6th Annual Solo-Small Firm Institute - In-Person
What do mixed martial artists, death penalty defense attorneys, improv coaches, and Michael Jackson have in common? They’ll all be featured at this year’s Solo-Small Firm Institute! Over two mornings, you will enjoy a combination of practical firm management programming, along with highly entertaining presentations from solo and small firm attorneys on their unique career paths. Stick around on Thursday for an afternoon of alternative networking, featuring your choice of an improv class or a just-for-fun poker game. Designed to be affordable and fit into your busy schedule, the Solo-Small Firm Institute will be a wonderful opportunity to learn, laugh, and build your network.
Home studies will be available 2-3 weeks following the live program.
CBA-CLE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, and employment. To request an accommodation please contact [email protected] at least 14 business days in advance.
The program is accredited in Colorado. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee's responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.
Thank you to our valued Sponsor!
Lockton Affinity
Thank you to our valued Sponsor!
Lockton Affinity
Thursday, September 19, 2024
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Registration and Coffee
9:00 – 9:50 AM
What I’ve Learned From Getting Punched in the Face
Tim Galluzzi and Tyrone Glover are both trial attorneys and founding members at small firms. They also have backgrounds in mixed martial arts fighting. They will discuss how their experience in the ring has taught them to be resilient, to maintain calm under stress, and to face new challenges, and how those skills have helped them in business and in the courtroom.
Presented by Tim Galluzzi, Esq., Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, and Tyrone Glover, Esq., Tyrone Glover Law, LLC.
9:50 – 10:40 AM
Contract Attorneys
Camilla Bonzo has developed her own niche of performing high-level research and legal writing for other attorneys. Learn about her alternative way of finding paid work, and the ethics of taking on matters for other attorneys, including issues related to conflicts, client consent, and client confidentiality.
Presented by Camilla Bonzo, Esq., Bonzo Law, PLLC.
Submitted for 1 Professional Responsibility Credit
10:40 –11:00 AM
Morning Break
11:00 – 11:50 AM
What It’s Like to Defend a Death Penalty Case
Before forming her two-attorney criminal defense firm in Colorado, Kathryn Sheely was a death penalty trial attorney in Louisiana. For over a decade, she worked throughout Louisiana on serious criminal cases, facing off against some of the most aggressive district attorneys in the country. In that process, she learned how extensive pre-trial investigation and daring trial strategy can help a client when life is on the line. Learn what it’s like to defend one of these cases, how to handle serious pressure, and what it takes to represent clients who may have done very bad things.
Presented by Kathryn Sheely, Esq., Path Forward Legal.
11:50 AM – 12:00 PM
A Word from Access to Justice Programs
12:00 – 12:50 PM
Active Listening Skills for Mediators and Attorneys
Jennifer Arnett and Robin Rossenfeld are small firm attorneys and experienced mediators, and know a lot about active listening. In this interactive presentation, they will discuss active listening skills from the mediator’s handbook, and how those skills can help you better communicate with your clients.
Presented by Jennifer Arnett, Esq., Rocky Mountain ADR, and Robin R. Rossenfeld, Esq., R3 Mediation.
12:50 – 2:00 PM
Lunch on your Own
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Alternative Networking Activities
Please come back on Thursday afternoon for your choice of networking activities!
Option 1: Improv Lessons
Have some fun and learn to think on your feet with an introductory improv class, taught by coaches from Denver’s Chaos Bloom Theater. Limit of 30 participants
Option 2: Poker
We will start with an introduction to poker from attorney Josh Landy; we’ll then break up into tables for a just-for-fun game of poker. Limit of 30 participants
4:00 PM
Adjourn
Friday, September 20, 2024
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Registration and Coffee
9:00 – 9:50 AM
Colorado’s Place in the Music Industry
Did you know that before he became a Supreme Court Justice, Richard Gabriel was a music copyright attorney, and represented Michael Jackson in a copyright suit? Justice Gabriel will join small firm attorneys Dave Ratner, Greg Corbin, and Tom Werge for an introduction to copyright in music, copyright litigation, and a discussion of why Michael Jackson was a tremendous witness.
Presented by Gregory “Greg” N. Corbin, Esq., Werge & Corbin Law Group; The Honorable Richard Gabriel, Justice, Colorado Supreme Court; Dave Ratner, Esq., Creative Law Network; and Tom Werge, Esq., Werge & Corbin Law Group.
9:50 – 10:40 AM
The Wellness Initiative and Your Small Firm
Solo and small firm attorneys don’t have the billing requirements that larger firm attorneys do, but they face different kinds of stress, as they work to manage their own businesses, find clients, and compete with firms with more resources. Ryann Peyton will discuss how small firm attorneys can keep themselves in good mental health through all of this, and how true wellness might look different from how social media tells you “wellness” should look.
Presented by J. Ryann Peyton, Esq., Director, Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program and Legal Entrepreneurs for Justice.
Submitted for 1 Professional Responsibility Credit
10:40 – 10:50 AM
Morning Break
10:50 – 11:40 AM
Logistical Considerations for Small Firm Owners
Matthew Weidinger is the managing partner of Smith & Weidinger, PLLC, a small firm he formed with Brad Smith after leaving a large law firm. Matthew will lead a discussion on the challenges of managing a small firm, and the logistical considerations that small firms must be mindful of as they start out.
Presented by Matthew A. Weidinger, Esq., Smith & Weidinger PLLC, and Danielle Sharp, Smith & Weidinger PLLC.
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Roundtables
Launching off the previous presentation, join other solo and small firm attorneys for attendee-driven discussions of law firm tech, marketing and client intake, partnering with other attorneys, and trial skills.
Moderated by Camilla Bonzo, Esq., Bonzo Law, PLLC; Gregory “Greg” N. Corbin, Esq., Werge & Corbin Law Group; Tim Galluzzi, Esq., Cheney Galluzzi & Howard; and Ben Norton, Esq., Law Offices of Ben Norton, PLLC
12:30 PM
Adjourn
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $529.00 |
| CBA Member | $399.00 |
| CBA Solo- Small Firm Section Member | $319.00 |
| New Lawyer Edge Partner | $199.50 |
| LLP/Paralegal/Legal Support Staff | $199.50 |
| Active Military | $199.50 |
| Public Service/Government | $199.50 |
| Student Currently Enrolled in Law School | $0.00 |
| CLEACCESSPASS---ELITE Pass Holder | $0.00 |
- General Credits: 8.00
- Ethics Credits: 2.00
- EDI Credits:
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