​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​CLE Schedule​​​

CLE Session 1
CLE Session 2
CLE Session 3
CLE Session 4​
​​​

​​

Schedule is subject to change.

Wednesday, june 14, 2023

                                ​PLEASE N​OTE: Wednesday is the WALA Annual Conference of Education, however, all paid registrants can attend these very relevant sessions. ​

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.​

WALA Session: Document Management and Retention – Can I Throw It Away Yet?​                    ​​                                

Jeff will cover document management concepts and how it impacts a firm’s or attorney’s ability to create and follow a retention policy. He will also cover specific rules pertaining to paper and electronic retention guidelines for Wisconsin.


Presented By:

WALA​

Faculty​:

Jeff Krause, Esq.​
Affinity Consulting, Waterford






2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

WALA Session: Winning the War on Talent                                                                                                                      

How do we think about recruiting talent in an ever-changing legal market? Together we will explore trends, best practices, and process improvement. Are you hiring or recruiting? There is a difference.


Presented By:

WALA

Faculty:

Nate Bogdanovich​
Chief Executive Officer, PS Companies, Milwaukee




3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.​

WALA Session: Cybersecurity for Law Firms; What a Data Breach Means for Your Firm and Best Practices to Lower Risk and Mitigate Harm​                                                                                                                                                            ​

In this presentation, we will be discussing the current threat landscape law firms and lawyers face related to cybersecurity incidents, including the most common types of vulnerabilities and attacks. We will also discuss the legal and ethical obligations a lawyer or law firm face if a data breach does occur. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of best security practices both pre- and post-breach, along with practical pointers for effecting those practices.


Presented By:

WALA

Faculty:

Kate Campbell
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., Milwaukee​

​​


4​:​​​30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Presidential Swearing-in and Celebration

6:00 p.m. - 7:00​ p.m.

Marquette/UW Law School Alumni Reception (all attendees are invited)

​​ ​​ ​​

Thursday, June 15, 2023​

7:30 a.m.

Expo Hall Open

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Conference Welcome

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

Cancel Culture: Threat to Free Speech or Vital Accountability Measure?

Session Description:

Few current topics will produce a livelier debate than the cancel culture phenomenon. One viewpoint praises the phenomenon for holding the “canceled” accountable and protecting oppressed groups from offensive speech, while another viewpoint criticizes the movement for suppressing freedom of speech and operating as a disproportionate sanction mechanism. Others argue that the phenomenon has strayed from its roots, transforming what initially was a positive accountability measure into a socially damaging regulatory movement. Considering the differing viewpoints regarding the role of cancel culture in society, the panelists will address the following: First, what does cancel culture actually mean? And second, which side has it right, if any? From an array of judicial and academic perspectives, the panelists will unpack their understanding of the phenomenon and its impact on free speech to examine the role of cancel culture—whether positive, negative, or neutral—in courtrooms, universities, and beyond.


Sponsored By:

WILMIC​
Litigation Section​

Faculty:

James Goldschmidt (Moderator)
Quarles, Milwaukee, WI

Hon. Janice Rogers Brown (Ret.)
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Prof. Franciska Coleman
Assistant Professor of Constitutional Law
Assoc. Director of the East Asian Legal Studies Center
University of Wisconsin Law School​

Hon. William​ C. Griesbach.
United State District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin​


9:30 a.m - 9:50 a.m.

Break

9:50 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

When the Black Community Thrives, Wisconsin Benefits: Calling on Lawyers to be Agents of Real Change

Session Description:

​Celebrate the contributions of Black attorneys to Wisconsin’s legal community and appreciate how the profession is strengthened by a diverse array of voices. Gain insight on how you can use your professional skills to highlight injustice and advance social change. Discuss diversity issues in the legal profession and identify opportunities for meaningful change in the profession, your community, and beyond.


