D.C. Bar Schedule of Events

Phone: (202) 737-4700

Hours of Operation: 7 AM – 11 PM
Weekday Events (5 PM – 11 PM)

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

2026 Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association Annual Conference (MWELA)

Date: February 13, 2026
Duration: 10 hours
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
MWELA’s Annual Conference is an all-day event featuring colleagues, judges, and outside experts discussing topics on all aspects of the plaintiff’s employment practice. The conference will also include the presentation of MWELA's 2026 Lawyer of the Year Award.

CLE will be available, with documentation sent to confirmed attendees via email when received from each state, approximately 90–120 days following the conference.

Tentative Agenda (Subject to change)
8:00 am – Registration & Breakfast
8:30 am – Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:45 am – Panel Session
9:55 am – Break
10:05 am – Panel Session
11:20 am – Panel Session
12:30 pm – Luncheon & Award Recognition – Lawyer of the Year Award Presentation
2:15 pm – Panel Session
3:25 pm – Break
3:35 pm – Raffle Drawing – Chet Levitt Fund for Employment Law
3:40 pm – Panel Session
5:00 pm – Closing Remarks
5:05 – 6:00 pm – Networking Reception

IN PERSON: D.C. Bar Communities Connect Networking Event

Course Number: C3426NC15I
Date: February 17, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours

Join us for an evening of connection and conversation at the D.C. Bar Communities Connect Networking Event! Meet and network with leaders and peers from each of the Bar’s 23 Communities, along with D.C. Bar and Communities Committee leadership.

Enjoy refreshments and win prizes. Take advantage of special offers, including half-price Communities membership sign-ups onsite for lapsed and new members, which include free remote access to your Communities’ live events, selected in-person networking events and, for premium level members, a complimentary professional headshot.

Whether you’re looking to meet new colleagues, engage with Bar leadership, or learn how the 23 distinct Communities can support your professional growth, this event is the perfect place to make new connections and get involved! 

Pre-registration for this free event 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 is an “Off the Record” event. Remarks made during “Off the Record” events may not be used for publication.

Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Communities Office
Communities of Interest: all D.C. Bar Communities

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From Witness to Win: Fundamentals of Effective Direct Examination

Trial Primer Series – Part Two

Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18022608W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: February 18, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours

Series Description: Build your courtroom confidence with our four-part Trial Primer Series, designed specifically for newer attorneys. Led by seasoned civil and criminal litigators, this series breaks down the essential stages of trial – from opening statements to closing arguments – into practical, skill-building sessions. Whether you're preparing for your first trial or looking to sharpen your advocacy techniques, each class offers actionable insights, live demonstrations, and expert guidance to help you step into the courtroom with clarity and conviction.

Class Description: Master the fundamentals of direct examination with confidence. This class focuses on building a persuasive narrative through your witnesses, covering techniques for organizing testimony, selecting and preparing witnesses, anticipating cross-examination, and using redirect effectively. Our experienced panel demonstrates best practices and shares insights to help you engage the jury and present your case with clarity and credibility.

You may also be interested in the other programs in this four-part series: Setting the Stage: Crafting a Strong Opening Statement; From Question to Control: The Art and Strategy of Cross-Examination; and Turning Proof into Persuasion: Building a Winning Closing Argument.

Faculty: David J. Dischley, Dischley Law PLLC and Deborah Donohue, Maryland Office of the Attorney General

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

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Agentic Workflows, Tool Calling, and Planning with Transformers

AI in Legal Practice: Architecture, Ethics, and Accountability – Part Two

Credit(s): 2 General (50-minute hour)
2 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number: E16022609W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: February 19, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours (Note: This class may be eligible for technology credit in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)

