D.C. Bar Schedule of Events
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
Bankruptcy 101 for Non-Bankruptcy Lawyers: Spotting the Issues 2024
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E02241110W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: November 21, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: In today's unpredictable economic climate, bankruptcy law intersects with nearly every area of legal practice. This comprehensive and engaging class is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge needed to identify and address bankruptcy issues that may impact your clients.
Join our expert panel as they guide you through the intricacies of both business and consumer bankruptcies. This class covers a wide range of critical topics, including the following:
Voluntary vs. Involuntary bankruptcy
Automatic stay
Means test
Liquidation vs. Reorganization
Secured debt vs. Unsecured debt
Exemptions
Discharge of debts
Special considerations
Additionally, our seasoned presenters will explore the broader impacts of bankruptcy on foreclosures, evictions, co-debtors, credit ratings, asset protection, and lien enforcement. This class is essential for any legal professional seeking to broaden their understanding of bankruptcy law and effectively advocate for their clients in this challenging area of practice.
Faculty: Darrell W. Clark, Stinson LLP and Tracey M. Ohm, Stinson LLP
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * * *
November 2024 Exempt Organizations Update
Credit(s): 5.5 General (60-minute hour)
6.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E20241112W
Duration: 6 hours 40 minutes
Date: November 22, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:40 PM
This program is not eligible for D.C. Bar CLE Passport use.
Description: This premier program brings together leading voices from the Internal Revenue Service, government regulators, and top legal and accounting professionals to explore the most recent statutory, regulatory, and judicial changes affecting tax-exempt organizations. Through a series of in-depth discussions and expert analyses, attendees will gain invaluable insights into critical updates and emerging trends in the nonprofit sector. Key topics will include the following:
A comprehensive update from the TEGE Exempt Organization Council and the IRS on exempt organization regulations
The latest guidance from the Treasury Department
A focused review of updates from the IRS Exempt Organizations Division
Legal interpretations of Treasury guidance and its implications
Innovative trends in partnerships between nonprofit and for-profit entities
Updates on donor-advised funds and their evolving regulatory landscape
For a detailed breakdown of session topics, please refer to the program agenda. While this program is essential for professionals involved in tax law, it also offers valuable insights for those working in areas such as commercial and consumer law, corporate and business law, and lobbying.
Regular Fees: $0 Government Employees, $0 Press, and $85 All Others if you register between October 16 and November 15, 2024
Late Fees: $0 Government Employees, $0 Press, and $110 All Others if you register on or after November 16, 2024
* * * * *
A Lawyer’s Ethical Duties to Understand Metadata, Digital Evidence in the Cloud, Secure Client Data, and More 2024
Credit(s): 2 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
2 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11241206W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 3, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 ethics & professionalism credit hours
Description: In an era where generative AI, predictive coding, and machine learning are transforming the legal landscape, attorneys face an evolving ethical duty to stay technologically adept. Attorneys’ ethical responsibility extends well beyond mere competence in AI – the rapid rise of these technologies has reignited the conversation around attorneys’ obligations not only to understand but also to effectively incorporate technology into their practice.
Join our seasoned faculty as they delve into the broad scope of Comment 8 to ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct R. 1.1, which emphasizes that attorneys must stay informed about changes in the law and its practice, particularly the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology. This timely class will guide you through the essential aspects of technology that you need to master, including the following:
Generative AI
Metadata
Electronically Stored Information (ESI)
Social media
Cloud storage
Discover how much technological knowledge is required to fulfill your ethical duties and ensure you are practicing at the highest level of competence in today’s digital world.
Faculty: Adrienne Fowler, HWG LLP and Deepika H. Ravi, HWG LLP
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
Asset Protection for Veterans Aid and Attendance (NEW)
Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E08241210W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: December 4, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 general credit hour
Description: Many elderly adults are unaware of the financial options available to help pay for senior living, including the valuable benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Attendance program provides. For qualifying wartime veterans and their surviving spouses, this program provides crucial financial support to help offset the costs of long-term care for those needing assistance with daily living activities.
Join us for this new and informative class, which introduces you to the VA Aid and Attendance program and its financial eligibility requirements. Learn about effective asset protection strategies, including a comparison of Medicaid and VA approaches, to help your clients make the most of the benefits available to them. Our faculty expert also presents a real-world case study offering practical insights and addresses your questions and concerns.
Faculty: Evan H. Farr, Farr Law Firm PC
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
* * * * *
The Basics of Filing and Litigating Freedom of Information Act Requests 2024
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E13241205W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 5, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Join us for this popular annual class as our expert faculty explain how to file requests under the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Our panel will alert you to issues that arise in FOIA litigation through the different perspectives of lawyers for the defendant-agency and for the plaintiff-requester. They will show how to frame and pursue FOIA requests before different federal agencies and discuss FOIA exemptions.
