Butler County Bar Association

Foundation Meeting
2024-01-30 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-02-27 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-03-26 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-04-30 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-28 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-06-25 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-07-30 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-08-27 09:00 - 10:00 UTC and 3 more dates | Butler County Bar Association Office, 240 South Main Street, Butler, PA, 16001, United States

2024 High School Mock Trial Competition
2024-02-05 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-02-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-02-07 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Butler County Courthouse, 124 West Diamond St, Butler, PA, 16001
The Young Lawyers Section is happy to announce our participation in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s 2024 High School Mock Trial Competition. The PBA Mock Trial Competition gives over 290 high school student teams from across the state the opportunity to act as lawyers and witnesses in simulated civil trials before actual judges and panels of juries. As part of the competition, students must rise above the district and regional ranks to represent our county at the state level. The team that succeeds at our local level will compete in the State Championship in Harrisburg on March 22-23, 2024. This team could go to the National Mock Trial Competition in Wilmington, Delaware on May 2-5, 2024 and compete against other state teams.
Round 1’s trials will occur: Monday, February 5, 2024, starting at 5:00 pm
Round 2’s trials will occur: Tuesday, February 6, 2024, starting at 5:00 pm
Playoff trial will occur: Wednesday, February 7, 2024, starting at 5:00 pm
The Final trial against Beaver is TBD

Technology 101 for Legal Professionals - Basic Tech Skills & Info Every Lawyer Needs to Know 2024 - Webcast
2024-02-08 09:00 - 12:15 (America/New_York)
Technology 101 for Legal Professionals – Basic Tech Skills & Info Every Lawyer Needs to Know 2024 – Webcast
Thu., Feb. 08, 2024
9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
2 sub/1 eth
Regular: $249.00
New Attorney: $125.00
to Register: https://www.pbi.org/Meetings/Meeting.aspx?ID=46141
Because every area of practice involves technology, lawyers must stay informed and understand basic technology. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Technology Committee, this three-hour program, with one hour of integrated ethics, will address key areas impacting the legal profession, including:
• Cybersecurity 101: Learn best practices for safeguarding client data, preventing cyber-attacks, and complying with legal and ethical obligations.
• Using ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence as Research & Writing Tools: Learn about artificial intelligence and how to use its power to perform legal research and prepare documents.
• Social Media 101: Clients and lawyers use social media, and its use has implications in legal proceedings. This session will explore the basics of social media and help lawyers understand how to harness its power.
• Desktop and other searches: Electronic data is only helpful if you can find it. This session will discuss desktop and other search tools to help lawyers find the information and files they need.

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-02-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-03-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-04-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-05-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 UTC and 2 more dates | Butler County Bar Association Office, 240 South Main Street, Butler, PA, 16001, United States

Defamation Libel & Slander 2024 - Webcast
2024-03-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Defamation Libel & Slander 2024 – Webcast
Tue., Mar. 12, 2024
9:00 AM Tue. – 11:00 AM
1.5 sub/0.5 eth
Regular: $149.00
New Attorney: $75.00
To Register: https://www.pbi.org/Meetings/Meeting.aspx?ID=46519
This Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course focuses on defamation law, with a spotlight on libel and slander. Defamation poses unique challenges for legal professionals, as it involves protecting individuals and entities from false statements that harm their reputation. Registrants will gain an understanding of the legal principles and contemporary issues surrounding defamation, libel, and slander.
Defamation Basics
* Understand key elements of a defamation claim
* Differentiate between libel (written or published defamation) and slander (spoken defamation)
* Examine the balance between free speech rights and the protection of reputation
Litigation Surrounding the 2020 Election
* Discuss notable cases and their implications for legal professionals
* Analyze how technology and social media impact the landscape of libel cases
Trial Publicity and Avoiding Pitfalls – Ethical Considerations
* Examine the ethical responsibilities and challenges associated with representing clients in defamation matters

What Keeps Nonprofit Lawyers Up at Night? 2024 - Webcast
2024-03-20 13:30 - 16:45 (America/New_York)
What Keeps Nonprofit Lawyers Up at Night? 2024 – Webcast
Wed., Mar. 20, 2024
1:30 PM Wed., – 4:45 PM
3 sub/0 eth
Regular: $249.00
New Attorney: $125.00
https://www.pbi.org/Meetings/Meeting.aspx?ID=46501
Join Cozen O’Connor and its ancillary business units for this CLE geared towards lawyers in the nonprofit space.
Presentation topics will include:
Cybersecurity: How to Identify & Avoid Common Nonprofit Scams
Physical Security: Ensuring Personal Safety & Protection at Home and at Work
Workplace Security: Creating a Safe Onsite Environment

