2018 alfa international annual business meeting october 24 ... · 2018 alfa international annual...

2018 ALFA International Annual Business Meeting October 24-26, 2018 – Le Westin Hotel – Montreal, Quebec, Canada


ALFA INTERNATIONAL

2018 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING October 24-26, 2018 – Le Westin Hotel – Montréal, Quebec, Canada

PROGRAM OUTLINE Tuesday, October 23, 2018 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. BOARD OF DIRECTORS DINNER

Chez L'Épicier 311 St Paul St E

7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Plated Dinner

This dinner is for members of the ALFA International Board of Directors and spouses. Attendees will experience exquisite French cuisine at this one of a kind restaurant located in the historic neighborhood of Old Montréal, a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Wednesday, October 24, 2018 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Ville-Marie B – 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel) 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meeting

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE ACTIVITIES 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. WOMEN'S INITIATIVE BREAKFAST & WALKING TOUR

Crew Collective & Café 360 St Jacques St 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Networking Breakfast

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Guided Tour

Start your morning off right with a Canadian-French breakfast complete with pastries, croissants and breakfast cups at the stunning Crew Collective & Café. Located at the old Royal Bank headquarters, just a 3 minute walk from the hotel, this cafe is known for its stunning architecture that includes 50 foot vaulted ceilings mixed with a modern aesthetic. After enjoying your morning meal, embark on a unique and historic tour of the city of Montréal. Beginning at the café, this 90 minute walking tour will uncover the layers of what makes Montréal a city like none other.


12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. WOMEN’S INITIATIVE PROGRAM St-Antoine – 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel)

Please see the Women’s Initiative Program Outline for full program details. Male attorneys are welcome to attend! A brief overview of the agenda is as follows: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Buffet Lunch & Keynote Address 1:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Program Sessions 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Networking Reception

OPENING DINNER – ALL MEMBER NETWORKING RECEPTION

6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. ABM REGISTRATION & WELCOME RECEPTION/DINNER Cirque Éloize 417 Berri Street, Montreal, Quebec

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Networking Reception 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Plated Dinner & Entertainment

Cirque Eloize aims to create experiences and emotions that will last a lifetime. With bartenders serving drinks in between jumps on a trampoline, it’s already flying high above any expectations. Located a 15 minute walk from the hotel, Cirque Eloize is the perfect place to celebrate this International ABM destination, the birthplace of Cirque! After re-connecting with your ALFAI colleagues during an extended reception, you will enjoy a plated dinner that includes two special Cirque performances. Thursday, October 25, 2018

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. BREAKFAST BUFFET Fortification - 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel) Attorneys and spouses welcome

OFFICIAL START OF THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Annual Business Meeting Sessions Montréal Ballroom – 11th Floor (Le Westin Hotel) 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. WELCOME AND STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION Gary A. Bague Chair, ALFA International HAIGHT BROWN & BONESTEEL LLP Los Angeles, California

Peter Rogers Chief Executive Officer ALFA INTERNATIONAL Chicago, Illinois


John Remsen, Jr. is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on law firm leadership, management, marketing and business development. He is a frequent speaker at national, regional and local conferences of the American Bar Association, Association of Legal Administrators and Legal Marketing Association. The Remsen Group is a consulting firm that works exclusively with law firms to help them develop and implement long-term strategic objectives to improve cohesiveness, performance and profitability. John has worked with over 375 law firms and thousands of lawyers. Most of his clients are smaller and mid-size commercial law firms, ranging in size from 15 to 200 lawyers. In 2001, John created The Managing Partner Forum, the highly acclaimed conference series for leaders of mid-size law firms. More than 1,150 managing partners and leaders from more than 900 law firms in 43 states have participated in 26 leadership conferences. In 2013, John was elected as a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management in recognition of his 25 years of demonstrated expertise in law firm leadership and management. Founded in 1994, the College honors those who “inspire excellence and innovation in law practice management.” Membership is by invitation only and includes just 200 individuals.

9:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. WHERE IS THE LEGAL WORLD HEADED? The legal profession is in the midst of rapid and accelerating change. This interactive session will be led by John Remsen and will initially examine the most significant issues, trends and challenges facing law firms. The discussion will then focus on the practical and immediate action law firms should take to position themselves for future success.

John Remsen, Jr. President THE REMSEN GROUP Atlanta, Georgia 10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. BREAK 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE Members of the ALFA International Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee will provide an update on the strategic focus of ALFA International in the coming years, based upon the trends examined in the previous session. Mike Murphy Chair, Strategic Planning Committee CARTER CONBOY Albany, New York Gary A. Bague Chair, ALFA International HAIGHT BROWN & BONESTEEL LLP Los Angeles, California

Kara T. Stubbs Vice Chair, ALFA International BAKER STERCHI COWDEN & RICE LLC Kansas City, Missouri Ignacio Lopez-Balcells Board Member BUIGAS Barcelona, Spain


11:05 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. THE NUMBERS: WHAT CAN FIRMS DO TO MAXIMIZE REFERRALS AND GET ON A GOOD ROI TRACK? All member firms are focused on maximizing referrals they receive from the network. This session will provide a blueprint for how you can work with your firm colleagues and management to get your firm on a successful ROI track. This session will be beneficial for both new member firms and for tenured members, who may need to jumpstart their efforts relating to network involvement. Specific success stories will be shared that illustrate how your firm can garner the most “bang for your buck.” Dina Cox LEWIS WAGNER Indianapolis, Indiana Chris Page YOUNG MOORE AND HENDERSON P.A. Raleigh, North Carolina

Alastair Timblick TIMBLICK & PARTNERS LTD. Bangkok, Thailand

11:50 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MORE THAN THE NUMBERS: THE VALUE OF ALFA

INTERNATIONAL OUTSIDE OF REFERRALS Marketing Committee members along with ALFA International staff will discuss the network’s marketing and business development goals for the year. Creating opportunities for business referrals is always a prime focus of the network, but great value can be derived from ALFA International membership in many other arenas as well. Marc Harwell ALFA International Marketing Chair LEITNER, WILLIAMS, DOOLEY & NAPOLITAN PLLC Chattanooga, Tennessee Melanie Cheairs ALFA International Vice Marketing Chair LORANCE & THOMPSON Houston, Texas Ignacio Lopez-Balcells Board Member BUIGAS Barcelona, Spain

Jessica Zaroski Bauer Chief Operating Officer ALFA INTERNATIONAL Chicago, Illinois Stephanie Blankenship Business Development Director ALFA INTERNATIONAL Chicago, Illinois Stacy Zoller Marketing & Events Director ALFA INTERNATIONAL Chicago, Illinois

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH


1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. PREVIEW OF UPCOMING (OR RECENT) PG/WG SEMINARS AND TEASERS – PART 1

Throughout the ABM, each Practice Group and Working Group representative will give a quick preview (5 minutes) of their PG/WG’s upcoming seminar (or a recap of the recent seminar) along with a teaser regarding their PG/WG that will hopefully peak your interest and persuade your firm to get involved with a new group!

Professional Liability Vice Chair Jeffrey Hengeveld PLUNKETT COONEY Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Construction Practice Group Chair Grace Garcia MORRISON MAHONEY Boston, Massachusetts

Workers’ Compensation Chair Emeritus Dawn Raynor YOUNG MOORE & HENDERSON P.A. Raleigh, North Carolina

Women’s Initiative Chair EmeritusCarolyn Ramos BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR PC Albuquerque, New Mexico

FORMAL BUSINESS MEETING ITEMS

1:50 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. FORMAL BUSINESS MEETING

Report of ALFA International Financials & Presentation of the 2018 Budget

John Osgathorpe Treasurer, ALFA International TAYLOR, DAY, GRIMM, & BOYD Jacksonville, Florida

