“From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free, Jews for Palestine.” “Let’s take the f*king streets later.” “All Zionists must die tonight at midnight.”
Following the start of the Israel-Hamas War tensions burst wide open on college campuses all over the country following the aftermath of the October 7th attack. By the spring, a wave of pro-Palestinian tent encampments led to massive demonstrations, student takeovers and more than 3,200 people arrested. As tensions escalated, it became very difficult to delineate the line between protected free speech and unprotected harassment & true threats of violence. In this CLE, FIRE attorney Zach Greenberg will give his reasoning why it’s so important to protect the freedom of speech and the freedom of expression on college campuses and the line between protected speech and unprotected threats & harassment. Zach will specifically address: the Looking Glass theory, public vs. private universities, true threats, harassment, the More Speech approach, calls for genocide, encampments, content neutral + time + manner restrictions, disruption & the Heckler’s Veto and creating a culture of free speech.
A native New Yorker, Zach graduated from Binghamton University in 2013 and Syracuse Law in 2016. Zach developed an appreciation for free speech while leading the College Libertarians and the Federalist Society.
Practice Areas: Constitutional Law, Education Law
Offered In: Alabama (AL) | 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) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Louisiana (LA) | Maine (ME) | 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) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Puerto Rico (PR) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Utah (UT) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV)
Course Expiration: 11/22/2029
Media Type: Streaming Video, Streaming Audio, Audio Download, Video Download, MP3 Player, USB
1.00 credit hours
Original Production Date: 11/22/2024
Run Time: 1:00:00
Trial attorneys now increasingly rely on the “Reptile Theory” — a trial strategy designed to awaken jurors’ primal instincts for safety, fear and self-preservation. This technique has been credited with driving a sharp rise in “nuclear verdicts” awarded by juries over the last decade.
In this engaging and highly practical session, veteran trial attorney Kate Whitlock, Esq. explores how these Reptile tactics operate — and how defense counsel can effectively recognize, neutralize, and counter them at every stage of litigation. Kate will examine how juror anger, distrust of authority and media-driven narratives have reshaped the litigation landscape. She provides participants with actionable strategies for depositions, motions practice, voir dire, trial themes and closing arguments to defuse emotional manipulation and restore rational decision-making. Attorneys will leave this session with a deep understanding of the psychological and procedural underpinnings of Reptile Theory, how it manifests in pleadings and discovery and concrete techniques for minimizing exposure to runaway verdicts.
Participants will learn how to:
* Define Reptile Theory and explain its psychological roots in the triune brain model
* Identify hallmarks of Reptile tactics in pleadings, discovery, and witness examination
* Analyze case law restricting or sanctioning Reptile-style argumentation
* Develop motion and deposition strategies to protect witnesses and preserve appellate issues
* Reframe trial themes around reasonableness, personal responsibility, and fairness to neutralize fear-based appeals
Kate Whitlock has spent her career defending and counseling individuals and companies accused of not doing their jobs right. Primarily in professional liability, bad faith and sexual misconduct matters, Kate represents clients in many different fields – legal, insurance, accounting, real estate, education and more.
Practice Areas: Litigation, Personal Injury
Offered In: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Georgia (GA) | Idaho (ID) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Missouri (MO) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA)
Course Expiration: 10/29/2030
Media Type: Streaming Video, Streaming Audio, Audio Download, Video Download, USB
1.00 credit hours
Original Production Date: 10/29/2025
Run Time: 1:00:00
In 2006 the FRCP was amended to include a “new” type of evidence – Electronically Stored Information (ESI). Twenty years later almost every trial hinges on text messages, Facebook posts, IG stories, tweets, emails, blogs & countless more sources of electronic evidence.
In this CLE, Nicholas J. Schneider, Esq. will discuss the basics of laying a foundation for the admission of evidence, provide tangible trial tips and show you example trial examinations for establishing each of the five core foundation elements. Nick will then apply this framework, with practical examples, to common types of modern digital evidence, including business records, text messages, social media and other forms of ESI. These rules and procedures are addressed: Introduction & Exclusion of Evidence, Pre-Foundation, Competence, Foundation, the Original Document Rule, Privilege, Relevance, Authenticity and Hearsay. Nick will specifically discuss preparing & introducing: ESI, photos, video, email, texts, social media and websites & blog posts.
Nicholas Schneider is a trial attorney and Partner with the national law firm Eckert Seamans. He focuses his practice on complex commercial disputes involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, business torts, employment disputes, copyright infringement, unfair competition and class actions.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Litigation, Personal Injury
Offered In: 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) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kentucky (KY) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Puerto Rico (PR) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Dakota (SD) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Virginia (VA) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV)
Course Expiration: 08/28/2029
Media Type: Streaming Video, Streaming Audio, Audio Download, Video Download, MP3 Player, USB
1.00 credit hours
Original Production Date: 08/28/2024
Run Time: 1:00:00
Attorneys are no longer confined to print ads in the Sunday paper & late night T.V. commercials. The Internet & social media have opened an entirely new online landscape for attorneys to advertise their services & law firms – but this new electronic terrain presents new ethical challenges.
