New Lawyers Leadership Conference

In-person only event

Join the New Lawyers Section for this unique one-day conference at the beautiful Watson Block event space in Downtown Minneapolis. This event is for up-and-coming legal professionals looking to advance their careers with purpose and vision by learning to lead now. CLE sessions brings together fresh perspectives on law, leadership, diversity, and service, with the goal to inspire and empower new lawyers and law students in the early years of practice. This event also provides an opportunity to build valuable connections with peers who are on similar professional journeys as well as network with MSBA leadership. Whether you're a big law, small firm, solo, or corporate practitioner, in either the public or private sector, this is a unique opportunity to learn from and engage with the Minnesota legal community.

Gray Area Thinking®
Ellen "Ellie" Krug, President and Founder, Human Inspiration Works, LLC
1.0 Elimination of Bias CLE credit
We’ve all heard the phrase, “diversity and inclusion”, but what does it actually mean to make a workplace or organization or even our personal lives more diverse and inclusive? How can we get beyond grouping and labeling of other humans according to the color of their skin, the religion they practice, the country in which they were born, or the socioeconomic status they seem to represent? Can we really build a just and inclusive world, especially in this time of such division? Even more, how can we make the legal profession more inclusive of those who are “Other” and different from “us?” Join national speaker and “inclusionist” Ellen “Ellie” Krug as she conducts her highly valued human inclusivity training, Gray Area Thinking®. This training will provide an easy-to-understand toolset on how to be more welcoming of anyone who is “Other” in our society. It will also offer ideas on how to approach some of the intrinsic diversity and inclusion challenges the legal profession faces.  

Charting Success: A Lawyer's Journey through the Early Years
Molly Hough, Founder, Juris Consult
1.0 Standard CLE credit
Designed to empower legal professionals with the tools they need to navigate the crucial first years of their careers, this engaging session delves into the strategies for building a strong foundation, cultivating essential skills, and effectively managing challenges that arise in the early stages of a legal career. From networking and mentorship to work-life balance and honing advocacy skills, this session offers practical advice and real-world examples to guide participants on a path toward professional excellence and personal fulfillment in the legal field.

The Ethics Compass – Guiding Principles for New Lawyers
Aram V. Desteian, Shareholder, Bassford Remele
Kiralyn J. Locke, Attorney, Bassford Remele
1.0 Ethics CLE credit
A dynamic and insightful discussion aimed at new lawyers seeking to establish a strong foundation in ethical legal practice. This session, co-hosted by Minnesota Lawyers Mutual, features Kiralyn Locke and Aram Desteian, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to guide you through the intricate landscape of legal ethics.
CLE Sponsor: Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company

Navigating the Dynamic Legal Landscape: The Evolution of the Legal Profession and Achieving Your Dream Career
Lauren Swartout, J.D., Practice Director, Legal, SkyWater Search Partners
1.0 Standard CLE credit
The legal industry is undergoing unprecedented shifts, driven by technological advancements, changing client expectations, and emerging areas of law. Our panel of seasoned legal experts will guide you through the latest trends and transformations, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the legal world today. Discover the keys to unlocking success in the legal profession as we discuss strategies for navigating these changes and carving out your unique path to a fulfilling legal career.