Attorneys are busy. Finding the time to attend an in-person CLE course can be challenging. Here's a solution: the ACBA Online CLE Center. On this site, we give you the option to watch any of a wide variety of CLEs on-demand. Watch from your home, office or on the go. In Pennsylvania, you can earn up to six CLE credits online each year. We encourage you to take advantage of this program and earn credits when and where it's convenient for you. Here are some highlights:
Date Recorded: October 14, 2020 Speakers: David Duski Date Recorded: November 11, 2020 Speakers: Mark McKinnon Date Recorded: December 14, 2020 Speakers: Carol Sikov Gross, Robin Frank, Christine Long, Lori Capone, Michael Marks, Craig O'Connor Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: Kenneth Steidl, Anthony Moody, Lois Vitti Moderators: Lauren Lamb Date Recorded: December 15, 2020 Speakers: R. Kevin Brown, Bradley Dornish, Jonathan Freed, Brian Mischler Date Recorded: February 11, 2021 Speakers: Ronald Schuler, Hon. Kim Clark Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Jeffrey Deller, Jana Pail, Julie Frazee Steidl, Robert Lampl Date Recorded: July 22, 2020 Speakers: Thomas Farrell, Kevin McCarthy Date Recorded: January 14, 2021 Speakers: Grace Orsatti, Sr. Mary Traupman, Karen Timko Date Recorded: June 1, 2018 Speakers: Stefan Dann, Gregory Voss Date Recorded: July 9, 2020 Speakers: Christopher Jacobs Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: Helen Ward, Alexis Leventhal, Hon. Patricia Dodge, Hon. Carlota Bohm, Leanne Meyer, Lisa Stauffer Moderators: Kelly Neal Date Recorded: February 18, 2020 Speakers: Mark Flaherty, Stanley Wolowski, Eric Altpeter Date Recorded: August 13, 2020 Speakers: Judge Cathleen Bubash, Master Melaine Rothey, Beth Mascetta, Alex Kindler, Deborah Iwanyshyn Date Recorded: August 18, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Arnold Klein, Hon. Patrick Connelly, Christina Gill Roseman, Jonathan Stewart, Patrick Reilly Date Recorded: February 28, 2020 Speakers: Ann Schnure Moderators: Hon. David Torrey Date Recorded: September 10, 2019 Speakers: Maddy Martin Date Recorded: November 14, 2019 Speakers: Harry Rosensteel, Kathleen Schneider, Alicia Slade Date Recorded: September 20, 2019 Speakers: Gregory Teufel Date Recorded: March 5, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Carlota Bohm, Judith Fitzgerald, Robert Bernstein Moderators: Abagale Steidl Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: John Kroto, Elizabeth Slaby, Hon. Thomas Agresti, Ryan Cooney, Christopher Frye, Ronda Winnecour Date Recorded: December 16, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Christine Ward, Hon. Alan Hertzberg, Hon. Jackie Bernard, Brendan Lupetin, Michael Feeney Moderators: Gina Zumpella Date Recorded: August 31, 2020 Speakers: James Carroll, David Duski Date Recorded: August 26, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Beth Lazzara Date Recorded: August 25, 2020 Speakers: R. Douglas DeNardo, Gregory Allison Moderators: Kate McKenzie Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: Helen Ward, Matthew Herron, Juliann Haynes-Held, Kelly Neal Moderators: Keila Estevez Date Recorded: August 29, 2019 Speakers: Hon. Lisa Lenihan, Hon. Kevin Sasinoski, Laurel Gift, Michael Comber, David Berardinelli, Corey Bauer Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Carlota Bohm, Kenny Steinberg, Thomas Reilly, Ronda Winnecour Moderators: Keri Ebeck Date Recorded: October 26, 2020 Speakers: Jeffery Friedrich Date Recorded: April 15, 2020 Speakers: Brian Quinn Date Recorded: January 21, 2021 Speakers: Gregory Teufel, Catia Kossovsky Moderators: Corey Bauer Date Recorded: July 16, 2020 Speakers: Thomas Bailey, Noah Jordan, Paul Fox Date Recorded: July 28, 2020 Speakers: Christine Green Date Recorded: January 28, 2019 Speakers: Anne Marie Mancuso, Professor David Harris, Francis Wymard Moderators: James Baker Date Recorded: June 8, 2020 Speakers: Anne Linaberger, Oliver Schmidt Date Recorded: December 18, 2020 Speakers: Nicola Henry-Taylor, Quintarra Morant, Tony Thompson, Nancy Conrad, Danielle Conway, Daphne Goldman Date Recorded: October 3, 2019 Speakers: Christine Gale, John Scialabba, Patricia Jones Date Recorded: September 18, 2019 Speakers: Michael Beitcher, Mark Melago Date Recorded: May 20, 2020 Speakers: Annemarie Harr Eagle, Megan Turnbull, Aimee Zundel Date Recorded: October 22, 2020 Speakers: Brian Quinn Date Recorded: February 6, 2020 Speakers: Brett Creasy, Joseph Decker Date Recorded: September 14, 2020 Speakers: Zelda Curtis, Jennifer Fox Rabold, Barbara Griffin, Thomas Farrell Moderators: Kathryn McKee Date Recorded: January 26, 2021 Speakers: Brandon Coneby, Brian Greenert Date Recorded: November 19, 2020 Speakers: Kieran Purcell Date Recorded: August 1, 2019 Speakers: Robert Burnett, Lisa Petruzzi Date Recorded: February 12, 2021 Speakers: Tracey McCants Lewis, Thomas Cocchi Date Recorded: May 28, 2019 Speakers: Claude Ducloux Date Recorded: November 20, 2019 Speakers: Hon. Kathleen Mulligan, Hon. Alexander Bicket, Amy Coco, Samuel Schachner Moderators: Hon. Jennifer Satler Date Recorded: October 16, 2020 Speakers: Zachary Gordon, Art Stroyd, Aleksandra Kocelko, Theresa Miller-Sporrer Date Recorded: May 6, 2020 Speakers: Wesley Speary, Rita Porterfield Date Recorded: October 29, 2019 Speakers: John Battilana, Joseph Price Date Recorded: July 24, 2020 Speakers: Maxwell Briskman Stanfield Date Recorded: September 30, 2020 Speakers: Heather Baranowski, Josh Lefcowitz, Judy Murtha, Matthew Solomon Date Recorded: October 17, 2019 Speakers: Professor David Harris Date Recorded: June 26, 2020 Speakers: Bryan Barto, Mark Melago, Craig Vaughn Date Recorded: June 25, 2019 Speakers: Hon. Kim Eaton, Hon. Hugh McGough, Kevin Dorsey, Alyssa Angotti Date Recorded: October 7, 2019 Speakers: Brian Quinn Date Recorded: May 8, 2019 Speakers: Jerry McDevitt Date Recorded: February 26, 2021 Speakers: Reid Meyer, Andrew McKinley Date Recorded: October 25, 2019 Speakers: Jason Piatt, Sandra Kozlowski Date Recorded: January 29, 2021 Speakers: Ronald Schuler, Joseph Hornack, Joseph Quinn Date Recorded: October 2, 2019 Speakers: Hon. Alan Hertzberg, Daniel Vitek, Deborah Miskovich, Antoinette Oliver, Anna Majocha Moderators: Dianne Wainwright Date Recorded: February 5, 2020 Speakers: Wendy Witt Date Recorded: February 23, 2021 Speakers: Bradley Dornish Date Recorded: June 3, 2020 Speakers: Dorothy Radke Date Recorded: November 30, 2020 Speakers: Michale Komo, David Garraux, Nicole Stockey Date Recorded: September 16, 2020 Speakers: Michelle Repman-Pifer Date Recorded: September 25, 2020 Speakers: Sally Cimini, Ernest Orsatti, Marijane Treacy, Jack Yoedt Moderators: Jared Simmer Date Recorded: July 29, 2020 Speakers: Amy Coco, Nicola Henry-Taylor Date Recorded: February 4, 2021 Speakers: Brian Quinn Date Recorded: October 17, 2019 Speakers: Jennifer Taboada Date Recorded: February 24, 2021 Speakers: Michelle Logan, Mark LeFever Date Recorded: October 13, 2020 Speakers: Allison Muller Date Recorded: May 4, 2020 Speakers: Sally Cimini, Carole Katz, Selina Shultz Date Recorded: December 7, 2020 Speakers: Ashby Daniels Date Recorded: January 17, 2020 Speakers: Ronald Schuler Date Recorded: September 18, 2020 Speakers: Dr. Deborah Gilman Date Recorded: November 20, 2020 Speakers: Bobbi Tucker, Emily Town, Terry Roberts Moderators: Julie Vanneman Date Recorded: April 28, 2020 Speakers: