All events take place at the State Bar of Georgia's Conference Conference Center unless otherwise noted.
Plenaries & Breakout Sessions – A Program Designed for Every Lawyer
The Take Charge! Conference brings you a dynamic mix of plenary sessions and breakout sessions so you can get the best of both worlds.

Plenary Sessions
These large-group sessions bring all attendees together for engaging presentations on high-impact topics that matter to every lawyer. From future-focused discussions on AI and legal innovation to conversations on professionalism and ethics, plenaries deliver big-picture strategies, inspiration, and insights you can apply across your practice.

Breakout Sessions
During designated times, you’ll choose from several smaller, interactive sessions tailored to specific interests and practice needs. Breakouts allow you to:
  • Dive deeper into focused topics
  • Gain practical, ready-to-use strategies
  • Ask questions and engage with experienced faculty
  • Learn alongside peers with similar goals​

​By combining the shared energy of plenaries with the personalized focus of breakouts, the Take Charge! Conference ensures you leave with both broad perspective and targeted, actionable tools to move your practice forward.
Click the “+” icon, located to the right, to open the drop-down and explore the morning and afternoon sessions for each day. It’s a quick, easy way to browse the full schedule and plan the sessions that matter most to you.
​
If you’re not able to see the entire schedule, please click the “–” button to refresh the schedule.
Schedule is subject to change. 
SCHEDULE | thursday, SEPTEMBER 18 | DAY 1
  • LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM
    8:00 AM – 10:00 AM   Conference & Exhibit Hall Set Up

    LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM 
    9:00 AM – 10:00 AM   Breakfast & Conference Registration 
    Sponsored by the State Bar of Georgia, Law Practice Management Program 
    Conference Swag Bags Sponsored by Clio, Platinum Sponsor

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A
    10:00 AM – 10:10 AM  Welcome and Institute Kickoff
    Damon Elmore, Executive Director, State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta, GA 
    Nkoyo-Ene Effiong Lewis, Director, Law Practice Management Program, State Bar of Georgia,  Atlanta, GA
    ​
    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A
    10:10 AM – 11:10 AM  PLENARY  |  AI Doomsday
    Matthew "Matt" Wetherington, Founding Attorney, Wetherington Law Firm, PC, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM
    11:15 AM – 12:25 PM  Lunch and Exhibit Hall Crawl 
    Meet our exhibitors and see what's new in legal tech, practice management, and more. Get your bingo card stamped to win one of the many prizes our exhibitors sponsor.
    Sponsored by Bookkeeping Done Virtually, LLC, Bronze Sponsor 

    LOCATION:  MOCK TRIAL COURTROOM 
    The Social Media Spot: Brand Media Studio
    Complimentary Headshots • On-Site Video Production • Social Media Consults (Exhibit Hours) 
    Sponsored by Zator Media, Media Sponsor

    LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM
    Complimentary Mini Makeup Bar(Exhibit Hours) 
    Provided by Beauty II Behold 
    Sponsored by the State Bar of Georgia, Law Practice Management Program, Program Sponsor 

    LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM 
    Complimentary Find a Lawyer Bar Profile Updates  (Exhibit Hours) 
    Provided by ReliaGuide 
  • LOCATION:  CONFERENCE  A
    12:30 PM – 1:30 PM   PLENARY  | Protecting Your Data from the Dark Web
    Dr. Felix Hernandez, CIO, All American Technology Solutions Group/Felix Hern Speaks, Atlanta, GA

    BREAK OUT SESSIONS (Please choose one)

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A  
    1:35 PM – 2:35 PM   Design (Or Refine) Your Flat Fees in One Hour
    Kimberly Y. Bennett, Founding Attorney, Fidu, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 5 
    1:35 PM – 2:35 PM   Managing Growth and Abundance: Build More Than Your Own Job, Build a Law Firm Business
    Travis Townsend, Jr., Co-Founding Partner, Townsend & Lockett, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 3 
    1:35 PM – 2:35 PM   Elevating Your Practice: Fundamental Concepts for New Estate Planning Practitioners
    Tamika Johnson, CEO, T.M. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, Lilburn, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 1 
    1:35 PM – 2:35 PM   Legal Malpractice, Ethics, and Risk Management
    Douglas V. Chandler, Board Certified Legal Malpractice Attorney, Chandler, LLC, Alpharetta, GA 

