901 4th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
phone: 202.737.4700
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Weekday Events (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Nearby Metro Stations
Judiciary Square (Red) - five blocks directly south at 450 F Street
Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green/Yellow/Red) - five blocks southwest at H and 7th Streets
Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street Convention Center (Green/Yellow) - six blocks at 7th and M Streets
Union Station (Red) - six blocks southeast down Massachusetts Avenue
EVENTS
Managing Money (03/10/25)
Course Number: MM_031025
Date: March 10, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
A variety of fee agreements will be examined with the focus on the scope of representation, managing the fee, expenses and the earning mechanism established for the advance fee. In examples established by the fee agreement, an advance fee will be collected and deposited into the firm’s trust account. As time passes and work is performed, funds will be transferred from the trust account to the firm’s operating or business account as the fee is earned. Ledger entries will be demonstrated for all transactions. TrustBooks.com will be used to demonstrate fund management and the creation of client and account ledgers.
The following client transactions will be explored:
Agreement for Initial Consultation
Advance Flat Fee Representation for Client Charged with A Felony Criminal Offense
Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Immigration Client
Advance Hourly Fee Representation for a Civil Litigation Client
Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Estate Planning Client
A Contingency Fee Representation for an Injury Case
An Availability Representation (Classic Engagement Retainer)
The course manual will be provided to registrants and should be read prior to the session. Once you have registered, please go to the Managing Money course in the "My Events" tab of your DC Bar account and download the digital materials.
* * * * *
Cryptocurrency in Criminal Cases and Civil Litigation (NEW)
Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E04032513W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: March 11, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours (Note: This class may also qualify for technology credit in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
Description: Cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche concept to a transformative global force, reshaping markets, technology, and the legal landscape. This new and engaging class introduces you to cryptocurrency's legal implications, focusing on key concepts, and recent developments. Tailored for attorneys new to this dynamic area of law, this class offers practical insights to navigate the complex world of digital assets. The following are among the topics this class covers:
Crypto’s Expanding Influence – Why cryptocurrency is becoming a ubiquitous part of financial and legal systems, including a review of recent Department of Justice criminal cases involving fraud, scams, and hacks targeting cryptocurrency markets and civil cases addressing asset identification and tracking the movement of digital funds
Blockchain Basics – Gain a clear understanding of how cryptocurrency operates, including the foundational principles of blockchain technology and the differences between major platforms like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana
Crypto Transactions and Storage – Learn about the practical aspects of transacting with and securely storing cryptocurrency, including an introduction to wallets and the differences between hot and cold storage solutions
Identifying and Tracing Crypto Assets – Delve into blockchain tracing techniques, tools available for tracking digital assets, and the challenges of attribution and compliance in the crypto ecosystem
Interacting with Decentralized Finance (DeFi) – Explore the revolutionary world of DeFi, its functionality, and its potential impact on the financial and legal sectors
This class equips you with the knowledge and tools to understand cryptocurrency and its implications for legal practice, whether criminal, civil, or administrative.
Faculty: Scott Armstrong, McGovern Weems PLLC and John (Fritz) Scanlon, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
Can We Talk? (And, if So, What May We Discuss?) 2025
Credit(s): 1.5 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
1.5 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11032509W
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Date: March 12, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Credits: 1.5 ethics & professionalism credit hours
Description: Ethics rules surrounding attorney communications can be complex, particularly when interacting with unrepresented or opposing parties. Join us for this essential class where our faculty expert provides an in-depth analysis of ethical guidelines governing attorney communications, helping you avoid potential pitfalls in your practice. The following are among the topics this class covers:
Guidelines for Unrepresented Individuals – When, if ever, can an attorney provide legal advice to an unrepresented person?
Required Disclosures – Key information attorneys must disclose before communicating with unrepresented parties
Interactions with Represented Parties – What to consider when communicating with a person who may be considering changing counsel
Negotiation Ethics – Strategies and limitations when negotiating settlement terms with unrepresented individuals
Attorney-Client Privilege – Ethical considerations when speaking with former employees of an adverse party
Interplay of Law and Ethics – How substantive law impacts ethics rules in communication contexts
Choice of Law in Ethics – Navigating which ethics laws apply in multi-jurisdictional cases
Designed for litigators and beneficial for attorneys across all practice areas, this class sharpens your understanding of these nuanced ethics rules, empowering you to communicate effectively and ethically.