AJ. Simeone Date Recorded: October 30, 2019 Speakers: Lisa Dougan, Thomas Dempsey Date Recorded: June 17, 2019 Speakers: James Miller, Phillip Glyptis Date Recorded: April 24, 2020 Speakers: Oliver Schmidt Date Recorded: August 26, 2020 Speakers: Dan Adamski, Tobiah Bilski, Nick Francic Date Recorded: December 19, 2019 Speakers: Angela Mitas, James Ryan, Keith Cameron, Dr. Samuel Schachner, William Friedman, Michelle Logan, Amy Coco Date Recorded: June 18, 2020 Speakers: Susan Abramowich, Hon. Maria McLaughlin, Margaret Prescott, Hon. David Spurgeon Moderators: Hon. Cynthia Eddy Date Recorded: December 8, 2020 Speakers: Claude Ducloux Date Recorded: January 25, 2021 Speakers: Leah Fink, Frank Grzywinski, Chales Cohen, Frances Kinley Moderators: Glen Sinko Date Recorded: March 5, 2019 Speakers: Erin May, A.J. Simeone Date Recorded: January 27, 2021 Speakers: Donna Cheswick Moderators: Dorothy O'Neil Date Recorded: September 22, 2020 Speakers: Ron Jones, Sylvia Winston Nichols, Associate Dean Deborah Brake Date Recorded: May 27, 2020 Speakers: Brett Creasy, John Unice Date Recorded: December 4, 2020 Speakers: Zachary Gordon, Elizabeth Rubenstein Date Recorded: September 26, 2019 Speakers: Sean Ginty Date Recorded: February 18, 2021 Speakers: Claude Ducloux Date Recorded: September 23, 2019 Speakers: Terrence Murphy Date Recorded: January 19, 2021 Speakers: Justin Steele, Gregory Allison Date Recorded: September 21, 2020 Speakers: Michael Bauer, Thomas Carpenter Date Recorded: September 10, 2019 Speakers: Carter Hoel Date Recorded: March 22, 2019 Speakers: Daniel Kunz, Jay Reisinger Date Recorded: November 9, 2020 Speakers: Claude Ducloux Date Recorded: June 1, 2020 Speakers: Pamela Connelly, Jennifer Fink, Stephen Gilson Date Recorded: May 8, 2019 Speakers: Melaine Shannon Rothey, Serena Newsom, Tricia Sorg Moderators: Zach Gordon Date Recorded: September 23, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Kim Clark, Hon. Eliot Howsie Date Recorded: July 30, 2020 Speakers: Temp Smith, Christopher Parker, Corrie Woods, Hon. Patricia McCullough, Hon. Victor Stabile Date Recorded: October 7, 2020 Speakers: Dennis Unkovic Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: Hon. Joy Flowers Conti, Hon. Ashely Chan, Hon. John Hoffman, Hon. Michael Kaplan, Hon. Robert Opel Moderators: Keri Ebeck Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: Kirk Burkley, Donald Calaiaro, Frank Guadagnino, Sloane O'Donnell Moderators: Maribeth Thomas Date Recorded: February 10, 2021 Speakers: Stephanie Dangel, Joseph Hornack, Ian Michel, Jennifer Price Date Recorded: December 9, 2020 Speakers: Scott Cessar, Lisa Wampler, Michael Klein, Giselle Leonardo, James Miller, Chris Cieslak, Wiley Wright, Matt Stamp Moderators: Lori Azzara Date Recorded: November 12, 2020 Speakers: Gary Osterholt Date Recorded: March 13, 2020 Speakers: Brian Balonick, Amanda Bundick, Noah Jordan, Carsen Ruperto, John Yoedt Moderators: Fulton Miklos Date Recorded: September 17, 2019 Speakers: Wendy Witt Date Recorded: October 27, 2020 Speakers: Charles DeMonaco, Marie Rivera-Johnson, Carlota Bohm Moderators: Daniel Conlon Date Recorded: June 21, 2019 Speakers: Eddie Edwards, Ron Jones Date Recorded: December 11, 2020 Speakers: John Lacher, Hon. Gregory Taddonio, Joseph Sisca, David Valencik, George Snyder Date Recorded: February 19, 2021 Speakers: William "Chip" Carter, Jr., Ronald Schuler Date Recorded: August 10, 2020 Speakers: Ray Vogliano, John Shaffer, Scott Magnuson Moderators: Elizabeth Altman Date Recorded: November 5, 2020 Speakers: Phillip Bogdanoff Date Recorded: September 29, 2020 Speakers: Dr. Allison Muller Date Recorded: May 8, 2019 Speakers: Barbara Griffin, Elizabeth Hughes, Tracey McCants Lewis Moderators: Morgan Moody Date Recorded: January 14, 2021 Speakers: Glenn Sinko, David Dille, Hon. Anne Crilley, Hon. David Cicola Date Recorded: December 21, 2020 Speakers: Matthew Doebler, Roy Leonard, Sherie Cannin, Coreen Wilson, Brendan Lupetin, Gregory Dobson Date Recorded: September 15, 2020 Speakers: Dr. Allison Muller Date Recorded: March 8, 2019 Speakers: Amy Coco, Michelle Logan Date Recorded: February 25, 2021 Speakers: Claude Ducloux Date Recorded: June 18, 2020 Speakers: Ben Minegar, Dean Amy Wildermuth Date Recorded: August 26, 2019 Speakers: Michael Parker, Jason Willis, Vijya Patel, Max Slater Moderators: Jeffrey Bailey Date Recorded: November 10, 2020 Speakers: William Wolfe Date Recorded: October 7, 2020 Speakers: Clifford Levine, Charles Pascal, Jr., Marcus Reed, Professor Jennie Sweet-Cushman Moderators: Emily Kinkead Date Recorded: June 24, 2019 Speakers: Hon. Mark Hornak, Hon. Kim Clark, Hon. Kim Eaton, Hon. Christine Ward Moderators: John Gismondi, Melaine Shannon Rothey Date Recorded: July 29, 2020 Speakers: Lisa Bruderly, Pat Gavaghan Moderators: Howard Wein Date Recorded: June 26, 2019 Speakers: Marie Rivera Johnson, Christine Miller, Tynishia Powell, Dean Stephen Tanzilli Moderators: Thomas McGough Date Recorded: February 27, 2020 Speakers: Nicole Amick, Kate Diersen, David Montgomery Date Recorded: October 21, 2020 Speakers: Christian Antkowiak, Joseph Chivers Date Recorded: September 5, 2018 Speakers: Leanne Meyer Date Recorded: June 28, 2019 Speakers: Hon. Mary Jane Bowes, Hon. Judith Olson, Hon. J. Nicholas Ranjan, Kevin McCarthy, Lisa Whisler Moderators: Templeton Smith How Patent Infringement May Shape COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Using Drones for Medical Purposes, Including COVID Response
Throughout the pandemic, the Federal Aviation Administration has been working proactively to ease restrictions in order to preserve air commerce. Among these initiatives, the FAA has enabled drone use for COVID-19 response efforts within its existing regulations and emergency procedures.
Beyond the current rules, the FAA also provides a process to obtain the necessary waivers to operate aircraft beyond the visual line of sight of the pilot, over people and in congested areas. These waivers can be leveraged to provide additional opportunities and value for unmanned aircraft operations. Finally, the FAA will be completing work on two important rulemakings later this year regarding flight over people, night operations and the remote identification of aircraft. These new rules will further standardize procedures, providing new flexibility and opportunities.
Understanding both the law and the technology is key to making informed decisions about how unmanned aircraft can be used effectively by the medical industry. Join Mark McKinnon for an update on what has been happening in the unmanned aircraft industry.
#ElderLaw – An Overview of Elder Law
Specifics to be covered include:
- What is Elder Law? An explanation
- Documents associated with elder law: POAs, Wills, Advance Health Care and Trusts
- Medicare, Medicaid and asset protection
- Guardianships, filial responsibility
- Guardianships, filial responsibility
- Tax implications of Elder Law practice2019-2020 Case Law Update
A Behind the Scenes Look at a Residential Real Estate Transaction
Topics include:
- The fiduciary relationships (as well as lack thereof) of real estate licensees to the consumer in a residential real estate transaction.
- The full role of the home inspection in the residential real estate transaction
- The intricacies of the behind the scenes efforts of the mortgage process, including the appraisal, from pre-approval to closing.
