ABA YLD
Midyear Meeting Program Descriptions

Friday, February 9, 2007

9:15-10:15 am
CLE: Anatomy of a Trial Series:  Opening Statements/Direct Examination Part I
Windsor, 2nd Level, InterContinental
Co-Sponsor: TIPS Section

In the ABA YLD's Anatomy of a Trial Series, participants learned winning techniques for theming a case, witness preparation and jury selection.  With trial preparation complete, the series shifts its focus to an examination of effective courtroom practice.  This program is designed to help attorneys hone their ability to persuasively present their client's case and increase their client's chance of success.  Seasoned trial lawyers will offer participants tips on crafting persuasive opening statements designed to lure the trier of fact to their client's position at the outset, including the do's and don'ts.

David Deehl, Esq., Deehl & Carlson, PA, Coral Gables, FL and David Goodwin, Esq., Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, Miami, FL

9:15-10:15 am
Unique Projects to Spice Up Your Bar Year
Theatre, 2nd Level, InterContinental

Is your local bar association looking for new projects?  This session will highlight the special projects of young lawyer organizations from around the country.  Come hear how to implement these programs and make these resources available to your community.

9:15-10:15 am
ABA Leadership Pathways for Underrepresented Lawyers
Sandringham, 2nd Level, InterContinental
Co-Sponsor: Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diverstiy

Minority law students and underrepresented practicing attorneys interested in becoming ABA leaders will benefit from the guidance and resources offered in this unique session.  Panelists will share their perspective about leadership opportunities available within the ABA Divisions, Sections, Commission and Committees.  From their real-life experiences and insight you will learn:  how lawyers just like you made the transition from mailbox members to ABA leaders, personal and professional benefits of the leadership experience and what leadership and outreach programs are available within the ABA.

9:15 am - 12:45 pm
Bar Leadership Academy (Invite Only)
Balmoral, 2nd Level, InterContinental

The Bar Leadership Academy is a comprehensive program designed to provide basic training to current and future Chairs and Presidents. Guest speakers with top-flight bar leadership experience will present on topics including "Why Bar Leaders Succeed" and "The Art of Budgeting" to "Motivating and Recruiting Volunteers" and "Planning for Your Bar Year."  The Academy is invitation-only, and is one of the most valuable benefits the Division makes available to affiliate leaders.  But the benefit does not stop there:  by training and equipping young lawyer leaders to succeed during their tenure as Chair or President, the Academy's benefits ultimately stretch to all young lawyers in the community and to the public at large.  This program includes a "Handbook" compiling time-tested leadership advice on two dozen topics. Questions regarding this program should be directed to Ryan Reed at rreed@hughesandcoleman.com or (270) 782-6003, ext. 267.

10:30-11:30 am
CLE:  Anatomy of a Trial Series:  Opening Statements/Direct Examination Part II
Windsor, 2nd Level, InterContinental
Co-Sponsor: TIPS Section

In Part II of this Anatomy of a Trial Series session, experienced attorneys will continue to share advice concerning persuasive opening statements and will also discuss effective direct examination.  Panelist will share straightforward techniques for making your examination convincing and memorable.

David Deehl, Esq., Deehl & Carlson, PA, Coral Gables and Kimberly A.  Selmore, Esq., Assistant United States Attorney Southern District of Florida, Miami, FL

10:30-11:30 am
CLE: You, Me and IP:  Intellectual Property Issues for Startup Companies and Small Businesses
Sandringham, 2nd Level, InterContinental

This introductory course will examine the intellectual property issues frequently encountered by startup companies and small businesses.  Experts in the field will highlight common IP-related pitfalls and provide tips to avoid problems.  The panelists also will share strategies to identify, document and protect IP assets created by startups and small businesses.

Moderator: Christopher J. McGeehan, Greer, Burns, & Crain, Ltd., Chicago, IL
Speakers:  Leslie J. Lott, Esq., Lott & Friedland, P.A., Coral Gables, FL, Ena T. Diaz, Esq., Shook, Hardy & Bacon, LLP, Miami, FL and Seth Levy, Esq., Davis Wright, Tremaine LLP, Los Angeles, CA

10:30-11:30 am
The Young Lawyer Perspective on the Appropriate Role of the Bar Association
Theatre, 2nd Level, InterContinental

This interactive discussion will explore, discuss and debate the proper role of the Bar Assocation, including the nature and indicators of issues which should and should not be addressed and when the Bar Association should or should not take a position on a particular issue.

