Continuing Legal Education

Attend CLE on the GO for 2023 Annual Meeting

Earn up to eight (8.00) hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including one (1.00) hour of Ethics from this meeting. Plus, get four On-Demand programs when you register for Annual Meeting!

Accreditation will be requested from every state with MCLE requirements. Refer to the CLE grid for details when completing your meeting evaluation and CLE.

CLE Grid for Annual Meeting

Session List of CLE Offerings

See Schedule of Events

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Time (Central)	Session
3:00–4:15 p.m.	SLC: Commercial Litigation (CLE) Meeting Digital Forensics in Commercial Litigation: Leveraging Electronic Evidence and Addressing Spoliation Risks Join us for a unique discussion on how digital evidence can significantly impact case outcomes. Focusing on the application of digital forensics in commercial litigation, this session will provide a comprehensive understanding of utilizing electronic evidence effectively in investigations while addressing the critical issues of spoliation risks. Real case examples will be used to illustrate the consequences and risks of spoliation, and how digital forensics can be used to investigate fraud and other wrongdoing. CLE Credit: 1.0 Lars E. Daniel, Envista Forensics, Deerfield, IL

Time (Central)

Session

3:00–4:15 p.m.

SLC: Commercial Litigation (CLE) Meeting
Digital Forensics in Commercial Litigation: Leveraging Electronic Evidence and Addressing Spoliation Risks

Join us for a unique discussion on how digital evidence can significantly impact case outcomes. Focusing on the application of digital forensics in commercial litigation, this session will provide a comprehensive understanding of utilizing electronic evidence effectively in investigations while addressing the critical issues of spoliation risks. Real case examples will be used to illustrate the consequences and risks of spoliation, and how digital forensics can be used to investigate fraud and other wrongdoing.

CLE Credit: 1.0

Lars E. Daniel, Envista Forensics, Deerfield, IL

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Time (Central)	Session
10:30–11:30 a.m.	How is the Future of American Constitutional Law Changing? Keynote Speaker: Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit One question dominates every other in American history: What should be national and what should be local? Over the last 100 years or so, we have tended to favor national answers over local ones when it comes to American constitutional law. Often with good reasons: dealing with the imperatives of the Great Depression; bringing Jim Crow to heel; addressing policy challenges that have emerged from an increasingly national and global economy. Even as we recall the reasons not to forget these chapters in American history and even as we contend with chapters still unfolding, we may want to consider whether, halfway through our third century, we should pay more attention to the localism side of federalism and be more patient when it comes to the nationalism side of federalism. In debates about American constitutional law, there are many ways in which our fifty state constitutions and fifty state courts have critical roles to play, all with the potential to alleviate pressure on the U.S. Supreme Court as the perceived sole arbiter of American constitutional values. CLE Credit: 1.0
12:45–1:45 p.m.	How to Use Generative AI to Transform Your Practice (Without Getting Sanctioned) Generative AI, like Open AI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude 2 or Casetext’s Cocounsel, are incredibly powerful and transformative tools that you can use in your practice today. But they also have inherent limitations. In this session, we will take a deep dive into what these GenAI platforms can do to help your practice today. We will demonstrate live several use cases, including legal research, memo drafting, drafting deposition questions, requests for documents and interrogatories. We will also discuss how to control for the inherent weaknesses of GenAI. CLE Credit: 1.0 Bennett Borden, DLA Piper, Washington, D.C.
2:00–3:00 p.m.	CLE on the GO CLE Credit: 1.0
3:00–4:15 p.m.	SLC: Appellate Advocacy (CLE) Meeting Co-Hosted by The DRI Center for Law & Public Policy Amicus Committee Separation of Powers, Article III Standing, and Constitutional Injury in the Digital Era All federal court plaintiffs must have standing which requires actual, concrete injury. Other harms are not redressable in federal court. But what is the meaning of "injury" in the 21st century? When is the mere denial of information online, in violation of federal law, redressable in federal court? In March 2023 the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Laufer v. Acheson, a case posing these questions. The DRI Center for Law and Public Policy filed an amicus brief arguing against standing for certain kinds of intangible "informational injuries" suffered on the internet. This session will discuss the arguments and issues raised by DRI and other amici. Attendees will learn about the current legal standards and case law on standing to sue for intangible injuries, differing views on the meaning of constitutional "injury", the myriad federal laws which guarantee the right to information both on and off the internet, and how innovators in the plaintiff bar might try to use Laufer to argue for standing in many other contexts if the case is decided in favor of Ms. Laufer. CLE Credit: 1.0 Matthew Nelson, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Grand Rapids, MI Sarah Elizabeth Spencer, Christensen & Jensen PC, Salt Lake City, UT
3:00–4:15 p.m.	SLC: Trucking Law (CLE) Meeting Big Trucks Can Have Small Crashes More information coming soon. CLE Credit: 1.0 Dr. Lars Reinhart, BRC, San Antonio, TX
3:00–4:15 p.m.	SLC: Young Lawyers (CLE) Meeting Young Lawyer Tracks from Associate to Partner Join us for a moderated panel discussion with partners from DRI member firms as they share advice on how young lawyers can make the move from associate to partner. We’ll explore the skills needed to reach partner and how to develop them, share insider information about law firm management, discuss strategies for positioning yourself for success, describe potential ethical pitfalls to avoid on your way to partner track, advise diverse young lawyers on evaluating and securing leadership in their member firms, and more. CLE Credit: 1.0 Moderator Steven Scoggan, Ellis & Winters LLP, Greensboro, NC Andrew S. Chamberlin, Ellis & Winters LLP, Greensboro, NC Amber Eklof, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP, San Francisco, CA Michele Hayes, Niles Barton & Wilmer LLP, Washington, D.C.
4:30–5:45 p.m.	SLC: Construction Law (CLE) Meeting I’ll Take "Coverage Conundrums" for $1,000 Test your knowledge of insurance policies, exclusions, and coverage through the lens of construction projects in this Jeopardy-themed interactive session. Which policy applies as the primary policy? Is a subcontractor’s certificate of insurance good enough? When does the excess drop down? How does “wrap-up” insurance reduce risk transfer? Audience participation will be strongly encouraged, and prizes will be awarded! CLE Credit: 1.0 Moderator Dan Strong, Teague Campbell Dennis & Gorham LLP, Raleigh, NC Jacob Esparza, Spencer Fane LLP, Houston, TX

