Lawyers gather for 2023 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference
The atmosphere of Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach shifted during the second week of June.
From June 8-10, the resort became host to 342 lawyers – with 283 more joining online for the bar’s Solo & Small Firm Conference. On site, hallways filled with attendees eager to learn from others in their profession, meet with vendors offering both information and unique giveaways, and even squeeze in some time by the pool.
For many attendees, the ambiance was not the only drawing aspect of the conference. Steven Patterson, an eighth-year attendee and general practice lawyer, said he continues to come to MOSOLO because it is cost effective and applicable to his firm.
“[MOSOLO is] focused on what we’re doing as a solo practice, so you get a lot of stuff that’s focused toward that – running practices, staffing, stuff like that,” Patterson said. “And then some practical things that are pretty specific to what we do.”
The annual conference, comprised of two plenary sessions, 60 breakout sessions, and 29 exhibitors, wraps up just a few weeks before Missouri lawyers’ MCLE reporting deadline, providing an opportunity to fulfill their requirements while making connections. Event programming qualifies for up to 18.2 MCLE hours, including 10.4 ethics and 2.8 elimination of bias credits. Lawyer Kevin Brown said he looks to the sessions to provide guidance for cases he is currently working on and to further his understanding of other topics.
“It’s a one-stop shop for all of my CLEs in a great setting,” Brown said. “I can [also] bring the family along and they can have a good time while I’m getting my requirements taken care of. It’s a good place to meet new people and connect with old friends as well.”
MOSOLO is a family-friendly event, allowing lawyers the chance to bring their loved ones to not only give them a glimpse into their profession, but also to spend time together while bowling, playing arcade games, and participating in evening events, like this year’s Big Game Show.
This year was Missouri Bar President-elect Megan Phillips’ first visit to MOSOLO, and she said she’s already excited about coming back.
“I feel confident that if I have a question or doubts about anything, somebody in this building is going to know the answer,” Phillips said.
MOSOLO’s social activities provide an opportunity for lawyers to meet face-to-face and get any questions answered by experts in the field. Evening networking activities included the Boathouse Bash, Nightcap Reception, and Law Student Meet and Greet with bar leaders and Supreme Court of Missouri judges.
“Being here has reassured me that I’m not alone,” Phillips said. “Not only does the bar have every type of resource imaginable and they can point me in the right direction, but also the other reason I came is just to get to know other Missouri lawyers who are doing what I want to do. They’ve been there, they’ve done it, [and] we’ve been networking. [I’ve] just learned a lot about the market and the state and lawyers from other areas and everyone is so willing to help and be supportive.”
To view photos and videos from the conference, don’t miss The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Visit MoBarCLE.MoBar.org to sign up for upcoming conferences, such as the Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar July 27-28 and the Annual Family Law Conference Aug. 2-4.