Tech Up:  Transform Your Law Practice—and Your Life, the annual Solo and Small Firm Conference, is tailored to the technology needs of solos and small firm practitioners with an emphasis on incorporating A.I. and software into your practice. Our diverse roster of presenters will cover topics that allow you to work smarter, more productively, and more effectively so that you can live a healthier, happier life.

Special thanks to Co-chairs/Moderators: Camara Williams, Orlando, and Stephanie Cagnet Myron, Wellington. Course number 8219 is approved for 5 CLE, 3 of which may be applied toward Ethics; 1 Mental Health & Wellness; and 4 Technology. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $250. All registrants have 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

Agenda and Presenters

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM:  WELCOME
Camara Williams and Stephanie Cagnet Myron, Program Chairs

8:10 AM – 9:00 AM:  UNPLUG BEFORE YOU PLUG IN: 10 STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU LIVE A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, MORE RESILIENT LIFE
Nora Riva Bergman, Real Life Practice, Tarpon Springs. Technology and the advent of AI have given lawyers the tools to live the lives we choose and work when and where we want to. But to make the most of what technology and AI can offer, we’ve got to first take care of ourselves. In this interactive presentation, author, attorney, and business coach Nora Riva Bergman will share 10 strategies from her book 50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers: Boost Wellness. Build Resilience. Yes, you can! If you’re feeling burned out, stressed out, or just want to be happier and healthier, this presentation will give you tools to make positive changes in your life. You’ll not only learn these strategies, but you’ll also get tips on how to start living them right now. Get ready to shift your thinking and begin experimenting with research-based strategies to increase your personal and professional happiness.

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM:  HOW AI WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER ATTORNEY
Mark Doble, Toronto, CEO of Alexi. AI can take the most stressful, tedious elements of being a lawyer, and provide you with a head start in everything you do. From the moment you open a file to the moment you settle or receive a verdict, AI can remove stress, automate frustrating and tedious tasks, and increase your bandwidth to provide better service to your clients. Mark Doble, CEO of Alexi (an AI company for litigators) will walk you through some tips and tricks on how to properly think about, and leverage AI.

9:50 AM – 10:40 AM:  AI  IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW
Tom Martin, Vancouver, Founder & CEO of LawDroid, a Generative AI Legal Technology company. AI is taking the world by storm, but how can it best be applied to the practice of law? In this session, Tom Martin will explain how generative AI works, discuss the ethical issues it raises, demonstrate a real use case, and explore the practical ways you can use AI today to get more done with less to grow a more profitable law practice.

10:40 AM – 10:55 AM:  Break

10:55 AM – 11:45 AM:  GENERATIVE AI FOR LAWYERS: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO USE IT IN YOUR PRACTICE
Carolyn Elefant, Washington, D.C. Generative AI has infiltrated the legal profession faster than any legal tech change in recent memory. And while generative AI carries enormous promise, the speed of adoption has overwhelmed many lawyers. After providing the basics of generative AI technology, practice management specialist, Carolyn Elefant, will provide real-world examples of how generative AI can power substantive research, client relations and marketing and best practices for choosing the appropriate generative AI tools and incorporating them ethically and responsibly into your law practice.

11:45 AM – 12:35 P.M.:  THE FLORIDA BAR AND NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
E. Duffy Myrtetus, Richmond, VA and Gordon Glover, Ocala, Co-Chairs of Florida Board of Governors Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence Tools & Resources. The Co-chairs of the Florida Board of Governors Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence Tools & Resources, Gordon Glover and E. Duffy Myrtetus will recap the Committee’s work while providing an update on The Florida Bar and Committee efforts in the areas of Lawyer Regulation, ethics and the Courts as impacted by AI.  Additionally, they will share information on notable trends in AI affecting lawyers, ethics and on general developments in courts around the country involving the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Free Wednesday Wisdom live Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Ron Frechette, CEO, GoldSky Security, and Bob Cohen, MidAtlantic Practice Director, GoldSky Security. Moderator: Margaret S. Hewitt, Esq., Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company. Host/moderator: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Course number 8272 is approved for 1 CLE; 1 Technology. REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

DESCRIPTION:  The rapid pace of A.I. integration into internal operations and the development of A.I.-based products and services has surpassed expectations in today’s digital world. Security leaders have voiced apprehension that amidst the enthusiasm for A.I.’s potential, essential security and assurance factors are being disregarded. In this one-hour session, we will delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the legal industry and explore the potential threats it poses to law firms. From A.I.-generated deepfakes that challenge client confidentiality to the implications of A.I. bias and fairness in legal decision-making, we will address the risks head-on. Our expert speakers will highlight real-world examples of AI-driven attacks and data breaches, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by law firms in the current digital age. Moreover, we will share practical strategies and best practices to secure A.I. systems and data, ensuring your firm is well-prepared to safeguard against emerging A.I. threats. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and explore cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions tailored to protect your law firm from AI-related vulnerabilities.

