The Chester County Bar Association offers several CLE programs at its West Chester location. The list below are the courses currently scheduled and are subject to change. For courses offered by PBI, you can register and pay for the course by clicking on the link which leads to PBI's website. For courses without a link, you must contact the Chester County Bar Association to sign up.

For a list of PBI Seminars being held at the Chester County Bar Association, click here.

To sign up for our mailing list to be informed when a new CCBA CLE is available, enter your information below:

To register for a course, or check on availability, contact our CLE coordinator Lillian Taliercio, at 610.692.1889 or ltaliercio@chescobar.org.

For directions to the Chester County Bar Association, click here to enter your address and receive customized driving directions.

 

Thursday, July 29th, 2010 - PBI: Piercing the Corporate Veil
Whether you are a plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer or a commercial litigator looking for the "deep pocket" to collect a judgment, a defense attorney who represents small corporations, or an attorney who counsels small businesses, this course is a must-attend. While the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil is not new, new developments in the law have broadened its application in ways that practitioners need to understand. As a tool for the personal injury attorney and, increasingly, the commercial litigator, it is a way to reach the assets of a wealthier parent corporation or an individual. 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM


 

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 - PBI: Pension Problems, Pitfalls and Solutions
Retirement Plans are one of the most important marital assets subject to equitable distribution upon divorce. The present value of a pension can vary widely depending on the assumptions made about interest rates, mortality, and many other factors. The division of a pension pursuant to a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) will vary depending on whether the plan is an ERISA qualified plan or not. Family Lawyers who are knowledgeable about these issues will be more effective in representing their clients. This course will present these pension issues from the perspective of the equitable distribution Master, the pension expert, and the family law practitioner. Hear from Masters across the State about the most common pension disputes that come before them and how they decide them. Learn from pension experts about present value calculations and QDROs for ERISA and non-ERISA plans such as Pennsylvania’s State employees and teachers plans and the federal civil service plans, CSRS and FERS. 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM


 

Thursday, August 5th, 2010 - PBI: A Day on Real Estate
Geared for experienced real estate attorneys, this course offers you 6 one-hour sessions on a variety of topics taught by seasoned professionals. You’ll be treated to some of the most popular sessions from PBI’s recent Real Estate Institute. Each hour you`ll hear a different real estate topic presented by different speakers. With 10-minute breaks between each session, you`ll move quickly through the day as you pick up a wealth of practical information, tips, and insights into the varied legal issues you need to know. It’s a perfect way to be updated on some of the hottest real estate topics of the year. 9:00 AM - 4:10 PM


 

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 - PBI: Electronic Discovery
As electronic information grows more and more prevalent, so do the challenges (and opportunities) of e-discovery for attorneys, their clients and the courts. This course – skillfully presented by former U.S. Magistrate Judge Ron Hedges – focuses on discovery of information that is generated and stored in complex systems. Requests for such information, and disputes arising from the preservation and production of electronic information, have become common in the federal civil justice system and, increasingly, in state courts. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM


 

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 - PBI: Officer and Director Liability
An overview of the fiduciary duties of officers and directors, come learn about director and officer liability from our expert panel. Our panel will examine the fundamental duties owed and how these duties become relevant in litigation. 9:00 PM - 12:30 PM


 

Thursday, August 12th, 2010 - PBI: Forfeitures & Return of Property Proceedings
Your client receives notice that his or her house, car, boat or money is going to be taken by the Commonwealth. What can you do? In this course, you’ll learn how to handle forfeiture and return of property cases from beginning to end. You’ll get a practical overview of the entire process from initial seizure of property through motions, through civil proceedings, and even through trial and appeals. 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM


 

Monday, August 16th, 2010 - PBI: Open Source Software Licensing
When the open source software model came into being, few could have imagined the impact that this unique licensing structure would have had on the world of programming. Today, open source software is commonly used in a variety of areas. Those who practice intellectual property law or technology law would do well to be familiar with the unique licensing arrangements that often come along with the nature of open source software. This program will help you to understand some of the key issues you need to know in this advanced area of practice. 12:00 PM - 4:15 PM


 

