Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Coastal Waves & Practical Law
December 8 – 14, 2024
12 CLE Hours (5.5 Ethics)
Experience Unrivaled All-Inclusive Luxury.
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December 8-14, 2024
CLEs take place on Monday & Friday
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Visiting Puerto Vallarta offers a blend of tropical beach paradise, rich cultural experiences, and vibrant nightlife, making it a unique destination for travelers. Nestled on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this resort town is renowned for its stunning beaches, such as Playa de los Muertos, which is popular for sunbathing and water sports, and the quieter, more secluded beaches along the South Bay.
The heart of Puerto Vallarta is its charming Old Town, or Zona Romántica, where cobbled streets are lined with quaint boutiques, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants serving both traditional Mexican cuisine and international dishes. The Malecón, a beachside promenade, is the lifeblood of the city’s social scene, adorned with contemporary sculptures, street performers, and vendors selling local crafts. At night, the Malecón comes alive with bars and clubs offering lively entertainment.
For nature and adventure enthusiasts, Puerto Vallarta is a gateway to eco-tours and water activities. You can go whale watching during the winter months, explore the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains, or snorkel and scuba dive around the beautiful Marietas Islands, home to hidden beaches and diverse marine life.
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
Set on a golden sand beach, Dreams® Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa offers an all-inclusive resort getaway for the whole family. Each suite overlooks Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madres. The resort provides a family getaway complete with luxurious accommodations, limitless access to gourmet food and top-shelf drinks, endless activities for guests on the beach or tours in the nearby mountains.
WHERE:
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
4 miles from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
LOCAL EXCURSIONS
Visit the area at your leisure.
- There are so many choices for fun & adventure!
- We're here to help you plan your trip. Just ask!
- MARY DESPAIN, Destination Specialist
- 907-231-2111
- explore@destinationcles.com
Featured Speakers
Matthew McKeown Senior Attorney
Matthew J. McKeown is a Senior Attorney with the Yuma County, Arizona, Office of Legal Defender. Previously, he was the Senior Conflict Public Defender for Bannock County, Idaho. Prior to that, Mr . McKeown enjoyed a 19-year federal career where he held national leadership positions in both the United States Department of Justice and the United States Department of the Interior. Mr. McKeown began his legal career as a Deputy Attorney General for the state of
Idaho for seven years. Matt is a frequent speaker and a recognized authority on a variety of legal and litigation subjects, including attorney ethics.
Jim Bannon Owner of The Bannon Law Group, LLC
Jim Bannon graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 2006 and immediately began as a full-time prosecutor.
Initially licensed in Arizona in 2006, Jim continued to serve the public as an Assistant Solicitor in the 14th Judicial Circuit which covers Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. In that time, Jim has tried over twenty jury trials to verdict.
While working as a prosecutor, Jim was embedded with the Drug Team Task Force for the Mohave County Attorney’s Office and helped to found the Career Criminal Team for the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
After years of public service as a lawyer in the prosecutor’s office, Jim shifted his focus to the private practice of law in the Bluffton, Beaufort, Ridgeland, Hardeeville, and Hilton Head Island areas as a criminal defense lawyer and trial attorney in 2013. Jim also practices as a criminal defense lawyer in the Federal District Court of South Carolina.
Since entering private practice, Jim has handled high-profile state and federal criminal matters including DUIs, drug trafficking, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, malicious injury to personal property, and murder.
Meredith Bannon Partner at The Bannon Law Group, LLC
Meredith Bannon entered private practice in 2013 after spending 7 years working as a prosecutor in Arizona and at the 14th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s office in Bluffton, SC. She obtained a Bachelor of Science cum laude in Business Management and Sociology from Tulane University. After graduation, she attended the University of Miami School of Law where she met her husband, Jim, who is also her law partner. Meredith is admitted to practice in Washington DC, Georgia, South Carolina, and U.S. District Court-South Carolina.
She is an active member of the Hilton Head Bar Association, The Beaufort Bar Association, and the MS Society. Meredith serves as a new lawyer mentor with the South Carolina Bar Association and has presented continuing legal education seminars to the Hilton Head Bar Association. Meredith was a 7 year Board Member for Hopeful Horizons of the Lowcountry, LLC.
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Sunday, December 8, 2024
ARRIVAL
Transportation to hotel from airport
Upon your arrival in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and specifically to the Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort, take the opportunity to unwind and explore at a leisurely pace. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta by taking a gentle stroll along the picturesque Malecón boardwalk, where the ocean views will captivate your senses. Engage with the friendly locals, who are more than happy to recommend the best spots for authentic Mexican cuisine or a cozy café to savor some traditional Mexican coffee. Remember, the check-in time at Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort is 4 pm, giving you ample time to soak in the initial flavors and sights of this enchanting destination.
7:00 p.m.
Informal Meet and Greet at the hotel.
Welcome Reception includes an open bar with a bartender and hors d’oeuvres station for one hour.
Monday, December 9, 2024
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Ethical Issues Involving Substance Abuse in the Legal Profession: The Challenge of a Life in the Bar (2 Ethics)
Matthew McKeown
The available objective information about the percentage of legal practitioners who self-identify as having a substance abuse problem is very troubling. When instances of unreported substance abuse are factored in too, a reasonable person can conclude that the legal profession is a profession with a problem. This session will review the lawyer-specific data, provide some non-specialist information about the nature of addiction generally and use interactive scenarios linked to ethics rules to equip lawyers with tools the next time they find themselves confronted with an employee, colleague or even themselves where it is truly “Always 5 O’Clock Somewhere.”
