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Inside the “Feeding Our Future” Pandemic Relief Fraud Trial

Speakers: Steve Schleicher and Clayton Carlson (Maslon LLP)

On September 20, 2022, the Department of Justice announced criminal charges against 47 defendants in an alleged $250 million fraud scheme said to be the largest pandemic relief fraud scheme in the nation.  Trial began on April 22, 2024 for a group of seven individuals associated with what the U.S. Attorney’s Office called a “brazen scheme of staggering proportions” at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis.  Against the backdrop of public outrage and intense pretrial publicity, a Minnesota federal jury heard testimony over the course of six weeks before delivering a mixed verdict of 5 convictions and 2 complete acquittals.  Attorneys Steve Schleicher and Clayton Carlson of Maslon LLP defended Said Farah, who was acquitted of all charges.  Steve and Clayton will discuss their successful strategies for defending this high-profile case, which proved to be unusual from start to finish – and beyond.  [1.0 Standard CLE]

10:00 am to 10:30 am – Liars, Cheaters and Family Businesses

Speakers: Lauren Winter Routhier (Stinson) and Dan Hall (Anthony Ostlund)

Lauren Routheir and Dan Hall will discuss disputes that arise when family businesses pass to the next generation.  The presentation will focus on how to handle disputes and what can be done to plan for transferring family businesses to avoid or minimize the likelihood of disputes. [0.5 Standard CLE]

10:30 am to 10:45 am – Break

10:45 am to 11:15 am – Pilfered Portfolios:

Financial Advisor Relationships and the Art of the Steal

Speakers: Donald McNeil (Heley Duncan) and Cory Olson (Anthony Ostlund)

A book of business is a financial advisor’s most valuable asset. Unfortunately, firms and colleagues will often try to get ahead by stealing that book of business from the advisor.  In this session, we will talk about ways that firms and colleagues will use to capture an advisor’s book of business, what steps advisors can take to protect themselves against these threats, and what advisors can do to recover what has been stolen. [0.5 Standard CLE]

11:15 am – 11:45 am – To Catch a Thief:

Detecting and Proving Fraud through Forensic Accounting

Speakers: Joe Richie (Anthony Ostlund) and Jason Olson (Eide Bailly)

Joe Richie and Jason Olson will discuss how forensic accountants can detect and prove suspected fraud. The discussion will include common red flags and patterns in fraud cases and how attorneys can work effectively with accounting experts to prove their case. [0.5 Standard CLE]

11:45 am – Noon – Break – Lunch Provided

Noon to 1:00 pm – Lunch Session – Perspectives from the Bench on Liars, Cheaters and Stealers

Panel:

• • Hon. Jerome B. Abrams
  • Hon. Tony N. Leung
  • Hon. Sarah S. West

Art Boylan (Anthony Ostlund), Moderator

A panel of esteemed judges familiar with LCS cases will engage in a lively discussion of their experiences and will provide insight and guidance on how they approach these cases and their experiences in watching juries approach these cases.  Discussion will also include tips on ways to resolve the parties’ differences in these difficult cases, and insights into the consequences of failing to do so. A classroom environment will be maintained during the lunch session. [0.75 Standard CLE]

1:00 pm -1:30 pm –Perception vs. Reality in Trust and Estate Matters:

Are They Really Lying, Cheating and Stealing?

Speakers: Denise Rahne and Anne Lockner (Robins Kaplan LLP)

Denise Rahne and Anne Lockner (Robins Kaplan LLP) will discuss challenges with and strategies for representing clients in contested trust and estate matters where perceptions and reality do not always align. Topics include: doing due diligence on what a potential client tells you before taking on the representation; managing client expectations and perceptions when grievances do not always rise to legal wrongs; and actions by fiduciaries that create the risk of being seen as lying, cheating and stealing. [0.5 Standard CLE]

1:30 pm – 1:45 pm – Break

1:45 pm – 2:15 pm – Risky Business:

Common Ethical Issues in Representing Closely Held Businesses

Speakers: Aram Desteian & Casey Marshall (Bassford Remele)

Aram Desteian & Casey Marshall will delve into the common ethical issues that arise in representing closely held corporations–including conflicts of interests, confidentiality of information, and identifying and distinguishing corporate clients. [0.5 Standard CLE]

2:15 pm to 2:45 pm – Bait and Switch:

Fraud and Misrepresentations in Post-M&A Litigation

Speaker: Michael Cockson (Faegre Drinker)

A bad record in a recent Chancery Court case provides good reminders on earnout litigation and things your corporate colleagues should guard against. Attorney Michael Cockson shares his insight and experience in post-M&A litigation. [0.5 Standard CLE]

2:45 pm to 3 pm – Break

3 pm to 4 pm – In-House Panel: Protecting the Business:

Approaches and Expectations from Corporate Counsel

Panel:

• • Erica Delain, GC – The Doran Group

  • Lara Page, GC – Roers Cos

  • Samuel Sigelman, Director & GC – Lighthouse Management Group
    

Pete McElligott (Anthony Ostlund), Moderator

A panel discussion of in-house counsel will engage in a lively discussion of their experiences and expectations in working with outside counsel in resolving some of their most challenging problems, and actions they take to protect their companies against liars, cheaters and stealers. Learn how corporate counsel approaches these matters, what they expect from their outside counsel, and how best to work together to resolve difficult issues. [0.75 Standard CLE]

4 pm to 5 pm – Networking Happy Hour