CLE by the Sea: NE Conference for Solos and Small Law Firms

Name: CLE by the Sea: NE Conference for Solos and Small Law Firms
Start: 2024-07-18T08:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-07-18T17:00:00-04:00
Location: Blue Ocean Event Center

Thursday, July 18, 2024

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Blue Ocean Event Center

Salisbury Beach, Salisbury, MA, USA

7th Annual CLE by the Sea: NE Conference for Solos & Small Law Firms

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Blue Ocean Event Center, Salisbury Beach, MA

Sponsored by The Greater Newburyport Bar Association in partnership with: The MBA, The MSBA, NHBA, Haverhill Bar, MATA, WBA/MA, LCL/MA, & SOS

AGENDA/SCHEDULE

8:00-9:00 Registration & Breakfast

9:00-9:15 Welcome & Introductions

Gary O. Todd, Todd & Weld, LLC, President, GNBA

9:15-10:30 Concurrent Workshops

A. How Co-parenting Apps Can Enhance Client Communications and Ensure Success—1.25 ME Credits/75 NHMCLE min.

Kevin Dorsey, Our Family Wizard

What are the online tools judges are ordering parents to use for communicating their shared parenting needs.
How to recognize documents that may be presented as evidence in the courtroom
Learn how mediators, custody evaluators, and other professionals may work with and assess family needs utilizing these tools.

B. Analytics for Attorneys: How Statistics Can Help You Build a More Efficient Law Practice —1.25 ME Credits/75 NHMCLE min.

Jared Correia, CEO, Red Cave Law Firm Consulting

Why Statistical Analysis Is Important
How to Employ Key Performance Indicators in Your Practice
Novel Analytic Strategies
How to Use Analytics for a Competitive Advantage

C. Ethics Smorgasbord – the 2024 Edition—1.25 ME Ethics Credits/

75 NHMCLE min.

Edward Cheng, Sherin & Lodgen, Boston & Donald L. Pitman lll, The Pitman Law Offices LLC, Newburyport

Current Ethics Topics, including

What to Do if Bar Complaint Comes over the Transom
Copying Someone Else’s Brief
Conflict of Interest Issues Involving Former Clients
Handling Clients When Moving to Another Firm
Ethics of A.I .Brief Writing

10:30-10:50 Networking Break

10:50-12:05 Concurrent Workshops

D. How to Thrive in Federal Court—1.25 ME Credits/75 NHMCLE min.

Honorable Lance E. Walker, Chief Judge, United States District Court, District of Maine; Attorneys John Doonan, and Reneau Longoria, Doonan, Graves and Longoria, Beverly & Jeffrey Loeb, Rich May, Boston

Advantages of Being in Federal Court
Jurisdiction of the Federal Court and Remand from State Court
Expectations of the Federal Court
Pitfalls for the Unwary

E. Ethical Issues for GALs and P.C.s—1.25 ME Ethics Credits/75 NHMCLE Min.

Attorneys Judith Cowan, Tony Pelusi, Demetra Pontisakos, MA & Dana Prescott, ME

What are the issues for those participating on list serves and/or consultation groups
How to participate and maintain confidentiality
What do team members supporting a family need to do to respect privilege and confidentiality
How to juggle multiple/sequential roles
Should you serve as a PC without formal appointment

F. Successfully Starting & Maintaining a Sole Practice—1.25 ME Credits/40 NHMCLE min.

Christine DeBernardis, Family Law, MA & NH & Joseph Waldbaum, Criminal Law

Common issues encountered when starting out or trying to grow a practice, e.g. Advertising; mobile website; unique selling point; Intake phone call/questionnaire; Engagement letter; conflict checks; responsibilities for client funds; Getting reviews & testimonials; virtual offices; marketing; file retention, fees and handling court coverage as a solo.

