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Litigation Skills Series: Impeachment

Join us for an intensive and comprehensive training designed to equip you with the essential skills and strategies for effectively impeaching witnesses during trial proceedings. Impeaching a witness can be a critical element in shaping the outcome of a case, and mastery of this art is essential for any trial advocate. Through a combination of expert-led seminars, practical demonstrations, and interactive workshops, participants will delve into the nuances of witness impeachment techniques. Seasoned trial lawyers will provide insights, best practices, and real-world examples, offering invaluable guidance on: Identifying opportunities for impeachment Utilizing prior inconsistent statements, bias, and credibility challenges Cross-examination tactics to discredit witnesses Admissibility of impeachment evidence Effective use of exhibits and demonstrative aids This training takes place on Friday, April 5 from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Arnold & Porter (601 Massachusetts Ave NW). We will provide the drinks, cookies, and answers! You come with your lunch and questions! Scholarships are available due to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this online scholarship form. CLE credit is approved for this course 1.75 CA general, 2.0 NJ general, and 2.0 NY skills (newly admitted and experienced). Credit may be available in other jurisdictions. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

Graphic: Leadership Institute - 4 Sessions Dates

Leadership Institute: Personnel Actions

Personnel actions can be some of the hardest situations to navigate for any leader. In the public sector, we often see less formal evaluation processes or evaluation processes that are supposed to be one-size-fits-all. There may not be clear guidance about what to do if a team member is underperforming. As a supervisor, there may be no mechanism for feedback on your performance. You may have no idea how to provide feedback or might not be sure how to solicit feedback. We will cover all these issues and more at the last session of our Leadership Institute. This session is from 12:00-1:30 pm ET. The cost is just $40 per session for members and $60 per session for non-members. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the DC Bar Foundation. Please fill out this online scholarship request form. These sessions are designed specifically for public interest lawyers. We will address the specific challenges and rewards that come with early career leadership responsibilities, offer concrete tips and strategies for supporting your team, and explore how self-care must be a part of your professional competencies. Our Leadership Institute is appropriate for lawyers who are currently team leaders, first or second-line supervisors, those who hope to move into a leadership role in the next 12 months, and anyone who could use a primer on effective leadership. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

Graphic: Leadership Institute - 4 Sessions Dates

Leadership Institute: Wellness & Managing Secondary Trauma: Why It’s Important to Professional Competency

Leadership in the public interest presents unique challenges. You often find yourself being offered leadership roles very early in your career. It can be overwhelming to navigate all the obstacles. That is why wellness and self-care have to be part of your professional competencies. Additionally, public-sector lawyers face secondary trauma and other factors that affect their personal lives. This session of our Leadership Institute will help all of us navigate the landscape of leadership while supporting our teams and effectively caring for ourselves. This session will be led by Daniela de la Piedra, former lawyer, and Founder & Principal of Everyday Daniela Professional Coaching Services. Then, we will take a deeper dive into the core competencies of leadership in the last session.. Personnel Actions on Tuesday, June 25 All the sessions are from 12:00-1:30 pm ET. The cost is just $40 per session for members and $60 per session for non-members. There is also a discounted package rate for the 2 remaining sessions. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the DC Bar Foundation. Please fill out this online scholarship request form. These sessions are designed specifically for public interest lawyers. We will address the specific challenges and rewards that come with early career leadership responsibilities, offer concrete tips and strategies for supporting your team, and explore how self-care must be a part of your professional competencies. Our Leadership Institute is appropriate for lawyers who are currently team leaders, first or second-line supervisors, those who hope to move into a leadership role in the next 12 months, and anyone who could use a primer on effective leadership. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

Graphic: Leadership Institute Four-Part Series

Leadership Institute: Managing vs Supervising: How to Support Your Team While Moving Forward the Mission

