The patent system was one of the earliest instruments of economic development established by the young United States. These patent protections put in place by the Founding Fathers fostered the inventive American spirit and led to inventions that have truly shaped our world.

From vulcanized rubber to the iPhone, Eric Hanscom and Dave Branfman provide an insightful glimpse into 10 patents that define the world we live in today. The 10 inventions discussed: frequency hopping, vulcanized rubber, the quad copter, the elevator, GPS, the self-serving store, solar energy, the iPhone, virtual reality and the self-driving car. Eric and Dave will use these inventions and patents to teach numerous practical lessons including the importance of claims, inventorship, multiple inventors, assignment, patent applications, design vs. utility patents, Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., additional IP protection, copyright & trademark protection and patent illustrations.

Patent attorney Eric Hanscom is actively involved in overseeing IP litigation, contract negotiation and customs issues around the globe. David Branfman’s IP practice focuses on entertainment law, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing, motion pictures & TV and music.

Practice Areas: Business Law, Intellectual Property

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 05/04/2027

There is a large remote fire loss in Alaska that takes 1-2 days of travel once you’re off the plane. Just as you arrive with your team, you get a text message that one of the parties will not be able to attend and wants to reschedule. What do you do?

This is where 3D scanning such as LiDAR and photogrammetry could save weeks of time and $1,000’s for all parties involved. This is an actual case example pulled from the files of Andrew Bennet, a fire & explosion investigator. In this CLE, Andrew Bennet will show you how 3D scanning can be deployed in your cases, detail the difference between LiDAR & photogrammetry, present 2 case examples & 2 actual 3D models, address the limitations and illustrate how 3D scanning can be used in litigation to virtually walk juries through crime scenes, accident reconstructions and fire investigations. Additional topics: scene documentation, virtual inspections, spoliation, crime scene work, “stitching,” joint scene exams vs. solitary exams, discovery & alteration, admissibility and receiving the 3D model.

Andrew Bennett is Fire & Explosion investigator at Envista Forensics. He has more than 20 years of experience, conducting over 1600 fire and explosion investigations globally in both the public and private sectors.

Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Litigation, Personal Injury, Real Property, Technology

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Idaho (ID) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nevada (NV) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 01/15/2027

Solo and small firm attorneys often delay retirement and exit planning due to perceived complexity, cost, or uncertainty—unintentionally increasing professional, financial, and ethical risk. This practical CLE equips attorneys with a clear, risk-aware framework for planning their eventual exit, succession, or retirement while protecting clients, firm value, and personal financial security. The program focuses on realistic planning strategies for attorneys who may not have internal successors, including identifying risk exposure in delayed planning, coordinating legal and financial considerations, and implementing safeguards that align with professional responsibility obligations.

Learning Objectives:

* Identify key professional, ethical, and financial risks associated with delayed or informal retirement and exit planning in small firm and solo practices

* Evaluate practical exit pathways and assess their relative risk profiles

* Implement foundational risk-mitigation strategies to protect clients, firm value, and personal assets during retirement or transition planning

* Coordinate retirement and exit planning decisions with ethical obligations related to client communication, file management, trust accounts, and continuity of representation

* Develop a roadmap appropriate for attorneys without internal successors or large firm infrastructure

Stacey Carrasco is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Carrasco Legal Group, a boutique estate and business planning law firm based in Silver Spring, Maryland, serving clients throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. With more than 20 years of legal experience, Ms. Carrasco counsels individuals, families, and small business owners on comprehensive planning strategies, including wills and trusts, incapacity planning (powers of attorney and advance directives), and business planning with a focus on entity formation, continuity, succession, and exit strategies.

Practice Areas: Law Practice Management

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV)

Course Expiration: 01/20/2027

"The key consideration is workflow." - Craig Ball, Trial Lawyer & Electronic Evidence Expert. And at the end of the day, judges want an eDiscovery workflow and plan that is defensible with a process that is repeatable & explainable.

