2026 Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar helps lawyers learn to succeed in complex area of law

When she switched from practicing at the public defender’s office to private practice, Kimberly Benjamin said she had no idea how to win a DWI case.

Now a DWI and criminal defense lawyer and founder of Benjamin Law Firm in Belton, she wants to help other lawyers feel empowered and have the education they need to succeed.

Benjamin has been attending The Missouri Bar Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar since the 2000s. She’s a member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers board, and this year she was involved in planning the DWI seminar.

“… I always want lawyers to come here to learn how to win a DWI, to not feel so defeated, to have some hope,” Benjamin said.

The in-person and virtual seminar, July 23-24 in Lake Ozark, provided attendees with the opportunity to learn advanced techniques and the science behind DWI law.

Presented by The Missouri Bar and MACDL, this year’s seminar had topics covering jury selection, ethical issues surrounding AI, breath testing basics, blood test issues, THC-related DUI cases, and more. The seminar also had a basics/bootcamp track for lawyers and paralegals.

What’s unique about the seminar, Benjamin said, is that it focuses not only on law, but science, helping lawyers be more familiar with blood and breath testing.

In addition to gaining practical insights, Benjamin said attendees can also form new connections.

“Don’t be afraid to come and meet people, talk to people, find other people who do this, find mentors,” Benjamin said. “Everybody who has experience loves sharing their experience and teaching other lawyers, so come here to find those people.”

Attendee Tim Cisar, a lawyer with the Law Office of Cisar & Spier, has been involved in MACDL since about 1992. He’s been coming to the DWI seminar since about the time it started.

Cisar said the seminar provides a good opportunity to recharge and learn from other lawyers.

“It teaches me stuff every year,” Cisar said. “My rule of thumb is to learn one thing at a seminar, and I’ve learned four things I’ll be bringing away already.”

Speaker Michael Reid, a lawyer with M. Reid Legal Solutions, said he first came to the conference 27 years ago. His legal mentors took him under their wings and said the only thing they asked of him was to give back.

“And that's why I always say, ‘If anybody here has a question, or you want something I've got, reach out to me ...” Reid said. “That's our obligation, because if we're not helping, we’re hurting.”

Save the date for next year: July 22-23, 2027.

View photos from this year’s seminar here.