- The intricacies of the behind the scenes efforts of the title/closing process in the residential real estate transaction.
- How various aspects of the above are impacted by many of the standard forms utilized in a residential real estate transaction.A History of the Advancement of Women and African Americans in the Pittsburgh Bar
A History of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in Notable Cases
rulings in the area of mortgage litigation.
A Look at the Ethics of Physical Evidence at a Crime Scene
A Look at the Ethics of Physical Evidence at a Crime Scene
This CLE will be a review and discussion of the legal and ethical problems when physical evidence of a crime is given or otherwise known to defense counsel.
Specifics to be covered include:
-The duties to preserve physical evidence
-Ethical responsibilities of a defense attorney when counsel possesses physical evidence
-The nuances of the law as applied to various types of evidence
-The possible penalties that are faced by counsel
-How to speak to a client when the client explains he/she possesses physical evidence
-What information obtained by a private investigator or attorney must be turned over to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This course is essential for anyone that handles criminal defense work. A serious criminal defense practitioner needs to fully understand what their responsibilities are when they or their investigator comes across physical evidence or evidence from a witness.A Look at the Updated ACBA Advance Directive Forms
The ACBA's advance directive form has recently been updated, and during this seminar, a panel of attorneys will discuss the changes and why they're important. The panel also will discuss the importance of this valuable resource to the community.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and other national emergencies, attorneys can start off the year with knowledge of advance directives such as Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney.
The program will be beneficial to all attorneys, but in particular to those working with low income clients who are in need of advance directives for end-of-life planning.A Name is an Identity: The Name Change Process and Vulnerable Communities
This year marks the launch of a new Local Rule in Allegheny County, creating a special track within the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas for name changes involving vulnerable populations. This was created largely in response to the experiences of transgender people in the name change process. Administrative Judge Christine Ward will discuss why the new Rule was created, how the procedure for name changes will work and how it can also protect clients who are victims of abuse, harassment, or other crimes, whether transgender or cisgender.A Primer on COVID19-related Business Interruption Insurance Coverage in Pa.
This will be a "neutral" presentation that is balanced as it relates to industry vs. policyholder issues.
A Woman's Place in the Legal Profession
Alcoholic Beverages and Nonprofit Organizations
Alimony Expert Views on Need, Amount and Duration
Allegheny County Voir Dire in 2020
The seminar will cover topics including peremptory strikes and objections for cause, any potential impact of Trigg v. Children's Hospital of UPMC, ethical issues that may arise in voir dire and how Covid-19 may affect the jury selection process. New trial attorneys and experienced practitioners will benefit from attending this seminar.
An Introduction to Telemedicine and the Future of Patient Care
This presentation will focus on telemedicine with particular emphasis on occupational injuries and workers' compensation.
The program will define what telemedicine is in workers' compensation. Specifics to be covered include injuries, patient experiences, patient privacy, state regulations (including paneling/direction of care, types of provider and billing). Additionally, the program will cover what the future of telemedicine holds.An Overview of Trusts
This program will offer a fresh perspective on trust administration and document preparation; examples of conflicting provisions and/or unintended consequences will be discussed. The program is ideal for young attorneys looking to learn about trusts, attorneys with experience in other areas of the law who are looking to expand into trusts, and for those seeking a general refresher on trust issues.
The program will be broken up into the following sections:
Basic Trust Administration
Discussion will focus on irrevocable trusts vs. revocable trusts, discretionary distributions; corporate trustees and co-trustees; the Pennsylvania Title 20 Prudent Investor rule; Fiduciary duties and more.
Special Needs Trusts
This section will focus on special needs trusts, and the unique dynamics involved, including public benefits requirements, parental support obligations, cash reimbursement and credit card use and more. Types of special needs trusts (payback, third-party and pooled special needs trusts). Discretionary distribution requirements and prohibitions; ABLE accounts and real estate dynamics will also be examined.
Guardianships
Guardianships and Pennsylvania Title 20 will be examined, including the guardianship of minors and/or incompetent adults. "Guardian of the estate vs. Guardian of the Person" will be examined, along with accounting, distribution requirements and prohibitions.
Oil and Gas Trusts
Learn about mineral management issues, the Pennsylvania Principal and Income Act, and Dormant Oil and Gas Act trusts.
CLE and Events Registration Policy: Members and Non-members can register for ACBA programs online or by paper mail-in registration, up to two days prior to a program start date. Some programs are restricted to ACBA or Section members only. Pre-registration is preferred, however our events are open to walk-ins after online registration closes, unless the event is sold out. If you pre-registered but have not yet paid or are a walk-in, preferred method of payment at the door is check or cash (exact change please).
Are You Lawyering or Laboring
Are Your PC and Data Secure What Cyber Security Means to Today's Lawyer
In this seminar, attendees will learn, in layman terms, what cyber security means to the modern day practice of law. Those who attend will learn safe and secure practices to implement on their network and/or PCs. In addition to IT professionals, two ACBA members will be on the panel and talk about implementing cyber security practices within their own law offices.Attorney Office Space - Options and Considerations
Bankruptcy Basics for the Non-Bankruptcy Practitioner
This program will discuss the bankruptcy basics of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for the non-bankruptcy practitioner. This distinguished panel will discuss the automatic stay and its effect on other lawsuits. The session will review the bankruptcy process in general as well as discuss dealing with bankruptcy issues if your client is the debtor or a creditor. Any attorney who has cases or clients where bankruptcy may be an issue or a concern should not miss this CLE.Bankruptcy Court Update – How COVID-19 Changed the Landscape of Bankruptcy Practice
Behind the Mask How to Effectively Try a Case in a Pandemic
This program will cover new courtroom procedures, strategies and techniques that are being employed here in Western Pennsylvania in the era of COVID-19.Best Practices for Working with Intellectual Property Damages Experts
This program explores best practices litigators should consider when looking to retain and working with IP damages experts. Learn from two experts at BDO as to how you may be able to leverage an expert's skills and experience in order to help secure a favorable outcome for your client.Biggest Mistakes Made by Trial Lawyers
The Honorable Beth Lazzara has had extensive experience in the courtroom as an advocate and as a trial judge, and she's sharing lessons learned to members of the bar to help lawyers avoid committing these blunders.
Specifics to be covered include:
Professionalism or how to act in the courtroom to positively influence
The significance of being prepared
How to exude positive presence in the courtroom for the benefit of your client
The importance of passionate advocacy
How to be a better trial lawyer.
It does not matter how long you have been a trial lawyer, this program will help make you a better one. Judge Lazzara will remind attendees of the rules that attorneys know, but sometimes forget to follow. She will also cover new techniques that even experienced trial attorneys might not be aware of.
This program is a must for any trial lawyer.
Client Conversations That Connect Planning and Philanthropy
The panel will discuss starting and having the client discussion. How much do you know about your client? How much do you know about your charitable community? How much do you know about planning options and techniques?
Other specifics to be covered include:
What's happening to create these opportunities
Disclaiming a charitable remainder trust interest
Why and when to convert a private foundation
The SECURE Act and changes that can foster charitable planning
Estate planning strategies
Commercial Real Estate A House of Cards
Constitutional Rights in the Digital Age Is There an App for That
Consumer Hodgepodge
Contract Drafting Overview: Tips and Tricks for Corporate Attorneys
Understanding the essentials of contract drafting is a necessity for all attorneys. Lawyers and their clients depend upon contracts to establish and enforce rights and to aid in obtaining their goals. A well-drafted contract avoids misunderstanding, helps guide the parties in the course of their relationship, and can help avoid (or at least mitigate) litigation costs.
This CLE will address the essentials of good contract drafting, starting with the goals of contract drafting, and including specific drafting tips. Key topics to be discussed:
Understanding the agreement and the deal points
Understanding the real world implications surrounding the contract
Tips and tricks of the drafting process
Coronavirus and Your Mental Health
You may be worried about being in crowds or about your loved ones, seniors and clients. You are likely concerned about your finances, practice or how to manage a quarantine.
Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession, even prior to the pandemic. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that one out of three attorneys will likely have a need for substance use counseling or mental health services at some point in their careers. Accordingly, unexpected events like the Coronavirus will have an even greater impact on lawyers.
In light of this unprecedented crisis and its far reaching impact, this program will cover:
• The early warning signs of impairment, with special emphasis on anxiety, stress and depression. The speaker will describe some of the ways to reduce or alleviate these conditions, which have become commonplace among members of the legal profession.
• The free services that Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers provides to lawyers, judges, their family members and law students, all of which are still fully available during the Coronavirus epidemic.