Faculty: Saul Jay Singer, D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Counsel
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
* * * * *
Leveraging ChatGPT: Practical Training for Attorneys 2025
(AI & The Law: 2025 Update Series – Part Two)
Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E16032507W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: March 13, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours (Note: This class may qualify for competency and technology credit in those jurisdictions having such requirements.)
Series Description: Explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession with this cutting-edge series designed for attorneys. Topics include current and upcoming AI legislation, hands-on strategies for integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into legal practice, and a comprehensive analysis of the ethical considerations and risks involved in AI adoption. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to stay ahead in the evolving legal landscape.
Class Description: Explore how ChatGPT can transform legal research, document drafting, and client communications in this interactive and practical class. Tailored for attorneys eager to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) effectively, this essential class provides a solid foundation in using ChatGPT responsibly and skillfully, while navigating the ethical and legal considerations unique to AI in the legal field. The class covers the following topics:
Gaining a clear understanding of ChatGPT's capabilities and limitations in legal practice
Learning practical applications for enhancing research, drafting documents, and streamlining client communication
Exploring key ethical considerations and professional standards involved in using AI tools
Building hands-on skills through real-time exercises designed to build confidence in using ChatGPT effectively
Faculty: Carolyn Elefant, Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant PLLC
Series Fees: $137 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $167 D.C. Bar Members, $197 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $257 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
DIY Virtual Focus Groups: Take Your Trial Prep to the Next Level (Trial Lawyers Association)
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Date: March 14, 2025
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
"Are you ready to elevate your trial strategy and uncover juror insights without breaking the bank? Join us for a compelling session designed exclusively for lawyers who want to sharpen their edge in case preparation.
Our Keynote Speaker: Elizabeth Larrick
Introduction: Meet your expert speaker and discover why this session is a must-attend for trial lawyers.
What Is a Virtual Focus Group?: Understand the key differences between virtual focus groups, mock juries, and other problem-solving tools.
Why Lawyers Should Use Virtual Focus Groups: Gain actionable insights to streamline trial preparation, solve case challenges, and target specific issues—all while saving time and money.
How to DIY: Learn practical, step-by-step guidance for recruiting participants, moderating sessions, and presenting effectively."
This event will be hosted by the Trial Lawyers Association of Washington, D.C.
* * * * *
Ground Zero for Legal Ethics (NEW)
(How to Prepare for the Coming Upheaval in Legal Ethics and the Profession of Law to Remain Safe, Savvy, and Ethical)
Credit(s): 3 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
3.5 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11032514W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: March 18, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 ethics and professionalism credit hours
Description: The pace of changes and upheavals in legal ethics has begun to accelerate. Such evolution is perilous, because most practitioners are not aware of them until it is too late. Some of the changes are driven by politics, some of them are driven by a realization that certain accepted policies and principles no longer fit modern practice, and some by the gradual evolution of the culture of law. By the very nature of the legal ethics oversight process, bar associations are always reactive, not anticipatory, in developing guidance. Serious legal ethics problems flourish and metastasize beneath the profession’s radar.
Ground Zero for Legal Ethics is a new three-hour legal ethics CLE class created for D.C. Bar members that explores the most important of these developments that stretch over every practice area. Using interactive hypotheticals and multi-disciplinary tools to aid issue spotting and analysis, the class examines the forces driving these changes, identifies crucial developments in the legal ethics standards, and recommends survival tactics for practicing attorneys. Many of the topics examined will be “ripped from the headlines,” as the course responds to current events that affect the legal professional and the public’s perception of it. The following are among the issues covered (time permitting):
The non-attorney firm ownership dilemma
The abuse of attorney discipline and bar complaints
How the profession of law is losing to the business of law
The ethics of hiring
Re-thinking informed consent and the retainer process
The artificial intelligence problem
The ABA’s new duty to investigate clients
Attorney advertising and marketing confusion
And more. . . including up-to-the-minute legal ethics news and developments
This is a fast-moving, diverse, challenging, and invaluable class that proves both practical and entertaining for all participants. Its author and facilitator is Jack Marshall, a Massachusetts and D.C. attorney, and the president of ProEthics, a national professional ethics training and consulting firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. The class reflects his discoveries, some of them alarming, many of them surprising, while assisting attorneys across the country as they deal with difficult ethical problems.
