2024 Trial Advocacy Seminar

Wednesday, October 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT

This year’s Trial Advocacy Seminar, ‘Rule of Law,’ we gathered to discuss the pivotal role of law in society. This event explored how the Rule of Law serves as the foundation for justice, equality, and democracy, ensuring that everyone's rights are protected. With a lineup of distinguished speakers and engaging panel discussions, this seminar promised to deepen your understanding of the importance of the Rule of Law in fostering fair and stable societies.

PROGRAM DETAILS

REGISTRATION
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CT

OPENING REMARKS
10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. CT

Speaker:

Peter A. Schmit
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

SESSION I // The Power of AI in the Practice of Law
10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. CT

The use of artificial intelligence is forever altering the landscape of law, with AI tools rapidly sifting through vast amounts of legal data, research and document review. However, concerns persist over data privacy, algorithmic bias, and ethical implications. Guy D’Andrea discusses the steps needed for mindful implementation and oversight in integrating AI into legal practices.

Speaker: 

Guy D’Andrea
Co-Managing Partner
Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan

SESSION II // Future-Proof: Exploring Tomorrow’s Trends and Teachable Moments
11:10 a.m. – 11:55 p.m. CT

This session will focus on essential insights and teachable moments in law, ensuring you stay up-to-date in an ever-evolving landscape. Panelists will discuss how the latest legal trends in their respective practice areas (civil rights, personal injury, and medical malpractice) are intersecting with the foundational principles of the rule of law – while also offering actionable insights for navigating these changes. Attendees will learn about key lessons learned that can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring your practice remains adaptive in the face of rapid evolution.

Speakers:

Julie Moroney
Associate
Robins Kaplan LLP

Teresa Fariss McClain
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

Andy Noel
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

Tony Schrank
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

LUNCH
11:55 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT

SESSION III // Law and Leadership in Public and Private Sectors 
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT

B. Todd Jones' expansive career offers valuable insights into the application of legal principles in both the public and private sectors. His roles as U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Senior Vice President and Special Counsel at the NFL highlight how adherence to the rule of law can shape effective leadership and justice. Jones will share how this work underscores the importance of integrity, accountability, and thorough investigation in upholding legal standards across diverse and complex environments.

Speaker:

B. Todd Jones
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

SESSION IV // Keeping it Real: The Trauma-Informed Attorney
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CT

Attorneys frequently work with clients who have experienced trauma and working with these individuals can cause vicarious trauma for the lawyer. We also bring our own experiences to our work. This presentation will discuss what practitioners need to understand about trauma in clients and themselves, and the special stigma that accompanies trauma.

Speaker: 

Joan Bibelhausen
Executive Director
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

BREAK
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. CT

SESSION V // Justice and Sovereignty: Representing Native Nations in the Digital Age
2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. CT

The rule of law ensures that all parties, including Native American Tribes, have equal access to justice when pursuing legal action. Tara Sutton and Eric Lindenfeld reflect on the past decade of mass tort litigation on behalf of Tribal Nations and explain some of the challenges of navigating complex jurisdictional boundaries and leveraging legal frameworks to protect Tribal interests and rights in the digital age.

Speakers:

Tara Sutton
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

Eric Lindenfeld
Counsel
Robins Kaplan LLP

SESSION VI // Threats to the Rule of Law – Perspectives from the Bench
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. CT

This discussion features the Honorable David S. Doty, U.S. District Judge for the District of Minnesota; the Honorable Judge Tony N. Leung, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Minnesota; and the Honorable Kristen Marttila, Hennepin County District Judge for the Minnesota Judicial Branch as they delve into critical challenges facing the rule of law today. From erosion of judicial independence to the impact of political pressures, these distinguished jurists bring their unique perspectives and experiences to illuminate the current landscape. Introductory remarks by Marc Betinsky and moderated by Greta Wiessner, this session promises deep insights into how the judiciary navigates threats to uphold the foundational principles of justice and fairness in our society.

Speakers:

Marc Betinsky
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

Greta A. Wiessner
Associate
Robins Kaplan LLP

Honorable David Doty
Senior U.S. District Court Judge
District of Minnesota

Honorable Tony Leung
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge
District of Minnesota

Honorable Kristen Marttila
District Court Judge
Minnesota Fourth Judicial District

CLOSING REMARKS
4:30 – 4:35 p.m. CT

Speaker:

Peter A. Schmit
Partner
Robins Kaplan LLP

RECEPTION
4:35 – 6:00 p.m. CT

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CLE ACCREDITATION
Robins Kaplan LLP will seek approval with Mandatory Continuing Legal Education boards for a maximum of 5.5 hours of Standard CLE credit in Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.