12:05-1:00 Luncheon, Included

1:00-2:15 Concurrent Workshops

G. Perspectives in Assessing & Valuing Tort Cases-1.25 ME Credits/

75 NHMCLE Min.

Brianna Sullivan, Kazarosian Costello LLP , Stephen Zolotas, Spada Law Group & Brian R. Jerome, Founder & CEO, Mass. Dispute Resolution Services

How to Effectively Use Valuation Tools
Troubleshooting Issues in Medical Records
How Liability and Facts Impact Case Value
Mediator’s Perspective

H. Understanding Business Valuation Reports —1.25 ME Credits/

75 NHMCLE Min.

Marc Bello, Managing Director, Willamette & Donald L. Pitman lll, The Pitman Law Offices, LLC, Newburyport

What Should You Expect?
Gain an Understanding of the Key Sections and Necessary Disclosures
How to Identify Strengths and Weaknesses in a Report?
How to Deal with Hearsay?
Techniques to Use a Report for a Deposition &/or Trial

I. Building an Ethical and Antifragile Law Firm in a Volatile World: Tips from LCL—1.25 ME Ethics Credits/75 NHMCLE Min.

Luz Carrion, LCL/MA

Learn practical tips and techniques for thriving
Discover how to be an antifragile lawyer and have an antifragile law firm.
Learn how to integrate the Rules of Professional Conduct into the design of your law firm.
Find out how technology can enhance an antifragile law firm
Understand how an antifragile model and a new mindset could boost your advantage when facing ethical challenges.

2:15-2:35 Networking Break

2:35-3:50 Concurrent Workshops

J. Marijuana Use & Parenting Issues—1.25 ME Credits/75 NHMCLE Min.

Jennifer Lamana, MA & Eileen Quill, MA

How the court assesses the appropriateness of use,
Resources to demonstrate “overusage"

K. Current Cyber Threat Landscape: Insights & Strategies

1.25 ME Credits/75 NHMCLE Min.

Benjamin McPherson and Angus MacDonald, Adlumin

Explore the latest threats to law firms, including evolving cyber attacks, social engineering, and ransomware-as-a-service. Learn best practices for safeguarding sensitive data and the crucial role of incident response in mitigating cyber threats, ensuring comprehensive protection for your firm.
Maximizing Email Security: Explore sophisticated methods to bolster email defenses against phishing, malware, and breaches, understand the vulnerabilities associated with relying on free email services, and implement essential security measures to ensure safe communication channels.
Compliance as a Strategic Advantage: Discover the challenges law firms face in cybersecurity and compliance. Learn key measures to ensure regulatory adherence, protect your brand, and respond to breaches. See how leveraging compliance mitigates risk, boosts customer trust, and provides a competitive edge.
How to Best Choose Cybersecurity Vendors for your Law Firm: Evaluate industry experience and comprehensive services in cybersecurity vendors. Prioritize customization and scalability. Enhance client management with CRMs and lead intake software, and boost sales efficiency with advanced tools.

L. Jedi Mind Tricks for Lawyers: How to Respond to Bullying Behavior in and Out of Court-1.25 H & D ME Credits/75 NHMCLE Min.

Dr. Shawn Healy, LCL/MA & Attorney Maureen Booth, TurcoLegal, MA

Identify key wellbeing priorities in order to equip yourself to respond to bullying attempts
Change your perspective on a bullying attempt to make it less threatening
Understand the goals of a bully and identify ways of increasing your resilience
Identify helpful and effective strategies for responding to bullying attempts
Identify options for being an effective ally to others who are dealing with bullying attempts

3:55-5:10 Concurrent Workshops

M. Insight into the Vital Role of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusions in Legal Practice—1.25 ME H & D Credits/75 NHMCLE Min.

Jenese Brownhill, LICSW, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Justice Resource Institute

The significance of diversity in the legal profession and its impact on client representation and outcomes.
Strategies for creating an inclusive environment within your practice, including hiring practices, workplace policies, and client interactions.
Understanding implicit biases and their effects on decision-making in the legal field.
Practical steps for promoting equity and justice in your daily work, particularly in the criminal justice system.
Resources and tools for ongoing education and action in the realm of DEI.

N. Policing the Police: Legal & Practical Implications—1.25 ME Credits/ 75 NHMCLE Min.

Honorable Mary F. McCabe, Newburyport District Court, Dan Conley, NH Police Officer, Attorneys Nicole Reilly, MA & NH and John S. Webb, Webb Law, Portland & Saco, ME

Use of Body Cameras
Use of Force
No-knock Warrants
Civilian Oversight

O. 60 Apps in 60 Minutes-1.25 ME Credits/no NHMCLE Min.

Jared D. Correia, CEO Red Cave Law Firm Consulting

In this twist on a popular American Bar Association TECHSHOW staple, you’ll get a list of the best productivity apps in one-minute increments, with a strict time limit. This fast-paced program packs in more information than you can shake a stick at.

