Seminar Descriptions

Yvonne Eckert Olivere, JD, WealthCounsel LLC

As we see the light at the end of the (COVID) tunnel, we are optimistic that in-person events will again be part of our marketing within the next year or so. However, if COVID taught us anything, we need a multi-faceted marketing strategy. This session will cover the five key components to keep your law firm’s marketing engine running smoothly in 2021 and beyond.

Conrad Saam, Mockingbird Marketing

Through our experience with hundreds of law firms, we've isolated 22 key processes, tactics, concepts and key performance indicators (KPIs) that help you achieve growth. In this session we will share our insight on the practices that make successful firms.

Mark Rollins and Ada Chan, Rollins and Chan

This seminar will focus on the client-centered practice and using technology to be efficient. The presentation will be bifurcated with one part focusing on marketing the practice and the other part focusing on: a) intake of client using customer relationship software; and b) case and calendar management.

Michael Maschke and Brandon Barnes, Sensei Enterprises Inc

Learn the ins-and-outs of collecting, analyzing, and recovering evidence from mobile devices, and listen to real-world stories and examples from the trenches. We will discuss best practices for the preservation of information from mobile devices, including what artifacts can be recovered from devices that may be beneficial to your case. Digital forensic capabilities have grown over time and now we are able to recover more data than ever before that may be vital to your case. Come learn about some of the new types of information that forensics can uncover, along with updates on capabilities to recover communications and other important user-generated data.

Dan Schumack, Schumack Law Firm; and Erika Stillabower and Hope Todd, District of Columbia Bar
1.0 Ethics Credit Hour

This class will examine the disciplinary risks to your license under Rule of Professional Conduct 5.6 in light of the recent D.C. Court of Appeals decision in Jacobson Holner v. Gentner and the D.C. City Council's recent legislation banning most contractual non-competes. The class will also review the impact of similar legislation in Maryland and Virginia on Rule 5.6 in our neighboring states. Signatories beware: all parties to an offending contract are technically at risk, including the junior associate.

Niki Black, MyCase

Ethics issues discussed will include using cloud-based software, cyber security recommendations, working from a jurisdiction in which you are not licensed, and much more.

Nefra MacDonald and Rio Peterson, Clio;  Mark Homer, GNGF; Kristin Tyler, LAWCLERK; Amy Mann, LawPay; and Maddy Martin, Smith.ai

U.S. productivity in the second and third quarters of 2020 rose 10.6 and 4.6 percent, respectively, marking the largest six-month productivity gains since 1965. It’s no coincidence that this surge occurred during the Coronavirus pandemic. Sudden workplace shifts, when forced upon the labor market, lock the lid on the pressure cooker, and innovations that would have taken years to implement when “time allowed,” suddenly take hold -- and to great effect. As it turns out, it wasn’t that hard to change, after all, was it? Catapulted out of their offices and into their homes for remote work, attorneys have been forced to face off with the “new normal” where marketing, intake, case management, billing, and other elements of their law practices don’t work like they once did. But for an underdog industry long seen as “behind the times,” lacking the technical prowess of other faster-moving sectors, “Legal” has displayed remarkable gusto and resilience. In this session, 5 experts from leading legal technology, casework, and marketing solution providers will provide a rundown of the highest-impact changes attorneys can make in their firms right now to not just survive, but to thrive. After all, resilience may be sufficient to sustain firms in the short run, but in the long run, substantial business growth -- best achieved through incremental, intentional changes — is what’s truly desired.

Tatia Gordon-Troy, Ramses House Publishing LLC

Books, articles, blog posts, oh my! What’s a lawyer to do? Learn how to focus your writing to broaden your reach, educate the masses, promote the collective experience within your firm, position yourself as a thought leader, and attract your ideal clients. We’ll discuss ways to reach your ideal client, find time to devote to your writing, and dispel some myths surrounding the act of getting published.

Rebecca Sattin, Worldox

Having an Information Governance framework is not just for big firms. Between an attorney’s ethical responsibilities and the current regulatory environment, it is important to understand what data is in your possession, where it is, and how to protect it using your existing business processes as a road map.

Bonnie Prober, Social Worker/Attorney

The practice of law is stressful! The inherent pressures and demands of the profession are compounded by the challenges of everyday life – particularly during the COVID pandemic. This presentation will address the impact of these pressures on the mental health and wellness of legal professionals, aid participants in recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress, offer concrete strategies for managing stress and enhancing self-care, and provide information on resources available to lawyers in our community.

