901 4th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
phone: 202.737.4700
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Weekday Events (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
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
Indemnity and Insurance Provisions in Commercial Contracts 2025
Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E04082505W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: August 14, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 general credit hour
Description: Indemnity and insurance provisions are critical – and often complex – components of commercial contracts. Understanding how these clauses function and interact with primary and excess insurance policies can make all the difference in protecting your client or company from unexpected liability. In this fast-paced and practical class, our experienced faculty walk you through the legal principles, common pitfalls, and strategic considerations related to indemnity agreements and insurance coverage. Whether you draft, negotiate, or litigate contracts, you’ll gain actionable insights to strengthen your approach. The following are among the topics the panel discusses:
The scope and structure of indemnity clauses in various commercial contracts, including vendor, construction, and service agreements
The relationship between indemnity provisions and corresponding insurance coverage
Key distinctions between insured contract coverage and additional insured coverage – why it matters
Common pitfalls in reviewing insurance policies and how to avoid them
Best practices for drafting and negotiating indemnity and insurance provisions to position your client or company for successful claims against primary and excess insurers
Designed for in-house counsel, transactional attorneys, and litigators alike, this class offers essential guidance for navigating the intersection of contract law and insurance in today’s risk-conscious business environment.
Faculty: Timothy Monahan, Lockton Companies; Sergio F. Oehninger, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; and Jaswant Singh, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others
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ADA Employment Law and Litigation – A Deeper Dive (NEW)
(Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Series – Part Two)
Credit(s): 2 General (50-minute hour)
2 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number: E09082510W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: August 20, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Series Description: This two-part series offers attorneys a practical and comprehensive overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it applies to employment law. In the introductory session, our expert panel breaks down the ADA’s statutory framework, key definitions, and compliance essentials, including medical exam rules and the effects of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The second session explores reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, legal theories of recovery, administrative procedures, and emerging trends in ADA litigation. Ideal for practitioners representing employers or employees, this series equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to advise clients effectively and litigate ADA claims with confidence.
Class Description: Building on the foundational concepts introduced in ADA Employment Law and Litigation for Beginners, this class takes a deeper dive into the ADA and its practical application in today’s workplace. Whether you're advocating for employees or advising employers, you’ll gain actionable insights into how courts interpret reasonable accommodation, how to meet procedural requirements, and how to effectively litigate ADA claims.
Led by experienced faculty, this engaging and informative class explores the evolving landscape of disability rights law. The panel examines complex legal concepts, analyzes current trends, and helps you walk away with practical tools to strengthen your ADA practice. The following are among the topics the class covers:
Defining reasonable accommodation and undue hardship in real-world contexts
Legal theories of recovery and commonly asserted defenses
Hot-button issues and emerging developments in ADA case law
Administrative exhaustion and procedural requirements
Strategies for proving and defending ADA claims
Available remedies and best practices for achieving favorable outcomes
This class is essential for attorneys representing clients on either side of ADA matters and is equally valuable for any legal professional seeking to expand their expertise in disability rights and workplace compliance. Those who attend this class may also be interested in attending ADA Employment Law and Litigation for Beginners 2025.
Faculty: Daniel B. Kohrman, AARP; Jonathan R. Mook, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC; and Carolyn L. Wheeler, Katz Banks Kumin LLP
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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Law Firms and the War Against Ransomware: How to Prevent, Respond and Recover 2025
Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E16072507W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: August 25, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credit: 1.0 general credit hour (Note:This class may qualify for technology credit in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
Description: Ransomware attacks are still the #1 cyber threat that law firms face, but with an updated twist. Today’s ransomware often steals your confidential data before its encryption. Frequently, we now see two ransoms demanded, one for the decryption key and one for a promise (because cyber criminals are so honorable) not to destroy your data. Many law firms are paying, sometimes because they have cyber insurance, and paying is cheaper than being inoperative for an extended period.
How do law firms get ransomware? How can they defend against it? If stricken, how should they handle the attack? Should you pay the ransom? Is it illegal to pay the ransom? Spoiler alert: Sometimes it is. How do you recover from a ransomware attack?