Ron Frechette, CEO & Managing Partner, GoldSky Security. Ron Frechette serves as CEO (Chief Evangelist Officer) and Managing Partner for GoldSky Security. Frechette is a seasoned entrepreneur who has over 30 years of experience building service-based businesses from concept to cashflow across various industries. Ron was introduced to the information security industry in 2009 when he was contracted by a former colleague to build a healthcare security and compliance practice for Coalfire Systems. Under his leadership, he set up offices across the region while recruiting, hiring, and managing a team of Regional Sales Managers selling IT Governance, Risk and Compliance services throughout the Southeastern US and Caribbean. In 2015. After five years and fulfilling his obligation to Coalfire, Ron saw the need and had a passion to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) build formal cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance programs.  He founded GoldSky Security in 2016 with the core purpose of educating, transforming and protecting SMBs from the onslaught of cyber-attacks we see in today’s Digital Age.  Ron is a proud US Coast Guard veteran and served as an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years.  He enjoys giving back to his community through various charitable organizations.

Bob Cohen – CBCP, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, ISO 22301 Lead Auditor & Implementer Mid-Atlantic Practice Director for GoldSky Security. “Commander” Bob Cohen brings over 2o years of experience in all aspects of information assurance, and all security disciplines. Some of Bob’s expertise includes ISO 27001 consulting support, ISO Internal Audits, Security Risk Assessments, Recovery Strategies Analysis, Recovery Plan development as well as recovery and cyber incident response training for public and private sector clients. Additionally, he assisted cloud service providers in obtaining their federal government certification under the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), and conducted gap assessments under ISO and federal government frameworks.  Bob is a proud Navy veteran who served as a Naval Intelligence Officer.

Margaret S. “Peggy” Hewitt. Peggy Hewitt is the Resources and Services Manager for the Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, providing risk management and continuing legal education materials to FLMIC members and the Florida Bar.  Before coming to FLMIC, Ms. Hewitt was a 20+ year partner of Jones, Hurley & Hand, P.A., a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar, and was designated an “AV” Peer Review Rated Lawyer.  Prior to JH&H, Ms. Hewitt was in-house litigation counsel for the Walt Disney Company, Assistant General Counsel for the Sheriff of Orange County, and an Assistant State Attorney for the 9^thJudicial Circuit.  Ms. Hewitt has an extensive library of articles and advisories for legal and risk management publications; her Florida Bar CLE manuals and presentations include “Trying a Difficult Liability Case in Florida.”  She has been an accredited CEU presenter for the Florida Department of Finance since 2002 and has presented legal topics at the ABA Annual Conference and numerous NRRDA National Conferences.

Live Zoom InReach Webinar by Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, Suwannee County Judge. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50 and have 90-day, on-demand access. Course number 8339 is approved for 1 CLE, 1 Technology. REGISTER

DESCRIPTION:  Learn pro tips that let you skip constant Google searches or trial-and-error tutorials to know how to fully integrate Microsoft Word into your law practice. Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin will teach you exactly what you need to make your practice more efficient as she walks you through, step-by-step, how to set up and use Word effectively. Practice with your PC or laptop while you listen.  Learn Word features that can make formatting and other nightmares go away—while mastering shortcuts that will take your efficiency in Word to new levels.

Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin serves as the Suwannee County Judge. Prior to taking the bench as a judge, Jennifer presided over more than 20,000 hearings and trials as the Child Support Hearing Officer and General Magistrate.

Jennifer obtained her J.D. from the University of Florida, where she graduated Cum Laude. Jennifer received her B.S. from the University of South Florida, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Jennifer’s extensive service within The Florida Bar includes: Past Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Section; Executive Council member of the Solo and Small Firm Section (past secretary, treasurer); Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Technology Conference 2015, 2016, 2017; Family Law Section of The Florida Bar – Magistrate and Hearing Officer Committee Chair 2014-15, 2015-16; Third Judicial Circuit Young Lawyer’s Division Board of Governor’s Representative 2009-2015; Vision 2016; Statewide Advertising Grievance Committee; and The Florida Bar Ad Hoc Committee to Study SCOPE Program.