By focusing on the importance of creating a defensible eDiscovery workflow process, Alex Marjanovic & Robert Bird will show you how the EDRM framework enables attorneys to create and execute on this plan. The three main topics in this CLE: the EDRM Framework & the Cooperation Proclamation, From Preservation to Production: Validating the Process and Three Common eDiscovery Cases & Workflows. Additional subjects: issues that arise between the parties, dealing with volumes of data, budget vs. projected spend, what judges want, the EDRM (Electronic Discovery Reference Model) Framework, culling the data, advanced analytics, collaborative review, the details of production, legal holds & preservation, proportionality, SaaS platforms & applications like Salesforce, WeChat, AWS, Microsoft Teams & Slack, structured vs. unstructured data and defensible collection.

Alex Marjanovic is a Senior Managing Director at Ankura, a leading business advisory firm. Robert Bird joins Ankura as Managing Director with more than 10 years of experience in eDiscovery and data analytics.

Practice Areas: Business Law, eDiscovery, Employment Law, Litigation, Personal Injury

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 05/04/2027

Effective negotiation is one of the most critical skills in legal practice, yet many attorneys fail to achieve optimal outcomes due to inadequate preparation, cognitive bias, or a misunderstanding of opposing interests. This course provides a practical framework for advanced negotiation strategies, equipping attorneys with the tools to approach negotiations with greater precision, confidence, and effectiveness. Attorneys will learn how to develop structured negotiation plans, define clear objectives and distinguish between goals and realistic expectations. The program explores key bargaining styles and when to apply competitive, collaborative, or hybrid approaches based on context and leverage. It also examines the strategic use of opening offers and anchoring, highlighting how early positioning can shape negotiation outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and apply advanced negotiation strategies tailored to legal practice

• Distinguish between negotiation goals and realistic expectations to improve outcomes

• Analyze and adapt bargaining styles based on context, leverage, and relationship dynamics

• Evaluate the strategic impact of opening offers and anchoring in negotiations

• Recognize and mitigate cognitive biases affecting negotiation decisions

• Apply effective concession strategies, including integrative bargaining and issue trading

• Utilize psychological techniques ethically to influence negotiation dynamics

• Develop structured negotiation plans that align with client objectives and risk tolerance

A significant focus is placed on cognitive biases and psychological influences, including anchoring, framing, and loss aversion and how these factors affect decision-making. The course further introduces advanced concession strategies and ethical persuasion techniques designed to maximize value while preserving professional relationships. Participants will examine integrative versus distributive bargaining, issue trading, and conditional concession techniques, as well as the role of leverage and timing in concession-making. The program emphasizes that effective negotiation is not simply about “winning,” but about structuring agreements that align with client objectives and reduce future conflict. Through real-world examples, attorneys will gain actionable insights to improve negotiation performance, enhance client outcomes, and effectively manage complex disputes across litigation, transactional, and advisory contexts.

Callie Kyhl is an associate attorney at Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC, specializing in cases such as breach of contract, fraud, and civil conspiracy. Before earning her Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, she worked as a paralegal for thirteen years, gaining extensive experience in legal research, drafting complex documents, and collaborating with experts across various fields.

Practice Areas: Litigation

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Georgia (GA) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV) | Wyoming (WY)

Course Expiration: 01/14/2027

How can you serve as the most effective and valuable resource for your business clients? It doesn’t start with going into the file cabinet and pulling out a bunch of arcane legal forms. It starts with strategy and preparation followed by proper documentation.

Following these methods presented by Melody Kramer you will become an invaluable resource for your small business clients thinking about a collaborative venture with another entrepreneur or business person. Melody will mainly cover these topics: preparing the client, purpose & structure of the agreement, defining the terms of the relationship, due diligence before drafting the agreement, discussing the legal framework with clients and drafting the collaboration agreement. Additional subjects addressed: choice of entity, ownership & revenue sharing, liability, work product, control of contributions, balance of power, dividing responsibilities, the checklist, dispute resolution, the method of terminating the business, paperwork and dignity & respect. Melody will also discuss numerous case examples from her practice.

Melody A. Kramer is a trial lawyer, author, speaker, innovator and visionary. Melody has earned a reputation as a fearless advocate for clients in courtrooms across the country and an innovative problem solver in keeping people out of court.

