About the Conference

Attorneys practicing in solo or small firms are the aces of the legal world. It takes bravery and a pioneer spirit to hang out your shingle and take control of your own destiny. But you don’t have to fly solo on your course to success.

The Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference is designed to help you glide through the unique challenges you face every day – from having to stay on top of changes (often to multiple practice areas) to piloting the business side of your firm.

It’s a chance to fly in formation with fellow attorneys. Share your successes and setbacks, swap stories, or establish referral relationships. Visit exhibitors at the Legal Expo for tools, services, and ideas to keep your practice soaring.

Don’t forget to refuel yourself by tak​ing time to enjoy life. Learn strategies for feeling better, working smarter, and reducing stress. Relax and unwind at entertaining social events.

Join us for an adventure like no other at WSSFC 2017. Climb aboard and prepare to take off on a journey of learning, networking, and fun!

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CLE, EPR, LPM, and LAU Credits

Effective July 1, 2017, lawyers can earn up to 6.0 hours in law practice management (LPM) credits and 6.0 hours in lawyer awareness and understanding (LAU) credits toward the 30 hours of approved CLE credits required during a reporting period.

WSSFC will be submitted to the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners for up to 10.5 CLE including 9.5 EPR credits, along with an additional 3.5 LPM and 1.5 LAU credits which can be added for a total of 15.5 credits toward your CLE reporting total. You can choose from fifteen different sessions at WSSFC to earn up to 6.0 total LPM credits, and from three different sessions to earn up to 3.5 total LAU credits. Attendance verification forms can only be completed onsite at each individual session.

You can also earn up to 7.0 CLE credits, including 1.0 EPR credit, and an additional 1.0 LPM credit by attending the complimentary webcast replays offered in November and December. The conference will also be submitted to the Minnesota Board of Bar Examiners for applicable credits. For more on the new credit classifications, see SCR 31.02 (3) and (4).

Jet-propelled Plenaries

Today’s world can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous place for attorneys. Solo and small-firm lawyers may not have the same resources and protection that larger firms do, but there are plenty of ways you can safeguard yourself.

Seven compelling plenaries focus on your safety – both online and off. From preventing cyber threats and workplace violence to avoiding burnout, when it comes to your health and security, you’re in the pilot’s seat. Fly away with simple strategies for protecting yourself, your staff, and your practice that you can start implementing immediately.

• Don’t Be a Target: Cybersecurity
• Don’t Be a Target: The Ethics of Cybersecurity and “Reasonable Measures” Requirement
• Don’t Be a Target: Workplace Security
• Don’t Be a Target: Practical Tips for Security in a Law Office
• Work Smarter: The Power of Recharge
• Gadgets, Gizmos, and Widgets
• Lessons from Hollywood: Legal Comedies Offer Help for Your Practice

Tuition Costs

We know solo and small-firm practitioners can sometimes have tight budgets, so WSSFC delivers more content for less cash. Plus, save up to $50 on standard tuition if you register by October 4. First time attending WSSFC? Rookie pilots receive an additional $50 off for a combined total of $100 in savings if registration is received by October 4.

Want to save even more? Become an Ultimate Pass Gold subscriber and get FREE tuition to WSSFC and other conferences. Ultimate Pass Silver subscribers enjoy 50% off WSSFC tuition.

WALA members and staff of State Bar members receive State Bar member pricing. Ultimate Pass Silver subscribers receive 50% off the State Bar member tuition rate but are not eligible for the first-time attendee discount.

WSSFC Scholarships – Applications Due September 18

The State Bar’s Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section is offering a limited number of scholarships to WSSFC. The scholarships cover the cost of conference tuition. Recipients are responsible for travel and lodging costs.

All solo and small-firm attorneys are eligible to apply, but preference will be given to those who would otherwise be unable to attend the conference due to financial constraints.

WSSFC scholarship recipients are expected to “pay it forward” through volunteer service to the solo and small firm profession. For example, they could assist with WSSFC planning or serve on either the Solo/Small Firm & General Practice Section board or a board subcommittee.

Scholarship applications are due September 18 and can be sent to Terry Dunst at:

tdunst@bakkenorman.com

OR

Bakke Norman, SC
P.O. Box 308
New Richmond, WI 54017

Recipients will be notified by September 20.

2017 WSSFC Planning Committee

* Indicates Track Chair​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​