Series Description: This four-part series demystifies the technical foundations and legal implications of modern artificial intelligence (AI). Designed for attorneys and legal professionals with some knowledge of AI, the series provides a structured exploration of how neural networks and transformers function, how “agentic” AI systems are evolving, and what ethical, procedural, and constitutional considerations accompany their use in legal settings. You will leave with a grounded understanding of how AI systems actually work — and how to ­evaluate, supervise, and responsibly integrate them into legal practice.
Class Description: Building on the foundational material in Reasoning with Transformers, this class contrasts the traditional notion of an “agent” in AI with today’s so-called agentic tools. Our esteemed presenter explains how context engineering techniques allow transformers to simulate multiple personae, encode history, and integrate extensive knowledge bases – often invisibly to users. The discussion also addresses tool calling, inference-time scaling, and how these strategies adapt large, general-purpose transformers to specific deployment environments.

This class is particularly relevant for legal professionals, as agentic workflows are increasingly appearing in law-related technologies. You will gain a grounded understanding of what “agentic” truly means, how these tools operate, and what you must know to assess their capabilities and risks beyond marketing claims.

You may also be interested in the other classes in this series: Reasoning with Transformers, Working Alongside AI Responsibly & Ethically 2026, and AI and Adjudication.

Faculty: Todd Smith, D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer
Cosponsor: D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer

Series Fees: $0 D.C. Government Attorneys, $296 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $336 D.C. Bar Members, $376 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $456 Others
Individual Class Fees: $0 D.C. Government Attorneys, $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 All Other Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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13th Annual D.C. Cup Moot Court Competition

Course Number: C3426NC12I
Date: February 21, 2026
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Each year eligible students from six law schools in the District of Columbia are invited to compete in the D.C. Cup Moot Court Competition. The event pits law school against law school in friendly competition, arguing tough cases before a panel of volunteer judges. The competition serves as a rich educational opportunity to promote legal research and writing, analysis, and advocacy. The four-round competition opens with preliminary and semifinal rounds before volunteer judges and closes with a final round of oral arguments in front of a three-judge panel composed of jurists and lawyers of significant professional stature in the District of Columbia. The competition allows law students to brief and argue a case on appeal, honing both their oral advocacy and brief writing skills. In the end, the winning team takes home the cup.

Preliminary Rounds
Saturday, February 21, 2026

Semifinal Round
Sunday, February 22, 2026

Final Round and Awards Ceremony
Friday, February 27, 2026

The team registration fee is $100; $50 if the team consists of D.C. Bar Law Student Community members, and will be collected when the application has been submitted. Learn about the D.C. Bar Law Student Community and register for most individual programs for free or at a discounted rate. Law Student Members receive a discounted rate for the competition. Please contact: CommunitiesRegistration@dcbar.org for questions about registration. 

For questions regarding the competition, please contact: DCCupMootCourt@dcbar.org. 
Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Communities Office

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The Three Binders Every Litigator Needs: Organizing for Peak Trial Performance (NEW)

Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18022611W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: February 24, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 general credit hour

Description: Even in an age of sophisticated legal technology, top trial teams continue to rely on one deceptively simple yet powerful tool: the binder. This new, practical, hands-on class reveals how thoughtfully structured binders — digital or physical — can streamline preparation, sharpen strategy, and build confidence in the courtroom.

By attending, you’ll gain proven techniques for creating and adapting working, argument, and trial binders; organizing and maintaining them as dynamic, living tools; and leveraging them to improve collaboration and team readiness. The class also explores how you can apply binder principles to design tailored strategies for individual cases, ensuring you are prepared, organized, and persuasive when it matters most.