Our experts will offer chilling stories of law firms crippled by ransomware along with tips for defending against and responding to ransomware. This class is a must for attorneys regardless of which sector they practice in, or the size of their firm or office.
Faculty: Alex T. Dorsey, Sensei, Enterprises Inc. and Michael C. Maschke, Sensei Enterprises 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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Grand Jury and Pre-Indictment Issues in Criminal Defense Cases 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E06082509W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: August 26, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Some of the most critical decisions in a criminal case happen before charges are ever filed. Join us for the return of this informative class that focuses on the strategic considerations and advocacy skills criminal defense attorneys need when representing clients during the pre-indictment phase. Our expert faculty covers three core areas of pre-indictment practice, including representing witnesses before the grand jury, negotiating cooperation agreements with the government, and securing favorable pre-indictment plea dispositions. In addition, the class explores key procedural and constitutional issues, including the following topics:
Navigating immunity deals and understanding their limitations
The grand jury process and defense counsel’s role
A client’s right to assert the Fifth Amendment and marital privilege
Whether you're new to criminal defense or looking to sharpen your pre-indictment strategy, this class provides essential tools for protecting your clients when the stakes are highest – and the opportunities to influence outcomes are greatest.
Faculty: Michael Bruckheim, Bruckheim & Patel LLC and Sweta Patel, Bruckheim & Patel LLC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Lunch and Learn: Navigating What’s Next: A Conversation for Government Lawyers Considering Private Practice
Course Number: LL_082825
Duration: 1 hour
Date: August 28, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Thinking about building a private practice after government service—whether by choice or necessity—can bring up more questions than answers. This one-hour lunchtime program offers a candid conversation about what it really looks like to make that shift.
We’ll talk about the identity changes that come with leaving a public role, the fear and analysis paralysis that often show up when you're trying to choose a path forward, and how to manage the emotional and financial uncertainty of starting something new.
Presented by a former solo practitioner and current D.C. Bar Practice Management Advisor, Kaitlin McGee, alongside a licensed clinician, Sharon Greenbaum, from the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP), this session blends practical strategies with emotional insight. You’ll walk away with tools for getting unstuck, identifying next steps, and approaching this transition with more confidence—even if you’re still figuring out whether private practice is right for you.
Join the D.C. Bar’s Practice Management Advisory Service (PMAS) and Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) for a special program designed for government attorneys transitioning to solo or small firm practice.
This program is a joint production with the Law Practice Management Community of the D.C. Bar.
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Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E15092502W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: September 4, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Immigration and criminal law increasingly intersect in complex and high-stakes ways. This essential class offers an up-to-date overview of current immigration enforcement priorities and explores the immigration consequences of criminal conduct and convictions – particularly for noncitizens in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Led by an experienced panel of faculty, this class covers the following topics:
The Department of Homeland Security’s current enforcement priorities and how they play out in practice given limited agency resources
A “conviction” for immigration purposes and which offenses trigger removability
Key regional considerations for defense attorneys handling cases in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
Forms of relief available to noncitizens facing deportation
The panel will also examine the lasting impact of Padilla v. Kentucky and its progeny, including the constitutional and ethical duties of defense counsel to advise noncitizen clients on immigration consequences and how failure to provide adequate immigration advice can lead to ineffective assistance of counsel claims, malpractice exposure, and ethical violations.
Whether you're a defense attorney, immigration practitioner, or simply want to stay informed on this rapidly evolving area of law, this class delivers critical legal updates and practical guidance you can use immediately in your practice.
Faculty: Ofelia L. Calderón, Calderón Seguin PLC and Himedes Chicas, Law Offices of Jezic & Moyse LLC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members; $99 D.C. Bar Members; $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys; $129 Others
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Mastering the Rules of Evidence 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (50-minute hour)
3.5 General (60-minute hour)
Course Number: E18092504L
Date: September 9, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Success at trial often hinges on the ability to navigate evidentiary issues with precision and confidence. This highly regarded class is designed to help litigators develop a deep, working knowledge of both federal and local evidence rules – whether practicing in criminal or civil court.