Bob Reiland Chief Financial Officer ALFA INTERNATIONAL Chicago, Illinois


Recognition of Departing Directors, Election of New Directors and Brief Introduction of All Board Members

Gary A. Bague Chair, ALFA International HAIGHT BROWN & BONESTEEL LLP Los Angeles, California

Introduction of New Member Firms in Attendance Proposal for Amendments to the By-Laws and New Business

Kara T. Stubbs Chair, ALFA International BAKER STERCHI COWDEN & RICE LLC Kansas City, Missouri


New Diversity and Inclusion Initiative and DAPP Partnership

John Tarpley Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee LEWIS THOMASON Nashville, Tennessee

Carolyn Ramos Member, Diversity & Inclusion Committee BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR PC Albuquerque, New Mexico

2:50 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

Current membership searches and general membership updates from the North American Membership Committee and the International Law Practice Group Co-Chairs will be presented.

Peter Dubrawski HAIGHT BROWN & BONESTEEL LLP Los Angeles, California

John Sykes CHARLES RUSSELL SPEECHLYS London, United Kingdom

Mary Robberson HIGGS FLETCHER & MACK, LLP San Diego, California

3:20 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. BREAK

3:35 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. FIRM INFORMATION EXCHANGE ON HOT TOPICS

Back by popular demand! ALFA International attorneys will lead a discussion on two hot topics that YOU, our member firms, have told us are important to you. Each moderator will pose ideas and questions to the membership on their specific topic and brainstorming sessions will occur in small groups followed by a larger group discussion where specific take-aways are discussed. Each topic will be given 30 minutes of announcement, discussion and feedback. Full results will be compiled and shared after the meeting.

Topic 1: How to Avoid Lateral Losses When You’re a Small to Mid-Sized Firm

Topic 2: Held for the Hottest Topic that Law Firms are Currently Facing

4:40 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PREVIEW OF UPCOMING (OR RECENT) PG/WG SEMINARS AND TEASERS – PART 2

International Client Seminar Program Chair Tom Singer AXILON LAW GROUP, PLLC Billings, Montana SPECIAL VIDEO PRESENTATION!

Transportation Practice Group Chair Cam Beck MCCANDLISH HOLTON MORRIS Richmond, Virginia

Insurance Practice Group Chair Lisa Mickley HALL & EVANS, LLC Denver, Colorado

Labor & Employment Vice Chair & Program Chair Tamara Nelson MERRICK, HOFSTEDT & LINDSEY, P.S. Seattle, Washington

2018 ALFA International Annual Business Meeting October 24-26, 2018 – Le Westin Hotel – Montréal, Quebec

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. GET TO KNOW YOUR ALFA INTERNATIONAL

COLLEAGUES COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND AWARDS DINNER BUFFET Fortification - 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel) 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner Back by popular demand! Get to know your ALFA International colleagues during a special cocktail hour. Attorneys will pick a slip from a fishbowl and will need to find the ALFA International attorney that meets the criteria before the buffet opens! Friday, October 26, 2018 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. BREAKFAST BUFFET Fortification - 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel) Attorneys and spouses welcome

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. COMPENSATION PLANS & SUCCESSION PLANNING Montréal Ballroom (Le Westin Hotel) Has any firm created and implemented a succession plan that keeps the lawyers and the clients happy? What should a partnership know and carefully consider before making any changes to their compensation plan? Examine these always relevant topics with your ALFAI colleagues and a notable expert in the field, Michael Short of The Law Vision Group. Michael works regularly with small and mid-sized firms to find solutions to the toughest leadership challenges and, of equal importance, help create the appropriate level of buy-in to make the solution stick. Michael Short Founding Principal LAWVISION GROUP Washington, D.C. 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. BREAK 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. FIRM INFORMATION EXCHANGE ON HOT TOPICS –

PART 2 Topic: How do you Identify and Groom Future Firm Leaders and ALFAI Leaders?