    LOCATION:  YLD PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || SMARTBAR TRACK
    1:35 PM – 2:35 PM   How to Do E-Discovery in a Digital-Based World: The Basics of How to Collect, Preserve, Review, and Produce Electronic Evidence
    Brett Burney, Vice President, eDiscovery Consulting, Nextpoint Law Group, Phoenix, AZ

    LOCATION:  PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM  || EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE TRACK
    1:35 PM – 2:35 PM   Meet Your New Marketing Assistant-AI
    Katherine "Kate" Bell, Affinity Partnerships Manager, Clio, Platinum Sponsor,  Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM 
    2:40 PM – 3:15 PM   EXHIBIT HALL BREAK
    ​This is the time to find solutions for your practice; automation, marketing, trust accounting, and client acquisition, to name a few. 
    Sponsored by 8​am™ LawPay and 8am™ MyCase, Friends Sponsor

    BREAK OUT SESSIONS (Please choose one)

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A 
    3:20 PM – 4:20 PM   Automating Communication in Litigation
    Regina I. Edwards, Owner and Managing Attorney, Edwards Family Law, Lawrenceville, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 5 
    3:20 PM – 4:20 PM  Law Firm Personnel: Practical and Legal Considerations
    Jamala McFadden, Managing Partner, The Employment Law Solution, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 3 
    3:20 PM – 4:20 PM   Out of the Box Ways to Resolve Family Law Disputes
    Randall "Randy" Kessler, Founding Partner, Kessler & Solomiany, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 1 
    3:20 PM – 4:20 PM   Student Loan Repayment in 2024 and Beyond
    Meagan McGuire, Senior Advisor, Student Loan Planner, Durham, NC

    LOCATION:  YLD PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || SMARTBAR SESSION
    3:20 PM – 4:20 PM    Unbillable Brilliance: Monetizing Your Legal Knowledge Online (Virtual) 
    Sonia Lakhany, Managing Trademark Attorney, Lakhany Law, PC; Founder, 4L Education, Inc., Atlanta, GA

    LOCATION:  PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE SESSION
    3:20 PM – 4:20 PM     AI in Legal: Leveraging AI for Document Review, Creation, and Management
    Aaron Fritz, Legal Technology Consultant, Inertia Legal, Gainesville, GA 

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE  A
    4:25 PM – 5:25 PM   PLENARY  | 60 Tips, Gadgets, Sites in 60 Minutes
    Moderator:
    Nkoyo Effiong Lewis, Director    ,  Law Practice Management Program, State Bar of Georgia |     Program Sponsor, 
     Atlanta, GA 
    ​
    Panelists:
    ​Sheila Baldwin, Member Benefits Coordinator, Law Practice Management Program, State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta, GA
    Brett Burney, Vice President / eDiscovery Consulting, Nextpoint Law Group, Phoenix, AZ
    Regina I. Edwards, Owner & Managing Attorney, Edwards Family Law, Lawrenceville, GA 
    Aaron Fritz, Legal Technology Consultant, Inertia Legal, Gainesville, GA 
    Dr. Felix Hernandez, CIO, All American Technology Solutions Group/Felix Hern Speaks, Atlanta, GA 
    Matthew "Matt" Wetherington, Founding Attorney, Wetherington Law Firm, PC, Atlanta, GA
    ​
    5:25 PM   Recess

    LOCATION:  ROOM A FOYER
    5:30 PM – 6:30 PM   NETWORKING RECEPTION PRESENTED BY CHEF LOUIE WITH SERENDIPITY
    Sponsored by Clio, Platinum Sponsor

schedule | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 | DAY 2
  • LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM
    7:00 AM – 8:00 AM   Professionalism Continental Breakfast 
    ​Sponsored by Filevine, Silver Sponsor 

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A
    7:50 AM – 8:00 AM   Greetings from the State Bar
    Rebecca A. Hall, ICLE Assistant Director, State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A
    8:00 AM – 9:00 AM   PLENARY | Professionalism and Succession Planning
    (Provides Professionalism Credit)
    Moderator:
    Karen Brown Williams, Founding Partner, The Williams Firm, P.C.    , Sandy Springs, GA 
      
    Panelists:
    Stanley E. Foster, Senior Partner, Hollowell, Foster & Herring, PC, Atlanta, GA 
    James D. Hogan, Partner, Hogan & Stoye Law Group, Marietta, GA 
    ​
    LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM
    9:00 AM - 9:25 AM  EXHIBIT HALL BREAK 
    This is the time to find solutions for your practice: automation, marketing, trust accounting, client acquisition, to name a few.
    Sponsored by 8​am™ LawPay and 8am™ MyCase, Friends Sponsor
    ​​
    BREAK OUT SESSIONS (Please choose one)
    ​
    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A  
    9:25 AM – 10:25 AM   Human Intelligence: Marketing That Leverages AI and Really Connects with People 
    April Roberts, Co-Founder, NOMOS Marketing, Mount Pleasant, SC
    Tyler Roberts, Co-Founder, NOMOS Marketing, Mount Pleasant, SC