Led by a distinguished and experienced presenter, this class offers practical instruction on how to make and meet objections, establish proper evidentiary foundations, and apply procedural rules effectively in the courtroom. Attendees will gain clarity on the most common – and most consequential – evidence issues, enhancing their ability to argue persuasively and respond strategically during trial. Through an engaging and accessible approach, the presenter equips participants with essential trial techniques, foundational best practices, and the confidence to address complex evidentiary challenges with ease. Among the key topics this class covers are the following:
Relevance
Competence
Privileges
Opinion testimony
Hearsay and hearsay exceptions
Authentication of exhibits
Evidentiary rules governing writings, recordings, and photographs
This class is an essential resource for all litigators practicing in the District of Columbia. Practitioners in other jurisdictions will also find the content valuable, as it addresses applicable principles and strategies.
Faculty: Terrence M. McShane, DeCaro, Doran, Siciliano, Gallagher & DeBlasis 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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Administration of Decedents' Estates in the District of Columbia 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E22092506W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: September 10, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Join us for this vital annual class designed to provide a comprehensive overview of estate practice and procedure in the District of Columbia. Whether you're new to estate administration or looking for a valuable refresher, this class offers practical, actionable guidance from seasoned professionals in the field.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the procedural laws governing both standard and abbreviated probate, along with supervised and unsupervised estate administration. Our knowledgeable presenter walks you through the administration of small estates, the appointment process for special administrators, and the procedures for recognizing foreign personal representatives.
In addition to covering key D.C. Code sections applicable to the administration of decedents’ estates, the class examines relevant D.C. Superior Court rules and provides updates on recent court decisions impacting estate administration practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and stay current with the latest legal developments in D.C. estate law.
Faculty: Jamie K. Blair, Furey, Doolan & Abell 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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2025 Stars of the Bar
Original Program Date: September 11, 2025
Duration: 2 hours
Date: September 11, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Women's Bar Association kicks off its programming year with Stars of the Bar, an event attended by leaders in the D.C. legal community—women and men alike—who gather to network, learn more about the WBA, and celebrate its Stars.
The 2025–2026 bar year theme, Leading Together, reflects the WBA’s commitment to serving its members and the legal profession by fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for leadership.
The WBA looks forward to publicly celebrating its star-quality, trailblazing honorees. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with committee and forum co-chairs, as well as board members of the WBA and the WBA Foundation, to learn more about the organization’s dynamic programs and exciting volunteer opportunities.
This event will be presented by the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia.
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REMOTE PROGRAM: Developments in Administrative Law Post-Loper Bright
Course Number: C0126NC01W
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Date: September 15, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours
Join the D.C. Bar Administrative Law and Agency Practice Community for a discussion on the recent Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which significantly reshaped the landscape of administrative law by overturning the Chevron doctrine. Panelists will examine key themes and potential implications of the decision across various sectors and legal contexts. Don’t miss out on this engaging and practical discussion of one of the most consequential administrative law decisions in decades.
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.
Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Administrative Law and Agency Practice Community
Related Communities of Interest: D.C. Bar Corporation, Finance and Securities Law Community; D.C. Bar Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Community; D.C. Bar Government Contracts Community; D.C. Bar Health Law Community; D.C. Bar Litigation Community; D.C. Bar Public Interest and Courts Community
Speakers:
Tanner Cook, Senior Associate, Husch Blackwell LLP
Perham Gorji, Partner, DLA Piper LLP
Madeleine Joseph, Senior Managing Associate, Sidley Austin LLP
Richard Pierce, Jr., Lyle T. Alverson Professor of Law, George Washington University Law School
Stuart Silverman, Health Law Attorney, Retired
Daniel Wolff, Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP (Moderator)
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Basic Training and Beyond
How to Grow a Law Firm
Course Number: BT_091625
Date: September 16, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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.