Presented By:

Professional Ethics Committee​

​​

Faculty:

Dr. Alexander Gee
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture and The Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, Madison

How to Prepare for a Successful Mediation         

Session Description:

This quick-hitting course will guide litigators through the entire mediation process - from initial preparation to settlement. Get practical tips on discovery, preparing your client, mediating in different formats, and drafting successful submissions. Find out how best to address settlement issues such as unresolved liens, surprise provisions, and multiple party settlements.​


Presented By:

Litigation Section

Faculty:

Emile H. Banks Jr.
Emile Banks & Associates LLC, Mikwaukee

Michael J. Cerjak
Barton Cerjak S.C., Milwaukee

Michael P. Crooks
Von Briesen & Roper S.C., Madison

Mary Lee Ratzel
Ratzel & Associates LLC, Brookfield

Christine Rice
Simpson & Deardoff S.C., Milwaukee

​​​

Marsy's Law: What's Required?            

Session Description:

Marsy’s Law expanded the rights of crime victims in Wisconsin, including rights to privacy, restitution, and notice of proceedings. Yet little guidance exists on how judges should interpret the law, resulting in different outcomes in different courtrooms across the state. Compare how victims’ rights are currently interpreted and enforced and hear suggested guidance on complying with the minimum requirements of Marsy’s law.


Presented By:

Criminal Law Section

Faculty:

Chuck Stertz ​(Moderator)
Outagamie County District Attorney's Office, Appleton

Bob Kaiser
Wisconsin Department of Justice, Madison​

Nela Kaplic
Marsy's Law for Wisconsin

Erika Petty
LOTUS Legal Clinic Inc, Milwaukee

Katie York
State Public Defenders Office, Madison


11:10 a.m - 12:25 p.m.

Civility and Safety: A Panel Discussion with Judges and Attorneys

Session Description:

Civility is essential to the practice of law and to a well-functioning, respectable legal profession. But when incivility happens (and it will), do you know the best way to respond? Judges and practitioners will share their personal experiences confronting professional incivility and offer practical suggestions for responding without jeopardizing your personal safety.


Presented By:

Bench and Bar Committee

Faculty:

Hon. Michael Waterman ​(Moderator)
St Croix County Circuit Court, Hudson​​ ​
Hon. Kristy Yang
Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Milwaukee​
Hon. Michael R. Fitzpatrick
Wisconsin Court of Appeals District IV, Madison ​


Pat Cafferty
Cafferty & Scheidegger S.C., Racine
Michael P. Crooks
Von Briesen & Roper S.C., Madison
Ben K. Kempinen
Madison
Lynn R. Laufenberg
Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, Milwaukee​


Name, Image, Likeness: Current Legal Issues for College Athletes                                                               

Session Description:

The unanimous Supreme Court decision in NCAA v. Alston opened the door to compensating college athletes for their names, images, and likenesses. Examine key issues in this exciting new area of intellectual property law and consider the implications for athletes, schools, and sports associations moving forward.​


Presented By:

Nonresident Lawyers Division​

Faculty:

Christopher Pham
Fredrikson & Byron, Minneapolis, MN

The Intersection of Family Law with Civil and Criminal Law​

Session Description:

As a criminal, elder and estate planning, corporate, or personal injury lawyer, you probably don’t expect the legal issues you’re addressing on behalf of clients to have family law implications down the road. But in some cases, issues outside your area of practice will undoubtedly emerge. Explore common intersections between family and non-family law matters. No matter what kind of law you practice, you’ll learn ways to identify other civil or criminal law issues and weave them into a more comprehensive legal strategy for your clients. ​


Presented By:

Family Law Section

Faculty:

Commissioner Barry Boline
Ozaukee County, Port Washington

Dwight Darrow
Darrow Law Offices S.C., Sheboygan

Amy Menzel
Bellin & Oswald LLC, Neenah

Grant Zielinski
Divorce Financial Solutions, Milwaukee​

Sara Andrew
Andrew Law Offices S.C., Fond du Lac​


12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Networking Luncheon (Ticketed)

1:35 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Appellate Advocacy: Thoughts from the Bench                           

Session Description:

Go behind the scenes to learn what appellate judges look for when reviewing briefs and what they listen for during oral arguments. Judges currently sitting on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the Wisconsin Court of appeals will reveal best practices in brief writing, effective oral argument strategies, variances in practice between state and federal court, and more!


