Please note - all sessions, workshops & speakers are subject to change.
Main Sessions
Session I - Chi-Dooh (Skip) Li
Thursday October 17, 7:30pm
Session II - Panel Discussion on the Future of Religious Liberty (CLE 2.0)
Friday October 18, 9:30 am
Session III - Dr. Jim Belcher / Celebration Banquet
Saturday October 19, 7:00pm
Session IV - Randy Singer / Worship Service
Sunday October 20, 10:00am
Workshops
We are offering a series of substantive and practice-specific workshops, along with workshops addressing Christian Mediation, Christian Legal Aid, Church/Non-Profit, Ethics, Pro-life, Jurisprudence, Religious Liberty, Work-Life Balance and Spiritual Formation. Through the conference programming, you can qualify for a full year’s worth of CLE credits (up to 14 CLE credits during the conference and 3-4 more for participation in preconference programs). Several non-CLE, special interest workshops are also available.
Religious Liberty
Three Branches, Two Parties, One Amendment: Federal Religious Liberty Update (CLE)
Kim Colby • Thursday 10/17, 4:00 PM; Saturday 10/19, 10:00 AM (repeat)
CLS’ Center for Law & Religious Freedom workshop will update participants on a variety of religious liberty issues before the Executive Branch, the Supreme Court, and the Congress. Topics will include: an update on the HHS Mandate litigation, legislation, regulations, and implementation; the Employment Nondiscrimination bill’s chances in Congress and any ENDA-like executive order; the Supreme Court’s decisions regarding the definition of marriage in the states and under the federal Defense of Marriage Act; Supreme Court religious liberty actions; and other federal religious liberty and sanctity of life issues.
Religion & Politics
Public Justice Discussion
Dr. Stanley Carlson-Theis, Stephanie Summer
Christian Mediation
Peacemaking 101- A Systematic Theology to Biblical Conflict Resolution (CLE)
Steve Long • Thursday 10/17, 4:00 PM
Conflict is very Biblical and spans Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. This workshop analyzes Scriptural teaching on conflict resolution through a four-step process.
Leadership and Peacemaking (CLE)
Steve Long • Saturday 10/19, 10:00 AM
Where two or three are gathered in the Name of Jesus…there will eventually be conflict. The question is not whether conflict will occur; the question is how the Godly leader should respond to conflict. How is the Gospel key to the intersection of conflict and leadership? How do leaders build a Culture of Peace to facilitate healthy conflict resolution, redemption, change, unity, accountability and risk management?
Jurisprudence
Contours of American Jurisprudence and Public Justice: DE-Regulation, RE-Regulation, or Redemption (CLE)
Jeffery J Ventrella • Friday 10/18, 1:30 PM
Jesus told a parable about a Father and his two sons. Drawing from this, this session will explore how that story illustrates the two ways Man has sought to order society, including the law: following the throes of one’s individual heart, our following the rules imposed by the collective – Just Feel It OR Just Do It. The first tends toward Libertarianism, emphasizing the One; the second tends toward Totalitarianism, emphasizing the Many. Neither is redemptive, but each has infiltrated and permeated American law. Understanding and identifying these influential trends is the first step in truly pursuing public justice. Or put differently, who is the Culture’s God: The Self, the State, or the Sovereign One? And, because “law is a backstage pass to theology,” how we answer that question shapes how we order the public square.
Higher Law and Common Law (CLE)
Jeff Brauch • Friday 10/18, 3:30 PM
Are there transcendent principles of justice and right – a higher law? If there is a higher law, does it matter today? The answers to both of these questions are varied and controversial. This session will explore how both the belief in and skepticism about a higher law have influenced human law – and how they impact the way we practice it.
