This program will include a panel of experienced judges, attorneys, and legal practitioners that know how to treat those with disabilities in the legal profession. The panel will discuss best practices for expanding the legal profession's treatment of those with disabilities in its own ranks.

Presented by: Council on Persons with Disabilities in the Legal Profession

Chair(s): Nicholas B Buzan, Janet M Howe, Randall M Howe, Audrey C Miller

Faculty: Jamal N Whitehead

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The trial & execution of Julius & Ethel Rosenberg for conspiracy to commit espionage is one of the most controversial convictions in history. Over the last 74 years, layers of the mystery have been peeled back to raise a host of ethical questions & reveal some unexpected & unsettling answers. This presentation will explore how the tenor of the times affected what happened in the courtroom, with implications & lessons for today's lawyers. The session will also touch on the case's unexpected legal legacy in how requests for grand jury information access is assessed in historically significant cases.

Presented by: Public Lawyers

Chair(s): Mona E Baskin, Wendy S Morton, Elizabeth B Ortiz, Pamela Peiser, Staff Q Tester

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
0.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Are you the cactus in the room? This interactive program helps legal professionals recognize and avoid behaviors that create friction in professional relationships. Learn why Arizona ethics favor reasonable advocacy over “zealous” representation and discover practical strategies to maintain professionalism under pressure. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll build skills to foster trust, communicate clearly and respectfully, and defuse tension before it escalates—essential for lawyers, staff, and anyone navigating high-stakes interactions.

Presented by: Practice 2.0

Chair(s): Jennifer B Fite

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Faculty will provide best practices and how to prepare for a judicial career. All are sitting judges in various benches throughout the state.

Presented by: Arizona Supreme Court Commission on Diversity, Equality, and Justice in the Judiciary

Chair(s): Frankie Y Jones

Faculty: Lisa I Abrams, Paul Bennett, Maria Elena Cruz, David O Cunanan, Danielle Harris, Randall M Howe, Laine P McDonald, Alicia M Skupin, Nanette M Warner, Roy C Whitehead

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

This introductory course equips non-IP lawyers with practical tools to spot and address basic patent and trademark issues in everyday practice. Taught by two experienced IP professionals, the program covers core concepts, key terminology, and common pitfalls, emphasizing client counseling, risk management, and when to involve specialized counsel. Through real-world examples and issue-spotting exercises, attendees can better help their clients identify protectable IP, avoid infringement, and better support their clients’ innovation and branding goals.

Presented by: Intellectual Property Law Section

Chair(s): Kevin W Hawkes, Cory G Smith

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

Step into the global arena with confidence. This dynamic seminar empowers legal professionals to broaden their practice scope to navigate through high-impact jurisdictions. Participants will strengthen ethical and procedural fluency, augment client readiness, and sharpen advocacy tools in cross-border matters. Designed for forward-thinking practitioners, this session offers actionable strategies to elevate your visibility and position yourself as a strategic advocate in today’s interconnected legal landscape.

Presented by: International Law Section

Chair(s): Hilary E Sadler, Shirley J Spira

Faculty: Kenneth Alexander, Sherryl Dimitry, Joyce Williams

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm, and that includes legal profession and the courtroom. The flood of AI use has resulted in well reported instances of fake citations, sanctioned attorneys, withdrawn rulings, and even AI generated videos and court appearances. AI is here to stay, and we have to navigate the ethical and practical effects of AI. Join us as we work through the thicket of this new digital jungle.

Presented by: Criminal Justice Executive Council

Chair(s): Adam J Crawshaw, Joey N Hamby, Ashley N Marshall, Sara X Orozco, Desiree Petersen

Faculty: Sean Harrington, Jason Kalish, Matthew E McGregor, Samuel A Thumma

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

Current statutory interpretation—which affects every practice area—focuses on the ordinary meaning of the statute’s language at the time the statute was adopted. In discerning this ordinary meaning, courts have often cited dictionaries. But recently, the Arizona Supreme Court has also used linguistic databases of historical term usage (corpus linguistics) to determine intent. This seminar explores the developments in Arizona of dictionary-based definitions and the emerging use of corpus linguistics. A panel of judges, academics, and practitioners will explore practical applications, ethical implications, and strategies for incorporating — or challenging — linguistic evidence in advocacy and judicial decisions.