• A close look at what barriers exist that prevent lawyers and judges from seeking the help they need will be provided.
• The role that education plays in breaking the stigma and fear associated with addiction and mental illness in the legal profession.
• Special emphasis will be placed on what callers to the LCL Confidential Helpline can expect, regardless of whether it is a self-referral or a request for intervention assistance.
• How best to approach the impaired individual who may be in need of help.Corporate Law for the Non-Corporate Attorney – In the COVID Economy and Beyond
- The legal impact of PPP loans and the long-term outlook of the PPP program.
- How COVID-19 has impacted Force Majeure clauses.
- What to look for in contract warranties and representations.
- Fundraising transactions for the purchase and sale of companies.
COVID in Schools from the Perspective of Pennsylvania Teachers
A panel featuring a retired public school teacher-turned-attorney, an attorney representing members of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (PFT) and an ethics trainer with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association will cover an array of related topics, including:
-Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) 6-4-20 "preliminary guidelines" for re-opening schools
-The concerns Pennsylvania Educators have on re-opening schools during COVID
-Changes to Arbitration Hearing Process for Section 1133 Terminations during COVID
-PDE's record setting number of Educator Misconduct Complaints in recent years
-PMEA's ethics training today
-Professional Standards and Practices Commission January, 2020 recommendation to Pa. State
-Board of Education for mandatory ethics training for Pennsylvania Educators
-PDE discipline process for educator misconduct complaints before commission
-Pennsylvania professional code of practices and conduct for educators
-Sample ethics training slideshow and case study for Pennsylvania educators
This CLE is ideal not only for solicitors representing schools and educational institutions, but also attorneys who are parents of school aged children.
COVID-19 Tax Update
Criminal Law for the Non-Criminal Attorney
The Criminal Justice System Process – It is important for an attorney who does not regularly practice in criminal defense to understand where the defendant is in the process before being able to have an informed discussion with the individual.
Diversion Programs and Specialty Courts – This segment involves specialty courts and programs such as Mental Health Court, Drug Court and ARD). Many attorneys are unaware of the full options available to criminal defendants. It can be useful for these defendants to understand that they will have opportunities to handle whatever problems that lead to their involvement in the Criminal Justice System rather than worrying that they will automatically be locked away. This could also be useful to instruct clients who have mental health issues or got caught up in the opioid crisis to seek treatment before the case gets too far as that may help their case going forward.
Should a defendant speak to the police? – Whether a defendant should ever speak with police and their rights when police call an individual to the police station will be discussed. Many times, defendants do not understand their rights in relation to police questioning or interrogation. Attorneys should know the basic rights involved and explain how a defendant can clearly invoke these rights before the defendant goes to speak with police without consulting a criminal defense attorney first.
Preservation of Evidence – By the time a criminal defendant gets to a preliminary hearing, any videos or witnesses could have easily been erased or disappeared. It is imperative to the criminal defendant to preserve as much evidence as possible before speaking with a criminal defense attorney, and attorneys can save their clients potential criminal consequences by offering this advice.
Incarcerated Clients – Attorneys who do not practice criminal defense are likely unaware of the effects of bond or other matters, such as detainers, on the ability of a client to attend court hearings or the pressure of a client to plead to an offense that may affect their rights in a civil or family court lawsuit.Crisis Communication - A Guide for Safeguarding Brand Equity Amid COVID-19
In the 21st century, crisis communication is driven by today's fast-paced, digital environment. Crisis communication requires specialized strategic and tactical knowledge, skills and experience. The challenges posed by a 24/7 news cycle, the internet, and increased pressure from internal and external stakeholders demand a holistic crisis response that transcends the legal framework.
By attending this CLE class, attorneys will develop a deeper understanding of core crisis communication concepts and tools, gain valuable insight into harnessing the power of traditional and social media in times of crisis, and learn how crisis communication and legal strategies complement one another.Diversity and Inclusion in Probate and Trust Practice
- National law school demographics
- Law school enrollment and barriers encountered by diverse students
- Employment and career development data for diverse and women lawyers
- Diversity initiatives within the profession
- Diversity and inclusion efforts within firms and corporate legal departments
- Creating opportunities for diverse probate and trust lawyers
- Promoting estates and trust practice among diverse lawyersDivorce Law 101
This program will cover the basic procedural steps and other considerations needed to obtain a divorce. Those attending this program will be able to volunteer for the ACBF Divorce Law Project and assist low-income clients obtain divorces.
The program will review how the ACBF Divorce Law Project works, the procedures for filing for divorce and the special rules for serving defendants in family law cases. Sample forms and correspondence for representing clients through the ACBF Divorce Law Project and the factors to consider whether a simple divorce is appropriate also will be covered.Does Your Brand Have Bandwidth
E-filing in Allegheny County Orphans' Court
Education in the Era of COVID-19
During this program, experienced attorneys will address the changing legal landscape of education as a result of pandemic-driven school closures. This CLE will provide relevant and timely information for attorneys with school clients and attorneys who are experiencing these changes on a more personal level as parents.
Specific topics to be addressed include distance learning, special education compliance, school policies and uncertainties facing schools as the 2020-2021 school year approaches, with a focus on the economic forecast and budgeting.
Effects of Trauma and Stress on Our Lives
And then there's trauma. The ramifications of trauma aren't discussed as frequently as those of stress and thus, for many attorneys, trauma is a topic in need of attention. While many experience trauma directly, it also can be secondary or vicarious. Trauma also results from a personal loss, such as the death of a family member or a close friend.
As the globe deals with the unexpected impact of a generational and societal traumatic event – the COVID-19 pandemic – it's important to recognize the signs of trauma in yourself as well as in your office staff, family and clients.
During this session, hear from an experienced speaker who will share his personal story of trauma. Attendees will learn to recognize the unhealthy and potentially life-threatening shadow it can cast.Electronic Evidence: Collecting, Preserving and Reviewing Critical Information
The type and location of electronic evidence and data that may be relevant in an employee investigation or trade secret lawsuit is ever growing and changing. Employers and employees routinely use business and personal computers and email, mobile devices containing call logs, texts, photos, HR and accounting databases, ShareFile, as well as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Instagram, cloud storage, Google Docs, WhatsApp, and other applications. And that's just some of them.
Potentially relevant evidence may be exclusively in the control of the employer, while other relevant data may reside solely with an employee or third party. During this presentation, electronic evidence experts from bit-x-bit will discuss how they forensically collect, preserve and review data on a variety of devices, platforms and systems.Emeritus Status in Pennsylvania
Specific topics to be covered include:
Pennsylvania Rule of Disciplinary Enforcement 403
Pennsylvania CLE Rule 105(d)
Process for obtaining emeritus status
Practice tips for emeritus attorneys
Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 6.1
Volunteer opportunities and resources for pro bono attorneys
Environmental Law Update - 2020 Year in Review
Specifically, panelists will review and analyze 2020 environmental decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court and the Third Circuit, and 2020 environmental decisions from the Pennsylvania appellate courts and the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board. Additionally, 2020 changes to federal and state environmental regulations and guidance will be discussed, as will the potential impact of key federal and state environmental regulatory changes in the year ahead. The program will be of particular interest to individuals whose practices touch on environmental law, energy law and administrative law. Environmental Site Assessments and the New All Appropriate Inquiry Rule
For the insurance industry, this ruling affects both the underwriting and claims adjusting business. Some potential impacts include policy exclusions and errors and omission. This short one-hour course provides a detailed discussion of the ruling and focuses on the impacts to the insurance industry. Case studies and examples are used for illustrative purposes.Equitable Distribution of Oil, Gas and Mineral Rights in Family Law
Equitable distribution of oil and gas rights presents unique and complicated issues. This program will examine and discuss practical solutions to these challenges, including the severance of oil/gas rights, the carving out of executive rights and the need for accurate and reliable valuation reports.Ethical Considerations for Lawyers Working Remotely
Ethical Considerations in Drafting Contracts
Specifically, this course will present a study of inadvertent unilateral and joint drafting errors; intentional modification of "standard" forms; incorrect recitations of law; and omissions by error of an agreed-upon term, and the ethical duties of the drafting and receiving lawyers in each situation. Additionally, practice strategies to guard against such situations will be discussed. Specifics to be covered include:
Competence – knowing what you're doing.
Conflicts of Interest.
Doing business with client.
Dealing with unrepresented persons.
Conduct involving dishonesty fraud deceit and misrepresentation.
This course includes citation to numerous applicable model rules and state rules.