Michael Short is a founding Principal of The LawVision Group. He counsels law firms around the world on strategic, management, financial, and operational issues. His client base ranges from small, “local” firms in many countries to large, multi-national operations. Over the course of his nearly three-decade long career as a consultant to the legal industry, Michael has worked with well over 600 law firms. The focus of his current client work is related to the development and implementation of strategies for firms, practices, and client or industry teams. Much of the remainder is related to strategy implementation issues, including partner compensation systems and succession planning. He is also a regular blog contributor, a frequent speaker on leadership and management topics, and a constant researcher and analyst on the business of law.


11:15 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. PREVIEW OF UPCOMING (OR RECENT) PG/WG SEMINARS AND TEASERS – PART 3

Hospitality & Retail Vice Chair Mackenzie Monaco CARTER CONBOY Albany, New York

Business Litigation Practice Group Chair Joe Fortner HALLORAN & SAGE Hartford, Connecticut

Product Liability & Complex Torts Vice Chair Matt Stanczyk PLUNKETT COONEY Detroit, Michigan

Corporate Transactions Practice Group Co-Chair Brett Cowell COWELL CLARKE Adelaide, Australia

11:35 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. MEETING ADJOURNMENT

Kara T. Stubbs Chair, ALFA International BAKER STERCHI COWDEN & RICE LLC Kansas City, Missouri


END OF ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING SESSIONS Please Note: There will be no group lunch at the end of the ABM as many attendees will be departing quickly to catch their flights. For those staying, there is a restaurant on-site where attendees can enjoy lunch and there are numerous restaurants nearby.

BUSINESS LITIGATION, CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS & INTERNATIONAL LAW GROUP ACTIVITIES

*Separate Registration is required for all events below.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. BUSINESS LITIGATION PG, INTERNATIONAL LAW PG &CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS WG COMBINED LUNCH* St-Antoine – 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel)

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. BUSINESS LITIGATION PG MEETING* Ville-Marie B – 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel)

Joseph G. Fortner Practice Group Chair HALLORAN & SAGE LLP Hartford, Connecticut

Kandice Kerwin Hull Marketing/Vice Chair MCNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Andrew A. Bassak 2019 Program Chair MANATT, PHELPS & PHILLIPS, LLP San Francisco, California


1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. INTERNATIONAL LAW PG & CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS WG COMBINED MEETING* St-Antoine – 9th Floor (Le Westin Hotel)

Mary Robberson ILPG Co-Chair HIGGS FLETCHER & MACK, LLP San Diego, California

John Sykes ILPG Co-Chair CHARLES RUSSELL SPEECHLYS London, England

Ignacio Lopez-Balcells Corporate Transactions Working Group BUIGAS Barcelona, Spain

Brett Cowell Corporate Transactions Working Group COWELL CLARKE Adelaide, Australia

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. WALKING TOUR OF MONTRÉAL Starts and ends at Le Westin Hotel

Those attending the International Law PG and Corporate Transactions WG combined meeting are invited to join their fellow ALFA International colleagues on a walking tour of Old Montréal prior to dinner. Lasting 2 hours, this walking tour will start and end at the hotel. This incredible journey through the city will showcase some of the rich and historic architecture of Montréal. You will travel through time on cobblestone roads, through Gothic Revival style churches and enjoy a unique atmosphere that can only be found in Montréal.

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. BUSINESS LITIGATION PG, INTERNATIONAL LAW PG & CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS WG OPTIONAL DINNER* Portus 360 777 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa

Cocktail Reception 6:30 p.m.– 7:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Plated Dinner

With a panoramic view of Montréal, Portus 360 will make you feel like you’re eating on top of the city. Just a short 10 minute walk from the hotel, this restaurant will give you more than just a beautiful view. Utilizing Portuguese flavors, and specializing in seafood dishes, Portus 360 infuses both cultures beyond its borders with that of Montréal to create amazing dishes from garlic shrimp to grilled beef sirloin. The restaurant utilizes its unique atmosphere, modern décor and flavorful dishes to create a one of a kind experience.

2018 alfa international annual business meeting october 24 ... · 2018 alfa international annual...

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