Join us for CLE in Horseshoe Bay Masters of Family Law LIVE Sept. 25-27, 2015 Horseshoe Bay Resort Gary L. Nickelson This innovative new course is designed to educate family lawyers in advancing their practice to a higher level in a dynamic setting. Each registrant will personally and intensively work in small groups with Masters of Family Law to learn more effective ways to practice and be able to discuss individual questions with true experts. This course is strictly limited to a maximum of 100 registrants who have practiced a minimum of three years. (Practice must be at least 50% family law.) MCLE CREDIT 14.5 Hours (2.5 Ethics) DOWNLOADABLE Course Materials TexasBarCLE.com 800.204.2222 x1574 Education by the Bar, for the Bar
TexasBarCLE presents the Masters of Family Law Course Cosponsored by the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas LIVE Horseshoe Bay September 25-27, 2015 Horseshoe Bay Resort #TBCLE MCLE CREDIT 14.5 HOURS (2.5 ETHICS) MCLE COURSE NO: 901322187 Applies to the Texas Bar College and the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law and Family Law. Thursday, September 24 6:00 Welcome Reception Sponsored by the Family Law Section 7:00 Welcome Dinner (included) Attendees will check in and have an opportunity to meet the Masters at dinner. You will also be assigned to your Master groups at this time. Friday, September 25 6.25 hours including 1 hour ethics 8:00 Coffee & Pastries Provided 8:30 Welcoming Remarks and Introduction of the Masters 9:00 Building a Quality Law Practice what kind of clients do you want generating clients building your client base what professional involvement or activities should you be a part of what type of practice you want what size practice do you want where do you want to practice (counties?) know your limits the clients you can t/shouldn t take court appointments professionalism Lawyer s Creed find attorneys in other practice areas that you can refer clients to when needed (Estate Planner for wills, etc.) advertising rules (website yes or no?) hiring quality staff effective client communication client interview & fee agreement after case follow-up closing the file power of handwritten thank you notes Wendy S. Burgower, Houston David R. McClure, El Paso G. Thomas Vick, Jr., Weatherford Cheryl L. Wilson, San Antonio 10:30 Break 10:45 Managing Your Law Practice client consultation client interview & fee agreement staffing HR billing and collections malpractice insurance standardized forms docket management holidays/sick leave employee handbook hourly requirements for associates and staff billing requirements (and who bills) billing systems client packets engagement letters paralegals and legal assistants (what s the difference?) Dragon Speak & other dictation apps Warren Cole, Houston Joan Jenkins, Houston James M. Loveless, Fort Worth Melissa Nickelson, Fort Worth Brian L. Webb, Dallas 12:15 Break Lunch Served 12:30 Networking Lunch (no MCLE credit) 1:15 Break Breakout Sessions Attendees will break into their Master groups and come up with 3 questions during the afternoon breakout sessions that they would like to discuss. Masters will answer at least 1 per person, or 2 contingent on time. 1:30 Breakout Session #1 1.75 hrs 3:15 Break General Session 3:30 Group Discussions & Presentations of Group Solutions 1.5 hrs 5:00 Adjourn 6:00 Cocktails 7:00 Dinner with the Masters (included) 2
Masters of Family Law Course continued Saturday, September 26 6.25 hours including 1 hour ethics 8:30 Coffee & Pastries Provided 8:55 Announcements 9:00 The Art of Case Analysis real (legit) issue identification client expectations cost analysis time and money constraints (can client afford you? can they afford cost of the suit?) what court is the case in opposing counsel (or, the new lawyer) bench or jury trial what discovery do you need to do do you need an expert depositions is it settleable is your client teachable preparation (client, witness, etc.) obtaining testimony client knowledge of process do you have a temporary hearing do you take a court reporter SAPCR/property case dirty tricks professionalism how soon to start preparing for trial Wendy S. Burgower, Houston David L. McClure, El Paso G. Thomas Vick Jr., Weatherford Cheryl L. Wilson, San Antonio 10:30 Break 10:45 Crossing the Finish Line how soon to start preparing for trial mediation / settlement when the money changes hands entry of decree client expectations opposing counsel - tactics rendition of divorce getting the decree entered (don t ruin settlement by not getting in on time) penalty factors understanding the cost to get to trial drafting the MSA penalties for non-compliance professionalism money issues after MSA timing/ penalties/costs/attorney fees not in writing it never happened mediation checklist, mediation memorandum (facts/i&a) proposed division prepare client for mediation use mediation (time to prepare for trial, client more interested in settling after that) be prepared and get client prepared James M. Loveless, Fort Worth Warren Cole, Houston Joan Jenkins, Houston Melissa Nickelson, Fort Worth Brian L. Webb, Dallas 12:15 Break Lunch Served 12:30 Networking Lunch (no MCLE credit) 1:15 Break Breakout Sessions Attendees will break into their Master groups and come up with 3 questions during the afternoon breakout sessions that they would like to discuss. Masters will answer at least 1 per person, or 2 contingent on time. 1:30 Breakout Session #2 1 hr 2:30 Break 2:45 Breakout Session #3 1 hr 3:45 Break General Session 4:00 Group Discussions & Presentation of Group Solutions 1.25 hrs 5:15 Adjourn 6:00 Cocktails 7:00 Dinner with the Masters (included) Sunday, September 27 2 hours including.5 ethics 8:30 Continental Breakfast Provided 8:55 Announcements 9:00 Closing Panel Discussion with the Masters and Attendee Presentations 2 hrs (.5 ethics) Open Q&A session with attendees and Masters and include discussion on professionalism, law practice management, handling clients, and other family law practice questions. 