Join us for this upcoming Practical Skills CLE program presented by the St. Louis County Bar Association. This free program brings together Missouri judges and experienced practitioners for two timely conversations focused on professional success, practical judgment, and the pressures that come with the practice of law.

The first session, How to Handle the Pressure of Practicing Law, will explore the stress and demands lawyers face in
both life and practice, offering practical insights and strategies for managing pressure while maintaining professionalism,
perspective, and personal well-being.

The second session, Practical Tips for Success as an Associate, will focus on the transition from law school to practice
and the realities of succeeding as a junior lawyer within a firm, office, or legal organization. The discussion will offer
practical guidance on building good habits, avoiding common pitfalls, meeting expectations, and developing the
judgment and confidence needed for long-term success.

Thursday, July 16, 2026
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

St. Louis County Courthouse
Jury Assembly Room
105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105

2 Hours of CLE Credit, Program ID#: 796848

Schedule

• 2:00 p.m.              Registration and social time
• 2:30 - 2:40 p.m.    Introduction and welcome
• 2:40 - 3:30 p.m.    How to Handle the Pressure of Practicing Law

                   Panelists:      Judge Ellen Levy (St. Louis County Circuit Court)
                                         Debbie Champion (Rynearson, Suess, Schnurbusch & Champion LLC)

                  Moderator:     Judge Jeff McPherson (St. Louis County Circuit Court)

• 3:30 - 3:40 p.m.    Break
   
• 3:40 - 4:30 p.m.    Practical Tips for Success as an Associate

                   Panelists:      Mark Gaertner (Holloran Schwartz & Gaertner LLP)
                                         Patrick Hamacher (Mandel, Mandel, Marsh, Sudekum & Sanger)
                                         Sheena Hamilton (Dowd Bennett LLP)
                                         Matt Reh (Armstrong Teasdale LLP)

                   Moderator:     Deanna Wendler-Modde (Washington University)

• 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.     Complimentary Happy Hour, Bar Napoli, Courtesy of DISCO
  
  R.S.V.P.   Please email your complimentary reservation(s) to info@stlcountybar.org or contact us at (314) 282-0050