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Thursday, August 14, 2025 - Saturday, August 16, 2025 DECC - DULUTH 5:30 – 6:30pm Welcome Reception (open to all) DECC, Harbor Side Ballroom (Second Floor) Join us as we kick off another great seminar and meet our law school attendees in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Drinks and heavy appetizers will be served. 6:45 – 9:00 pm President’s Reception and Dinner (by invitation only) Kitchi Gammi Club, 831 Superior Street, Duluth 6:45 – 9:00 Dine Arounds (open to all; attendees are responsible for their own costs) SIGN UP HERE Get to know fellow TTS attendees in a causal dining setting. Choose one of Canal Park’s most popular options. While it is free to sign up, please note that you are responsible for your own food and beverage. Both restaurants are walkable to and from the DECC and The Inn on Lake Superior. Little Angie’s Cantina, 11 East Buchanan St, Duluth, MN 55802 Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant, 405 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802 Donations Accepted for Companies to Classrooms Help MDLA make an impact in the Duluth community! Companies to Classrooms (C2C) is a Duluth-based all-volunteer run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students and educators by providing classroom supplies free of charge. Monetary donations can be made online: https://tinyurl.com/bmu375xb If you prefer to buy supplies, most-needed items are listed here: https://www.c2cduluth.org/_files/ugd/4a23a6_2dbf2e95e7bd42a8951ecf4762443be0.pdf School supply donations can be made in-person or bought via this Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3EN5JAH7RXPXU?ref_=wl_share FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 8:00-8:45AM Breakfast and Exhibit Visits DECC – Be sure to fill your vendor passport with visits to booths for a chance for a prize! 8:30-8:45AM Welcome, Announcements, and Sponsor Recognition Stephanie Angolkar, Iverson Reuvers 8:45-9:45AM Trial Junkies Anonymous: Kicking the Courtroom Habit with Settlements Description This session is for the civil litigator who lives for the courtroom but knows not every case deserves a standing ovation – learn how to channel your trial skills into strategic settlements that win quietly and earn the respect of your client, opposing counsel and the judge in the process. Presenter: Dyan Ebert, Quinlivan & Hughes 9:45-10:45AM Crossing to Close: A Lesson Plan for Effective Cross-Examination and Its Integration with Closing Arguments Description: Cross-examining a key witness is an intriguing process in a case if you want to effectively tell your client’s story. This skills-based presentation will focus on the importance of telling your client’s story in cross-examination and integrating that cross-examination into your closing. Presenter: Ricardo Woods, Burr & Forman 10:45-10:55AM Break & Visit Exhibitors 10:55-11:55AM Civility Matters Description: This program will describe the standards of integrity and courtesy required of those in the legal profession. Examples of incivility will be provided and discussed. Presenters: Senior Judge Katheryn Messerich; Dave Hutchinson, Geraghty O’Loughlin & Kenney, P.A.; Angela Nelson, University of Minnesota Physicians; Nate Bjerke, TSR Injury Law 12:00-1:15PM MDLA Annual Meeting Lunch and Awards 1:15-1:30PM Sponsor Recognition 1:30-2:30PM Utilizing Investigations for Insurance Defense Description: This session will utilize real world case examples to teach the essential principals behind surveillance and social media investigations. The session will discuss initial red flags, when to utilize investigations and how to leverage the results in a legally robust manor. By utilizing investigative tools successfully, the end end-user can help their organization deliver a more compelling defense against high-value litigation and threats. Presenters: Katie Storms, Aafedt, Forde, Gray, Monson & Hager, P.A.; Theo Loukos, DigiStream 2:30-5:00PM Afternoon Free Time After a morning of learning from the best of Minnesota’s trial attorneys, enjoy an afternoon stroll on the shores of Lake Superior, shopping in Canal Park, a visit to Vikre Distillery, Canal Park Brewing, or Hoops Brewing. 5:00-8:30PM An evening at the Glensheen (open to all attendees and family members/guests with paid registration) Enjoy dinner on this prestigious and legendary estate on beautiful Lake Superior, with access to self-guided tours and lawn games on the grounds. While this event is open to all attendees and guests, paid registration is required for guests. Saturday, August 16 8:00-11:50AM Registration & Donations Accepted for Companies to Classrooms Help MDLA make an impact in the Duluth community! Companies to Classrooms (C2C) is a Duluth-based all-volunteer run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students and educators by providing classroom supplies free of charge. Monetary donations can be made online: https://tinyurl.com/bmu375xb If you prefer to buy supplies, most-needed items are listed here: https://www.c2cduluth.org/_files/ugd/4a23a6_2dbf2e95e7bd42a8951ecf4762443be0.pdf School supply donations can be made in-person or bought via this Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3EN5JAH7RXPXU?ref_=wl_share 8:00-8:30AM Breakfast and Exhibit Visits 8:30-8:40AM Welcome, Announcements, and Sponsor Recognition Stephanie Angolkar, Iverson Reuvers 8:40-9:40AM Wellness – Beyond the Verdict: Understanding and Addressing Trauma in Legal Practice Description: The practice of law can expose attorneys to both primary trauma—through personal experiences of stress, conflict, and crisis—and secondary trauma—through repeated exposure to their clients’ pain and suffering. Over time, these emotional burdens can impact mental health, job performance, and professional satisfaction. This session explores the wide spectrum of trauma that lawyers may face in litigation and beyond. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of trauma in themselves and others, apply trauma-informed practices in their work, and develop tools for resilience. Grounded in real-world scenarios and practical guidance, this presentation supports lawyers in maintaining both their effectiveness and their well-being. Presenters: Anu Chudasama, Bassford Remele; Sarah MacGillis, LCL 9:40-10:40AM A Law Firm’s Legacy Description: This session will explore how law firms can develop their ongoing legacies in our community with supporting mentorship, succession planning, organizational leadership, and courtroom experience. Presenter: Christine Chambers, Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.; Ben McAninch, Blethen Berens 10:40-10:50AM Break & Visit Exhibitors 10:50-11:40AM Navigating Civil Litigation: Insights and Expectations from the First and Second Chair Description: This presentation offers a practical and candid look at what it means to serve as a first and second chair in civil defense litigation. We will explore the key responsibilities, courtroom dynamics, and behind-the-scenes preparation that second chairs are expected to manage—from organizing case materials and drafting motions to anticipating the needs of first chair during hearings and trial. Attendees will gain insight into what first chair attorneys expect from their second chair, how to contribute meaningfully to case strategy, and how to develop skills that build trust, demonstrate initiative, and add real value to the litigation team. Through real-world examples and lessons learned, this session will help junior attorneys better understand how to succeed—and stand out—in the defense-side litigation environment. Presenters: Tessa McEllistrem, Jardine, Logan, O’Brien; Ashley Ramstad, Iverson Reuvers 11:40-11:45AM Closing Remarks, Stephanie Angolkar, Iverson Reuvers HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS The Inn on Lake Superior - Call (218) 726-1111 for reservations. The Lift Bridge is the overrun hotel. Call (218) 727-1378 for reservations. Group Name: Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association / LINK HERE Group Code: HQ2606 THANK YOU ANNUAL SUPPORTERS!    
THANK YOU EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS!               
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