Seth Price, Price Benowitz;  Jay Ruane, Ruane Attorneys at Law; and Dan Mills, District of Columbia Bar

Seth Price and Jay Ruane, with host Daniel Mills of the D.C. Bar, talk strategy on forward-thinking techniques law firms can implement to help their practice take on growing pains as they scale. They will talk all things law firm practice management in 2020 and into 2021 during the COVID times and beyond.

Dan Schumack, Schumack Law Firm; and Erika Stillabower and Hope Todd, District of Columbia Bar
1.0 Ethics Credit Hour

For a solo or small firm practitioner in the District of Columbia, poorly-worded fee agreements or mishandling of client money can lead to lengthy suspensions or disbarments. This course will walk through what D.C. Rules 1.5 (Fee Agreements) and 1.15 (Safekeeping of Property) require, prohibit and permit. Faculty will explore the ethical traps of non-refundable retainers, flat fees, referral fees, fee sharing by lawyers not in the same firm, cryptocurrency and more.

Claude Ducloux, LawPay

Many members of the D.C. Bar are solo or small firm lawyers. This program helps the “non-trial lawyer” solo or small firm lawyer know how to prepare for a trial before the court.

Dan Schumack, Schumack Law Firm; and Erika Stillabower and Hope Todd, District of Columbia Bar
1.0 Ethics Credit Hour

“I’m not a cat.”  The lawyer who became trapped in a kitten filter during a Zoom hearing inadvertently provided a pandemic-weary world with a much-needed laugh. While social media gaffes are often entertaining, they can have real-world consequences for lawyers.  This informative and timely class will highlight best practices for lawyers seeking to ethically and responsibly use various social media platforms in the practice of law, with a special focus on Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality) and Rule 1.1 (Competence).

Erica Birstler, CosmoLex

The shifts in our society over the past year have changed how we look at productivity. New work environments, added distraction, and expanding channels of communication have all piled onto many lawyers’ already full plates. We’ll show you how to measure your law firm’s productivity with key performance indicators (KPIs) and how to update your processes and tools to obtain your optimum output.

Jack Newton, Clio

2020 set off a time of major change in the legal industry that didn’t end with the new year. Law firms must adapt to these changes or be left behind. Discover the long-term impacts of this permanent shift and how you can take advantage of changing consumer expectations to set your law firm apart.

Adriana Linares, LawTech Partners

From resilience and adaptability to technology and collaboration, 2020 delivered unprecedented change that will transform the way we all work—forever. From this year of transformation comes new habits, trends, and expectations as we look ahead. We’ll present four major themes that stemmed from 2020 plus how this will shift trends in the workplace, particularly for small and medium sized firms, in 2021 and beyond.

Kim Bey, Bey & Associates, CPAs, PC

Experience has taught us that many small firm owners waste thousands of dollars every year in taxes they don’t really owe. You will learn key strategies to:

a) Avoid the single most expensive tax mistakes;
b) Slash your risk of an IRS audit;
c) Qualify for often overlooked deductions;
d) Split income among several family members; and
e) Use the tax advantages of investment vehicles.

Mark Lefever, USI Affinity

Selecting malpractice coverage is important for lawyers in a firm of any size. How much coverage is needed? How much should it cost? How does the cost of defense affect the premium and coverage? How can a fee dispute affect coverage? What happens if the lawyer changes providers? We will discuss insurance issues surrounding the pandemic.

This informative program will explore topics and issues such as where malpractice claims originate, malpractice insurance policies, how to determine appropriate coverage, and selecting a carrier, policy, and broker. We will discuss how a firm can protect itself against a cyber-attack and how to be prepared for a cyber-attack when it occurs. We will also discuss what Cyber Insurance covers for a law firm and what it does not cover.

Erin Page, Fastcase

This training is designed for new and experienced Fastcase users. See what’s new with the Fastcase system and get vital tips and tricks to use your Fastcase benefit effectively and efficiently.

Niki Irish, District of Columbia Bar

We are all reassessing and recalibrating our “new normal” as we transition to yet another change, reopening. While everyone’s situation looks different, the need to manage change is the same. Attendees will learn skills to increase their tolerance of uncertainty, boost their resilience, and cope with the transitions ahead.

Mary Ellen Hickman, Hickman Consulting Partners

Do you think your law firm should – or could – be making more money? Ms. Hickman will outline why your law firm may not be as profitable as it could be. We will begin with the most common mistakes made by lawyers and law firms and how to know if you are making any of these (hint: you probably are). Then, we will discuss what to do differently, where to invest your limited time and resources to make the greatest impact, and how to measure success. You will walk away with a list of practical, actionable steps you can take to significantly increase profitability – and your take-home pay – in the next 12 months.