Hot Topics in Disability Law: Counseling & Navigating Support Systems for Individuals with Disabilities 2024 - Webcast
2024-04-11 13:00 - 16:15 (America/New_York)
Hot Topics in Disability Law: Counseling & Navigating Support Systems for Individuals with Disabilities 2024 – Webcast
Thu., Apr. 11, 2024
1:00 PM – 4:15 PM
3 sub/0 eth
Regular: $249.00
New Attorney: $125.00
https://www.pbi.org/Meetings/Meeting.aspx?ID=46475
This program will cover the latest updates in regard to planning for individuals with disabilities with a particular focus on the differences between planning for a minor child with special needs versus an adult (from ages 18 to 65). The transition process from the education system to the adult system for individuals with disabilities (MHID) will be discussed, along with recent trends in guardianships. The course will provide an overview of public benefits and essential planning techniques for families and individuals with disabilities including Special Needs Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Letters of Intent.

#12108 Artificial Intelligence and Its Influence in Society 2024 – 2.5 substantive/.5 ethics credits
2024-11-12 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Butler County Bar Association Office, 240 South Main Street, Butler, PA, 16001, United States
#12108 Artificial Intelligence and Its Influence in Society 2024 – 2.5 substantive/.5 ethics credits
https://www.pbi.org/product/artificial-intelligence-and-its-influence-in-society-2024/
This program is eligible for 3 hours of CLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics, in 60-minute states. In 50-minute states, this program is eligible for 3.6 hours of CLE credit, including 1.2 ethics. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.
Overview
Get ready to venture into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where Artificial Intelligence reigns supreme, reshaping the fabric of society and commerce. Join Professor Sam Hodge on a journey through the fundamentals of AI, unravel its intricate workings, and behold its myriad applications across domains including law, medicine, and business. Glimpse into the intriguing legal and ethical quandaries stirred by this groundbreaking technology.
Professor Hodge promises an exciting exploration—why wait to register?
• Understand the differences between artificial intelligence, algorithms, generative AI, and chatbots.
• Explore the innerworkings of facial recognition technology, license plate readers, targeted advertising, robotic surgery, and programs that will predict the outcome of litigation.
• Ethical concerns mount as AI takes on bigger and bigger roles: Gain an appreciation for the unique legal and ethical questions raised by AI.
About Sam Hodge
Samuel Hodge, Jr., a risk, actuarial sciences, and legal studies professor at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, has received multiple teaching awards for his interactive and innovative teaching style. Sam has been the featured speaker at more than 500 conferences and programs for attorneys, judges, physicians, insurance professionals, and governmental agencies on medical/legal issues around the world. Sam is also one of the most published scholars on medical/legal matters in the United States.
Faculty
Samuel Hodge Jr., Esq.

#12034 Land Use Institute 2024 – 6 substantive/1 ethics credits
2024-11-18 09:00 - 17:10 (America/New_York)
November 18 – 9:00 am to 5:10 pm – #12034 Land Use Institute 2024 – 6 substantive/1 ethics credits
Land Use Institute 2024

This program is eligible for 7 hours of CLE credit in 60-minute states. In 50-minute states, this program is eligible for 8.4 hours of CLE credit. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.
Overview
Changing populations, economies and land use patterns present regulatory and community planning challenges for public officials at all levels. This Institute is designed to help land use practitioners tackle those challenges head-on. Our experienced faculty will examine significant trends, recent case law, recent legislation, regional development patterns and regulatory changes that will impact real estate development in the Commonwealth both now and for years to come.
This year’s topics include:
• Case Law Updates
• Legislative Update – Zoning and Land Use Topics
• Tips to Prepare and Applications to Zoning Hearing Boards
• Validity Challenges for Unique and Evolving Land Uses
• Updates on the Permit and Approval Process for PennDOT HOP, PennDOT Utility Permits, DEP NPDES Permit, County Conservation District E&S Approvals, DEP General Permits, and the Planning Module Approval and Exemption Process.
• Ethics: A Short Guide on How to Stay out of the Newspapers
• The Evolving Law as to Vacation Rentals, Student Housing and Group Homes
