Course Number:E06052611W
Duration:1 hour 30 minutes
Credits:1.5 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour), 1.5 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible
Date:Thursday, May 21, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Credits: 1.5 ethics & professionalism credits
Class Description: As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in legal practice, criminal defense attorneys face heightened ethical, confidentiality, and strategic risks. This new and ethics-focused class equips defense practitioners and legal decision-makers with practical, real-world strategies for responsibly evaluating and using AI tools while meeting their professional obligations.
You will gain a working framework for navigating the challenges unique to AI in criminal defense, with a focus on protecting client interests, safeguarding privileged information, and avoiding conflicts that can compromise effective advocacy. The following are among the topics this class covers:
- Identifying critical questions you must ask before adopting AI tools to ensure compliance with the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, relevant ABA formal opinions, and their D.C. counterparts
- Protecting client confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege when using AI-driven technologies
- Assessing and mitigating vendor risks through informed vetting of technology providers, contracts, and data-handling practices
- Examining considerations related to automated analysis, conflicts of interest, data breaches, access controls, and cybersecurity safeguards
- Understanding the ethical and strategic pitfalls of selecting vendors that also support law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies — and how those relationships may affect defense representation
This class will enable you to make informed, professionally responsible decisions about AI adoption while maintaining independence, competence, and client trust in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Faculty: Jeff Sherr, Reduct Inc.
Class Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
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IN PERSON: Create Magical Oral Arguments
Course Number:C3426NC23I
Practice Area:
Communities, Early Career Lawyers, Law Practice Management, Litigation
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Description
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours
Would you like to experiment with a fresh approach to your oral arguments? This program explores how professional acting techniques can add depth, nuance, and persuasive force to the way you engage judges, juries, and clients. Rather than focusing solely on legal analysis, you will discover how character choice, vocal dynamics, physical presence, and storytelling can strengthen credibility and sharpen impact. Designed specifically for attorneys, the session demonstrates practical, courtroom strategies drawn from the stage and adapted for litigation and advocacy. You will learn how to project authority without aggression, convey authenticity under pressure, and present your client’s narrative in a way that resonates on both an intellectual and human level. If you are ready to elevate your advocacy and level of influence, this program offers a powerful new dimension to your courtroom presence.
Pre-registration is required. As always, please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues. D.C. Bar membership is not required to attend. Non-members will need to create a profile to register.
Registration is free for D.C. Bar Community members. Renew or join Communities to receive the best discount on registration. Click here to log in and join Communities.
Are you a current law student and looking to register for one of our programs? Learn about the D.C. Bar Law Student Community and attend most individual programs at a discounted rate. Find out more here.
Speaker: Margaret Anthony, Attorney, Actress, Certified Jack Canfield Success Principles Trainer, and Graduate of NSA/DC-CF Speakers Academy
**Early Bird Registration ends Friday, May 22. Pre-registration closes at 3pm on Tuesday, May 26.
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Drafting Marital Separation Agreements in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia: More Than the Basics 2026
Course Number:E12052612W
Duration:3 hours 15 minutes
Credits:3 General (60-minute hour), 3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible
Date:Thursday, May 28, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Purchase Options
Zoom Webinar
$99.00
Member Price
$129.00
Non-Member Price
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Drafting a marital separation agreement is both an art and a science — requiring precision, foresight, and a clear understanding of jurisdiction-specific requirements. This highly popular class equips you with the practical skills and strategic insight needed to confidently draft clear, enforceable, and client-centered separation agreements in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Using a detailed, annotated marital separation agreement, our accomplished faculty leads you step-by-step through the most critical provisions, highlighting common pitfalls, proven drafting strategies, and key jurisdictional nuances that can determine an agreement’s success. You will leave with practical, ready-to-use guidance for addressing complex and sensitive issues such as alimony, allocation of debts and liabilities, custody and visitation, parenting plans, child support, education expenses, insurance, and tax considerations.