Because FOIA litigation is quite specialized, the class focuses on the litigation of FOIA cases before district courts. Our panel will address the different standards and procedures that apply to FOIA cases. They also will include a brief discussion of Privacy Act requests and litigation. Minimal knowledge of the FOIA will be presumed – but is not required – of those who attend.
This class assumes minimal prior knowledge of FOIA but welcomes all practitioners eager to deepen their understanding and refine their litigation skills in this critical area.
Faculty: Elizabeth J. Shapiro, US Department of Justice and Mark S. Zaid, Mark S. Zaid PC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E09241211W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: December 9, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credit: 1.0 general credit hour
Description: On April 15, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its final regulations under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, codified at 29 C.F.R. § 1636. These regulations, which took effect on June 18, 2024, have since faced legal scrutiny across the United States. Join us for this timely and comprehensive class as our expert panel guides you through the requirements for providing reasonable accommodations to employees with “known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.”
This new class delves into the legal obligations under the new federal regulations, providing a thorough understanding of what constitutes a reasonable accommodation. In addition, our panel discusses the ongoing court challenges to these regulations and how they impact pregnancy accommodation requirements in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Designed for legal practitioners seeking a foundational understanding of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, this class will equip you with practical tactics, strategies, and best practices to help your clients successfully navigate and implement these new compliance requirements.
Faculty: Diane A. Seltzer, The Seltzer Law Firm; Joanne Waters Verma & Waters LLP.
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
* * * * *
Attorney-Client Privilege Trends and Developments
Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine Series - Part One)
Credit(s): 1.5 Ethics & Professionalism, except for Virginia, for which you will receive general credit (60-minute hour)
Course Number: E16241209W
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Date: December 10, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Credits: 1.5 general credit hours (Note: While this class may qualify for ethics and professionalism credit in some jurisdictions, it does not qualify for such credit for Virginia. Instead, it qualifies for 1.5 general credits for Virginia.)
Description: In this engaging and highly informative two-part series, we delve into two fundamental pillars of legal protection: attorney-client privilege and the closely related work product doctrine. In this session, our faculty expert Tom Spahn focuses on attorney-client privilege, offering an up-to-date exploration of 2024 trends, legal developments, and practical applications. Key highlights include the following topics:
Determining which attorney-client privilege rules apply in various scenarios
Addressing common client misunderstandings about the privilege's scope and the importance of legal advice in securing protection
Navigating privilege protection within corporate settings, with a focus on the risks of extensive intra-corporate communications
Understanding the sources of proof courts rely on when analyzing privilege claims and practical strategies to maximize protection
Identifying individuals and entities outside the scope of privilege, including agents and consultants
Avoiding privilege waivers, including implied waivers, “at issue” waivers, and subject matter waivers
Exploring the unpredictability of joint defense and common interest agreements
Tackling privilege issues that arise before, during, and after internal corporate investigations
This class is essential for attorneys across all practice areas, offering valuable insights to enhance their understanding and effective management of attorney-client privilege. Whether you practice in state or federal courts, this class equips you with the knowledge needed to protect your clients and navigate complex privilege issues with confidence. Those interested in this class may also wish to attend Work Product Doctrine Trends and Developments.
Faculty: Thomas E. Spahn, McGuireWoods LLP
Series Fees: $58 D.C. Bar Communities members, $78 D.C. Bar members, $98 Government and Nonprofit attorneys, and $138 Others
Individual Class Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities members, $49 D.C. Bar members, $59 Government and Nonprofit attorneys, and $79 Others
* * * * *
Copyright and Trademark Law Year in Review 2024
(Intellectual Property Law Series – Part One)
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E16241209W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 11, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Stay informed on the latest shifts in copyright and trademark law by joining our expert faculty for an in-depth review of the most significant changes over the past year. This class is essential for practitioners who need to stay current with the evolving legal landscape in these dynamic areas of intellectual property law. The following are among the topics this class covers:
Key court decisions of 2024
Legislative developments
International developments
Copyright Office and Trademark Office updates
Emerging trends and practical tips
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and ensure you are prepared to advise clients effectively in the rapidly changing fields of copyright and trademark law. Those who attend this class may also be interested in attending the second class in our Intellectual Property Series, Patent Law a Year in Review 2024.
Faculty: Hardeep Grover, CapEx Legal and Laura Possessky, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
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; $129 Others
* * * * *
Member Benefits Webinar: AI-Powered Practice Management: A Guide for Law Firms
Original Program Date: December 12, 2024
Duration: 1 hour
Date: December 12, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Generative AI is making waves in law practice, but how is it truly benefiting attorneys? While AI might seem abstract or intimidating, it’s already transforming legal practice management in remarkable ways. From drafting emails and translating documents to generating ideas for opening statements, generative AI is quickly becoming an essential tool for attorneys.