“In a wreck, need a check?,” attorneys with sledgehammers, a “healthy dose of Dic,” monster trucks & guns. As attorneys that help lawyers with websites & online marketing, Desire'e Martinelli & Jeff Lantz have seen these numerous attorneys violate the rules of professional conduct with their online advertising. They are here to keep your conduct ethical in your YouTube vidoes, Facebook posts & PPC advertising. Primary subject covered: tips to avoid common ethical pitfalls, the consequences & penalties of unethical online advertising, and the best practices & plan when advertising online. Additional topics: using disclaimers, testimonial, making promises, required notifications, misleading ads, confidentiality issues, unjustified expectations, comparative statements, truthfulness & accuracy, case law, creating an ethical compliance plan and tools & resources. Ethical Rules addressed: Rule 1.6: Confidentiality, Rule 7.1: Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services, Rule 5.5: Unauthorized Practice of Law and Rule 8.4: Third-Party Violations.
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
Offered In: 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) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kentucky (KY) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | 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: 07/18/2029
Media Type: Streaming Video, Streaming Audio, Audio Download, Video Download, MP3 Player, USB
1.00 credit hours
| 1.00 Legal Ethics
Original Production Date: 07/18/2024
Run Time: 1:00:00
Pete Rose was banned permanently from baseball for gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. “Shoeless” Joe Jackson was banned permanently by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis in 1920 for his part in the Black Sox Scandal – even though he hit .375 in the World Series with 12 hits, 3 doubles and a home run.
Now with the explosion of online gambling and companies like DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM, there are even more risks involved for attorneys that represent athletes. Brandon Leopoldus is a sports agent and he constantly reminds his clients about the perils of sports betting, even something as simple as participating in fantasy football with friends. This CLE is broken into 3 parts: the historical context, legal & practical aspects of sports betting and the sponsorship, integration & industry governance of sports betting companies. Additional topics: betting scandals, violations & penalties of Rule 21 in Major League Baseball, the Shohei Ohtani Situation, legalization & regulation of sports betting, Murphy vs. NCAA (2018), Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA) of 1992, conflicts with league policies, use of AI & geolocation to monitor betting activity, collaboration with leagues to identify anomalies, advising clients on compliance & regulations and best practices for lawyers.
Brandon Leopoldus is a California-based attorney and founder of Leopoldus Law, APC – a specialized law firm dedicated to serving clients in the sports industry. With a focus on providing tailored legal solutions and strategies, Mr. Leopoldus is committed to helping his clients navigate the complexities of their off-field and off-screen needs.
Practice Areas: Sports and Entertainment
Offered In: Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | Arkansas (AR) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Illinois (IL) | Indiana (IN) | Iowa (IA) | ITA (ITA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Mississippi (MS) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Puerto Rico (PR) | South Carolina (SC) | South Dakota (SD) | Texas (TX) | Utah (UT) | Vermont (VT) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV) | Wyoming (WY)
Course Expiration: 10/31/2029
Media Type: Streaming Video, Streaming Audio, Audio Download, Video Download, MP3 Player, USB
1.00 credit hours
Original Production Date: 10/31/2024
Run Time: 1:00:00
Surviving prison as an innocent person is a surreal nightmare no one wants to think about. But it can happen to you - and those you love.
Justin Brooks has spent his career freeing innocent people from prison. Putting you at the defense table, this CLE forces us to consider how any one of us might be swept up in the legal system. From bad IDs to people telling lies, Justin provides the main reasons that people are wrongfully convicted and he offers detailed accounts of the cases he has worked on. Main topics: bad lawyering, differences in police work in the city vs. the country, you come home & find your partner dead, false confessions, junk science, Shaken Baby Syndrome, you have or care for a sick child, the jury is blinded by junk science, bad information from informants, and you are poor and/or a person of color. Additional topics: bite mark evidence, bad crime scene preservation, Relative Opinion Process, Cross-Racial Identifications, problems with Police line-ups, DNA testing & database, the Reid Technique, the CSI Effect, the McMartin Pre-School case and the Brian Banks case.
Professor Justin Brooks directs the LLM Program in Comparative Law in Spanish at the USD School of Law. As the program director, he administers a national moot court program in Mexico, and coordinates the work of 35 innocence organizations in Latin America.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law
Offered In: Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | District of Columbia (DC) | Florida (FL) | Illinois (IL) | ITA (ITA) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Puerto Rico (PR) | South Dakota (SD) | Texas (TX) | Vermont (VT) | Virginia (VA) | Washington (WA)
Course Expiration: 09/18/2028
Media Type: Streaming Video, Streaming Audio, Audio Download, Video Download, MP3 Player, USB
1.00 credit hours
Original Production Date: 09/18/2023
Run Time: 1:00:00
