WALA's Annual Conference of Education - June 10 - La Crosse, WI
June 10, 2026
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
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Radisson Hotel and La Crosse Center
La Crosse, WI
Directions
Join us for WALA's Annual Conference of Education. We'll be tagging along with the State Bar of Wisconsin's Annual Meeting and Conference. You'll have the option to register for WALA Wednesday on June 10th and/or extend your time in La Crosse by attending the entire Annual Meeting and Conference on Thursday and Friday.
Registration Details
- Home2Suites: 608-881-6666 (2 minute walk)
- Fairfield Inn: 608-782-1491 (6 minute walk)
- Courtyard by Marriott: 608-782-1000 (6 minute walk)
*No contracted rates are available at these hotels — standard rates apply.
- WALA Wednesday Only Registration $125
- WALA Member Conference Registration $100
- WALA Members are reimbursed $100 for their registration fees after attending the conference. Please be sure you are logged in to the State Bar's website when registering to receive the discount rates.
- WALA Non-Members can register for WALA Wednesday only for $125 by calling State Bar of Wisconsin's Customer Service at (608) 257-3838 or (800) 728-7788.
WALA Wednesday
June 10, 2026
Agenda
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Legal Guidelines for Employee Termination: Ensuring Compliance and Minimizing Risk
Terminating an employee involves navigating a complex landscape of legal requirements and potential liabilities. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal do's and don'ts when terminating an employee. Attendees will learn about critical aspects such as adhering to employment laws, avoiding wrongful termination claims, documenting performance issues, and conducting termination meetings in a legally compliant manner. By understanding and implementing these legal guidelines, employers can minimize risks and ensure a fair and lawful termination process.
Participants will explore best practices for documenting performance issues, conducting lawful and respectful termination meetings, and avoiding common pitfalls that lead to wrongful termination, retaliation, or
discrimination claims. The session will also address final pay obligations, benefits continuation, unemployment considerations, and post-termination communications.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify legally defensible reasons for termination and proper documentation practices
- Understand federal and state employment law considerations related to employee separation
- Learn effective communication strategies for termination meetings
- Reduce legal exposure through consistent and compliant termination procedures
CLM: Human Resources Management
CLE: Employment Law
Presenter
Attorney Colin H. Hargreaves
Ogletree Deakins Minneapolis
Colin is of counsel in the Minneapolis office of Ogletree Deakins, where he counsels employers on a wide range of employment law matters and represents clients in administrative proceedings and civil litigation. He earned his J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, receiving Dean’s List honors multiple times and gaining hands-on litigation experience through moot court and clinical work, including arguing a motion before a Federal Bankruptcy Judge, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. Colin began his career handling employee-side employment litigation before transitioning to employer-side practice at a large regional defense firm, giving him a unique, well-rounded perspective he brings to every representation. Known as a resourceful subject matter expert and passionate advocate, Colin is committed to helping employers navigate complex employment issues and achieve positive results. Outside the office, he enjoys exploring Minnesota, cooking, learning the game of Go, and spending time with his significant other and puppy.
1:45 - 2:45 pm
Finance 101: Understanding Law Firm Financials for Administrators and Attorneys
Financial literacy is essential to the long-term health of any law firm. This session demystifies law firm financials and equips both legal administrators and attorneys with the foundational knowledge needed to make informed business decisions.
Attendees will gain a practical understanding of financial statements, trust accounting basics, budgeting, cash flow management, and key performance indicators used to measure firm profitability. The session also explores how billing practices, collections, and expense management directly impact a firm’s bottom line.
Learning Objectives:
- Interpret basic financial statements, including profit and loss and balance sheets
- Understand law firm revenue structures, expenses, and cash flow challenges
- Learn budgeting and forecasting fundamentals
- Recognize financial red flags and opportunities for improved profitability
CLM: Financial Management
CLE: Law Practice Management / Business of Law
Presenters:
Attorney Robb Evans
DeWitt LLP
Robb is a Partner in DeWitt’s Business practice group who advises clients on a wide range of business and real estate matters. He frequently serves as outside general counsel and has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, corporate governance, contract drafting and negotiation, and business succession planning. Robb also represents clients in commercial and residential real estate transactions and leasing and regularly negotiates land use approvals with municipalities and easement agreements between landowners.
Kathy Pline, VP of Operations
DeWitt LLP
Kathy oversees the firm’s operations leadership and works closely with the DeWitt’s President and the Executive Committee. She is responsible for guiding the firm’s accounting and finance teams, information technology, facilities management, legal resource administration, research and intelligence, human resources, and firm relations, while also facilitating process improvements, strategic growth initiatives, and serving as a trusted advisor in business and client development efforts. With more than 25 years of diverse leadership experience, Kathy brings a strong background in team leadership and operational integrity, along with expertise in GAAP accounting, strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, treasury management, operations enhancement, human resources guidance, and client business development.
AI in the Law Firm: Ethical Rules, Risk Management, and Fee Agreement Considerations
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming legal practice—but its use raises critical ethical and professional responsibility concerns. This session examines how AI tools intersect with attorney ethics rules, confidentiality obligations, supervision duties, and client fee agreements.
Participants will explore real-world scenarios involving AI-assisted research, drafting, and administrative tools, with a focus on compliance with professional conduct rules. The session will also address transparency with clients, updating engagement agreements, billing considerations, and risk mitigation strategies for firms adopting AI technology.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand ethical obligations related to AI use under professional conduct rules
- Identify risks related to confidentiality, competence, and supervision
- Learn best practices for addressing AI use in engagement and fee agreements
- Develop firm policies to implement AI tools responsibly
CLM: Technology & Risk Management
CLE: Legal Ethics / Professional Responsibility
Presenter
Attorney Christopher Shattuck
Christopher Shattuck is the Program Director and Legal Studies/Paralegal Program Instructor at Madison College. Previously, he managed a department and litigated cases for a creditor's rights firm in Milwaukee. He then dedicated nearly six years to the State Bar of Wisconsin as the Law Practice Assistance Manager. During this time, he provided over two thousand consultations, authored more than fifty published articles, and delivered over one hundred presentations, all focused on practice management, technology, and their ethical implications. He earned his undergraduate and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and completed his Juris Doctor at the University of La Verne College of Law in Southern California.
WALA Social 4:00 - 6:00 pm
This educational and social event is possible due to WALA's Supportive Business Partners