Practice Areas: Business Law

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Idaho (ID) | Illinois (IL) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 05/31/2027

Generative AI is a game-changing technology – but it also comes with ethical risks for attorneys and law firms. Developing an AI policy for your law firm is now crucial and involves addressing ethical considerations and ensuring compliance with legal standards while leveraging the benefits of AI.

This CLE explores the ethical, practical and regulatory implications of integrating artificial intelligence into legal practice. It covers core technologies like machine learning and generative AI, their application in law firms and the ethical responsibilities attorneys under the ABA Model Rules and various state bar ethics opinions. Attorneys will learn how to assess confidentiality risks, ensure transparency in billing, combat AI bias and develop firm-wide AI policies that uphold professional conduct and client trust.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key AI technologies used in legal practice and their core functions.

2. Understand the ethical rules and responsibilities triggered by AI use, including competence, confidentiality, and candor.

3. Evaluate the risks of AI bias, misinformation, and data security breaches.

4. Develop a compliant AI policy aligned with ABA Model Rules and state bar guidance.

5. Communicate transparently with clients about AI use and its implications for fees, privacy, and case strategy.

Desire'e Martinelli is an attorney and the Director of Marketing & Analytics of Esquire Interactive LLC. Jeff Lantz is an attorney, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Esquire Interactive LLC, an interactive digital marketing agency for attorneys and law firms.

Specialty Areas: Legal Ethics

Practice Areas: Ethics, Law Practice Management, Professional Conduct, Technology

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Hawaii (HI) | Illinois (IL) | Indiana (IN) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Louisiana (LA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Mississippi (MS) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Carolina (SC) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Utah (UT) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | Wyoming (WY)

Course Expiration: 05/31/2027

If you’ve seen Blade Runner, you know all about the Turing Test that was established in 1950. The test measures a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. Well, ChatGPT broke the Turing Test.

Unfortunately, this new AI technology thinks like humans just a little too much – AI can produce results that promote bias and discrimination. The question now becomes how can attorneys harness this revolutionary new technology while remaining ethical in their legal practice. Presented by Amanda M. Blair of Fisher Phillips, this CLE will highlight some of the common pitfalls associated with attorneys using generative AI, show you how AI can be subject to biased & discriminatory results, provide steps for attorneys to avoid biased results and conclude with best practices for attorneys when using AI in their legal practice. Additional topics: Work Trend Index Annual Report, document & contract review, legal research & analysis, predicting case outcomes & litigation support, Westlaw Precisions with CoCounsel, risks & ethics of AI use, hallucinations & bias, data privacy & security, discrimination litigation involving AI bias, Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDTs), EEOC guidance, sources of bias in AI systems and laws & policies addressing AI & Bias.

Amanda Blair is an associate in the firm’s New York office, focusing her practice on complex employment issues. Amanda’s experience as an assistant corporate counsel in the New York City Law Department has her well equipped to handle cases involving Title VII, ADA, the First Amendment, ADEA, FMLA, Section 1983, and State and City Human Rights Laws.

Specialty Areas: Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias

Practice Areas: Access to Justice, Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity and Wellness, Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias, Elimination of Bias, Equity in Justice (NM), Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI), Equity, Inclusion and Mitigation of Implicit and Explicit Bias (WA), Ethics, Implicit Bias, Professional Conduct, Professionalism

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | Arkansas (AR) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Illinois (IL) | Indiana (IN) | ITA (ITA) | Kentucky (KY) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Puerto Rico (PR) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV)

Course Expiration: 05/31/2027

True liberty means enjoying fruits of your labor and maximizing the profit made from your hard work — even student athletes. And for years, student athletes were forbidden from pursuing endorsement offers, even though schools & business are making billions broadcasting their games.

Now, recent state legislation allows student athletes to profit from their fame & notoriety while still maintaining their athletic eligibility. You can be a star female college basketball player — and still get paid for doing some commercials for the local pizza shop. Unfortunately, the patchwork of state legislation & hands off approach by the NCAA has left the legal landscape in chaos. Brian Brunkow will try to clear things up by explaining the rules around Name Image Likeness (NIL), boosters & collectives and the transfer portal. Additional topics in this CLE: the NCAA Interim Policy, NIL activity & impact, the NIL deal process, 3rd parties & booster status, the Quid Pro Quo requirement, fair market value for endorsements, pay for play (PFP), NCAA Hypos and Q&A, undue benefits and notice of transfer “Impact.”

