2006 Fall Conference
Baltimore, Maryland
October 19-21, 2006

2006 Fall Conference Main Page

Friday October  20, 2006

7:45 – 8:15 a.m.
First Timers’ Orientation
Kent A

Presenters Orientation
Kent B

8:15 – 9:05 a.m.
Plenary Session:  The Power of Nice (CLE)
Harborside Ballroom D &E
Join us Friday morning when sports and entertainment agent and top-selling author Ronald M. Shapiro shares how to use the “Power of Nice” to negotiate the closing deal while fostering future opportunities.
 
Ronald Shapiro founded Shapiro, Robinson & Associates, a sports and entertainment management firm representing some of the greatest major league baseball players and sportscasters in history, including Cal Ripken, Jr., Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Murray, Kirby Puckett, Chuck Thompson, and Jon Miller, all of whom have benefited from the more than one-half billion dollars in contracts that he has negotiated. He also has represented TV personality Oprah Winfrey, a former Baltimorean, at the start of her career and is co-author of The Power of Nice: How to Negotiate So Everyone Wins - Especially You! 

Ronald Shapiro, Esq., Baltimore, MD

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Choose Law Introduction:  A Project to Increase Diversity in the Profession
Kent A
Learn about how you can implement this important public service project in your community!  Choose Law:  A Profession for All encourages students of color to consider a career in the legal profession.  It is a wonderful project and is easily implemented. Come hear about the project and the resources  available to students, teachers and affiliates.  You can make a difference.  Start today.

Rita Diaz, Esq., Pasadena, CA
Phenise Poole, Esq., Cincinnati, OH

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Making Law Schools Your Organization’s Best Friends (Bar Leadership)
Laurel A &B
Everyone knows that law schools are the place to find future lawyers.  Savvy bar leaders also know that law schools are the place to find future members!  Law student outreach programs provide remarkable dividends like increased membership and enhanced leadership development.  This program will cover strategies and best practices for creating or strengthening a law student outreach program for your state or local bar organization.

Laura A. Steel, Esq.,  Kingsport, TN
Audwin Levasseur, Esq., Washington, DC

Financial Literacy for Attorneys (CLE)
Laurel C & D
This program will highlight fundamental concepts of understanding financial statements and their practical application in various areas of legal practice. The topics discussed will include:
- an overview of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
- a discussion of the use of financial statement ratios as an important financial analysis tool
- a discussion of the practical applications of financial concepts and financial analysis in different areas of legal practice
- role of accountants and types of services they provide
- notes to financial statements   sifting out the important information
- the presenters hope to receive input and questions from the participants, providing responses directed to their individual interests.

Hartwell (Phil) Philips, Jr., CPA, CIA, Vienna, VA
Virginia B. Wilson, Esq., Memphis, TN

Ethics 101 – Conquering Ethical Dilemmas (and staying out of trouble…) (CLE)
Kent B
This interactive presentation will focus on the type of ethical dilemmas younger lawyers can expect to confront as they launch their practice either on their own, with a partner or in a law firm.  Issues addressed will include accidental clients (how to avoid them); prospective clients and what you owe them; dealing with the start up business; what to do with the unreasonable partner; ethical issues and the difficult client; duties of confidentiality and duties of candor; protecting the privilege and work product; searching for new business, among others.  Our speaker, Lawrence J. Fox, is a nationally recognized speaker on ethics and a former chairman of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

Lawrence J. Fox, Esq., Philadelphia, PA

The 101 Practice Series focuses on lawyers that are new to our profession and our goal is to provide these lawyers with basic 101-type training in both substantive and practical aspects of a law practice.

10:30 -11:30 a.m.
Mo Money, Mo Programs:  Asking For Increased Funding From the Senior Bar (Bar Leadership)
Kent A
Few things are more important to the success of a state or local young lawyer organization than funding from its senior bar.  This one-hour program will be comprised of a mock presentation by a young lawyer section leader to a senior bar board (complete with a sample PowerPoint slideshow) and a follow-up discussion on tips, techniques, and best practices for approaching the senior bar to ask for increased funding.  A question and answer session will be included.

Karin Renee Crump, Esq., Austin, TX
Maralee MacDonald, Esq., Sacramento, CA

Behavior Before the Bench (CLE)
Cosponsor: Judicial Division’s Lawyers Conference
Laurel C & D
All lawyers who appear in court can benefit from a course (or refresher course) on proper behavior before the bench.  This panel will address the following: (1) lawyers’ ethical obligations when appearing in court either in writing or in person (Model Rules of Professional Responsibility - duty of candor to the court, etc.); (2) best practices in court as observed/experienced by the panel members (signs of preparedness, helpful legal memoranda, professional dealings with opposing counsel, etc.); and (3) unfortunate, but all too common, pitfalls to avoid.  The panel will also touch on the Code of Judicial Conduct, with which few lawyers are very familiar, in order to highlight judges’ ethical obligations.  The panel’s presentation will conclude with a question and answer session.