Jennifer served her local bar as the President of the Third Judicial Bar Association, as the Vice Chair of the Third Circuit Grievance Committee and as the President and founder of the Young Lawyer’s Section.

Jennifer holds the maximum rating, AV Preeminent® by the Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory. Jennifer’s pride and joy is her six-year-old daughter, Kendall.

Details coming soon.

Live Zoom webinar presented by Mindi Wells, Wells Law, Columbus, OH, and moderated by Bill Curphey. Course number 8340 is approved for 1 CLE. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50 and all registrants have 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

DESCRIPTION: Many law firms, especially solo and smaller firms, do not have a succession plan in place for continued operation or wind-down of their law firms. Lack of planning for what happens next—whether the change is from the loss of the solo attorney, loss of a partner, sale by founding attorneys, retirement or other unanticipated events—can throw a firm, its clients, employees, and business colleagues into a nosedive.  Join us for this workshop on the fundamentals of succession planning for law firms of all sizes.

In this session, you will learn:

• Why you need to start planning for your exit now—even if it is years away.
• What to consider in your succession plan.
• How to get started now.
• Who you need to get involved.
• Whether you need an Inventory Attorney.

Mindi Wells is Founder and Managing Attorney of Wells Law, a boutique firm offering legal counsel, investigations and training to businesses.  An attorney for over two decades, Mindi comes from a family of small business owners and spent much of her career on the business side of organizations. Her commitment to assisting growing businesses in proactively addressing workplace legal issues led her to develop a unique concierge legal service package that includes “house calls” to the C-suite.  Mindi’s clients appreciate her practical approach in simplifying legal complexities developed from years as a business professional herself.  Her no-nonsense style and humorous stories come from over 20 years’ experience in human resources, financial and organizational leadership, operations management and higher education. Mindi splits her time between Columbus, Ohio and Sarasota, Florida and serves clients throughout both states.

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Brandon Sapp, Brandon Sapp Law PLLC, Orlando, (Plaintiff’s Perspective); Charise Morgan, Zurich North America, Miami, (Defense Perspective); and Jamie Billotte Moses, Holland & Knight LLP, Orlando, (Appellate Perspective). Moderator: Rebekah Taylor, RT Mediation and Consulting, LLC, Lake Mary. Host: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. View the presenter and moderator bios here. Course number 8342 is approved for 1 CLE. REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

DESCRIPTION: This program is a panel discussion that will be educational and practical. The panelists will discuss the new law changes and how attorneys have adapted. The panelists will share real-life insights and examples of how attorneys have worked cases differently based on tort reform changes. The panelists will address statute of limitations, bad faith, boarding medical bills, and fault, among other topics. Jamie Moses will discuss appellate challenges that are forming and their implications that are developing in the legal community.

Brandon Sapp, Brandon Sapp Law PLLC, Orlando, (Plaintiff’s Perspective); Charise Morgan, Zurich North America, Miami, (Defense Perspective); and Jamie Billotte Moses, Holland & Knight LLP, Orlando, (Appellate Perspective). Moderator: Rebekah Taylor, RT Mediation and Consulting, LLC, Lake Mary.

Live Zoom webinar by Elizabeth Clark Tarbert, The Florida Bar Division Director for Lawyer Regulation. Moderated by Alicia Perez. Course number 8341 is approved for 1 CLE, all of which may be applied toward Ethics. REGISTER

This program will provide an in-depth review of ethics and Florida lawyer advertising rules, including general rules for all advertisements, specific rules for particular media, and The Florida Bar’s filing requirement.  The program will cover social media and texting and offers examples of noncompliance.

