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| Thursday | Friday |
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| Time |
Event |
| 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
Registration |
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| 8:00–9:30 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
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| 8:15–8:30 a.m. |
Introduction and Welcome
Freddy E. Sackllah, Sackllah & Associates PLLC, West Bloomfield |
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| 8:30–9:00 a.m. |
Helping Solo and Small Firm Practitioners Face the Future
The State Bar of Michigan is looking into the future to envision law practice for solo and small firm practitioners to identify ways to be of help. Anticipate the challenges you will face in the next decade and learn what help is on the way.
Edward H. Pappas, president-elect, State Bar of Michigan, Dickinson Wright PLLC, Bloomfield Hills
Janet K. Welch, executive director, State Bar of Michigan, Lansing |
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| 9:00–10:00 a.m. |
Keynote Presentation: Sue Unto Others as You Would Have Others Sue Unto You
A wacky, irreverent, yet insightful view of professionalism, including how to put “civil” back into civil litigation.
Sean Carter, humorist at law, Lawpsided Press, Mesa, AZ |
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| 10:00–10:20 a.m. |
Vendor Showcase Break |
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| 10:20–11:15 a.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Cleaning up the Stress Mess
In this presentation, Sean Carter draws on his decade of experience in both law firms and in-house legal departments to share the three steps to a more stress-free career: 1. Get a Clue; 2. Get a Grip; and 3. Get a Life!
Sean Carter, humorist at law, Lawpsided Press, Mesa, AZ |
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Substantive Law Track: Litigating in an Electronic World - What Every Practitioner Needs to Know in Order to Survive
Learn how and why solo and small firm practitioners should embrace e-filing because it levels the playing field. You can’t ignore it any longer. E-discovery has changed the world. Start planning for it and making it work for you. Avoid the traps and pitfalls that could sink your case!
Hon. Joseph G. Scoville, magistrate judge, United States District Court, Western District of Michigan, Grand Rapids |
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Technology Track: Getting the Most out of Microsoft Word for Lawyers, Part 1
Save enormous amounts of time and energy by tapping the full potential of Word. Designed specifically for lawyers and law firm staff, this session provides practical solutions and time saving tips.
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: Taming the E-mail and Information Overload Beast
Key strategies for effective e-mail administration, clearing “little stuff” out of your inbox, and adopting a proven organization system, including best times and ways to check e-mail without constant interruption.
Randall F. Dean, Randall Dean Consulting & Training LLC, East Lansing |
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| 11:15 a.m.–Noon |
Law Practice Management Track: Rising to the Top with Practice Management Essentials
Make the most of every hour of every day with voice recognition software and digital dictation. Make the right staffing decisions. Discover the resources available to make delivering legal services effective and efficient.
JoAnn L. Hathaway, practice management advisor, State Bar of Michigan, Lansing |
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Substantive Law Track: Developing the Gift of Gab
Lawyers must be public speakers to be effective with juries, clients, and opposing counsel. Sean Carter’s take on this crucial skill will educate and entertain you!
Sean Carter, humorist at law, Lawpsided Press, Mesa, AZ |
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Technology Track: Getting the Most out of Microsoft Word for Lawyers, Part 2
Save enormous amounts of time and energy by tapping the full potential of Word. Designed specifically for lawyers and law firm staff, this session provides practical solutions and time-saving tips.
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: Successful Hiring Practices: What to Look for in the Interview Process
Hiring support staff? See through the interview “dance,” learn the right questions to ask, avoid illegal questions, and discover the clues to hiring precisely the best person for the job you’re filling.
Konnie G. Kustron, PhD, Eastern Michigan University School of Technology Studies, Ypsilanti |
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| Noon–2:00 p.m. |
Lunch and Annual Meeting Functions |
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| 2:00–2:50 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Me Lawyer, You Client: The Tarzan Approach to Legal Marketing
Tarzan became King of the Jungle by beating his chest and shouting from the treetops. Believe it or not, lawyers can use the same approach in their marketing efforts. By constantly getting in front of prospective clients in live presentations and on the printed page, lawyers can create the type of buzz that will have clients shouting “Umgawa!”