Faculty: Sam Davidoff, MFB Technologies Inc.
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
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 Fees: All About Getting Paid Ethically 2026

Credit(s): 2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11012612W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: February 25, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 ethics & professionalism credit hours

Description: Strengthen your practice with a comprehensive exploration of the ethical considerations that shape attorney fees and client relationships in the District of Columbia. This engaging class goes beyond the basics and provides practical guidance and real-world strategies for setting fees, drafting enforceable agreements, and navigating challenges that arise throughout client representation. Led by seasoned faculty with deep experience in professional responsibility matters, this session equips you to do the following:
Apply best practices for setting and negotiating fees with clients
Draft clear, effective, and compliant fee agreements
Confidently manage contingent, fixed, and hybrid fee structures
Address ethical issues when accepting ownership interests instead of cash fees
Properly handle client funds in accordance with trust account rules
Navigate the complexities of referral fees and third-party payments
Understand billing and ethical duties for temporary or contract lawyers
Ethically withdraw from representation for non-payment of fees
Protect your rights and interests when a case ends or representation is terminated

Whether you are just starting out in private practice or seeking to refine your approach, this program offers actionable insights grounded in D.C.’s ethics rules. By the end of the class, you will have a clearer understanding of your professional obligations and the tools to safeguard your reputation while ensuring fair and transparent client relationships. Do not miss this essential opportunity to elevate your practice and reinforce the ethical foundation of your client engagements.

Faculty: Thomas B. Mason, HWG LLP and Rebecca Neal, D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Alphabet Soup: An Introduction to Environmental Law 2026

Postponed from November 11, 2025

Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E10022612W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: February 26, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours

Description: Back by popular demand, this informative and highly regarded class returns to provide you with a clear, accessible introduction to the complex landscape of federal environmental law. While environmental statutes play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, ecosystems, and industry standards, they are often dense, technical, and challenging to interpret. This class demystifies the field and equips practitioners with a foundational understanding of key federal laws that shape environmental compliance and enforcement.

Led by a distinguished panel of environmental law experts, this program offers a broad but practical survey of the most applied federal environmental statutes. You will gain valuable insight into each statute’s scope, core provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks. These statues include the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, Oil Pollution Act, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Regulation of chemical substances, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

While this class does not aim to cover every detail of these statutes, you will leave with a solid working knowledge of the fundamental requirements, compliance obligations, and enforcement landscapes associated with each. This is an excellent primer for lawyers new to environmental law and a valuable refresher for seasoned practitioners who want to stay grounded in the basics.

Faculty: Scott Cernich, Dema Law and Daniel A. Eisenberg, Beveridge & Diamond 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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Medicaid Asset Protection 2026

Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E14032601W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: March 2, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours         

Description: For most families, Medicaid remains the primary financing mechanism for long-term custodial care, because only a small minority of households can purchase sufficient long-term-care insurance — and even when they do, coverage often proves inadequate in the face of cost escalation and regulatory complexity. However, with long-term care costs escalating rapidly, many Americans face severe financial exposure when securing the care they need.

This comprehensive class equips you with a robust foundation in Medicaid asset-protection planning — a critical niche for elder law and estate planning attorneys, especially in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Join our esteemed presenter who covers the following topics and more:
Core Medicaid asset-protection concepts
Eligibility and timing considerations
D.C., Maryland, and Virginia-specific strategies
Client-centered planning

This class is designed for estate planning attorneys, elder law practitioners, and advisors who serve seniors and families navigating the complex interface between Medicaid eligibility, long-term care costs, and wealth preservation. You will walk away with actionable tools to help your clients access essential care without unnecessary financial hardship — and to protect family wealth in an environment of rising costs and shifting policy.

Faculty: Evan H. Farr, Farr Law Firm 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: Part 5 of 7 Wealth Management Series: Women, Work and Wealth (Financially Fit Female 2.0)

Course Number: C3426NC08W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: March 3, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours 

This session builds on the "Financially Fit Female" programs presented in prior years and is offered in recognition of Women’s History Month! It explores the financial decisions that most impact women across their careers, from compensation and benefits to protection planning and long-term wealth building. As women navigate longer life expectancies, potential career interruptions, evolving pay structures, and increasing caregiving responsibilities for aging family members, small planning gaps can compound into meaningful long-term outcomes. While the session focuses on issues that disproportionately affect women, the guidance is designed to resonate with a broad audience, and all are welcome! 

