Dubrovnik, Croatia
Law Amidst Legends
September 14-20, 2025
8 CLE Hours
The “Pearl of the Adriatic” is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture.
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September 14-20, 2025
CLEs take place on Tuesday and Thursday
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Croatia, a gem on the Adriatic coast, offers a mesmerizing blend of historic charm, stunning natural beauty, and a rich cultural tapestry. Explore its breathtaking coastline dotted with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing. The ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites you to step back in time as you wander its narrow streets and marvel at its medieval architecture. Venture to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes create a surreal natural landscape. Indulge in Croatia’s culinary delights, influenced by Mediterranean and Slavic traditions, featuring fresh seafood, fine wines, and truffle-infused dishes. The islands of Hvar, Korčula, and Brač offer unique cultural experiences, from vibrant nightlife to tranquil olive groves and vineyards. Croatian culture, with its traditional music, folklore, and festivals, adds to the country’s enchanting atmosphere. Croatia’s combination of natural wonders, historical richness, and warm hospitality makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Valamar Argosy Hotel
Valamar Argosy Hotel
Experience luxury at the adults-only Valamar Argosy Hotel in Dubrovnik, nestled on the scenic Babin Kuk Peninsula. Just a short ride from the old town, this elegant spa hotel offers sleek interiors, dreamy infinity pools, sun-drenched terraces, and lush gardens with stunning sea views—an ideal retreat for relaxation.
WHERE:
Valamar Argosy Hotel
Iva Dulčića 140 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
15 mi. from Ruđer Bošković Airport (DBV)
Dubrovnik, Croatia
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
Paula Yost Managing Attorney & Licensed Counselor
Paula is the Managing Attorney at her firm and also a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician. She often focuses on trademark prosecution, having prosecuted over 400 brands. She also focuses on the issues at the confluence of law and mental well being, frequently working as a court appointed Guardian ad Litem for the mentally ill and deemed potentially incompetent.
Dave Rosen Engineering Technologist & Security Practitioner
Dave has served as consultant, principal engineer and engineering manager at startups and large firms for over two decades. His primary focus is on information technology fundamentals, device management, networking, automation and security maturity. He graduated from Purdue University after studying engineering, information technology, international business and economics. He has enjoyed acting in minor roles in advertising, has built offices domestic and international, and has visited 25 countries around the world.
William “Bill” P. Knight, Jr. Attorney
Bill is a cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. He began his law practice in a small law firm in Mississippi, practicing primarily in the areas of personal injury, real estate, criminal defense and administrative law. Bill moved to Wyoming in 2009 to accept the position of Natrona County Attorney and remained in that position until 2015. He is currently a sole practitioner in Casper with his primary focus on consumer debt collection and Social Security Disability. Bill also serves as a District Court Commissioner for the 7th Judicial District Court, presiding over Involuntary Hospitalization of Mentally Ill Persons proceedings and serves as a Memorial Hospital Board Trustee. Prior to attending law school, Bill worked in the transportation industry and owned/operated other businesses.
D. Melissa Averett Attorney at Law, N.C. Board Certified Family Law Specialist
Melissa Averett is a N.C. Board Certified Family Law Specialist, and founder of Averett Family Law, which has offices in Chapel Hill and Sanford, North Carolina. Her firm concentrates on advocacy for domestic violence survivors as well as international family law. She shares her knowledge and expertise speaking to groups of lawyers internationally and across the state. A few venues have included Malta, Vietnam, and Australia. She graduated from North Carolina Central University School of Law, Evening Program a long time ago. Her hobbies include weaving, crocheting, and trying to keep the cat hair from Perry Mason and McCallan 12 off her projects.
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Sunday, September 14, 2025
MORNING
ARRIVAL
Welcome to Dubrovnik! After clearing arrival formalities, you will make your own way to the hotel.
7:00 p.m.
Meet and Greet
Meet your fellow travelers for a 1-hour private reception. Includes one (1) drink per person – house wine or beer or soft drink – along with dry nibbles.
Monday, September 15, 2025 (B)
TBA
Discover Dubrovnik Walking Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide at the hotel. Experience the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City of Dubrovnik, and its majestic medieval walls, dating back to the 13th century. Get an insider’s view of Dubrovnik’s history as you traverse through the Old Town, exploring significant buildings and landmarks. Visit the Rector’s Palace, and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. From 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. you will have free time to explore Old Town on your own. The coach will leave Old Town at 4:00 p.m. for return to the hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (B)
8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Ethical Concerns When Representing Mentally Ill Clients (2 Ethics)
Paula J. Yost
Almost every lawyer will encounter a mentally ill client at some point. How this is managed can vary based on local ethical requirements. However, one constant is the way that mental illnesses often present themselves. This presentation will cover topics like when to ask for guardianship, how to keep yourself safe, how to try to make sure your client understands what is happening, knowing when it is time to withdraw, and how to seek support along the way. We’ll walk through real life examples of hypothetical situations involving clients and how to manage them.