Whether you are a seasoned family law practitioner looking to sharpen your drafting skills or a newer attorney seeking a solid foundation, this class delivers practical tools you can use immediately. You will leave with greater confidence, enhanced drafting strategies, and a clearer roadmap for creating agreements that withstand scrutiny and serve clients effectively.
Faculty: Jessica E. Adler, The Law Office of Jessica E. Adler and Anne Marie Jackson, Feldman Jackson PC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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REMOTE PROGRAM: AI Skills for Attorneys: Interactive ABA 21 Days of AI Challenge Series
Course Number:C3426NC24W
Duration:30 minutes
Date:Monday, June 1, 2026
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Zoom Webinar
$0.00
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours
Build practical, real-world AI skills for legal professionals in this FREE interactive, three-week virtual series using the American Bar Association’s 21 Days of AI: Grit and Growth Mindset Challenge — an initiative designed to help lawyers develop AI fluency, ethical awareness, and a growth mindset in today’s evolving legal landscape. Through short, daily challenges (5–15 minutes each), participants will explore how artificial intelligence can support legal work, including research, drafting, communication, and workflow efficiency. The challenge is structured across three progressive modules that introduce core AI capabilities, explore how AI can function as a collaborative partner, and demonstrate advanced use cases for leadership and professional growth.
This program enhances the challenge experience through a book club–style learning model, combining independent exploration with live, collaborative discussion. During the challenge period, participants will receive daily emails with that day’s challenge. Each week, participants will join live virtual check-ins to discuss insights, share experiences, and ask questions. Sessions will feature representatives from the Challenge advisory board who created the challenge, offering deeper context behind the content. Mark your calendar for the future meeting dates:
- Monday, June 8, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Day 8 Check-In
- Monday, June 15, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Day 15 Check-In
- Monday, June 22, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Challenge Reflection
Designed for attorneys, legal professionals, and anyone interested in legal innovation and AI adoption, this program provides a supportive, community-driven environment to stay ahead of legal tech trends and integrate AI into practice effectively. Listen to our recent podcast to learn more about this challenge.
Registration for this free program is required. As always, please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues. D.C. Bar membership is not required to attend. Non-members will need to create a profile to register.
This remote program will be hosted on the Zoom platform. You will receive access information from D.C. Bar Communities staff the afternoon prior to the program. The Zoom access information should not be shared with other, as registration is required.
Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Communities Office
Speakers: Gabriel Kohlmeier, Challenge Chair and Creator, Challenge Advisory Board, American Bar Association
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Handling Whistleblower Claims – Rights of Private Sector Employees
(Whistleblower Claims Series – Part One)
Course Number:E09062602W
Duration:2 hours 15 minutes
Credits:2 General (60-minute hour), 2 General (50-minute hour)
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible
Date:Tuesday, June 2, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credits
Series Description: This popular annual series equips you with the latest legal developments and practical strategies for handling whistleblower matters. Covering key updates under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act, False Claims Act, and other whistleblower protection laws, the series explores both whistleblower award programs and anti-retaliation protections.
Led by nationally recognized practitioners, the series lays out the general frameworks for the relevant laws and programs. It also delivers actionable guidance on filing strategies, navigating classified disclosures, distinguishing lawful whistleblowing from unlawful leaking, and addressing ethical challenges. Whether you represent whistleblowers, corporations, or government agencies, this series provides essential insight into today’s rapidly evolving enforcement landscape.
Class Description: The first class in the series explores the legal landscape of whistleblower claims and tips brought by non-government whistleblowers against private entities. You will learn the foundations and mechanics of the relevant laws, statutes, and programs, along with practical strategies for representing clients in these high-stakes matters. The following are among the topics our esteemed panel discusses:
- Federal government whistleblower awards — including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Whistleblower Program and similarly structured programs established by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Department of Justice, Internal Revenue Service, and other federal agencies
- Recent SEC whistleblower awards and enforcement trends
- Whistleblower protection laws and statutes — including Sarbanes-Oxley and others
- The False Claims Act, including qui tam relator claims and the statute’s anti-retaliation protections
- The interplay of nondisclosure agreements and whistleblower award programs and protection laws
- Emerging trends and developing caselaw in the above legal areas
- Best practices for internal investigations
- Practice tips and strategic considerations
This highly regarded class is for attorneys navigating whistleblower claims in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. You may also be interested in Handling Whistleblower Claims – Rights of Federal Employees for additional focused guidance.