Christina Plum, Esq., Milwaukee, WI, Danny Van Horn, Esq., Butler,  Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada, Memphis, TN and David Changas, Esq., Lewis, King, Krieg, & Waldrop PC, Nashville, TN

11:45 am -12:45 pm
CLE: Insurance 101:  What you need to know to protect your clients' (and your
own) rights to recovery
Windsor, 2nd Level, InterContinental
Co-Sponsor: TIPS Section

The availability of insurance coverage can have a dramatic impact on your client's case.  Insurance coverage may provide your client financial resources to defend a lawsuit, reach a settlement, or pay a judgment.  Your understanding of these resources, and how to help your client tap into them, could make all the difference in your client's case strategy.  Join us for this practical and informative program on the nuts-and-bolts of insurance law.

Johanna Clark, Esq., Carlton Fields, Orlando, FL, Kim D. Hogrefe, Esq., Managing Director, Specialty Claims Department, Chubb and Son, Warren NJ, Paul Nettleton, Carlton Fields, Miami, FL and Steve Shappell, Esq., Aon Financial Services Group, Denver, CO

11:45 am -12:45 pm
CLE: The Proper Retainer Agreement and Bill:  Solid Writing, Strong Planning, Prompt Payment
Sandringham, 2nd Level, InterContinental
Co-Sponsor: Law Practice Management Section

A panel of three experienced attorneys will discuss and demonstrate techniques for effectively executing two critical phases of client representation—drafting a retainer agreement that will ensure success in landing and keeping a client.  And, of course, important ways to draft a bill that your client might actually pay. Please join us for this important program, relevant to attorneys in any type of practice.
 
Youshea Anika Berry, Esq., Law Office of Youshea A. Berry, Washington DC, Priya Harjani, Esq., Assistant General Counsel, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL and Brian S. Faughnan, Esq., Adams and Reese, LLP, Memphis, TN
11:45 am -12:45 pm
Bar Service and the Complete Lawyer
Theatre, 2nd Level, InterContinental

The benefits of bar service go far beyond attending meetings in exciting venues and making friends from around the country.  In fact, the most valuable benefits are the enhancements to one's practice, profession and life.  This program will feature practical and tested advice on leveraging the benefits of your bar service to improve yourself as a lawyer, a civic leader and as a person.

Alan O. Olson, Esq., Olson Law Office, Des Moines, IA and Robert J. Witte, Esq., Winstead, Sechrest & Minick, Dallas, TX

1:00 - 2:15 pm
After the JD:  What Every Young Lawyer and Senior Partner Should Know About
The Changing Trends in Legal Careers (Ticketed Luncheon)
Versailles, 2nd Level, InterContinental
Co-Sponsor: The American Bar Foundation

How is the mobility of young lawyers affected by the ranking of their law schools? Are career trajectories of young lawyers different based on ethnicity and gender? Is career satisfaction related to the prestige of a young lawyer’s law school?  These are just a few of the issues that will be discussed by a panel of experts, including researchers from the American Bar Foundation, young lawyers and senior partners.  The After the JD (AJD) project of the American Bar Foundation is the first empirical study of a nationally representative cohort of new lawyers.  Designed as a longitudinal study of lawyer careers, AJD is tracking the professional lives of more than 4,500 lawyers during their first ten years after law school.  Using data collected in the first wave of this study, panelists will debate findings and discuss the implications for how we practice law.  This interactive program is a must for young lawyers and seasoned practitioners alike.

Moderator:
The Honorable Ellen F. Rosenblum, Oregon Court of Appeals, Salem, OR

Speakers:
Kemba Eneas, Esq., Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Washington, DC
Don Hilliker, Esq., McDermott Will & Emery LLP, Chicago, IL
Bob Nelson, Esq., Director and Lead Researcher, American Bar Foundation, Chicago IL
Marana Tucker, Esq., Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell, Washington, DC
Briana Zamora, Esq., Butt Thornton & Baehr, Albuquerque, NM