Chair(s): Mark J DePasquale, Samuel A Thumma

Faculty: Clint Bolick, Ann B Ching, John R Lopez, Stephen Mouritsen, Ann A Timmer

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The Tax Section Program will consist of five programs:

1. An OB3 update to address, among other tax provisions, the new Qualified Small Business Stock Exemption on sale; stacking exemptions via use of irrevocable trusts; impact of OB3 changes to use of Charitable Trusts including deduction limitations created by Section 68 revisions, Section 642 provisions and potential workarounds using a Section 678 BDOT

2. Use of Trusteed IRAs

3. Planning for Generational Farm& Ranch Land

4. Quantum Security measures Tax (and other) practitioners should be implementing

5. Practical update on handling Tax Controversies

Presented by: Tax Law Section

Chair(s): Gary L Fletcher

Faculty: Matthew Hochstetler, Phillip Hotchkiss, Brandon A Keim

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

This program explores the psychological and practical challenges of early-career lawyering—from heavy workloads and imposter syndrome to burnout and unhealthy coping behaviors. Participants will gain insight into recognizing the warning signs of stress, anxiety, and substance misuse while learning evidence-based strategies for resilience and self-care. The session emphasizes developing sustainable habits, boundary-setting, and seeking mentorship and support to thrive in the demanding first years of practice.

Presented by: Member Assistance Council

Chair(s): Ross S Carponelli

Faculty: Dawnese C Hustad, Meghann L St Thomas

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

For seventy years, the Johnson Amendment has prohibited churches and nonprofits from endorsing candidates. Rarely enforced but often debated, the Amendment continues to raise questions about free speech, free exercise, church autonomy, campaign finance, dark money, tax privileges, and the boundaries of church-state separation. Today, courts, the IRS, and litigants on all sides are still testing its limits, creating ongoing uncertainty about how the rule will be interpreted and applied.

Presented by: Religious Liberty Law Section and Secular Coalition for AZ

Chair(s): Sierra A Brown, Dianne L Post

Faculty: Elias Daiute, Michael P Farris, Valerie Hoekstra

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

New practitioners will benefit from learning law firm back-office practice, and experienced practitioners will benefit from up-to-date tech advancements.

Presented by: Sole Practitioners/Small Firm

Chair(s): Adam J Crawshaw, Carl A Engstrand, Kari A Ramos

Faculty: Matthew D McCabe

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

This program is designed to bring back live oral arguments to the State Bar Convention. While the Court of Appeals Division Two has not yet selected the case to be heard, the intention is to provide a case with novel legal issues that would be interesting to the bar as a whole. Following oral argument, there will be a panel of judges (Justice Beene, Judge Fabian, and Judge Warner) to discuss oral advocacy tips based on their experience both on and off the bench.

Presented by: Appellate Practice Law Section

Chair(s): Justin M Ackerman

Faculty: James P Beene, Veronika Fabian, Randall H Warner

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

AZBar Mentor Connection programs require training before participation. This session will act as a replacement for that training, allowing participants to receive CLE credit for their training before participating as a mentor or mentee. Participants who complete this training will be eligible for the One-to-One Mentorship program and can earn CLE credit upon completion.

Presented by: Mentor Advisory Group

Chair(s): Steven N Berger, Staci Maret, James P O'Sullivan, DeShon Pullen

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
0.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The word "succession" implies wealth, assets and titles, but in the practice of law the definition of succession that fits most is "the act or process of one person's taking the place of another in the enjoyment of or liability for rights or duties or both" (Merriam Webster definition). Over the course of your career, there will be many events that could call for a succession plan: Unexpected illness or injury, A planned transition of ownership and Retirement are just a few. In this essentials overview of succession planning, you will learn what it means to have a succession plan in place, how to organize yourself, your firm, your cases and your life so that your plan can be implemented at the right time. You will learn what choices are available for someone to step in and help out briefly, to transition your work permanently or to shut down your practice entirely. Leave this seminar with a good idea of what the next step should be in your own succession planning journey.

Presented by: Practice 2.0

Chair(s): Jennifer B Fite

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

This program will provide information (past, present and future) about how Arizona is leading the pack in regulatory reform to expand access to civil justice. Arizona Supreme Court’s Chief Justice will facilitate a discussion by members of the Arizona Commission on Access to Justice about regulatory reform in Arizona expanding the ability of lawyers and nonlawyers to provide legal services for those most in need. Among many other current efforts, the conversation will feature the new Arizona Community-Based Justice Work Service Delivery Models, adopted by the Arizona Supreme Court in March 2025 as part of the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration. The program, which will provide ethics credit to those who attend, will help further these efforts to enhance access to justice for all. It is not to be missed by anyone who has an interest in seeing how to improve the legal experience for Arizona’s most vulnerable populations.

Presented by: Arizona Commission on Access to Justice

Chair(s): Samuel A Thumma

Faculty: Anni Hill Foster, Stacy R Jane, Ann A Timmer, Anthony L Young

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

This program examines the recent revision of Arizona’s Jury Instructions for Capital Cases, developed through collaboration among judges, attorneys, and a forensic linguist. Presenters will discuss how the team approached language simplification without compromising accuracy, and how feedback from practitioners shaped the final product. The discussion will also highlight lessons from the process that can inform clearer, more effective communication across legal practice and judicial work.