Faculty: Traci L. Buschner, Guttman Buschner PLLC; Adam D. Herzog, Herzog Employment Law PLLC; and David M. Wachtel, Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold PLLC
Series Fees: $148 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $168 D.C. Bar Members, $188 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $228 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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The Ethics of Fee Agreements and Trust Accounts in the District of Columbia 2026
Course Number:E11062603W
Duration:3 hours 15 minutes
Credits:3 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour), 3.5 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Credits: 3.0 ethics and professionalism credits
Description: This popular and practical class focuses on how lawyers actually handle money in their practice — what needs to be in a fee agreement, how to structure advance fees, and how to manage trust account without getting into trouble. Our accomplished panel walks through the provisions that most often cause problems in fee agreements, how to meet the rules without overcomplicating things, and how to keep your agreements clear and client friendly. The class also covers what records you’re required to keep, how to properly operate an IOLTA account, and the common mistakes that lead to ethics issues.
The panel spends time on the day-to-day realities that don’t always make it into written materials — credit card payments, payment apps, and how attorneys should handle different types of payments depending on when and how fees are earned.
Many lawyers assume their systems are fine until something goes wrong. This class is designed to walk you through the full process — from signing up a client to handling funds — so you can spot issues early and make sure your practices are compliant, practical, and sustainable.
Faculty: Kaitlin E. McGee, D.C. Bar Practice Management Advisory Service and Daniel M. Mills, D.C. Bar Practice Management Advisory Service
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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REMOTE PROGRAM: From Law School to Practice: Building a Culture of Well-Being
Course Number:C2426NC04W
Duration:1 hour
Date:Thursday, June 4, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours
What does the data really tell us about the mental health of law students and attorneys — and how have things changed over the past decade?
This program draws on findings from the 2014 and 2021 National Surveys of Law Student Well-Being to explore how mental health, substance use, and help-seeking behaviors have shifted across the legal profession. Speakers examine the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on law student wellness and discuss how cultural and institutional changes are reshaping the well-being landscape in legal education and practice.
Most importantly, this program looks at how law schools and bar associations can collaborate to build sustainable wellness pathways — supporting individuals from law school through every stage of a legal career.
Whether you're a law student, a practicing attorney, a legal educator, or a bar leader, this conversation offers insights to guide the future of wellness initiatives across the legal community.
Pre-registration for this program is required. As always, please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues. D.C. Bar membership is not required to attend. Non-members will need to create a profile to register.
This remote program will be hosted on the Zoom platform. You will receive access information from D.C. Bar Communities staff the afternoon prior to the program. The Zoom access information should not be shared with other, as registration is required.
This program is free for Community members. Renew or join Communities to receive the best discount on registration. Click here to log in and join Communities.
Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistant Program and D.C. Bar Lawyer Well-Being Community
Speakers:
- Niki Irish, Outreach and Education Coordinator, D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program
- David B. Jaffe, Esq., Associate Dean for Student Affairs, American University Washington College of Law
- Kristina Mereigh, Director of Wellbeing, Covington & Burling LLC
**Early Bird Registration ends on Friday, May 29.
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D.C. Bar Legislative Counsel Summit 2026
Course Number:E13062615L
Credits:1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour), 1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour), 5 General (60-minute hour), 6 General (50-minute hour)
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
This program is not eligible for D.C. Bar CLE Passport use.
Credits: 6.0 total credits, including 5.0 general credits and 1.0 ethics & professionalism credit
Description: Join us for the D.C. Bar Legislative Counsel Summit — the premier event for attorneys shaping federal legislation and policy. Designed for professionals at the forefront of the legislative process, this dynamic program delivers timely insights and practical strategies to help you navigate the evolving landscape of federal lawmaking.