Friday, October 27, 2023

Time (Central)	Session
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Legal System Abuse: An In-House Perspective \| The Center for Law & Public Policy Legal System Abuses have dramatically increased both costs and verdicts in civil litigation that outpace general economic inflation without significant changes in legal or factual bases to support the increase. Join DRI’s Center for Law and Public Policy for an in-house panel discussion about the most rampant abuses, their impact on the legal industry, and how the defense bar can respond. CLE Credit: 1.0 Moderator Patrick Sweeney, Sweeney & Sheehan, Philadelphia, PA Lisa Bellino Apelian, Zurich North America, Philadelphia, PA Andrew Pauley, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Washington, D.C. Konrad Pilatowicz, U-Haul International, Inc., Phoenix, AZ Stef Zielezienski, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Washington, D.C.
12:45–1:45 p.m.	The Man in The Ditch: A Redemption Story for Today At some point as we journey through life, we will find ourselves buried by our own baggage, stripped bare at the muddy, craggy bottom of The Ditch. Most people know what it's like to struggle through life's long valleys, but The Ditch is different. The Ditch is a place we don't want to end up, but in some cruel twist of fate, we do. Maybe it's through our own fault. Maybe it's not. For some, The Ditch may be a scary diagnosis. A job loss. Maybe it's a run-in with the law, a poor decision that spawns others and traps you in a cycle of addiction. And sometimes it's vague. Sometimes, it's just one too many hard knocks from life. The Ditch will break us, but in that brokenness lies the potential for raw and radical transformation. The Man in The Ditch is a story about undeserved privilege, unlimited potential, hard work, and hustle. A story about self-inflicted wounds, hubris, insecurity, shame, and abandonment. A story, ultimately, about the Operation of Divine Grace that manifests itself as unapologetic joy. And while this is a story told by a lawyer, father, husband, and practicing Catholic, it is a story for all of us. A story that teaches us that our darkest moments don't define us but have the power to radically change us for the worse or for the better. Do we stay stuck in darkness, or do we overcome it? And once we overcome it, how do we emerge? Bitter and beaten down, or a stronger, better version of ourselves? The choice is ours. CLE Credit: 1.0 Mike Bassett, The Bassett Firm, Dallas, TX

Time (Central)

Session

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Legal System Abuse: An In-House Perspective | The Center for Law & Public Policy

Legal System Abuses have dramatically increased both costs and verdicts in civil litigation that outpace general economic inflation without significant changes in legal or factual bases to support the increase. Join DRI’s Center for Law and Public Policy for an in-house panel discussion about the most rampant abuses, their impact on the legal industry, and how the defense bar can respond.

CLE Credit: 1.0

Moderator
Patrick Sweeney, Sweeney & Sheehan, Philadelphia, PA

Lisa Bellino Apelian, Zurich North America, Philadelphia, PA
Andrew Pauley, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Washington, D.C.
Konrad Pilatowicz, U-Haul International, Inc., Phoenix, AZ
Stef Zielezienski, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Washington, D.C.

12:45–1:45 p.m.