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
15-Minute Break
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Law Firm Cybersecurity: Basic to Pro
Dave Rosen
In today’s digital landscape, law firms are prime targets for cyber threats. This session will guide attorneys from foundational cybersecurity principles to advanced protection strategies, employing a holistic approach to security maturity. Learn about the nature and types of threats impacting both attorneys and clients, how to safeguard data in transit and at rest, mitigate cyber risks, and implement best practices to protect you and your firm from compromise. Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or looking to enhance your firm’s defenses, this course provides actionable insights to elevate your security posture.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Legal Tech & Automation: Boosting Efficiency with AI & IT
Dave Rosen
Technology is transforming the legal industry, and firms that leverage AI and automation gain a competitive edge. This session explores how legal professionals can integrate cutting-edge technology to streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance client service. From AI-powered meeting technology to automated document management, discover practical tools and strategies to boost efficiency while maintaining compliance and security standards. Stay ahead in the evolving legal landscape with the power of legal tech.
12:45 p.m.
Afternoon Cavtat & Konvale Tour
This afternoon at 12:45 p.m., meet the guide at the hotel. Today, we will explore the coast South of Dubrovnik. The laid back town of Cavtat is great to spend a day without the crowds. Then, it is time to drive through the green Konavle Valley, a true opposite of what the coastline has to offer. We will visit is to a 400 year old family house in Poljice village, where our host will explain the traditional process of olive oil and local brandy production. Afterwards we will taste homemade herb brandy while enjoying the stunning view over Konavle valley. Return to Dubrovnik. (There will be time for lunch on your own.)
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (B)
TBD
Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide at the hotel. One of the most fascinating natural wonders of the Herzegovinia region is definitely the crystal-clear waterfall of Kravice. The waterfall created by the Trebizat River is a natural wonder that is now under state protection. This waterfall is among the largest in Herzegovina and definitely the most impressive. Continue to the city of Mostar. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town. Then marvel at the Old Bridge that crosses the river Neretva. The tour from Dubrovnik to Mostar (with a twist!) will let you experience the beautiful shades of green and untouched nature, all enriched by some exciting Oriental architecture.
Thursday, September 18, 2025 (B)
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Trauma Informed Legal Representation
D. Melissa Averett
Understanding the effects of trauma can reduce frustration and confusion for both you and your client. Learn about the ways that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and long-term trauma effects how the brain works, and how to better communicate with your traumatized clients, how to understand, predict and explain their behavior and how to produce better outcomes for you both.
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
15-Minute Break
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process for Social Security Disability
William “Bill” P. Knight, Jr.
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if a claimant meets the requirements for disability. Both medical and vocational evaluations are required to complete the process. This section will explain the steps and provide insight regarding satisfying the evidentiary requirement of each step. Understanding these requirements will help you will achieve a successful outcome for your disability clients.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Small Firm Disability Practice and Procedures Guide
William “Bill” P. Knight, Jr.
The key to profitably supplementing your practice with Social Security Disability cases is the initial evaluation of the case. When evaluated successfully, Social Security Disability can add firm revenue without increasing cost or overhead. This section will explain the basic Social Security programs, the disability application process, commonly used forms, hearing procedures and witness preparation. A case is not profitable until payment is received, this section will explain the fee structure for disability cases and how to timely receive payment from the Social Security Administration.
TBD
Afternoon Game of Thrones Tour
Today you will embark on a mythical adventure. It is time to visit some of the most picturesque places where the Game of Thrones series was filmed. First, you will travel to visit the Arboretum/botanical gardens of Trsteno. Here the scenes of King’s Landing Gardens in season 3 and 4 were staged. Then, go back to the city and embark a boat that will take you to the Lokrum Island. The island was used as the city of Qarth near the Jade Sea. Enjoy the island before returning to the mainland. Return to the hotel. (There will be time for lunch on your own.)
Friday, September 19, 2025 (B,L,D)
ALL DAY
Full Day Montenegro with Lunch
Discover the Bay of Kotor, one of the most spectacular sceneries on the Mediterranean, surrounded by high mountains with picturesque small towns along its shores. Drive to Kotor past Risan, once the seat of the Illyrian queen Teuta and picturesque Perast. There, take the boat to the Islets with Our Lady of the Rocks. Upon return to the mainland, proceed to Kotor where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour, passing by the Romanesque Cathedral of St Triphun encircled by walls and fortresses included on the UNESCO`s World Heritage List. Proceed towards Budva, time at leisure to explore this charming town. Return drive to Dubrovnik with photo stop at Sveti Stefan. Includes lunch at a local restaurant in Kotor.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 (B)
MORNING
DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Following hotel checkout, you will make your own way to the airport.
REGISTRATION PACKAGES
INCLUDED: 6 Night Stay in a 5 Star Hotel | 8 CLE Hours | Round-trip airport/hotel transport | All Tours: Discover Dubrovnik Walking Tour | Cavtat & Konvale Tour Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls | Game of Thrones Tour | Day in Montenegro with Lunch | Meals: 1-Reception | 6-Breakfasts | 1-Lunch | 1-Dinner
ATTORNEY ONLY
One Traveler-1 CLE Pass
$6,000
$1,000/PP Deposit thru May 17, 2025
ATTORNEY & GUEST
Two Travelers-1 CLE Pass
$9,000
$1,000/PP Deposit thru May 17, 2025
TWO ATTORNEYS
Two Travelers-2 CLE Passes
$10,000
$1,000/PP Deposit thru May 17, 2025
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.