    LOCATION:  ROOM 5 
    9:25 AM – 10:25 AM   AI Meets the Law
    Yuri Eliezer, Managing Partner and Intellectual Property Practice Group Chair, Founders Legal Bekiares, LLP, Atlanta, GA 
    Melanie Lane, Associate Attorney,     Founders Legal Bekiares, LLP, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 3 
    9:25 AM  – 10:25 AM   Bankruptcy Basics for the Non-Bankruptcy Lawyer
    Shayna Steinfeld, President & CEO, Steinfeld & Steinfeld, PC, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 1 
    9:25 – 10:25 AM   IOLTA Trust Account Management
    T. Jayden Doyé, CPA, Prestige Accounting & Consulting, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  YLD PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || SMARTBAR SESSION
    9:25 AM – 10:25 AM   Professionalism in the Digital Age: How to Manage Your Online Presence and Build Trust Across Digital Channels
    Sam Molloy, Marketing Specialist, Levitate, Raleigh, NC

    LOCATION:  PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE SESSION
    9:25 AM – 10:25 AM   Generative AI for Small Law Firms: Practical Tools, Real Impact
    Nicole "Niki" Black, Principal Legal Insight Strategist, Sponsored by 8​am™ LawPay and 8am™ MyCase, Friends Sponsor, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE  A
    10:30 AM – 11:30 AM   PLENARY  | Regulating AI and Legal Tech Innovations 
    Moderator:
    Nkoyo-Ene Effiong Lewis, Director, Law Practice Management Program, State Bar of Georgia, Program Sponsor, Atlanta, GA 

    ​Panelists:
    Kimberly Y. Bennett    , Founding Attorney, Fidu, Atlanta, GA 
    Yuri Eliezer, Managing Partner and Intellectual Property Practice Group Chair, Founders Legal Bekiares, LLP, Atlanta, GA 
    Paula Frederick, Former General Counsel, State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta, GA 
    Andreea Morrison, Deputy General Counsel, State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta, GA 

    BREAK OUT SESSIONS (Please choose one)

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A  
    11:35 AM – 12:35 PM   Optimizing Law Firm Operations with Artificial Intelligence
    Cynthia Thomas, Owner, PLMC & Associates, Newbury Park, CA

    LOCATION:  ROOM 5 
    11:35 AM – 12:35 PM   Modern Options for Staffing Solo/Small Firms
    Traci A. Weiss, Owner, Weiss Family Law, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 3
    11:35 AM – 12:35 PM   Building and Defending Brands: The Essential IP Toolkit for Legal Professionals
    Olamide Imoukhuede, Founding Attorney, OMI Legal, LLC, Atlanta, GA and New York, NY

    LOCATION:  ROOM 1 
    11:35 AM – 12:35 PM Running an Estate Planning Practice
    Thua G. Barlay, Partner, Lueder Larkin & Hunter, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  YLD PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || LIVE/SMARTBAR SESSION
    11:35 AM – 12:35 PM Standard Accounting Principles for Law Firms    
    Samantha Kirkpatrick, CPA, Bookkeeping Done Virtually, LLC, Bronze Sponsor, Woodstock, GA 
    ​
    LOCATION:  PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE SESSION
    11:35 AM – 12:35 PM  Too Busy to Market? How AI Can Help You Stand Out Without Burning Out 
    Marc Apple    , Founder and Partner, Forward Push Law Firm Marketing, Atlanta, GA 
  • LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM
    12:40 PM - 1:20 PM  EXHIBITORS' FAREWELL LUNCH AND PASSPORT TO PRIZES BINGO RAFFLE*
    Sponsored by Milestone Reporting Company, Gold Sponsor
    *Must be present to win.