Sean Carter, humorist at law, Lawpsided Press, Mesa, AZ |
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Substantive Law Track: Basic Medicaid Planning 101
As the Baby Boom generation ages, planning for Medicaid has become increasingly important. Learn to recognize the Medicaid planning issues your clients present and find out what to do with them.
Gary P. Bauer, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing |
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Technology Track: The PDA Power Program: Advanced Time Management Strategies for PDA Users (Palm, Blackberry, or Pocket PC)
This session provides a series of smart, useful, and fun tips on how to get more from your PDA/SmartPhone from a productivity-enhancement perspective so you enjoy it more and make it worth the money and time spent. This is a great session for an audience that uses PDA and/or SmartPhone technology, but hasn’t had time to master its functions and programs.
Randall F. Dean, Randall Dean Consulting & Training LLC, East Lansing |
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Legal Support Track: Ethics for Paralegals
Perform at your best while avoiding common ethical mistakes. Our ethics guru helps you practice with confidence.
Vicki Voisin, ACP, Running Wise & Ford PLC, Charlevoix |
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| 2:50–3:30 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Setting Fees, Retainer Agreements, and Actually Getting Paid
From referral fees to what you can charge ethically; from interest on fees to when the fees are actually yours; from dealing with credit card payment to minimum fees. Be compensated fairly, but stay out of trouble. Learn the different fees you can charge, effective collection techniques, and when to use liens.
John D. Mabley, Smith & Mabley PC, Farmington Hills
Joan P. Vestrand, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Rochester
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Substantive Law Track: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Disciplinary Hearing
In this hilarious presentation, Mr. Carter explores some of the more outrageous disciplinary cases that come before state bar committees and how lawyers can avoid violating ethics rules and being part of them.
Sean Carter, humorist at law, Lawpsided Press, Mesa, AZ |
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Technology Track: Legal Technology Tips, Tricks, Gadgets, and Cool Stuff, Part 1
Barron Henley returns with a new list of hot tips for software, the paperless office, encryption tools, great websites you’ve probably never heard of, how to get the best deals available, where to get free or inexpensive technical advice, gadgets you didn’t realize you needed (until now), and more!
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: The Attorney/Paralegal Team in Litigation
Discover the secrets of a successful team in what they do to divide the tasks, communicate with each other under the stress of trial, and maximize results for clients.
Michael G. Woodworth, Hubbard Fox Thomas White & Bengtson PC, Lansing
Cheryl J. Nodarse, CLA, Hubbard Fox Thomas White & Bengtson PC, Lansing |
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| 3:30–3:50 p.m. |
Vendor Showcase Break |
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| 3:50–4:35 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Managing the Mess of Office Clutter and Information Overload: Advanced Strategies for Proactively Managing Information
Don’t get buried deeper and deeper under a continuing stream of useful and useless information. Take home a system for getting “control of the beast.” Stop spinning your wheels and feeling unsatisfied.
Randall F. Dean, Randall Dean Consulting & Training LLC, East Lansing |
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Substantive Law Track: Dealing with the Problem Employee: What Every Small Employer Needs to Know About Discipline and Discharge
Whether you need help with your own office or you advise small employers, dealing with the problem employee is one of the most troubling challenges. Find out the best practices and get a list of the resources you’ll need to succeed.
Ronald D. Keefe, president, State Bar of Michigan, Kendricks Bordeau Adamini Chilman & Greenlee PC, Marquette |
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Technology Track: Legal Technology Tips, Tricks, and Gadgets, Part 2
Barron Henley continues his new list of hot tips for software, the paperless office, encryption tools, great websites you’ve probably never heard of, how to get the best deals available, where to get free or inexpensive technical advice, gadgets you didn’t realize you needed (until now), and more!
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: Learning to Learn: The Art and Practice of Communication and Understanding
In today’s fast-paced world, oral communication skills are more important than ever. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how improving communication and listening skills can enhance your learning.
