Available Online CLE Courses

Often, ownership exits from a business can be accompanied by misinformation, high emotions and litigation. A properly-crafted buy-sell agreement can mitigate potential negative consequences by documenting the protocol and processes to be followed after a "triggering event" occurs. This program will provide an overview of the primary issues that should be considered when drafting or reviewing a buy-sell agreement to preserve the individual investments of each equity owner, as well as to ensure the success of the business into the future. The program will also highlight the important role played by the business advisor in this process. Close Full Description

Staying up on discovery trends and best practices - particularly those from within the local court - can make all the difference in a civil case. This program will feature a discussion with two Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas judges who will discuss the latest discovery trends, practices and dynamics in Allegheny County. The judges will also offer an update on case assignment and management in the Allegheny County Commerce and Complex Litigation Center. The ACBA Civil Litigation Section holiday party will immediately follow the CLE. Close Full Description

Legal controversies today are often tried in the Court of Public Opinion as much as they are in any Court of Law. Therefore, lawyers, law firms and clients have much to gain (or lose) by the way a legal controversy is positioned in both to the public and key stakeholders via both traditional media social media. It's in these arenas where reputations built up over years of good work can be shattered in an instant.  Especially in today's world of "gotcha" journalism, managing a crisis situation, long before trial, is today a necessary skill set for attorneys.  This seminar will focus on a highly-strategic approach to crisis management and crisis communications for a wide variety of situations, enabling attorneys to help their firms and clients move messages forward or mount a defense against an outraged public, unhappy customers or a sudden press onslaught. Close Full Description

Oil and natural gas drilling remains a prominent industry in Western Pennsylvania. However, the role and power that municipalities have in deciding the locations where oil and gas companies can drill is undergoing substantial changes.
 
Numerous recent court cases - as well as others currently on the docket in Pennsylvania's courts - have impacted zoning regulations and municipal government authority regarding permitting and drilling locations.  Attorney John Smith, who has tried several such cases and successfully returned powers to municipal governments, will offer an overview of recent decisions.
 
Specific cases to be discussed include Robinson Township vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, among others. Close Full Description

Law firms and corporate legal departments benefit when attorneys of all backgrounds gain the skills and opportunities necessary to ascend the ranks and develop into high-performing leaders within their organizations. Ensuring that all attorneys have those opportunities requires more than just mentoring. When senior attorneys advocate on other attorneys' behalf, seek opportunities for them, and/or take an active role in their development as attorneys and leaders, the attorneys are much more likely to become high-performing leaders and to remain in their organizations.
 
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. Close Full Description