Don’t miss the legal networking and professional development event of the summer! Join Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, SBM President James Heath, and many other outstanding speakers. Meet young lawyers, and more experienced lawyers, including leaders and experts in fields such as criminal law, business law, real property, mediation, and federal courts. Learn more about these and other practice areas, and how to move forward on the path to success!
Tickets for Summit are $50 for YLS members, $25 for law students, and $75 for others - Register Here
The first 30 law students to register will receive scholarships waiving the summit registration fee. Please email jhatter@michbar.org for more information.
Hotel Information: The Young Lawyers Section has secured a block of hotel rooms at the Detroit Marriott. Please click here to book your room, or if you prefer to make your reservation by phone, please call (877) 901-6632 before June 2nd, 2023.
SUMMIT AGENDA
FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023
4:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Detroit Tigers Game Welcome Reception (Optional Event)
The Friday June 23rd event will be at Comerica Park and consist of a welcome reception followed by a Tigers game (Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins). The reception will be held at the Tigers Club located at Comerica Park (link of Tigers Club below); the game will follow the reception. The ticket for Friday’s event is $35 for those who have registered for Summit, it includes both the reception and the ticket to the game.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023
YLS Summit
Throughout the day, attendees can take advantage of the free professional headshots being offered and the lounge/social area to relax and network.
8:30 am - 9:00 am: Registration and Networking
Attendees arrive, check-in, and receive their conference materials. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
9:00 am - 9:15 am: Opening Remarks
A welcome address from the Chair of the Young Lawyers Section, Colemon Potts, and an introduction to the day's programming.
9:15 am - 10:00 am: Breakout Sessions
Attendees choose from two breakout sessions, each focusing on a specific area of law or legal practice.
Track I: “Seeing Red… Flags, Herrings, and Risk” – Heritage Hall
Sponsored by: Rossman, P.C.
Speaker: Mark Rossman, Rossman, P.C.
Summary: The presentation will focus on the “red flags” and “red herrings” that we, as lawyers, tend to ignore or miss while our focus is on managing the tremendous risk that a law firm / business owner must assume in order to find success, whether financially or relationally.
Track II: "Mastering Mediation: Empowering Young Lawyers with Best Practices" – Upper Concourse
Speakers:
· Moderator: Michael S. Lieb, Lieb ADR LLC
· Presenters:
o Nakisha Chaney, Salvatore, Prescott, Porter, & Porter PLLC
o Tom McNeil, Tom McNeil ADR
Summary: This engaging panel discussion will equip young lawyers with essential skills and strategies to excel in mediation, exploring best practices for effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution in legal disputes.
10:15 am - 11:00 am: Breakout Sessions
Track I: “How to DICE an Insurance Policy” – Heritage Hall
Sponsored by: The State Bar of Michigan Insurance and Indemnity Law Section
Speaker: Rabih Hamawi, Principal at the Law Office of Rabih Hamawi
Summary: Before determining whether an insurance policy provides coverage for a specific loss, a practitioner must first DICE it. DICE is an acronym for a four-step analysis of the policy: D – Declarations; I –Insuring Agreement; C – Conditions; and E – Exclusions.
Track II: "Federal Court Fumbles and Wins: A Playbook for Success in the Hallowed Halls" – Upper Concourse
Sponsored by: The Federal Bar Association – Eastern District of Michigan
Summary: Join us for a lively and informative program that unveils the secrets of practicing in Federal Court. From avoiding rookie mistakes to mastering the art of persuasion, this engaging session will equip lawyers with essential do's and don'ts, ensuring a smooth journey through the intricacies of the federal legal landscape. Strap on your legal helmet and get ready to score big in the courtroom!
11:15 am - 12:00 pm: Breakout Sessions
Track I: "Tech-nically Legal: Navigating the Wild World of IT Law Careers" – Heritage Hall
Sponsored by: The State Bar of Michigan IT Law Section
Speakers:
· Danielle Bass, Partner at Honigman LLP
· Michael Bloom, Founder and CEO of Praktio
· Mike Serra, Senior Corporate Counsel at Cisco Systems, Inc.
· Alex Simpson, Digital Transformation Advisor at Go With Canvas
Summary: Join our panel as they unravel the exciting and diverse career opportunities in the realm of "IT Law." From navigating legal challenges in data privacy to rocking M&A deals in tech startups, this session will showcase the captivating intersection of intellectual property, litigation, vendor contracting, and other fascinating areas that make IT lawyers the ultimate legal superheroes. Get ready to geek out with us and discover the dynamic world of IT Law!
Track II: “From Novice to Negotiator: Conquering Commercial Real Estate Purchase Agreements” – Upper Concourse
Sponsored by: The State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section
Speakers:
· Alexandra Dieck, Member at Bodman PLC
· Sam Kilberg, Assoicate at Dykema
Summary: Join Alexandra Dieck and Sam Kilberg as they discuss the ABC’s of commercial real estate purchase agreements. Purchase agreements are the roadmaps for a transaction, whether simple or complex. Come learn about what is required, what is important, and what pitfalls to look out for when negotiating purchase and sale agreements.
12:15 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch and Keynote Speaker, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden
Fuel up and gain valuable insights during your lunch break as Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden takes the stage to inspire and educate young lawyers with her keynote address. Prepare to feast on knowledge while satisfying your hunger for professional growth.
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm: "Unveiling Legal Horizons: A Path Less Litigated"
Embark on a legal adventure beyond the confines of the courtroom to discover exciting career paths. Join our captivating panel discussion as distinguished experts, including a former FBI agent, a political appointee, and a pioneering Chief Legal Officer in the cannabis industry as they unveil the extraordinary paths they've embraced. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and ignited with fresh perspectives on the road less litigated.
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm: Vendor Sponsor Showcase
The Vendor Sponsor Showcase at the Young Lawyers Conference offers an invaluable opportunity for young lawyers to connect with a diverse range of vendors. This showcase allows attendees to explore innovative products and services tailored to their legal practice, gain insights from industry experts, and forge meaningful professional relationships to support their career growth.
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm: "Fire & Law: Spicy Wings Interview with Legal Leaders"
Brace yourself for a fiery and hilarious interview as Colemon Potts, Chair of the Young Lawyers Section, puts James Heath, President of the State Bar of Michigan, to the ultimate taste test. Join us for a unique twist on the "Hot Ones" format as we dive into legal discussions, professional insights, and watch as they tackle increasingly hotter wings, all while trying to keep a straight face. Get ready for an unforgettable blend of legal banter and burning taste buds!
4: 00 pm: Closing Remarks
The event organizer provides closing remarks and thanks the attendees, speakers, and sponsors for their participation.
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Reception and Awards Ceremony at LCA's Biergarten
Raise the bar and your spirits at the vibrant Biergarten, located at LCA, where young lawyers come together to toast their accomplished peers and revel in an evening of camaraderie. Experience a lively atmosphere filled with music, outdoor yard games, delectable appetizers, and a selection of libations, as we honor outstanding individuals with prestigious awards like the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award and the coveted Mentorship Award. Let's celebrate success, forge connections, and make memories that will leave a lasting impression on the legal landscape.