Brian Brunkow is a Seattle-area lawyer focused on negotiations, dispute resolution and NCAA compliance. In addition, he teaches lawyers about sports agency law and speaks at West Coast coaching clinics on student-athlete development.

Practice Areas: Business Law, Intellectual Property, Sports and Entertainment

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | Nevada (NV) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 12/15/2026

Lawyers are trained to solve others’ problems, yet many struggle when it comes to their own well-being. This course provides an accessible, ethics-grounded introduction to mental health and therapy for legal professionals. Attendees will examine the intersection between professional responsibility and lawyer well-being under the ABA Model Rules, including duties of competence, diligence, supervision, and withdrawal. The session also explores the ethical dimensions of recognizing impairment, referring colleagues or clients for help, and fostering a healthier law firm culture. Drawing from both legal and clinical perspectives, this program equips attorneys with practical tools for self-care, informed referrals, and ethically aligned support of others’ mental health needs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify ethical obligations related to attorney mental health under ABA Model Rules 1.1 (Competence), 1.3 (Diligence), 1.16(a)(2) (Withdrawal), 5.1 (Supervision), and 1.14 (Clients with Diminished Capacity).

2. Recognize signs of impairment in oneself, colleagues, and clients, and understand appropriate steps and resources for referral.

3. Differentiate between major types of therapy and helping professionals to make informed, ethical referrals or personal choices for support.

4. Evaluate the barriers to help-seeking in the legal profession and strategies to reduce stigma consistent with ethical and professional responsibility standards.

5. Apply ethical principles of empathy, confidentiality, and competence when assisting others experiencing mental health challenges.

Elon Slutsky is a psychotherapist, attorney, and researcher based in Denver, Colorado. With a multidisciplinary academic background, he holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and English from Amherst College, a master's in Secondary Education from Pace University, a J.D. from Cornell Law School, and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, completed in March 2024. In 2024–25. He is serving as a Fulbright Research Fellow, focusing on extending schema therapy into a transdiagnostic therapeutic framework tailored for highly skilled professionals like doctors and lawyers.

Specialty Areas: Legal Ethics

Practice Areas: Attorney Wellness, Ethics, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Professional Well Being (NC), Professionalism

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Idaho (ID) | Illinois (IL) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Louisiana (LA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Missouri (MO) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV)

Course Expiration: 10/14/2026

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Doge Coin… oh my! Yes, it’s a brave new world when it comes to “money.” If you invested $1 in Bitcoin 10 years ago — you would now have close to $1 million dollars of the world’s most popular cryptocurrency.

Whether you think crypto is a giant scam — or the next big thing — at least one of your client’s probably holds cryptocurrency as part of their estate. Blake Harris will show you how you can best protect your client’s cryptocurrency wealth through proven asset protection techniques. Blake will demystify cryptocurrency & blockchain technology, fill you in on NFTs & the metaverse and show you how it relates to estate planning, asset protection, probate and the taxation of crypto. Additional topics: NOT asset protection, the trust protector, avoiding lawsuits & judgements, charging order protection, LLCs, domestic trusts, international asset protection trusts, triggering a trust, blockchain applications & advantages, crypto miners, crypto inflation hedge, RUFADAA, Offshore Trusts, digital assets, Bored Apes, and the Electric Daisy Carnival.

Blake Harris is the managing attorney at Blake Harris Law, where he assists clients with wills and trusts, asset protection, and probate. Blake helps families plan for and manage the transfer of their assets and he specializes in estate planning, asset protection, and probate.

Practice Areas: Taxation, Wills, Trusts & Estates

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 02/01/2027

Proper billing is critical to the success of your law firm. BUT…. law firm billing can be one of the most repetitive, dreaded & time-consuming parts of any lawyer’s day. And we all love chasing down clients to get paid.

