Course1

Law Firm Files in the Cloud: Understanding Ethical Risks

$65.00

Most files are now stored in the “cloud,” a global network of servers that store files for organizations of every size, including law firms.  Many applications, including word processing, email and billing software packages that are used daily by lawyers and law firms, are also stored and used in the cloud.  This dramatic shift in the way files are created, modified, stored, and shared has substantial implications for law firms.   The first is a duty of competence requirement that lawyers understand how the technology they employ works and how it might impact client communications and confidentiality, among many other issues.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to ethical issues when lawyers and law firm store and create files in the cloud.   Technology competence as an ethical duty of competence Ethical benchmarks and diligence for ensuring file and communication confidentiality in the cloud Mobile access – issues when the cloud is used via smartphone or tablet What if your client uses the cloud but you do not? Attorney-client privilege issues when using the cloud to communicate Internal policies – ensuring law firm security supplements cloud security   Speakers: Matthew Corbin is Senior Vice President and Executive Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services, where he consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.  Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he was a trial and appellate lawyer handling professional liability, commercial, business tort, employment, construction, insurance, and regulatory matters. Before entering private practice, he served as a judicial clerk to Judge Mary Briscoe of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.   Mark A. Webster is Vice President and Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services.  He consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.? Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he had an extensive real estate transactions practice.  

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/11/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Law Firm Files in the Cloud: Understanding Ethical Risks

$65.00

Most files are now stored in the “cloud,” a global network of servers that store files for organizations of every size, including law firms.  Many applications, including word processing, email and billing software packages that are used daily by lawyers and law firms, are also stored and used in the cloud.  This dramatic shift in the way files are created, modified, stored, and shared has substantial implications for law firms.   The first is a duty of competence requirement that lawyers understand how the technology they employ works and how it might impact client communications and confidentiality, among many other issues.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to ethical issues when lawyers and law firm store and create files in the cloud.   Technology competence as an ethical duty of competence Ethical benchmarks and diligence for ensuring file and communication confidentiality in the cloud Mobile access – issues when the cloud is used via smartphone or tablet What if your client uses the cloud but you do not? Attorney-client privilege issues when using the cloud to communicate Internal policies – ensuring law firm security supplements cloud security   Speakers: Matthew Corbin is Senior Vice President and Executive Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services, where he consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.  Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he was a trial and appellate lawyer handling professional liability, commercial, business tort, employment, construction, insurance, and regulatory matters. Before entering private practice, he served as a judicial clerk to Judge Mary Briscoe of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.   Mark A. Webster is Vice President and Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services.  He consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.? Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he had an extensive real estate transactions practice.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/11/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Domestic Asset Protection Strategies for Trust and Estate Planners

$65.00

Though asset protection planning often seems to be the province of off-shore trusts available to only a limited range of clients, in fact asset protection planning utilizes a wide range of domestic planning vehicles, tools, and techniques that are of great value to many clients.  Exemption planning allows clients to preserve real estate and other forms of property against claims of creditors and tort claimants. Retirement plans, annuity and insurance contracts, properly structured and held, also provide creative solutions to protect assets.Each of these vehicles and techniques comes with risks that must be carefully explored, explained and hedged.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to utilizing domestic asset protection techniques to achieve client goals in trust and estate planning.   Asset protection with self-settled trusts, single member LLCs, and other entities Use of retirement fund accounts and plans to shield assets Strategies using annuity and insurance products to preserve assets Planning to maximize “exempt” assets under federal & state bankruptcy and creditor laws Risks and penalties if certain transfers are deemed fraudulent conveyances   Speaker: Jonathan E. Gopman is the managing partner of the Naples, Florida office of Akerman. LLP, where his practice focuses on sophisticated wealth accumulation and preservation planning strategies for entrepreneurs.  He is co-author of the revised version of the BNA Tax Management Portfolio “Estate Tax Payments and Liabilities.”  He is also a commentator on asset protection planning matters for Leimberg Information Services, Inc., a member of the legal advisory board of Commonwealth Trust Company in Wilmington, Delaware, and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. 