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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Certiorari before the Supreme Court of the United States: A Strategic Guide 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18092508W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: September 17, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: With the Supreme Court of the United States granting review in only about one percent of the petitions it receives each year, understanding the certiorari process is essential for any attorney involved in high-stakes litigation. Whether you're preparing a petition or opposing one, success hinges on knowing what the Court looks for – and how to present your case effectively.
In this insightful class, our esteemed faculty walk you through the certiorari process from start to finish. By attending you’ll gain practical guidance on the following topics:
The criteria the Court uses in granting or denying certiorari
Crafting a compelling petition for certiorari – or an effective brief in opposition
The strategic use and impact of amici curiae
The influential role of the United States in cert-stage proceedings
Practical tips for increasing your client’s chances of review
This class is a must for litigators – especially those engaged in appellate practice –who want to sharpen their skills and better position their cases for consideration by the highest court in the land.
Faculty: George W. Hicks, Jr., Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Megan M. Wold, Cooper & Kirk PLLC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E15092502W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: September 18, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Immigration and criminal law increasingly intersect in complex and high-stakes ways. This essential class offers an up-to-date overview of current immigration enforcement priorities and explores the immigration consequences of criminal conduct and convictions – particularly for noncitizens in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Led by an experienced panel of faculty, this class covers the following topics:
The Department of Homeland Security’s current enforcement priorities and how they play out in practice given limited agency resources
A “conviction” for immigration purposes and which offenses trigger removability
Key regional considerations for defense attorneys handling cases in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
Forms of relief available to noncitizens facing deportation
The panel will also examine the lasting impact of Padilla v. Kentucky and its progeny, including the constitutional and ethical duties of defense counsel to advise noncitizen clients on immigration consequences and how failure to provide adequate immigration advice can lead to ineffective assistance of counsel claims, malpractice exposure, and ethical violations.
Whether you’re a defense attorney, immigration practitioner, or simply want to stay informed on this rapidly evolving area of law, this class delivers critical legal updates and practical guidance you can use immediately in your practice.
Faculty: Ofelia L. Calderón, Calderón Seguin PLC and Himedes Chicas, Law Offices of Jezic & Moyse LLC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members; $99 D.C. Bar Members; $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys; $129 Others
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Managing Money (09/22/25)
Course Number: MM_092225
Date: September 22, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
A variety of fee agreements will be examined with the focus on the scope of representation, managing the fee, expenses and the earning mechanism established for the advance fee. In examples established by the fee agreement, an advance fee will be collected and deposited into the firm’s trust account. As time passes and work is performed, funds will be transferred from the trust account to the firm’s operating or business account as the fee is earned. Ledger entries will be demonstrated for all transactions. TrustBooks.com will be used to demonstrate fund management and the creation of client and account ledgers.
The following client transactions will be explored:
- Agreement for Initial Consultation
- Advance Flat Fee Representation for Client Charged with A Felony Criminal Offense
- Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Immigration Client
- Advance Hourly Fee Representation for a Civil Litigation Client
- Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Estate Planning Client
- A Contingency Fee Representation for an Injury Case
- An Availability Representation (Classic Engagement Retainer)
The course manual will be provided to registrants and should be read prior to the session. Once you have registered, please go to the Managing Money course in the "My Events" tab of your DC Bar account and download the digital materials.
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Basic Training and Beyond (09/23/25 - Day 2)
How to Grow a Law Firm
Course Number: BT_092325
Date: September 23, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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.
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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IN PERSON: D.C. Bar Communities Legal Trivia Night
Course Number: C3426NC02I
Date: September 25, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Test your legal knowledge, and pop culture savvy, at the D.C. Bar Communities Legal Trivia Night. Enjoy a fun, competitive evening of networking, team trivia, and themed challenges. Form a team of up to 6 members (or be paired with one) and battle it out in two 45-minute rounds of legal trivia, including a special bonus round. Join us for food, drinks, and prizes!
How It Works:
The Quizmaster hosts the game, reading questions while teams write down answers.
Points are awarded for correct responses—highest score wins!
Bonus Round: Identify legal TV show theme songs for extra points.
Rules of the Game:
No shouting answers—keep it fair and fun!
