Participate in a unique on-your-own golf tournament at this year's meeting. 
 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Registration

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Registration

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast for Registered Lawyers

7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast for Registered Spouses/Guests

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Office Practice Update

Moderator: H. A. "Skip" Walther, Walther, Antel, Stamper & Fischer, PC
Vice-President of The Missouri Bar

Faculty and Topics:

8:00 - Welcoming Remarks

Charlie J. Harris, Jr., Berkowitz, Oliver, Williams, Shaw & Eisenbrandt, LLP

President of The Missouri Bar

8:15 - Airing Your Laundry in Private

A discussion of problems and risks encountered in disputes between attorneys, and the advantages of a new tool to lessen the impact: The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Dispute Resolution Program.
Steve Couch, Vice-President of Claims, The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company

8:45 - Probate Practice 101: Executors and Administrators

This session will focus on duties and responsibilities of serving as the executor or administrator of an estate. Be aware of what you need to do… and when. Also, you will gain good suggestions on how to advise a client who is serving in one of these capacities.

Suzanne B. Bradley, Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, PC

9:15 - Liability Issues in Employment Discrimination Cases

The current trend seems to be an increase in the number of executives and supervisors being sued for work-related decisions. Although the federal wage and hour laws (FLSA, the FMLA, and the Equal Pay Act) provide for personal liability -Title VII, the ADEA, and the ADA does not. This session will give you an overview of the Missouri Human Rights Act and the status of supervisor liability in state court.

Aaron Jones, Hulston, Jones & Marsh

9:45 - Refreshment Break

10:00 - Your Constitutional Rights in Eminent Domain Cases

The power of eminent domain is an essential tool in the service and accomplishment of important public goals. But when does the government abuse its power in violation of the Fifth Amendment? Are there cases that represent an unjustifiable use of the states' powers which result in benefits to private developers - and not public use? Attend this session and get the answers.

Tracy Hunsaker Gilroy, The Gilroy Law Firm

10:30 - DIVORCE - Helping Your Clients Through the Tough Times

While every dissolution case has common threads, the actual experience for each client is unique. This session will bring home what it means to be an "attorney and counselor at law" in helping clients and children through one of the most difficult times of their lives. Learn the key elements of working hard to manage the dissolution process and the client relationship.

Thomas M. Lang, Attorney at Law

11:00 - Adjourn

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Welcoming Reception

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Registration

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast for Registered Lawyers

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast for Registered Spouses/Guests

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Break - 9:45 - 10:00)

Risk Management Program

Christian A. Stiegemeyer, Director of Risk Management, The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company

"Spring Risk Management Program Preview"

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25

7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Registration

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast for Registered Lawyers

7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast for Registered Spouses/Guests

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Civil Trial Practice Update

Moderator: Thomas M. Burke, The Hullverson Law Firm
President-Elect of The Missouri Bar

Faculty and Topics:

8:00 - Remarks from the Judiciary

8:15 - The Art of Voir Dire: Winning Your Case Before the Evidence is Even Presented

Many lawyers believe that cases are won or lost during voir dire. Learn some valuable jury selection strategies to help you uncover and identify juror attitudes, experiences and perceptions that could lead to a favorable, or avoid an unfavorable, verdict in your case.

Dana Tippin Cutler, James W. Tippin & Associates

8:45 - First Impressions Count: Making the Most of the Opening Statement

The first time you address the jury can also be your best opportunity to create a lasting impression that leads to a favorable verdict. Learn tips and techniques to introduce the real-life drama of your case, and reveal why your client should prevail.

Max E. Mitchell, Law Offices of Max E. Mitchell

9:15 - Making Your Case: Key Strategies for Effective Direct Examination

While dramatic cross examination often wins the day in the Hollywood screen play, in reality cases are most often won or lost on direct examination. Considered one of the most sophisticated forms of advocacy, learn some of the key strategies and
techniques to improve your presentation of the case.

Brian K. Francka, Schreiman Rackers Francka & Blunt, LLC

9:45 - Refreshment Break

10:00 - And Now, the Rest of the Story: Select Tips and Strategies for Effective Cross Examination

A seasoned trial attorney, skilled at the art of cross examination, can deal lethal blows to a witness's direct testimony by exposing weaknesses and flaws that raise critical questions in the minds of jurors. Learn some of the key techniques and guidelines that, if fine-tuned, can become powerful tools in the art of cross examination.

Matthew M. Mocherman, Bradshaw, Steele, Cochrane & Berens, LC

10:30 - Tips on Crafting and Delivering Compelling Closing Arguments

The closing argument is an advocate's final chance to win the hearts and minds of the jury. While some lawyers believe closing arguments alone cannot win a case, many seasoned litigators agree that a poor summation can certainly lose one. Learn tips and techniques to craft and deliver powerful closing arguments to show jurors why and how to find in favor of your client.

P. John Brady, Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, PC

11:00 - Overview of Pretrial and Trial Procedures in the United States District Court; E-Discovery
Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr., U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri

11:30 - Adjourn

12:00 noon.

Board of Governors' Luncheon

1:00 p.m.

Board of Governors' Meeting

6:00 p.m.

Concluding Reception and Dinner (optional/separately ticketed event)

Casual attire is encouraged throughout the meeting.