Rachelle DesVaux Bedke, Esq., Tampa, FL
Honorable Cheryl D. Cesario, Chicago, IL
Honorable Michael B. Hyman, Chicago, IL
Honorable William D. Missouri, Upper Marlboro, MD

Where Do I Begin? Financial Planning for Young Lawyers
Kent B
Financial planning can be a daunting task.  Many Young Lawyers find themselves asking the question "Where do I begin?".  This session will help answer that question by building your financial house.  It will provide an easy to follow process for financial planning whether you are just beginning the process or need to update a plan already in place.

Kelly A. Abeles, American Bar Endowment, Chicago, IL
Thomas Haunty, Noth Star Resource Group, Madison, WI

Women in the Profession 101 – Ten Issues that Young Women Lawyers Face that Everyone Should Know About
Laurel A & B
Sponsored by the YLD Women in the Profession Committee
Have you ever been confused for the secretary? Have you been advised by the senior partner to only wear skirts to court?  In this program, we will focus on ten issues that are commonly faced by young women attorneys as they practice in the various areas of law.  The backgrounds of the speakers range from private practice to in-house counsel, to provide an array of situations and solutions for young women attorneys.  There will be an interactive question and answer period to further discuss the topic and address questions/concerns of the audience.

Samantha Bishop, Esq. Baltimore, MD 
Suzzanne Decker, Esq., Baltimore, MD
Kimberly S. Grimsley, Esq., Baltimore, MD

The 101 Practice Series focuses on lawyers that are new to our profession and our goal is to provide these lawyers with basic 101-type training in both substantive and practical aspects of a law practice.

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
How to Bring More Diversity to Your Young Lawyer Organization (Bar Leadership)
Kent A
Panelists will share their strategies and experiences in promoting a diverse affiliate, including in membership, participation, and bar leadership.  The discussion will address both the importance of promoting greater diversity and the manner in which it contributes to building a successful affiliate.

Mo Chavez, Esq., Albuquerque, NM
Carolyn Hann, Esq., Washington, DC
Kim Keenan, Esq., Washington, DC
Paul Neese, Esq., Portland, OR

What You Don't Know About Government Contracting Really Can Hurt You - How to Steer Your  Clients Right (CLE)
Kent B
Co-Sponsor:  ABA Public Contract Law Section
This program is geared towards newer practitioners to help explain what Government Contracts law is and where some of the major risks lie, so that practitioners will know where to turn if a client comes to them with a Government Contracts issue.  It will cover some basics of Government Contracts law, some basic differences between government contracts and commercial contracts, key risk areas for clients, some typical client questions and how to find the answers.

Elizabeth W. Newsom, Esq., Washington, D.C.

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Ready Or Not, Here They Come: The New Rules on Digital Discovery And Why They Will Change Litigation as We Know It (CLE)
Laurel A & B
The United States Supreme Court has approved changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that will take effect on December 1, 2006. Many, if not virtually all, of these changes address the unique aspects of electronic discovery.  The rules' changes will have a dramatic impact on the practice of litigation.

Our distinguished panel will address these rule changes and the impact on a civil litigation practice in federal court.  The will also discuss the evolving body of case law that has flourished during the course of the adoption of the new federal rules.

The major rule changes are to Rule 26(f),which requires parties to meet and confer after a lawsuit is filed and to discuss "any issues" relating to the "disclosure" of electronically stored information, "including the form and forms in which it should be produced," and any issues relating to claims of privilege, including assertion of privilege after production.  Rule 26(b)(5)(B) addresses what a party who produced privileged electronic documents must now do and what the receiving party must do. Rule 33(d), which gives the option to produce business records in lieu of answering an interrogatory, now defines "business records" as "including electronically stored information."  Rule 34 now makes a distinction between "documents" and "electronically stored information," and addresses the production of electronically stored information.  Rule 45 on subpoenas.  Rule 37(f) which addresses the accidental loss of relevant electronic information by the operation of auto delete or recycling programs after a duty to preserve arises.

John Barkett, Esq., Miami, FL
The Honorable John M. Facciola, Washington, DC
Brian Moffet, Esq., Baltimore, MD

Unique Projects to Spice up Your Local Bar Year Part I (Public Service)
Laurel C & D
Part one in this series will present exciting and unique projects and programs that can be adopted by affiliates and local bar organizations.  These programs will highlight the work of local bar organizations and young lawyer programs from around the country.

