Virginia Live CLE Bundle 2021

Many (if not most or all) lawyers would never take a seminar on "professionalism" unless required to do so by their mandatory CLE requirements.  Why?  James Wrenn, Jr. has been a lawyer since 1972 – long before mandatory CLE, and in those days, the better or best lawyers voluntarily attended three-to-six two-hour CLE seminars every year, most of which were on subjects directly related to their particular field of practice -- i.e., subjects serving their economic interests rather than subjects focusing on broader, generic aspects of good lawyering.  Mr. Wrenn was the representative from the "Young Lawyers Conference" on his state bar's CLE Committee.  (He was against proposals for mandatory CLE.)  Lawyers other than those he deemed the "better or best" tended to attend only one or two CLE seminars, if any, per year.  One of the committee's goals was to increase attendance at high-quality CLE seminars among all lawyers.  This included encouraging the embedding of contextually important ethics issues (including those focusing on broader, generic aspects of good lawyering) in virtually all bar-sponsored CLE seminars (all of which were voluntary rather than mandatory).

Virtually all lawyers agreed that regularly incorporating such ethics issues into seminars improved them, which otherwise focused almost entirely on subjects related to particular fields of practice. This is not meant to imply that before such "embedding," there were never seminars focusing entirely on ethics. Still, they were rare and usually served the purpose of informing lawyers of changes to the Rules governing ethics or procedures for enforcing them.  Although not all jurisdictions mandate CLE courses on "professionalism" (which is one reason attorneys "should attend" this seminar), there are essential good-lawyering and public-interest reasons that lawyers ought to attend this program on "professionalism" because it helps those not already among the "better/best" lawyers to progress into that group of lawyers.

Even though standards for what the CLE-Mandating/Approving Authorities deem to be "Professionalism" are "aspirational" in contrast to the mandatory legal-ethics standards (i.e., the Rules of Professional Conduct), they are nevertheless quite important despite the absence of enforceability in the same way the Rules are.

The format of this program combines the lecture method with the Socratic method, fostering extensive interactive participation and critical analysis of a broad range of issues relevant to the seminar's subject matter. This approach goes beyond merely chronological descriptions of specific topics and subtopics.  In other words, the content of each workshop (and the order and extent of emphasis upon particular topics and subtopics) will be substantially influenced by the nature and extent of interactive participation regarding specific aspects thereof. Depending on the number of participants in a particular seminar, the format typically results in most, if not all, participants engaging in conversational-style, interactive discussions and analyses of specific topics during the seminar, and also permits interruptions, questions, challenges, and other contributions throughout the seminar. Think of collegially enjoyable and enlightening round-table discussions.  It's a form of learning that involves thinking while interactively participating, rather than learning solely by listening (the latter of which is the lecture method).

This course is suitable for attorneys with any level of experience who are interested in professionalism and legal ethics. Even a lawyer deeming "professionalism" standards to be idealistic notions resting on a presumption that lawyers (and judges) are snowflakes easily melted by the heat of the adversarial system, absent what advocates of "professionalism" deem to be the cooling effects of civility, courtesy, collegiality, clarity, cooperativeness, and circumspection, is encouraged to attend.

Learning Objectives:

1. Refresh lawyer's common knowledge of unique aspects of the legal profession in contrast to all other professions, occupations, etc.:  It's the effect of the Constitution's (and each state constitution's) vesting of "the judicial power" of the sovereign in its "Supreme Court"  and its thereby incorporation of the evolutionary nature of the judiciary's common law inherent judicial power (i.e., sui generis power) to define, prescribe, and enforce educational, moral, ethical and civil standards for the practice of law and the status of lawyers as officers of the courts.
2. Explore how exercising such common law inherent judicial power (sui generis power) in an adversarial system created under common law, the supreme court of the sovereign (i.e., the U.S. Supreme Court and each state supreme court) creates structural and functional tools for the administration of justice -- i.e.,  rules of evidence, burdens of proof, procedural rules, and regulatory control over the conduct of attorneys. 
3. Examine how the judiciary generally encourages lawyers to participate actively in the regulatory control over the legal profession and the conduct of lawyers individually.  Therefore, each attorney must keep abreast of such disciplinary and regulatory activities and, as much as possible, actively participate (pro bono, of course) in and support such activities.
4. Assess how and why what CLE authorities describe as "professionalism" is vital as a factor likely to increase, rather than diminish, the public's confidence in the system of justice.
5. Analyze the variety of ways in which a variety of states (but not all states) have formally promulgated rules describing behavioral attributes of conduct by lawyers evincing "professionalism" even though a number of such states have declined to use "professionalism" as the proper description of the mode of behavior – to learn that there's no one-size-fits-all definition of such behavior. 
6. Differentiate among the many duties imposed on lawyers; one of them is to apply critical analysis to all of the legal ethics standards as well as the procedural standards for their enforcement to perhaps motivate legal professionals to try harder to comply, to understand better the "spirit" (rather than merely the "letter") of such standards, and to be willing to serve on Bar committees to study (and potentially propose modifications of) such standards.

