MCLE Courses
Professional Development at Dykema is pleased to sponsor the following MCLE courses. If you would like more information about a program or wish to attend, please contact Professional Development & Compliance Manager, Miles Sandstrom. Programs are listed for the current calendar year and in order of regency, with upcoming programs listed first. Please email for information on programs offered prior to 2025.
Trimming and Toning Your Legal Writing
August 14, 2025 I 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Verbose writers create a confused (at best) or adversarial (at worst) audience by boring and frustrating those they’re trying to win over – exactly what they don’t want to happen. No one should have to read a sentence more than once, and this engaging seminar will show you how to make your writing concise and direct. The result is a document that’s filled with lean writing. Covered topics will include unnecessary modifiers, subtle redundancies, nominalizations, metadiscourse, and abstract nouns and verbs.
This program will be facilitated by Ben Opipari. He is a former director of the writing center at Colgate University and former in-house writing instructor for Howrey LLP. He holds a PhD in English Language and Literature.
How to Talk Across Difference and Exist in Community
June 11, 2025 I 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST
In this follow-up presentation to Michelle’s wildly popular presentation in 2024, she will share with attendees how to build a community of belonging; navigate multigenerational teams; foster connection and trust; and successfully communicate across differences for better productivity. She will discuss the challenges and benefits of a multigenerational workplace. Attendees will learn five principles for communicating across generational differences and apply their learning to five different scenarios. All participants will receive a resources “toolkit” after the program.
Understanding Neurodiversity: Essential Insights for Legal Professionals
June 3, 2025 I 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST
Neurodivergent individuals bring unique advantages and challenges to the corporate and legal worlds. Neurodivergence is common in both the general population and corporate settings, with studies estimating that 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent. In contrast, a recent study by CYPHER Learning found that 45% of C-level executives, 55% of business owners, and 32% of senior management identify as neurodivergent. Neurodivergent employees contribute creativity, innovative perspectives, and authenticity to the workplace. By fostering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and its benefits, we can create more inclusive and innovative workplaces, unlocking the untapped potential of neurodivergent perspectives and leading to a thriving and diverse corporate environment.
This presentation will offer attendees the opportunity to explore neurodivergence in the legal world. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the experiences, challenges, and unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to their work. We will also discuss how organizations and individuals can help set neurodivergent employees up for success. The session will focus on practical strategies and real-world examples that emphasize empathy, collaboration, and the true value of embracing neurodiversity.
Facilitated by Julie Remer from Amicus Coaching. A UCLA School of Law graduate and former litigator, Julie completed her coaching training with the Coaches Training Institute.
How to Work with External Investigators
April 30, 2025 I 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST
Mark Paliszewski of Proctor Consulting & Investigations Group will share how attorneys across a range of practice areas can effectively work with private investigators. This tutorial-style program is designed to expand the perspective of practice groups that may not typically consider using investigative services, offering practical guidance on when and how to engage a PI and the value they can bring. Prior to his tenure at investigation firms, Mark was an internal investigator at Dickinson Wright PLLC for nearly twenty years.
Common Title Insurance Endorsements
February 19, 2025 I 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Facilitated by Roger Saylor, Esq., Vice President of National Commercial Business Development and Zack Marco, Esq., National Senior Underwriting Counsel at Kensington Vanguard.
Attendees will learn ALTA’s history and role, title insurance 101, policy forms, and endorsements. This presentation will cover ALTA 3, 9, 15, 17, 19, 25, and 28.
Developing an Ethical Environment in the Workplace
February 4, 2025 I 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST
This program will be facilitated by Mark Jenkins of Focus Management Group.
Attendees will learn key elements of an ethical workplace culture, how to understand ethical and unethical corporations and individuals, common elements of a Code of Ethics program, and best practices for implementing a Code of Ethics program. Mark will use real-world examples and case studies and provide attendees with practical tools to implement in their practice.
Momentous: Turning Daily Moments at Work into a Career of Significance
January 23, 2025 I 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST
Please join us for a webinar with speaker, trainer, and author Steve Hughes. Steve is a high-energy facilitator who specializes in training attorneys and legal industry professionals. This program will include a breakout room discussion.
We all want to make a contribution, to make a difference, to matter. Yet, too many people focus on the next big thing and overlook the thousands of small opportunities to make their career noteworthy. This exciting and innovative program explores how you can take everyday moments and transform them into a meaningful career. You’ll be more productive and find more enjoyment in what you do at work and at home. Best of all, anyone can achieve this regardless of talent, title, or profession.
By attending this program, you will be able to:
- Develop and maintain a positive attitude in any situation
- Avoid letting difficult people get you down.
- See the big picture in small tasks
