2026 ISBA ANNUAL MEETING

CLE PROGRAM
MONDAY, JUNE 22

Ag/Law Practice Management/Rural Practice Track

Room: Bishop C

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Focusing on the “Family” in Family Farms: Related Member Entities, Divisive Reorganizations, and Discovery in Probate Jeremy Hahn, Roberts & Eddy P.C. 
Andrew Steffensmeier, Roberts & Eddy P.C.

1 state CLE credit

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Intersecting with Ag Law: Legislative and Litigation Updates Across the Sections
Prof. Jennifer Zwagerman, Director of the Drake Agricultural Law Center

This session will provide summaries and notices of recent legislative actions that impact many of our practices but are not generally categorized as "Agricultural Law" topics. There will also be updates from the federal level, including the latest on the Farm Bill and glyphosate litigation. 

0.75 state CLE credit

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. 
Keeping Justice Local: Succession Strategies for Rural and Small-town Firms
Pat Dillon, Dillon Law P.C.

As rural private practitioners decrease, how can we meet the legal needs of these communities? Moving beyond just adding lawyers, this moderated panel discusses alternative methods, practice opportunities, and succession issues. It highlights how bar associations and statewide attorneys can ensure equal access to legal services.

1 state CLE credit

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Rural Practice Roundtable: The Personal Side
Kathy Law. Nyemaster Goode, P.C.

This session reviews the ISBA’s Rural Practice Roundtable Report, sharing insights from Iowa rural attorneys and stakeholders. Key topics include barriers to rural practice, succession planning, expanding the attorney pipeline, mentoring, and utilizing electronic resources to support rural legal work.

1 state CLE credit

3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Rural Practice is What You Make It: A Lesson from Netflix’s Derry Girls
Ryan Daisy, Willson & Pechacek, PLC

Are the stereotypical perceptions of rural practice myths or facts? What are the actual differences between rural and urban lawyering? And, how can a modern TV show based on the Protestant/Catholic divide in Northern Ireland set in the 1990's help us understand the range of possibilities in Midwestern small-town practice? 

0.75 state CLE credit

Business Law Track

Room: Bishop B

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Digital Collateral, Article 12, and the UCC’s New Priority Regime
Prof. Joe Schomberg, Drake Law School

This program explores how UCC Article 12 reshapes digital asset secured transactions. It covers perfection, priority, control agreements, and choice-of-law issues, highlighting the UCC’s shift from a filing-centered to a control-centered perfection model.

1 state CLE credit

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Navigating Regulation D: Private Placements, Safe Harbors, and  Common Pitfalls 
Prof. Jeremy Kidd, Drake Law School
Eric Tubbs, Nyemaster Goode, P.C

Reg D offers a path around registration, but not around careful lawyering. This CLE examines how exempt offerings actually work, where practitioners most often miss steps, and why antifraud rules still matter long after everyone stops worrying about Form D. 

1 state CLE credit

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
OBBBA at One: New Benefits, New Limits, New Complexity
Nicholas Roby, Dentons Davis Brown

This presentation discusses major tax changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted July 4, 2025, focusing on provisions taking effect in 2026.

1 state CLE credit

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Using ESOPs for Business Transitions
Keith Peters, Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. 
Matt Fett, BCC Advisers

Is your client’s organization ESOP ready? This introductory session covers ESOP benefits, financing, and formation steps. Learn from a valuation advisor and lawyer specializing in plan design, corporate governance, and compliance.

1 state CLE credit

Litigation Track

Room: Skinner B

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Trying a Case for the Record: How Trial Advocacy Echoes on Appeal 
Hon. John Sandy, Iowa Court of Appeals

Master courtroom record-building to secure appellate success. This program reveals how to preserve errors, protect your trial wins, and position your case perfectly for appeal.

1 state CLE credit

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
I am Not a Cat, Your Honor: Presenting Your Case to a Judge by Video Versus In-person
Janece Valentine, Valentine Law Office P.C.

0.75 state CLE credit

1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Making the Most of Magistrate Court
Natalia Blaskovich, Magistrate Judge, District 1

Learn practical tips for representing clients in small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, initial appearances, simple misdemeanors, and traffic court.

0.50 state CLE credit

2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Put Up or Shut Up: How to Flip the Normal Script and Effectively Frame Your Summary Judgment Arguments
Jordan Glaser, Peters Law Firm PC

This presentation covers how to successfully defend against undue influence claims. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to craft more impactful summary judgment arguments and secure favorable rulings.

0.50 state CLE credit

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break

2:45 – 3:30 p.m.
No Fashion Sense? You’re Perfect for Criminal Defense
Ben Bartels, Hammer Law Firm

Criminal defense is among the most meaningful and challenging areas of law. This program highlights its profound impact, leaving you with a renewed sense of purpose and practical strategies to confidently defend the clients who need you most.

0.75 state CLE credit

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Defense Litigation Strategies
Susan Hess, Hammer Law Firm, PLC

1 state CLE credit

Plenary Track

Room: Bishop A–B

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Alternative Pathway
Kathy Law, Nyemaster Goode, P.C.

This session examines Iowa’s attorney shortage and its bar exam requirement for licensure. Kathy will also discuss alternative licensing methods currently being considered by several other states.

1 state CLE credit

Probate Track

Room: Bishop A

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
The Use Case for AI in Estate Planning
Mary Vandenack, Vandenack Legal & Consulting LLC

1 state CLE credit

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Probate Legislative Update
Sydney Gangestad, Dentons Davis Brown

This presentation provides a comprehensive legislative update, detailing recent statutory changes and critical updates to state and federal laws. Participants will gain key insights into newly enacted bills and pending legislation, ensuring your practice remains compliant and ahead of upcoming regulatory shifts.

0.75 state CLE credit

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Probate Luncheon

Sold out. Tickets must have been purchased prior to the conference.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Probate Tips and Tricks
Janice Kerkove, Bradley & Riley PC

This presentation delivers essential tips and tricks to streamline your probate and trust administration practice. Discover practical strategies to navigate complex estate distributions, manage fiduciary duties efficiently, and avoid common legal pitfalls.

1 state CLE credit

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Hot Topics Panel – Part 1
Travis Cavanaugh, Simmons Perrine PLC
Laura Ingram, Belin McCormick
Kyle Irvin, Crary Huff Law Firm
Megan Marty, Dentons Davis Brown
Abbie Schurman, Bankers Trust

A panel of seasoned probate practitioners tackles the most pressing issues facing estates and trusts professionals today. Gain valuable, real-world insights, explore current legal trends, and discover practical strategies to navigate complex administration challenges and protect your clients' wealth.

1 state CLE credit 

3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Hot Topics Panel – Part 2
Travis Cavanaugh, Simmons Perrine PLC
Laura Ingram, Belin McCormick
Kyle Irvin, Crary Huff Law Firm
Megan Marty, Dentons Davis Brown
Abbie Schurman, Bankers Trust

A panel of seasoned probate practitioners tackles the most pressing issues facing estates and trusts professionals today. Gain valuable, real-world insights, explore current legal trends, and discover practical strategies to navigate complex administration challenges and protect your clients' wealth.

0.75 state CLE credit 

Today's Non-CLE Activities