The discussion will be led by Claude Ducloux, who has four decades of experience as a civil litigator and is now a nationally recognized legal educator.Ethical Considerations in Family Law Custody Litigation
Your eyes pop open from sleep at 2 a.m. You cannot stop thinking about your client advising you that she has a record from 15 years before her child was born. She had to support herself as a prostitute, but she will deny it at trial if she is asked. Now what?
Can a judge search social media sites or court dockets about parties to an action? If so, can that information be used in deciding the case if not presented in evidence?
If you are appointed as a GAL, where do your ethical duties lie?
Can or should a psychologist testify about a client who is a minor? If so, to what extent?
Litigating, negotiating and adjudicating custody cases often present thorny ethical/professional questions. Judges have to know not only the rules that govern their conduct, but also the conduct of lawyers and psychologists. All of this can impact how the issue of best interest of the child is decided.
During this program, the panel will feature an attorney experienced in handling ethical issues for lawyers, a professor who teaches issues related to judicial ethics and a psychologist knowledgeable in the area of ethics for psychologists.
The program aims to discuss the intersection of these issues in custody litigation. For example, attorneys are subject to Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6 on confidentiality. An attorney serving as Guardian ad Litem will necessarily have a different perspective on confidentiality. A Judge will have to comply with Code of Judicial Conduct 2.9 on ex-parte communication and 2.3 on bias and prejudice — all while balancing her responsibility to determine the best interest of the child.Ethical Considerations When Lawyers Make Lateral Moves
This program will cover specific rules of professional conduct in addition to exploring the recent ethics opinions on the topic. It also will include discussion of practical steps lawyers should take when accepting new roles. The program also will explore a firm's ethical responsibility when an attorney leaves. The panel includes attorneys who have taken lateral moves as well as attorneys who can speak to these moves from the firm's perspective. Panel members will share their experiences and tips for best practices for complying with the ethics rules when considering a change of employment.Fair Housing Rights and Responsibilities: Reasonable Accommodations
The Commission, its jurisdiction, and its procedures
Fair housing laws and their enforcement in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh
Rights and responsibilities for reasonable accommodations
Rights and responsibilities for reasonable modifications
Additionally, the program will review several real-life scenarios.Financial Planning Strategies for Attorneys Nearing Retirement
Do you have enough saved? When should you start drawing on your saved funds? How do government benefits impact your plan? This program will focus on financial planning strategies, particularly for those attorneys nearing retirement.
Specific points to be covered include:
How much is enough
Defining the time horizon
Defining risk shouldn't be terrifying
Locking it in or riding it out
Insurance Life Cycle
Social Security
The "Retirement Red Zone"Force Majeure and Defenses to Contract Performance in the COVID Landscape
The presentation will review elements of a contractual force majeure clause and related common law doctrines of frustration of purpose and impossibility/impracticability of performance.Fraud Prevention, Detection and Control
Cyber criminals have modernized their techniques in order to take advantage of these gaps. With digital phones creating new ways to perform financial transactions, this brings new conveniences and abilities for attackers to commit their crimes. Being prepared in advance is the best defense against a fraud or cybersecurity attack.
This session will cover the following:
- A "state of the union" on fraud and statistics to show the impact
- How to identify common fraud schemes particular to internal accounting, cybercrimes and financial institutions today
- How to identify the warning signs of fraud and how to prevent data and identity theft
-Understanding that due diligence and prevention practices are needed for fraud risk assessments and an anti-fraud framework at the company
-Ethical issues and best practices for lawyers advising clients with respect to data security issues as well as protecting their own firm
-How wire fraud can be prevented with strong password rules and monitoring activity
-Education of the staff on what the company is facing in security threats is extremely important and needed to help them be part of the solution.From Old School Bigotry to Implicit Bias - The Science of Racial Disparity
Helping Your Law Practice Thrive During the Pandemic
Digital marketing and legal research professionals will discuss ways your law firm can adapt – and even thrive – amid the new working environment. The panel will discuss topics such as making sure your firm and your brand are visible, using social media and conducting meetings through online platforms and virtual resources to help firms be more flexible and thrive during these times.How 'Our Family Wizard' Can Benefit the Parties/Court in Custody Litigation
Impairment in the Legal Profession and What YOU Can Do About It
In addition to a breakdown of the results of the recent ABA/Hazelden Krill report, the program will cover:
The early warning signs of impairment, with special emphasis on depression, stress and burnout
The free services that Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers provides to lawyers, judges, their family members and law students
A close look at what barriers exist that prevent lawyers and judges from seeking the help they need will be provided.
The role that education plays in breaking the stigma and fear associated with addiction and mental illness in the legal profession.
Special emphasis will be placed on what callers to the LCL Confidential Helpline can expect, regardless of whether it is a self-referral or a request for intervention assistance.
How best to approach the impaired individual.In the Squared Circle: 30 Years of Representing WWE
He will discuss specific legal issues – many of which have been high-profile, media-sensitive matters – including criminal trials, wrongful death claims, libel suits, congressional investigations, sexual harassment claims, CTE lawsuit and now the rebirth of the XFL, a spring football league.International Tax in the Age of COVID
This presentation will cover an overview of the CARES Act, various U.S. international tax updates and considerations related to foreign income tax updates.Jury Selection and Management: An Engineered Group Dynamics Approach
An Engineered Group Dynamics Approach
Introduction - Before You Start
Know the strengths and weaknesses of the case
Know the first draft of your story
Know what you have to "sell"
Know who would "buy" and who would "resell"
General Principles of Group Dynamics
Social combinations
Leadership
Roles within groups
Juries as Task-Oriented Groups
Organizational dynamics in task-oriented groups
Stages in group development
Anticipating group dynamics during deliberations
Impact of decision rules on group dynamics
Effective Voir Dire
What to ask and why to ask it
Deselection and Rehabilitation
A Case Study – Plan into Action.Labor and The Steel Bar: Pittsburgh Lawyers and the Fate of the NLRB
Landlord-Tenant Mediation and Pro-Bono Training
Participants will learn from experienced landlord-tenant practitioners who will cover landlord-tenant law, the procedural rules relating to filings, establishing supersedes, appeals from magisterial district courts and evictions.
Additionally, the program will include mediation training where the key traits and best practices of a successful mediation will be explained. During the mediation training session, The Hon. Alan Hertzberg will outline factors that can be used to encourage resolution in landlord-tenant disputes.
Law Firm Metrics for Strategic Decision-Making Success
Specific topics to be covered include:
Creating your individualized money map to get the life you want.
Dashboarding the 28 key performance indicators you need to make strategic decisions for practice/firm. (Stop guessing and only dealing with what's on fire).
Seeing how patterns provide clues to peak performance.
Getting free excel dashboards to get you from where you are to where you want to be.Legal Issues Selling Real Estate Involving Oil and Gas
In this program, attorney Brad Dornish will cover the history of oil and gas rights in Pa., as well as advising clients completing the oil, gas and mineral rights disclosure and addendum to the agreement of sale. Additionally, the program covers excepting and reserving oil, gas and mineral rights in Pennsylvania deeds, title insurance, relocation transactions, and protecting buyers and sellers in transactions.
Leveraging Change Management Principles to Optimize Legal Technology
With that in mind, one question remains: How can law practices best adopt legal technology and manage the changes that accompany it? This program will explain how.LGBT Employment Rights in the United States
Life Care Plans, Medical Cost Projections & Special Damages Reports
Life care plans are dynamic documents, based on published standards that offer concise plans for current and future needs for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic healthcare needs. Medical cost projections are unbiased third-party estimates on the total medical value of a claim.
During this program, experts will examine life care plans and medical cost projections and their roles in legal practice. Vocational liability cases also will be examined.
Life of a Labor Contract After the Collective Bargaining Agreement is Signed
Administering the contract, interpreting the contract, discipline issues and enforcing the contract.
Administering the contract: This portion of the program will focus on such topics as zipper clauses, management rights, union structure (role of shop stewards, etc.), labor-management committees and more.
Interpreting the contract: After a contract is in place, disputes are sure to arise. The panel will cover past practice, plain language rules, unfair labor practices arising out of contract administration, work rules and policies and more.
Discipline: During this segment of the program, the panel will cover investigations, seniority dynamics, bargaining unit work, last chance agreements, the duty of fair representation, the grievance process (stages, players, arbitration clause) and more.
