Prevent Cyber Attacks

Four Steps Law Firms Should Take to Reduce Cybersecurity Risks

Cyber attacks can violate the professional and ethical obligations lawyers have to protect privileged client information. But did you know that cybercriminals target law firms because they are aggregators of sensitive client information? Obviously, there is no such thing as “hack-proof,” but there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of a breach. From conducting regular security audits to having well-defined incident management and response strategies in place, this article outlines steps that law firms can take to reduce the risk of a serious cybersecurity incident.

ABA TechReport 2019

Solo & Small Law Firm Technology Update. How does your firm compare?

Technology can increase efficiency, lower overhead, provide flexibility, enhance attorney well-being and help us better meet client needs. But this article says solo and small firm attorneyswho have “arguably the most to gain” from implementing tech in their practicesappear not to be taking full advantage of technology that is available to them. Check out this summary of the 2019 ABA Legal Technology Survey Report to see how your firm compares to the overall state of solo and small firm technology use.
Tech Gifts Podcast

Tech Gift Ideas

The annual “‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays from the Digital Edge” podcast is full of quirky, techy gift ideas.  Co-hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson give you a tour of some high-tech gadgets, complete with fun sound effects. The podcast recommends some very practical and some not-so practical gift ideas like Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses, a Death Star fire pit and Clocky, the original  Alarm Clock on Wheels. If you need some last-minute shopping inspiration or you just want a good laugh, check out the podcast on Legal Talk Network.

Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin

Tips and Tricks to Make Microsoft Word Work for You, Not Against You

Learn pro tips that let you skip trial-and-error tutorials and find out how to fully integrate Microsoft Word into your law practice. This one-hour CLE will teach you exactly what you need to make your practice more efficient and will walk you through, step-by-step, how to set up and use Microsoft Word effectively. Practice with your PC or laptop while you listen. Learn Word features that can make formatting nightmares go away—and master shortcuts that will take your efficiency in Word to new levels. One of the section’s most popular CLE courses. Presented by Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin.

1.0 Technology CLE credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $75.

Tara Tedrow

Medical Marijuana & Hemp Update in Florida: Ethics and Law

Jan. 21, 2020, live audio webcast, 12 – 1 PM. 1.0 Ethics credit. Section members register for only $55. Presented by land-use attorney Tara Tedrow, Shareholder and Chair of the Cannabis and Controlled Substances Group at Lowndes P.A.

This webinar will focus on the quickly evolving legal and ethical issues in Florida with representing medical marijuana and/or hemp growers, distributors and sellers. REGISTER NOW

Cristina Alonso

Wednesday Wisdom: Tips for Preparing Jury Instructions and Verdict Forms

FREE CLE for section members Jan. 22, 2020, live audio webcast on Zoom, 12 – 1 PM. 1.0 CLE credit.

Presented by Florida Bar board-certified Appellate Practice attorney Cristina Alonso of Alonso Appeals PLLC. Jury instructions and the verdict form are the keys a jury needs to unlock the proper analysis of the evidence and argument at trial, rendering them a critical aspect of any successful trial strategy. This presentation will address best practices in drafting the instructions and verdict form, how to prepare for the jury charge conference, and tips when objecting to instructions and modifying instructions with an aim toward preservation of error for appellate review. 1.0 General CLE. Course number TBA. REGISTER NOW

The free Wednesday Wisdom CLE series is a benefit of your membership in the Solo & Small Firm Section. All of the Zoom webinars are recorded and posted in the section’s members-only Facebook group, so you can access them 24/7.

SOS Conference Logo

2020 Solo & Small Firm Conference LIVE and WEBCAST

Register online NOW for the Solo & Small Firm Section’s 2020 CLE conference! “SOS: Secure. Optimize. Systemize.” is an all-new CLE event on survive-and-thrive strategies for solos and small firms. Ths very special CLE event takes place on Friday, Feb. 7 during The Florida Bar Winter Meeting in Orlando. Program chairs Theresa Jean-Pierre Coy and Cristina Alonso have put together an excellent lineup of sessions and an all-star list of speakers. Check out the course schedule below.

Approved for 7.0 General, 1.0 Ethics, 1.0 Mental Illness, and 2.0 Technology CLE credits. Solo & Small Firm Section member discounted registration is only $245 for the in-person live event and $295 for the webcast. Don’t miss this all-new CLE event that showcases best practices for solos and small firms!

Scholarships for YLD Members. The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division is the conference Education Partner and is offering 10 scholarships for YLD members. Interested? Send a resume and brief essay about your experience as a solo or small-firm lawyer to rlibbert@floridabar.org with a “Conference Scholarship” subject line. Special consideration will be given to YLD applicants who also are members of the Solo & Small Firm Section.

Sessions and Speakers
Friday, Feb. 7—8:45 AM to 4:50 PM

Secure the Hatches. Cybersecurity and Privacy for Lawyers

  • Al Saikali, Miami
  • Valerie Barnhart, Davie
  • Bryan Barnhart, GCFA, GPEN, ACE, Davie

Know the Ropes. Bar Resources, Mentoring and Member Benefits

  • Liz McCausland, Orlando
  • Lynn Whitfield, West Palm Beach
  • Renee Thompson, Ocala

Lighten the Load. Automation, Integration and Paperless Strategies

  • Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, Live Oak
  • Liz McCausland, Orlando
  • Felicia Mickens Williams, Tampa

All Hands on Deck. Creating and Managing a Successful Virtual Law Firm

  • Mindi Wells, Columbus, OH
  • Priscilla Horn Warren, CP, FRP, Vero Beach
  • Chelsie M. Lamie, Clearwater

Bridge the Gap. Generating Outside Income and Revenue Streams

  • Mindi Wells, Columbus, OH
  • John Schaefer, Safety Harbor
  • Theresa Jean-Pierre Coy, Tampa

Stay the Course. Surviving Solo While Sick

  • Theresa Jean-Pierre Coy, Tampa
  • Mandi Clay, Tampa

Toe the Line. Ethics and Social Media

  • Leisa M. Wintz, Plantation
  • Joanna Garcia Parkin, St. Petersburg
  • Lanse Scriven, Tampa

Interested in sponsorship? View more conference details and download the sponsor brochure. We welcome your participation!

Bank OZK

Bank OZK’s Professionals Practice Group (PPG) provides unparalleled service and financial expertise to our legal community. Contact Debra Tyler at debra.tyler@ozk.com  to discover how we can customize banking solutions to help your firm thrive, not just survive.

Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co.Young Lawyers DivisionNational Deed Network Logo

Welcome to our conference exhibitors!
Tabs3Paralegal Association of Florida
LAWCLERK LogoGarden State Professional Insurance Agency

SSF Group Photo

Members-Only Facebook Group

Join our Facebook group and have 24/7 access to our growing library of Wednesday Wisdom webinars for FREE CLE CREDIT! Find co-counsel, refer a case and share your news. It’s free. Join today to network with your colleagues from the section.