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 - PBI: Finding Hidden Assets
Finding income and assets hidden by the other spouse is an important challenging task for the divorce lawyer. Critical to one's success in finding the "buried treasure" is a sophisticated knowledge of what to look for and where to look. What are the telltale clues indicating hidden assets and income? Once you have the tax returns and financial statements, how do you read them? This half-day course is a veritable "treasure map." Taught by one of Philadelphia's most notable divorce lawyers and CPAs, this course will tell you in simple terms what you need to look for, how to look for it, and what to do with it. Take advantage of our experienced faculty, and learn what tips them off to hidden assets. Learn how to compare time periods. Become aware of how numbers are sometimes manipulated to disguise an individual's financial picture. 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM


 

Thursday, August 19th, 2010 - PBI: The New Wave of Title Problems & How to Solve Them
Massive foreclosures and losses in property value have spurred numerous claims by lenders for coverage under their title policies. Additionally, lenders are filing claims against title insurers under Closing Protection Letters, alleging the insurer is responsible for losses not covered by title insurance, particularly in the context of mortgage fraud. Understanding what title policies and closing protection letters do and do not cover and when a title insurer is liable for the actions of its agents will help you as a practitioner know when to bring a claim and when not to. In addition, tips on what coverage to ask for in handling closings right now will be provided. 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM


 

Thursday, August 19th, 2010 - PBI: Wills v. Trusts: A Primer on The Right Tool for Your Clients
Which is best for my client — a will or a revocable trust? Too often, a client comes into your office wanting to avoid probate; however, that is often not the best course of action. How do you know which estate planning method to use? What are the benefits and downsides of using one over the other? What are the differences between a will and a revocable trust? When should you use one or the other? Join us to learn the answer to these questions — and more! 12:15 PM - 4:30 PM


 

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 - PBI: Internet Law Update
When Internet Law Update was first presented, the Internet was still a curiosity as opposed to the absolute necessity it is today. Once cutting edge technology, now the Internet is the main communications medium for the world and is ubiquitous in every form of legal practice. Unfortunately, as dependency on the Internet has increased, attorneys have been left to find and continuously smooth out the bumps and cracks in what once was called the "Information Superhighway" in order to protect their clients. 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM


 

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 - PBI: Ethics Potpourri--An Attorney’s Work and Taran’s Wanderings: Lessons for Lawyers from the Chronicles of Prydain
As the forces of evil marshal their ranks to destroy all that is good in the Kingdom of Prydain, author Lloyd Alexander calls upon an odd assortment of heroes to battle back the impending darkness. Join Professor Lee as he blends the adventures of real-life lawyers with Alexander¹s journey through a magical land, inspired by Welsh mythology, to discover what a bard, a beast, and an assistant pig-keeper can offer real-life lawyers about the challenges, lessons, and rewards of their work. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM


 

Thursday, August 26th, 2010 - PBI: Ethics Potpourri--Ethical Considerations for Marketing Your Law Practice with Social Networking Sites
Let’s face it. You know that understanding Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and a cavalcade of social networking sites is critical to the practice of law in 2010. This session focuses on the ethics issues and rules of professional responsibility as they relate to the marketing and business development aspects of your law practice. What issues should you be aware of when delving into social networking sites (SNS) as a way of generating business opportunities? How have different states reacted and interpreted SNS as compared to general advertising, web sites, blogs and comparable media? 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM


 

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 - PBI: Ethics Potpourri--Strategic Approaches for Stress, Substance Abuse and Depression
You are concerned about a colleague but are unsure what to do, if anything. Something is wrong but perhaps he or she does not appear to be professionally impaired. A call to LCL can help answer your questions and devise a plan that is best suited to address your needs and the situation at hand. Join LCL in an interactive discussion on how to help the stressed out colleague, the one who may have an alcohol or drug problem and the lawyer who is depressed. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM


 

Monday, September 6th, 2010 - Labor Day - CLOSED


 

Friday, September 10th, 2010 - CCBA CLE: Mandatory Custody Mediation Seminar
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM


 

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010 - PBI: From File to Trial: 8 Keys to Success in Court & Beyond
Fewer than 5% of cases that are filed go to trial. Attorneys with actual trial experience are a rare commodity. Those attorneys that are willing to go to trial (a minority) and are good at it (a fraction of that minority) get better offers for their clients in the 95% of the cases that do not go to trial. Mark A. Drummond was a successful trial lawyer for two decades and has spent the last decade doing one thing—presiding over jury and bench trials. Combining his own experience with his jury surveys he brings to you persuasion techniques that you can use from the day the case comes into your office to verdict. Drummond brings cutting edge persuasion tools with techniques he has acquired through his training around the world combined with ideas from outside the courtroom. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM


