MDLA Rising Leader Summit

September 3, 2026 -12:00 – 6:00pm

COST: $100 Member / $125 Non-Member

Hotel Crosby, Stillwater

Program Co-Chairs: Ryan Paukert (Larson King), Nick Rauch (Larson King),  and Michael Vetter 

This half-day seminar is specifically designed to provide your associate attorneys with the foundational knowledge, skill, and relationships to become future leaders in practice and within your law firm. Our programming provides insight from past MDLA presidents on how to best utilize your MDLA and DRI memberships, and current partner level attorneys will discuss how to demonstrate leadership and learn how to develop business. We will also end the program with a “speed networking” event where attendees will meet and engage with fellow MDLA members. Your associate attorneys will not want to miss this full day event!

• 12:30pm – 1:00pm – Pick up Boxed Lunch

• 1:00pm – Start/Remarks – President Cally Kjellberg-Nelson & Young Lawyers Chair & Planning Chair (Ryan)

• 1:15pm – 2:00pm: From Associate to Partner: Navigating the next levels in practice
  • Speaker 1: Christine Chapman (Arthur Chapman)
  • Speaker 2: Kelly Magnus (Nilan Johnson)

• 2:00pm – 2:10pm: Break

• 2:10pm – 2:55pm: Business Development 101: Putting relationships to work
  • *Vendor presentation
  • Speaker 1: TBD  (Vendor)
  • Speaker 2: Theo Loukos (Digistream)
  • Speaker 3: TBD (Vendor)

• 2:55pm – 3:05pm: Break

• 3:05pm – 3:50pm: Effective and Proactive Communication: Judges, Attorneys, Clients…Oh My!
  • Speaker 1: Nick Rauch (Larson King)
  • Speaker 2: Rich Scattergood (Tomsche)

• 3:50pm – 4:00pm: Break

• 4:00pm – 4:45pm: Law Firm Life: Unfiltered
  • Speaker 1: Liz Brotton (Foley)
  • Speaker 2: Tammy Reno (Nilan Johnson)
  • Speaker 3: Lauren Nuffort (Lommen Abdo)

• 5:00pm – Happy Hour (Sponsored by Digistream)

• 6:00pm – Dinner

Hotel Crosby space is limited to 32 attendees. Admission will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration opening soon!

Hotel Room Block:   Book by calling Hotel Crosby and Mention MDLA Young Lawyer Event. 651-967-7100. Block expires August 20, 2026