Session 2 Courses

The D&I Explosion: When Marketing and Law Firm Leadership Collaborate to Impact Diversity & Inclusion
Marketing departments at law firms are experiencing increased demands from clients to communicate about diversity & inclusion. More than ever, in‐house counsel and legal departments are demanding more diverse client teams and representation. This session will provide more insights into what clients are asking for and how marketing can collaborate with law firm leaders to present one voice and a consistent message to clients, staff and media. The presenter will offer five (5) practical ways to help you and your marketing department work towards a strategic plan for diversity & inclusion at your firm.

CLMSM Application Credit for Functional Specialists:  1 hour (60 min) in the subject area of Human Resources Management towards the additional hours required of some Functional Specialists to fulfill the CLM application.
CLMSM Recertification Credit:  1 hour (60 min) in the subject area of Human Resources Management.

Speaker:
Lee Asby Watts, Chief Marketing Officer, Smith Gambrell & Russell

On Cloud 9:  Document Automation Solutions for Every Firm

Document Automation (“DA”) is no longer just for AMLaw100 firms. Cloud deployments, user-based pricing, and updates in MS Office have revolutionized the field so that any firm can now benefit. We survey the industry to see what is currently possible and what is coming. We will focus on the three levels of automation. We start with the basic level where DA refers to adding shortcuts to making documents more consistent and including standard text. At the second level, DA involves tools that are available in Microsoft Word, which allows the developer of the template to provide options for the users. The most advanced level is offered by applications specifically designed to automate document production.

In this session, we will demonstrate all three levels focused on both HR requirements and some general legal documents by taking advantage of some of the tools you already have and what you can easily add depending on your practice. Takeaways include:

  • Gain a practical understanding of what tools are in the marketplace that can automate aspects of legal work.
  • Comparison of template products to see what fits your firm.
  • Use cases that can help you influence buy-in and adoption.
  • What you need to know to get started with automation tools and how to make the right decisions.

CLMSM Application Credit: 1 hour (60 min) in the category of Information Technology.
CLMSM Recertification Credit: 1 hour (60 min) in the subject area of Operations Management.

Speakers:
Roberta Gelb, Founder, Chelsea Office Systems
Douglas Gibson, Director of Information, Chaffetz Lindsey LLP

Show Me the Money!: IOLA/IOLTA & Escrow Account Management
This session will provide you with an overview of IOLA/IOLTA and Escrow account management and best practices to meet the financial demands of your firm. Topics to be discussed will include: different options available to administrators on how to facilitate booking and streamline reconciliation; documents needed for both IOLA/IOLTA accounts, IOLA subaccounts and individual escrow subaccounts; regulations and differences in laws surrounding IOLA accounts in various states. You will learn about:
  • Overview of Escrow Accounts and various types that are popular with law firms.
  • Sub-accounts and Accounting.
  • Miscellaneous Fees on Escrow Accounts.
  • Returned/Dishonored Check – Escrow Account.
  • Retainers – Where to Deposit?
  • Know Your Customer (KYC) – Policy & Procedures.

CLMSM Application Credit for Functional Specialists: 1 hour (60 min) in the subject area of Financial Management towards the additional hours required of some Functional Specialists to fulfill the CLM application.
CLMSM Recertification Credit: 1 hour (60 min) in the subject area of Financial Management.

Speakers:
Luis Rivera, Esq., Associate Managing Director, Law Firm Banking Group, Sterling National Bank
Jeffrey Mercado, CFP, MBA, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head, Law Firm Banking Group, Sterling National Bank

Mining Gold: Getting Lawyers to Sell Effectively
Your firm's clients today are more selective, have more choices and your lawyers face more competition from other law firms and alternative service providers. Lawyers usually have to play the role of “doer-seller” which means not only do they have to be experts in their area of law, but they must also expand work from existing clients and bring in new ones. Most lawyers were not taught sales or business development skills in law school. Many are very uncomfortable with the concept of selling and others are too self-focused if they do engage in it. This program will provide a framework to assist you in helping your lawyers become more comfortable with and effective at business and client development.

CLMSM Application Credit for Functional Specialists: 1 hour (60 min) in the subject area of Legal Industry/Business Management towards the additional hours required of some Functional Specialists to fulfill the CLM application. 
CLMSM Recertification Credit: 1 hour (60 min) in the subject area of Legal Industry/Business Management.

Speaker:
Susan Saltonstall Duncan, Founder, RainMaking Oasis