Convention

 
 

Uniting Lawyers

Join us as we unite in Whistler for an excellent lineup of speakers, connecting with fellow members, and fun.
(Check back for updates as more information becomes available.)

9 WSBA CLE Credits Pending
 

Thursday, July 10, 2025

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Finding your passion, building a practice, and understanding law-firm economics Moderator: Monica Marks, Preg O'Donnell & Gillett Panelists: Erin Seeberger, deMaine Seeberger PLLC Kelsey Shewbert, HWS Law Group Rachel Reynolds, Wilson Elser Jonathan Hode, Gascon & Associates L.L.P. Frontenac Ballroom

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception Sponsored by the WDTL Past Presidents Woodlands Terrace

Kids’ Activities Algonquin

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Past Presidents' Party

Friday, July 11, 2025

7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast & Exhibitor Showcase Frontenac Ballroom C

7:30 – 12:30 p.m.

Core Sponsor Exhibit Area Open

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sharpening your legal writing and oral advocacy Moderator: Sidney C. Tribe, Carney Badley Spellman Panelists: Judge Beth Andrus (retired), Washington Court of Appeals, Division I Judge Rebecca Glasgow, Washington Court of Appeals, Division II Judge Megan Murphy, Washington Court of Appeals, Division III

Fireside chat with five WDTL past presidents Moderator: Michael Rhodes, Mix Sanders Thompson Panelists: Mike Nicefaro (retired), Washington State Attorney General’s Office Lori O’Tool, Preg O’Donnell & Gillett Jeff Tilden, Gordon Tilden Thomas Cordell Rachel Reynolds, Wilson Elser

Supersedeas bonds 101: Staying enforcement of judgments, injunctions, and everything in between Dan Huckabay, Commercial Surety Bond Agency Rory Cosgrove, Carney Badley Spellman

12:30 p.m.

Golf Tournament

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

President's Party Honoring Erin Seeberger

Saturday, July 12, 2025

7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast & Exhibitor Showcase Frontenac Ballroom C

7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Core Sponsor Exhibit Area Open

8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Stress management and lawyer empowerment Kirsten Meneghello, Illumination Coaching

Keynote Speakers (DRI)   Lessons in Leadership from Ted Lasso   Presented by Laura Emmett, SBA Lawyers, and Elizabeth Brotten, Foley Mansfield   Explore the future of leadership from a unique and entertaining perspective, focusing on how we can apply the leadership approach of the entertaining sports comedy, Ted Lasso, to our workplaces. We will delve into how Ted’s “be a good person, respect others, and judge no one” philosophy can help your organization not just survive, but thrive, in changing and challenging times. This presentation will include entertaining examples from Lasso, the fictional English soccer coach, and share the top ten ways organizations can apply Lasso’s unique style to build success and satisfaction.   Laura Emmett is a Partner at SBA Lawyers in London, Ontario. She has a diverse practice where she focuses on bodily injury claims, cyber liability, and privacy law. She is the co-author of an annual publication, “The Annotated Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.” Laura is a Past President of the Canadian Defence Lawyers and was the youngest person to hold the position. Presently, she is a Bencher for the Law Society of Ontario, which governs all lawyers and paralegals in the Province.   Elizabeth Brotten is a Partner in Foley Mansfield’s Minneapolis office, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and chair of the firm’s Products Liability practice group. She defends clients in product liability and toxic tort cases throughout the United States. She currently serves as President of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association.

Insurance bad faith and IFCA litigation 101 in Washington and Oregon Moderator: M. Colleen Barrett, Barrett Mediation Group Panelists: Lloyd Bernstein, Bullivant Houser Ryan Hesselgesser, Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S. Seth Row, Stoel Rives LLP

Discovery gone bad: best practices for managing discovery and avoiding sanctions Kim Reppart, Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S. Ashley Nagrodski, Smith Freed Eberhard Kelsey Shewbert, HWS Law Group Natalie Heineman, Larson Health Advocates

6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Awards Dinner Frontenac Ballroom

Kids’ Activities Algonquin

Sunday, July 13, 2025

11:00 a.m.

Hotel Check-out Time

 

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WDTL invites our Law Firm partners to sponsor the Convention. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Maggie Sweeney at maggie@wdtl.org.  

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Thank You WDTL Core Sponsors!