February 24, 2026 – Chapter Meeting
Program Details
Keynote Presentation- Lessons From the Trail: A Seasoned M & A Attorney’s Observations
Presented by Ben Calkins, Founder and Manager of Calkins Law Firm. Drawing from years of experience across complex transactions, this talk explores the real-world lessons, judgment calls, and behind-the-scenes realities that shape successful M&A deals.
About the Speaker: For decades, Ben Calkins worked at some of the world’s largest and most prestigious law firms. He saw firsthand how the “big law” model, with its crushing overhead and focus on billable hours, often failed the very clients it was meant to serve. He knew there had to be a better way to practice law—a way that was simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.
As a lifelong entrepreneur and small business owner himself—from running a sheep farm to founding High Meadow Skin Care—Ben understands the challenges and pressures that business owners face every day. He founded Calkins Law Firm on a simple premise: to provide the elite expertise of a large downtown firm but with the practical, no-nonsense approach of a fellow business owner.
This firm was built to be different by leveraging technology and a modern, streamlined model to deliver sophisticated legal advice efficiently, always guided by Ben’s career-long commitment to one simple rule: do what you say you will, when you say you will, and for the agreed-upon price.
Event Details/Registration
DATE / TIME:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
4:30-7:30pm
REGISTRATION:
FEI Members/Strategic Partners: free of charge
Guests: $50.00