Faculty: Jack A. Marshall, ProEthics Ltd
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
Title IX Enforcement: A View from the Trenches 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E07032508W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: March 19, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Title IX enforcement on college and university campuses has surged in recent years, with institutions taking on investigative roles that come with unique procedural challenges. For attorneys representing students, understanding this distinct regime – where there are no subpoenas, limited cross-examination, and often little opportunity to actively participate in hearings – can be daunting.
This class offers practical, experience-based guidance for attorneys representing both complainants and respondents in Title IX cases. Our panel of seasoned attorneys, familiar with each side of these complex cases, provides insights into how schools investigate allegations, and offer actionable strategies for navigating the process effectively.
Focusing on hands-on advice over legal theory, this session is essential for any attorney seeking to skillfully advocate for students within the constraints of campus Title IX procedures.
Faculty: Justin Dillon, Dillon PLLC, Dan Schorr, Dan Schorr LLC, and Sarah K. Wake, McGuire Woods LLP
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
Workers' Compensation 101 (2025)
Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E21032504W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: March 20, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Description: Accidents and illnesses can disrupt lives – especially when they affect a person’s ability to work. In such situations, workers' compensation benefits can offer critical support. Join our experienced panel as they present a foundational class on workers' compensation law, offering insights for attorneys, claims professionals, paralegals, and others who are new to the field. Through engaging discussions and practical examples, our expert panel will cover the following topics:
Eligibility – Who qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits?
Benefits Available – An overview of the types of compensation and support offered
Filing Procedures – Step-by-step guidance on filing claims, including essential documentation
Attorney Fees – How attorneys can earn fees in compensation cases, ensuring ethical and fair practices
You will gain an understanding of the terminology, procedural requirements, and common challenges associated with workers' compensation claims, preparing you to confidently navigate cases with the Department of Employment Services. This class is ideal for legal professionals seeking a thorough grounding in workers' compensation basics.
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
* * * * *
2025 Potomac River Bench & Bar Peak Performance and Mental Wellness Summit
Original Program Date: March 21, 2025
Duration: 7 hours
Date: March 21, 2025
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
2025 Potomac River Bench & Bar Peak Performance and Mental Wellness Summit
Date and Time: Friday, March 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET
Location: K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
About this Event
The APA Foundation and its Center for Workplace Mental Health, the American Psychological Association, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, the Rotary Club of Howard West, and the Bar Association of the District of Columbia are teaming up for the inaugural 2025 Potomac River Bench & Bar Peak Performance and Mental Wellness Summit (the Summit) on Friday, March 21, 2025, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, at K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006. The featured speakers and panelists consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, judges, attorneys, and law students, include Chief Judge James E. Boasberg (USDC DC), Lynn Bufka, PhD, ABPP (American Psychological Association), Brook Choulet, MD (American Psychiatric Association), the immediate past Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Hon. Donald M. Remy, Esq., Ian Kremer, JD (LEAD Coalition), Mena Mirhom, MD, FAPA (Columbia Univ. Med. Ctr.), and Jean Accius, PhD (CHC: Creating Healthier Communities) and have accepted our invitation to participate in the Summit.
The Summit’s learning objectives will include:
Defining and dealing with stress, burnout, and wellbeing in the workplace;
Understanding anxiety and depression, and substance use disorders;
Representing clients with mental illness, including intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD), and serious mental illnesses (SMIs);
Navigating the family caregiver’s burden as a legal professional;
Developing lifestyle techniques to promote wellbeing and peak performance;
Neurodivergence, disabilities & the law; and
Understanding microaggressions, imposter syndrome & John Henryism.
As part of the Summit, we will be recognizing one or more law firms, agencies, or departments with the BADC’s 2025 Constance L. Belfiore Quality of Life Award. This will be the 24th year that this award has been conferred on an area legal organization. The hyperlink to the Award nomination form is provided here: bit.ly/qolawardform. The deadline for entries is Friday, February 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET.