11:00 Adjourn MARK YOUR CALENDAR New Frontiers in Marital Property Law LIVE Denver, CO October 15-16, 2015 Brown Palace Hotel Advanced Family Law Drafting Course LIVE Dallas December 10-11, 2015 Westin Galleria Marriage Dissolution Institute LIVE Galveston April 7-8, 2016 Moody Gardens Come a day early for Marriage Dissolution 101! Advanced Family Law Course LIVE San Antonio August 1-4, 2016 Marriott Rivercenter Come a day early for Family Law 101! 3
Speaker Biographies Gary L Nickelson, Fort Worth Law Office of Gary L. Nickelson Gary started his own firm and has practiced for 42 years, doing Family Law exclusively for the last 35 years. He has said that during his Family Law career he has probably made every mistake there is to be made and has learned from a lot of great legal minds along the way. At the Masters program, he hopes to pass along all of the Family Law knowledge he has acquired. Wendy S. Burgower, Houston Burgower & Rainwater, LLP Wendy has been a family law attorney for over thirty years, and was voted as a super lawyer in Texas Monthly for over 10 consecutive years. She has served as chair for the Family Law Section of the State Bar, the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, as well as the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists and the Association of Women Attorneys. She currently serves as Trustee of the State Bar Foundation. Wendy continues to feel passionately about the practice of Family Law. Warren Cole, Houston The Law Office of Warren Cole Warren practices family law litigation in property and parent-child disputes and enjoys an active mediation and arbitration practice in Houston. He has served on the Family Law Advisory Commission (past Chair) and TBLS Family Law Exam Commission and is a former Chair of the SBOT Family Law Section. He served as a Large Section Representative and was elected director to the SBOT Board of Directors. He is also an AAML Fellow and Texas Bar College member. Joan Jenkins, Houston Jenkins & Kamin, LLP Joan is a board certified family law attorney in Houston and is also a certified Mediator and Arbitrator. She was selected as Top 50 Women Attorneys in Texas and as Top 100 Houston Region Attorneys, 2007-2014. She has served on the Texas Family Law Foundation, SBOT Family Law Section Council and Legislative Committee, and is a State Bar Foundation Fellow. James M. Loveless, Fort Worth Loveless & Naylor Representing clients in complex and contentious divorce cases for over 40 years, and I never cease to be amazed how foolish successful, socially prominent, high profile clients can be and to think no one will know about their conduct. David R. McClure, El Paso David R. McClure, Attorney at Law Graduated Texas Tech University School of Law with honors in 1975; Board Certified Family Law 1981; Recipient Judge Sam Emison Memorial Award; Recipient Dan R. Price Award; Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Best Lawyers in America (1987 through 2014); Former: Chair Family Law Section SBOT; Former Director, Texas Family Law Foundation; Former Director, Texas Academy of Family Specialists. Melissa Nickelson, Fort Worth Personal Life Coach Melissa is a CDC certified divorce coach who helps clients work through the emotional side of divorce. It is never a good idea to make major life decisions when are emotional. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation, the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association and the Texas Family Law Foundation. Prior to becoming a Certified Mindset for Success Coach, Melissa was a family law legal assistant for over 15 years. G. Thomas Vick Jr., Weatherford Vick, Carney & Smith, LLP Tom has a small town practice in a suburban/rural setting 30 miles west of Fort Worth. He is former Chair of the State Bar Family Law Section, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and most recently the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees. His practice includes trial, mediation and collaborative law in child and property cases. He has been a frequent author/lecturer for over 20 years. Brian L. Webb, Dallas The Webb Family Law Firm, PC Graduated SMU Law School1975; Board Certified Family Law 1980; Recipient Judge Sam Emison Memorial Award; Recipient Dan R. Price Award; Diplomate, American College of Family Trial Lawyers; Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Fellow, International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Best Lawyers in America Since 1989; Adjunct Professor SMU Dedman School of Law, TX Matrimonial Property; Former: Chair Family Law Section SBOT; President Texas Family Law Foundation; President TAFLS; President TX Chapter AAML; Chair AAML Foundation; Section Rep. SBOT Board of Directors Cheryl L. Wilson, San Antonio Wilson, Pennypacker & Thomson, LLP B.A. University of Texas, 1970; J.D. University of Texas, 1973. Member of State Bar of Texas since 1973. Board Certified, Family Law, since 1978. Former Chair, Family Law Section State Bar of Texas. Recipient of the Sam Emison Award, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 2004. Inducted into the Family Law Hall of Legends, Family Law Section, State Bar of Texas, 2014. Frequent author and lecturer in Family Law topics for continuing legal education programs. 4