In this program, Josh Andrews will present the best practices for attorney billing & timekeeping and handing issues with nonpaying clients. From essential guidelines for capturing billable hours to the top billing mistakes that attorneys make, Josh will provide you with the tools and strategies you need to run a tight ship. Josh will: examine the best practices for avoiding & resolving fee disputes, present strategies for dealing with nonpaying clients and highlight emerging billing and timekeeping tools for law firms. Additional subjects: understanding your firm codes, capturing your time, nonbillable time, knowing the billing cycles, planning for profit, Model Rules 1.5 & 8.4, putting it in the contract, protecting your rights & preserving your relationship and software is your friend.

Josh Andrews is the managing partner of Gatehouse Law where he focuses his practice on the legal needs of entrepreneurs, business law and complex transactions.

Practice Areas: Law Practice Management

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Illinois (IL) | Indiana (IN) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Missouri (MO) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Utah (UT) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 10/01/2026

From darkness and the depths of despair — to recovery and redemption. Unfortunately, Laurie’s struggles with drugs, alcohol and substances are not unique. What is unique is her phoenix-like rise from impairment to the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.

Laurie shares her personal story, and accompanied by Tracy Kepler, she will detail how impaired attorneys risk destroying their careers and lives. Laurie and Tracy will discuss recent studies & statistics, detail the resources provided by state LAPs, instruct attorneys on how to recognize signs of impairment, identify the possible disciplinary implications of an impaired attorneys' conduct and show you what law firms & attorneys can do about the problem. Additional topics: Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAPs), the Prevalence of Substance Use Among American Attorneys, Bloomberg Law’s Attorney Workload & Hours study, the “Stress, Drink, Leave” study, tips for helping, Model Rule 5.1, Model Rule 1.1, Model Rule 1.16(a)(2), ABA & State Ethics Opinions, programs & policies, assessments, mentoring, counseling, well-being training and making YOURSELF a priority.

Laurie Besden is the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. (LCL). Tracy L. Kepler is a Risk Control Director for CNA’s Lawyers Insurance Program.

Specialty Areas: Legal Ethics

Practice Areas: Attorney Wellness, Diversity and Wellness, Ethics, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Prevention & Detection Competence, Professional Conduct, Professional Well Being (NC), Professionalism, Substance Abuse

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Nevada (NV) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 10/01/2026

This CLE explores the connection between attorney wellness and professional responsibility, highlighting how stress management, balance, and sustainable practice habits are essential for both personal health and excellence in client service. Participants will learn practical strategies to reduce burnout, strengthen decision-making, and build healthier professional routines. The program emphasizes how wellness directly impacts an attorney’s ability to meet their ethical obligations to clients, colleagues, and the profession, and how supportive systems within firms can reduce risks, enhance communication, and foster long-term success.

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize how well-being affects professional performance, including the ability to provide competent, reliable, and high-quality service.

2. Identify the warning signs of impairment—such as stress, fatigue, or substance use—that can compromise judgment and create ethical risks.

3. Apply practical wellness strategies such as mindfulness, time management, and peer support that strengthen focus, resilience, and client service.

4. Evaluate practice management systems (records, communication, and technology use) to reduce errors and avoid malpractice exposure.

5. Understand professional duties related to leadership and accountability, including creating a culture of wellness, addressing misconduct, and supporting colleagues.

Dieter Clauss is Vice President of Clauss & Co., Inc., where he leads the professional liability program for Lawyers Insurance Group. He specializes in advising law firms and attorneys on risk management, professional responsibility, and malpractice coverage, helping legal professionals safeguard their practices while meeting client and ethical obligations.

Practice Areas: Attorney Wellness, Law Practice Management

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Louisiana (LA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV) | Wyoming (WY)

Course Expiration: 10/06/2026

If you are an attorney, you’ve probably been asked to serve on a Board. However, if you do agree there are numerous legal & ethical pitfalls that you must avoid as an attorney.