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. Learn about the D.C. Bar Law Student Community and join for only $25 to attend most individual programs at a discounted rate and learn more about the opportunities.

Speakers:
Alp Atabek, Executive Vice President, HUB Investment Partners  
Jason Dahl, Executive Vice President, HUB Investment Partners

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From Question to Control: The Art and Strategy of Cross-Examination

Trial Primer Series – Part Three
Credit(s):2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number:E18032602W
  
Duration:2 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 4, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM)
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
 
 
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Series Description: Build your courtroom confidence with our four-part Trial Primer Series, designed specifically for newer attorneys. Led by seasoned civil and criminal litigators, this series breaks down the essential stages of trial – from opening statements to closing arguments – into practical, skill-building sessions. Whether you’re preparing for your first trial or looking to sharpen your advocacy techniques, each class offers actionable insights, live demonstrations, and expert guidance to help you step into the courtroom with clarity and conviction.
 
Class Description: Learn to challenge and control the narrative with strategic cross-examination. This class explores how to craft focused, impactful questions, impeach witnesses effectively, and manage the dynamics of redirect. Through practical demonstrations and expert tips, you’ll gain the tools to expose weaknesses in opposing testimony and reinforce your case theory – all while maintaining courtroom poise.
 
 
Faculty: Matthew Dobson, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia and Joan Meyer, Thompson Hine LLP
Save $60 by clicking the Special Offer tab above!
Series Fees: $296 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $336 D.C. Bar Member, $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
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March 2026 Exempt Organizations Update and Meeting (NEW)

Credit(s):10 General (60-minute hour)
12 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number:E20032613L
Start Date:
Thursday, March 5, 2026 11:00 AM ((GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada))
End Date:
Friday, March 6, 2026 2:15 PM ((GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada))
 
 
 
This class is not eligible for D.C. Bar CLE Passport use!
Credits: Up to 10.0 general credit hours
 
Description: This premier annual program brings together leading regulators and top legal and accounting professionals for a comprehensive examination of the latest statutory, regulatory, and judicial developments affecting tax-exempt organizations. Through timely, in-depth discussions and practical expert analysis, you’ll gain critical insights into enforcement priorities, governance trends, compliance challenges, and emerging issues shaping the nonprofit sector.
 
Designed to provide an essential update for practitioners working with tax-exempt entities, the program delivers actionable takeaways and real-world perspectives. While especially valuable for tax and nonprofit attorneys, the content also offers meaningful insights for professionals practicing in commercial and consumer law, corporate and business law, government relations, and lobbying.
 
For a detailed overview of session topics and speakers, please refer to the program agenda.
 
Cosponsors: TEGE Exempt Organizations Council and the Greater Washington Society of CPAs
 
Faculty: Ann K. Batlle, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; Megan R. Biss, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Eve R. Borenstein, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg LLP; Lynne A. Camillo, Internal Revenue Service (Invited); Edward T. Chaney, Schell Bray PLLC Stephen M. Clarke, Ernst & Young LLP; David W. Foster, Kirkland & Ellis LLP (Invited); Yael Fuchs, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Anne Fulton, Deloitte Tax LLP; Jonathan Green, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General (Invited); Elizabeth Grossman, Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold PLLC; Lisa W. Heller, GRF CPAs & Advisors; Michael D. Hoffman, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; James P. Joseph, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP; Lara Kalwinski, MacArthur Foundation; Anna Kolakaluri, Deloitte Tax LLP; Ray Ly, KPMG LLP; Amber MacKenzie, United States Department of the Treasury (Invited); Mackenzie P. McNaughton, Jones Day; Alexandra O. Mitchell, RSM US LLP; Caitlin Whitwell Noble, California Attorney General’s Office (Invited); Megan M. Okun, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; Preston Quesenberry, KPMG LLP; Elinor Ramey, Lowenstein Sandler LLP; Alexander L. Reid, BakerHostetler LLP; Randall Thomas, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; Carolyn A. Schenck, Caplin Drysdale Chartered; James G. Sheehan, Office of the New York State Attorney General; Beth Short, Ohio Attorney General’s Office (Invited); Cara Spencer, District of Columbia Attorney General’s Office; and Josh G. Starin, Schell Bray PLLC 
 
Registration: To register or obtain related program information, click here.
 