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Central Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pacific Time:  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Alaska Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

This course is also being presented on the following dates:

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Tuesday, September 29, 2026

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in workplace systems- including hiring tools, performance evaluations, and decision-making platforms- attorneys must be prepared to understand and address the legal, ethical, and professional implications of these technologies.

This program is designed to help attorneys understand how AI bias may impact workplace equity, employee rights, and employer liability. Participants will explore landmark cases, potential mitigation strategies, and the relevant obligations under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, including Model Rules 1.1 (Competence), 1.6 (Confidentiality), 5.1 & 5.3 (Responsibilities regarding nonlawyer assistance), 8.4(g) (Discrimination), and 2.1 (Advisor).

This course is designed for attorneys seeking to gain awareness of how implicit and systemic bias can be embedded in AI algorithms used in employment contexts, understand ethical obligations related to AI, and prepare for AI’s increasing functions and role in the legal profession.

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate the historical, current, and emerging uses of AI in the workplace and how they relate to Model Rule 1.1 (Competence).
2. Identify sources and forms of bias in AI systems and the ethical duty to address such bias under Model Rule 8.4(g) (Discrimination).
3. Analyze real legal cases involving AI-related discrimination or workplace harms, and evaluate legal theories for accountability.
4. Develop a mitigation guide for identifying and minimizing AI bias, integrating duties under Model Rules 1.6 (Confidentiality), 2.1 (Advisor), and 5.3 (Nonlawyer Assistance).

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Central Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Mountain Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Pacific Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Alaska Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 

This course is also being presented on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Tuesday, December 1, 2026

** Minnesota: This course is approved for General credit and does not qualify for Elimination of Bias credit

What if a legal career didn’t have to come at the expense of an attorney’s health, happiness, or sense of self? This program invites attorneys to challenge the traditional expectations of what it means to be a lawyer. Led by Elizabeth Garvish, a visionary attorney and founder of one of America’s happiest law firms, the session blends neuroscience, psychology, and mindset mastery to help attorneys reconnect with their power, purpose, and peace.

Topics will include stress management and self-awareness, both of which are deeply relevant in the legal profession. Drawing from the wisdom of thought leaders such as Deepak Chopra, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Neville Goddard, and Napoleon Hill, alongside modern voices like Gabrielle Bernstein and Benjamin Hardy, this session explores how attorneys can reprogram their internal beliefs, cultivate positivity, and lead with authenticity, presence, and compassion. Influences such as A Course in Miracles, The Untethered Soul, Abraham-Hicks, Louise Hay, and The Secret will also be highlighted, demonstrating how attorneys already possess the most powerful tool in their practice: their mindset.

Ms. Garvish will also address how attorney wellness can directly contribute to improved client relationships, stronger case outcomes, and healthier law practice environments.

Whether you are a partner, solo practitioner, in-house counsel, or just starting your legal journey, this program offers a powerful reset, an evidence-based and soul-centered roadmap for designing both the career and the life you truly want.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the root causes of lawyer burnout, stress, and disconnection.
2. Evaluate the power of thought, energy, and intention in legal work.
3. Apply tools from neuroscience and spiritual psychology to elevate well-being.
4. Reframe limiting beliefs rooted in legal culture and past programming.
5. Discover the attorney’s personal, unique strengths, purpose, and path to authentic leadership.
6. Integrate ‘high-vibration’ principles (gratitude, compassion, intuition) into law practice.
7. Reimagine the attorney’s workplace as a space of creativity, healing, and impact.

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Central Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Mountain Time: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Pacific Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Alaska Time: 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 5:30 AM - 7:30 AM

This course is also being presented on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Tuesday, December 29, 2026

As cyberattacks increase and become more devastating, attorneys must remain informed and vigilant of the changing cyber landscape. This program provides a practical framework for navigating cybersecurity threats in the legal field. Through real-world examples, case studies, and actionable strategies, attorneys will gain the tools needed to protect client information, maintain ethical compliance, and respond effectively to digital security threats.

The course will clarify attorneys' ethical obligations and responsibilities in safeguarding client data. Attendees will review relevant ethics rules and guidelines to ensure compliance and strengthen client protection. The session will also outline recommended steps for defending against common cyber threats and offer guidance on how to respond in the event of a breach. Current trends in cyberattacks targeting the legal industry will be explored.

Designed for attorneys of all experience levels who regularly use technology in their practice, this program is highly relevant and beneficial for legal professionals across all areas of law.

Learning Objectives:

1. Comply with ethical guidelines to safeguard client data.
2. Explore common forms of cyberattacks impacting the legal industry.
3. Examine how to implement data protection measures for client data. 
4. Review ethical requirements when responding to a cyberattack.

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Central Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Mountain Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Pacific Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Alaska Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

This course is also being presented on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Tuesday, December 15, 2026