The 2022 Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar returns in-person, virtual
The annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar kicked off last Thursday, July 28, with nationally recognized lawyers, speakers, and authors sharing their knowledge of DWI law and science to help Missouri lawyers even better serve their clients. For the first time in three years, professionals in Missouri DWI law gathered to share their expertise in DWI law essentials, case law updates, and advanced techniques to help keep Missouri lawyers at the top of their game.
Held at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, nearly 200 lawyers attended the seminar for in-person and virtual networking and CLE opportunities.
“It was great to hear from so many experts in DWI law,” said Garnett Matthews-Campbell, director of CLE & dispute resolution at The Missouri Bar. “Being able to connect with colleagues in person and also have virtual speakers that otherwise wouldn’t be able to present at the seminar truly offered the best of both worlds.”
The Missouri Bar hasn’t hosted the seminar since July 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Well-known speaker and planning committee chair Kimberly Benjamin discussed tips on talking to juries about DWI cases. Benjamin, who is a faculty member of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and National College of DUI Defense, regularly teaches lawyers how to talk to juries in civil and criminal cases.
Janis C. Puracal spoke on how implicit racial bias affects forensic opinions and how lawyers can address racial bias in their cases. She examined the research behind racial bias and systemic reforms in forensics.
One CLE program featured live oral arguments during a special session of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Western District. Hon. Zel Fischer, Hon. Gary Witt, and Hon. Thomas Chapman heard three DWI-related cases, giving trial lawyers the opportunity to observe live court proceedings.
Travis Noble Jr., a platinum sponsor of the seminar, presented a live demonstration on voir dire and the questions to ask when selecting a jury.
Unique to the DWI seminar is the paralegal track, which offered programs such as submitting evidence at hearings, analyzing driving records, and training paralegal staff in Excel. Although paralegal training is often overlooked in continuing education, it is key to good law practice management. Paralegals handle routine forms, organize documents, manage data filing systems, and assist with routine client communications, all critical skills in maintaining a well-functioning firm.
When not attending CLE programming, attendees also had the opportunity to visit exhibitor booths. Sponsors such as Smart Start and Intoxalock networked with lawyers about their companies and the benefits of their products.
Visit The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page and Instagram page to view photos from the conference.
Visit MoBarCLE.org to sign up for upcoming conferences, including the Annual Family Law Conference Aug. 4-6 and The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting and Missouri Judicial Conference Sept. 14-16.