4th Annual Solo-Small Firm Institute Out of Stock
Co-sponsored by the CBA Solo Small Firm Section & El Paso County Bar Association
Quantity
Co-sponsored by the CBA Solo Small Firm Section, CBA Business Section, CBA Health Law Section, CBA Real Estate Section, and the El Paso County Bar Association
Join your fellow solo and small firm attorneys for three days of fun, networking, and education at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. We’ll offer sessions on firm management, business growth, billing, ethics, and more. Stick around on Friday Afternoon for interactive workshops, where you will have a chance to put some of the lessons you have learned at the Institute into immediate action. And because your referral network is the lifeblood of your firm, you’ll have plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new connections. Come on your own or bring your family to experience everything that the Pikes Peak region has to offer.
- Business planning programs and workshops
- Share your thoughts and hear from others at our solo/small firm roundtable
- Ethics and EDI credits for small firm attorneys
Cancellations: If you are unable to attend, please notify CBA-CLE by June 13, 2022, and we will gladly refund your tuition in full or apply your tuition to the webinar or home study. Cancellations after June 13, 2022, will be refunded less a $150 cancellation fee.
Hotel Information
CBA-CLE has reserved a block of rooms for attendees. Room rates start at $255 plus applicable taxes and fees. Make your reservation online at https://book.passkey.com/event/50299362/owner/65927/home or call the hotel (719-538-4000) and mention that you are a guest of the Colorado Bar CLE Solo Small Firm Institute. Based on availability, rooms are being held at the conference rate until May 27, 2022.
All reservations will require a credit card guarantee, and a deposit equal to one night of lodging is due at time of booking. The balance is due at check-in. Reservations cancelled after May 27, 2022 will forfeit the deposit equal to one night’s room and tax.
Colorado Bar Association Health Law Section Scholarship
The Colorado Bar Association’s Health Law Section is generously providing one full scholarship to a section member. If you are interested and eligible, please send the following information to Ben Skeen at CBA-CLE ([email protected]) with the subject line “SSFI Health Law Scholarship” by June 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Name:
Phone:
Email:
SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS? Please contact Ben Skeen at [email protected].
Colorado Bar Association Real Estate Law Section Scholarship
The Colorado Bar Association’s Real Estate Law Section is generously providing two full scholarships to section members. If you are interested and eligible, please send the following information to Ben Skeen at CBA-CLE ([email protected]) with the subject line “SSFI Real Estate Law Scholarship” by June 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Name:
Phone:
Email:
SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS? Please contact Ben Skeen at [email protected].
Home studies will be available approximately 2-3 weeks following the live program.
For your own safety, the safety of others, and in an effort to provide everyone with the most rewarding in-person meeting and event experiences possible, we request that you attend a CBA, DBA, or CLE meeting or event only if you have been fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is up to personal preference and comfort level. Masks may be required in some clinic settings. Please be cognizant and understanding of others’ preferences and courteous to all attendees.
Depending on CDC and/or state or local health guidelines, a rise in COVID-19 cases, or other circumstances that may threaten the well-being of our attendees, CBA-CLE reserves the right to convert to a fully virtual event.
If disability accommodations or special assistance are needed, please contact us at [email protected]. Requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program.
The program will be submitted for CLE accreditation in Colorado. If you need to seek accreditation in another state, please review the process and requirements for that individual state. 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 2022 Sponsors!
Gold
Lockton Affinity
Silver
ARAG Legal
Clio
Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc.
