2025 Costa Rica

Jungle Vibes, Legal Minds

December 04-12, 2025 | 10 CLE Hours

Nature, adventure, and vibrant culture come together seamlessly in Costa Rica.

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Countdown to Your Eduvacation^SM

CLE Packages

ATTORNEY ONLY

$6,400

One Traveler - 1 CLE Pass

ATTORNEY & GUEST

$8,900

Two Travelers - 1 CLE Pass

TWO ATTORNEYS

$9,900

Two Travelers - 2 CLE Passes

Our CLE sessions are designed to meet the requirements of all U.S. jurisdictions. Accreditation is typically finalized after registration, but approval is consistently secured.

More Info

Included:

8 Nights Hotel Stay
8 Breakfasts
1 Lunch | 5 Dinners | 1 Reception
Airport Transports
Travel Insurance
CLE Sessions for 1

Accommodations

Featured Accommodations

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari, San Jose
Mountain Paradise Resort & Spa, Arenal
El Establo Hotel, Monteverde Cloud Forest
Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste

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EXPERIENCES

There are so many choices for fun & adventure!

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Conference Schedule

Print Schedule

December 01-03, 2025

Includes: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 1 – Arrival in San José
Begin your Costa Rican adventure with an overnight stay in the vibrant capital city of San José. Settle in and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2 – Journey to Tortuguero National Park
Depart San José in the morning via private transportation, traveling to the dock where you’ll board an open-air boat for a scenic ride through lush canals into Tortuguero, often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica.”
This soft-adventure jungle experience offers the chance to spot an array of wildlife including macaws, sloths, monkeys, and falcons.
Check into an eco-lodge designed in harmony with nature, where locally sourced meals are infused with Caribbean flair and breezes from ceiling fans replace air conditioning.

Day 3 – Explore Tortuguero’s Rich Biodiversity
Start the day with an optional early morning birdwatching excursion to observe migratory and native species. Then, embark on a breathtaking boat cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park.
This pristine rainforest sanctuary is home to over 350 species of birds and mammals, including toucans, howler monkeys, caimans, river otters, and endangered species such as jaguars and manatees.
Enjoy this immersive experience into one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park San José
Depart Tortuguero National Park today to return to San Jose where the rest of your adventure awaits you!

ARRIVAL DAY

San Jose, Costa Rica

Your trip to Costa Rica begins in the vibrant and colorful capital city of San José, a lively hub rich in history, culture, and charm. Nestled in the Central Valley and surrounded by majestic mountains, San José offers the perfect place to unwind, adjust to the tropical pace, and get your bearings before the adventure unfolds.

As travelers will be arriving at different times throughout the day, no formal sightseeing activities are scheduled for the arrival day—allowing you to settle in at your own pace, explore nearby attractions, or simply relax at the hotel.

Complimentary airport transfers are provided for your convenience, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Why the Rules Matter: What Judges Notice (and What You Might Be Missing)

Judge John Irwin (Ret.)

Every rule in an appellate brief has a reason — and it’s not just about formality. This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at what those rules really mean from a judge’s perspective. You’ll learn why headings, assignments of error, formatting, and other seemingly small details actually shape how your brief is received. By understanding the purpose behind the rules, you’ll not only avoid pitfalls but also write in a way that builds trust with the court and highlights your strongest arguments.

9:00 A.M.

San Jose Coffee Plantation Arenal (B,D)

Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, check-in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano.

9:00 A.M.

Arenal Cano Negro Arenal (B)

Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies.

1:30 -3:30 PM

Building a Better Brief

Judge John Irwin (Ret.)

The goal of a brief is to persuade the court that your argument is the correct one. This must be done quickly because judges read massive numbers of briefs monthly. Learn how to write from a judge’s perspective not yours. Discover legal writing techniques that produce a concise, coherent brief that appreciates the judge’s time constraints. Master writing skills that reflect what judges want to see in your brief.

9:00 A.M.

Visit Family-Owned Farm (B,L)

Today, explore a family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm to table lunch.

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Stronger Oral Arguments

Judge John Irwin (Ret.)

An oral argument must be a conversation. It’s not enough to deliver an argument from memory or read from notes. Judges have read the briefs and want to hone in quickly on their concerns. All this means that the appellate lawyer must feel comfortable talking about the case. You must have a feel for what it’s like to talk about the case and to answer questions on the fly. Learn techniques and insights to strengthen your oral argument.

9:00 a.m.

Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest (B,D)

Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna.

9:00 A.M.

Monteverde (B,D)

It's Your Choice!

This morning, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem OR take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica.

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Featured Speakers

Chief Judge John Irwin (Ret.)

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Lois Lee

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We're here to help you plan your trip.
Just ask!

MARY DESPAIN, Destination Specialist

907-231-2111

explore@destinationcles.com

Rave Reviews from Our Attendees!

John F.

Mary DeSpain did a masterful job in organizing and pulling off a great CLE event in Edinburgh Scotland.
The speakers were superb. Mary arranged truly amazing day trips for the group, and logistics were spot on. I highly recommend Destination CLE!

Megan H.

I had the pleasure of presenting a CLE for Destination CLEs on their 2022 Mediterranean Cruise (Athens, Santorini, Montenegro, Sicily, Naples, Barcelona. It was a top notch experience with Mary DeSpain, with Princess Cruises, and the other speakers.

Rhonda B.

"My law partner and I have attended two Destination CLE courses in Hawaii, two years apart. Both courses were excellent, with excellent presenters, great topics (lots of ethics and trial practice), beautiful settings, and great opportunities for sightseeing and local adventures..."

2025 Costa Rica

Countdown to Your EduvacationSM

CLE Packages

ATTORNEY ONLY

ATTORNEY & GUEST

TWO ATTORNEYS

Included:

Featured Accommodations

There are so many choices for fun & adventure!

Conference Schedule

December 01-03, 2025

Includes: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 Dinners

Featured Speakers

Chief Judge John Irwin (Ret.)

Lois Lee

We're here to help you plan your trip. Just ask!

Rave Reviews from Our Attendees!

Countdown to Your Eduvacation^SM

We're here to help you plan your trip.
Just ask!