Presented by: SBA Criminal Jury Instructions Committee

Chair(s): Elizabeth T Bingert, Carlos D Carrion, Mikel P Steinfeld, Lacey A Stover Gard

Faculty: Kent E Cattani, Jason D Lewis

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
0.25 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The latest headlines are filled with threats to the rule of law and the pursuit of equal justice for all. Headlines include policies punishing or threatening public lawyers, law firms and law schools, judges facing mounting threats to their independence and their lives, retrenchment from diversity, equity, and inclusion, constitutional norms such as due process, freedom from search and seizure, and right to counsel overlooked, while public trust in our justice system is eroding. The very idea of the rule of law continues to be tested. Lawyers understand that justice matters—and that it doesn’t happen automatically or by chance. Lawyers must work collaboratively with willing community leaders, courts, universities, innovators and thinkers to continue moving forward in our pursuit of equal justice. This interactive, informative and entertaining program will provide an opportunity for attendees to dialogue with panelists to discuss ways lawyers can collaboratively move forward in a rapidly changing landscape. Panelists will discuss how individually, collectively or through their organizations they are navigating collaboratively to protect justice and the rule of law while continuing to pursue equal justice. In Arizona Town Hall style format, participants will engage with panelists in facilitated table discussions, share recommendations to the entire group and a report created of key points and recommendations from the discussions. This is not to be missed by anyone who believes in the promise of equal justice and values the rule of law.

Presented by: Arizona Lawyers for Equal Justice and Arizona Town Hall

Chair(s): Carol S Berry, Tara L Jackson, Frankie Y Jones

Faculty: Denise K Aguilar, Clint Bolick, Meenoo Chahbazi, Lisa S Loo, David Lopez, Sonia Martinez, Gary M Restaino, William P Ring, Jeffrey A Scudder, Nicole F Stanton, Anthony L Young

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

This seminar will cover significant developments in case law, statutes, executive orders, and court administrative order related to the administration of elections in the State of Arizona. Including what it means for your vote. In addition, the seminar will cover attorney ethical considerations related to representing parties in a political environment and under media scrutiny.

Presented by: Election

Chair(s): Kara Karlson

Faculty: Rhonda L Barnes, Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, Brett W Johnson

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
0.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The history of American voting rights from racist pre-Civil War exclusion, through black self-determination, to our voting rights today.

Presented by: Public Lawyers Section

Chair(s): Mona E Baskin, Pamela Peiser

Faculty: Robert J McWhirter, Wendy S Morton

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The American Law Institute is deep in the process of finalizing the Restatement (Third) of Torts, a comprehensive effort to modernize and clarify tort law for the 21st century. The effort includes addressing liability for economic harm; liability for physical and emotional harm; intentional torts to persons; medical malpractice; products liability; remedies and miscellaneous provisions. This session will provide Arizona practitioners with an essential overview on the status of these efforts, highlighting the projects and approaches taken, equipping attendees with the knowledge needed to leverage these influential new rules in their practice.

Presented by: American Law Institute Members in Arizona

Chair(s): Samuel A Thumma

Faculty: Ellen M Bublick, Alexis E Danneman, A J Pelander

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

Law practice requires thoughtful use of technology at every stage of the matter. This session offers a practical overview of tools that support the lifecycle of a matter including CRM and intake, document creation, workflow management, calendaring, billing, and communication. Rather than focusing on any single product or trend, we’ll explore how to evaluate and integrate technology in a way that enhances efficiency and improves client service. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to decide which tools are worth their time, how to adopt them effectively, and where to start.

Presented by: Practice 2.0

Chair(s): Jamie N Stankewicz

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Attorneys Jason Covault and Danika Marzillier of May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie P.C., will discuss their experiences litigating complex environmental cases in federal court and before the Ninth Circuit. May Potenza represents developers, manufacturers, and mining clients in CERCLA, NEPA, and ESA matters. Jason and Danika will share practical insights on trial strategy, deposing and discrediting expert and technical witnesses, and developing the record for summary judgment, trial, and appeal. The presentation will also address the Supreme Court’s recent NEPA decision, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, and how district courts are applying these standards in a post-Chevron world. Attorney Danielle Dancho, Senior Attorney at Hiser, Burggraff, Curtis (HBC) will discuss her experience preventing violations, navigating compliance and enforcement by regulators, and managing litigation risk. Danielle has close to 20 years of experience in the public and private sector. She generally assists clients with all aspects of environmental regulation, including air, waste, and water quality issues. She frequently assists clients in performing environmental regulatory audits of their facilities. Danielle is well versed in all aspects of permitting under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and often assists clients to manage their CAA compliance obligations and understanding regulatory requirements. As part of her practice, Danielle also advises governmental agencies on Clean Air Act issues.

