encounter internal conflicts or disputes with significant clients or customers, the resulting litigation can threaten the company’s existence. Attorneys need to be able to identify signals of a coming dispute, as well as know how to proactively defuse the dispute before it leads to full-blown litigation. You’ll learn how to:

  • Spot potential conflicts
  • Communicate red flags to a client
  • Defuse problems with different mediation strategies
  • Address ethical issues when a dispute is internal

Sponsored By:

Dispute Resolution Section
Business Law Section

Presented By:

Hon. Michael J. Aprahamian
Waukesha County Circuit Court, Waukesha

Lisa L. Derr
Derr & Villarreal LLC, Beaver Dam

James J. Mathie
Mathie Mediation Services LLC, Milwaukee

Matthew D. Rowe
Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C., Wausau

10 Ethics and Practice Management Tips You Need to Know (WALA program)

Session Description:

In this don’t-want-to-miss session, the presenters will provide resources for fine tuning your law practice and answer all of your pressing questions. You’ll cover the ethical and practical considerations for ten topics, including:

  • Succession planning
  • Selling your law firm
  • “Of counsel” or “contract lawyer”
  • Sharing office space and office staff
  • Cloud computing
  • Supervisory authority
  • Comprised email accounts
  • In-person advertising of legal services
  • Flat fees
  • Changing firms

 

 

Presented By:

Aviva Kaiser
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Christopher Shattuck
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

3:35 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Break

3:45 p.m. - 4:35 p.m.

The “Shareholder Primacy” Debate: What is the Purpose of a Corporation?

Session Description:

Since the early 1970s, the “shareholder primacy” paradigm has dominated corporate governance thinking. In August 2019, the Business Roundtable, an influential group of CEOs from major American companies, issued a controversial new Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation. This program will inform Wisconsin lawyers of the arguments on both sides of the debate, i.e., Should a corporation be focused primarily on maximizing shareholder value, or should a corporation be focused on commitments to various stakeholders when making decisions? You will:

  • Get up-to-speed on the debate over a corporation’s purpose
  • Be able to advise corporate clients and boards of directors on their fiduciary duties

Sponsored By:

Business Law Section

Presented By:

Faculty TBA
 

Opportunities for ADR in High-Conflict Cases

Session Description:

Traditional litigation can leave clients emotionally and financially drained – not to mention without satisfying results. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes can offer a means of resolving high-conflict disputes at greater cost savings – both emotional and financial—and help clients obtain more durable agreements. You’ll discuss:

  • Different types of alternative dispute resolution processes
  • Examples of pilot programs using ADR in uncommon ways or in cases
  • Ways to incorporate ADR services into an existing law practice
  • Ethical considerations and limitations

Sponsored By:

Megan Stoltz, Jessa Nicholson Goetz

Presented By:

Aviva Kaiser
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Jessa Nicholson Goetz
Nicholson, Gansner & Otis, SC, Madison

Megan Stoltz
Stoltz Hendrickson LLC, Monona

Changed Genders, Changed Perspectives

Session Description:

In this presentation, Ellen “Ellie” Krug discusses her experience transitioning from male to female, as well as working as a male vs. female attorney. She’ll discuss how changing genders affected her ability to fit in and gave her new perspective on the obstacles that women face in social interactions and in the workplace. As a civil trial attorney, Ellie will give particular attention to gender biases she’s witnessed in the law and legal practice, including by members of the jury, opposing counsel, and clients. Audience members will be encouraged to ask questions and will leave with:

  • An awareness of gender biases in day-to-day interactions
  • A better understanding of the obstacles faced by female lawyers and the LGBTQ+ population
  • Tips for being an ally
  • The ability to recognize room for growth in the legal community and community at large

Sponsored By:

Nonresident Lawyers Division
Diversity & Inclusion Oversight Committee
Civil Rights and Liberties Section

Presented By:

Ellen "Ellie" Krug
Human Inspiration Works, LLC, Minneapolis, MN

Plea Agreements: From the Local to the Global

Session Description:

Plea agreements are a large part of the U.S. criminal justice system and were created to provide potential benefits to both the government and defendants. Most foreign justice systems do not offer plea agreements, or if they do, the mechanisms are very different. In this session, you will cover:

  • How plea agreements work in American state and federal courts
  • How the U.S. system compares to systems around the world
  • Recent efforts to help Nepal begin to use plea agreements

Sponsored By:

International Practice Section

Presented By:

Erik Guenther
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC

Chad Lanning
Lubar & Lanning LLC, Milwaukee

John Vaudreuil
Former U.S. Attorney for Western District of Wisconsin, Madison

3:45 - 4:45: Hide Your Goat – Three Steps to Self-Control (WALA program)

Session Description:

Some days, it feels like certain people have been put on earth specifically to “get your goat.” During these challenging, emotionally-charged moments, do you allow others to pull the strings that light the fuse of anger? Do you let yourself get angry or frustrated too easily? In this workshop, you’ll gain practical tools for remaining calm, even when people are pushing your buttons. You’ll learn:

  • Why paying attention to your breathing matters
  • How to “train your brain” to overcome negative thinking
  • Words and phrases that can help you stay calm and collected
  • How to “hide your goat” and maintain self-control during stressful situations

 

 

Presented By:

Marsha Petrie Sue
Communicating Results, Inc.

