Hoosier Lawyer

Ambassador Istrabadi Highlights Conference

  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.

PLANNING FOR 2007 INDIANA SMALL FIRM CONFERENCE IN FULL SWING

Planning for the 6th Annual Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference is at full speed.  The Conference is set for May 31, June 1-2 at the Sharaton Hotel at Keystone-at-the-Crossing in Indianapolis.

While attending the conference is a 2 or 3 day commitment, planning takes nearly the entire year.  And while there is much yet to be done, it looks like the 2007 Conference is going to be another outstanding event.

This past week, three members of the Planning Committee's Executive Committee traveled to Milwaukee for the ABA's First National Solo & Small Firm Conference.  We spent two days evaluating topics and presentations, networking with outstanding national presenteters and potential sponsors, and schmoozing with them about coming to Indiana.  We're not ready to announce our speakers yet.  But let's just say we think it was a VERY successful trip.

Additionally, I picked up some great tips while at the conference.  I'll use this blog to pass some of those along in the next couple of weeks.

So mark your calendars now for the 2007 Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference in Indianapolis.

Best Ever S&SF Conference

This year's Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference wrapped up Saturday in Bloomington.  The consensus opinon seems to be that this was the best small firm conference ever.  It was certainly the largest, with nearly 300 people attending.

Photos are available by clicking the link on the left hand column, or just CLICK HERE.

National speakers Jay Foonberg, Ross Kodner and Dustin Cole lived up to their reputations.  Their presentations were simply outstanding.  The NITA sessions with Appellate Judge Nancy Vaidik and New Hampshire trial attorney Bob Stein were simply outstanding, and Chuck Kidd from the Disciplinary Commission did a fantastic job with his Ethics and Advertising session.

One session that particularly caught my attention was the Lessons from a Century of Practice, with Doug Church, Rex Henthorne and Tom Berry.  I stopped in just to take a few photos, and ended up staying for the entire session.

So now we take a deep breath -- and start planning for next year.

S&SF Conference Off to Great Start!

The fifth annual Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference got off to a great start Thursday.

Florida lawyer coach Dustin Cole spoke to nearly 100 Indiana lawyers at the Boot Camp.  Cole gave a great presentation that challenged small firm lawyers to develop a more effective team approach to best serve clients, utilize the talents of staff, and increase income, and to do so in a more efficient manner which leaves the lawyer with more free time for his family. 

But this was far from a theoretical lecture.  Cole presented a workshop with a step by step approach to accomplishing these goals.  From talking with those attending, it appears that Dustin hit an out-of-the-park home run with his presentation.

For the fifth straight year, the weather held up for the conference golf outing.  While there was some grumbling over hooked tee shots and missed putts, it seemed everyone who played had a good time, including ISBA President Jim Riley.

The welcoming reception gave everyone a chance to relax and meet each other.  I had the chance to meet a number of folks attending the conference for the first time, as well as Dean Roebel from the I.U. Law School in Bloomington, who has graciously thrown the law school's support behind this conference.

The conference gets into full swing this morning with the keynote by Jay Foonberg.  Having Jay at this event is about the closest thing small firm lawyers have to a rock star.  And most certainly there will be plenty of people in the audience with copies of Jay's books and a Sharpie in hand.

*On the "you always forget something" front -- I may have set a record at this conference. 

1. I recently downloaded some photos at my office, so I left my photo card in the card reader and not in my camera (fortunately Ron Hansell has the same type of camera, and let me borrow his card).
2. I spoke at a seminar last week, an apparantly left my powercord for my laptop at the hotel.  Fortunately, I don't speak until tomorrow, I have a spare power cord that is on its way, and in the interim, Ron is letting me use his laptop
3. Finally -- I forgot my copy of Jay's book to get autographed.  But just like solos and small firm lawyers everywhere, when things like that happen, we don't go yelling at our staff to solve it.  We just look to our friends and colleague, use the resources we have, and keep going forward.

More from the conference later -- and hopefully some photos when I get my power cord.

I'm Off to the Solo & Small Firm Conference

It's that time again!

I'm heading off this morning to the Fifth Annual Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference.  For those of us who have put so much effort into this year's conference, it is always exciting to see how this all turns out. Looking forward to renewing many friendships and making some new friends.

As the 3-day event goes forward, I will post some short articles, along with many photos from the conference.

