When the average person watches courtroom scenes in movie and television, they believe that those scenes accurately represent reality. Most trial lawyers know better. Still, these courtroom scenes have more than just entertainment value. Even though they can be wildly inaccurate, they can also be highly educational and informational. Retired Judge Mark I. Bernstein and experienced trial attorney Larry Bendesky will use movie clips to teach rules of evidence. They will explore strategies for presenting (or objecting to) evidence. The program will examine the most common evidentiary issues attorneys encounter and attendees will learn the top strategies on how - and when - to make evidentiary objections. Both instructive and entertaining, this course is not to be missed.

The Supreme Court’s Harvard decision, other current events, and changing DEI sentiments are putting DEI programming in the crosshairs. Many employers, including law firms, have recognized the well-documented business benefits of policies focused on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In addition to being an effective business strategy, DEI programs also reflect an organization's values and is a visible statement of an organization’s commitment to creating a harmonious, socially responsible, and culturally diverse organization. But the laws that prevent invidious employment discrimination may also restrict employer efforts to increase DEI, too. There is no “DEI exception” to the Title VII prohibition on considering race, gender, etc. in any employment decision, policy, or practice. And today many employers find themselves scrambling to develop authentic DEI policies that meet the demands of an evolving legal framework and an unpredictable - often increasing critical - public forum.

Heading into an M&A deal, the buyer, seller, and their legal counsel know that a comprehensive strategic approach to due diligence is essential when structuring the acquisition, so that red flags can be identified, and risks can be neutralized, all within the time constraints of the deal. As counsel, it is essential that you are involved in the early stages of this process to fully understand context of the deal, as well as sophisticated risk-sharing that is customary to M&A transactions.

Understanding the basics of intellectual property is an important objective for non-profit organizations, board members, and counsel. Nonprofit organizations face a variety of IP-related issues daily – ranging from managing the ownership and licensing of IP in grants and program-related investments to trademarking the organization’s name and logos. Your organization’s IP can be a valuable asset, but the laws protecting it present many traps for the unwary. Register for this program to learn how to protect your IP rights and how your tax-exempt status may impact your approach to ownership and licensing IP in your organization’s agreements with third parties.

Be ready when the Choice-of-Law Rules in New UCC Article 12 and Amended Article 9 come into effect! The new UCC Article 12 and updated Article 9 are now in effect in 10 states, including Delaware, and are expected to become effective in even more states this coming year. Applying these new rules to your business deals can be exceedingly complex, including navigating the choice-of-law rules to determine which jurisdiction’s laws will govern the rights and obligations of the parties to your transaction. What do you need to know when applying the new choice-of-law rules under Article 12 or the amended choice-of-law rules of Article 9 or when drafting choice-of-law provisions?

Businesses expend extensive amounts of financial and professional resources to build strong relationships expecting to reap the benefits through increased revenue and business agreements. However, there is the risk that these commercial relationships and contracts will be unlawfully undermined by competitors or former employees, who may resort to improper tactics to upend deals or gain an unfair advantage for their own benefit. One of the ways businesses can recover lost profits and other actual damages is to bring a claim for tortious interference against those interfering with their business dealings. As counsel, you need to know how to substantiate, advise, and litigate a claim for tortious interference for your clients.

Like many professionals since the onset of the pandemic, lawyers are on the move. Whether in search of better work-life balance (such as scheduling flexibility or working remotely), higher compensation, or to switch between private practice, in-house, or a government position, the legal industry has also been hit by the “Great Resignation.” When changing jobs, client confidentiality, conflicts, communication, and diligence all must be considered – by the lawyer who is contemplating changing jobs and by both the current firm or employer, as well as the firm, government agency, or company they are joining. The proper handling of files, fees, and the exchange of confidential client information for purposes of conflict checking must also be addressed. And then there are the clients: When must they be told so that they make informed decisions about whether to remain with one firm, move to the other, or select entirely different counsel? Additional unique issues may arise when lawyers join or leave government employment and for judicial officers and other neutrals considering job changes. This program covers the key ethical and contractual issues faced by lawyers who are considering changing jobs, as well as the issues facing their current and prospective employers.

Indemnification, limitation of liability, and representations and warranties provisions are the foremost clauses parties entering into a commercial agreement use to limit exposure to risk. The clarity of these clauses contained in the contract, along with the interplay between each, become critical should disputes between the contracting parties arise and the disagreement be taken to court. As counsel, it is essential you know how to negotiate, draft, and revise these clauses to avoid boilerplate or ambiguous language that can lead to costly litigation.

This conference will benefit any land use, zoning, or real estate lawyer - particularly those who may be involved in an eminent domain dispute; appraisers; property valuation consultants; constitutional law enthusiasts; and municipal/local government lawyers. Exploring a full range of cutting-edge issues and drawing professionals from across the country, this annual conference is “the place to be” for all eminent domain and land use practitioners. Whether your interests include relocation, regulatory takings, inverse condemnation, or valuation issues, topics abound for everyone through a customizable curriculum. Experienced practitioner? Choose from dual afternoon tracks addressing key issues in substantive takings law, or choose from an array of sessions chock full of practice pointers. New to eminent domain practice, or need a refresher? Attend the Condemnation 101 sessions on Thursday -- this year themed as "The Basics of Assessing, Proving, and Pursuing Just Compensation" -- and then join the other attendees for the rest of the conference’s more advanced sessions. This year’s panels bring diverse voices to the conversation. With nearly 60 speakers from across the country, you’ll get perspectives and insights from the private and public bar, non-profit law firms, appraisers, law professors, trial presentation specialists, investment advisors, and a mediator. With over 30 presentations in 2.5 days, highlighted topics include: Tyler v. Hennepin County and the inside story of the major shift in the Supreme Court’s approach to property The independent role of state courts in protecting property rights The rewards of breaking out of your old routine (ethics) Owner testimony, severance damages, and the role of state substantive property law in Natural Gas Act takings cases Barron v. Baltimore (1833): How the Supreme Court’s first major takings case diminished the Bill of Rights Demystifying appraisal practice for juries and clients

This conference will benefit any land use, zoning, or real estate lawyer - particularly those who may be involved in an eminent domain dispute; appraisers; property valuation consultants; constitutional law enthusiasts; and municipal/local government lawyers. Exploring a full range of cutting-edge issues and drawing professionals from across the country, this annual conference is “the place to be” for all eminent domain and land use practitioners. Whether your interests include relocation, regulatory takings, inverse condemnation, or valuation issues, topics abound for everyone through a customizable curriculum. Experienced practitioner? Choose from dual afternoon tracks addressing key issues in substantive takings law, or choose from an array of sessions chock full of practice pointers. New to eminent domain practice, or need a refresher? Attend the Condemnation 101 sessions on Thursday -- this year themed as "The Basics of Assessing, Proving, and Pursuing Just Compensation" -- and then join the other attendees for the rest of the conference’s more advanced sessions. This year’s panels bring diverse voices to the conversation. With nearly 60 speakers from across the country, you’ll get perspectives and insights from the private and public bar, non-profit law firms, appraisers, law professors, trial presentation specialists, investment advisors, and a mediator. With over 30 presentations in 2.5 days, highlighted topics include: Tyler v. Hennepin County and the inside story of the major shift in the Supreme Court’s approach to property The independent role of state courts in protecting property rights The rewards of breaking out of your old routine (ethics) Owner testimony, severance damages, and the role of state substantive property law in Natural Gas Act takings cases Barron v. Baltimore (1833): How the Supreme Court’s first major takings case diminished the Bill of Rights Demystifying appraisal practice for juries and clients