4:40 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Cryptocurrency and Taxation - How the IRS is Dealing with Virtual Conundrum

Session Description:

Cryptocurrencies are becoming more commonplace, yet their value continues to fluctuate widely. As a result, clients may be faced with large gains or losses that can be reported or claimed on tax returns.

This program will review the reporting requirements for cryptocurrencies, so you can help your clients establish that their claims are correct and be prepared in case of an audit. You will discuss:

  • The emergence of cryptocurren
  • cies
  • How tax
  • authorities treat crypto assets
  • How the government investigates unreported transactions

Sponsored By:

Taxation Law Section

Presented By:

Britany E. Morrison
O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., Milwaukee

Robert B. Teuber
von Briesen & Roper, s.c., Milwaukee

A Creditor’s Guide to Bankruptcy and Receivership

Session Description:

Lawyers representing all types of clients are frequently asked to weigh in when a client receives a bankruptcy notice from someone that owed them money. In each situation, the attorney must help the client understand and navigate the bankruptcy process, recovering as much as possible without making a bad situation worse. Split into four parts, this presentation will review the most common questions and relevant issues, including:

  • An overview of case process and procedure, after a filing notice is received
  • Treatment of secured claims, the automatic stay, and options
  • Non-dischargeable and priority claims
  • Preference claims and available defenses

Sponsored By:

Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Creditors’ Rights Section
Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section

Presented By:

Kimberly Sebranek
Eustice, Laffey, Sebranek & Auby, S.C., Sun Prairie

Craig E. Stevenson
DeWitt LLP, Madison

Proving Up Construction Contract Delay Damages

Session Description:

Construction contract damages arise in many scenarios. This program will focus on establishing, proving up, and collecting damages incurred by prime and subcontractors in an array of scenarios, including unforeseen site conditions, changes in scope of work, delays resulting from utility conflicts, and more. You will:

  • Identify contract clauses limiting recovery
  • Apply damage principles and methods of establishing, calculating, and collecting damages
  • Become aware of potential contract claims, contract terms, and reasonableness of settlement offers

Sponsored By:

Construction and Public Contract Law Section

Presented By:

Steven L. Slawinski
O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., Milwaukee

Brian R. Smigelski
DeWitt LLP, Brookfield

James S. Thiel
Thiel, Vu & Associates, Madison

Secondary Trauma in the Judiciary

Session Description:

Due to their exposure to graphic and potentially disturbing evidence and testimony, judges and legal professionals are at risk for secondary trauma. Nevertheless, judges are often excluded from stress debriefing exercises and support systems that other front-line professionals have access to. This program emphasizes the need for better treatment and support options for judges to decrease career dissatisfaction and impairment. You will:

  • Discuss the causes and symptoms of secondary trauma
  • Understand the potential effects of unrecognized/untreated secondary trauma and stress
  • Learn about the concept of trauma-informed decision-making in the courtroom
  • Review current efforts underway in Wisconsin to improve judges’ and lawyers’ well-being

Sponsored By:

Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP)

Presented By:

Tim Grove
SaintA, Milwaukee

Hon. Mary Triggiano
First Judicial Administrative District, Milwaukee County

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Friday, June 12, 2020


7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Legal Expo Open

7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors

8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Civil Litigation Motion Practice From Start to Finish: A View From the Bench

Session Description:

This program will provide the dos and don’ts of successful motion practice from the standpoint of judges. All civil litigators, regardless of experience level, will benefit from learning the types of motions that are successful, as well as the ones that are received unfavorably. You will gain insight on:

  • When – and when not – to bring a motion
  • What judges are looking for from the movant

Sponsored By:

Ed Robinson
Litigation Section

Presented By:

Hon. Valarie Bailey-Rihn
Dane County Circuit Court (Branch 3), Madison

Kathy L. Nusslock
Davis|Kuelthau, s.c, Milwaukee

Alexander “Sandie” Pendelton
Pendleton Legal, S.C., Milwaukee

Women in Law

Session Description:

Attorneys of all genders, experience levels, and practice areas will appreciate this session on the issues faced by female attorneys. Meant to be an interactive conversation between the panelists and the audience, this session will cover topics related to:

  • Where women work
  • Evaluation and promotion
  • Leadership and mentoring
  • Why law firms need women
  • Tips for retention

Attendees will gain practical tips for addressing each issue and come away with a better understanding of why increased female representation in the workplace benefits law firms and results in stronger representation for clients.

