Featured Philadelphia Bar Association CLE
CLE - Pardon My Diversion? - An Examination of Philadelphia Diversion Courts June 21
This CLE course will examine the process behind and procedures of Philadelphia County diversion courts in criminal cases. Our faculty will review costs and fees in criminal diversion programs. Is diversion court "priced to sell," or have we priced people out of the "market?" The following will be covered within this CLE presentation:
Brief overview of Philly’s diversionary programs
- Benefits to the defendant
- Benefits to the public (cost savings, reduced recidivism?)
Paying for diversionary programs
- What are the associated costs?
- What does the defendant have to pay?
- Where does the money go?
- Compare cost of diversionary programs to typical court costs imposed on criminal defendants
What happens when someone is offered participation in a diversionary program but are unable to afford it?
- How often do people opt out of diversionary programs because they are too expensive?
- Are indigency waivers available?
- If so, how is indigency determined?
- At what point in the plea bargaining process is indigency assessed?
- Is this determination made in a formal court proceeding? If not, how?
- Are there standards for who is entitled to free diversionary programs?
Should we offer diversionary programs that are not accessible to everyone equally?
- Does this exacerbate racial and economic inequalities in the criminal justice system?
- What does Philly do well in terms of making these programs available to the most vulnerable people in society, and what can be improved on?
- What Philly models should be imported to other counties?
- What do other counties do better (if anyone knows)?
Expert panel answers your "need-to-know" questions when considering Diversion programs.
Pardon My Diversion? - An Examination of Philadelphia Diversion Courts
2 SUB
12:30-2:30 p.m. Lunch and registration begin at 12 p.m.
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.
CLE - Mindful Decision-Making July 14
Day-to-day decision-making can be stressful. For an attorney, the stress of decision-making is complicated by several factors: the legal issues themselves, the reactions of the involved parties, and the non-legal ramifications of any particular decision. Sometimes an attorney's healthy concern for the client's emotions and reactions can snowball into anxiety. All of this competition for mind share can stymie decision making. The challenge of decision-making may lead to delays in action, which can have worse consequences than a bad decision itself. It is said that "Mindful decision-making begins with the recognition of our need to act."
This program -- the second CLE course in the Business Law Section Mindfulness Series -- examines mindful decision-making and how a mindful approach leads to ethical decision-making. Our faculty will provide a mindfulness foundation, offer a definition for mindful decision making, and walk you through a process for making decisions mindfully and ethically. This interactive program will enable you to incorporate mindfulness into your decision-making process, apply the tools of mindful decision-making to a current decision you face, and leverage the skills of mindfulness to represent your clients ethically and zealously.
Mindfulness is an awareness of life in the present moment creating the opportunity to pause, breathe, and connect with oneself so that we may be able to moderate our reaction and respond thoughtfully to our clients and colleagues. For the same reasons, practicing mindfulness in law enhances our capacity to be more genuine and present for what arises in our interactions.
In this program, faculty will highlight:
- Definitions of Mindful Decision-Making
- A Process of Making Decisions Mindfully
- Practical examples, resources and tips
Allow mindfulness to be an everyday tool to enable better focus in your practice of law and bring an enjoyment into your work environment.
Mindful Decision-Making
1 ETH
8:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m.