Presented by: Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section

Chair(s): Jason M Covault

Faculty: Danielle M Dancho, Danika M Marzillier

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

You will walk in the shoes of your client in an interactive simulation involving a hypothetical fact pattern of domestic violence and the resulting dependency case. What will you choose with the information provided throughout the court process? Then we'll learn, in real time, the preliminary findings of the new Child and Family Representation Program. We'll discuss the findings in conjunction with the observed impacts from the 2022 rule changes. How have the rule changes improved the process for our clients and how can the Child and Family Program's recommendations complement the rules and improve the experience for our clients and their families?

Presented by: Juvenile Law Section

Chair(s): Rachel F Johnson, Christopher Z Lloyd, Lauri J Owen, Robert Severson

Faculty: Paul Bennett, Peter W Hochuli, Brian J Molitor

Credits:
6.00 CLE Credit Hours

This comprehensive program will delve into critical ethical topics such as representing clients with diminished capacity, representing clients serving in fiduciary roles, and addressing other ethical considerations. This seminar will also address common bar complaints received by elder law attorneys as well as what happens when a lawyer has diminished capacity.

Presented by: Elder Law Mental Health & Special Needs Planning Section

Chair(s): Melissa R Ahlers

Faculty: Ian R Friedman, David M Majchrzak

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” invites renewed reflection on what autonomy truly means — particularly for women. This program explores the intersection of estate planning, gender equity, and reproductive rights, examining how legal frameworks have shaped (and limited) women’s ability to control their property, bodies, and legacies across generations. From the coverture doctrines of early America to modern surrogacy and embryo disposition disputes, this CLE will trace the evolution of autonomy in both personal and financial decision-making. Panelists will discuss current issues in estate planning that disproportionately impact women, including caregiving burdens, wealth inequality, reproductive health directives, and inheritance bias and offer practical guidance on crafting equitable, forward-looking plans for diverse families.

Presented by: SBA Council on Minorities and Women in the Law

Chair(s): Julie M Birk, Whitney N Larson, Chace A Phillips

Faculty: Ashley L Case, Suzanne L Diaz, Claudia L Grajeda, Heather M Strickland

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

David Hoffman is a leading ADR practitioner who brings a wealth of experience to bear on how to get parties past what they perceive to be an impasse. In the afternoon, we will have short talks by experienced ADR professionals talking about topics they are passionate about.

Presented by: Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

Chair(s): Richard K Mahrle

Faculty: David S Hoffman

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
3.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Tribal Nations are on the frontlines of resource extraction, causing disproportionate harms such as destruction of sacred sites, exposure to polluting industries, and the contamination of soil, water, and culturally significant species. With the federal government engaged in systematic dismantling of environmental justice programs and funding while subsidizing continued resource extraction on Tribal lands, we must look to other avenues to safeguard the health and welfare of Tribal communities. This panel will discuss two case studies and tools that Tribes and advocates can utilize to advocate for environmental justice.

Presented by: Indian Law

Chair(s): Kimberly Cromwell, Lisa J Estensen, Justine R Jimmie, Christina A Rinnert, Chase A Velasquez

Faculty: Mia A Hammersley, Alexander B Ritchie

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

AI is here to stay. So, you're either behind the ball or advancing your competency. Arizona's ethical rules mandate all lawyers and judges to maintain technological competence by understanding the benefits and risks of relevant tech. This includes AI. Join us to discuss this exciting topic where we will discuss legal AI issues being discussed in court rulings across the country. Our discussion will include AI reprimands, but also best practices, and new legal issues being litigated in light of the prevalence of AI by consumers (e.g., deepfakes). We will cover confidentiality, verifying AI output, and safeguarding client data when using AI. (This was not written with AI but could have been.)

Presented by: Internet E-Commerce & Technology Law Section

Chair(s): Raeesabbas Mohamed

Faculty: Alexander J Gilman, Steve Mehr

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

In this game show-style seminar, celebrity contestants lead audience teams in answering ethics questions posed by our esteemed panelists and your host. Points are awarded to audience participants and teams who successfully answer questions on topics such as recent developments in professionalism, conflicts of interest, attorney discipline, fees, lawyer advertising, and other ethical trends—all in a Jeopardy-like format.

Faculty: Christopher K Heo, Daniel S Jurkowitz, Michael F Kelly, Matthew E McGregor, Angela K Paton, Denise M Quinterri, Lacey A Stover Gard, Meredith L Vivona

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
3.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Exploring the recent tariff policies of the U.S. and how it is affecting businesses.