No outside sources (phones, books, etc.)—honor system applies.
The Quizmaster is ALWAYS right—argue at your own risk.
Rule-breakers face Quizmaster justice (penalties may apply).
Registration Details:
Each individual team member registers. After registering, use this link to submit your team name and teammates.
Individuals without a team can still join—we’ll match you with one! Still complete this form.
Food, drinks, and bragging rights included! Questions? Contact CommunitiesEvents@dcbar.org.
Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Communities Office
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Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation: What It Is and How to Combat It 2025
Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E08092512W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: September 29, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: This essential and widely attended class returns at a time when concerns about elder abuse and financial exploitation are more urgent than ever. In an era of heightened economic and social uncertainty, legal professionals play a critical role in protecting one of society’s most vulnerable populations. Join our distinguished panel of experts for a compelling and practical class that explores the complex dynamics of elder abuse and financial exploitation. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of various topics, including the following:
Typologies and prevalence rates of elder abuse and exploitation
Key warning signs and red flags for legal practitioners to recognize
Victim support resources and referral pathways
The class also focuses on how to work effectively and sensitively with older clients who may be victims, covering the importance of avoiding assumptions and biases, trauma-informed interviewing techniques, and best practices for delivering services that respect the unique needs of aging survivors. Additionally, the panel explores how these issues intersect with other areas of law, including probate, landlord-tenant disputes, and consumer protection. The program culminates in an engaging, hands-on case study that allows participants to apply their learning in a realistic scenario.
Whether you are new to this area or looking to deepen your understanding, this program offers the tools and insights you need to advocate effectively for older adults. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your skills and help safeguard the rights and dignity of those at risk of abuse or exploitation.
Faculty: Deborah Cuevas Hill, Legal Counsel for the Elderly and Bridgette Stumpf, Network for Victim Recovery of DC
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: From Idea to Launch: Using AI to Plan Programs That Practically Write Themselves
Course Number: C3426NC03W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: September 30, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours
Not sure where to start when it comes to planning a Communities program? Whether you’re brand new to program planning or simply want to streamline your current workflow, this training will equip you with actionable steps and show you how to use AI as a planning partner to take your idea—whether it’s a panel discussion, series program, or fireside chat —from a blank page to a fully developed program that’s online and open for registration in record time.
Led by staff, this hands-on session will walk you through how to use AI to:
• Brainstorm compelling and relevant content ideas
• Identify and develop speaker lineups based on your target audience
• Draft personalized outreach emails to invite speakers
• Draft clear and engaging program outlines
• Write program descriptions
• Create short, high-impact versions of your descriptions for marketing and social media
You’ll leave with specific prompts, templates, and a repeatable process to plan future programs faster, with less stress—and more creativity.
Pre-registration for this free 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.
Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Communities Office
Speakers:
Abi Baxendale, Events Manager, D.C. Bar Communities Office
Caroline Lannon, Program Attorney, D.C. Bar Communities Office
Carole Peck, Associate Manager, Systems & Reporting, D.C. Bar Communities Office
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Litigation Forum Autumn Hike & Chill
Original Program Date: October 5, 2025
Duration: 5 hours
Date: October 5, 2025
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Litigation Forum invites members and guests to enjoy a beautiful fall hike followed by well-deserved refreshments at a local vineyard.
Participants will hike Sugarloaf Mountain, with two options available: a shorter 1.5-mile route to the summit, or a longer 3.5-mile hike that covers the full ascent and descent. All attendees will begin with the shorter hike and can choose whether to continue with the longer option. Afterward, the group will gather at Sugarloaf Vineyards—located about a mile from the mountain—for wine and snacks (available for individual purchase). Both the hike and vineyard are kid- and dog-friendly for those who wish to bring family or pets along.
This event will be hosted by the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia.
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Health Care Fraud: Defense in Criminal and Civil Matters (NEW)
Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E14102514W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: October 9, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Description: This dynamic, litigation-focused class offers a deep dive into defending federal health care fraud cases – one of the top enforcement strategies for the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2025. Designed for attorneys practicing in the health care, white collar defense, or regulatory compliance fields, this provides practical guidance and critical insights into navigating complex federal investigations and prosecutions.