Sponsored By:

Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section
Association of Women Lawyers

Presented By:

Ann Jacobs
Jacobs Injury Law, S.C., Milwaukee

Hon. JoAnne Kloppenburg
Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District IV, Madison

Stephanie Melnick
Melnick & Melnick, S.C., Mequon

Starlyn Tourtillott
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin - Legal Services Department, Keshena

ICWA: Gold Standard or Flawed Law?

Session Description:

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) has been challenged a number of times in the past few years. This panel discussion will focus on the most recent 5th Circuit decision in Brackeen v. Bernhardt and give attendees greater depth on how ICWA challenges and initiatives affect tribal communities in Wisconsin. Hear three different perspectives about:

  • The intentions and legality of ICWA
  • How the sovereignty of tribes affects child welfare decisions
  • How arguments made in recent challenges would completely alter the field of Indian Law if adopted

Sponsored By:

Indian Law Section
Children and the Law Section
Family Law Section

Presented By:

Nicole Homer
Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature, Black River Falls

Dan Lewerenz
Native American Rights Fund, Washington, D.C.

Dennis Puzz Jr.
Stockbridge-Munsee General Counsel, Bowler

Paul W. Stenzel
Hansen & Hildebrand S.C., Milwaukee

9:15 a.m. - 9:35 a.m.

Break

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Motions to Dismiss in Wisconsin Business Litigation: A New Landscape?

Session Description:

This program will help business lawyers and civil trial attorneys better understand recent important decisions in Wisconsin pleading standards and how the current Wisconsin rules concerning motions to dismiss compare to the federal rules concerning similar motions. After attending, you’ll be more equipped to:

  • Advise clients on whether they should bring a motion to dismiss a particular claim or lawsuit
  • Understand whether a particular motion to dismiss is likely to succeed
  • Draft effective complaints

Sponsored By:

Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section
Litigation Section

Presented By:

Hon. Michael R. Fitzpatrick
Wisconsin Court of Appeals – District IV, Janesville

Kathy L. Nusslock
Davis|Kuelthau, s.c, Milwaukee

Alexander T. Pendleton
Pendleton Legal, S.C., Milwaukee

Ethics of Impaired Practice

Session Description:

Lawyers and other licensed professionals expect to provide assistance to others, not to need help themselves. However, mental and physical health impairments, substance abuse issues, and aging-related cognitive changes can affect anyone. When attorneys experience these conditions, day-to-day functioning is impaired, placing them at risk of violating the Rules of Professional Conduct. Attendees will learn how to avoid ethical violations by knowing:

  • The signs and symptoms of impairment
  • Their ethical obligations for communication, diligence, and competence
  • How untreated problems can lead to disciplinary complaints and medical incapacity proceedings
  • How WisLAP can be a resource for working through professional challe
  • nges

Sponsored By:

Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP)

Presented By:

Stacie H. Rosenzweig
Halling & Cayo, S.C., Milwaukee

Mary Spranger
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

 Take a Deep Breath: Courtroom Conflict and Communication Techniques to Keep Everyone Calm

Session Description:

Program description coming soon.

Sponsored By:

Bench and Bar Committee
Judicial Education Committee

Presented By:

Hon. Jane Carroll
Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Milwaukee

Michael P. Crooks
von Briesen & Roper, Madison

Chris Olsen
Olsen Law Office, Wausau

Hon. Richard J. Sankovitz
Resolute Systems, LLC, Milwaukee

Treatment of Debts Upon Death and Divorce

Session Description:

Who gets paid when you die? Who is liable for what debts and why, pre-and post-divorce? This presentation will answer these questions and more, providing a 3-dimensional understanding of the issues that attorneys regularly encounter in family law, probate/estate planning, and creditor/debtor practices. While walking through the hypotheticals involving the death and divorce of a debtor, you will:

  • Learn who’s entitled to be paid from what money
  • Pick up strategies for altering who gets paid and from what assets/income
  • Be able to better answer your clients’ questions

Sponsored By:

Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Creditors' Rights Section
Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section

Presented By:

Ben Payne
Hanson & Payne, LLC, Milwaukee

Christine Wolk
Wolk Law Office, Oshkosh

10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Break

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Closing Plenary

Session Description:

Program description coming soon.

 

 

Presented By:

Mara Liasson
National Political Correspondent for NPR and Fox News Analyst

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General Info:
Tim Clark
tclark@wisbar.org
(800) 444-9404 ext. 6110
(608) 250-6110
Sponsors & Exhibitors:
Karen Richter
krichter@wisbar.org
(800) 444-9404 ext. 6132
(608) 250-6132
State Bar of Wisconsin