JAMS
J.S. Held
Bronze
Discovery Genie
Law as a Business by ElderCounsel LLC
Fastcase
First Citizens Bank
LawPay
J.S. Cruickshank Business Services, LLC
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
11:00 am
Registration opens
12:00 - 12:10 pm
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Extended by H. Michael (Mike) Drumm, Esq., Drumm Law, LLC, Solo-Small Firm Institute Program Co-Chair
12:10 – 1:00 pm
Punching Above your Weight: Selling the Benefits of Hiring a SSF Practice
Presented by Adrienne Fischer, Esq., Basecamp Legal LLC, and Yev Muchnik, Esq., Launch Legal, LLC
1:00 – 1:10 pm
Stretch Break
1:10 – 2:40 pm
Breakout Sessions
Breakout A
Corralling the Numbers: Making the Most of Budgets, Billing, and Tax Advantages
Speakers Malea McKeown, CPA and attorney, and Jill Cruickshank, MBA and owner of J.S. Cruickshank Business Services, LLC, will discuss best practices for handling the numbers that affect a law firm’s bottom line. Among the topics explored: the most effective and efficient approaches for setting a firm's goals for financial returns, budgeting and billing, and considerations related to tax reporting, choice of entity, and tax election that may fit your firm best. This program is suitable for both new solos and attorney-owners with existing practices.
Presented by Jill Cruickshank, MBA, J.S. Cruickshank Business Services, LLC, and Malea McKeown, Esq, CPA, MMK Law PC
Submitted for 0.5 Professional Responsibility Credits
Breakout B
Making Yourself Invaluable as an Associate
This session will explore how small firm associates can develop the professional skills, habits, and approach to practice needed to be able to contribute their very best to their firms. As small law firms are typically stretched thin on both time and resources to train associates, many associates must take the initiative to learn on their own how to master not only the essential skills and knowledge needed, but also to achieve those qualities that makes an associate invaluable. Plan on attending Friday afternoon’s workshop on Associate Planning and Development.
Presented by Rebecca Mastel, Esq., Glade Voogt Lopez Smith PC; and Bradley J. Sherman, Esq., Cornish & Del’Olio, P.C.
Submitted for 0.5 Professional Responsibility Credits
2:40 – 3:00 pm
Networking Break – Please visit your sponsors!
3:00 – 3:50 pm
How Solo and Small Law Firms Can Engage in EDI
It may not seem obvious at first, but even a solo attorney can do their part to make equity, diversity, and inclusion key elements of their practice. While you may not be in a place to hire diverse associates, you can still show up for EDI in ways that reflect who you and your firm are, whether it be by supporting diversity bars, listening to diverse lawyers, or finding ways to serve diverse clients.
Presented by Maritza Dominguez Braswell, Esq., Nominee, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and Christine Hernandez, Esq., Hernandez and Associates, P.C.
Moderated by Porya Mansorian, Esq., Mansorian Law Group
Submitted for 1 EDI Credit
3:50 – 4:20 pm
Raising Your Profile Through Credentialing and Attorney Awards
Have you ever wondered how big law firms and their attorneys get all those awards?
Credentialing your SSF law practice raises the profile of your business and your career. It also helps to support the positive perception of the SSF community in general. But we all know that not all these opportunities for third party validation have merit.
Through this mini session, you will learn the many ways that SSF law firms and lawyers can raise their profile publicly and within their practice community through strategic career credentialing. Meranda Vieyra of Denver Legal Marketing has helped to credential some of the top attorneys in Colorado through local, national, and international awards. She will discuss finding and vetting award opportunities that fit your profile and practice. This session is a sample of the marketing workshops available to in-person attendees Friday afternoon.
Presented by Meranda Vieyra, Denver Legal Marketing
Not submitted for CLE Credit
4:20 – 4:30 pm
Stretch Break
4:30– 5:30 pm
Solo Small Firm Roundtable
In this interactive session, you will join other small firm attorneys to discuss the pressing issues of small firm life. You will pick a table by topic- professional development for associates, EDI for small firm attorneys, growing pains for small firms, developing a virtual practice, developing a niche practice, and wellness tips and tricks. After a half-hour of moderated discussion, you will be able to move on to a second table. Come to share your thoughts, and to meet some new colleagues.
Moderators to be announced.
