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Cell Phones Are the New DNA: The Emerging Role of Mobile Device Forensics in Wrongful Conviction Exonerations - John Carney, Carney Forensics

New evidence produced from testing and using new, innovative technology can open the door to judicial action for wrongful conviction review and exonerations. For decades DNA testing was the most popular and effective example of new technology. Now mobile device forensics is emerging as an effective alternative to watch or even the most promising form of new evidence, because of its speed of technology innovation and adoption, also its support of a diversified number of proof vectors as compared to DNA. The hypothesis or proposition of this presentation centers on how new technology and rapidly changing methods and tools provide a steady stream of opportunities for the Innocence Project, appellate public defenders, and private criminal defense attorneys to recover exonerating evidence in wrongful conviction challenges using advanced mobile device forensic science.

Introduction to M&A - Emily Faber-Densley, Energizer & Patty Meagher, 3M Company

Join Emily Faber-Densley & Patty Meagher, a lawyer & paralegal duo, who have worked nearly a decade together on M&A matters at 3M. This presentation will overview:

• Transaction structures for acquisitions and divestitures – including stock, asset, and mergers;
• Stages of a transaction – including confidentiality agreements, due diligence, agreement negotiations, signing, and closing; and
• Functional teams involved in an M&A transaction at a company and law firm.

We will also highlight how paralegals can provide excellent support of M&A transaction – from the very early stages to integration – drawing on our years of experience working together.

Recent Developments in Intellectual Property Law - Terrance Newby, Maslon LLP

This presentation will cover recent case law and proposed statutory and administrative developments that affect intellectual property owners, and businesses.

Current Status and Changes in Minnesota's Cannabis Law - Carol Moss, Hellmuth & Johnson

Cannabis law in Minnesota is changing by the minute. We will take a look at where we are with cannabis in Minnesota and what we can expect in the future.

Digital Evidence, Cyber Threat Awareness, and Creative Strategies for Managing Risk - Mark Lanterman, Computer Forensic Services

Ransomware. Spear phishing. The “insider” threat. Organizations and firms face a myriad of cyber threats that come with ample amounts of risk. From reputational damage to financial losses, the possible costs of a cyber attack or data breach can be challenging to quantify—and mitigate. Mark Lanterman, Chief Technology Officer of Computer Forensic Services, will discuss latest trends in our cyber landscape including topics such as the Dark Web, doxxing, ransomware, and the role of the human element in making or breaking a strong security culture. Mark will provide practical suggestions for improving cybersecurity postures with proactive and reactive strategies, as well as ethical considerations for managing data and assets. Additionally, Mark will demonstrate the value of leveraging digital evidence and ESI in the courtroom.

Emoji: The Hidden Risks - Eric Parish, JD, CIGO, IGP, Trustpoint.One

The percentage of the connected population utilizing emoji in the workplace has increased from 33% in 2016 to 77%+ today. More than 26 million custom emoji have been created in Slack and the use of emoji in Teams is universal, revolutionizing the way we communicate. Inevitably these communications are discoverable and require review for relevance and production. This session gives an overview of the challenges and risks associated with emoji (including case law) and provides practical solutions for the problems emoji present.

Conducting Effective Internal Investigations - Jillian Kornblatt, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, & Courtney DaCosta, 3M Company

This dialogue will review key practices in conducting effective and defensible internal investigations of employee allegations, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower claims. We will discuss practical tips for overcoming some of the thorniest issues companies face in conducting internal investigations. The panelists will also discuss current trends and hot topics, such as the latest developments on how to maintain privilege during internal investigations.

Minnesota Sexual Assault Kits & Policy 101 - Em Westerlund, MNCASA

This presentation will provide an overview of the most common issues that arise for victim-survivors of sexual assault following a forensic medical exam. Attendees will learn about the components of a sexual assault kit, frequent billing errors or problems, minor consent to medical forensic exams, and recent public policy changes that impact how sexual assault kits are tracked.

Unique Data Types - Brandon Rimnac & Matt Samet, TransPerfect Legal Solutions

No longer limited to email and network shares, it is increasingly common that mobile devices, or applications such as Microsoft Teams™ and Slack™, are used daily by corporations big and small for important business decisions. 

Collecting and reviewing text messages and other “short message format” (SMF) applications can be challenging for multiple reasons. Policies such as “Bring Your Own Device” add additional levels of nuance – where is the line drawn between personal privacy and obligations to produce business and other communications needed to be compliant? Finally, once the data is collected, what options exist for reviewing the information? How can corporations and law firms ensure they are seeing everything related to the specific topics required?

This presentation will discuss the state of mobile collections and review in 2023 and provide practical solutions for these challenges, and more!

Concurrent Workshops (3:30pm-4:15pm - no CLE)

Workplace Advocacy: empowering you to have that difficult conversation at work! - Katie Miller & Jessica Joyce, Robert Half

Learn from the Recruiters and Consultants at Robert Half about how to have difficult conversations about a raise, a title change, implementing a new process or gaining that flexibility that your life requires. The best way to maintain happiness at work is to be open about your needs, but there is a right way to go about it!

Taking Care of YOU from the Inside Out: movemindfully for Mind, Body, and Heart - Chrissy Mignogna, MoveMindfully

During these challenging times it is especially important we have mind-body tools to support our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Join Chrissy Mignogna to experience and integrate simple Breathe Move Rest practices into your personal and professional life.

Vicarious Trauma, Empathy Fatigue, and Self-Care - Joan Bibelhausen, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

This program will discuss types of trauma, the impact of others’ trauma, our risks, and what to watch for. Participants will learn self-care techniques and resilience strategies that will lessen the impact of our exposure to trauma and help us develop resilience. Information on resources available to all Minnesota legal professionals will be provided.