Enforcing the contract: This segment of the program will focus on the arbitration process, trilogy cases, binding v. non-binding arbitration (fact-finding), The National Arbitration Act / The Uniform Arbitration Act, and arbitration clauses. Panelists will cover grievance (rights) arbitration v. interest (contract interpretation) arbitration, arbitrator selection, reasons for arbitrator disqualification, the duty to disclose conflicts, the arbitrator's authority and more. Arbitrability, preparing for the hearing and the arbitration hearing process and outcomes also will be discussed.Maintaining a Professional Law Practice While Running a Successful Business
Maintaining a Work-Life Balance in Uncertain Times
Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers. Accordingly, unexpected events like those we are facing as a society will have an even greater impact on lawyers and those who work with them.
In light of this unprecedented crisis, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers will cover the following topics:
-The prevalence rates of impairment in the legal profession due to substance use and mental health issues prior to COVID-19
-Causes and symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety
-The impact of COVID-19 crisis on mental health issues and the role isolation plays
-Fear associated with the uncertainty surrounding the future of the legal industry
-Well-being strategies to reduce or alleviate these conditions
-Tips for maintaining a healthy and productive work/life balance
-Ethical dilemmas created by the Coronavirus crisis, including remote supervision of attorneys and staff, record and timekeeping, data security and confidentiality in the remote office setting.
-Why legal professionals are at higher risk to develop mental health and substance use disorders
-Challenges and barriers facing legal professionals from seeking help
-The free, confidential services provided by Lawyers Assistance Programs to lawyers, their family members, judges and law students
-The role that education plays in breaking the stigma and fear associated with addiction and mental illness in the legal profession
-Resources available to both lawyers and support staff with emphasis on COVID-19 issues
Making Government Benefits Work for You: Understanding Soc.Sec. & Medicare
Malpractice and Cyber Liability Insurance Considerations
During this CLE, a knowledgeable panel from the ACBA Insurance partners at USI Affinity will discuss lawyers professional liability insurance, including what to look for in a policy and what coverages will be important post-pandemic. How to avoid risk and specific risk management best practices for law firms also will be discussed.
The panel also will discuss why cyber liability insurance is important for lawyers. Speakers will review cyber liability exposures for law firms and cover how to protect your firm against cyber-attacks.
USI Affinity is pleased to provide an additional benefit for select ACBA CLE programs. Simply complete the information form that will be emailed with the materials, and you may qualify for up to a 7.5% risk management credit per lawyer on your next CNA Lawyers' Professional Liability Insurance renewal, endorsed by the ACBA. The credit will be applied at the next renewal date and is good for two consecutive policy terms.Marijuana and Synthetic Cannabinoids: High-lights of the Science
What are the differences between marijuana metabolites? What are some pearls in interpreting drug testing results? How do the various sources of marijuana (such as edibles, joints and oils) differ in potency and effects on the body? What is the science behind the marijuana breath testing device? What are synthetic cannabinoids and how do they compare with marijuana? These and other questions will be answered in this one-hour presentation.
Specifics to be covered include:
- The scientific names of the parent marijuana compound and major metabolites
- Similarities and differences between marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids
- Why determining impairment based on marijuana levels (or its metabolites) is challenging
Mediation in the Time of COVID-19
This interactive session will be hosted by three experienced mediators: Sally Cimini, Carole Katz and Selina Shultz. They will discuss remote mediations and compare and contrast them to in-person mediations.
Specifics will include:
Description of how remote mediations by Zoom work
What's the same and what's different about in-person vs. remote mediations
Pre-work
Confidentiality and security
Joint sessions
Private separate sessions (including a demonstration of the "breakout room" Zoom function)
The flow of the typical day
Other interactions during the course of the mediation
Papering the dealMedicare Simplified: What Retirees Need to Know about Medicare
- The various aspects of Medicare
- The difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantages plans
- Tips to help you discover which plan might be appropriate for you and your clients
- How much you and your clients can expect to pay for your health coverage during retirement
- How to minimize your total health insurance cost during retirement
- The laws which started Medicare and Medicaid, the laws that govern IRMAA charges for both Part B and Part D and how to go about appealing those IRMAA chargesMeet You in [Corporate] Hell!
Motivational Interview Techniques to Encourage Effective Co-Parenting
Navigating Employment Laws and Caregiver Needs in COVID Era
In particular, the CLE will examine the impact of COVID on workers who are caregivers and parents of school-age children. What leave can people take? What are flexible options for retaining people with different schedules? How should policies and protocols be written or adapted to accommodate the needs of working parents in the COVID era?
The panel will address these questions and other employment issues arising in these challenging times. Various perspectives will be covered by panelists, including employer and employee perspectives. This session will be informative for employment attorneys counseling clients on legal and regulatory issues. It also will be useful for law firm management committed to ensuring the retention and advancement of women in the profession at a time when progress for women in the field is threatened by the pressures of working in a pandemic.
Major content areas: Labor and employment law generally; paid leave laws; FFCRA; Governor's orders on COVID issues; diversity and inclusion.
Who should attend: Employment lawyers; in-house counsel; diversity and inclusion officers; anyone impacted by the COVID situation for their own situation.Navigating Remote Depositions
As a result, remote depositions are permissible for the first time, on a temporary basis. But how does that happen, exactly?
During this program, professionals from Network Deposition Services will explore best practices for conducting a deposition remotely. Specifics to be covered include:
Options for cloud-based conference and the 'ins and outs" of the most widely used web deposition software: Zoom
The most effective methods for presenting exhibits
Ways to include participants with minimal access to technology
How to adapt your deposition style to accommodate remote methods
New Essential Changes to Pa. Guardianship Practice
Oil and Gas Insurance Basics
Optimizing COVID-19 Readiness and Organizational Response
Specifics to be covered include: organizational readiness, information collection and analysis, impact assessment and scenario planning, effective leadership in times of crisis and internal and external stakeholder communication. Other important tasks and success factors also will specifically be addressed. In addition, the webinar will provide lessons learned and an interactive question-and-answer session.Pittsburgh Real Estate Market Overview
What impact does all of this have on the market for downtown office space?
During this highly visual presentation, Dan Adamski, Senior Managing Director at JLL Pittsburgh, will provide an update on how the Pittsburgh market has been affected by the global pandemic, with special focus on law firms. Adamski will also offer a guide to re-entering the office, and how tenants can navigate the new market dynamics.Planning an Exit Strategy for Lawyers of All Ages
When you completed your most recent Pennsylvania attorney registration form, you were asked whether you had a Succession Plan. In order to protect your clients' interests, as well as to protect your family and your own interests, you should prepare a Succession Plan for the time when you leave the practice of law.
Whether you're close to that point of your career or not, it's important to start thinking about and understand the dynamics that go into an exit strategy.
This seminar will help attendees understand the whys and hows of leaving the practice, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the steps that are required to take, and other steps attorneys should consider taking. By the end of this seminar, attendees will have already begun to plan an exit strategy and have an understanding of what happens if you do not plan. Attendees also will have an understanding of the resources available to help with this process. This seminar will address issues that apply to lawyers of all ages, no matter the size of the firm or years of experience, and whether to considering retiring or simply changing careers.POWER Act Pro Bono Representation for Survivors of Domestic Violence
This program will bring awareness to domestic violence situations in the community and provide opportunities for members of the bar to offer pro bono legal services to survivors.Preparing and Presenting Demonstrative Evidence
This program will explore this topic. Specifics to be covered include:
- Explaining the Differences between Demonstrative Evidence and Demonstrative Aids
- Types of Demonstrative Evidence
- Examples of typical uses, including summaries, timelines
- Law covering demonstrations and simulations
- Themes and Scripts
- Story boards – Simplifying the complex case
- Inexpensive Techniques and use of "Teaching Witness"
- Rulings and Discretion of Trial Judge
- Use of Evidence in Closing Argument
- Learning styles - How to communicate with Judge/Jury
- Ethical Rules governing use of false evidence and Duty to CorrectPreparing to Examine Vocational Experts
Specifics to be covered include:
- Addressing the Claimant's work history and educational history
- Insights on how vocational experts prepare for hearings
- Hearing preparation/vocational expert examination
- Questioning vocational experts at a hearingPresenting With Impact: How to Hit Your Points While Keeping Them Awake
Specific topics to be covered include:
Ways of removing stress from presenting.
Ideas for keeping your audience engaged.
Goals for how much to present and how to present it.
The beginning, the middle and the end: how to build your presentation with purpose.
Building an effective PowerPoint.
Knowing the topic and selling your points.
Understanding and gauging your audience.QDROs and like Orders For Dividing Retirement Plans in Divorce
Specifics to be covered include:
- The differences in retirement plan types and benefit options
- The different ways to divide retirement plans (shared vs. separate interest)
- Language needed when representing the employee spouse and former spouse
- Language differences between drafting regular QDROs vs. Governmental, FERS/CSRS and Military Plans
- Ways to avoid common QDRO mistakes
Race and College Admissions
Remote Work and Mobile Devices: Is Your Data Safe?
