Thursday, May 13, 2010

8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

SEC's Summary Prospectus Initiative - How It Affects the Disclosure Process for '40 Act Companies
Under the leadership of Christopher Cox, the SEC passed two significant changes to Compliance communications that leverage technology- XBRL and Summary Prospectus. Concurrent with these initiatives was the realization that the SEC had been deficient in scrutinizing the activities of Bernie Madoff and others, and Mary Sharpiro, Cox's successor, is focused on enforcement at a time when XBRL and Summary Prospectus are being launched by '40 Act companies for the first time. In this seminar, the speaker will review some of the real-world challenges fund companies face in implementing the Summary Prospectus Rule at a time of heightened enforcement. He will describe what has and has not worked from the perspective of regulators and document management and content distribution of Summary Prospectuses. Daniel E. Marschke, Global Investment Markets, RR Donnelley Financial Services Group.

Technical Evidence Management Theory
The earlier and more appropriately litigation technology is applied, the lower case costs and greater evidentiary control will be achieved. This class will help students create metrics and a framework to achieve these goals through a balance of: Client internal ESI capabilities; Firm ESI capabilities; Third party ESI capabilities; and Timely and appropriate application of technology. Larry Lieb, CCA, Director of Electronic Discovery, Esquire Solutions.

Overview of Franchise Laws and a Paralegal's Role in Franchising
Franchising is a method of distribution used in many industries. From a franchisor's in house legal department to law firms representing franchisors, paralegals play an important role in compliance and registration which are critical to a franchisor's operations. This session provides an overview of franchise laws and a paralegals role in legal compliance. Amy Cheng, Attorney, Cheng Cohen LLC.

Documentation and Coordination of Tax-Deferred Exchanges (SEMINAR CANCELED)
This seminar will discuss tax-deferred exchanges, their structure and use, how to properly document them and how to coordinate with the Qualified Intermediary and title company for a smooth closing. The seminar will also review the basics of 1031 Exchanges. Hugh Pollard, Vice President/Regional Manager, First American Exchange Company.

High Performance Team Toolkit (Double Session)
Ever feel misunderstood? Frustrated when dealing with other people? Today's cross-functional teams - whether you're interacting with your office mates, or getting ready for trial - requires learning how to deal with different temperaments & styles. During this interactive session, you explore the way you think - learn how to describe how your own brain works. Then, you identify your communication style. Self-awareness about your thinking & communication preferences, in most human interactions, is the first step to discovering how to balance what you need against accommodating others. By the end of this session, you will be able to apply strategies, techniques & tools for taking advantage of diversity in the modern workplace so you can overcome frustration, prevent mistakes, and save time & money. Trish Uhl, PMP, CPLP, Owl's Ledge LLC and Ken Phillips, Ph.D., CPLP, Phillips Associates.

6th in Series of PACE Study - Law Office Management
If you are a student wondering what it is like to work in a law firm, this session is for you. It is designed to familiarize current and future paralegals with the practical inner workings of a law office including understanding law office procedures. We will discuss the fundamentals of law office management, including such items as billable hours, legal fees, trust accounts, ethics, client relations, the legal team, technology and more. Sharon Patterson, Legal Assistant Supervisor, Goldberg Kohn.

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10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The SEC X Files: XBRL and Interactive Data Reporting
In 2003, the SEC began investigating data tagging to further improve its on-line EDGAR disclosure system. By 2009 the Commission began finalizing interactive data reporting rules for financial data submitted by operating companies, mutual funds and credit rating agencies. Such data will now be tagged in annual and quarterly reports, registration statements and financial updates by using XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language). This seminar will review the nature and terminology of XBRL tagging, the final SEC rule reporting requirements being phased in, as well as the process for understanding, preparing and complying with the rule with which corporate and securities paralegals should be familiar. Kenneth Fritz, Senior Vice President, Compliance, Bowne.

Searching in 2010: Reduce Expenses & Increase Defensibility
Every phase of the e-discovery process - and indeed the litigation continuum - presents an opportunity to cut costs. The current dilemma facing organizations today is how to control spending without sacrificing quality. One prime arena that demonstrates how the power of technology can increase economic efficiency is the use of advanced searching techniques, such as concept searching, near-duplication and e-mail threading. These techniques are gaining traction, but what do these terms mean exactly? How are they used to conduct a cost-effective, defensible search? And, what about getting the most out of keyword searches? This presentation will explore well-established and emerging search technologies, and provide best practices to increase the effectiveness of your next search process. Jen Freeman, Senior Legal Consultant, Kroll Ontrack.

Loan Modifications: Weathering the Financial Crises One Loan At A Time:
In today's economic climate, many borrowers are feeling the pinch of frozen salaries, shrinking assets, and unemployment. Likewise, Businesses borrowers are feeling financial stresses of the current economy. As a result, many loans are in default, with dim prospects moving forward. Lenders and borrowers, looking to avoid an avalanche of foreclosures, lawsuits, and potentially insolvency, are frequently exploring modifications to the original loan to "weather" the financial crises. The presentation will discuss the different techniques available to lenders and borrowers to allow the continued performance of the loan and to avoid foreclosure, litigation, or bankruptcy. Francisco E. Connell, Attorney, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.

What's New with Estate/GST Tax Repeal and To What State Does a Fiduciary Owe Income Taxes? (SEMINAR CANCELED)
In this seminar, we will cover the new developments in estate/generation skipping transfer taxes. We will also take a look at the State income taxation of Trusts and Estates and issues concerning domicile and residency. Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Partner, Chapman and Cutler LLP.