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/12/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

Unwinding a Commercial Real Estate Transaction Gone Bad, Part 1

$65.00

When a real estate project goes bad for whatever reason – sales are slow or at prices below projections, leasing is slow, or there are extensive cost-overruns or regulatory delays – developers, investors, lenders, and others are left scrambling to restructure the project and salvage any value or at least limit losses. This often involves restructuring or possibly refinancing a loan.  It may also involve additional equity.  Another option is selling the project, if possible.  These processes can be complicated by the nature of the investors and lenders involved.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to restructuring troubled real estate projects.  Day 1 Practical strategies for unwinding real estate deals outside of bankruptcy or litigation Negotiating, structuring and drafting the restructuring of failed real estate projects Underlying economics and tradeoffs of real estate restructuring Types of sellers and their impact on restructuring – individual owner, institutional, joint venture, private equity Complications and limitations involving syndicated loans, CMBS loans, and REMICs Navigating seller issues – personal guaranties, ongoing management fees, upside participation, reputation   Day 2  Restructuring alternatives, including straight purchases, “Loan to Own,” rescue capital/preferred stock/securities Drafting forbearance and loan modification agreements  Receivership of distressed properties and planning to emerge from receivership “Loan to own” strategies and limitations Tax issues, including cancellation of indebtedness and restructuring recourse indebtedness Potential loss of valuable tax attributes and tax planning opportunities   Speakers: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice. He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He speaks extensively on real estate topics nationally. Mr. Licata received his B.S., summa cum laude, from MacMurray College and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/14/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Trust and Estate Planning in 2025: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

$65.00

Trust and estate planning in 2025 will require navigating many rocky patches. There are new assets classes. Inflation is rising. We are still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. There is legislation pending to substantially alter the taxability of estates. Familiar planning platforms and techniques may no longer be efficacious as change unfolds.  Planning requires not only looking at the law as it is today but as it may change – perhaps dramatically – during the year. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning in the uncertainty.   Tax legislation that will or has changed the taxability of estates Planning with rising inflation – and higher interest rates? Trends in valuation of estates with higher rates Considering how to handle new asset classes Planning for the ongoing effects of the pandemic   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer a partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.    

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/14/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Trust and Estate Planning in 2025: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

$65.00

Trust and estate planning in 2025 will require navigating many rocky patches. There are new assets classes. Inflation is rising. We are still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. There is legislation pending to substantially alter the taxability of estates. Familiar planning platforms and techniques may no longer be efficacious as change unfolds.  Planning requires not only looking at the law as it is today but as it may change – perhaps dramatically – during the year. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning in the uncertainty.   Tax legislation that will or has changed the taxability of estates Planning with rising inflation – and higher interest rates? Trends in valuation of estates with higher rates Considering how to handle new asset classes Planning for the ongoing effects of the pandemic   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer a partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.    

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/14/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Unwinding a Commercial Real Estate Transaction Gone Bad, Part 2

$65.00

When a real estate project goes bad for whatever reason – sales are slow or at prices below projections, leasing is slow, or there are extensive cost-overruns or regulatory delays – developers, investors, lenders, and others are left scrambling to restructure the project and salvage any value or at least limit losses. This often involves restructuring or possibly refinancing a loan.  It may also involve additional equity.  Another option is selling the project, if possible.  These processes can be complicated by the nature of the investors and lenders involved.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to restructuring troubled real estate projects.  Day 1 Practical strategies for unwinding real estate deals outside of bankruptcy or litigation Negotiating, structuring and drafting the restructuring of failed real estate projects Underlying economics and tradeoffs of real estate restructuring Types of sellers and their impact on restructuring – individual owner, institutional, joint venture, private equity Complications and limitations involving syndicated loans, CMBS loans, and REMICs Navigating seller issues – personal guaranties, ongoing management fees, upside participation, reputation   Day 2  Restructuring alternatives, including straight purchases, “Loan to Own,” rescue capital/preferred stock/securities Drafting forbearance and loan modification agreements  Receivership of distressed properties and planning to emerge from receivership “Loan to own” strategies and limitations Tax issues, including cancellation of indebtedness and restructuring recourse indebtedness Potential loss of valuable tax attributes and tax planning opportunities   Speakers: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice. He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He speaks extensively on real estate topics nationally. Mr. Licata received his B.S., summa cum laude, from MacMurray College and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/15/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

2025 Fiduciary Litigation Update

$65.00

This program will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of developments in fiduciary litigation. Challenges to the validity of an estate, claims involving non-probate transfers, and trustee liability cases litigation will be covered. The program will also cover claims based on a fiduciary’s management of assets in a time of extreme volatility and crisis. This program will provide you with a practical guide to recent developments in fiduciary litigation.    Review of significant case law developments and trends in fiduciary litigation Challenges to validity of an estate Claims involving non-probate transfers Trustee liability cases Failure to diversify trust assets in a time of volatility and crisis Claims based on distribution polices or abuse of discretionary distributions   Speaker: Steven B. Malech is partner in the New York City office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where he is chair of the firm’s probate litigation practice group.  He is represents beneficiaries, fiduciaries and creditors in disputes involving alleged violations of the Prudent Investor Act and its predecessors, alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, disputed accountings, and will contests. He represents clients in cutting edge probate litigation matters involving trusts and estates with assets in the hundreds of millions of dollars.  Michael Kenny is counsel in the New York City office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on commercial, probate, construction, and maritime litigation.  He has represented clients in domestic and international arbitrations, including proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. His litigation and arbitration experience includes the preparation and trial of warranty claims and ship repair disputes.  Matthew Smith is a partner in the Westport, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, where he advises clients on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and probate litigation. His estate planning practice focuses on assisting individuals and families with practical estate, gift, and tax planning, including the preparation of wills and trusts. Before joining the firm, Matt was a litigation associate for Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.  