* * * * *
Avoiding Copyright and Trademark Infringement Online 2025
Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E16032510W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: March 26, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Description: As the internet and social media evolve, so do the complexities of copyright and trademark law. Join our panel of intellectual property experts for this popular and timely class designed to demystify the unique challenges that arise in online spaces. Whether you are new to these issues or seeking a refresher, this session equips you with essential knowledge on protecting and defending intellectual property in the digital landscape. The following are among the topics this class covers:
Domain Name Disputes – Understanding conflicts over domain ownership and how to resolve them
Keyword Advertising – The legal implications of using competitors’ trademarks in keyword campaigns
Framing Techniques – Examining the legal risks of embedding external content within websites
Linking to External Websites – Identifying potential liabilities and safe practices for linking
ISP and Third-Party Liability – An overview of responsibilities and protections for service providers
Social Media Copyright Risks – Recognizing and mitigating infringement risks associated with social media content
This class offers a solid foundation in digital copyright and trademark law, with practical insights that benefit both newcomers and experienced professionals navigating intellectual property challenges online.
Faculty: Steven P. Hollman, Sheppard Mullin and Shauna M. Wertheim, The Marbury Law Group PLLC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
AI and Legal Ethics: A Risk-Benefit Analysis 2025
(AI & The Law: 2025 Update Series – Part Three)
Credit(s): 1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11032512W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: March 27, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 ethics and professionalism credit hour (Note: This class may qualify for technology credit in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
Series Description: Explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession with this cutting-edge series designed for attorneys. Topics include current and upcoming AI legislation, hands-on strategies for integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into legal practice, and a comprehensive analysis of the ethical considerations and risks involved in AI adoption. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to stay ahead in the evolving legal landscape.
Class Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers attorneys powerful tools to enhance efficiency and supplement legal expertise, yet its use also brings critical ethical considerations. This final class in our series, led by our distinguished panel, guides you through the professional conduct standards that govern AI use in legal practice, providing practical insights for ethically integrating AI into your workflow. The following are the key areas of focus for this class:
Competence in Technology – Ensuring lawyers remain proficient with evolving technologies, including AI (D.C. Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 1.1)
Supervision of AI Tools – Understanding the attorney's duty to oversee AI's output as if human assistants created it (D.C. Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 5.3)
Reasonable Fees – Addressing how AI-related efficiencies impact fee structures and ensure fairness (D.C. Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 1.5)
Confidentiality– Safeguarding client information when using AI-driven tools (D.C. Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 1.6)
Truth in Advertising – Adhering to honesty in marketing, especially when AI aids legal services (D.C. Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 7.1)
Client Communication Standards– Maintaining clear, regular communication with clients about AI use in their cases (D.C. Rules of Prof’l Conduct R. 1.4)
This class provides essential guidance on leveraging AI responsibly while upholding your ethical obligations, making it an invaluable resource for any attorney looking to stay at the forefront of legal technology. Those interested in attending this class, may also be interested in attending Legislation around AI – What's Here and What's Coming 2025 and Leveraging ChatGPT: Practical Training for Attorneys 2025.
Faculty: Hilary P. Gerzhoy, HWG LLP and Julienne Pasichow, HWG LLP
Series Fees: $137 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $167 D.C. Bar Members, $197 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $257 Others
Individual Class Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
* * * * *
Legal Writing: A Judge's Perspective 2025
Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18032506W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: March 31, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 general credit hour
Description: Join us for this popular and insightful class that addresses clarity in legal writing. Our presenter, the Honorable Bob Bacharach, is a federal judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has written Legal Writing: A Judge’s Perspective on the Science and Rhetoric of the Written Word, published by the ABA Press. Judge Bacharach addresses lessons for legal writing drawn from the fields of psycholinguistics, oratory, and advocacy. The following are among the specific topics he will cover:
Providing context before detail
Using simple diction
Linking information
Providing information in manageable chunks
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from an experienced jurist how to make your writing clearer and more persuasive for the court. Those who attend will also receive an e-version of Judge Bacharach’s book, Legal Writing: A Judge’s Perspective on the Science and Rhetoricof the Written Word.
Faculty: Hon. Robert Bacharach, United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Fees: $49 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $59 D.C. Bar Members, $69 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $89 Others
* * * * *
Deposition Basics 2025
(Effective Deposition Practice Series – Part One)
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18042501L
Date: April 1, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Series Description: Depositions are a cornerstone of civil litigation, and no matter how experienced you are, there’s always room to refine your approach. In this comprehensive and engaging series, join our seasoned faculty as they guide you through practical strategies and advanced techniques for taking and defending depositions with confidence and precision.
