July 12-19, 2025 CLEs take place on Sunday while at sea
Embark on an epic journey to mainland Alaska, a vast and untamed wilderness that promises adventure and awe-inspiring natural beauty. This rugged land, where mountains rise majestically and glaciers carve through the landscape, offers endless opportunities for exploration. Witness the splendor of Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, and a diverse array of wildlife, from grizzly bears to caribou. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s native peoples, learning about their deep connection with the land. Experience the exhilarating thrill of activities like dog sledding, fishing in pristine rivers, and hiking through untouched forests. The Northern Lights, a spectacular natural phenomenon, illuminate the skies with dancing colors, providing a magical backdrop for your Alaskan adventure. Mainland Alaska’s unique blend of breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences make it a destination unlike any other, perfect for those seeking a journey into the heart of nature’s grandeur.
As you set your sights on the wonders of the world, let Sapphire Princess indulge your every whim. Over 700 balconies, world-class gourmet dining and dazzling entertainment options are just the beginning of your sea-going adventure. Dance the night away, enjoy casino gaming or relax and rejuvenate body and mind at the Lotus Spa®.
Our cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess begins in Vancouver, BC, then takes us to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, and Whittier.
Visit the area at your leisure.
Originally from Macon, Georgia, Jeff Stephens holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee. He served as an enlisted Marine Corps reservist in college and law school and was later commissioned as an officer. Jeff spent 10 years on active duty as a Marine Corps judge advocate, finally retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve after 22 years of service in 2016. Jeff’s military assignments included serving as a prosecutor, defense counsel, and recruit training company commander at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, assignments as an Appellate Defense and Appellate Government attorney with the Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, and deployments to Fallujah, Iraq and to Bahrain as an operational law attorney. After leaving active duty, Jeff served for 5 years as an assistant solicitor for South Carolina’s 14th Judicial Circuit, prosecuting crimes committed in Beaufort and Jasper counties. He served for 3 years as a Beaufort County assistant public defender, and has been an attorney with the Quindlen Law Firm, P.A., since 2012. Jeff’s focus of practice is military, criminal, and criminal appellate law. He has been cited in many appellate cases.
Mary Fran Quindlen holds two bachelor’s degrees in History and English from Rutgers University. She received her law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1998, where she was a member of Women in Law and the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. Following her admission to the South Carolina Bar, Mary Fran practiced as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate serving as a Legal Assistance Attorney and Defense Counsel. She continued to serve in the United States Marine Corps Reserve until May of 2006 when she resigned her commission as a Major. After her release from active duty in 2002, Mary Fran became an Associate at Harvey & Battey, P.A. in Beaufort, South Carolina. She worked as their family law practitioner until 2005 when she opened her own practice in Beaufort. Mary Fran’s practice is concentrated in the areas of Military and Family Law, to include custody, visitation and divorce. Mary Fran is a member of the South Carolina Family Bar Inn of Courts, a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a Fellow in the International Academy of Family Lawyers. She serves on the South Carolina Bar’s Board of Governors, the South Carolina Bar’s Fee Dispute Resolution Board, and is the Chair to the South Carolina Family Law Council. Mary Fran has been qualified as an expert in South Carolina Family Courts regarding military matters related to divorce and she teaches military family law CLE’s around the country.
12:00 p.m.
Embarkation Day
Most of Canada’s imports from and exports to the Orient and Australia pass through Vancouver, Canada’s gateway to the Pacific. From the harbor entrance, spot the Lion’s Gate, made up of twin mountain peaks closely resembling crouching lions. Visitors enjoy discovering this cosmopolitan city, from the shops of Robson Street to historic Gastown.
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Division of Pensions and Retirement Accounts for America’s 3 Million Federal Employees
Mary Fran Quindlen
The federal government employs 3 million people both in and out of the United States, in a variety of jobs. These employees are often entitled to participate in a defined benefit retirement plan and these plans are varied. In this presentation, our speaker will walk us through the important nuances associated with the division of these plans in a divorce, including those relating to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS), and a smattering of questions relating to personnel policies.