This webinar, led by a certified forensic analyst and senior attorney, will detail best practices for mitigating the risks of mobile device usage, as well as recovery of deleted information and remote collection of mobile data. In addition, the webinar will review important new guidance on ethical considerations facing lawyers managing client matters remotely.Right-to-Know Law for the non-Right-to-Know Law Attorney
- The timeline of submitting and responding to a request
- How to phrase a request to be specific
- Common reasons requests are denied
- The basics of the administrative appeal process
- An overview of the Court Process to challenge an administrative decision
Shifting Landscapes: Adapting Your Firm to Emerging Liability Threats
An expert panel will cover topics such as managing firm finances in today's legal market, ethically limiting the scope of your legal representations and strategically documenting files to enhance defenses against professional liability claims.
Attorneys have access to highly sensitive information and large sums of money, and although they are experts in many areas, many are not on the cutting edge of new technology. Recognizing this, hackers have set their sights on the legal profession in recent years. As a result, the cyber threat to law firms has never been higher.
Specifics to be covered include:
Recommended actions to manage firm finances
A review of limiting scope in engagement letters
Proper documentation benefits
The evolving legal and ethical duties of attorneys to protect against cyber incidents
An examination of several phishing tactics adapted from real cyber claimsSocial Media in Litigation
This program will cover:
• Inappropriate use of social media by lawyers
• Necessary changes to law practice, client control and case selection due to use of social media
• Malpractice cases based upon inappropriate use of social media
• Disciplinary cases resulting from use of social media
• Monetary damages which may result from use of social media
• Dangers of spoliation of evidence by modifying websites; and necessary instructions to clients concerning modifying social media history
• How inappropriate use destroys the attorney client privilege
Supreme Court Update: Cases of Interest to Labor and Employment Practitioners
Tax Planning in the Post-Election World
This CLE will cover corporate tax, estate and gift tax, individual tax, current tax legislation update and COVID-19 Tax Update. Program material will be adjusted as things continue to unfold in light of the election and the COVID-19 pandemic.Tax Update: Long-Awaited Final and Proposed Section 163(j) Regulations
As enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), and as amended by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (P.L. 116-136) (the "CARES Act"), section 163(j) generally limits the deductibility of net business interest expense to 30 percent of adjusted taxable income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
The final regulations remove a number of problematic items from the overbroad definition of interest in the Proposed Regulations. The result is a definition of interest that is more consistent with other parts of the Code and general tax principles and generally will be easier to implement for taxpayers Specific topics to be covered include the basic architecture of the regulations, key substantive provisions, changes from prior regulations, remaining key open questions, effective dates. The program will be geared towards tax and finance professionals in either a client service role or an in-house role.
Technology in Your Practice
The ABCs of CBAs in Pro Sports
In today's day and age, professional sports are just as much about contracts and agents as they are about, well, sports. This program will cover the basics of the Collective Bargaining Agreements for both the National Football Association and Major League Baseball.
MLB
Jay Reisinger, an ACBA member and sports agent, will discuss MLB's 2017-21 Basic Agreement, which governs the relationship between the 30 MLB clubs and the Major League Baseball Players Association. This agreement contained a number of revised provisions that have had a significant impact on both the players and clubs. The specific new provisions to be discussed include:
The revised Competitive Balance Tax has reduced spending by the top revenue clubs, which has created a drain on players' salaries.
The CBA also imposed a cap on spending in the international market, which has had a dramatic effect on international player contracts, especially in the Cuban market.
The Domestic Violence Policy was amended and players are now required to produce any non-disclosure agreements that relate to accusations of domestic violence.
NFL
On the football side, ACBA member and agent Dan Kunz will speak about the National Football League's CBA, which is set to expire at the end of the 2020 season. This portion of the program will specifically address issues related to the expiring contract, including:
The likelihood (or not) of an NFL work stoppage
Historic NFL work stoppages and whether they can help predict the future
The players' wish list for the upcoming CBA
*Lunch will be served.The Biology and Psychology of Decision Making
Specifics to be covered include:
• The biology of human decision-making, including emotion, mood, complex cognition, and reasoning
• The psychology of decision-making, heuristics, issue-framing
• The seven steps to effective decision-making
• Self-serving bias, confirmation bias, and epistemic closure
• The backfire effect of receiving contradictory evidence
• Crushing your insular cortex to relieve the stress of unacceptable truth
• Justification and Politicization; and False Consensus
• Tipping Points to Change misperceptions
• Professional training received by judges
• Strategies to prevent bias in your own decision-making
• Strategies in communicating to third-parties
• Reframing Issues, and overcoming misunderstandingsThe Continued Evolution of Title IX: Highlights of the New Regulations
In this session, lawyers representing higher education institutions, K-12 schools and teaching hospitals, as well as those representing individuals, will learn from those in the field about the key regulatory changes, balancing the important legal obligations and rights, and other practical tips.The Do's and Don'ts of Family Law Master's Practice
The Effect of the Opioid Crisis on Families and Children in Our Courtrooms
The goal of this program, the third in a series, is to bring attention to the ways that opioid addiction can impact the way attorneys practice law.
During the program, the Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark and the Hon. Elliot Howsie will address the effect of the opioid crisis on children and families in our courtrooms.The En Banc Process in Superior and Commonwealth Court
During this session, a panel of appellate jurists and practitioners will offer an informative discussion on the relative strategic advantages of en banc and allocatur proceedings, the difference between reconsideration and re-argument, the proper content of an en banc petition, pitfalls to avoid and applicable filing deadlines. As an added bonus, the jurists on the panel will provide insight into considerations governing the granting of en banc petitions, the voting process on such petitions and their relative chances of success.The Fractured Relationship Between China and the United States
*This program has been approved for 1 hour of Substantive CLE credit in Pennsylvania and also qualifies for 1 hour of credit under the West Virginia Rules for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.The Honorable Roundtable
The Impact of COVID-19 on Restaurant, Retail and Service-Industry Bankruptcy Cases
The Impacts and Challenges of COVID-19 in Education
The CLE will cover compliance with the IDEA and Section 504; state waivers for compliance with the IDEA; accommodation students with disabilities; addressing equity, equality, and ethical concerns regarding students who do not have Internet access; addressing equity, equality, and ethical concerns regarding students whose families do not have access to the same resources and support services that other families do; and balancing health and safety concerns with the benefits of in-person learning.
Attorneys who work on education and civil rights related matters should attend to get a better understanding of their clients' and (potential clients') rights and responsibilities, as well as ethical considerations for going above and beyond minimum legal requirements.
The Impacts of COVID-19 on the Construction Industry
Specific segments include:
- A panel discussion regarding certain contractual provisions and project/claim scenarios from the perspective of a project owner, general contractor and subcontractor.
- A discussion on how to prepare for COVID-related construction disputes.
- A presentation regarding virtual mediations and arbitrations of construction disputes. The Latest in Accident Investigations, Evidence Gathering and EDR Analysis
The Life of a Labor Contract: Negotiating the Contract
The process of free collective bargaining is a high-stakes, demanding and intricate process with its fair share of gamesmanship and ethical challenges. Forces from outside the bargaining table, intransigent personalities within the ranks, or internal political drama are just some of the challenges that test the patience and reputation of the negotiator.
This program will explore – through the prism of a panel of local labor attorneys – what they were never taught in law school about the process of free collective bargaining.
Specifics to be covered include:
Preparing for negotiations
Formulation of Proposals
Legal considerations concerning conduct at the negotiating table
Key issues in contemporary bargaining
Contract costing concepts
Unwritten rules of bargaining etiquette and/or engagementThe Numbers You Need to Know to Double Your Revenue
The Partnership Track: Everything You Didn't Learn in Law School
Most attorneys strive to become a partner. This interactive program will review some eye-opening current statistics about law firms and discuss the importance of firms having diverse partners. Additional specific topics to be covered include:
• Being a business asset
• Law firm economics
• Partner personality
• Selling yourself
• Particular obstacles faced by attorneys of color and women
This CLE will highlight the fact that while young practitioners have to pay their dues on the way to making partner, women and minority attorneys face additional challenges. This program is ideal for anyone who wants to know what it takes to make partner, because it is no longer just working hard and producing outstanding work product.