5:45 – 7:45 pm
Beer Tasting on the Beach
Thursday, June 23, 2022
8:30 – 9:30 am
Continental Breakfast
8:50 – 9:10 am
Welcome Back and CBA Leadership Remarks
Presented by Tyrone Glover, Esq., Tyrone Glover Law, LLC and Danae D. Woody, Esq., Woody Law Firm, LLC
9:10 – 10:00 am
Virtual Practice at a Moment’s Notice: Disaster & Travel Prep and Planning
Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time. The Marshall Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate our need – and professional duty - to be prepared to take care of clients no matter where we are. SSF attorneys are particularly affected by sudden, unexpected events, as they are solely responsible for keeping the practice going. Attorney and law firm tech guru Justie Nicol will share how SSF attorneys can create a 100% virtual practice – and the capability to provide uninterrupted legal services seamlessly.
Presented by Justie Nicol, Esq., Colorado Lawyer Team, P.C.
Submitted for 0.5 Professional Responsibility Credits
10:00 – 10:50 am
Getting to the Heart of Professionalism
How the anxiety and stress associated with the practice of law contributes to unprofessional behavior, and how to cope when faced with unprofessional behavior from opposing counsel.
Presented by Catherine Chan, Esq., The Chan Law Firm, and Teresa Wilkins, Esq., Law Firm of Teresa Wilkins, LLC
Submitted for 1 Professional Responsibility Credit
10:50 – 11:10 am
Networking Break – Please visit your sponsors!
11:10 am – 12:00 pm
Recognizing Red Flags and Finding Your Ideal Client: Client Development and Selection
It’s hard to turn down a paying client, but you’ve probably wished you had a time or two. Learn how to reach out to your ideal client, and how to screen out potential trouble clients before they retain you.
Presented by Daniel W. Glasser, Esq., Chipman Glasser, LLC
12:00 – 1:20 pm
Lunch on Your Own
1:20 – 2:10 pm
Breakout Sessions
Breakout C
IP and Branding for SSF Firms: Name, Firm, & Practice Recognition
Meet Mike Drumm, the Beer Attorney. Mike helps breweries with their IP needs. Along the way, he has learned a thing or two about IP and branding for small businesses. Discover how you can create a unique and memorable brand for your firm, and how to protect that brand from the competition.
Presented by H. Michael (Mike) Drumm, Esq., Drumm Law, LLC
Breakout D
SSF Financial Planning: Present Day and Future Concerns
The session will explore the solutions available to solo and small firm owners and associates to address those life events requiring deliberate financial planning for present and future needs. Our panel will focus on the State of Colorado’s new retirement savings plan, ERISA-regulated retirement accounts, and the State of Colorado’s health insurance program and plans. This session will provide an overview of available options and resource materials for current needs and future planning.
Presented by Barb Heikoff, Esq., Heikoff Law, LLC, Lori J. Miller, CFP MS, LPL Financial, Jessica Smith, Community Partnership & Outreach Coordinator, Connect for Health Colorado, and Anna Stevens, Outreach Specialist, Colorado Department of Treasury
2:10-2:30 pm
Networking Break – Please visit your sponsors!
2:30 – 3:20 pm
Future Planning for Long Term Success
No one starts their own firm thinking that they will be struggling to pay the bills month in and month out, but too many attorneys end up there. Learn the strategies that three attorneys used to turn their dream firm into successful practices.
Presented by Arnulfo Hernandez, Esq., Hernandez and Associates, PC, Qusair Mohamedbhai, Esq., Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC, and Valeri S. Pappas, Esq., Davis & Ceriani, P.C.
3:20 – 4:10 pm
Lonely Lawyers: The Well-Being Impacts of Isolationism in the Legal Profession
The practice of law is a fast-paced, demanding profession that requires the constant interaction with and managing of people. Yet lawyers are consistently ranked among the loneliest professionals. This isolation has only been exacerbated over the past two years by pandemic-related changes that were forced upon the legal profession, and the "return to normal" must include a reckoning with the struggles and trauma of what it means to be a lonely lawyer. As we move forward from the pandemic, lawyers must learn to cultivate self-care to better serve their clients. This course helps lawyers learn why relationships are the key to improved well-being.