Program Fees: $0 Government Employees, $0 Press (excludes meals), $70 Press (includes meals), and $290 All Others

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Immigration Law Basics 2026

 
Credit(s):3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number:E15022610W
  
Duration:3 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 10, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM 
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
 
 
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
 
Description: Gain a clear, comprehensive understanding of the statutes, regulations, and guiding principles that shape the immigration system in this country. This dynamic introductory class provides the essential framework for navigating the complex intersection of immigration law, policy, and procedure. Through an engaging overview of key concepts and authorities, our accomplished faculty explores these topics and more:
  • The roles and responsibilities of key government agencies
  • Primary sources of immigration law and practice
  • Foundational concepts underpinning admission, status, and enforcement
Designed for both new immigration practitioners and attorneys in other practice areas, this class delivers critical insights that enhance your ability to advise clients in an increasingly interconnected legal landscape. It’s an essential first step for anyone seeking to build confidence and competence in immigration law.
 
Faculty: Himedes V. Chicas, Law Offices of Jezic & Moyse LLC and Elsy M. Ramos Velasquez, Clark Hill PLC
 
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Championing Inclusion in the Law by Decreasing Bias & Microaggressions (NEW)

Credit(s):1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number:E11032612W
  
Duration:1 hour
Date:March 11, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
 
 
Credits: 1.0 ethics & professionalism credit hour (Note: This class is eligible for general credit only in Oklahoma. Also, this class may qualify for diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias credits in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
 
Description: In today’s legal marketplace, cultural competence and inclusive leadership are essential professional skills. This new and interactive class equips you with practical, immediately applicable strategies to recognize and address implicit bias and microaggressions in legal settings.
 
Drawing on real-world scenarios and guided discussion, our esteemed presenter explores how unconscious bias can influence decision-making, workplace dynamics, client relationships, and professional advancement — and how intentional, inclusive practices can strengthen teams, enhance client trust, and foster a culture of equity and belonging.
 
You will leave with concrete tools to identify personal and systemic biases, effectively interrupt microaggressions, and serve as champions for inclusion in their daily legal work and across the profession. Designed to be engaging, reflective, and actionable, this class empowers you to align your practice with the evolving expectations of clients, colleagues, and the legal community.
 
Faculty: Joicelyn F. Nelson, Prevail Advisory Group
 
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
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Working Alongside AI Responsibly & Ethically 2026

AI in Legal Practice: Architecture, Ethics, and Accountability – Part Three
Credit(s):1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number:E16032604W
  
Duration:2 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 12, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
 
 
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours (Note: This class may be eligible for technology credit in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
 
Series Description: This four-part series demystifies the technical foundations and legal implications of modern artificial intelligence (AI). Designed for attorneys and legal professionals with some knowledge of AI, the series provides a structured exploration of how neural networks and transformers function, how “agentic” AI systems are evolving, and what ethical, procedural, and constitutional considerations accompany their use in legal settings. You will leave with a grounded understanding of how AI systems actually work — and how to ­evaluate, supervise, and responsibly integrate them into legal practice.
 

Class Description: The third class in this series explores the ethical and practical dimensions of integrating AI into legal practice. Structured in two parts, this class provides both the guardrails and strategies attorneys need to collaborate with AI responsibly.