In this CLE, Nikki Semanchik will teach you what you need to know about serving on a Board, from your initial homework & due diligence to your ethical duties & avoiding conflicts of interest. The course is broken into three main parts, with Nikki first providing background on the key points of Nonprofit Law, she will then take a deep dive into your fiduciary duties and conclude by detailing the risks of serving as Director & legal counsel. Additional topics: entity type, public transparency, Board Committees vs. Advisory Boards, the duties & role of Directors, the Articles of Incorporation, reviewing bylaws & internal policies, Duty of Care, Duty of Inquiry, Duty of Loyalty, Duty to Follow Investment Standards, conflicts of interest, director protections, the Business Judgment Rule, volunteer immunity, Indemnification, Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance, Nonprofit Compliance, the loss of the attorney-client privilege and your liability exposure.

Nikki Semanchik is the Founding Attorney of Semanchik Law Group, a business and nonprofit firm located in San Diego, California. In addition to assisting nonprofits with formation, compliance and governance, she also represents for profit businesses on a wide variety of matters.

Practice Areas: Business Law

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | Arkansas (AR) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Hawaii (HI) | Illinois (IL) | Indiana (IN) | ITA (ITA) | Kentucky (KY) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Puerto Rico (PR) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Virginia (VA) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV)

Course Expiration: 04/07/2027

Mediation presents unique opportunities and challenges for lawyers—whether serving as advocates for clients or neutrals guiding resolution. Yet, common ethical missteps can undermine the process, damage credibility, and even create professional liability. This CLE will explore how attorneys can avoid the most frequent ethical pitfalls in mediation by grounding practice in the ABA Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators and applicable professional conduct rules. Participants will gain practical guidance on preparing ethically for mediation, building rapport with parties, maintaining neutrality, and balancing zealous advocacy with duties of candor and fairness. Through real-world examples and best practices, the course empowers lawyers to engage in mediation with confidence while protecting both their clients and their professional integrity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the most common ethics mistakes that occur in mediation from both the advocate’s and neutral’s perspective.

2. Apply the ABA Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators and Rules of Professional Conduct to mediation practice.

3. Evaluate how to prepare for mediation in a way that aligns with ethical duties to clients and the process.

4. Implement strategies for building rapport and maintaining neutrality while avoiding bias or undue influence.

5. Recognize red flags and apply preventative measures to reduce the risk of ethical violations in mediation.

Francine Friedman Griesing has over 40 years of experience, she is a strategic advisor to top executives, general counsel, and institutions—handling complex business transactions, high-stakes litigation, employment matters, ethics, and alternative dispute resolution. She has served as an advocate and a neutral arbitrator and mediator in range of commercial and employment disputes. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies, privately-held businesses, non-profits, higher education institutions, law firms and individual professionals and executives.

Specialty Areas: Legal Ethics

Practice Areas: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Ethics, Professional Conduct

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Idaho (ID) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Louisiana (LA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV) | Wyoming (WY)

Course Expiration: 09/24/2026

You get a call from an old friend that needs help. His brother-in-law works for the government in Thailand and he wants your help to wire transfer $6.5 million out of the country, set up a series of LLCs and then buy luxury condos. Good idea to represent this client?

The drug trade and globalization has led to more dirty money flowing into the U.S. and lawyers unwittingly taking part in money laundering. Timothy Dunfey will teach you the risks & red flags of money laundering and how to protect yourself, your clients and your law firm from being used as a laundromat. In this CLE he will: discuss the lawyer’s role as gatekeepers, explore relevant federal regulation, show you how to measure geographic risk and detail the guidance to attorneys from the ABA. Additional topics: protecting your trust accounts, placement, layering, integration, the 1MDB case, Currency Transaction Reports (CTR), Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR’s), the USA Patriot Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), Geographic Targeting Orders (GTO), real estate, title companies, knowing your client, Beneficial Ownership, Client Due Diligence and the danger of cash businesses.

Timothy Dunfey, Esq., CFE, CAMS, is a consulting expert who has 16 years of experience in financial services operations and compliance. Mr. Dunfey is a highly seasoned professional experienced in all facets of AML and OFAC processes, regulatory communications, investigations, and risk management.