Projects: Street Youth Advocates of Washington – a program providing outreach and legal advocacy to homeless and at-risk youth, Homeless Experience Legal Project (The HELP project) - project offering legal assistance primarily at shelters and centers for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, Town Hall Meetings, Professionalism and Civility, The Tools for Success project – providing professional training and professional clothing to former prisoners returning to society, Shadow Day- a program providing young lawyers with a youth perspective of what it is like to attend a public school in Baltimore, and to gain first hand knowledge of the problems students face as well as their accomplishments, and more

Satruday October 21, 2006

9:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Plenary Session
Haborside Ballroom D & E

9:10 – 10:00 a.m.
Law Firm Culture: Generation X vs. Generation Y – Who Is Right? Who Will Prevail?
Laurel A & B
Join us for a fun-filled debate between Gen X and Gen Y attorneys.  The panelists will discuss the generational gap and how it impacts their roles in law firms as well as their differing work styles, work ethic and priorities. It is guaranteed to be entertaining and keep you laughing!

Todd Chason, Esq., Baltimore, MD
Kelly-Ann Clarke, Esq., League City, TX
S. Carolyn Ramos, Esq., Albuquerque, NM
Danny Van Horn, Esq., Memphis, TN

Getting Started in the ABA YLD
Kent B
This program will give an overview of the Young Lawyers Division  (i.e. its structure, programs, benefits, etc...) to new members or first time conference attendees and provide advice on how to get involved with the Division. 

Jonathan W. Wolfe, Esq., Livingston, NJ

What I Wish I’d Known . . . The Dos and Don’ts of Leading Your Affiliate (Bar Leadership)
Laurel C & D
This panel discussion will feature former Chairs and Presidents of various ABA YLD Affiliates and other state and local young lawyer organizations.  The panel members will discuss their leadership tenure and provide helpful tips on the dos and don'ts, as well as what you should be thinking about in anticipation of your year in leadership.  Ample time will be allowed for questions and answers.

Mo Chavez, Esq., Alburque, NM
Noah Davis, Esq., Seattle, WA
Eric Kraft, Esq., Overland Park, KS
Jennifer Mason, Esq., Pittsburgh, PA
Jennifer Parent, Esq., Manchester, NH
Janet Shih-Hajek,  Esq., McLean, VA 

9:10 – 9:35 a.m.
A Look at the Past:  Outstanding Former ABA YLD Public Service Projects (Public Service)
Kent A
Looking for a public service project that packs a powerful punch?  The ABA YLD has 2 projects geared for kids and another project designed to enhance the delivery of legal services to people living with HIV/AIDS.  Come hear about Junior Judges,  Tolerance Through Education and the HIV Legal Checkup. 

Karin Crump, Esq., Austin, TX
Seth Levy, Esq., Los Angeles, CA
Tracey E. Skinner, Esq., Baltimore, MD

9:35 – 10:00 a.m.
Choose Law Introduction:  A Project to Increase Diversity in the Profession (Public Service)
Kent A
Learn about how you can implement this important public service project in your community!  Choose Law:  A Profession for All encourages students of color to consider a career in the legal profession.  It is a wonderful project and is easily implemented. Come hear about the project and the resources  available to students, teachers and affiliates.  You can make a difference.  Start today.

Georgene Louis, Esq., Albuquerque, NM

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Administrative Law:  What Everyone Should Know (CLE)
Kent B
The top ten things everyone young lawyer should know about Adminstrative Law.

Nicole Bernabo, Esq., Hartford, CT
Honorable Thomas E. Dewberry, Baltimore, MD
Fred J. Emery, Esq., Washington, DC

Anatomy of a Trial: Theming the Case and Witness Preparation (CLE)
Laurel A & B
Effective trial preparation can make or break your case.  This CLE will provide young lawyers with practical insight into how to effectively prepare for trial including creating and utilizing a trial theme, preparation of witnesses and creation of a roadmap to develop the trial theme in pretrial motions, opening and closing arguments and exhibits.

Howard Bruce Klein, Esq., Philadelphia, PA

Unique Projects to Spice up Your Local Bar Year Part II (Public Service)
Laurel C & D
Part two in this series will present additional exciting and unique projects and programs that can be adopted by affiliates and local bar organizations.  These programs will highlight the work of local bar organizations and young lawyer programs from around the country.

Projects: Minority Pre-Law Conference - A one-day seminar that strives to expose minority college students to many aspects of a legal career, Immigrant Outreach and Education - educates members of the bar regarding deportation ramifications of criminal convictions on immigrants and reaches out to Northern Virginia's immigrant population, Domestic Violence Safety Project - the project distributes a Safety Brochure and a Legal Pamphlet to domestic violence victims statewide and trains attorneys to provide pro bono representation to domestic violence victims, Leadership Academy - a 12-month venture into developing leadership-enhancing experiences. The culmination of the program is developing and implementing a public service project, The Youth Leadership Summit - a program that engages young people from across the state in the process of formulating their own solutions to the problem of youth violence, 24 Easy-To-Read Guides - a series of twenty-four easy-to-read guides designed to inform the public about common legal problems which are free to the public, and the Holiday Party for homeless children.