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Break
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Crime and Liability on a Yacht
Jeff Stephens
The incredibly popular reality show, Below Deck, follows the lives of crews working on Yachts of the mega-rich. Our presenter will discuss what happens when all manner of legal issues arise at sea. Using the show as a starting point, he will branch out into topics of the application of criminal law and civil law at sea, jurisdiction, and the Convention on the Law of the Sea.
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Uniform Laws on Land and Sea
Mary Fran Quindlen & Jeff Stephens
Our presenters will speak on the application of U.S. Uniform Laws, from the Abandoned Property Act to the Wills Recognition Act. The speakers will discuss key acts that may apply at home, abroad or at sea. They will also address the Uniform Law Commission and its role in the creation and passage of Uniform Laws.
11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m.
Ripped from the Headlines: Legal Ethics in the News (1 Ethics)
Mary Fran Quindlen & Jeff Stephens
Listen in as our speakers delve into the biggest ethical issues in the news from the last decade. Topics such as lawyers accused of scandalous misconduct or charged with serious crimes are becoming more common in today’s climate. With each case, the landscape of legal ethics evolves. Through discussion, our presenters guide the conversation of how these issues have shaped legal practice and the field of law as a whole.
Morning
Port of Call: Ketchikan
Ketchikan was originally founded as a Native American fishery before growing during the 1898 Gold Rush to the Klondike. Much of the town’s colorful past is still evident, both in the city center and especially in the nearby Native American villages, where visitors will be enchanted by colorfully carved totem poles and the fascinating legends that surround them.
Morning
Port of Call: Juneau
Juneau, Alaska’s remote capital, sits in the state’s panhandle, at the base of 3,819-ft. Mount Roberts. It’s a popular cruise-ship stop, reachable only by boat or seaplane. A tram carries visitors 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts to an alpine area with hiking trails, wildflowers and views of Gastineau Channel.
Morning
Port of Call: Skagway
Skagway, a vibrant town in southeast Alaska, boasts a rich tapestry of history intertwined with the natural beauty of the Inside Passage. This compact city, which sprang to life during the Gold Rush of 1898, became a pivotal gateway for over 10,000 gold seekers. Today, it has transformed into a haven for visitors, offering a unique blend of historical exploration and natural wonder. The town is celebrated for its gold-rush-era buildings, now part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, allowing guests to step back in time. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the lush rainforest, historic ruins, and the invigorating mountain air. Adding to its allure, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad invites travelers on a nostalgic journey aboard vintage locomotives, providing breathtaking mountain views and a glimpse of the challenging Chilkoot trail as it ascends toward Canada. Skagway stands as a testament to its colorful past, now a bustling hub where history and nature converge.
Evening
Port of Call: Glacier Bay
Embarking on a Princess Cruise through Glacier Bay offers an unparalleled journey of discovery, where passengers witness the awe-inspiring beauty of towering glaciers and pristine wilderness from the comfort of the ship. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is alive with wildlife, from humpback whales to bald eagles, setting the stage for a day filled with natural splendor. As the ship navigates the tranquil waters, guests are treated to expert commentary on the region’s ecology and history, while the dramatic sight of glaciers calving offers a breathtaking spectacle. With cozy amenities like warm blankets and hot cocoa against the backdrop of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, the day blends educational enrichment with the luxury and relaxation of cruise travel, leaving passengers with unforgettable memories of Glacier Bay’s majestic scenery.
Evening
Port of Call: College Fjord
Many cruise ships sail through College Fjord, an inlet enclosed by more than ten glaciers. From the cruise ship, passengers will see where the glaciers meet the sea and maybe even spot sea lions resting on the ice floating in the water. Choosing a balcony stateroom will allow you to take in these breathtaking sights from the comfort of your own room.
Debarkation Day
Afternoon
Whittier is nestled at the base of mountains that line Passage Canal, a fjord that extends into Prince William Sound. The surrounding peaks are snow capped for most of the year and a glacier hangs above the town to the west. Whittier is a berry picker’s paradise with blueberries and salmon berries growing in abundance at the edge of town.
Staying in Anchorage for a day or longer? Join us for a trip to the Wildlife Conservation Center. ($)
Based on availability and promotion
Included in your cruise cabin:
Plus Beverage package | Wi-fi | Gratuities
CLE Sessions $500
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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.