Navigating the Bluebook: Proper Citation in Legal Writing
Proper Bluebook citation and efficient and effective cite checking techniques are crucial for today's paralegal. In this session we will take a practical look into proper citation of referenced works within court documents and legal memoranda, move beyond memorization of the rules and focus on building confidence in navigating the Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation to easily find answers to any citation questions. In addition, participants will be provided with an overview of the local custom and practice relating to citation within the Illinois and Cook County court systems. Mary Joly, faculty member, Loyola University Chicago, Institute of Paralegal Studies.

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1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Proxy Statement Disclosure
During this seminar, we will briefly discuss the purpose of a proxy statement and the various reasons a company solicits proxies from its shareholders; review the preparation of a proxy statement, with particular focus on thorny issues including compensation; review shareholder proposals from the current proxy season and new proposals expected in upcoming years; and discuss what to do in a proxy contest. Carol Forsyte, Corporate Vice President, Law, Securities, Motorola, Inc.

Taming the E-Discovery Beast: Successful Strategies to Reduce Cost and Risk
Controlling the cost of electronic discovery is a top priority for today's corporations and their outside counsel. However, many legal and IT professionals are unsure how to tame the mysterious beast that is e-discovery. Join us in this session to learn best practices for reducing volume defensibly at every step; how small differences in data and review strategy can save big money; and the smart way to use (or not use) early case assessment. Doug Kaminski, Director, North Central US, Clearwell Systems, Inc.

The Law of Employer-Employee Non-Competes: Basic Principles and Current Trends in Illinois
In an effort to protect confidential information or trade secrets, employers often require employees to sign agreements containing a covenant not-to-compete. Advances in technology have made it easier than ever for employees to obtain and misappropriate their employer's confidential information and trade secrets, whether to compete with the employer in a new business or on behalf of a competitor. Although they can be enforceable, Illinois courts have imposed limits on the scope of such agreements and refused to enforce such agreements which are overly broad and unreasonable. This presentation will cover the basic principles related to the scope and enforceability of non-competes under Illinois law. The presentation will also discuss current trends in Illinois, particularly in light of a recent Illinois Appellate Court decision, Sunbelt Rentals v. Ehlers, likely expanding the ability of employers to enforce such covenants. Ryan A. Haas, Esq., Attorney, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.

A Practical View of Article Nine
This seminar will be an open discussion of the current legal landscape surrounding Article Nine. This discussion is based on both observations from the market but also a detailed looked at several jurisdictions' views on these matters. This includes bankruptcy courts, federal district courts, and courts of appeal. Daniel W. Lias, Esq., UCC Business Consultant, CT Corporation.

Resurrecting the "Personal" in Interpersonal Skills (SEMINAR CANCELED)
What happened to face-to-face communication? Has technology taken the place of actual conversation? Have instant and text messaging contributed to the demise of effective written correspondence? E-mail has created an entire generation of workers who do not know how to correctly punctuate typed documents and avoid personal encounters altogether. Let's get back to basics and reintroduce the art of good dialogue as well as fine-tune oral and written communication skills. Suzanne C. Witt and Jennifer Mifflin, Jack Cook Enterprises.

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
This seminar will guide you through the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure from a paralegal perspective. Learn to be proactive in a federal matter from preparing the complaint, completing proper service, working with the client in preparing discovery, interviewing witnesses and getting ready for trial. Caren Mansfield, CLA, Paralegal, Baker, Baker & Krajewski LLC.

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3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Investment Fraud
This presentation will provide an overview of common frauds involving brokers, investment advisers, and unregistered promoters. Tips will be provided on spotting scams in sales pitches and offering documents. The elements needed to prove a fraud case will be discussed along with resources available to assist in pursuing investment related cases. Tanya Solov, Director, Illinois Securities Department.

Legal Competition: Strategies for Transparency and Collaboration in E-Discovery
Litigators, judges, and organizations such as the Sedona Conference have implored counsel to rethink the adversarial practices that have long been the modus operandi. A movement to refocus litigation toward a more transparent and cooperative resolution of legal disputes is in process. This timely seminar will teach you how to cooperate with your legal opponent without rolling over; strategies to make your legal discovery process more transparent; best practices for meet and confer preparation; and what judges approve or disapprove of in this new legal environment. Doug Kaminski, Director, North Central US, Clearwell Systems, Inc.

Copyrights and Copywrongs: A Brief Introduction to the Law of Copyright
This seminar will cover Copyright law, including (1) What is the subject matter of copyright? (2) When does a copyright accrue? (3) How and why to register a copyright? and (4) What constitutes copyright infringement? Steven L. Baron, Partner, Mandell Menkes LLC.

The Mysteries of Secret Liens
This presentation will focus on consignments, purchase money security interests and bailments. It's not just filing your UCC to perfect your security interest; other forms of notice may be required. Marie C. Oldham, Chapman and Cutler LLP.

Life After the E-Introduction
This workshop takes you from Facebook to Face-To-Face. For those whose networking skills have gotten rusty thanks to various Social Networking outlets (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.), this high-energy workshop will give participants the tools to take those electronic connections one step further. Participants will leave the workshop with answers to the question, "What to do when I meet someone in person?" Jasmin French, J French.

Paralegals: The Next Decade
Roles and Relationships of paralegals in an age of increased legal services "outsourcing," increased legal costs, and a bad economy. Both new and old ethics issues will be explored through discussion of hypotheticals and creative role-playing. George Kuhlman, ABA Ethics Counsel, and Associate Director of its Center for Professional Responsibility.