The public sector presents many unique challenges as you progress through your career. Unlike the private sector, you will have sole client responsibility right away and you may find yourself moving into a leadership role 3-5 years into your first position. In session 2, we will discuss managing vs supervising. Our conversation will be led by Michael Lukens, Associate Director of the CAIR Coalition. Then, we will take a deeper dive into the core competencies of leadership in the following two sessions. Wellness & Managing Secondary Trauma: Why It's Important to Professional Competency on Tuesday, May 21 Personnel Actions on Tuesday, June 25 All the sessions are from 12:00-1:30 pm ET. The cost is just $40 per session for members and $60 per session for non-members. There is also a discounted package rate for the 3 remaining sessions. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the DC Bar Foundation. Please fill out this online scholarship request form. These sessions are designed specifically for public interest lawyers. We will address the specific challenges and rewards that come with early career leadership responsibilities, offer concrete tips and strategies for supporting your team, and explore how self-care must be a part of your professional competencies. Our Leadership Institute is appropriate for lawyers who are currently team leaders, first or second-line supervisors, those who hope to move into a leadership role in the next 12 months, and anyone who could use a primer on effective leadership. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

In-House Pro Bono Program & Fair

Hosted by ACC NCR & Washington Council of Lawyers Please join the Association of Corporate Counsel National Capital Region and Washington Council of Lawyers for our 5th Virtual Pro Bono Fair. Attendees will be introduced to a variety of legal service organizations discussing ongoing needs and volunteer opportunities. The Pro Bono Fair will be held virtually again in 2024, and participants will have the opportunity to select breakout rooms to learn more, ask questions, and better understand the mission of the organizations. Thank you to the following organizations that have signed on to participate. More to be added! Ayuda CAIR Coalition Children's Law Center DC Bar Pro Bono Center DC Volunteer Lawyers Project Legal Services of Northern Virginia Maryland Legal Aid National Veterans Legal Services Program Neighborhood Legal Services Program Tzedek DC Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless Whitman Walker Health Legal Services

Litigation Skills Series: Case Theory

The theory of a case is the story of what occurred in your case and includes the legal theory (circumstances/causes of action or affirmative defenses) and the factual theory (the explanation of how the particular course of events happened). It puts the law of your case in a narrative rather than an analytical posture and helps the factfinder understand what outcome your client seeks. Case theory is the blueprint from which you draft your opening and closing statements, determine direct and cross-examination, plan a settlement agreement, or construct your mediation statement. It is the first step in any case. While that sounds great in "theory" it can be difficult to construct in practice. That's why we're starting at the beginning with this vital litigation skill. At Litigation Skills Series: Case Theory we will dive into gathering information about your case, building an outline that works for you, and how to best follow up for information you may have missed! A robust case theory can help ensure you've got everything you need well before mediation or trial. Diandra Bosch, current Trial Attorney in the DC Office of the Attorney General and former legal services supervisory attorney will break down the steps, give you concrete tips, and help you see the big picture even before you have all the pieces. And we've left plenty of time to answer all your questions. This training is a great way to get prepared for the Litigation Skills Series: Trial Advocacy training in May! Although not required, if you want a refresher on building a cohesive case theory before practicing opening, direct, cross, and closing, you'll want to attend this training! This training is appropriate for lawyers in all sectors (public-interest, law firm, government, and corporate legal departments) and law students, especially those taking a clinic or participating in an externship or mock trial. The cost is only $45 for Washington Council of Lawyers members and $80 for non-members. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this online scholarship form. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

DC Superior Court Open House: Domestic Relations Branch

This event is  co-sponsored by: D.C. Superior Court, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Children’s Law Center, and Washington Council of Lawyers. Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations and experienced pro bono counsel will introduce you to the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation in child custody cases is greatly needed. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community. Pro bono counsel may represent custodial parents, non-custodial parents, or third-party caregivers in child custody matters. They also serve as guardians ad litem (GALs), representing the “best interests” of the children involved. Whether representing a party or serving as a GAL in a custody case, you’ll be helping to secure stability for a family with limited means, as well as enhancing your professional skills. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

D.C. Superior Court Open House: Domestic Violence Division

This event is co-sponsored by: D.C Superior Court, DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), and Washington Council of Lawyers. Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations and experienced pro bono counsel will introduce you to the Domestic Violence Division – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community by providing representation to persons with limited means. The Open House will focus on pro bono opportunities to represent petitioners seeking Civil Protection Orders (CPOs). A person can file for a CPO against someone who has committed or threatened to commit an intrafamily offense, sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sex or labor trafficking against them. By providing pro bono representation, you can help protect a petitioner from harm, as well as enhance your professional skills. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov. Don't forget to add this event to your calendar when you register! Click the "Add to My Calendar" button at the top right hand corner of the registration page.

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