fyi TexasBarCLE.com Parking Information is provided for the convenience of the attendees, is subject to change without notice and is not a guarantee of availability. Self-parking at the Horseshoe Bay Resort is complimentary; valet parking is available for $16 per day. If You Need Special Accommodations to Attend, please contact us as soon as possible at 800-204-2222, x1748. Interested in Sponsoring or Exhibiting at This Course or Others? Contact Julie Marshall at 512-427-1797 or julie.marshall@texasbar.com Tweet About This Course! Include hashtag #TBCLE Policy of Impartiality The State Bar of Texas does not endorse political candidates. When a candidate for public office is included in promotion for or participates in a TexasBarCLE event, the State Bar is not taking a position for or against anyone s candidacy. Gary L. Nickelson...Fort Worth Planning Committee Wendy S. Burgower...Houston Warren Cole...Houston Joan Jenkins...Houston James M. Loveless...Fort Worth David R. McClure... El Paso Melissa Nickelson...Fort Worth G. Thomas Vick Jr... Weatherford Brian L. Webb...Dallas Cheryl L. Wilson...San Antonio TexasBarCLE Planning Team Kandi Botello...Program Planner Michelle Townley...Sr. Program Coordinator Sandra Molina... Sr. Written Materials Coordinator Mary A. Galarza...Meeting Planner Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas Heather King...Chair Kathryn Murphy... Chair-Elect Cindy V. Tisdale... Vice-Chair Stephen J. Naylor... Treasurer Chris Nickelson...Secretary Jimmy Vaught... Immediate Past Chair State Bar of Texas Allan K. DuBois...President David E. Chamberlain... Chair of the Board Frank Stevenson... President-Elect Trey Apffel... Immediate Past President C. Barrett Thomas...TYLA President Mark D. White...Chair, CLE Committee Susan Nelson...Chair, Board PDP Committee Michelle E. Hunter...Executive Director Patrick A. Nester... Director, TexasBarCLE Reserve Your Hotel Room Early Hotel rooms have been blocked at special rates on a space available basis. To make a reservation, contact the hotel and indicate that you will be attending this State Bar of Texas course. LIVE - Horseshoe Bay Horseshoe Bay Resort 200 Hi Circle North Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657 830-598-2511 $189 single/double Deadline: August 25, 2015 The reserved block of rooms could fill up before the deadline. Act now! 5
Registration Form W A Y S T O R E G I S T E R Four ways to register: Online TexasBarCLE.com credit card only Phone credit card only 800-204-2222, x1574 during business hours Fax credit card only 512-427-4443 Mail check or credit card State Bar of Texas - CLE LB #972298 P. O. Box 972298 Dallas, TX 75397-2298 Masters of Family Law Course 1 Masters of Family Law Course [8090] q $995 Regular Registration Fee (No discounts are available for this course.) Your registration includes: Welcome social and dinner Thursday evening Light breakfast, networking lunch, reception, and dinner on Friday and Saturday Closing breakfast on Sunday with early adjournment Complimentary wireless internet in the meeting room 2 Written materials will be provided as a PDF download only - bring your laptop or tablet! Register in advance and we ll send you an email to download/print the materials when they become available. (You must be a registered user of TexasBarCLE.com to use this feature. Becoming a registered user is free and only takes a moment.) Note: We recommend not waiting until you arrive at the course to download the materials, since internet access may be limited. Complimentary self-parking 3 I can t attend, but I would like the course materials. q Digital download only....$155 (plus tax; see footnote ) To order a discounted PDF download of course materials (available 4-6 weeks after the course), search Publications at TexasBarCLE.com. 4 q Visa q MasterCard q AMEX q Discover PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Account No. Exp. Date Name on card (Please print) Signature State Bar Membership No. Registrant Name Firm Name/Court Address for Bar-Related Mail City/State Zip Phone ( ) Fax ( ) E-Mail ( A confirmation of your registration will be sent to the e-mail address you provide. Plus 8.25% sales tax on total course book sales only. Please include sales tax or attach an exemption certificate. Book orders are shipped separately 4-6 weeks after the live program. A bill will be sent unless a credit card charge is authorized on this form. For information on audio CDs of course topics, contact our DVD CLE service at 800-204-2222, x1575. MP3 files of topics will be downloadable from TexasBarCLE. com 6-8 weeks after the course. QUESTIONS? 800-204-2222, x1574 512-427-1574 6