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404-527-8773
104 Marietta Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | DAY 1 |
Times, sessions, and speakers are subject to change. |
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7:00 - 9:00 AM
conference & exhibit hall setup
9:00 - 9:30 AM
BREAKFAST & CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
9:30 - 9:40 AM
Welcome & Institute Kickoff NKOYO EFFIONG LEWIS, PROGRAM CHAIR STATE BAR OF GEORGIA LAW PRACTICE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, ATLANTA, GA
9:45 - 10:45 AM | opening plenary
Get Better on Purpose: Thriving and Courageous Decision-Making Paul Knowlton, Partner EMERITUS, Stanton Law LLC, Atlanta, GA
10:50 - 11:50 AM | breakout sessions (choose one)
Select from one of the options below.
This presentation will teach solo and small practice managers how to build a scalable law practice business that they can detach themselves from as needed. Far too many solo and small practitioners are responsible for every function of their practice. As a result, they are overworked, stressed, and, quite frankly, do not provide service at the level of excellence representative of their capabilities. This presentation will teach attendees how to define operational and service functions in a way that will permit delegation and training of employees to empower them to work autonomously.
Most lawyer marketing sounds the same—and adding AI can make it sound even less human. Attorney and brand strategist Bianca Jordan shows lawyers how to flip the script by using AI to amplify, not replace, their authentic voice. Learn how to create client-focused content that sounds like you, connects with the people you want to serve, and avoids that unmistakable chatbot feel. Perfect for lawyers who have tried AI for marketing, hated the results, and assumed the em-dashes were the problem.
Discover how AI, automation, CRMs, e-signatures, intake, scheduling, and document management tools can transform an overwhelmed practice into a more efficient virtual firm. Learn practical ways to streamline workflows, improve client service, reduce administrative demands, and build smarter systems you can put to work immediately.
Discover how AI can help transform an overwhelmed practice into an Intelligent Firm. Through real-world examples, learn practical ways to streamline repetitive tasks, improve workflows, reduce administrative burden, and create more time for high-value legal work—without losing the personal client experience.
SILVER SPONSOR
Manual compliance workflows can create time-consuming administrative challenges and introduce small process gaps that may lead to significant compliance risks. Learn how your firm can strengthen its compliance processes, reduce risk, and improve operational efficiency. Key takeaways include: ✔ Identifying workflow gaps that can trigger trust accounting violations, even in otherwise compliant firms. ✔ Implementing process improvements that keep billing, payments, and trust accounting workflows aligned and compliant. ✔ Exploring the features prompting firms to move away from disconnected, generic solutions and adopt integrated compliance-focused systems. Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical strategies for protecting your firm and streamlining compliance management. 11:50 AM - 12:55 PM | lunch & exhibit hall crawl | sponsored by:
Lunch Sponsored by: [SPONSOR LOGO] 1:00 - 2:00 PM | breakout sessions (choose one)
Select from one of the options below.
What if your law practice supported your life instead of competing with it? Discover how to build and operate a successful virtual law firm that increases flexibility, streamlines operations, and improves work-life integration without sacrificing profitability or professionalism. Learn practical strategies for leveraging technology, optimizing workflows, reducing overhead, and creating a practice that allows you to focus on both your clients and what matters most. Whether you're launching a new firm or reimagining an existing one, this session will provide actionable insights to help you move from overwhelmed to optimized.
From financial statements to KPIs, from compensation to budgets, learn what smart law firms are doing to optimize their firm finances. Let's take the chaos out of your cash flow and insert predictability into your financial statements.
AI is already changing family law practice—but using it effectively requires knowing where it helps, where it can fail, and where ethical responsibilities remain firmly with the lawyer. This practical session explores real-world AI workflows for discovery, financial records, deficiency letters, parenting plans, and more. Attendees will learn how to verify AI-generated work, protect confidentiality, maintain professional responsibility, and avoid common pitfalls. Participants will also receive practical resources, including an AI-use policy, engagement letter addendum, and verification checklist. 2:05 - 3:05 PM | breakout sessions (choose one)
Select from one of the options below.
Strong policies and procedures can turn a chaotic practice into a more organized, efficient, and scalable firm. This practical session covers essential systems for client intake and conflicts, file management, deadlines and docket control, trust accounts, staff roles, and delegation. Attendees will identify gaps in their current processes and begin creating policies and procedures they can put to work in their firms right away.
What does it take to attract—and successfully represent—high-profile clients? Nationally recognized family lawyer Randy Kessler shares lessons from representing athletes, celebrities, executives, and public officials during complex family matters. Drawing from real-world experience, he’ll explore the unique expectations, relationships, pressures, and challenges that come with high-profile representation—and what lawyers can learn from serving clients when the stakes, personalities, and scrutiny are anything but ordinary.