JoAnna DeCamp, MSW, Ann Arbor |
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| 4:35–5:15 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Financial Management Made Simple
Starting with cash flow management and overhead control, from case selection to telling clients “no.” Learn the deductions you can take, how to pay for child care, and your automobile, and engage in prudent tax planning. Make your office a profit center!
Stacey L. Dinser, Howell |
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Substantive Law Track: Collateral Consequences of Criminal Plea Bargaining
When you plead your client guilty, have you thought about the impact on immigration status, entitlement to public housing, university enrollment, the military, licensing issues, and all the other collateral consequences that flow from pleading guilty to criminal charges? If your client faces incarceration, what is the impact on employment and family? Learn the ins and outs with an experienced criminal defense counsel.
Charles R. Toy, Farhat & Story PC, Lansing |
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Technology Track: Microsoft PowerPoint for Legal Users
This session is designed to teach you how to use PowerPoint to create stunning presentations to communicate complex concepts to clients, for opening and closing arguments, or for seminars and lectures of any type. Learn the common tools and shortcuts, how to navigate through presentations, how to create slide transitions and custom animations, and how to produce handouts.
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: Improving Your Verbal Communication Skills - An Interactive Session
Join your colleagues and share your best strategies in this interactive session. What does it take to say what you mean and mean what you say? Avoid errors, miscommunications, and disasters! Learn the secret to becoming the best communicator you can be.
Charlene M. Tope, Probate Support Specialists LLC, Saint Clair Shores |
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| 5:15–5:30 p.m. |
Questions and Answers |
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| Time |
Event |
| 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
Registration |
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| 8:00–9:30 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
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| 8:15–9:20 a.m. |
Keynote Presentation: Best Practices in Client Service - How to Create Satisfied Clients and Generate Referrals by Providing Outstanding Service
Your reputation for great service will build your practice. Using movie clips and television scenes as illustrations, this program provides a roadmap to delivering extraordinary client service to help you retain your clients, get more business from them, and increase referrals.
Roy S. Ginsburg, Roy S. Ginsburg JD, Minnetonka, MN |
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| 9:20–10:10 a.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Marketing Your Solo and Small Firm Practice
Competition for clients is tougher than ever. Potential clients have many lawyers to choose from. You need to communicate why you and your law firm are different from the competition. Learn where to meet potential clients, maximize in-person networking, and generate business.
Roy S. Ginsburg, Roy S. Ginsburg JD, Minnetonka, MN |
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Substantive Law Track: Dealing with Clients Who Are Becoming Incapacitated and Incompetent
Recognize the signs and learn the strategies to help you proceed. What are the alternatives when your clients become infirm? Learn the consequences and avoid the ethical traps.
Caroline M. Dellenbusch, Caroline Dellenbusch PLC, Grand Rapids |
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Technology Track: Adobe Acrobat and PDFing for Lawyers, Part 1
How to work with PDF files made simple - from creating PDF files to keeping them small; from protecting PDFs so they can’t be changed to cutting, pasting, and combining; from using watermarks to e-mailing and e-filing.
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: E-Filing from A to Z - What Every Lawyer Should Know Before It’s Too Late
* E-filing is here to stay. You, too, can become an e-filer. Learn how to get started and what’s required to become registered. Find out which courts have adopted e-filing, where it’s mandatory, and which courts are considering it. Discover where to go to obtain policies, procedures, and filing deadlines. Get top 10 lists of good practices and advice on practices to avoid.
Libby Smith, Deputy Court Administrator, US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Detroit |
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| 10:10–10:30 a.m. |
Vendor Showcase Break |
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| 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: What’s Next: How to Refocus, Recharge, and Renew Your Legal Career at Any Stage, Part 1
Now is a good time to reexamine your career goals and set the stage for new ones in the years ahead. Learn how to develop a written personal plan for act II - with realistic attainable goals that align with your values and abilities. Set the stage for a productive and fulfilling second stage in your career.
Roy S. Ginsburg, Roy S. Ginsburg JD, Minnetonka, MN |
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Substantive Law Track: Family Law Update
Learn about changes to the Michigan child support formula effective October 1, 2008. Compare popular computer programs for determination of support. Discover what else is new in this ever-changing field.