Presented By:

State Bar Appellate Section

Faculty:

Mark A. Cameli (Moderator)
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren SC, Milwaukee​

Hon. Michael B. Brennan
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Milwaukee

Hon. Lisa S. Neubauer
Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II, Waukesha

Justice ​Jill J. Karofsky
​Wisconsin Supreme Court, Madison

Elections, Engagement, and Employment: How the Pandemic Changed the Public's Expectations of Government

Session Description:

Take stock of how the pandemic altered public expectations of government, with a special focus on employment, elections, and public engagement. Consider how remote and hybrid work, battles over election administration and ballot access, social media and disinformation, and unprecedented public engagement in public meetings will shape our practices and our discourse in the years to come.


Presented By:

Government Lawyers Division

Faculty:

Hon. Paul F. Reilly
Concurrence ADR, Waukesha

Nathan J. Bayer
Crivello Carlson S.C., Milwaukee

Lisa M. Lawless
Husch Blackwell, Milwaukee

James Witecha
Wisconsin Elections Commission, Madison

Michael W. O’Neill
Fox, O’Neill & Shannon, S.C., Milwaukee

Mark S. Kapocius
Von Briesen & Roper, S.C., Milwaukee

Rights and Duties of LLC Members and Corporate Officers in Insolvency Situations      

Session Description:

Confidently advise your clients on members’, shareholders’, and officers’ fiduciary duties when a company becomes insolvent. Understand how these duties may differ depending on the capacity in which actions are taken, how operating agreements may impact liability, and member exposure to veil piercing. Know the tools available to creditors to collect from insolvent businesses and the impact of bankruptcy on valuation of membership.


Presented By:

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

Faculty:

Devon Eggert
Beck, Chaet, Bamberger & Polsky S.C., Milwaukee

Deanne M. Koll
Bakke Norman S.C., New Richmond

Matthew D. Lee
​Foley & Lardner LLP, Madison

Claire ​Ann Richman
Steinhilber Swanson LLP, Madison



2:50 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Break

3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Making the Record: Tips for Winning at the Trial and Appellate Courts

Session Description:

Judges on the circuit and appellate court levels will help you avoid the most common errors attorneys make when attempting to preserve the trial court record for appeal. Learn how to prepare clients to testify in a succinct, descriptive manner that will translate well to the record and make strong offers of proof when evidentiary objections are sustained.


Presented By:

Solo, Small Firm & General Practice Section

Faculty:

Nicholas C. Watt (Moderator)
Kramer, Elkins & Watt, LLC, Madison

Hon. Brian W Blanchard
Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, Madison

Hon. Maria Lazar
Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II, Waukesha

Hon. John P. Zakowski
Brown County Circuit Court, Branch 6, Green Bay

Cole Ruby
Martinez & Ruby LLC, Baraboo

Ethically Navigating Communication Minefields

Session Description:

This program will cover the ethical rules regarding the duty to withdraw, communicating violations of the supreme court rules to the Office of Lawyer Regulation, filing a complaint with the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, setting ethical boundaries with clients, security of communication devices, and civility in communications. Attorneys will learn the correct ways to navigate challenging communication situations and receive practical advice that will help them avoid mishandling situations that could land them in their own ethical troubles.​


Presented By:

Young Lawyers Division

Faculty:

Nadia Gonzalez (Moderator)​​
Michael Best & Friedrich, Madison

Ellen R. Atterbury
City of La Crosse Legal Department, La Crosse

Dean R. Dietrich
Weld Riley S.C., Wausau

May Y. Lee
Lee Law Firm LLC, Wauwatosa

Christopher Shattuck
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison​

They Paved Paradise and Put up a TOXIC WASTE Facility                     

Session Description:

Using the siting of a waste facility as a fact pattern, explore the many challenges involved in striking a balance between public and private interests. Evaluate the inherent legal conflicts between residents, developers, and governmental units, while simultaneously weighing factors such as pollution, environmental justice, and public health. Learn how to work with the many parties involved and discover potential avenues for conflict resolution.​


Presented By:

Environmental Law Section / Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section

Faculty:

Bartlett Durand
​​​Madison

Dennis M. Grzezinski
Law Office of Dennis M. Grzezinski, Milwaukee

Jodi Arndt Labs
Law Firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry S.C., Green Bay

Mary Beth Peranteau
Fredrikson & Byron PA, Madison​

Ted A. Warpinski
Halling & Cayo S.C., Milwaukee​​

Tiffany Woelfel
Amundsen Davis LLC, Green Bay​​




​5:30 p.m. - 7:00​ p.m.

Member Recognition Celebration

friday, june 16, 2023

8:00 a.m.

Legal Expo Open

8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Plenary: Survivor 2023: The Law Firm Challenge

Session Description:

Don't get voted out of the firm! The unifying theme of this program is the ethical duties of lawyers working in a law firm. Join our panelists as they wrestle with ethical dilemmas such as the duty to report a lawyer in the firm to the Office of Lawyer Regulation, the duty of a subordinate lawyer when a partner instructs the subordinate lawyer to do something the subordinate lawyer considers unethical, and the duties of both the lawyer and the firm when the lawyer is leaving the firm. Their answers will determine whether the audience will vote them out of the firm. Who will outwit and outlast? ​


Faculty:

Dean R. Dietrich
Weld Riley S.C., Wausau

Annie Jay
Dane County District Attorney's Office, Madison

Aviva Meridan Kaiser
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

​David H. Perlman
Judicial Education, Madison

​Emil Ovbiagele
OVB Law & Consulting S.C., Milwaukee

Timothy J. Pierce
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

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

​Timothy C. Samuelson
Office of Lawyer Regulation, Madison

​Thomas J. Watson
Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co, Madison

T.R. Williams
The Health Initiative, Madison​


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

Break

9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a​.m.

Are You Billing Ethically?​

Session Description:

Could your billing and accounting practices use a checkup? Get reliable answers to your trust accounting questions and guidance on your ethical duties when it comes to accepting electronic transactions. Learn the steps required for proper billing and accounting so your practice stays above board.


Presented By:

Practice411 / State Bar Ethics Counsel ​

Faculty:

Chrisopher Shattuck
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Aviv​a Meridan Kaiser
State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison

Schabelski v. Nova Casualty: Finding the Fine Line Between "Not Specific Enough," "Too Long," and "Overbroad."     

Session Description:

Wisconsin has tough standards when it comes to enforceability of sport and recreation liability waivers. But a recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision, Schabelski v. Nova Casualty, offers important lessons on personal injury claims based on waiver defenses. Find out how Schabelski should influence your liability waiver drafting decisions, and how it can be useful for those seeking to invalidate or enforce a waiver in court or settlement negotiations.


Presented By:

SSF&GP Section, Litigation Section, Sports & tEntertainment Law Section​

Faculty:

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

Prof. Paul M. Anderson
Director, Sports Law Program & National Sports Law Institute, Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee​

“Seismic Trade Shifts” in Global Supply Chains Caused by Sanctions on Russia  ​       

Session Description:

Numerous stories headlining international media recently have changed regulations on goods, services and technologies businesses can source from or sell to overseas companies. These stories include the war in Ukraine, climate change and forced labor in Chinese supply chains. Government authorities in the United States and other countries have recently developed new legal restrictions and obligations in an attempt to compel or limit company action geared towards the political priorities associated with those developments. In many cases, these developments have substantially disrupted business and caused expensive compliance headaches. In other scenarios, the challenges for business are still brewing in the form of proposed regulations. Yet, these changes may also provide new business opportunities for certain industries. The session will cover the main developments and explore them through a discussion with expert practitioners and members of the bar wrestling with what these issues mean for their clients.​​