Think of it as your all-in-one matter assistant. Instead of hunting down information, you can simply ask your case file for what you need. With AI, you can summarize a document, attach that summary to an email, actually create the email from scratch, and then send it out to your client in just seconds.
Join attorney Jordan Turk as she takes you through how generative AI is being used in your favorite legal technology applications, and how to get the most out of its use.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:
How AI is being implemented within the most popular practice management software
Security and confidentiality concerns of using this technology
The importance of good prompt writing
Live demonstration of how this technology works
Duration: 60 minutes
HERE IS THE LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR: https://www.smokeball.com/webinars/dcbar-ai-powered-practice-management
* * * * *
The Basics of Filing and Litigating Freedom of Information Act Requests 2024
NEW DATE! (Originally Scheduled for December 5, 2024)
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E13241205W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 16, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Join us for this popular annual class as our expert faculty explain how to file requests under the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Our panel will alert you to issues that arise in FOIA litigation through the different perspectives of lawyers for the defendant-agency and for the plaintiff-requester. They will show how to frame and pursue FOIA requests before different federal agencies and discuss FOIA exemptions.
Because FOIA litigation is quite specialized, the class focuses on the litigation of FOIA cases before district courts. Our panel will address the different standards and procedures that apply to FOIA cases. They also will include a brief discussion of Privacy Act requests and litigation. Minimal knowledge of the FOIA will be presumed – but is not required – of those who attend.
This class assumes minimal prior knowledge of FOIA but welcomes all practitioners eager to deepen their understanding and refine their litigation skills in this critical area.
Faculty: Elizabeth J. Shapiro, US Department of Justice and Mark S. Zaid, Mark S. Zaid PC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
Patent Law a Year in Review 2024
(Intellectual Property Law Series – Part Two)
Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E16241207W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 17, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Description: Stay at the forefront of patent law by joining us for this must-attend class, which delves into the most impactful patent case law developments of 2024. Our expert faculty will provide a comprehensive review of key rulings from the Supreme Court, the Federal Circuit, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, as well as an overview of significant changes in US Patent and Trademark Office rules and proposed legislation. The following are among the topics this class covers:
Patentable subject matter
New developments in prior art
Defenses in patent litigation
Procedural changes in patent litigation
Shifts in inter partes review (IPR) practice
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leading patent law experts as they provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of patent law. Whether you are an experienced patent practitioner or new to the field, this class will ensure you are up to date with the latest legal developments and prepared to address the challenges ahead.
Those who attend this class may also be interested in attending the second class in our Intellectual Property Series, Copyright and Trademark Law Year in Review 2024.
Faculty: Matthew P. Becker, Banner & Witcoff Ltd. and Scott M. Kelly, Banner & Witcoff Ltd.
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; $129 Others
* * * * *
The Legal Ethics Commitment: Rules, Concepts, Ideas, and Techniques that Keep Lawyers Ethical
Credit(s): 3 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
3.5 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11241204W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 18, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 ethics and professionalism credit hours
Description: Every period has unpredictable winds and currents that challenge attorneys to keep their ethical bearings. In 2024, those winds are blowing gustier than ever, with challenges to the legal ethics culture sometimes developing faster than bar associations, courts and scholars can respond to them. As a result, the ethical sensibilities and problem-solving skills of the individual attorney are more crucial than ever.
This insightful and engaging class designed for the D.C. Bar uses hypothetical problems based on actual and current cases, insights from current commentary and scholarship, and multi-disciplinary concepts with immediate value to legal practitioners. This class will challenge those who attend and leave them with new tools, sharpened skills, and plenty to think about. Our esteemed speaker will focus on new legal ethics developments in the District and elsewhere. Among the issues explored in this class are the following:
The increasing clash between business realities and professional ideals
How to ensure that the right ethics alarms sound in time
The ethical referral maze
Conflicts of interest that you might get away with, but shouldn’t
AI and the latest technology traps
Ethical billing conundrums
More, including new developments right up to class time
Faculty: Jack A. Marshall, ProEthics Ltd
For all in-person attendees, legal presenter and ethics expert Jack Marshall promises a free, 30-minute ethics consult via phone. This offer is valued at $195 and must be availed before December 18, 2025.
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
Basic Training and Beyond (01/7/2025 - Day 1)
How to Start a Law Firm
Course Number: BT_0172025
Date: January 7, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Basic Training & Beyond is a two day program for lawyers and law firm staff interested in starting, managing and growing a law firm in the District of Columbia. It is presented monthly, without charge, for D.C. Bar members and firm staff.
