For this week’s blog post, I am highlighting a yearly legal conference for Wisconsin Lawyers to engage in a multi-day event offering breakout sessions, dine-arounds, plenaries, and networking opportunities, with options for both in-person attendance and virtual participation: The Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference.
The State Bar of Wisconsin’s WSSFC provides opportunities to earn numerous credits of CLE’s, network with attorneys in the community, learn about different legal resources by visiting different exhibitor tables, and of course, enjoy the waterpark! As a young attorney, attending a conference that is filled with attorneys from different small law firms and different practice areas is a truly valuable experience. One of the most valuable aspects of WSSFC is the opportunity to connect with attorneys who practice in areas different from your own. These conversations offer fresh perspectives, practical insights, and sometimes even solutions to challenges you may encounter in our own practice.
Learning about unfamiliar practice areas through conversations with fellow attorneys is an invaluable experience. It also provides an opportunity to gain new perspectives and reinforce our knowledge in our own areas of practice. Ahead of time, the daily schedule is available for attorneys to glance at and decide which CLE’s will be most valuable to them. It’s safe to say there is a lot of learning that happens at the WSSFC! However, while earning CLE credits is an important part of attending, some of the most meaningful takeaways come from the conversations that happen between sessions. Whether it is exchanging practice tips, discussing a recent legal development, or learning how another firm approaches a common challenge, there is plenty to gain outside the formal presentations.
With back-to-back CLE’s, networking lunches, raffles, and dessert breaks, it sometimes feels like you are in a “bubble.” Since the conference takes place on two weekdays, it is not entirely possible to disconnect from clients, time-sensitive matters, or family, but there are opportunities to disconnect… to focus on learning and networking. Although stepping away from the office can be challenging, investing time in professional development is an important part of building a sustainable legal practice. Taking a break from our usual routine allows us to return with new ideas, helpful resources, and a unique perspective.
Ultimately, the Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference offers much more than CLE credits. It creates an opportunity to learn from fellow attorneys, build meaningful professional relationships, and discover resources that can make everyday practice a little easier. For young attorneys, these experiences are especially valuable as we continue to develop our skills, find our place in the legal community, and learn from those who have been practicing for years. And if we can accomplish all of that while enjoying a little time at the waterpark, that is definitely a bonus!