Featured Philadelphia Bar Association CLE
CLE - Nuts & Bolts of Pennsylvania's Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA): Practice and Procedure in Philadelphia June 7
Any experienced criminal law attorney knows there are different types of review possible following a conviction. Pennsylvania state law and federal laws both give a convicted defendant such options. One such method is to file a petition under the Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA).
The PCRA allows the person to have the case reconsidered when a direct appeal to the Superior Court has been denied. The Act applies to individuals who believe they were wrongfully convicted or that their sentence is unlawful. A person is eligible to file a PCRA petition if she/he has been convicted of a criminal offense and is on probation or parole, currently serving a prison sentence, or is subject to a death sentence.
To begin the process for post-conviction relief, sufficient information must be provided proving the following occurred in the criminal case:
- A violation of the Constitution of Pennsylvania or of the United States, or of the laws of the United States, and the violation occurred under circumstances which no reliable verdict could have resulted.
- There was ineffective assistance of counsel such that no reliable determination of truth could have taken place.
- A plea of guilty was gotten under circumstances which make it likely that the defendant was induced to falsely make the statement and the defendant is innocent.
- Government officials wrongly obstructed the defendant's right to appeal where an issue for appeal was present and capable of being appealed.
- New evidence has come to light which would have changed the outcome of the trial.
- A sentence was imposed which was greater than the lawful maximum.
- The criminal court that entered the conviction did not have proper jurisdiction to do so.
This CLE certification program will provide criminal practitioners with the knowledge and guidance necessary to handle a PCRA case.
The program will address the following:
- Custody
- Grounds for Seeking Post Conviction Relief
- A step-by-step approach for investigating and preparing a case for PCRA when appointed or retained after a defendant has filed for relief pro se
- Previously Litigated Claims and Waiver
- Time for Filing Petition, Jurisdiction and Procedure
- Standard of Review on Appeal
Our experienced panel will provide a step-by-step approach to handling a PCRA case with comprehensive materials which include sample pleadings for all stages.
Nuts & Bolts of Pennsylvania's Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA): Practice and Procedure in Philadelphia
3 SUB
12:30-3:45 p.m. Lunch and registration begins at 12 p.m.
CLE - HIPAA, Data Breach and Discovery June 14
Learn the basics on HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules.
With new breaches discovered or reported almost daily, major cyberattacks have dominated the headlines and dramatically raised public awareness regarding data security.
Currently, our regulatory processes penalize healthcare organizations under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for breaches, whether electronic or otherwise. Sharing data also means acknowledging and sharing the risks inherent in protecting that data while maintaining a unified front against threats.
This CLE presentation examines the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and how they affect the retrieval, retention, and destruction of Protected Health Information during the litigation process. The new 2009 HITECH regulations are also covered, as well as, the 2013 HIPAA Omnibus Rule and state Data Breach Notification laws.
Some common myths and facts about HIPAA and discovery are shared, as well as the physical, technical and administrative requirements for covered entities and their business associate law firms. Data Breach Notification laws affect the personal/sensitive information stored and transmitted by law firms and proper safeguards are addressed. Breach notification laws and fines are also explored.
HIPAA, Data Breach and Discovery
Happy hour immediately following CLE
2 SUB
3-5 p.m. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. Sponsored by:

CLE - Strictly Speaking: Public Speaking Skills for Lawyers June 24
Featured Speaker: Past Chancellor John E. Savoth
One of the most important skills for lawyers is the ability to speak in public, whether it be before a forum of hundreds or a conference room with only a handful of people in attendance. It is expected that all attorneys, not only trial lawyers, have the gift of rising from your seat and providing concise and relevant remarks. That occasion may arise in your professional or personal life.
This CLE course will provide attorneys with the tools to conquer any public speaking engagement in any environment, including courtroom arguments and orations, firm presentations, large audience addresses, toasts and eulogies.
Through the use of video examples, featured speaker and former Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor, John E. Savoth, will offer guidance on effective methods of delivery. Attorneys will learn practical tips and techniques to prepare them for any public speaking event.
Strictly Speaking: Public Speaking Skills for Lawyers
3 SUB
12-3:15 p.m. Lunch and registration begin at 11:30 p.m.