Church/Nonprofit
Legal Hotspots for Churches & Non-Profits 2013 (CLE)
H. Robert Showers & Daniel Hebda • Friday 10/18, 1:30 PM
This fast paced, interactive CLE seminar is aimed not at tax ex- empt experts but at lawyers who practice in other areas but sit on the boards of these churches and ministry nonprofits. Its focus will be on the top 10 legal challenges and seeks to sensi- tize you to the areas where the legal and tax threats are great- est and risk management is most needed. In this continuingly specialized area where increasing IRS, federal and state regula- tions and growing lawsuits are threatening churches and non- profits, Christian lawyers need to know the general legal areas such as employment, governance, tax exempt, HHS mandates and insurance concerns, land use issues, child abuse, gift and benevolence issues and a host of other legal issues that will end them up in court or news outlets if not handled well.
Top Legal Issues for Christian Schools in the 21st Century (CLE)
John Cooley • Saturday 10/19, 1:00 PM
Religious ministries such as preschool through 12th grade face an ever increasing and demanding legal environment. What legal issues are at the forefront of this tsunami of potential liability and how can we, as attorneys, assist these ministries to deal with this environment? This interactive workshop will present the top legal issues these ministries face daily, illustrative scenarios,and suggestions on how to respond. Topics will include staff employment concerns, parent-student relations, constitutional/religious liability issues and governance.
Child Protection: From Prevention to Responses (CLE)
Theresa Lynn Sidebotham • Saturday 10/19, 10:00 AM
Child protection is a critical issue for organizations, both for member care and preventing legal liability. When handled well, it furthers the purpose of the organization, strongly supports the safety of children, and meets current legal standards. When handled poorly, children are at risk and the mission and existence of the organization are jeopardized. This talk will address the following components of a good child protection plan: screening of employees (applications, background checks and references); child safety training; reporting policies; adequate investigation procedures; disciplinary actions; and care for those injured. Current legal standards will be discussed, as well as useful and cost-effective resources.
Ethics
The Ethics of Representing the Difficult Client (Aren’t They All?) (CLE)
David Dugan • Thursday 10/17, 4:00 PM; Friday 10/18, 3:30 PM (repeat)
Would that all our clients were honest, cooperative, articulate and paid their bills on time! Unfortunately, such clients are the exception. This seminar examines the lawyer’s ethical obligations when representing more “normal” clients- clients who are demanding, uncooperative or dishonest or who suffer from diminished capacity.
On the Cutting Edge – Hot Topics and Recent Developments in Legal Ethics (CLE)
Wendy Patrick • Saturday 10/19, 10:00 AM
Regardless of what type of law you practice, ethical issues per- vade all aspects of handling a case from initial representation, through investigation and negotiation, through jury trial and beyond. Ethical rules and guidelines evolve over time, are subject to continuous interpretation through case law, and may be adapted to keep pace with technological and legal developments. This seminar will cover the latest and most provocative issues in the field of legal ethics in an interactive format applying the relevant ethical rules. Drawing from noteworthy cases, rules of professional conduct, and recent high profile ethical dilemmas, this program will deliver a practical view of ethical issues in a format guaranteed to be interesting and informative, as well as practical.
The Incredible Shrinking Boundaries of the Attorney Client Privilege (CLE)
Wendy Patrick • Saturday 10/19, 3:00 PM
Lawyers across the country have been very vocal about what has been described as a narrowing of the coverage of the attorney-client privilege, which has manifested itself in an increasing amount of circumstances under which a lawyer is permitted to breach client confidentiality. In this program you will learn about all of the aspects of attorney-client privilege, its exceptions, and other statutory law governing client confidentiality. You will also learn about the exceptions to client confidentiality present in both the California Business and Professions code and the California Rules of Professional conduct, and how they compare to the ABA Rules and the Ethics Rules of other states.
Christian Legal Aid
Christian Legal Aid Panel (CLE)
Jennifer Baird, Moderator • Saturday 10/19, 1:00 PM
Three or four directors of Christian Legal Aid ministries will comprise a panel that will discuss questions posed by the moderator about Christian legal aid, what it is, how it is provided, how to start a legal aid ministry, the blessings of being involved in a Christian legal aid ministry and also the challenges. The chair of the CLS Legal Aid Ministries Committee (me) will be the moderator.
