12
June
2019
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09:01 AM
America/Chicago

Top-notch CLE, innovative vendors, unparalleled networking and family friendly fun hallmarks of 2019 MOSOLO SMALL FIRM CONFERENCE

Summary

More than 650 Missouri lawyers were onsite to attend CLE sessions, network with colleagues and learn about practice management developments through vendors at the 2019 MOSOLO SMALL FIRM CONFERENCE.

More than 650 Missouri lawyers were onsite to attend CLE sessions, network with colleagues and learn about practice management developments through vendors at the 2019 MOSOLO SMALL FIRM CONFERENCE. The Missouri Bar hosted the 24th annual conference last week, June 5-8, at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach.

2018-19 Missouri Bar President Ray Williams, a solo practitioner with law offices in West Plains and Eminence, welcomed attendees Thursday, noting solo and small firm lawyers play an important role in shaping the profession and the priorities over the course of the state bar’s 75-year history.“From creating the first-of-its-kind and best conference in the nation for solo and small firm lawyers to giving us an avenue to have our ideas heard and acted on—such as the new trust account rule change for flat fee services up to $2,000,” Williams said. “These ideas all came from solo and small firm lawyers and help us all even better serve our clients.”

Programming focused on helping lawyers even better serve their clients by learning about rapidly evolving legal topics, including medical marijuana, the #MeToo movement and ride-sharing liability. Attendees also had the opportunity to walk away with Court updates, trial tips, writing techniques and other law practice management strategies. Special tracks included advanced Guardian ad litem training and a Solo Practice Boot Camp, where lawyers could learn the basics for getting a practice off the ground.

The conference included two plenaries; the first focused on ethics, with presenters Brennan Delaney and Heather Hardinger showing clips from law-related movies and discussing the examples of unethical legal behavior based on Missouri’s Rules of Professional Conduct. In the second, Barron Henley provided a fast-paced, 60-minute roundup of everything new and noteworthy for lawyers in tech.

Many attendees have been coming back to the MOSOLO SMALL FIRM CONFERENCE for years. Robert Fauqua is one of them. In addition to enjoying the conference atmosphere, Fuqua, a Kimberling City lawyer, appreciates the chance to earn both Missouri and Kansas CLE in one spot. He said  he also likes visiting the exhibit hall, which provided a unique place to learn about everything from ignition interlock devices and support for clients with special needs to malpractice insurance and legal search engines.

“The exhibitors have very innovative things for lawyers that you need to take notice of and use,” Fauqua said.

Continuing with tradition, nearly 50 students and new graduates from Missouri’s law schools joined active lawyers at CLE sessions and other programming. In addition, they attended a special presentation from Supreme Court of Missouri Judges Laura Denvir Stith and Paul C. Wilson, as well as Williams, President-Elect Tom Bender, Vice President John Gunn and Executive Director Sebrina Barrett. There, the conversation centered on the future of the law, as well as advice for making the most out of their future profession.

Yve Solbrekken graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in December and was present for the Q&A with the judges and bar leadership. For her, the conference was a chance to gather information as she plans her practice.

“I find networking happens as I pursue answers to my questions,” Solbrekken said. “There’s good information in here, all in one location.”

Of course, the week’s busy agenda left some room for fun. On Thursday, lawyers and their guests were treated to a lakeside luau sponsored by Monsees & Mayer P.C. followed by a sunset boat cruise sponsored by Sanders.Law. Friday’s evening entertainment included a trivia competition sponsored by LearWerts LLP, as well as bowling and arcade games open to attendees and their family members.

To close the conference, Randy Waltz from Jefferson City won the Grand Prize Raffle Giveaway—a $3,500 travel voucher sponsored by Sanders.Law.

Missed out on the fun? See more photos here and plan to attend the 25th annual MOSOLO AND SMALL FIRM CONFERENCE June 4-6 in 2020!