Preliminary Agenda

11:00am

REGISTRATION – THE GLEACHER CENTER – 400 FOYER

12:00pm

OPENING LUNCHEON – 450 LOUNGE

12:30pm

OPENING SESSION – 450 LOUNGE

An Introduction to The MPF Fall Symposium
We will open this year’s Fall Symposium – Empowering Women in Law Firm Leadership ¬– with opening remarks from our co-hosts, as well as a few live polling questions and panel discussion with selected faculty members.

Elise Holtzman, JD, PCC  
Founder and CEO, The Lawyer’s Edge

John Remsen, Jr.
President, TheRemsenGroup
President & CEO, Managing Partner Forum

1:30pm

AFTERNOON SESSION #1 – 450 LOUNGE

Mind the Gap: Navigating Generational Differences at Your Law Firm
Shifting generational values are reshaping how lawyers think about everything from billable hours and firm culture to flexibility, leadership, business development, and long-term commitment to the firm. In this session, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the disconnect between you and younger attorneys – and walk away with practical tools to reduce friction, foster mutual understanding, and lead a more cohesive, engaged team. This session will feature include case study and tabletop exercises.

Elise Holtzman, JD, PCC 
Founder and CEO, The Lawyer’s Edge

3:00pm

REFRESHMENT & NETWORKING BREAK – 450 LOUNGE

3:30pm

AFTERNOON SESSION #2 – 400 STADIUM CLASSROOM

Built to Last: Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Competitive Market
Lawyers today have more choices – and higher expectations – than ever. This session offers practical guidance on how to identify who belongs at your firm, how to hire effectively, and what it takes to keep the right people engaged and committed.

Elaine Fitch, Esq.
Managing Partner, Kalijarvi Chuzi Newman & Fitch

Jacqueline Newman, Esq.
Managing Partner, Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein

Fiona S. Trevelyan
President and CEO, NALP (National Assn of Law Placement) Foundation

5:00pm

ADJOURNMENT

5:00pm

WELCOME RECEPTION – PIMCO MIDWAY BAR & VERANDA

Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oevres with peers and faculty.

7:00pm

MPF DINE-AROUND EVENTS

Join your peers for dinner at one of Chicago’s finest restaurants. Dinners will be hosted by:

• The Lawyer’s Edge
• Pinnacle FInancial Partners
• 9Sail
• More to be announced

8:00am

REGISTRATION – THE GLEACHER CENTER – 400 FOYER

8:30am

NETWORKING BREAKFAST – 450 LOUNGE

9:00am

MORNING SESSION #1 – 400 STADIUM CLASSROOM

From Strategy to Action: Making Change Stick at Your Law Firm
Many firms have strong strategic plans—but struggle to turn vision into execution. In this interactive session, you’ll learn what it takes to implement meaningful change, from choosing the right priorities to assembling effective execution teams. Hear from managing partners who have led firmwide initiatives and workshop your own top goals for 2025. You’ll leave with actionable steps—and real momentum.

Ella K. Gower, Esq.
Managing Shareholder, Miller Starr Regalia

Erin K. Higgins, Esq.
Managing Partner, Conn Kavanaugh

10:30am

REFRESHMENT & NETWORKING BREAK – 450 LOUNGE

11:00am

MORNING SESSION #2 – 400 STADIUM CLASSROOM

The Profitability Playbook: Rethinking What Drives Financial Growth
Improving profitability isn’t just about more billable hours. This session digs into key drivers of firm performance—including collections, leverage, pricing, and practice mix—with an emphasis on Profitability Per Lawyer. You’ll walk away with insights and tools to assess your firm’s numbers, identify new levers for growth, and build a more sustainable, profitable business model.

Linda Perez Clark, Esq.
Managing Partner, Kean Miller LLP

Wendy Inge
Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Financial Partners

12:00pm

NETWORKING LUNCHEON – 450 LOUNGE

1:30pm

AFTERNOON SESSION – 450 LOUNGE

What Got You Here Won’t Get You There:
Nurturing Your Own Growth as a Leader
As the leader of your firm, you’re responsible for driving results—but what about your own growth? This powerful session offers space to reflect on what you need to thrive in the year ahead. Explore how to avoid burnout, expand your influence, and continue evolving as a leader, mentor, and businessperson. Because when you grow, your firm grows with you. challenges and opportunities. 

Elaine Fitch, Esq.
Managing Partner, Kalijarvi Chuzi Newman & Fitch

Randi W. Kochman, Esq.
Co-Managing Shareholder, Cole Schotz

2:00pm

2:45pm

CLOSING RECEPTION

3:30pm

ADJOURNMENT