Presented by: Business Law Section

Chair(s): Anette J Beebe, Zoila E Mena Harpin

Faculty: Deborah Stern

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

This comprehensive program will unpack immediate next steps after receiving an approval letter from Arizona Long Term Care System (“ALTCS”). This seminar with further explore real-world scenarios, pitfalls to avoid, and proactive planning tools to help clients through care coordination, maintaining eligibility, and annual renewals.

Presented by: Elder Law Mental Health & Special Needs Planning Section

Chair(s): Melissa R Ahlers

Faculty: Rebecca Hall, Rachael M Mitchell

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

Unlock the power of visibility without the hard sell. This seminar dives into smart strategies for building a strong, ethical online presence that attracts clients and builds trust. Learn how to leverage LinkedIn, Google Business profiles, and SEO to showcase your expertise, share wins, and offer real value. We’ll cover creating consistent content, educating rather than advertising, and using testimonials effectively—all while staying compliant with professional rules. Walk away with practical tips to engage your community, position yourself as a resource, and market with confidence and integrity.

Presented by: Practice 2.0

Chair(s): Jennifer B Fite

Faculty: Sean Hart, Emma Schlenker

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Arizona’s Affinity Bars have shaped the state’s legal community through challenges and innovations. This panel shows how their evolution offers practical lessons for all lawyers, including strategies for client communication, sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and inclusive leadership—drawing on diverse perspectives and real-world examples to deliver actionable tools for competence, credibility, and professional effectiveness.

Presented by: Bar Leadership Institute Class of 2026

Chair(s): Trent I Waller

Faculty: Christopher W Channell, Noah L Coakley, Booker T Evans, Samuel Saks, Jessica Sanchez

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

This year’s presentation by the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association will provide a comprehensive review of cannabis law and legislation, federal, state, and tribal. From the ongoing battle between the marijuana and hemp industries to the trend in tribal participation. Case law and pending bills with Congress and the Arizona Legislature will be discussed in detail. Practice tips, legal trends, ethics in representation, and more.

Presented by: Arizona Cannabis Bar Association

Chair(s): Thomas W Dean

Faculty: Janet E Jackim, Rachel F Johnson, Christopher Marohn, Sonia Martinez

Credits:
4.50 CLE Credit Hours

This is a sponsored lunch seminar. A free box lunch is included for seminar attendees.

This session provides Arizona attorneys with a framework for working with their clients on charitable planning as part of their estate and wealth transfer planning. The program examines some of the laws and regulations that govern charitable giving, including relevant provisions of the Arizona Probate Code, Arizona Trust Code, and key sections of the Internal Revenue Code related to charitable deductions, splitinterest trusts, and gifts of noncash assets.

Presented By: Amber Ramirez, JD, CAP®, Arizona Community Foundation Susan Hirshman, CFA®, CPA, CFP®, CDFA®, Arizona Community Foundation

Faculty: Susan Hirshman, Amber M Ramirez

Credits:
0.75 CLE Credit Hours

This is a sponsored lunch seminar. A free box lunch is included for seminar attendees.

Illustrating how life care planning strengthens legal advocacy by furnishing attorneys with thorough, evidence-based evaluations of an individual’s long-term medical needs and projected costs. Through clear, credible, and legally defensible projections, this discipline enables lawyers to establish damages, reinforce case strategy, and pursue the best possible outcomes for their clients more effectively.

Presented By: Jan Roughan, BSN, RN, PHN, CRRN/ABSNC, CNLCP®, CNLCP™, CCM, Roughan & Associates

Faculty: Jan Roughan

Credits:
0.75 CLE Credit Hours

This is a sponsored lunch seminar. A free box lunch is included for seminar attendees.

Most malpractice claims don’t come from bad lawyers—they come from small, preventable mistakes. This session unpacks the five most common malpractice missteps that trip up attorneys again and again, using real claims patterns and realworld examples. Attendees will learn how these issues arise, why they escalate, and the concrete steps they can take to protect their practice before problems turn into claims.

Presented By: Rio Laine, ALPS Insurance

Faculty: Rio Laine

Credits:
0.75 CLE Credit Hours

This is a sponsored lunch seminar. A free box lunch is included for seminar attendees.

This presentation provides a behind-the-scenes look at how cases of all sizes are built, developed, and positioned for maximum value. Led by experienced trial attorneys, it emphasizes preparing every case for trial to achieve substantial verdicts and meaningful settlements that can create life-changing outcomes for clients. Attendees will also gain practical strategies for identifying insurance bad faith and maximizing case value through preparation, persistence, and strategic execution.

Presented By: Michael Burg, Burg Simpson, Holly Kammerer, Burg Simpson, Dave TeSelle, Burg Simpson

Faculty: Michael S Burg, Holly B Kammerer, David K TeSelle

Credits:
0.75 CLE Credit Hours

Practicing in or near Indian Country requires more than knowing the statute – it requires understanding sovereignty. Three veteran tribal court judges offer a candid and practical discussion about how tribal courts operate, how to find and apply tribal law, and how recent Supreme Court decisions are reshaping the landscape. This is essential insight for lawyers whose cases touch Indian Country–even when they don’t expect them to.