Presented by J. Ryann Peyton, Esq., Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program
Submitted for 1 Professional Responsibility Credit
4:10 – 5:05 pm
Creating Professional Relationships: Contract, Of Counsel, and Co-Counsel Attorneys
This session will explore contract, of counsel and co-counsel professional relationships, both as an attorney offering legal services and the engaging law firm.
- Speakers will cover matters both parties should address when contemplating such relationships, including economic considerations, compliance with Rules of Professional Responsibility, and situations that could give rise to malpractice claims.
- This session will also outline how to ensure the provision of legal services is not later deemed an employer/employee relationship - and the consequences from the failure to create or maintain a contractual relationship.
- Course materials will include sample agreements and provisions and reference checklists.
Presented by Allison Boschert, Esq., Boschert Law, LLC, and Karen Kishbaugh, Esq., Kishbaugh Law Firm, LLC.
5:05 - 5:10 pm
CBA Leadership Remarks
Presented by Joi Kush, Esq., Johnson Kush P.C.
5:10 pm
Adjourn and Dinner on Your Own
7:00 – 9:00 pm
CBA 125th Anniversary Reception
Celebrate the CBA’s 125th anniversary with the Board of Governors. Enjoy drinks, snacks, and great conversation with fellow attorneys from across the state.
Friday, June 24, 2022
8:00-9:30 am
Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 9:50 am
Breakout Sessions
Breakout E
Level Up Your Practice: Intentional Business Planning for Solo and Small Firms
Learn how a business plan can set you up for success from day one.
Presented by Arnulfo Hernandez, Esq. and Christine Hernandez, Esq., Hernandez and Associates, P.C.
Breakout F
Leveling the Playing Field: Do Smaller Firms Face a Disadvantage in Litigation Against Larger Firms? CBA Membership Weighs In
Small firms face unique challenges in litigation, from discovery management through trial preparation. In this session, we will review the results of a recent survey of Colorado attorneys which sought insight into litigation challenges, and consider how better technology can help small firms overcome disadvantages.
Presented by Martin J. Champagne, Jr., Esq., Champagne Law Firm LLC, Gregory N. Corbin, Esq., Werge & Corbin LLC, and Dan Culhane, Esq., Daniel J. Culhane LLC
9:50 – 10:05 am
Networking Break – Please visit your sponsors!
10:05 – 10:55 am
Breakout Sessions
Breakout G
Smart Growth Benchmarks: Adding Attorneys, Staff, and Virtual Assistants
Juggling everything all by yourself is a lot of pressure. Adding employees (or contractors) into the mix can help you breathe easier, but can also raise a whole new set of challenges. Join our speakers, Rachel Ellis from Livelihood Law, LLC and Justie Nicol from Colorado Lawyer Team, as they discuss best practices, lessons learned, and your ethical obligations when it comes to hiring and supervising.
Presented by Rachel Ellis, Esq., Livelihood Law, LLC, and Justie Nicol, Esq., Colorado Lawyer Team
Submitted for 0.5 Professional Responsibility Credits
Breakout H
Building a Global Team: How to do More with Less
The internet gives your small firm access to resources that were unimaginable a decade ago. Learn how one firm has cut costs and increased productivity by finding global partners to perform market research, develop branding strategies, and even create applications to make firm accounting easier.
Presented by H. Michael (Mike) Drumm, Esq., Drumm Law, LLC
11:00 - 11:50 am
Breakout Sessions
Breakout I
Succession Planning: A Bucket List for Every Firm
Presenter Kim Sparks will take SSF law firm owners through the process of creating and implementing a customized law firm succession plan, taking into consideration both professional and personal circumstances, as well as ethical responsibilities. Program suitable for both new and experienced solo or small law firm owners. Plan on attending Friday afternoon’s workshop for Q&A and drafting guidance.
Presented by Kimberly Sparks, Esq., Sparks Legal Corporation
Submitted for 0.5 Professional Responsibility Credits
Breakout J
Offering Fee Alternatives: Beyond the Billable Hour
You hate tracking and billing by the hour, and it’s likely that your clients hate being billed by the hour as well. Learn how your practice can change its billing strategy, save time, and offer clients predictable and reasonable bills for their matters.