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/15/2025
    Presented
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Course1

2025 Fiduciary Litigation Update

$65.00

This program will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of developments in fiduciary litigation. Challenges to the validity of an estate, claims involving non-probate transfers, and trustee liability cases litigation will be covered. The program will also cover claims based on a fiduciary’s management of assets in a time of extreme volatility and crisis. This program will provide you with a practical guide to recent developments in fiduciary litigation.    Review of significant case law developments and trends in fiduciary litigation Challenges to validity of an estate Claims involving non-probate transfers Trustee liability cases Failure to diversify trust assets in a time of volatility and crisis Claims based on distribution polices or abuse of discretionary distributions   Speaker: Steven B. Malech is partner in the New York City office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where he is chair of the firm’s probate litigation practice group.  He is represents beneficiaries, fiduciaries and creditors in disputes involving alleged violations of the Prudent Investor Act and its predecessors, alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, disputed accountings, and will contests. He represents clients in cutting edge probate litigation matters involving trusts and estates with assets in the hundreds of millions of dollars.  Michael Kenny is counsel in the New York City office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on commercial, probate, construction, and maritime litigation.  He has represented clients in domestic and international arbitrations, including proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. His litigation and arbitration experience includes the preparation and trial of warranty claims and ship repair disputes.  Matthew Smith is a partner in the Westport, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, where he advises clients on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and probate litigation. His estate planning practice focuses on assisting individuals and families with practical estate, gift, and tax planning, including the preparation of wills and trusts. Before joining the firm, Matt was a litigation associate for Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/15/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Client Funds: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid

$65.00

This program provides attorneys with essential guidance on managing client funds to ensure compliance with ethical and legal obligations. Participants will learn about common mistakes, such as commingling funds, improper disbursements, and inadequate recordkeeping, that can lead to disciplinary actions. The program will also offer practical strategies and best practices for safeguarding client funds and maintaining accurate financial records. By the end of the session, attorneys will be better equipped to avoid pitfalls and uphold their fiduciary duties with confidence.   Understanding ethical rules and fiduciary duties related to managing client funds. Identifying common mistakes, such as commingling, misappropriation, and improper disbursements. Best practices for maintaining accurate trust account records and complying with financial reporting requirements. Practical strategies to safeguard client funds and avoid disciplinary actions or malpractice claims.   Speaker: Thomas E. Spahn is of counsel in the Tysons Corners, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, where he advises firm clients on professional responsibility issues and properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  He has served on the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and is a Member of the American Law Institute and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.  He has written extensively on attorney-client privilege, ethics and other topics, and has spoken at over 2200 CLE programs throughout the U.S. and in several foreign countries.  Through links on his website biography, he has made available to the public his summaries of over 1,600 Virginia and ABA legal ethics opinions, organized by topic; a 300 page summary of his two-volume 1,500 page book on the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine; over 1100 weekly email alerts about privilege and work product cases; and materials for 40 ethics programs on numerous topics, totaling over 9,000 pages of analysis. 

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/16/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Client Funds: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid

$65.00

This program provides attorneys with essential guidance on managing client funds to ensure compliance with ethical and legal obligations. Participants will learn about common mistakes, such as commingling funds, improper disbursements, and inadequate recordkeeping, that can lead to disciplinary actions. The program will also offer practical strategies and best practices for safeguarding client funds and maintaining accurate financial records. By the end of the session, attorneys will be better equipped to avoid pitfalls and uphold their fiduciary duties with confidence.   Understanding ethical rules and fiduciary duties related to managing client funds. Identifying common mistakes, such as commingling, misappropriation, and improper disbursements. Best practices for maintaining accurate trust account records and complying with financial reporting requirements. Practical strategies to safeguard client funds and avoid disciplinary actions or malpractice claims.   Speaker: Thomas E. Spahn is of counsel in the Tysons Corners, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, where he advises firm clients on professional responsibility issues and properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  He has served on the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and is a Member of the American Law Institute and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.  He has written extensively on attorney-client privilege, ethics and other topics, and has spoken at over 2200 CLE programs throughout the U.S. and in several foreign countries.  Through links on his website biography, he has made available to the public his summaries of over 1,600 Virginia and ABA legal ethics opinions, organized by topic; a 300 page summary of his two-volume 1,500 page book on the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine; over 1100 weekly email alerts about privilege and work product cases; and materials for 40 ethics programs on numerous topics, totaling over 9,000 pages of analysis. 