Kerri-Ann Griggs
Partner Alston and Bird | Atlanta, GA Overview of major changes in immigration law under the new administration and what it means for employers, HR and talent acquisition managers.
Are your marketing efforts working together to drive results? In this practical session, marketing strategist Lorrie Thomas shares a proven framework to help firms evaluate marketing performance, identify gaps, and make smarter decisions about where to invest time and resources. Learn how to simplify marketing, strengthen visibility and credibility, better manage vendors and initiatives, and build systems that support long-term growth. Leave with actionable strategies to improve business development, build client trust, and maximize the impact of your marketing efforts. 3:05 - 3:15 PM | exhibit hall networking break | sponsored by:
3:20 - 4:20 PM | breakout sessions (choose one)
Select from one of the options below.
Learn practical strategies for turning an idea into a sustainable business—even with limited resources. Explore starting lean, managing costs, building credibility, attracting clients, setting prices, managing risk, and creating a strong foundation for growth.
Stop guessing with your pricing! In this interactive 1-hour session, you'll create a strategic, profitable flat fee service list tailored to your firm's goals. Gain confidence and clarity as you design a pricing plan that aligns with your objectives, helping you streamline your services and boost profitability for long-term success.
Samuel J. Gowin
Founder & Managing Attorney Gowin Law, LLC | Ringgold, GA Real estate is usually the most valuable asset in an estate, and heirs often want to sell it quickly. Georgia probate law offers several useful, if tricky, ways to get that done. This session covers the certificate of year's support, the petition for no administration necessary, and the title standards governing the sale of estate property. It also addresses why families need a plan for long-held property — and the mess that heirs' property so often creates when they don't.
Holly Geerdes
Founding Attorney Estate Law Center USA | Alpharetta, GA Artificial Intelligence is changing the legal profession, but how can attorneys use it ethically and effectively? Through practical demonstrations and real-world examples, this session provides a clear framework for leveraging AI to improve drafting, research, client communication, and firm efficiency while maintaining professional responsibility and protecting client confidentiality. 4:25 - 5:25 PM | plenary
future of law (ethics)
5:30 - 6:30 PM | take charge! networking open bar reception
presented by chef louie of serendipity | SPONSORED BY CLIO After a full day of learning, join us for the Take Charge! Networking Reception and After Party, sponsored by Clio. Connect with fellow attorneys, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors while enjoying complimentary drinks, great conversation, and Chef Louie's famous spread. With a Mystery DJ and a relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect opportunity to build new connections, exchange ideas, and continue the conversation beyond the classroom. Don't miss one of the conference's most popular events on Thursday evening!
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CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
Our breakout sessions are organized into four tracks to help you focus on what matters most to your practice. 
LAUNCH
CONFERENCE ROOM A For lawyers starting, building, or strengthening a practice through better marketing, operations, risk management, and client development. 
LEVERAGE
ROOM 3 Designed for lawyers who want to streamline operations, boost profitability, and build a stronger, more successful practice. 
LEARN
PRESIDENT'S BOARDROOM For lawyers seeking practical insights, substantive legal knowledge, and innovative strategies to better serve clients and grow their practices. 
LEAD
ROOM 1 For lawyers who want to lead through innovation, technology, business development, and strategic practice management. 
SHOWCASE
See It. Experience It. Get Inspired. YLD PRESIDENT'S BOARDROOM See innovation in action. The Showcase puts practical solutions, emerging technologies, and fresh ideas front and center through engaging demonstrations and real-world applications designed for today's law practice. 
AI SKILLS LAB
Learn It. Try It. Put it to Work. ROOM 5 Go beyond talking about AI-starting using it. The AI Skills Lab is an interactive, hands-on learning experience where attendees build practical AI skills, explore real-world workflows, and learn techniques they can put to work immediately. |
NETWORKING RECEPTIONpresented by Chef Louie of Serendipity
CONNECT • UNWIND • BUILD RELATIONSHIPS •
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After a full day of learning, join us for the Take Charge! Networking Reception and After Party, sponsored by Clio. Connect with fellow attorneys, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors while enjoying complimentary drinks, great conversation, and Chef Louie's famous spread. With a Mystery DJ and a relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect opportunity to build new connections, exchange ideas, and continue the conversation beyond the classroom. Don't miss one of the conference's most popular events on Thursday evening!
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TIME AND DATE SEPT. 17 5:30 - 6:30 PM 
LOCATION CONFERENCE ROOM A FOYER State Bar of Georgia Conference Center |
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CONNECTMeet and build relationships with solo and small lawyers from across Georgia.
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MINGLEVisit with speakers, exhibitors, and conference sponsors.
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UNWINDEnjoy refreshments after a full day of learning and networking.
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NETWORKING RECEPTION
SPONSORED BY |
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Thank you, Clio, for supporting the Take Charge! community.
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