The class opens with an overview of the DOJ’s 2025 “National Health Care Fraud Takedown,” spotlighting emerging priorities such as telehealth abuse, fraudulent laboratory testing schemes, and DOJ’s increasing focus on prosecuting medical professionals. These trends set the stage for a detailed walkthrough of how health care fraud cases are built and pursued at the federal level.
Led by a panel of distinguished former prosecutors from the DOJ’s Health Care Fraud Unit, this class takes you through the full lifecycle of a federal investigation – from whistleblower tips and advanced data analytics to civil proceedings and criminal indictments. You will gain firsthand insights into how Medicare billing systems are scrutinized, key regulatory frameworks that govern health care reimbursement, DOJ’s evolving “red flags” and prosecutorial strategies, and tactical considerations when defending these cases at trial.
This class is designed for practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and sharpen their litigation strategies in one of the DOJ’s most sophisticated and aggressively pursued enforcement areas.
Faculty: Scott Armstrong, McGovern Weems PLLC; Patrick J. Queenan, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA; and John (Fritz) Scanlon, Quinn Emmanuel Urquhart & Sullivan 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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Sealing and Expungement of Criminal Records in the District of Columbia and Surrounding Jurisdictions 2025
Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E06102503W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: October 14, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Description: A criminal record can have enduring consequences – creating barriers to employment, housing, education, and financial stability long after an individual has fulfilled their sentence. For attorneys working with impacted clients, understanding how to mitigate these lasting effects is not only beneficial – it’s essential. This comprehensive and practical class provides a deep dive into the legal frameworks and real-world applications of record sealing and expungement. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning to handle post-conviction relief, this class equips you with the tools and insights necessary to effectively advocate for your clients.
Learn from experts who regularly handle these matters and walk away with actionable knowledge you can immediately apply to help clients reclaim opportunities and move forward with dignity. By attending, you will gain insights into the following and more:
The legal foundations and policy rationale behind record clearing, including distinctions between sealing and expungement
Jurisdiction-specific procedures and requirements in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and relevant federal systems
How sealing or expunging a record can impact related legal matters, including those involving employment, immigration, and family issues
Practical tips and strategic guidance from experienced practitioners on navigating common challenges, managing client expectations, and avoiding procedural pitfalls
Whether your practice touches on criminal defense, immigration, public interest, or employment law, this class offers valuable insights tailored to multiple practice areas. Don’t miss this opportunity to master the complex but crucial terrain of record clearance.
Faculty: David J. Dischley, Dischley Law PLLC; Paolo A. Gnocchi, Scrofano Law PC; and Adrian E. Madsen
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Avoiding Malpractice and Bar Complaints 2025
Credit(s): 2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11102504L
Date: October 15, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 ethics & professionalism credit hours
Description: Each year, tens of thousands of legal malpractice claims are filed against attorneys – many more against those without malpractice insurance. While no attorney is immune, the risks can be significantly reduced through thoughtful practice management and a strong ethical foundation. In this vital and practical class, our expert panel shares real-world strategies and preventative techniques to help you reduce the likelihood of facing a bar complaint or malpractice claim. With a focus on proactive risk management, the panel offer guidance on the following and more:
Selecting clients and matters wisely to minimize conflicts of interest
Communicating effectively and consistently to avoid misunderstandings
Responsibly managing client funds and trust accounts in line with ethical standards
The discussion is grounded in real-life examples and offer practical takeaways to help you identify and address common pitfalls before they become disciplinary issues. In addition, the panel explores the key differences in ethics rules and malpractice considerations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, equipping you with jurisdiction-specific insights critical to multi-state practice. Whether you’re in solo practice, part of a firm, or working in-house, this session offers essential tools to protect your reputation, your license, and your clients.
Faculty: Julia L. Porter, D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel and Dennis J. Quinn, Carr Maloney 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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D.C. Bar Schedule of Events