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/16/2025
    Presented
SEE MORE
Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Trust and Estate Planning in 2025: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

$65.00

Trust and estate planning in 2025 will require navigating many rocky patches. There are new assets classes. Inflation is rising. We are still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. There is legislation pending to substantially alter the taxability of estates. Familiar planning platforms and techniques may no longer be efficacious as change unfolds.  Planning requires not only looking at the law as it is today but as it may change – perhaps dramatically – during the year. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning in the uncertainty.   Tax legislation that will or has changed the taxability of estates Planning with rising inflation – and higher interest rates? Trends in valuation of estates with higher rates Considering how to handle new asset classes Planning for the ongoing effects of the pandemic   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer a partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.    

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/17/2025
    Presented
SEE MORE
Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Trust and Estate Planning in 2025: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

$65.00

Trust and estate planning in 2025 will require navigating many rocky patches. There are new assets classes. Inflation is rising. We are still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. There is legislation pending to substantially alter the taxability of estates. Familiar planning platforms and techniques may no longer be efficacious as change unfolds.  Planning requires not only looking at the law as it is today but as it may change – perhaps dramatically – during the year. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning in the uncertainty.   Tax legislation that will or has changed the taxability of estates Planning with rising inflation – and higher interest rates? Trends in valuation of estates with higher rates Considering how to handle new asset classes Planning for the ongoing effects of the pandemic   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer a partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.    

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/17/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Special Needs Trusts: Drafting for Vulnerable Clients

$65.00

Special Needs Trusts are designed to provide for the long-care of individuals who have physical or intellectual impairments and are unable to provide for themselves, whatever their age.  SNTs are intended to preserve the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits – Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – while maximizing the private resources of the beneficiary’s family.  Drafting distribution clauses and selecting the right trustee to make financial and health-care related decisions for the beneficiary are the essential steps in the planning process. This program will provide you with a practical guide to the types of SNTs, the situations in which each is most appropriate, preserving public benefit eligibility, distribution provisions, and trustee selection.   Planning and drafting issues with Special Needs Trusts Types of SNTs and eligibility standards Relationship of SNTs to public benefits – Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SSI Key considerations in drafting distribution clauses Choosing individual and institutional trustees, and the use of “pooled trusts” Administrative issues in SNTs   Speaker:  Martha C. Brown is an attorney at the law firm of Martha C. Brown & Associates, LLC in St. Louis, Missouri, where she has more than 25 years’ experience in the fields of elder law and estate planning.  She has an extensive practice advising the elderly and their families on their trust and estate planning matters with an emphasis on Special Needs Trusts.  She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a former board member and Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and a board member of the Special Needs Alliance.  

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/18/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Special Needs Trusts: Drafting for Vulnerable Clients

$65.00

Special Needs Trusts are designed to provide for the long-care of individuals who have physical or intellectual impairments and are unable to provide for themselves, whatever their age.  SNTs are intended to preserve the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits – Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – while maximizing the private resources of the beneficiary’s family.  Drafting distribution clauses and selecting the right trustee to make financial and health-care related decisions for the beneficiary are the essential steps in the planning process. This program will provide you with a practical guide to the types of SNTs, the situations in which each is most appropriate, preserving public benefit eligibility, distribution provisions, and trustee selection.   Planning and drafting issues with Special Needs Trusts Types of SNTs and eligibility standards Relationship of SNTs to public benefits – Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SSI Key considerations in drafting distribution clauses Choosing individual and institutional trustees, and the use of “pooled trusts” Administrative issues in SNTs   Speaker:  Martha C. Brown is an attorney at the law firm of Martha C. Brown & Associates, LLC in St. Louis, Missouri, where she has more than 25 years’ experience in the fields of elder law and estate planning.  She has an extensive practice advising the elderly and their families on their trust and estate planning matters with an emphasis on Special Needs Trusts.  She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a former board member and Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and a board member of the Special Needs Alliance.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/18/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Lawyer Ethics & Credit Cards

