Ambassador Feisal Istrabadi's memerizing talk about how an Indiana small firm trial lawyer ended up as Iraq's Ambassador to the United Nations capped a full day at the 2008 Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference Friday, June 6, in Fort Wayne.
Ambassador Istrabadi spoke about the situation in Iraq and the difficulties faced by Iraqis and the United States. The Ambassador, who is now serving as a visiting professor at Indiana University School of Law -- Bloomington, also talked about his pride in being an Indiana small firm lawyer, and how the skills and perspective he gained in running his own practice translated into the world of international negotiations.
The day started with an energetic keynote address by national speaker and educator Michael Brandwein. His presentation focused on practical advice for improving the delivery of services to clients, and how the small things related to service go a long way toward bulding client satisfaction.
Other highlights included: a lunch presentation by Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan on the new Odyssey Case Management System, which is in the testing stage, and will within a few years transform case information and management throughout Indiana; an appellate practice session conducted by Justice Sullivan and Court of Appeals Judge Paul Mathias; financial tips by Pennsylvania law practice consultant Ellen Freedman, and Connie Postelli and Dan Sigler's lively presentation on mediation
As always, thechnology was a major part of the conferennce. Presenters included ABA TechShow regulars Ross Kodner, Adriana Linares, Bruce Dorner, Ellen Freedman and Larry Smith, director of the ABA's Law Practice Management Section. Additionally, Court of Appeals Judge Paul Mathias teamed with Larry Smith to give a fascinating overview of using Macs in a law office setting, during Thursday's Tech Camp.
The Conference continues on Saturday, wrapping up with a Sponsors' Appreciation Luncheon.