Christian Legal Aid from A to Z (CLE)
Jim Richardson • Friday 10/18, 3:30 PM
CLS board member and chair of the CLS Legal Aid Ministries Committee Jim Richardson will review the history of how the Christian legal aid ministry in Tucson, Arizona got started. Then, Mr. Richardson will review each of the most common legal issues and problems that are encountered while providing Christian legal aid in Tucson, from “A to Z” (actually, A to W). The goal of this workshop is to show that any Christian lawyer can provide Christian legal aid in a legal aid ministry. There is nothing to fear.
Pro-Life
Can Roe v. Wade be Overturned after 40 Years? (CLE)
Clarke Forsythe • Saturday 10/19, 10:00 AM; Saturday 10/19, 3:00 PM (repeat)
This workshop will look at current abortion litigation and state legislation that may affect the future direction of Roe v. Wade, as it has been altered by the Supreme Court’s 1992 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey and the 2007 decision in Gonzales v. Carhart. The presenter will draw upon the findings of his new book, Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade, which will be published by Encounter Books on September 24, 2013. Factors such as international medical data on the risks of abortion to women, legal protection for the unborn child in state property, tort, and criminal law, and scholarly criticism of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey will also be addressed.
Holding Planned Parenthood and the Abortion Industry Accountable (CLE)
Casey Mattox • Friday 10/18, 1:30 PM
The workshop will cover some of the ways that abortionists can be held accountable, including: Medicaid Fraud by Abortionists – The False Claims Act; upholding state health and safety regulations for clinics; and ways to make sure taxpayers are not subsidizing the abortion industry.
Are We Ethically Prepared to Face the Coming Technological Wave? It’s Here… (CLE)
Richard Campanelli • Friday 10/18, 3:30 PM
From early in-utero genetic tests to human genetic engineering to advance data mining, do we have what it takes to understand and engage on how these technologies will impact human dignity? The greatest challenge may be that we are comfortable not addressing them at all…
Work-Life Balance
Journey to Judgeship - A View From the Bench
Hon. Kenneth Bell, Hon. Charles Canady, Hon. Paul Huey, Hon. William Palmer • Friday 10/18, 3:30 PM
We are thrilled to bring together judges from various levels of the Florida Court System to discuss their journey to judicial office. You are sure to be encouraged and challenged by the testimony of this panel of Christian judges which features current Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles T. Canady. Discussiontopics for the panel will include the integration of faith and the practice of law, the role of the judiciary, as well as topics submitted by conference attendees. If you have ever considered seeking judicial office or just want to know more about the perspective of the practice of law from the other side of the bench you won’t want to miss this session.
Hearsay, Habeas, and Heels - Women and The Law
Jamie Grosshans, Sandra Kim, Kirstin Wallace, Delia Bouwers Bianchin, Laura Nammo • Friday 10/18, 1:30 PM
The modern Christian woman faces numerous challenges navigating in the legal profession. How can I demonstrate Christ in an unfriendly environment? Is there a balance between career and family? How can I provide leadership in my community? Is there room for compassion in the legal profession? How can I be effectively communicate with staff and fellow attorneys? This workshop will highlight a panel of women who have experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors of the law and will feature frank and encouraging dialogue about the unique challenges and privileges of being a female Christian attorney in today’s communities.
Personal Finance for Attorneys – Putting Your Financial House in Order: Money Management, Financial Planning & Wealth Building
Gary M. Laturno, Esq. • Saturday 10/19, 1:00 PM
The workshop draws on real world examples resulting from one lawyer assisting over two thousand homeowners in financial distress since 2007, including interactions with countless attorneys and judges. Attendees will learn the following: lessons of the housing crisis; why attorneys mismanage their financial affairs and how to avoid easy mistakes; why savings rates in the United States are so low; and, why so many retire on Social Security alone. The workshop will then discuss what attorneys need to know and do to become financially secure with money management and financial issues and adequately take care of their families before giving to others and serving the community.