$65.00

Use of credit cards by law firms and lawyers is commonplace. Law firms may accept credit cards as means of payment for fees and expenses. This concession to the larger reality of the economy, however, raises many ethical issues. Can lawyers pass on credit card processing fees (which can be substantial) to clients?  What happens if a client’s credit card company does a chargeback of fees?  How does a lawyer maintain confidentiality when he or she has a dispute with a credit card company, or the client has a dispute with the credit card company?  These and many issues arise when lawyers accept credit cards from clients. This program will provide you with a guide to ethical issues when credit cards are accepted and used in law practice.    Passing on credit card processing fees to clients Truth-in-Lending issues and tax penalties Ethical issues when credit card companies chargeback funds paid to a lawyer or from a trust account Confidentiality when a client has a dispute with his or her credit card company Use of credit cards to fund a retainer and related trust fund accounting issues Creditor claims against trust fund accounts Leftover client funds and proper trust fund accounting   Speaker: Thomas E. Spahn is a partner in the McLean, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where he has a substantial practice advising clients on properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  For more than 30 years he has lectured extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has written “The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine: A Practitioner’s Guide,” a 750 page treatise published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Spahn has served as a member of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and as a member of the Virginia State Bar's Legal Ethics Committee.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Yale University and his J.D. from Yale Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/19/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

Ethics and New Clients: Inadvertent Clients, Intake, and more

$65.00

Getting a client relationship right from the outset – defining scope, setting reasonable expectations – greatly helps set up the relationship for success and helps avoid disputes with clients.  There are issues of identifying and clearing conflicts of interest, or getting them waived in writing.  There are issues of explaining billing policies to clients, ensuring they understand, and putting it in writing. There are issues of communication – explaining how and when you will communicate with clients about their case, and about decision-making.This program will provide you a practical guide to drafting engagement letters and best practices in new client intake.    Engagement letters – best practices in setting scope and expectations Explaining bill rates and practices – tips on avoiding disputes Conflict of interest clearance – current clients, past clients Drafting and obtaining conflict of interest waivers Attorney-client privilege considerations   Speakers: Matthew Corbin is Senior Vice President and Executive Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services, where he consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.  Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he was a trial and appellate lawyer handling professional liability, commercial, business tort, employment, construction, insurance, and regulatory matters. Before entering private practice, he served as a judicial clerk to Judge Mary Briscoe of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.  Mr. Corbin earned his B.A. from the University of Kansas and his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law. Mark A. Webster is Vice President and Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services.  He consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.  Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he had an extensive real estate transactions practice.  Mr. Webster received his B.A. from the University of Kansas and his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/21/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Due Diligence in Commercial Real Estate Transactions

$65.00

This program will provide you with a practical guide to due diligence in real estate transactions – what information you need, where to get it, and the timeframes involved.  The program will also cover the relationship between the duration and depth of due diligence depending on the state of the market – i.e., how “hot” markets involve more risk because sellers or othersare reluctant to give lengthy diligence periods. The program will also discuss using information obtained in diligence to draft specific reps and warranties. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning due diligence in real estate transaction and how that information is used.   Planning diligence – what information you need, where to get it, and timeframes Relationship between diligence and market conditions – willingness of sellers to cooperate or not Using diligence – tying information obtained to specific reps and warranties Review of leases, rent rolls, and financial statements Service contracts, condominium HOAs, and other contracts Title work – liens and other encumbrances   Speaker: John S. Hollyfield is of counsel and a former partner in the Houston office Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP.He has more than 40 years’ experience in real estate law practice.He formerly served as chair of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chair of the Anglo-American Real Property Institute.He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Real Estate Law by Texas Monthly magazine and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.He is co-editor of Modern Banking and Lending Forms (4th Edition), published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont.He received his B.B.A. from the University of Texas and his LL.B. from the University of Texas School of Law.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/21/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Due Diligence in Commercial Real Estate Transactions

$65.00

This program will provide you with a practical guide to due diligence in real estate transactions – what information you need, where to get it, and the timeframes involved.  The program will also cover the relationship between the duration and depth of due diligence depending on the state of the market – i.e., how “hot” markets involve more risk because sellers or othersare reluctant to give lengthy diligence periods. The program will also discuss using information obtained in diligence to draft specific reps and warranties. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning due diligence in real estate transaction and how that information is used.   Planning diligence – what information you need, where to get it, and timeframes Relationship between diligence and market conditions – willingness of sellers to cooperate or not Using diligence – tying information obtained to specific reps and warranties Review of leases, rent rolls, and financial statements Service contracts, condominium HOAs, and other contracts Title work – liens and other encumbrances   Speaker: John S. Hollyfield is of counsel and a former partner in the Houston office Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP.He has more than 40 years’ experience in real estate law practice.He formerly served as chair of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chair of the Anglo-American Real Property Institute.He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Real Estate Law by Texas Monthly magazine and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.He is co-editor of Modern Banking and Lending Forms (4th Edition), published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont.He received his B.B.A. from the University of Texas and his LL.B. from the University of Texas School of Law.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/21/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Drafting Waivers of Conflicts of Interests