Class Description: Designed for both newcomers and seasoned litigators seeking a refresher, this first class in the series explores the full spectrum of deposition practice – offering insights into preparation, execution, and leveraging depositions at trial to strengthen your case. You’ll also gain critical knowledge of recent court rulings and how to strategically apply them to maximize your client’s advantage in the discovery process. The following are among the topics the panel will address:
Crafting effective discovery plans
Witness preparation strategies
Scheduling depositions for maximum impact
Conducting expert depositions
Responding to subpoenas and seeking protective orders
Making and handling objections during depositions
Managing transcript reviews, changes, and signatures
Avoiding deposition-related sanctions
Strategic use of deposition testimony at trial
Comprehensive deposition checklists for seamless execution
Whether you're just starting your litigation career or looking to elevate your deposition skills, this class offers essential tools and actionable insights to enhance your practice. Those interested in attending this class may also be interested in attending Depositions That Work: Advanced Strategies 2025.
Faculty: Emily Merki Long, Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Sahng-Ah Yoo, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Series Fees: $138 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $158 D.C. Bar Members, $178 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $218 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
How to Legally Create Inclusive Workplace Cultures (NEW)
Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E05042502W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: April 2, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 general credit hour (Note: This class may qualify for diversity, equity, and inclusion credit in some jurisdictions. However, it will qualify for general credit only in Virginia.)
Description: In today’s rapidly evolving workplace landscape, employers and employees alike face complex challenges tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This new and insightful class provides a comprehensive overview of equal employment opportunity laws and their intersection with DEI strategies. You will gain a clear understanding of the definitions of "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion," exploring their interconnectedness and how employers commonly leverage these concepts to attract and retain top talent.
The class critically analyzes why certain DEI approaches often fail to foster positive workplace cultures and retain top performers. Particular focus is placed on the legal risks associated with initiatives targeting racial equity, shedding light on potential compliance pitfalls and litigation risks.
Finally, the class introduces proven, legally sound methods for improving workplace cultures, providing attorneys with practical insights to guide clients or organizations in implementing effective, sustainable, and inclusive practices.
Faculty: Gurjit Chima Jan, Conexao LLC
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
* * * * *
Planning for Estates under $13.99 Million
(Basic Estate Planning Series – Part One)
Credit(s): 3.5 General (50-minute hour)
3 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number: E22042504W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: April 3, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Series Description: This popular three-part series provides attorneys with a thorough understanding of essential estate planning principles, tools, and strategies. Designed for practitioners at all levels, the series covers key topics to help clients navigate the complexities of wills, trusts, taxes, and related planning considerations.
Class Description: In the first class of this series, our distinguished panel guides you through the fundamentals of creating a comprehensive will and estate plan for clients with estates valued below the federal applicable exclusion amount (currently $13.99 million). The following are among the topics our panel covers:
Identifying and managing assets that can be disposed of through a will
Critical considerations for structuring bequests to align with client goals
Navigating state-level estate and inheritance tax rules, which often feature thresholds lower than the federal estate tax
The panel also provide practical guidance on gathering essential client information and address collateral estate planning elements, such as drafting powers of attorney for financial and health care matters. This session is an invaluable resource for attorneys seeking to strengthen their estate planning expertise while providing thoughtful and compliant solutions for their clients.
Those interested in attending this class may also be interested in attending Planning for Estates over $13.99 Million and Senior Surviving Spouse Planning 2025.
Faculty: Catherine Mary Rafferty, Law Offices of Catherine Mary Rafferty
Series Fees: $222 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $252 D.C. Bar Members, $282 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $342 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
WBA Cover Letter Workshop: Creating a Skills-Based Letter to Elevate your Candidacy (WBADC)
Original Program Date: March 4, 2025
Duration: 1 hour
Date: April 4, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
"The cover letter is not a summary of your resume. It is an opportunity to tell an organization why you are the right fit for the position. Attend this workshop to understand the benefits of a skills-based cover letter over a traditional chronology of work experience. Get tips on drafting a master letter than can easily be tailored for various positions."
