2025 Costa Rica

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.

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.

Today we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views.

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.

Despite high-profile prosecutions, the Department of Justice has lost major sex trafficking cases—including those involving Sean “Diddy” Combs and Backpage—due to critical investigative and prosecutorial gaps. Rather than building cases grounded in expert analysis, prosecutors often relied too heavily on victim statements from related civil proceedings. This failure to integrate socio-psychological expertise left them unable to effectively counter defense claims centered on consent and victim behavior.

Courts have long recognized that coercion in sex trafficking can extend far beyond physical force, encompassing manipulation, deception, and the withholding of basic necessities. When prosecutors fail to demonstrate these socio-psychological strategies—15 of which have been proven in prior convictions—the result is a weakened case and, ultimately, an acquittal or dismissal.

This session explores the DOJ’s shortcomings, examines where prosecutions unraveled, and identifies the socio-psychological strategies that can meet the legal burden of fraud or coercion in sex trafficking trials.

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.

Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure. Airport transfers are provided.