Retirement: How To Do It By Someone Who Has Done It
James Richardson • Saturday 10/19, 3:00 PM
CLS board member Jim Richardson retired from his corporate legal position in January 2010. Jim’s wife Meg retired from her preschool teacher position in September 2009. Jim will review the thought processes and circumstances that led to their retirements, the preparation that was needed, the transition into retirement and then living in retirement. Financial, emotional and healthcare issues will be addressed as well as unexpected challenges and blessings. Both Jim and Meg will be available to answer questions.
Spiritual Formation
Discipleship - On the Road with Jesus
Rev. Glandion Carney, St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Birmingham, Alabama
This workshop will be centered on the account in Luke 24 about the Road to Emmaus. The workshop will focus around our walk with Jesus in the formation of our inner life. Attendees will understand and discuss that in a redeemed inner life Jesus is the core, change is possible and the “road” or “path” to spiritual growth is discipleship
Practice Specific
The Christian Litigator: Oxymoron or Opportunity (CLE)
Joshua Grosshans, Ronny Edwards, Gene Shipley • Saturday 10/19, 3:00 PM
Does being a zealous advocate mean sacrificing your biblical principles? Can you be a successful litigator and a faithful Christian at the same time? We will answer these questions through an examination of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, the Federal Rules of Professional Conduct and the truth of Scripture. With real world experience and humor mixed in, attorneys Gene Shipley, Josh Grosshans and Ronny Edwards believe you’ll find that not only can a Christian litigator have success without compromising, but that the litigation provides an amazing opportunity to live out your faith and impact others for the cause of Christ.
Estate, Gift, and Income Tax Planning for the Charitably Minded: A Stewardship Perspective (CLE)
Michael King • Friday 10/18, 1:30 PM
Federal and state tax codes provide substantial incentives and benefits to generous taxpayers that give charitably. Despite this reality, very few taxpayers come even close to securing the full benefits these tax codes provide. For Christians that desire to exercise wise stewardship of the financial resources God has entrusted to them, how can they ensure they render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s . . . but nothing more? This session will provide a framework, and explore specific strategies and techniques, to help you and your clients accomplish just that--provide a Biblical inheritance to children, maximize charitable giving, and minimize estate, gift, and income tax liabilities
Analysis of a Business Acquisition (CLE)
Steve Chong • Saturday 10/19, 10:00 AM
Have you ever been asked by a client to help with an acquisition of another business or give advice regarding the acquisition of a client’s business? What are the issues that should be considered in structuring the transaction and drafting the contract and closing documents? This seminar will explore the intricacies of structuring the transaction as a merger, asset sale or stock sale. Further depending on the structure, we will review a sample contract to highlight the issues that should be included and discussed with the other party.
Criminal Law & Capital Punishment: A Look at Current Practice and Biblical Standards From Both Sides of the Courtroom (CLE)
Prof. Caren Harp • Friday 10/18, 3:30 PM
Scripture provides a wealth of guidance for criminal law. Christian lawyers are capable of practicing on both sides of the courtroom for general criminal law as well as a capital litigation practice. Capital cases speak to the sanctity of life, the authority of the government to execute citizens, evidentiary standards in capital cases, obligations of witnesses and jurors, and consequences for perjured testimony. This workshop will review the practice of criminal law from both sides, death penalty cases from both sides, and biblical standards for both.
Managing A Christian Law Practice (CLE)
Tom Marks, Eric Faulkner • Friday 10/17, 4:00 PM; Saturday 10/19, 1:00 PM
This session details the philosophies and logistics of running a Christian Law Firm. Topics covered in this workshop include Christian leadership, client management, professional conduct, staffing and firm marketing.
The Human Side of Human Trafficking (CLE)
Wendy Patrick • Saturday 10/19, 1:00 PM
This program will cover the laws relating to human trafficking, including new developments nationwide. This program will also discuss the unique and sensitive issues lawyers face in working with human trafficking victims who often do not present as the typical crime “victim” in such cases. It will include a discussion of victim-law enforcement interaction, immunity concerns, and impeachment.