In the first hour, our expert panel addresses emerging ethical concerns, focusing on confidentiality, the use of ethics screens, and best practices to protect client information when employing AI-powered tools. The second hour turns to the practical side of human-AI collaboration, including explainability and interpretability collaboration vs. task decomposition, and comparing the strengths of humans vs. AI tools.

By the end of the session, you will understand how to evaluate AI tools through both an ethical and strategic lens. You’ll also be equipped to use AI responsibly, preserve client trust, and recognize when technology can enhance — rather than replace — your professional expertise. You will also come away with a much better understanding of how you can strategically incorporate AI into your practice while mitigating risks you may not otherwise be equipped to identify. 

Those interested in this class may also want to attend the other classes in this series: Reasoning with Transformers; Agentic Workflows, Tool Calling, and Planning with Transformers; and AI and Adjudication.

Faculty: Todd Smith, D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer and Erika L. Stillabower, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
 
Cosponsor: D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer
Save $60 by clicking the Special Offer tab above!
Series Fees: $0 D.C. Government Attorneys, $296 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $336 D.C. Bar Members, $376 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $456 Others
 
Individual Class Fees: $0 D.C. Government Attorneys, $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 All Other Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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Basic Training and Beyond (03/16/26 - Day 2)

How to Grow a Law Firm
Course Number:BT_031626
Date:March 16, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ((GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada))
 
 
 

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. 

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Discussing Common Ethical Dilemmas Today’s Attorneys Face 2026 - Part Two

Credit(s):2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
Course Number:E11032605W
  
Duration:2 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 17, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM ((GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
Credits: 2.0 ethics and professionalism credit hours
Series Description: This two-part interactive series, developed with the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL), uses video vignettes to explore realistic ethical dilemmas faced by attorneys. Volunteer lawyers role-play encounters between attorneys, clients, and colleagues to bring these issues to life.
 
Guided by expert faculty, participants will discuss key topics such as conflicts of interest, client capacity, supervision, confidentiality, and other common challenges. Attendees will gain practical strategies to navigate complex ethical issues in any practice setting.
Class Description: In this interactive class, our expert faculty guides you through the core principles, policies, and boundaries of key ethics rules that shape the practice of law. Using realistic, discussion-based scenarios, the class explores how attorneys can effectively recognize and address ethical dilemmas that arise in real-world situations. The following are among the intriguing topics this class covers:
 
  • Conflicts of interest involving firm in-house counsel
  • Limited scope representations and managing client expectations
  • Supervision of associates and non-attorney staff
  • Responding to client conduct that may involve unlawful activity
  • Problematic settlement provisions restricting future representation
  • Duties when discovering another attorney’s misappropriation of client funds
  • Post-government employment and conflicts with former clients
Through practical analysis and open discussion, you’ll gain strategies for resolving complex ethical issues with sound professional judgment. This class is valuable for all practitioners – regardless of firm size, organization type, or practice area – seeking to strengthen their ethical decision-making skills.
Those interested in registering for this class may also be interested in registering for Discussing Common Ethical Dilemmas Today's Attorneys Face 2026 - Part One.
Faculty: Arthur D. Burger, Jackson & Campbell PC & Caroline Y. Lee-Ghosal, Jackson & Campbell PC
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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Turning Proof into Persuasion: Building a Winning Closing Argument

Trial Primer Series - Part Four
Credit(s):2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number:E18032606W
  
Duration:2 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 18, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM ((GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
 
 
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Series Description: Build your courtroom confidence with our four-part Trial Primer Series, designed specifically for newer attorneys. Led by seasoned civil and criminal litigators, this series breaks down the essential stages of trial — from opening statements to closing arguments — into practical, skill-building sessions. Whether you're preparing for your first trial or looking to sharpen your advocacy techniques, each class offers actionable insights, live demonstrations, and expert guidance to help you step into the courtroom with clarity and conviction.
 