In the day-one session, all the essentials of starting a firm in D.C. are covered.
In the day-two session, growth and management issues are covered including client relations, productivity, technology and marketing.
In order to attend this event in person, you must comply with the D.C. Bar’s policy located here.
As a resource, an eManual is provided to those who attend. The program has been presented regularly since 2008 and thousands of members have attended and many have launched successful firms. Many of these members stay in contact with our presenters, Dan Mills and Kaitlin Forster, former small firm lawyers, and these connections inform the content of the sessions.
* * * * *
Jury Selection 2025
(Foundations of Trial Advocacy Series – Part One)
Credit(s): 3.5 General (50-minute hour)
3 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number: E18012503W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 8, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Series Description: Trial work, while rewarding, is challenging. From selecting the jury to closing argument, attorneys must be ready to meet and overcome these challenges to ensure the best results for their clients. Join our experienced and knowledgeable faculty for this popular four-part series as they discuss how to better navigate the various aspects of trial practice.
Class Description: During this first class in the Foundations of Trial Advocacy Series, our faculty experts examine the process and procedure of jury selection, including the composition of the jury pool, peremptory strikes, and the use of jury selection services.
While this series is tailored for attorneys with some trial experience, but those newer to trial work will also find valuable takeaways. Accordingly, you may also want to attend Witness Preparation and Direct Examination 2025, Cross-examination 2025, and Opening Statements and Closing Arguments 2025.
Faculty: Jacqueline Cadman, Brown, Goldstein & Levy LLP; Paulette Chapman, Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP; and Paul J. Maloney, Carr Maloney PC
Series Fees: $296 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $336 D.C. Bar Members, $376 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $456 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *
Lunch and Learn: How Does a Law Firm Streamline Advertising for Effective Case Generation?
Course Number: LL_010925
Duration: 1 hour
Date: January 9, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Learn from Marina Hotkova, an expert with more than 20 years of experience in driving growth for law firms in the DMV, about digital advertising. Marina will cover quality lead generation, simplifying the complex worlds of digital marketing, digital strategies and cost-efficiency. Marina Hotkova is with WUSA 9/TEGNA/Premion and works with law firms on their digital strategy.
A joint production of the Law Practice Management Community and PMAS at the DC Bar.
* * * * *
Building and Managing Remote Global Teams (NEW)
Credit(s): 1.5 General (60-minute hour)
1.5 General (50-minute hour)
0.5 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
0.5 Ethics and Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E09012505W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 14, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours, including 0.5 ethics & professionalism credit hours
Description: Remote work is increasingly the norm, and a rising number of office‐fatigued employees are expressing the desire to work remotely. This evolving workplace trend presents unique challenges for employers, especially when it comes to understanding and navigating the intricate web of legal and tax implications across international borders.
This insightful class offers an in‐depth exploration of these challenges. The panel dissects the complexities of payroll logistics, immigration requirements, tax ramifications, and the implications for benefits and insurance in cross‐border remote work scenarios. The panel guides you through this terrain, highlighting the legal nuances and potential risks employers face when considering remote work arrangements from different countries.
By attending this class, you will gain a thorough understanding of the legal and tax complexities that arise in cross-border remote work situations. You will leave with actionable insights into payroll logistics, immigration requirements, and tax implications that employers must consider when managing remote employees working from different countries.
Faculty: Nan Sato, Fisher & Phillips LLP and William D. Wright, Fisher & Phillips LLP
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
* * * * *
Witness Preparation and Direct Examination 2025
(Foundations of Trial Advocacy Series - Part Two)
Credit(s): 3.5 General (50-minute hour)
3 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number: E18012506W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 15, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Series Description: Trial work, while rewarding, is challenging. From selecting the jury to closing argument, attorneys must be ready to meet and overcome these challenges to ensure the best results for their clients. Join our esteemed faculty for this popular four-part series as they discuss how to better navigate the various aspects of trial practice.
Class Description: During this class, the panel discusses how well-prepared witnesses and persuasive direct examinations (or lack thereof) can make or break your case at trial. They cover the vital task of preparing witnesses to testify credibly at trial. They also examine techniques and strategies for effective direct examination, maximizing the witness’s potential, minimizing their weaknesses, and how to start out right and finish strong at trial.
While this series is tailored for attorneys with some trial experience, those newer to trial work will also find valuable takeaways. Accordingly, you may also want to attend Jury Selection 2025, Cross-examination 2025, and Opening Statements and Closing Arguments 2025.
Faculty: Catherine D. Bertram, Bertram & Murphy and Sara E. Kropf, Kropf Moseley PLLC
Series Fees: $296 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $336 D.C. Bar Members $376, Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $456 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government, and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
* * * * *