This event will be hosted by the Women's Bar Association of District of Columbia.
* * * * *
REMOTE PROGRAM: Monthly Media Law Meeting of the D.C. Bar Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports Law Community
Course Number: C2125ML08W
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Date: April 9, 2025
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours
Join the D.C. Bar Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports Law Community the second Wednesday of every month for an informal and dynamic round table discussion on the most recent developments in Media Law. Guest speakers will present on one or two recent cases and answer questions from participants.
AGENDA and SPEAKERS: TBA
This program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration for 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 others, as individual registration is required.
Sponsored by: Media Law Committee of the D.C. Bar Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports Law Community
Related Community of Interest: D.C. Bar Law Student Community
* * * * *
More Effective Writing Makes More Effective Lawyers (April 10 & 11, 2025)
Credit(s): 6 General (60-minute hour)
7 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18042505W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: April 10, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
This program is not eligible for D.C. Bar CLE passport use
Credits: 6.0 Credit Hours
Description: Knowing the law is essential – but so is being able to communicate effectively about it. That can be challenging. That can be stressful.
Rick Horowitz can help.
Sign up for this innovative class and explore the fundamentals, and the critical details, of creating clear, well-organized, persuasive legal documents. Examine good (and not-so-good) writing to see what worked, what didn’t, and why. Re-examine some of the assumptions and habits that often lead lawyers down less-than-productive writing paths.
Briefs, memos, client letters, even daily correspondence – they'll all benefit from a deeper understanding of what goes into successful legal writing. Among the topics we’re likely to discuss:
What should you include, and what can you leave out?
Is your writing flexible enough to take on a variety of documents – and readers?
Are there ways to overcome “blank-screen panic”?
Shouldn’t your brief be a little more. .. brief?
Are you OK with writing as a team sport?
Can you benefit from the promise – and avoid the perils – of AI?
And do you really need all that legalese?
Rick Horowitz is founder and Wordsmith in Chief of Prime Prose, LLC, leading highly popular – and highly practical – legal writing workshops coast to coast. A graduate of Brandeis University and NYU School of Law and a former lawyer himself, he's worked with state and local bar associations, government agencies, and a variety of corporations, nonprofits and law firms.
His goals? Clearer, crisper, better-organized, less jargony, more effective legal writing. And less stress.
Faculty: Rick Horowitz, PrimeProse LLC
Fees: $279 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $289 D.C. Bar Members, $299 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $319 Others.
* * * * *
Depositions that Work: Advanced Strategies 2025
(Effective Deposition Practice Series – Part Two)
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18042506L
Date: April 15, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Series Description: Depositions are a cornerstone of civil litigation, and no matter how experienced you are, there’s always room to refine your approach. In this comprehensive and engaging series, join our seasoned faculty as they guide you through practical strategies and advanced techniques for taking and defending depositions with confidence and precision.
Class Description: Understanding the rules governing depositions is critical – but true mastery comes from knowing how to apply them effectively. In this dynamic class, two seasoned attorneys share their insider techniques for conducting exceptional depositions. Through the use of real deposition video clips, you’ll gain practical insights and proven strategies to elevate your skills. Tailored for attorneys with litigation experience looking to refine their deposition techniques, this class offers a deep dive into the nuances of deposition practice, covering critical topics and advanced tactics that can make or break a case. The following are among the topics the panel will discuss:
Effective deposition scheduling
Leveraging videotaped and audiotaped depositions
Conducting depositions upon written questions
Best practices for deposing attorneys and experts
Mastering 30(b)(6) depositions
Navigating subpoenas and protective orders
Preserving work product protection and attorney-client privilege
Addressing objections and instructions not to answer
Managing transcript review and revisions
Avoiding deposition-related sanctions
Whether you’re deposing expert witnesses, handling corporate representatives, or preparing for contentious proceedings, this course provides the tools and insights you need to excel. We recommend – though don’t require – that those having little or no deposition experience attend Deposition Basics 2025 before taking this class.
Faculty: Catherine D. Bertram, Bertram & Murphy and Crystal S. Deese, Jackson & Campbell PC
Series Fees: $138 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $158 D.C. Bar Members, $178 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $218 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
D.C. Bar Schedule of Events