Presented by: Indian Law

Chair(s): Kimberly Cromwell, Lisa J Estensen, Justine R Jimmie, Christina A Rinnert, Chase A Velasquez

Faculty: Ryan Andrews, David M Osterfeld, Brian P Utsey

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

This comprehensive program will provide attendees with tools to appeal Arizona Long Term Care System (“ALTCS”) denials effectively, from identifying the root cause to crafting persuasive appeals. This seminar will further explore how to leverage medical records, financial documentation, and program rules to advocate for a successful appeal.

Presented by: Elder Law Mental Health & Special Needs Planning Section

Chair(s): Melissa R Ahlers

Faculty: Rebecca Hall, Rachael M Mitchell

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

Modern legal billing must deliver value while also allowing practices to thrive Firms that adapt thoughtfully can increase client satisfaction while staying squarely within ethical boundaries. This session breaks down emerging billing models—including flat fees, subscriptions, limited-scope fees, and hybrids—and explores how each interacts with ethical rules, trust-accounting requirements, and disclosure obligations. Participants will learn how to evaluate these models for their own practices, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to implement new approaches sustainably and profitably.

Presented by: Practice 2.0

Chair(s): Jamie N Stankewicz

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The Wills for Heroes program came to Arizona, as a Young Lawyers Division program, after the events of 9/11. The program provides simple estate planning documents, to first responders, during an in-person appointment lasting 60-90 minutes. More than a simple "fill-in-the-blank" document, it provides 3 types of individualized documents to the first responder and spouse.

Presented by: Wills for Heroes

Chair(s): Richard L Palmatier

Faculty: Christine Faber

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
0.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The Civil Practice and Procedure Committee's seminar will be centered on updates in both the Federal and Arizona Civil Rules of Procedure, a deep dive into two pending and/or approved rule petitions, and topics related to everyday practice from a civil law perspective.

Presented by: Civil Practice and Procedure Committee

Chair(s): Timothy M Collier

Faculty: Mark W Armstrong, James J Belanger, William M Fischbach, Patience T Huntwork, George H King, William G Klain, Thomas E McCauley, John W Rogers, Patricia A Sallen, Jared Sutton, Erik Thorson

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

Eight experienced ADR practitioners will be presenting short talks on topics they are passionate about in the alternative dispute resolution world, ranging from dealing with ethics in the AI world, mediating IP disputes, and dealing with cyber scams.

Presented by: Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

Chair(s): Richard K Mahrle

Faculty: Joseph W Berriman, Lee L Blackman, Marcia J Busching, Robert F Copple, Brent D Harris, Tricia Schafer, Maria C Speth, Andrew B Turk

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
3.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The Disciplinary & Diversion Program Options and Considerations CLE plans to focus on the regulation and disciplinary processes and pathway options for licensed professionals, with a primary focus on healthcare professionals. The program will highlight disciplinary actions and alternatives to discipline that may be available to licensees. This is anticipated to include those as a result of agency complaints and/or via substance abuse and/or mental health concerns.

Presented by: Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice Section

Chair(s): Jodi A Bain, Teressa M Sanzio, Sara P Stark, John H Sundt

Faculty: Mona E Baskin, Raquel Rivera, Carrie H Smith, Michel Sucher

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

This program will explore the complex interplay between Arizona community property law and probate law, particularly when the two intersect and transmutation of assets can occur. Attendees will examine issues related to property characterization and will learn how these property rights can be impacted (whether intentionally or unintentionally) through estate planning and probate-related actions. Attendees will learn practical strategies to identify and address issues related to this intersection and will learn to protect and advocate for client interests. This presentation will include an in-depth discussion regarding issues of capacity that arise in both the family law and probate-related areas so that practitioners can learn to identify when capacity issues exist and best practices to address those issues.

Presented by: Family Law Section

Chair(s): Sally M Colton, Jennika N Stith

Faculty: Randi L Burnett, Taylor House, Jay M Polk, David Weinstock

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

As technology advances, the manipulation of digital content has become more sophisticated and accessible than ever. It is now easier to generate or alter photos, videos, audio recordings, and even handwriting, raising critical questions about the integrity of evidence presented in legal proceedings. With the rise of AI-generated content, we must consider how these advancements can potentially compromise the reliability of evidence in court. This presentation addresses the need for legal professionals to understand and respond to the challenges posed by AI manipulation. We will explore whether our existing authentication rules are sufficient to withstand the complexities introduced by AI-generated evidence.