$65.00

A bedrock principle of lawyer ethics is that lawyers owe their clients loyalty, free of conflicts of interest – unless those conflicts are explicitly waived by a client in writing.  Clients are entitled to zealous representation without the lawyer being conflicted by other representations.  When a conflict arises, the lawyer is required to decline the representation causing the conflict or withdraw from an ongoing matter – unless the conflict is explicitly waived by the client.  But waivers are not always easily accomplished.  They must be carefully drafted – particularly when it purports to be of an anticipated conflict. This program will provide you with a real-world guide to the rules governing conflict waivers, types of waivers, and how to draft them to avoid future dispute and ethical sanction. Drafting effective waivers of conflicts of interest Key provisions of waivers and ensuring there is “informed” consent Advance waivers – drafting waivers for anticipated conflicts Types of advance waivers – stating subject area, adverse parties, neither or both Sources of rules and practical guidance on drafting waivers Common mistakes made in drafting waivers Consequences of ineffective waivers Speaker: William Freivogel is the principal of Freivogel Ethics Consulting and is an independent consultant to law firms on ethics and risk management.  He was a trial lawyer for 22 years and has practiced in the areas of legal ethics and lawyer malpractice for more than 25 years.  He is chair of the Editorial Board of the ABA/BNA Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct. and past chair of the ABA Business Law Section Committee on Professional Responsibility.  He maintains the Web site “Freivogel on Conflicts” at www.freivogelonconflicts.com.  

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/22/2025
    Presented
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Drafting Waivers of Conflicts of Interests

$65.00

A bedrock principle of lawyer ethics is that lawyers owe their clients loyalty, free of conflicts of interest – unless those conflicts are explicitly waived by a client in writing.  Clients are entitled to zealous representation without the lawyer being conflicted by other representations.  When a conflict arises, the lawyer is required to decline the representation causing the conflict or withdraw from an ongoing matter – unless the conflict is explicitly waived by the client.  But waivers are not always easily accomplished.  They must be carefully drafted – particularly when it purports to be of an anticipated conflict. This program will provide you with a real-world guide to the rules governing conflict waivers, types of waivers, and how to draft them to avoid future dispute and ethical sanction. Drafting effective waivers of conflicts of interest Key provisions of waivers and ensuring there is “informed” consent Advance waivers – drafting waivers for anticipated conflicts Types of advance waivers – stating subject area, adverse parties, neither or both Sources of rules and practical guidance on drafting waivers Common mistakes made in drafting waivers Consequences of ineffective waivers Speaker: William Freivogel is the principal of Freivogel Ethics Consulting and is an independent consultant to law firms on ethics and risk management.  He was a trial lawyer for 22 years and has practiced in the areas of legal ethics and lawyer malpractice for more than 25 years.  He is chair of the Editorial Board of the ABA/BNA Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct. and past chair of the ABA Business Law Section Committee on Professional Responsibility.  He maintains the Web site “Freivogel on Conflicts” at www.freivogelonconflicts.com.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/22/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: 2025 Ethics Update: Navigating New Challenges, Part 1

$65.00

This annual ethics program will provide you with a round-table discussion of practical ethical issues important to your practice. The program will provide you with an engaging discussion of ethics developments involving technology and law practice, conflicts of interest, and attoarney-client communications in a digital world where no one is truly unplugged. The panel will also discuss the ethics of withdrawing from a matter and firing a client and the ethics of developing new business.  This program will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of practical ethics developments important to your practice.   Day 1: Ethics and artificial intelligence Ethics and withness prep Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 1   Day 2: Office sharing and imputed dq issues Protection for data Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 2   Speakers: Thomas E. Spahn is a partner in the McLean, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where he has a broad complex commercial, business and securities litigation practice. He also has a substantial practice advising businesses on properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  For more than 20 years he has lectured extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has written “The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine: A Practitioner’s Guide,” a 750 page treatise published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Spahn has served as member of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and as a member of the Virginia State Bar's Legal Ethics Committee.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Yale University and his J.D. from Yale Law School.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/23/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: 2025 Ethics Update: Navigating New Challenges, Part 1

$65.00

This annual ethics program will provide you with a round-table discussion of practical ethical issues important to your practice. The program will provide you with an engaging discussion of ethics developments involving technology and law practice, conflicts of interest, and attoarney-client communications in a digital world where no one is truly unplugged. The panel will also discuss the ethics of withdrawing from a matter and firing a client and the ethics of developing new business.  This program will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of practical ethics developments important to your practice.   Day 1: Ethics and artificial intelligence Ethics and withness prep Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 1   Day 2: Office sharing and imputed dq issues Protection for data Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 2   Speakers: Thomas E. Spahn is a partner in the McLean, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where he has a broad complex commercial, business and securities litigation practice. He also has a substantial practice advising businesses on properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  For more than 20 years he has lectured extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has written “The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine: A Practitioner’s Guide,” a 750 page treatise published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Spahn has served as member of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and as a member of the Virginia State Bar's Legal Ethics Committee.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Yale University and his J.D. from Yale Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/23/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: 2025 Ethics Update: Navigating New Challenges, Part 2