 

Thursday, October 7th, 2010 - PBI: Gaming Law Update
The popular annual Gaming Law Update will address the status of gaming and the licensing process, changes to the Gaming Act made by the January 2010 amendments, and regulatory revisions. Members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and attorneys actively involved in representing parties in the gaming industry will discuss the current status of gaming, the laws and regulations that govern it, and how those wanting to do business with casinos should proceed. 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM


 

Thursday, October 14th, 2010 -- Saturday, October 16th, 2010 - Fall Bench Bar Conference
at Bedford Springs


 

Thursday, October 28th, 2010 - PBI: Family Caregiver Contracts and Use of Real Estate for Elder Law Attorneys
More and more elderly are choosing to live at home or with family members. However, without proper planning these decisions can create unintended tax and Medicaid eligibility problems. The family care contract is an increasingly popular and effective means for insuring that your clients’ goals are being met. In this course, you will explore the advantages and disadvantages of family caregiver agreements. You will learn how they work and pick up great drafting tips. Real estate titling issues will also be addressed. From life estates to reverse mortgages, you will gain a solid understanding of when and how to title real estate to best meet your clients’ objectives. The emphasis will be on practical, "real world" problems and solutions. 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM


 

Friday, November 12th, 2010 - PBI: UM/UIM
This is a BASIC level course, intended for those who occasionally handle automobile accident cases and those who are new to the practice area. It will provide a primer on understanding uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage in insurance policies and help you to identify whether you are taking a case that has the potential for a significant recovery…or not. UM/UIM coverage is a key aspect of automobile insurance coverage. If the plaintiff you represent has suffered injuries, and the tortfeasor responsible has no insurance or only the minimum insurance coverages, chances are you are going to need to figure out whether and what UM/UIM coverage is available to your client. 12:00 PM - 3:15 PM


 

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010 - PBI: 14th Annual Family Law Update
The most successful lawyers in family law practice are those who are best prepared. For over a decade, hundreds of lawyers who practice family law have attended Family Law Update each year to catch up on the latest trends, including the newest case law, legislation, and procedural rules. These lawyers realize that knowing the most recent developments can make all the difference in litigation strategy and settlement negotiations, giving them an edge over opponents. 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM


 

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 - PBI: Financial Fraud
For the first time, PBI brings you a seminar that teaches you specifically how to look for the RED FLAGS in accounting practices and documents. More than just a review of how to read a financial statement, this seminar will help attorneys learn to identify fraud and error in financial documents and accounting records. Whether you represent parties to a divorce, a business client acquiring or selling a business, or handle personal injury litigation and are seeking to find the "deep pocket," the faculty of expert accounting professionals will give you the key ways to recognize fraud, deceit and inconsistencies in financial records. By learning to identify some clues to unethical accounting practices, you will learn when it makes sense to retain an accounting professional and how to discover whether the "books have been cooked"! 12:00 PM - 4:15 PM


 

Friday, December 17th, 2010 - PBI: Municipal Liability Actions
Many actions against municipalities under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act are litigated in Pennsylvania each year. This seminar will provide the general practitioner with an overview of the Act as well as an update on current issues and developments in municipal tort liability under the various exceptions to the general rule of local agency immunity. The faculty panel will also address the most recent important cases affecting municipal liability as well as the rise of state-created danger claims and other tactics used to avoid immunity. 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM


 

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 - PBI: 2010 Criminal Law Update
Come and update your knowledge of criminal law and procedure to increase your ability to effectively handle criminal litigation or use this course to build a foundation in criminal practice. This course will address the emerging issues facing criminal practitioners and discuss the latest developments from the courts and the legislature. The faculty will bring you updates on recent legislation, new cases and recent rule changes and how they can impact your criminal practice. Hear the judges and practitioners discuss the "Specialty Courts" as they relate to your area. 12:00 PM - 4:15 PM


Courses subject to availability. Please contact our CLE coordinator Lillian Taliercio, at 610.692.1889 or ltaliercio@chescobar.org, to sign up for a course or verify availability.