The Man in The Ditch: A Redemption Story for Today

At some point as we journey through life, we will find ourselves buried by our own baggage, stripped bare at the muddy, craggy bottom of The Ditch. Most people know what it's like to struggle through life's long valleys, but The Ditch is different. The Ditch is a place we don't want to end up, but in some cruel twist of fate, we do. Maybe it's through our own fault. Maybe it's not. For some, The Ditch may be a scary diagnosis. A job loss. Maybe it's a run-in with the law, a poor decision that spawns others and traps you in a cycle of addiction. And sometimes it's vague. Sometimes, it's just one too many hard knocks from life. The Ditch will break us, but in that brokenness lies the potential for raw and radical transformation. The Man in The Ditch is a story about undeserved privilege, unlimited potential, hard work, and hustle. A story about self-inflicted wounds, hubris, insecurity, shame, and abandonment. A story, ultimately, about the Operation of Divine Grace that manifests itself as unapologetic joy. And while this is a story told by a lawyer, father, husband, and practicing Catholic, it is a story for all of us. A story that teaches us that our darkest moments don't define us but have the power to radically change us for the worse or for the better. Do we stay stuck in darkness, or do we overcome it? And once we overcome it, how do we emerge? Bitter and beaten down, or a stronger, better version of ourselves? The choice is ours.

CLE Credit: 1.0

Mike Bassett, The Bassett Firm, Dallas, TX

Get Credit with CLE on the GO

Date: Thursday, October 26 from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
CLE credit: 1.0

CLE on the GO Map (PDF)

Grab your cell phone, put on your walking shoes, and join fellow attendees for a chance to earn CLE while exploring some of the fabulous local sights as part of a guided group tour. This session will provide on-demand CLE in select jurisdictions. This session is not eligible for accreditation in all jurisdictions. Please check the CLE grid for states that have approved credit. If your schedule does not permit you to participate in this activity, you may do it at your leisure on your own while in San Antonio or from home.

CLE on the GO is included in your registration fee, but you will need to RSVP by checking the box for this event when you register.

Please check the CLE grid for states that have approved credit.

CLE Grid for CLE on the GO

Your Annual Meeting Registration Includes Four On-Demand Programs!

CLE Credit will be sought from every state requiring CLE hours in elimination of bias/diversity and inclusion, ethics, substance abuse/mental health, and law practice management. The CLE grid will provide updated information concerning hours that have been approved by each jurisdiction and for which credits. For states not requiring these special credits, general education credits will be sought. Access to these on-demand programs will expire 30 days after the meeting ends.

Visit On-Demand Library

Diversity/Elimination of Bias in the Profession

Invisible or Mixed-Visible Diversity – Combatting Bias

Often diversity programs and initiatives are focused on visible traits such as gender or race, but bias exists related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and some disabilities that are not readily visible to the eye. This panel will discuss how to address these biases and to create an environment where those with invisible or mixed-visible diversity can operate at the highest level.

Stacy Douglas, Everett Dorey LLP, Irvine, CA
Gary Howard, Bradley, Birmingham, AL
Ronna Kinsella, Glassman Wyatt Tuttle & Cox PC, Memphis, TN

Law Practice Management Credit

Succession Planning: Failing to Plan Is a Plan to Fail

Succession planning is considered one of the most pressing issues facing not only law firms but also clients. Senior partners are working into their golden years and can sometimes be reluctant to engage in a succession plan, but clients want to know that there is a plan for the transition of their work without interruption. Join us to learn:

the importance of succession planning for the benefit both the law firm and its clients;
how succession planning impacts retention and continuity of the firm and client relationships;
how to approach the subject with senior attorneys; and
strategies for implementing a successful succession plan.

Marie E. Chafe, Conn Kavanaugh, Boston, MA
Matthew Cairns, Textron Inc., Providence, RI
Elizabeth M. Brotten, Foley & Mansfield PLLP, Minneapolis, MN
Meade Hartfield, Bradley Arant, Birmingham, AL

Ethics

Technology, Ethics & Remote Work: What You Need to Know Now

The Rules of Professional Conduct regarding competence and diligence require all lawyers to keep abreast of changes in technology. This webinar will provide you with tips and information on new issues related to technology and the practice of law, including the challenges of the remote work environment. You will learn the ethics and professionalism considerations when using technology in your practice and your ethical duties when it comes to “keeping abreast of changes” in technology.

Amber Garcia, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA
Alyssa Johnson, Barron & Newberger PC, Milwaukee, WI
Clare Roubion, Louisiana Legal Ethics, LLC, Lafayette, LA

Mental Health & Attorney Wellness

Lessons for Lawyers from the Science of Well-Being

This presentation will focus on the practical steps that we can take as individuals to improve well-being, drawing on recent research from cognitive science and beginning with the preface that happiness can be learned and applied. Specifically, we will provide an evidence-based arsenal of practical tools that lawyers can apply in their own lives to improve their well-being.

Emma Ross, Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum, Chicago, IL
Shayna Cook, Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum, Chicago, IL