BIG NEWS is Coming for Small Firm Conference

The new year is on its way, along with some BIG news is just ahead concerning the Fifth Annual Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference, which will be held June 1-3 in Bloomington.  And with all respect, if you don't go this year, your NUTS!

Since it's not Christmas yet, the Planning Committee isn't ready to unwrap its surprises.  But I can tell you that the ISBA and the Conference Planning Committee are going all out for the fifth anniversary.

Three of the best-known legal practice and technology speakers in the country will highlight the conference and bootcamp.  But there will be more, including an entirely new track of hands-on computer instruction, enhanced activities for spouses, and more opportunities to network with your fellow solos and small firm lawyers. 

Plus there will be more fun than ever, as the Conference takes advantage of all that Bloomington offers.

The Boot Camp, golf outing and welcoming reception kick off on Thursday, June 1.  The Conference follows on Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3, wrapping up with a lunch program.  As always, all meals and receptions are included, and early registration for the Conference is STILL ONLY $200.

So mark your calendars NOW!

S&SF Conference Wraps Up In South Bend

The Fourth Annual Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference wrapped up Saturday afternoon in South Bend.  By all accounts, the conference was the most successful yet.

A BIG thanks to ALL the speakers, sponsors, the Planning Committee and the ISBA staff who made this conference possible. 

A special thanks to Federal Magistrate Judge Chris Necturline and former Chief Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals Sandy Brook.  Judge Necturline arranged for use of the Federal District Court's electronic courtroom for a demonstration of the trial technology available in all but one federal court in the Northern District -- and soon to be coming to YOUR court.  VERY impressive. 

And Sandy Brook simply went above and beyond.  Sandy was already scheduled to give two presentations, but when scheduled speaker Tom Singer could not appear because of an accident, Sandy stepped in to do a third program -- and not one that he had previously given.  On 24 hours notice, Sandy put together an entire presentation on Cross Examination and Impeachment, including creating a PowerPoint presentation.  And as with all of Sandy's presentations, it was simply outstanding.

A record number of lawyers attended the Conference, with total attendance well over 200.  Those attending earned up to 14.5 hours of CLE.  To see photos of the Conference, CLICK HERE.

As soon as the final door prize was drawn, and Sponsors Appreciation Lunch ended, the Planning Committee was already meeting, starting plans for the Fifth Annual Conference.  While the location has not yet been set (Bloomington, Columbus and Clarksville are the sites under discussion), the Conference will again be the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday in June. 

It's not too early to mark your calendars and reserve the dates!

ELVIS ROCKS SOLO & SMALL FIRM CONFERENCE

Elvis and the Bar Players rocked the Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference Friday evening, concluding an eventful day.

Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill performed his amazing Elvis impersonation to a standing ovation.  The Bar Players, who are conference regulars, performed several new parody songs, as well as reprising "ISBA" -- to the tune of The Village People's "YMCA."

Earlier in the evening, David Link gave an inspirational talk on Lawyers as Healers. 

For photos of the Conference, CLICK HERE!

The Conference wraps up Saturday.

BOOT CAMP DRAWS OVERFLOW CROWD AT S&SF CONFERENCE IN SOUTH BEND

The second annual Boot Camp started off the 2005 Indiana Solo & Small Firm Conference with an overflow crowd.   More than 75 Indiana lawyers registered for the Boot Camp, and walk-ins added even more, filling every seat in the room -- and then some.

Pat Yevics from the Maryland Bar Association and Ted Waggoner from Rochester gave a presentation on effective billing practices.  Richard Gole and Mark Sedwick teamed to compare tips from an experienced practitioner and a young lawyer starting his own practice.  Representatives from Fifth/Third Bank discussed financing options for solos and small firms. 

Photos from the Boot Camp and the Welcoming Reception are available by clicking  HERE, or by clicking the link to the 2005 Conference Photos (see column on left).

The full Conference kicks off with a keynote address Friday morning by Michael Bryant.

Getting in the Swing -- Golf Outing Starts Solo & Small Firm Conference

The Fourth Annual Solo & Small Firm Conference started Thursday morning with a golf outing at South Bend's Blackthorn Golf Course.  Sponsored by Union Federal, the golf outing got underway at about 10:30 this morning (Thursday).

For photos of the event, CLICK HERE!