Jennie Boldish Bryan, RizzoBryan PC, Grand Rapids |
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Technology Track: Adobe Acrobat and PDFing for Lawyers, Part 2
How to work with PDF files made simple - from creating PDF files, to keeping them small; from protecting PDFs so they can’t be changed to cutting, pasting, and combining; from using watermarks to e-mailing and e-filing.
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: Immigration Law 101 for Paralegals
Immigration practice has become increasingly complex as immigration law becomes increasingly political. Learn the ropes necessary to successfully work on immigration matters.
David C. Koelsch, Immigration Law Clinic, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Detroit |
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| 11:20 a.m.–Noon |
Law Practice Management Track: What’s Next: How to Refocus, Recharge, and Renew Your Legal Career at Any Stage, Part 2
Now is a good time to reexamine your career goals and set the stage for new ones in the years ahead. Learn how to develop a written personal plan for act II - with realistic attainable goals that align with your values and abilities. Set the stage for a productive and fulfilling second act.
Roy S. Ginsburg, Roy S. Ginsburg JD, Minnetonka, MN |
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Substantive Law Track: Bankruptcy 101 - What Every General Practitioner Should Know About Changes in the Law
The new law makes it difficult to dabble. Find out how the system works and what resources are available. Learn the impact on divorce and taxes, garnishments and judgment liens. Find out what debts are dischargeable and which are not. Get answers to your most common questions.
Paul I. Bare, Paul Bare Attorney at Law, Traverse City |
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Technology Track: The Paperless Office - Making It Simple
Learn the right scanner to purchase, the software solution right for you, how to work with PDF files, and how to file and share documents.
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: Surefire Time Management Techniques - How to Prevent Burnout in the Workplace
Business owners, managers, professional and administrative staff constantly seek ways to achieve balance in the workplace and their personal lives. The daily routine of managing crises, pressing problems, and deadlines often leads to stress and exhaustion. This workshop identifies events that consume your time and redirects your energies into value-centered activities that result in improved client, professional, and personal relationships.
Lisa L. Howze, CPA, Speaking Life Principles Inc., Eastpointe |
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| Noon–2:00 p.m. |
Lunch and Annual Meeting Functions |
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| 2:00–2:50 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Investing and Planning for Your Future and Retirement
Prepare and save for your future. Learn what qualified retirement plans are available and the alternative design options from which you can choose. Hear how best to invest your funds without getting ripped off!
Robert B. Stevenson, Stevenson Keppelman Associates, Ann Arbor
Lee M. Kliebert, PensionTrend Investment Advisers LLC, Okemos |
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Substantive Law Track: Pre– and Post–Nuptial Agreements and Spousal Rights
With the aging of society, multiple marriages have become the norm. Understand the vital role pre– and post–nuptial agreements and spousal rights play in the 21st century. Take home sample language you can put to use in your own documents.
Robert B. Labe, Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett PC, Birmingham |
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Technology Track: Exploring the Growing Google Galaxy: Tools to Take Your Practice to Infinity and Beyond
Google’s meteoric rise has produced an incredible array of useful tools and services that will save you time, keep you connected, and help you serve your clients. Take the guided tour and discover everything new under the Google sun.
Jeffrey E. Kirkey, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Ann Arbor |
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Legal Support Track: The Professional Paralegal: Increase Your Value Through Self-Improvement and Growth
Learn what you should be doing to upgrade your credentials, enhance your education, and improve your value. Discover the importance of establishing, tracking, evaluating, and gaining recognition for your efforts. Understand the firm bottom line and look for ways to enhance it.
Linda S. Jevahirian, Legal Search & Management Inc, Farmington |
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| 2:50–3:30 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: How to Run Your Office 10 Times More Efficiently - Insights from Your Very Own Paralegal!
Three experienced paralegals share their insights and proven recommendations for turning inefficient law offices into spinning tops! What advice awaits from YOUR very own paralegal?
