2024 Spring CLE
Wednesday, April 24 - Saturday, April 27, 2024
In-person: Charleston, South Carolina
(Pending approval for 9 CLE Credits)
Registration today!
Included with your seminar registration (log in for member discount):
- Full breakfast Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Wednesday evening welcome reception for you and a guest
- Up to 9 Continuing Legal Education credits
Airport transportation
There is no shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Uber & Lyft typically rides range in between $20-$32. The city is very walkable. Note hotel parking rates below.
Program
THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH
Focused Litigation presented by Hon. Peter Michaelson
This presentation is based on the premise that litigation is most successful when particular attention is paid to the pragmatic use of procedural tools. Good advocacy is a persuasive process. Advocates who don’t know, or, worse, ignore the rules, risk disfavor of both judge and jury. A few insights from the bench also form this presentation: first, judges evaluate whether the use of a rule will likely lead to appeal; and, second, judges don’t want to be involved in moderating professional behavior. Borne from over forty years of active litigation as both practitioner and judge, what follows is not a comprehensive review of all, but, rather, an overview of selected rules designed to help the practitioner focus on getting desired outcomes in litigation by using, and, or avoiding use of the rules.
Historic Preservation Law presented by Brian Turner, Esq.
This lecture will focus on Charleston’s unique role establishing the first historic district in the United States and modern-day advocacy efforts to address threats to Charleston’s character from flooding, tourism, and unchecked growth.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH
10 Strategies for Trimming and Toning Your Briefs presented by Rebecca Payne, Esq.
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Writing is a lawyer’s most important skill. And writing well is imperative for many reasons, not the least of which is building credibility with the judge in your case. During this presentation, we’ll discuss simple yet critical techniques to trim and tone your briefs so they are more effective and persuasive. We will also discuss the importance of cognitive ease, i.e. writing with the reader’s brain in mind. A concise, honest, and well-organized brief devoid of unnecessary legalese, intensifiers, and other “word garbage” is easier to read, understand, and remember – and more likely to engender the appreciation and trust of your reader.
Advanced Use of Depositions at Trial presented by Brian K. Matise, Esq.
- Deposition testimony is routinely used at trial for impeachment, and most trial lawyers are familiar with the proper use of depositions for that purpose. But the use of a deposition for impeachment will not get the testimony contained in the deposition admitted as substantive evidence. The rules of civil procedure (both Colorado and federal) allow for depositions to be used as substantive evidence in numerous cases, even when a witness is available for live testimony. Many trial lawyers are not familiar with some of the arcane rules of procedure and case law that allow for the use of deposition testimony at trial. This presentation will cover some of the complex rules of procedure governing such use of deposition testimony, including limitations on the use of testimony, trial tactics and innovative procedures for introduction of such testimony, and ethical rules governing the use of depositions.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH
The Best Mediation Tips You've Never Heard presented by Hon. James Miller (Ret.) and Hon. David Stevens (Ret.)
An insightful discussion by two of Colorado’s most experienced and in-demand mediators who take you beyond the basics of mediation to the finer points, the nuances, that can make your mediations more successful.
AI for Lawyers: The use, misuse, and ethics of the future of law presented by Hon. Elizabeth Weishaupl (Ret.)
This session will cover cutting edge and emerging technology; the historical development and potential usage of AI on a societal level at large as well as in the practice of law; how AI is being used by lawyers; legal ethics of AI in the law.
SPEAKERS (Speakers are required to register)
Current Speakers (click link for bios):
Hotel Information
Make your reservation now! This hotel is expected to sell out.
*ACBA room block is closed. Regular hotel rates apply.
Francis Marion Hotel
387 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
- Call 1(877) 756-2121 to reserve your room
- Run of House: $299++/night
- Group rate available 3 days pre/post conference dates based on Traditional availability. Saturday night upcharge (Traditional rooms are sold out).
- Early room reservation are recommended... this hotel is expected to sell out.
- Located in the Historic District
- Parking Expenses: Hotel parking is available at the City of Charleston owned parking garage adjacent to the hotel. The prevailing hotel rates for 2023 are: $38 per day plus tax for valet service and $30 for self-parking per day. Both options are billed directly to your guest room. Pricing is subject to change.
About Spring CLE
The ACBA Spring CLE trip has been a rewarding event for over 50 years since nearly the establishment of the ACBA. We have gone to places like Washington, DC, New Orleans, Key West, Las Vegas, Atlantis and several California, Canadian and Mexican destinations, to name but a few. This year's trip is to vibrant and historic Charleston. Attendees and their guests make career long friends while bonding over CLEs, meals, parties and taking in the culture of the destination cities. Having mentors, people to ask questions of, potential employers, referral sources and faces you recognize in the legal community are essential.
This popular educational trip begins with a meet & greet President’s Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening. CLE seminars are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings with optional group activities in the afternoons.
Consider helping a new attorney
One problem is these trips can get expensive, especially for younger members that are still trying to establish their practices. Therefore, the ACBA is establishing a assistance fund to help defray some of the costs for younger Spring CLE attendees and others who might be in need. The amount of assistance will depend on the number of contributors to the fund. Can you or your firm consider contributing $20, $50 or $100 towards the establishment of the assistance fund? You'll get recognition as a donor, feel good about helping others and further the Spring CLE tradition!
Optional Tours
We are currently planning tours... please check back for reservations and more information.