Presented by: Indian Law

Chair(s): Kimberly Cromwell, Lisa J Estensen, Justine R Jimmie, Christina A Rinnert, Chase A Velasquez

Faculty: Brian M Chase

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

This judicial panel offers attorneys the opportunity to hear directly from the bench on how judicial officers approach common and complex matters in probate court. Attendees will gain insight into judicial expectations related to probate matters, including, but not limited to, court filings, courtroom conduct, and evidentiary hearings. The panel will explore contested guardianships, fiduciary conflicts, and ethical dilemmas, highlighting what is persuasive and not so persuasive.

Presented by: Elder Law Mental Health & Special Needs Planning Section

Chair(s): Melissa R Ahlers

Faculty: Sandra M Bensley, Dean M Fink, John D Napper, Vanessa N Smith

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours

Modern law practice runs on software — but every click of “I agree” carries ethical considerations. This session breaks down what lawyers must know about terms of service, data practices, AI features, confidentiality risks, and vendor relationships in the tools they use every day. Participants will learn how to interpret key contract provisions, spot ethical red flags, and implement a workable review process that protects clients and keeps the firm compliant. Attendees leave with practical, immediately usable guidance for safely integrating technology into their practice.

Presented by: Practice 2.0

Chair(s): Jamie N Stankewicz

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

When the legal community connects with educators and America’s future leaders, everyone wins. Legal professionals stay connected to the younger generation in K-12 classrooms and learn what is important to that generation and their families. This knowledge strengthens the legal practice by seeing the world through the challenges of their local community. K-12 students gain helpful knowledge and career possibilities. This interactive session will share strategies to enter the classroom and encourage meaningful conversation, as well as providing tools that enable the legal professional to draw on their own knowledge in an engaging manner for students.

Presented by: Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts and The Arizona Bar Foundation

Chair(s): Mark McCall

Faculty: Jennifer Castro, Roxanne K Song Ong, Andrea Viel

Credits:
1.50 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

1. Cybersecurity Considerations for Legal Professionals 2. Ethical Considerations for using AI and Alternative Billing Models 3. AI and the Future of Law Practice. What’s Next? 4. Redefining the role of associates in the AI driven law firm 5. Protecting Privacy in the age of AI 6. Evaluating AI Tools: A Practical Checklist for Legal Professionals 7. Data Center Regulations and Compliance 8. The AI-Savvy Client: Rethinking Legal Services in a DIY Tech Era 9. Choosing the Right AI: General-Purpose vs. Custom Legal Tools

Presented by: Technology Working Group

Chair(s): Jennifer B Fite

Faculty: Gideon Esakoff, David M Fogg, Joshua A Grischkan, Sean Harrington, David Kinsey, Jim W Ko, David Norlin, Jamie N Stankewicz

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

This session will discuss important recent changes and developments in the law of evidence, including recent significant cases addressing evidentiary issues, recent changes to the Arizona Rules of Evidence, and forthcoming changes to those rules. The session will highlight the ongoing work of the Arizona Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Rules of Evidence. Per tradition, the session will include a discussion of a small number of recent significant cases addressing evidence issues and recent and proposed rule changes; it will also involve interactive evidentiary hypotheticals with polling software built-in for participants to use along with panel discussion of the responses.

Presented by: Arizona Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Evidence

Chair(s): Erik Thorson

Faculty: Peter Akmajian, Sandra M Bensley, Michael F Kelly, Mikel P Steinfeld

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

Experienced construction lawyers talk about how to triage and take the first steps in construction cases to help get clients out of code blue and on a path to health. Topics include: • Intake and conflict considerations • Early factual development and issue spotting • Assembling the right team (client, counsel, and experts) • Document and data gathering and management • A discussion of available civil remedies and their uses and pitfalls • Developing an overall case strategy to get the client out of the ER

Presented by: Construction Law Section

Chair(s): Nelson A Mixon, Barry A Willits

Faculty: Richard G Erickson, David E Koval, M S McCoy

Credits:
2.00 CLE Credit Hours
0.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

This seminar will review important changes impacting the practice of immigration law. Attendees will learn about the procedural and legal requirements of filing a petition for Habeas Corpus for non-citizens. The seminar will also review recent BIA case precedent to keep practitioners aware of the current legal interpretations and burdens of proof. Attendees will also learn about how policy changes impact the processing and adjudication of inadmissibility waivers and naturalization. The seminar intends to provide the knowledge and tools to make sure you best represent non-citizens and protect their rights in an ever-changing environment.

Presented by: Immigration Law Section

Chair(s): Gabriel G Leyba, Sabrina Perez-Arleo, Pace W Rawlins

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours

Join your colleagues for an engaging seminar that will start with a presentation by featured speaker Sean Harrington about the latest developments in generative artificial intelligence, including what it can and cannot do for lawyers now, and what it is likely to (or may reasonably be expected to) do in the future. The initial presentation will be followed by two discussion panels, moderated by Mr. Harrington, featuring legal professionals in practice and on the bench experienced in using generative AI. The panels will discuss effective and ethical ways to use generative AI in practice, highlight the pitfalls, and explain how to be sure you are getting the most out of this transformational tool.