Presented by Jessica Bednarz, Esq., Chicago Bar Foundation and Lauren Lester, Esq., Lester Law, LLC
11:50 am
Institute Adjourns
Friday Afternoon Workshops
These Friday afternoon sessions are offered as bonus content available only to our in-person attendees. At no additional cost, you may participate in a series of how-to workshops on various methods of marketing yourself and your practice, followed by one-on-one appointments to work on those tools. Alternate sessions provide opportunities to learn from and speak with experts on professional development and aspects of firm management; begin work on drafting the various firm management and development plans introduced by our CLE speakers; or collaborate with colleagues on a Call to Action: How the SSF community can respond to inequities in opportunities and resources between solo & small firms and medium-sized firms & big law. In addition to formal workshops, vendors will be on hand to provide in-depth presentations of what they can do for your practice. The Estate Planning Considerations for SSF Owners session will be submitted for 1 general CLE credit. All other workshop sessions will not be submitted for CLE credit.
Choose to attend any number of workshops or sessions that appeal to you. Attendance is optional.
12:00 pm
Pick up Box Lunch
12:15 – 1:15 pm
Workshop 1
Solo / Small Firm Podcasting: How-To
Become a known industry expert through podcasting. Workshop appointments available for those interested in learning about podcasting
Presented by Denver Legal Marketing Staff
Workshop 2
Onboarding Plans
Presented by Rebecca Mastel, Esq., Glade Voogt Lopez Smith P.C
Workshop 3
Sponsor Power Hour
See demonstrations, technology integrations, and you might even win a prize!
1:15 – 2:15 pm
Workshop 4
Social Media for Solo / Small Firms and Attorneys
Discover how social media can become part of your firm marketing plan. Appointments available for one-on-one LinkedIn profile workshops
Presented by: Denver Legal Marketing Staff
Workshop 5
Leveling the Playing Field: Do Smaller Firms Face A Disadvantage in Litigation Against Larger Firms? Call To Action
Presented by Martin J. Champagne, Jr. Esq., Champagne Law Firm LLC; Gregory N. Corbin, Esq., Werge & CorbinSignal Law, LLC and Dan Culhane, Esq., Daniel J. Culhane LLC.
Workshop 6
Succession Plans
Q&A and drafting guidance
Presented by Kimberly Sparks, Esq., Sparks Legal Corporation and Karen Kishbaugh, Esq., Kishbaugh Law Firm, LLC
2:15 – 2:30 pm
Networking Break – Please visit your sponsors!
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Workshop 7
SEO-PPC for Law Firms
Presentation and one-on-one appointments
Presented by Denver Legal Marketing Staff
Workshop 8
Quick Hits:
- Elevator Pitch Tips & Tricks
Presented by Denver Legal Marketing Staff
- Imposter Syndrome and Self Doubt in the SSF World
Presented by Denver Legal Marketing Staff
Workshop 9
Accountability Groups: How They Work, and How to Sign Up
Presented by Barb Heikoff, Esq., Heikoff Law, LLC, and Amy Symons, Esq., Bryant Ritsick Symons & Ratner LLC
3:30 – 3:40 pm
Stretch Break
3:40 – 4:40 pm
Workshop 10
Law Firm Websites: Do’s and Don’ts
Presentation and one-on-one appointments for website critiques
Presented by Denver Legal Marketing Staff
Workshop 11
Credentialling for SSF
Discover how you can raise your profile through awards and certifications. Q&A session to follow presentation.
Presented by Denver Legal Marketing Staff
Workshop 12
Estate Planning Considerations for SSF Owners
Presented by Kimberly Sparks, Esq., Sparks Legal Corporation
Submitted for 1 General CLE Credit and 0.5 Ethics Credits
- CLE Pass Price *FREE! - exclusions may apply
- Standard Price $920.00 USD
- Member Price $690.00 USD
- General Credits 20.00
- Ethics Credits 5.00
- EDI Credits 1.00