Building on the momentum of previous years, this year’s Summit goes further — offering a deeper, more strategic look at the legal and operational challenges legislative counsel face every day. Gain valuable, real-world guidance on critical topics such as legislative drafting, appropriations, Congressional Budget Office scoring, the codification of the US Code, positive law, and key ethics and professionalism considerations.
Learn from a distinguished faculty of leaders and practitioners across the government, nonprofit, and private sectors who bring both expertise and perspective. Through engaging, practice-oriented sessions, the presenters break down complex frameworks, highlight impactful case law, and share the latest developments shaping the field.
While tailored specifically for federal legislative counsel, this Summit is equally valuable for attorneys, policy professionals, and others working in or alongside the legislative arena. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and stay ahead in one of the most influential areas of legal practice.
Faculty: Ryan A. Corle, Department of Homeland Security (Invited); Paul Holland, Congressional Budget Office; Kevin Laden, Congressional Budget Office; Nakia L. Matthews, District of Columbia Bar; Jeffrey Mitchell, Department of Homeland Security; Veena Srinivasa, Office of the Legislative Counsel, United States House of Representatives; Kathryn Swiss, Office of the Legislative Counsel, United States House of Representatives; and Courtney L. Thomas, District of Columbia Bar
Save $25 when you register by May 22, 2026!
Early Bird Fees (Through May 22, 2026): $133 Government Attorneys, $153 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $173 D.C. Bar Members, $193 Nonprofit attorneys, and $233 Others
Regular Fees (After May 22, 2026): $158 Government Attorneys, $178 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $198 D.C. Bar Members, $218 Nonprofit Attorneys, and $258 Others
Special Notice: Since you are attending a class in person, we encourage you to bring a device or download the materials prior to program as we will not be providing hard copies.
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Workers’ Compensation 101 (2026)
Course Number:E09062605W
Duration:2 hours 15 minutes
Credits:2 General (60-minute hour), 2 General (50-minute hour)
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible
Date:Tuesday, June 9, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credits
Description: Accidents and illnesses can upend careers and families, especially when they affect a person’s ability to work. In an era of evolving workplace standards, rising medical costs, and ongoing shifts in remote and hybrid employment, workers’ compensation law remains a vital safeguard for employees and employers alike.
Join our experienced panel for this comprehensive annual class on workers’ compensation law, designed to provide attorneys, claims professionals, paralegals, and HR professionals with a strong foundation in this essential area. Through engaging discussion and real-world examples, our panel demystifies key terminology, outlines procedural requirements, and highlights common challenges in pursuing or defending workers’ compensation claims. The following are among the key topics our panel discusses:
- Eligibility and coverage
- Available benefits
- Filing and procedure
- Attorneys’ fees and ethics
Whether you’re new to the field or refreshing your knowledge, this class offers practical guidance and policy insights to help you navigate today’s complex claims landscape, advocate effectively for clients, and maintain professional integrity and efficiency.
Faculty: David M. Schoenfeld, Kiernan Trebach LLP and David Snyder, ChasenBoscolo
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Family and Medical Leave Act: Common Compliance Violations and Best Practices for Preventing Them 2026
Course Number:E09062606W
Duration:1 hour
Credits:1 General (60-minute hour), 1 General (50-minute hour)
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 general credit
Description: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) remains a cornerstone of employee rights and employer compliance — but its application has grown increasingly complex in today’s evolving workplace. With hybrid and remote work arrangements, increased attention to mental health and caregiver responsibilities, and overlapping state and local leave laws, attorneys must be prepared to help clients navigate an ever-shifting compliance landscape.
In this updated reprise of this popular class, our expert presenter explores the practical realities of managing FMLA issues in 2026 and beyond. Topics include eligibility and notice challenges, coordinating FMLA with other leave and disability laws, addressing intermittent leave in flexible work environments, and highlighting pay and benefit issues that often arise.
Designed for attorneys with a working knowledge of the FMLA, this class provides fresh insight, tactical guidance, and best practices to help practitioners anticipate risks, avoid costly missteps, and confidently advise clients in the modern employment environment.
Faculty: Joanne Waters, Verma & Waters LLP
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