Practice Areas: Business Law, Law Practice Management, Real Property

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Idaho (ID) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nevada (NV) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 12/15/2026

Being an independent trustee is not an easy job. Trustors (settlors) must rely on trusted individuals to carry out their wishes and to fulfill their promises to the beneficiaries. And beneficiaries hope for the fulfillment of the settlor’s promises are in the hands of the trustee.

Then throw in a global pandemic, a change of administration and major change to the tax laws… and a difficult job becomes even more daunting. In this CLE you will learn new tips, techniques and interact for working with fiduciaries and other legal professionals in your field. Topics include: Crisis Planning for Persons with Disability, Embracing Disruption as a Catalyst for Change, Planning in the Light of Tax Uncertainty, Impact of Residency of Trustees, Beneficiaries & Managers on State Income, Creditor and Divorce Laws, The Evolving Role of Fiduciaries in Addressing the Needs of the Affluent Family and HEMS Distribution Standards for Trustees. This course will benefit attorneys when working with wealth managers, family advisors, CPAs and insurance professionals.

The speakers at the Independent Trustee Alliance (ITA) Annual Conference include: Ann Koerner, R.N., BSN, Jane Beddall, M.A., J.D., Tom Pauloski, Esq., Jim Roberts, Esq., Courtney Pullen, M.A., Christian Kelso, J.D.

Practice Areas: Taxation, Wills, Trusts & Estates

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 04/07/2027

You’re sipping your Sunday morning coffee and checking the news on your iPhone when you see your law school classmate quoted about a national sexual discrimination lawsuit. Why her — and not you??

Could a well-timed article put pressure on opposing counsel to settle? When you are preparing to file major litigation do you contact the local newspaper with a press release? Do you know the ethical boundaries of trial publicity & extrajudicial statements when communicating with reporters about pending litigation? Presented by Janet Falk, a New York PR expert with over 30 years of experience, this course will present best practices for solo and small firm attorneys seeking to raise their media profile — the ethical way. Janet will help you to: spot the ethical issues of speaking to reporters about cases filed in court, know the ethical boundaries when communicating with clients & public about your law practice, develop succinct biographical material for media profiles & releases, be aware of the types of case information can be ethically disclosed in press releases about pending litigation — while staying within the ethical rules. A sample Media Profile and Press Release will be analyzed and provided in the written materials.

Janet Falk is Chief Strategist of Falk Communications and Research. She has more than 30 years experience in-house and at public relations agencies. Janet mainly advises attorneys with a solo practice and at small law firms on Media Relations and Marketing Communications.

Specialty Areas: Legal Ethics

Practice Areas: Ethics, Law Practice Management, Professional Conduct, Professionalism

State Accreditations: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Illinois (IL) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)

Course Expiration: 05/04/2027

Eyewitness testimony is powerful—but not always reliable. Decades of research have shown that memory can be fallible, and mistaken identifications remain a leading cause of wrongful convictions. In this CLE, expert witness testimony expert Dr. Curt Carlson draws on empirical research and real-world cases to explain how and why eyewitnesses can get it wrong—and what legal professionals can do about it. Participants will explore the science of perception, memory, and bias, learn about common pitfalls in police lineups, and review best practices that align with current psychological evidence. This session will help attorneys better evaluate the reliability of eyewitness testimony and improve how such evidence is addressed in investigations and at trial. Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key psychological variables that affect the accuracy of eyewitness identification.

2. Analyze common procedural flaws in police lineups and interviews that contribute to false identifications.

3. Evaluate the probative value of eyewitness testimony using scientifically grounded criteria.

4. Apply best practices in case strategy when dealing with eyewitness evidence, whether prosecuting, defending, or presiding.

5. Advocate for or challenge the admissibility and weight of eyewitness evidence through effective use of expert testimony.

Curt Carlson, Ph.D., is a distinguished cognitive psychologist whose academic journey informs his work at the intersection of psychology and the legal system. Since joining East Texas?A&M, he has led research on eyewitness memory and lineup procedures, secured a $344K National Institute of Justice grant, and holds fellowships in the American Psychology–Law Society and Psychonomic Society.

Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Litigation, Personal Injury

State Accreditations: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Idaho (ID) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Louisiana (LA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV)

Course Expiration: 09/24/2026