The Past Present and Future of Amateurism in Division I College Athletics
The SBRA – Reflections on the First Year and a Look Forward
The Second Founding A Historical Look at Race and the Law
In addition, the program will discuss the ebb and flow of racial progress in Pittsburgh during this time period, including within the legal community.The SECURE Act and Retirement Planning
The Tiger King Trial: Murder for Hire, the Prosecution of Joseph Maldonado-Passage
In this interactive presentation, attendees will learn the complete story of the trial of Joseph Maldonado-Passage (aka "Joe Exotic") for two counts of Murder for Hire in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1958 (a) and several wildlife offenses. Prosecutor Philip Bogdanoff will examine the trial testimony and discuss the prosecution's attempts to use other acts evidence to show defendant's other attempts to solicit a hit on Carole Baskin, their attempt to protect the identity of an undercover FBI agent, and their efforts to prevent the defense from introducing evidence suggesting someone else had committed these offenses.
Attendees will review defense attempts to dismiss the indictment and prevent the joinder of wildlife offenses with the murder charge. Attendees will also discuss how to impeach the victim, Carole Baskin, the informant, James Garretson, and the hit man, Allen Glover. The program will discuss the strength of the government's case, the theme of the government's case, possible defenses such as entrapment, defense strategy at trial, and whether there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict. The goal of this seminar is to teach various criminal rules, evidentiary rules, defenses, and trial strategy while reviewing this fascinating trial.The Toxicology of Opioids: What Attorneys Need to Know
What aspects of science do attorneys need to know about these drugs? How do they work? How do they poison and take the lives of so many? Where do they fit into postmortem cases? Where is fentanyl found? How does naloxone work and when does it work and when does it not? These questions and more will be answered during this one-hour crash course on the science of opioids for attorneys.
Specifics to be covered include:
- The effects of opioids on the body
- Examples of unexpected sources of opioids
- Examples of drugs that can intensify opioid toxicity
- The pitfalls in interpreting drug screen results as they relate to opioids
- Reasons for the presence of morphine in the bloodTips and Tools to Tackle Vicarious Trauma
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about vicarious trauma and the impact it can have on them as practitioners. Attendees will hear from attorneys who are committed to pro bono and "low bono" work, and how through engaging in that work, they experienced vicarious trauma. Panelists will engage with attendees in an interactive manner to share tools and tips that can be helpful in combating vicarious trauma. Additionally, attendees will learn how to look for warning signs that they may be experiencing vicarious trauma.Tips for Handling Unpaid Medical Bills and Liens in Workers' Comp
This program will provide tips for handling unpaid medical bills and medical liens in the litigation and mediation of a workers' compensation case. It will include a discussion of Neves v. WCAB, No.1431 C.D. 2018 (Pa.Cmwlth. 2020).Top Secrets of Zoom Depositions, Teams Court and Online Meetings
This program is not intended for lawyers who need help finding and running Zoom. It is intended for those who are curious about technology, willing to try new things, and excited to be the best online version of themselves. An educated panel will discuss taking your online litigation skills from sophomoric to professional. The goal is to make a seismic jump from the "good enough" product most attorneys are currently cranking out to "how did they do that?"
The panel will discuss teamwork during online depositions and hearings, leveraging the power of back-channel communications to make you a super-litigator. The program will cover the science of distraction to learn the devastatingly effective advantages of online litigation over in-person proceedings. Attendees will watch examples of other lawyers' online litigation work-products to see the amazing things that can be done with the technology.
The program also will discuss equipment, including specific recommendations of items to buy, taking into account product availability at the time of the CLE.Toxicology Pearls for Attorneys
This program will offer broad overview of what attorneys need to know about the effects of alcohol as well as common street and prescription drugs on the body. The program also will discuss the limitations of drug screens, how alcohol absorption can be delayed or increased, and the connection between drug levels and level of impairment. There is an abundance of information on the science behind drug and alcohol related impairment; this one-hour program will start with some basic principles.
Learning objectives:
- List the expected effects on the body from common street and prescription drugs.
- Differentiate between drug/alcohol levels obtained from blood, urine and breath.
- Identify common false positives when interpreting drug screen results.
- Assess the utility of drug levels for commonly encountered street and legal drugs.
- Describe the correlation between drug and alcohol levels and level of impairment.Transitioning Your Practice: The Mind, the Money and the Rules
Trial Preparation for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys
Presenter Claude Ducloux will start with understanding the business side of setting a fee, then he'll offer a preliminary checklist for limitations, venue, consideration of adding parties and early deals which you should consider.
The program will cover elements of proof (and how to attack them if you are on the defense side), developing a trial theme, putting together evidence, forms to use during trial to keep track of evidence and the court's rulings, and of course, the ethics of presenting evidence. There are 100 ideas to consider in this enjoyable and interesting presentation. U.S. Supreme Court Update
Is it better when the arguments are more structured? Are advocates and justices finding new value in the argument? And who flushed the toilet heard round the world?
This session will feature a discussion of the Supreme Court's latest opinions, its experiment with live arguments by telephone, and predictions for the opinions still to be released. Additionally, the discussion will cover what it all might mean for the "least dangerous branch."Understanding Allegheny County Environmental Law with the ACHD
Understanding Social Security Benefits for You and Your Clients
- What is your full retirement age (FRA) and when should I start receiving this retirement benefit?
- Understanding the taxation of Social Security
- How does your longevity impact retirement funds?
- What do you need to know about spousal and survival benefits?Voting Rights A History of Disenfranchisement and What Lawyers Can Do
Every time voting access and security has come under attack, lawyers have been the frontline of defense. In an election year impacted by a global pandemic, a highly contentious presidential campaign, widespread protests and a new mail-in voting system available in Pennsylvania, lawyers are more important than ever in the efforts to secure voting access. This program seeks to educate lawyers about their importance and possible roles in protecting the vote for all.Wake up With the Judges Program - "Business of the Courts"
Water Law Update 2020 Developments
• The new definition of "waters of the United States"
• The U.S. Supreme Court's introduction of the "functional equivalent" test in evaluating Clean Water Act liability and permitting obligations for groundwater discharges that reach surface waters
• Proposed revisions to the Pennsylvania Chapter 105 regulations regarding water obstructions and encroachments
What to do When You're Not in the Room Where it Happened
With a supportive environment, proper policies and a plan for investigating and dealing with complaints, you can create a culture where you are "in the know." This program will provide another toolkit of concrete actions, policies and strategies to create an environment where people are comfortable coming forward with complaints and ways to properly investigate and address issues. This will also increase your ability to create a positive, professional workplace that cultivates and retains the best talent and protect your assets.
The program will explain how to comply with the ethical requirements for professionalism and the judicial ethical requirements for the treatment and management of staff and lawyers. What You Need to Know About Allegheny Co. Property Tax Assessment Appeals
The panel will feature an attorney representing property owners, a school district solicitor and the Solicitor for the Allegheny County Board of Property Assessments and Appeals Review (BPAAR).
Specific topics to be covered include:
Local Rules for BPAAR
Residential vs. commercial appeals
The best evidence to present during appeals
Managing client expectations
Recent cases and legal developments
Assessment and appeals practice tipsWhat You Need to Know About FLSA Collective Actions
Where There is a WILL, There is a Way: Be a Steward for Inclusion
Studies routinely show, however, that women in the workplace are not receiving the mentorship or sponsorship that their male colleagues receive. In the wake of widespread media reports of sexual harassment, this problem is getting worse. Research indicates that almost half of male managers are uncomfortable participating in common work activities with women, such as mentoring, working alone or socializing together. This is an enormous setback.
The ACBA Women's Institute for Leadership in Law (WILL) was specifically designed to help support our participants in WILL with access to a "steward." Each steward serves a vital role in helping address the critical need for mentorship, sponsorship and stewardship of our women leaders.Your Honor, You Erred Because…Navigating Rule 1925(b)
Join a panel of appellate jurists and practitioners for an informative discussion of how to utilize the Rule 1925(b) statement to your client's best advantage. Topics covered will include choosing which issues to raise, limitations on the number of issues to present, effective setting forth of the errors asserted, preservation of subsidiary issues, citing errors in seemingly vague trial decisions and waiver of issues. Examples of effective Statements of Errors will be discussed.
Don't' see what you are looking for? Check out all our recorded CLE courses here, and for information on all viewing options please contact Amy Giesy at 412-402-6613 or agiesy@acba.org.
Pennsylvania lawyers can earn up to 6 of the required 12 annual CLE credits by distance learning (Online CLE, podcast, or call-in CLE).
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Additional Questions or Concerns: Please contact Amy Giesy at 412-402-6614 or by e-mail at agiesy@acba.org.