Tammy Oswald, Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC, East Lansing
Kristina A. Mattis, Wilson & Kester PLC, Traverse City
Laurie A. Velzen, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Grand Rapids |
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Substantive Law Track: Advising Business Clients in a Down Economy
If the economy is making it more difficult for you to collect from your clients, your clients are probably having similar difficulties. Learn effective techniques to help clients deal with distressed (or soon to be distressed) customers and suppliers. Help protect clients from unanticipated loss.
Cynthia L. Umphrey, Kemp Klein Law Firm, Troy |
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Technology Track: Essential Hardware for the Solo and Small Firm Office
Get specific recommendations for all the technology necessary to outfit a modern law office! Barron Henley names names and doesn’t pull punches. Equipment and software like computers and printers, case management software, billing and accounting packages, backup systems, a firewall, antivirus software, word processing systems, training, and more!
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: HotDocs 2008
Whether you are an experienced HotDocs user or have never used HotDocs, this seminar has something to offer. We will review upgrades from previous versions and demonstrate how to use the newest features of HotDocs 2008, including Model Documents. Model Documents allows the user to create a template using MDML (Model Document Markup Language), working completely in your word processor.
Diane Ebersole, practice management advisor, State Bar of Michigan, Lansing |
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| 3:30–3:50 p.m. |
Break |
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| 3:50–4:35 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Overcoming Fear, Failure, and Frustration - What Do You Want Your Practice to Be About?
Get satisfaction from your practice. Incorporate ethical practices, law practice management techniques, successful advertising, and personal life management into your practice. Practice need not be a chore!
Victoria V. Kremski, visiting professor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School |
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Substantive Law Track: Dealing with Friend of the Court Offices - the 10 Biggest Mistakes Lawyers Make
Zenell B. Brown, Wayne County Friend of the Court, Detroit
Amanda Kole , Macomb County Friend of the Court, Mount Clemens
Betty L. Lowenthal, referee, Oakland County Friend of the Court, Pontiac |
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Technology Track: Disaster Avoidance and Security - Avoiding Techno Nightmares
Disasters come in many shapes and sizes - viruses, worms, electrical storms and fires, power outages, surges and leaks, spilled water, theft, mistakes, mischief, and hackers. Protect your firm and your client data from foreseeable and unforeseeable perils with a disaster recovery plan to insure minimum down time - all in plain English!
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: The Big Business of Identity Theft - Preventive Strategies
There are millions of victims. Thousands of dollars and endless hours are lost in each. A major cause is theft of records that you keep on individuals, especially payroll and employment records. Learn the steps necessary to protect your information.
Linda G. Burwell, Nemeth Burwell PC, Detroit |
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| 4:35–5:15 p.m. |
Law Practice Management Track: Creative Marketing on a Shoestring
Every solo and small firm practitioner should be marketing all the time, but few of us have the funds. Learn a collection of exciting, effective, and inexpensive strategies that work: from Google apps, marketing websites, creative use of chocolate, running an e-newsletter, and Jott.com.
Marla A. Linderman, Linderman Julien PC, Ann Arbor |
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Substantive Law Track: The Rights of Returning Military and Service Personnel
As more and more service personnel return home and seek to return to their jobs or claim benefits, what are their rights? Learn about the statutes, protections, and benefits your clients are entitled to.
Rebecca Simkins Seslar, Barris Sott Denn & Driker PLLC, Detroit |
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Technology Track: Your Office - Don’t Leave Home Without It (Mobile Lawyering)
Everything you need for a complete mobile lawyer tool kit. Barron will discuss laptop computer options, including a Tablet PC demo. This topic covers everything from hand helds to portable printers, portable scanners, digital voice recorders, mobile back up devices, cables, mobile security, auxiliary power, and even carrying cases! Plus, we’ll show you a primer to help you make sense of wireless devices and networks.
Barron K. Henley, Henley March & Unger Consulting Inc, Columbus, OH |
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Legal Support Track: Understanding Metadata and How to Strip Your Documents of Incriminating, Unnecessary, or Embarrassing Information
Metadata has become a science unto itself. Discover the problems hidden in your word processing and how to avoid them.
Don M. Blumenthal, Technology, Law, and Policy, Ann Arbor |
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