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
BREAK
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Lawyers in Film —the Good, the Bad and the Unethical (2 Ethics)
Jim & Meredith Bannon
Countless films across the years are based on controversies in legal ethics. We’ll watch parts of several movies, including 12 Angry Men, My Cousin Vinny, and many more. Then, we’ll dive into the analysis and enjoy discussing it as a group. For example, did the characters actually violate the law? Were their acts defensible, even excusable? How might they have better protected themselves? And come with your own favorite ethical quandaries from film.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
ALL DAY
Enjoy a free day for independent activities
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Criminal Law Basics for Practitioners
Matthew McKeown
The most common practice model for U.S. based attorneys is the “Main Street” lawyer who does some real estate and estate planning work, some family law and…a little bit of criminal law. But criminal law is a different sort of beast. It is a world filled with police, jails, prison guards, probation officers, treatment facilities AND potentially dangerous clients. It has its own titles in State codes and its own procedural rules. And even the most serious felony cases move at lightning speed compared to the simplest of civil matters. If the practice of law is viewed, as it should be, as a collegial presentation of competing advocacy to reach the truth, then criminal law is its street brawling cousin. This session will provide a guide for the occasional practitioner of criminal law presented by an expert who’s full time job is to provide felony criminal defense for clients along the Arizona Mexico border.
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Preventing Fraud on Your Firm
Meredith Bannon
Law firms are an increasingly common target for cyber-crimes and wire fraud. We’ll discuss many of the common schemes, steps you can take to prevent them, and what to do should you fall victim. This presentation will be practical and also full of information to get you updated on the dangers of today’s law firm practice.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Truths About Business Development for Law Firms
Meredith Bannon
Every law firm is a business. Our speakers have continuously succeeded in business development for their legal practices for over 18 years and will share their key steps, successes, and failures. Unlike some business development presentations, this one will focus on what really works, and emphasize what doesn’t.
4:00 p.m.
Alma by Rhythms of the Night Excursion
Dive into a sensory journey with ALMA by Rhythms of the Night, an ode to the deep spiritual connection with nature and wildlife.
Kick off your magical evening with a sunset cruise across the serene Banderas Bay, complete with an open bar, leading you to the secluded beach paradise of Las Caletas, accessible only by sea.
As night falls, indulge in a romantic buffet dinner under the stars, nestled in our hillside open-air dining rooms and terraces. Your meal, illuminated by candlelight, is enhanced by the melodic harmony of a string trio and a vocalist, serenading you with traditional Mexican melodies.
The pinnacle of the evening is our open-air amphitheater show, where you’ll be enveloped in the captivating tale of Alma. Through a blend of acrobatics, original music, and dynamic special effects, the story unfolds, promising an unforgettable experience.
Experience the enchantment of Puerto Vallarta with ALMA by Rhythms of the Night, the ultimate highlight of your vacation.
Thursday, December 12, 2024
ALL DAY
Free day at your leisure - excursions available, please inquire.
Friday, December 13, 2024
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Legal Outsourcing to Foreign Support - Benefits and Pitfalls (.5 Ethics)
Jim & Meredith Bannon
Outsourcing work is an effective and economical solution. But it can also be rife with legal ethics concerns, management issues, and communication inefficiencies. Our presenters will hit on each of these, discussing how firms of any size can fully address these to take advantage of the significant value-add that outsourcing offers.
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Break
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Mental Health for Lawyers (.5 ethics)
Jim & Meredith Bannon
Most lawyers face burnout on a regular basis. Our presenters will speak from personal experience on “falling apart without falling apart.” How do you keep sane, prevent burnout, and maintain balance in your daily life? This will be a practical presentation that also considers the ethical considerations of working with clients when you’re “beyond your bandwidth.”
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Lawyers and Evolving Cannabis Laws (.5 ethics)
Jim Bannon
Cannabis laws continue to evolve quickly, affecting the advice lawyers should be giving. Like other fast-moving areas, this presents ethical concerns for lawyers. And because it relates to drugs, other legal ethics issues are raised. We’ll discuss these, the evolving rules, and the impact on constitutional protections for your clients.
11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
BREAK
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Working Relationships - Keeping Sanity in the Office
Jim & Meredith Bannon
Even two-person offices have interpersonal conflict. In this presentation we’ll discuss how to protect relationships at the law firm office even while working in a high-stakes environment on highly personal issues. This is one of those topics that everyone knows is important, but doesn’t spend the time to get right. And the consequences are huge.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
MORNING
Transportation to airport provided
After breakfast you will find your transportation van ready to take you to the airport.
REGISTRATION PACKAGES
INCLUDED: • 12 CLE Hours • Round-Trip transportation from/to airport • Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day and 24-hour room service • Five specialty restaurants with à la carte service and one Buffet Restaurant • Unlimited International and Domestic Premium brand alcoholic beverages • Mini-bar stocked daily with beer, juice, soft drinks and bottled water • Nightly entertainment (as per Hotel Program) & Daily activities program • Four bars (including swim-up bars, beach bar and lobby bar) & Coco Café • Fitness center with top quality sports equipment, Tennis Court (Clinics are not included). • Taxes and gratuities
Attorney Only
One Traveler
$3,500
Attorney & Guest
Two Travelers
$4,500
While airfare is not included, our conferences deliver exceptional value with enriching experiences, quality education, and networking. We provide flight recommendations and offer travel insurance for peace of mind.
CLE ACCREDITATION
We'll secure CLE credit approval in your state AFTER you register.
If you register less than 45 days before the conference we'll instruct you on how to secure credit yourself.
Specialized credits are based on our assessment of their qualifications, subject to your state's approval.