Get faster, work less, make more. Start here.

5:05- Gourmet Reception for All at Surfside, sponsored by the GNBA

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Tuition includes, continental breakfast, lunch, and reception and materials.

Parking is free in the Blue Ocean Parking Lot

Nearby hotels: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=hotels+near+blue+ocean+music+hall&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#ip=1

Thank You to Our Sponsors!!

Speaker Sponsors

Our Family Wizard--20 years of helping families living separately thrive! With OurFamilyWizard, family law professionals and parents have access to a suite of tools designed to support effective co-parenting, help assure compliance, and deliver more optimal results for children. Learn more about our fee waiver program, free professional access, and updated model order language. Contact kevin@ourfamilywizard.com

Exhibitors

Bay State Financial--Janice Berner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CPA. Divorce Financial Analyst working with individuals, couples and legal professionals at all stages of divorce and after. Collaborates with clients, lawyers, and mediators to provide financial support for case preparation and settlement. Assess net worth, goals and needs, budgeting, asset separation and tax implications. Works with clients on post-divorce comprehensive financial planning. Janice Berner, CDFA - Certified Divorce Financial Analyst www.janiceberner.com

FAZ Forensics- We are a multifaceted and boutique CPA firm specializing in forensic accounting, business valuation and litigation support services. We help to resolve even the most high-stakes financial situations from the corporate office to the courtroom, and we use our complex analytical and investigative experience to reach solutions and reconciliations efficiently.

Institution for Savings--Since 1820, the Institution for Savings has played an integral role in supporting the communities we serve. With 15 retail locations throughout the North Shore, we offer a full menu of uncomplicated personal and business products and services to help our customers build financial security. As a mutual savings bank, our true commitment to our communities extends far beyond profits. From our trustees and officers to our employees, we are all committed to constantly do what we can to improve the lives of those around us every day.

Lawyers Weekly, Massachusetts

LEAP is the #1 legal practice management software for New England law firms. Simplify your IT infrastructure, reduce overhead costs, and enable your law firm to work from anywhere, at any time. Law firms earn 30% more profit within the first year of switching to LEAP by getting rid of servers, billing more hours with instant time-recording, and getting paid faster with secure, online billing and payments. Learn more at www.leap.us

Founded by lawyers in 1982, Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company (MLM) provides professional liability insurance and risk management services for attorneys in Massachusetts and 15 other states. MLM is an efficient, accountable and permanent practice management resource, exemplified by an AM Best Rating of A (excellent), and a consistent dividend return for the past 35 years.

The Piracini Group--As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert, Susan Piracini brings her skills in mediation and neutrality to serve divorcing homeowners and their attorneys. Her main goal is to mitigate the damage caused by divorce by handling the sale of the marital residence with great care, dignity and profitability. She is a neutral third party trained in high conflict cases, is certified to testify in court as to real property matters and is able to prepare Fair Market Valuations that are admissible in court.

Primerica--Have your finances seen better days? It’s not just you. For many people, the economy has changed the way we think about money – especially redefining the difference between “wants” and “needs.” Get a complimentary financial check-up through Primerica’s Financial Needs Analysis. It’s a 30-minute snapshot of your financial future… and the first step to doing something to improve it. So, you’re not where you thought you’d be. Here’s your chance to do something about it.

Business Sponsors

Appraisers Collaborative, www.appraiserscollaborative.com/

The Appraisers Group, http://www.appraisersgroup.com/

Massachusetts Dispute Resolution Services, https://www.mdrs.com/

Matter, www.matternow.com

NBM, Technology Company, https://nbminc.com/

PFK O'Connor Davies, https://www.pkfod.com/

Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, http://www.redcavelegal.com/

Soberlink, soberlink.com

Streamography, www.streamography.

Willamette Management Associates, https://www.willamette.com/

Brigatine Law, https://www.brigantine.law