Class Description: Seal your case with a closing that resonates. In the final installment of the Trial Primer Series, our presenters will show you how to synthesize evidence, reinforce your case theory, and deliver a compelling call to action for the jury. Learn how to structure your argument, use storytelling techniques, and respond to opposing counsel’s narrative. This class is essential for newer attorneys looking to leave a lasting impression in the courtroom.
 
Faculty: Patrick J. Coyne, Coyne Consulting PPLC and Morgan E. Leigh, Markham & Associates LLC

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
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AI and Adjudication (NEW)

AI in Legal Practice: Architecture, Ethics, and Accountability – Part Four
Credit(s):2 General (50-minute hour)
2 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number:E16032607W
  
Duration:2 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 19, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM )
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
 
 
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours (Note: This class may be eligible for technology credit in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
 
Series Description: This four-part series demystifies the technical foundations and legal implications of modern artificial intelligence (AI). Designed for attorneys and legal professionals with some knowledge of AI, the series provides a structured exploration of how neural networks and transformers function, how “agentic” AI systems are evolving, and what ethical, procedural, and constitutional considerations accompany their use in legal settings. You will leave with a grounded understanding of how AI systems actually work — and how to ­evaluate, supervise, and responsibly integrate them into legal practice.
Class Description: The final class in this series examines the relationship between AI tools and American due process. Among the topics our distinguished panel addresses are faithful representation of litigation material in high-dimensional vector spaces, qualitative differences between in-context and parametric learning, and the impact on access to the tribunal. The panel also discusses the due process implications of gaps between implicit and explicit decision policies, Rashomon Sets (i.e., why multiple models can yield equally accurate but divergent predictions, and the legal implications this raises), and the problem of arbitrary and capricious model selection. The class also identifies adjudication environments that admit computational modeling.
 
You’ll come away with a much stronger understanding of how legal and technical concepts interrelate under American law.
 

Those interested in this session may also want to attend the other classes in this series: Reasoning with Transformers; Agentic Workflows, Tool Calling, and Planning with Transformers; and Working Alongside AI Responsibly & Ethically 2026.

Faculty: Todd Smith, D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer and the Hon. John P. Howard III, District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Cosponsor: D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer
Save $60 by clicking the Special Offer tab above!
Series Fees: $0 D.C. Government Attorneys, $296 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $336 D.C. Bar Members, $376 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $456 Others
 
Individual Class Fees: $0 D.C. Government Attorneys, $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 All Other Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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How to Fire People and How Not To 2026

Credit(s):3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number:E09032609W
  
Duration:3 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 24, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM 
Passport:This product is Passport Eligible 
 
 
 
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
 
Description: In an era of evolving workplace dynamics, economic uncertainty, and increased employee mobility, the decision to terminate employment — whether initiated by the employer or the employee — has become more complex than ever. Returning after several years, this timely and highly practical class offers a comprehensive overview of the legal and procedural considerations surrounding employee terminations.
 
Led by experienced employment law practitioners, this class provides the insights and tools attorneys need to help clients navigate workforce changes effectively and lawfully in the current climate. The following are among the topics the panel discusses:
  • Progressive Discipline
  • Termination Checklists
  • Key Questions to Ask
  • Reductions in Force (RIFs)
  • Separation Agreements
  • Final Pay and Benefits
While the discussion focuses primarily on the District of Columbia, our faculty experts also compare relevant laws and practices in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, offering a multi-jurisdictional perspective that is essential for regional practitioners.
 
Faculty: Edward Lee Isler, IslerDare PC and Avi Kumin, Katz Banks Kumin LLP
 
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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More Effective Writing Makes More Effective Lawyers (March 26 & 27, 2026)

Credit(s):7 General (50-minute hour)
6 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number:E18102511W
  
Duration:3 hours 15 minutes
Date:March 26, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM 
 
 
 
This program is not eligible for D.C. Bar CLE passport use
Credits: 6.0 general 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.

 
Sign up and see for yourself.
You must register for both sessions. 
 
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