$65.00

This annual ethics program will provide you with a round-table discussion of practical ethical issues important to your practice. The program will provide you with an engaging discussion of ethics developments involving technology and law practice, conflicts of interest, and attoarney-client communications in a digital world where no one is truly unplugged. The panel will also discuss the ethics of withdrawing from a matter and firing a client and the ethics of developing new business.  This program will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of practical ethics developments important to your practice.   Day 1: Ethics and artificial intelligence Ethics and withness prep Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 1   Day 2: Office sharing and imputed dq issues Protection for data Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 2   Speakers: Thomas E. Spahn is a partner in the McLean, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where he has a broad complex commercial, business and securities litigation practice. He also has a substantial practice advising businesses on properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  For more than 20 years he has lectured extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has written “The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine: A Practitioner’s Guide,” a 750 page treatise published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Spahn has served as member of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and as a member of the Virginia State Bar's Legal Ethics Committee.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Yale University and his J.D. from Yale Law School.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/24/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: 2025 Ethics Update: Navigating New Challenges, Part 2

$65.00

This annual ethics program will provide you with a round-table discussion of practical ethical issues important to your practice. The program will provide you with an engaging discussion of ethics developments involving technology and law practice, conflicts of interest, and attoarney-client communications in a digital world where no one is truly unplugged. The panel will also discuss the ethics of withdrawing from a matter and firing a client and the ethics of developing new business.  This program will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of practical ethics developments important to your practice.   Day 1: Ethics and artificial intelligence Ethics and withness prep Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 1   Day 2: Office sharing and imputed dq issues Protection for data Emerging issues in conflicts of interest, part 2   Speakers: Thomas E. Spahn is a partner in the McLean, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where he has a broad complex commercial, business and securities litigation practice. He also has a substantial practice advising businesses on properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  For more than 20 years he has lectured extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has written “The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine: A Practitioner’s Guide,” a 750 page treatise published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Spahn has served as member of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and as a member of the Virginia State Bar's Legal Ethics Committee.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Yale University and his J.D. from Yale Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/24/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Cloud Contracts: Drafting and Reviewing IT Sourcing Agreements

$65.00

Virtually every organization outsources it information technology (IT) functions to third-party vendors.  Electronic files of every time – data and documents, video and audio – are stored on servers owned and maintained by third parties and located at off-site locations.  Telecom services are also commonly outsourced. The idea behind outsourcing these increasingly complex systems is that costs might be controlled and the difficulty of maintaining them becomes someone else’s task. But getting to that point lies beyond reviewing and negotiating highly complex IT outsource agreements involving performance and reliability, data security and privacy breaches, and warranty and indemnity.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to negotiating and drafting IT agreements with third-party vendors.   Performance standards for IT vendors, reliability, and Service Level Agreements Essential warranty and indemnity provisions – and spotting red flags Understanding how “The Cloud” works for contractual purposes Important data security, privacy and related liability concerns Drafting the underlying equipment lease and/or software license Reviewing fee structures in IT outsourcing agreements   Speaker: Peter J. Kinsella is a partner in the Denver office of Perkins Coie, LLP, where he has an extensive technology law practice focusing on advising start-up, emerging and large companies on technology-related commercial and intellectual property transaction matters.  Prior to joining his firm, he worked for ten years in various legal capacities with Qwest Communications International, Inc. and Honeywell, Inc.  Mr. Kinsella has extensive experience structuring and negotiating data sharing agreements, complex procurement agreements, product distribution agreements, OEM agreements, marketing and advertising agreements, corporate sponsorship agreements, and various types of patent, trademark and copyright licenses.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/25/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Cloud Contracts: Drafting and Reviewing IT Sourcing Agreements