Presented By:

International Practice Section

Faculty:

Ngosong Fonkem
Harris Bricken, Seattle, WA

Anna V. Tumpovskiy
Tumpovskiy Law Group, Miami, FL

Corey Norton
World Wildlife Fund, Washington D.C., MD


10:20 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.​

Break

10:35 a.m. - 11:25 a​.m.

Short Term Rentals: We all need a vacation (home)

Session Description:

Short-term rental properties offer a great opportunity to enjoy Wisconsin’s abundance, and for some, a potentially lucrative side gig. But what’s the relationship between vacationers and owners? What liability concerns might a vacation homeowner need to consider? And what about taxes? Whether you’re asking for a client, a friend, or yourself, get answers to all your burning questions about the legalities of short-term rentals.


Presented By:

Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section / Solo, Small Firm & General Practice Section​

​​

Faculty:

Leslie B. Elkins
Kramer, Elkins & Watt LLC, Madison

Jessica M. Kramer
Kramer, Elkins & Watt LLC, Madison

Stephan H. Mesdjian
Berndt CPA LLC, Madison​

Speech, Pronouns, Discrimination, & More: A Survey of the Legal Issues Affecting LGBTQ+ Students in Wisconsin

Session Description:

This presentation will review recent issues in schools that impact LGBT students, including discrimination and harassment, pronoun policies, book bans, and limits on speech and expression. It will examine whether and how these policies implicate nondiscrimination law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and parental rights.


Presented By:

Civil Rights and Liberties Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin

Faculty:

Elisabeth Lambert
ACLU of Wisconsin, Milwaukee​

Christine Donaho​e
ACLU of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Kari Race
Department of Public Instruction, Madison​

Better Advocacy, Better Outcomes, Happier Clients Through Successful Mediation​

Session Description:

Mediation isn’t the same as trial, and neither is preparing for one. A panel of judges and a professor of mediation advocacy will teach you how to shift your thinking (and your clients’) in ways that benefit your next mediation. Be able to recognize when your case is ready for mediation or if it needs more development. Help your clients prioritize and consider trade-offs to facilitate the most beneficial outcome.


Presented By:

Dispute Resolution Section

Faculty:

Paul Stenzel (Moderator)
Hansen & Hildbrand, S.C., Milwaukee

Jill Sopha
Marquette Law School, Milwaukee

Hon. Charles Clevert
JAMS Mediation, Arbitration, and ADR Services, Milwaukee​

Hon. David E. Jones
Resolute Systems LLC, Milwaukee




11:25 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.​

​​
Break

11:40 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 Closing Plenary: Be on Fire, Not Burned Out! Strategies for Resilience in Challenging Times

Session Description:

Resilient employees know how to handle stress without burning out. Courtney’s Accelerated ResilienceTM strategies lead to greater employee engagement, reduced turnover, and less stress at the office. Building resilience means developing new behavior patterns in tough times, and Courtney will show you the research behind the quickest ways to get back on track and be successful, no matter the challenges you face in life and work.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to…

  • Identify how change and chaos contribute to employee burnout
  • Discover why staying engaged in change is important, and the best tactics to keep you engaged
  • Apply the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique for chaos management
  • Construct new strategies for managing stress without the threat of burnout​

Sponsored By:

Business Law Section
​Elder Law & Special Needs Section​​​

Faculty:

Courtney Clark​​​​​​
Austin,​ Texas​


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Contact Us

General Info:
Tim Clark
tclark@wisbar.org
(800) 444-9404 ext. 6110
(608) 250-6110

Sponsors & Exhibitors:
Crystal Brabender
cbrabender@wisbar.org
(800) 444-9404 ext. 6132
(608) 250-6132