    BREAK OUT SESSIONS (Please choose one)

    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A  
    1:20 PM – 2:20 PM  Law Firm Levels: Rethink, Refocus, and Rise 
    Stephanie Everett, Chief Growth Officer, Lawyerist / Affinity Consulting, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 5
    1:20 PM – 2:20 PM    Turn $100 into $280 (or More) with Remote Associates
    Kristin Tyler, Co-Founder, LAWCLERK, Las Vegas, NV
    ​
    LOCATION:  ROOM 3 
    1:20 PM – 2:20 PM    Immigration Issue Spotting and the Practice of Law
    Dara Berger Morris, Partner, Acker Berger Immigration Law, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 1 
    1:20 PM – 2:20 PM    Boundaries, Balance, and Being the Boss* 
    R. Javoyne Hicks, Executive Committee Treasurer and Chair of the Attorney Wellness Committee, State Bar of Georgia | CEO, Magnifying Synergy LLC

    LOCATION:  YLD PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || SMARTBAR/LIVE SESSION
    1:20 PM – 2:20 PM    Transitioning into Flat Fee Billing
    T. Jayden Doyé, CPA, Prestige Accounting & Consulting, Atlanta, GA 
    ​
    LOCATION:  PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE SESSION
    1:20 PM – 2:20 PM   A Blueprint for Eliminating Law Firm Inefficiencies
    Alvaro A. Arauz, Founder, 3a. law management, Atlanta, GA 

    BREAK OUT SESSIONS (Please choose one)
    ​
    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A  
    2:25 PM – 3:25 PM  Mobile Ethics: How to Ensure Your Mobile Practice is Secure and Protected
    Brett Burney, Vice President / eDiscovery Consultant, Nextpoint Law Group, Phoenix, AZ

    LOCATION:  ROOM 5
    2:25 PM – 3:25 PM   Cybersecurity for Lawyers: Risk Managing Your Practice and Ethical Obligations
    Wilson Joseph    , CEO, Level3MD, LLC, Dacula, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 3  
    2:25 PM – 3:25 PM   Locker Room to Law Firm: How Innovative Lawyers Lead the Legal Offense in the NIL Game
    Ellakisha O'Kelley,     Principal Attorney, Scire De Jure Legal Firm, LLC, Riverdale, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 1 
    2:25 PM – 3:25 PM   Productizing Legal Services: Create and Sell Digital Content, Subscription Services, Workshops
    Stephanie Everett, Chief Growth Officer, Lawyerist, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  YLD PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || SMARTBAR/LIVE SESSION
    2:25 PM – 3:25 PM     The 6 Financial Reports Every Law Firm Should be Using in 2025 
    Matt Orlinsky, Senior Practice Management Specialist, PracticePanther, Miami, FL
    Kin Moroney, Practice Management Specialist,  PracticePanther, Miami, FL

    BREAK OUT SESSIONS (Please choose one)
    ​​
    LOCATION:  CONFERENCE A 
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM    Innovating Your Work-Life Blend: Wellness Considerations & Practical Strategies*
    Moderator:
    Michelle Urbani Wallace, Counsel and Founding Owner, Advantage Law Firm, Atlanta, GA 
    ​
    Panelists: 
    Jeremy Burnette,     Partner, Healthcare, Akerman, LLP, Atlanta, GA 
    Caitlin S. Colley,     Of Counsel, Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele, LLP, Marietta, GA 
    ​
    LOCATION:  ROOM 5 
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM    Build a Brand That Books Clients: Personal Branding for Entrepreneurial Lawyers
    Olamide Imoukhuede, Founding Attorney, OMI Legal, LLC, Atlanta, GA and New York, NY
    ​
    LOCATION:  ROOM 3 
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM   Data Privacy Essentials: What Every Lawyer Must Know in the AI Era
    Jason Loring, Partner, Jones Walker, LLP, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  ROOM 1 
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM    Introduction to VLex Fastcase: Your Free Legal Research Benefit
    Thomas "T.J." Diggins, vLex Fastcase, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  YLD PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM || SMARTBAR/LIVE SESSION
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM     Replace the B-U-S-Y with AI (and Automation) 
    Katherine "Kate" Bell, Affinity Partnerships Manager, Clio, Platinum Sponsor, Atlanta, GA 

    LOCATION:  PRESIDENTS BOARDROOM 
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM    Modernizing Your Tech Stack
    Whitney Swain, Enterprise Sales Engineer, Filevine, Silver Sponsor, Salt Lake City, UT

    LOCATION:  AUDITORIUM
    4:35 PM - 4:45 PM      CONFERENCE WRAP UP 
    Program Staff, State Bar of Georgia, Law Practice Management Program, Atlanta, GA 

    4:35 PM    Adjourn

    *Promoting balance and resilience among lawyers aligns with the State Bar's mission to enhance the quality of legal services.