$65.00

Virtually every organization outsources it information technology (IT) functions to third-party vendors.  Electronic files of every time – data and documents, video and audio – are stored on servers owned and maintained by third parties and located at off-site locations.  Telecom services are also commonly outsourced. The idea behind outsourcing these increasingly complex systems is that costs might be controlled and the difficulty of maintaining them becomes someone else’s task. But getting to that point lies beyond reviewing and negotiating highly complex IT outsource agreements involving performance and reliability, data security and privacy breaches, and warranty and indemnity.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to negotiating and drafting IT agreements with third-party vendors.   Performance standards for IT vendors, reliability, and Service Level Agreements Essential warranty and indemnity provisions – and spotting red flags Understanding how “The Cloud” works for contractual purposes Important data security, privacy and related liability concerns Drafting the underlying equipment lease and/or software license Reviewing fee structures in IT outsourcing agreements   Speaker: Peter J. Kinsella is a partner in the Denver office of Perkins Coie, LLP, where he has an extensive technology law practice focusing on advising start-up, emerging and large companies on technology-related commercial and intellectual property transaction matters.  Prior to joining his firm, he worked for ten years in various legal capacities with Qwest Communications International, Inc. and Honeywell, Inc.  Mr. Kinsella has extensive experience structuring and negotiating data sharing agreements, complex procurement agreements, product distribution agreements, OEM agreements, marketing and advertising agreements, corporate sponsorship agreements, and various types of patent, trademark and copyright licenses.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/25/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Digital Legacy: Estate Planning for Digital Assets

$65.00

Some of the most valuable assets a client has are the most difficult to define, value, and transfer on death.  “Digital assets” – everything from digital music and pictures stored online, to bank and credit card reward programs, Facebook pages and online TurboTax files, bank and retirement account credentials – are a class of asset that every client has, yet planning for them is new.  These assets are not governed by a conventional set of federal or state laws, rather by a complex set of rules set by a variety of organizations, none of which are standardized but which planners need to understand nonetheless to satisfy client expectations.  This program will provide you guide to the nature of digital assets, how they are controlled, and how to plan for them.   Digital assets in estate planning – defining and transferring them on death How failure to plan for these assets can scuttle estate plans and disappoint client expectations Fiduciary access to digital assets under current law Practical planning for digital assets – what works, what doesn’t, and what’s not at all clear How user polices impact the planning process – what you need to know about how these assets are titled and controlled How federal law impacts the planning process and unconventional planning issues   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer is a Partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He is an Executive Council member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Articles editor, Trust and Estate, for Probate & Property Magazine. Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001. 

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/28/2025
    Presented
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Digital Legacy: Estate Planning for Digital Assets

$65.00

Some of the most valuable assets a client has are the most difficult to define, value, and transfer on death.  “Digital assets” – everything from digital music and pictures stored online, to bank and credit card reward programs, Facebook pages and online TurboTax files, bank and retirement account credentials – are a class of asset that every client has, yet planning for them is new.  These assets are not governed by a conventional set of federal or state laws, rather by a complex set of rules set by a variety of organizations, none of which are standardized but which planners need to understand nonetheless to satisfy client expectations.  This program will provide you guide to the nature of digital assets, how they are controlled, and how to plan for them.   Digital assets in estate planning – defining and transferring them on death How failure to plan for these assets can scuttle estate plans and disappoint client expectations Fiduciary access to digital assets under current law Practical planning for digital assets – what works, what doesn’t, and what’s not at all clear How user polices impact the planning process – what you need to know about how these assets are titled and controlled How federal law impacts the planning process and unconventional planning issues   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer is a Partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He is an Executive Council member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Articles editor, Trust and Estate, for Probate & Property Magazine. Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001. 

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/28/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Drafting Escrow Agreements in Business & Commercial Transactions

$65.00

Every escrow agreement has a degree of intrinsic uncertainty.  Whether the agreement is for the release of money, property title, software code, or something else, the escrow agent must determine whether certain conditions have been met before releasing the property held in escrow.  That involves a degree of judgement, and like all judgments, subject to dispute.  In this sense, escrow agreements, which are intended to limit risk and enhance the certainty of a transaction, introduce another layer of risk. This puts a priority on carefully drafting the material details of the underlying transaction in as clear terms as possible.This program will provide you with a practical guide to drafting escrow agreements in transactions.   Defining conditions for release of property in basic, clear, explicit terms to reduce risk Drafting release instructions to tightly synchronize with the underlying transaction Inherent risks involved with escrow agent determinations Co-mingled and held in trust funds v. segregated funds Timing – how drafting too early might miss key terms in the underlying agreement Choosing the right escrow agent depending on the nature of the transaction Reducing escrow agent through E&O or other insurance   Speaker: Steven O. Weise is a partner in the Los Angeles office Proskauer Rose, LLP, where his practice encompasses all areas of commercial law. He has extensive experience in financings, particularly those secured by personal property.  He also handles matters involving real property anti-deficiency laws, workouts, guarantees, sales of goods, letters of credit, commercial paper and checks, and investment securities.  Mr. Weise formerly served as chair of the ABA Business Law Section. He has also served as a member of the Permanent Editorial Board of the UCC and as an Advisor to the UCC Code Article 9 Drafting Committee.  Mr. Weise received his B.A. from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 7/28/2025
    Avail. Until
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