Solo Summit Program Schedule for Friday

Friday, June 22, 2012

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

[13] Continental Breakfast and General Session

Law Firm Marketing Strategies in a Social Media World, Part 1: Connecting with Clients, Prospects and Referral Sources

Social media is one of the fastest growing areas where attorneys can generate high quality leads and build relationships with potential referral sources. Learn the “Rainmaker Social Media Blueprint” for connecting with clients, prospects and referral sources on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

MCLE: Not for MCLE Credit

Speaker: Stephen Fairley, Rainmaker Institute

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

Concurrent Workshops

[14] Client Trust Accounting Fundamentals

An overview of attorney’s client trust accounting
responsibilities.

MCLE: 1 Hour Legal Ethics

Speaker: Kristin Ritsema

[15] The Business of Being An Employer- Critical Issues In Employment Law to Run a Solo or Small Firm Law Practice

Highlights key information on Human Resources issues to properly run a solo or small law firm practice – complying with the complexities of the Labor Code, the Government Code, and related rules and regulations. The program covers the most common mistakes lawyers make as employers. Learn how to avoid liability in the area of wage and hour compliance, personnel
management, and employment law compliance.

MCLE: 1 Hour General

Speaker: Cynthia Elkins

[16] They See You When You’re Sleeping: Attorney Privacy, Confidentiality & Security

A preview of “Growing and Maintaining Your Law Office”. Attendees will learn about ethical obligations to protect attorney-client privacy, confidentiality and security -- both personally and
via the smart-phones, computers & software they use daily.

MCLE: 1 Hour Legal Ethics

Speaker: Perry L. Segal

11 a.m. - 12 noon

[17] General Session and Wrap Up

Law Firm Marketing Strategies in a Social Media World, Part 2: Using Video, Legal Directories, Landing Pages, and Blogs

In Part 2, Stephen will cover how attorneys are using video to convert more browsers into buyers, effective use of legal directories, why landing pages are critical to your success, and how to use your blog to drive leads and develop more business.

MCLE: Not for MCLE Credit

Speaker: Stephen Fairley, Rainmaker Institute

12 noon - 1 p.m.

[18] Friday Lunch Program

Fail Better: Continuing Efforts to Eliminate Bias in the Legal Profession

In this unique presentation, nationally-recognized humorist Sean Carter will discuss bias in the legal profession as it relates to race, gender, religion, disability and sexual orientation. Using witty one-liners and hilarious anecdotes, Mr. Carter will illustrate how even hidden and seemingly benign biases prevent lawyers from effectively representing clients and creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. And while these biases are somewhat unavoidable, it is possible for lawyers to “fail better” in a continuing effort to eliminate bias in the legal profession.

MCLE: 1 Hour Elimination of Bias

Speaker: Sean Carter

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Concurrent Workshops

[19] Navigating Conflicts of Interest in Estate Planning and Administration

Estate planning attorneys must identify possible conflicts of interest in representing spouses, and multi-generational families. This presentation will review the Rules of Professional Conduct and types and requirements of waivers of conflict which may allow joint representation.

MCLE: 1 Hour Legal Ethics

Legal Specialization: 1 Hour Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law

Speaker: Jennifer L. Wilkerson

[20] The Unique Challenges of Legal Practice

An examination of the stress, depression and substance abuse often experienced by legal professionals, and some of the resources available to address these problems.

MCLE: 1 Hour Detection, Prevention of Substance Abuse

Speaker: Alex Yufik

[21] Common Chapter 11 Issues in Smaller Cases

A discussion of the common issues in debtor and creditor representation, including the use of cash collateral, disclosures required for court approved employment, avoidance litigation, opposing plan confirmation, claim review and other subjects.

MCLE: 1 Hour General

Legal Specialization: 1 Hour Bankruptcy Law

Speakers: Van Durrer II, Elissa Miller

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Concurrent Workshops

[22] NO YOU DIDN’T! Recognizing the Difference Between a Mistake and Malpractice

We all worry about mistakes. And when a mistake is made by a lawyer, the first thing one thinks of is . . . malpractice. But we all make mistakes and most are not malpractice. Learn the difference. What are you ethically required to do, and how can you minimize
your risk.

MCLE: 1 Hour Legal Ethics

Speakers: Nancy Goldstein. Michael Sohigian

[23] Leveraging Technology to Beat the Big Guys in the Discovery Game

Covers the rules and new technologies pertaining to ESI (electronically stored information) that will level the playing field to allow a solo or small firm attorney to ‘go toe-to-toe’ with a large law firm throughout the discovery process -- even during the most complex and voluminous litigation.

MCLE: 1 Hour General.

Speaker: Alexander H. Lubarsky

[24] What Every Practitioner Needs to Know about IRS and Practicing before the Tax Court

A discussion of the latest developments in estate and gift tax, including a review of important case law. Learn what the future holds for estate planners.

MCLE: 1 Hour General

Legal Specialization: 1 Hour Taxation Law; Estate Planning Trust and Probate Law

Speakers: Donna Herbert, Robin Klomparens

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

Concurrent Sessions

[25] The Joys of Solo Appellate Practice

A panel of appellate specialists, civil and criminal, examines the joys and worries of solo practice. Topics include business models, alternative billing, technology and practice management, ethical pitfalls, and risk management. This presentation is aimed both at existing solo appellate practitioners and lawyers interested in this type of practice.

MCLE: 1 Hour of which .5 Hour Applies to Legal Ethics

Legal Specialization: 1 Hour Appellate Law

Speakers: Kathryn Davis, John Derrick

[26] Fresh Start -- Tax Collection Tips for Your Client in a Struggling Economy

An analysis of options a client has when faced with an outstanding tax liability and an inability to pay the liability. Addresses bankruptcy, offer in compromise, installment payment plan, application for discharge or subordination of a tax lien, and dissolution of entity.

MCLE: 1 Hour General

Legal Specialization: 1 Hour Taxation Law

Speaker: John A. Harbin

[27] 2012 Mid-Year Employment Law Update

An in-depth coverage of the most important employment law cases from late 2011 and all of 2012

MCLE: 1 Hour General

Speakers: Andrew H. Friedman, Anthony J. Oncidi