Elizabeth Clark Tarbert is Director of the Lawyer Regulation Division for The Florida Bar, the division responsible for the investigation and prosecution of disciplinary complaints against Florida Bar members.  She also serves as counsel to The Florida Bar Board of Governors Disciplinary Review, Disciplinary Procedure, and Rules Committees.  She was Ethics Counsel for The Florida Bar from 1997-2021, providing oral and written ethics opinions to members of The Florida Bar and advising the Professional Ethics Committee, Standing Committee on Advertising, and Board Review Committee on Professional Ethics.  She has also served as counsel to numerous special bar committees and task forces. She currently serves on the ABA Standing Committee on Professional Regulation and is a former member ofthe ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility.  She has been an Assistant Public Defender in both Dallas, Texas and the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Gainesville, Florida.  While at the Defense Contract Management District Mid-Atlantic, Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ms. Tarbert worked in a special fraud remedies unit, assisting in the investigation and prosecution of government contractors.  Ms. Tarbert graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with honors and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Florida.  She frequently speaks on legal ethics and professional responsibility

The Destination CLE Trip includes:
– Accommodation at beautiful downtown hotels
– Breakfasts at the hotels
– Train transportation between cities
– Free Wi-Fi

Optional Items (Inquire for costs)
– Local transfers (arrival and departures)
– Private tours
– Extra nights (Madrid and Granada)
– Higher room categories

RESERVATIONS:  Starting From $5,751 EU Double Occupancy / $5,551 EU Single Occupancy. For more information, please contact travel agent Lionel Moolchan, Lorraine Travel, 305-446-4433 ext. 3100, 10 AM to 5:30 PM EST, lionel@lorrainetravel.com.

Special thanks to David C. Prather, Esq. of Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather, expert in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death involving auto accidents, commercial truck accidents, and negligent security, for his sponsorship of the Section’s Destination Events, including the 2024 Destination trip to Southern Spain.

The Section’s 2024 destination CLE trip is a 10-day tour of Southern Spain; details are available on the destination CLE trip web page.

The CLE, “Enhance Your Practice With Mobile Technology,” will be held on May 27 from 9 AM–1 PM at the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid (patio). The course number will be provided when participants register. 4 CLE; 4 Technology credits.

Segment One: 9–11:30 AM

• Title: Using Technology to Efficiently Run Your Practice from Anywhere
• Speaker:  Liz McCausland, Liz McCausland P.A., Orlando and Legal Tech Consultant, Law Tech Partners.
• Description: Today’s legal technology has given lawyers the ability to work from anywhere. Firms are now able to gain a competitive edge and improve legal services to their clients without being in the room. Technology and remote work also have opened the doors to hiring and training staff that is not “in our backyard.”  In this presentation, Liz McCausland, attorney and legal tech consultant, will explore opportunities for today’s lawyers to deliver service and value to their practice, clients, and cases while working remotely.

Coffee & Tapas Break: 11:30 AM–12:10 PM

Segment Two:  12:10–1 PM

• Title: Cybersecurity: Best Practices When Hiring a Technology Company.
• Speaker:  Jason Alderman, of The Alderman Law Firm, Miami Shores.
• Description: Jason Alderman, of The Alderman Law Firm, will provide an in-depth review of cybersecurity best practices and considerations when evaluating and hiring technology consultants and companies for your law firm.  He will discuss technology security controls and steps to protect your practice and clients from intrusion.

Liz McCausland has been practicing law for over 20 years after graduating from the University of Florida with both her Bachelor of Arts and JD degrees. She practiced civil litigation representing both individuals and national corporations before starting her own firm. Ms. McCausland now concentrates in bankruptcy and mediation. She is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. She served on committees to establish both the Orlando Bankruptcy Division’s Mortgage Modification Mediation Program, as well as the Orange County Mortgage Modification Program. She has conducted over 4,000 Mortgage Modification Mediations in every district in Florida, as well as in Indiana, California, Nevada, and Arizona. She travels throughout the US to teach other attorneys and mediators how to successfully obtain and mediate mortgage modifications in bankruptcy.

Liz has served in leadership positions in many voluntary bar associations and has won awards for her devoted service including being recognized with the Lawrence G. Matthews Professionalism Award. She is a past president of the Orange County Bar Association, and serves on the executive board of the Florida Bar’s Solo and Small Firm Section. She has also previously served on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section, The Florida Bar’s Leadership Academy Committee and on the executive board of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Liz is a self-proclaimed gadget geek and has never met an app she didn’t try. Unfortunately, the nuances of Microsoft Excel still confound her.

Jason R. Alderman of The Alderman Law Firm focuses his practice on national and international litigation with a particular emphasis on complex banking, real property, contract, corporate, creditors’ rights, fiduciary, and valuation litigation.  He received the 2018 Daily Business Review Award for Most Effective Lawyer in Employment. Mr. Alderman is a member of The Florida Bar and is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida; the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, and the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. He graduated from Florida State University (B.S., 1999) and the University of Miami School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1999) where he was a member of the University of Miami Inter-American Law Review.