Presented by: The Member Services Division of the State Bar of Arizona, and Practice 2.0

Faculty: David B Gass, Sean Harrington, Emily Statham

Credits:
2.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

What happens when you mix a group of investors who have poured money into a real estate investment touted to be “no risk, high return” with a real estate development that is doomed from its inception and plagued with problems? Join us to find out as our lively panel walks you through the resulting explosion of litigation, competing claims and defenses, recent case law, and drafting errors to avoid.

Presented by: Real Property Law Section

Chair(s): Kathleen D Fox

Faculty: Mark J Giunta, William A Kozub, John T Lotardo, Patricia A Premeau

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

In Autumn, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, which outlines the SEC’s rulemaking priorities under the leadership of the current Administration and Chairman Paul Atkins. This seminar explains key aspects of the Agenda that are important for new and experienced lawyers alike. As Chairman Atkins noted in his statement accompanying the issuance of the Agenda, “it is a new day at the [SEC]", thus, reflecting that there are many changes of which lawyers who represent public companies must be aware. The Agenda highlights a significant shift in focus toward deregulatory and disclosure simplification actions, as well as crypto assets and crypto-market structure rulemaking reforms, and away from environmental, social, and governance-related (ESG) topics and more. The panel will also analyze and address some current and anticipated challenges to aspects of the Agenda.

Presented by: Securities Regulation Law Section

Chair(s): Ann-Marie Anderson

Faculty: Charles R Berry

Credits:
3.00 CLE Credit Hours
0.50 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

Our speakers will delve into prevalent subject matters that many employment lawyers encounter in their practice. The seminar will provide updates on the rapidly changing environment for immigration law, evaluate drug testing policies related to marijuana in the workplace, compare the PWFA to the ADA, explore social media use in the workplace and in litigation, and discuss practical tips for handling whistleblower claims. This seminar is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively address these issues and advance their practice.

Presented by: Employment and Labor Law Section

Chair(s): Audrey E Chastain, Joanna Rivers, Shayna F Watts, Desalina Williams

Faculty: Maurice H Goldman, Haley A Harrigan, Richard J Harris, Brendan A Melander, Roscoe J Mutz, Katya L Norris, Benjamin A Nucci, Tarik H Sultan, Emma D Wells

Credits:
6.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

This program offers an exploration of the intersections between law, mind, family, and wealth. Sessions will address working with clients of diminished capacity and collaborating with neuropsychologists, navigating situs and jurisdictional challenges in trust and estate administration, and learning about income and tax strategies in modern trust structures. Attendees will gain practical and technical insights to strengthen their litigation, administration, and estate planning practices in an increasingly sophisticated landscape.

Presented by: Probate and Trust Law Section

Chair(s): Salim A Shleef, Lauren R Talkington

Faculty: Ashley L Case, Danielle Eagan, Andrea B O'Neill, Debra J Polly, Kevin W Wright

Credits:
6.00 CLE Credit Hours
1.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours

The Bankruptcy Section's full-day CLE program will focus on the changes occurring in Arizona bankruptcy practice and specifically focus on emerging issues in both the commercial and consumer arena. The full day program will also cover emerging topics and best practices for young lawyers. The Bankruptcy Section is focusing on emerging legal issues in a changing world by creating interactive presentations that will teach the Bar about changes to the law and the practice of law. Presentations will be delivered by esteemed members of the Bankruptcy Section, the current Bankruptcy Judges, and a recognized scholar. The morning program will include two consumer and two commercial breakout sessions, and the afternoon program will include an hour on ethics presented by the American Bankruptcy American Inn of Court, a program on the State of the Bankruptcy Court, and the implementation of changes to the Local Rules, and the Judges' roundtable.

Presented by: Bankruptcy Law Section

Chair(s): Janel M Glynn, Michael A Jones, Maria D Mathus

Faculty: Jamie Averch, Eddward P Ballinger, Anthony P Cali, Daniel P Collins, Scott H Gan, John A Harris, Scott W Hyder, Dianne C Kerns, Alondra Lopez Barrera, William E Markov, Brenda K Martin, Wayne B Mortensen, Elizabeth A Naff, Harvey Newquist, Zachary A Phillips, Stacy M Porche, Nancy Rapoport, Paul Sala, Bryce A Suzuki, Lisa C Thompson, Madeleine C Wanslee, Brenda M Whinery

Credits:
6.00 CLE Credit Hours
2.00 CLE Ethics Credit Hours