10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
The Bar Mentor Series:  Baltimore (Bar Leadership)
Kent A
Well-informed attorneys throughout the Baltimore and Greater D.C. area recognize Robert Gonzales as one of the premier bar leaders of his era.  During this candid interview, Gonzales will share his experience and offer his insight on a broad range of topics that are timely and relevant for young bar leaders today. Don't miss this unique chance to gain access to a true Bar Mentor! 

Robert T. Gonzales, Esq., Baltimore, MD

10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Strengthening Your Organization through the Affiliate Assistance Team (Bar Leadership)
Kent A
Learn more about what the ABA YLD can do for you and your local bar organization.  This session will focus on introducing the mission and goals of the Affiliate Assistance Team, so that young lawyers may better utilize the Team as a resource at the local level.  Speakers include Ryan Reed, the current Affiliate Assistance Team Director, and Vice-Directors Roxanna Chaco and Jennifer Hilsabeck.  Because they bring solid experience and knowledge to their positions, they can answer your questions and explain the services avaiable through the Team - - all you have to do is ask!

Roxanna Chacon, Esq.,  Mesilla Park, NM
Jennifer Hilsabeck, Esq., Henderson, NV
Ryan Reed, Esq., Bowling Green, KY

11:25 a.m. 12:25 p.m.
Affiliate Leaders Roundtable:  A Dialogue from the Front Lines of Bar Leadership (Bar Leadership)
Kent A
This unique forum presents state and local bar leaders with the chance to meet with their peers for a frank discussion of the challenges of leading a young lawyer organization.  Facilitated by leaders of the Affiliate Assitance Team, but consisting mainly of peer-to-peer sharing, the Roundtable is your chance to ask questions, tell or hear success stories, and identify with other bar leaders the way to improve your own organization.  This program may be the most valuable "hands-on" time you spend at the Conference.

Government Practice 101 - The Revolving Door: How To Transition Between Government And Private Practice (CLE)
Kent B
Sponsored by the YLD Government, Military, Public Sector Lawyers Committee
Every day, more and more lawyers are moving between private practice and government positions.  In particular, with the increase in complex prosecutions and enforcement actions in such areas as white-collar, tax and environmental law, it is even more common now for attorneys in private practice to spend several years in government before moving back to lucrative private law firms.  In contrast, government attorneys are now sought after in both private practice and in-house positions where their experiences on the “other side” can help clients manuveur through difficult and specialized legal terrain and provide credibility in dealing with government investigations and prosecutions. 

This presentation will feature a panel of experienced lawyers who have transitioned between a government practice and the world of private practice.  Our panel will include attorneys from the Department of Justice, private law firms, and in-house counsel.  The speakers will discuss the benefits of government services, the differences between the two types of practices, and provide advice to ensure marketability when moving from one practice to another.

Sirat Attapit, Esq., Washington, DC
Michele Hayes, Esq., Washington, DC
John W. Jones, Esq.,  Lanham, MD
Jenifer Soulikias, Esq., Miami, FL
Hank B. Walther, Esq., Washington, DC

The 101 Practice Series focuses on lawyers that are new to our profession and our goal is to provide these lawyers with basic 101-type training in both substantive and practical aspects of a law practice.

11:25 a.m. 12:25 p.m.
Fair and Impartial Courts: Do we really believe it?  How do we counter the critics? Media Training and Message Delivery (CLE)
Laurel C & D
Judicial campaigns and elections this fall will further test the ability of bar leaders to speak out on behalf of an independent and accountable judiciary.  Experience shows that questions can be anticipated not only on “hot button” cultural issues but also on frustration with personal experiences that challenge the concept of fair and impartial courts.  Being armed with talking points and techniques for dealing with various forms of criticisms and hostile questions will help you to “stay on message.”  The highlight of this program will be a training session for speakers on the subject of judicial independence.

Dana Tippin Cutler, Esq., Kansas City, MO
William K. Weisenberg, Esq., Columbus, OH 

11:25 a.m. 12:25 p.m.
Anatomy of a Trial: Voir Dire (CLE)
Laurel A & B
The second in the Anatomy of a Trial series, this program presents everything you need to know about voir dire.  An engaging panel discussion of everything from the first question to the Batson challenges, this program presents issues relevant to uninitiated and experienced trial lawyers alike.

Mauricio E. Barreiro, Esq., Baltimore, MD
Honorable Charles B. Day, Baltimore, MD
C. Erica White, Esq.,  Tallahassee, FL 
Michael A. Vercher, Esq.,  Birmingham, AL

12:35 – 1:00 p.m.
Closing Session