Athens, Greece
Trials of Socrates
October 12-18, 2025
12 CLE Hours
Where History Breathes and Adventure Awaits!
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October 12-18, 2025 CLEs take place on Tues & Thurs
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Greece, a land where ancient history and modern vibrancy converge, offers an irresistible allure for travelers. Immerse yourself in the legacy of Western civilization by exploring iconic ruins like the Acropolis in Athens, and delve into the myths of gods and heroes that echo through the ages. The Greek islands, each with its own charm, beckon with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages. Santorini’s sunsets and Crete’s archaeological treasures are just the beginning of what these islands offer. Indulge in the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for both its flavors and health benefits, featuring fresh seafood, olives, feta, and world-renowned wines. Greece’s vibrant cultural scene is reflected in its music, dance, and festivals, providing a glimpse into the soul of its people. The warmth and hospitality of the Greeks make visitors feel like family. From the relaxation of sun-kissed beaches to the thrill of ancient discovery, Greece promises a journey filled with beauty, adventure, and culinary delight.
Divani Palace Acropolis
Divani Palace Acropolis
Located just steps from the iconic Acropolis, the Divani Palace Acropolis is an ideal spot to immerse in the captivating history of Athens. This hotel blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort, offering a range of rooms and suites to meet the needs of every guest. Each space in the hotel is a testament to the harmonious fusion of past and present, providing a unique and perfect starting point for a historical exploration of Athens.
WHERE:
Divani Palace Acropolis
Parthenonos 19, Athina 117 42, Greece
21 miles from Athens International Airport (ATH)
Athens, Greece
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
Joel Oster, Esq. Comedian of Law & Attorney
Joel is a litigator and national speaker to attorneys. He currently is in private practice specializing in attorney ethics, including implicit bias elimination and competency. Being the host of the podcast, DeBriefing the Law, Joel regularly speaks on attorney ethics nationwide on issues relating to attorneys reaching their full potential in the practice of law. Joel has spoken at numerous bench and bar conferences and as well as other specialized attorney conferences.
Joel was counsel for the Town of Greece, New York in the landmark case Galloway v. Greece. Joel argued the case before the United States District Court for the Western District of New York and the Second Circuit, and was part of the legal team presenting the case to the U.S. Supreme Court where they successfully defended the Town against a challenge to its practice of opening its sessions with an invocation.
Oster regularly litigates First Amendment issues. As lead counsel in Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Obama, Oster skillfully defended the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer against an Establishment Clause challenge. Before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, he successfully defended the right of an organization to have a pro-life specialty license plate in Missouri in Roach v. Stouffer. In Wigg v. Sioux Falls School District, he successful represented an elementary school teacher in obtaining equal access to school facilities after contract time after she was denied that right based on the viewpoint of her speech. In addition, Oster has defended various churches based on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, against discriminatory zoning codes and regulations. Oster also has defended various individuals, corporations, and political committees against discriminatory and unconstitutional campaign finance regulations.
Joel has also spoken to thousands of attorneys across the United States and has learned from their successful and unsuccessful legal practices. Joel brings this practical perspective to all his seminars.
Oster earned his J.D. in 1997 from the University of Kansas School of Law. Oster is admitted to the bar in Kansas, Missouri, Florida, and numerous federal courts.
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Arrival
Transportation from airport to hotel provided
Welcome to Athens, the Timeless Heart of History and Culture! After clearing arrival formalities, you’ll find your way to transportation to the hotel.
7:00 p.m.
Informal meet and greet at the hotel
Join us and your fellow travelers for a one-hour exclusive welcome reception. It’s a fantastic opportunity to socialize, exchange your first impressions of this captivating city, and form connections that will endure. Each guest will be treated to a complimentary beverage along with a selection of delectable snacks.
Monday, October 13, 2025
Breakfast at Hotel
9:00 a.m.
Athens Morning Tour including Acropolis Museum
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll meet our tour guide in the lobby. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square Syntagma.
On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum. Your tour will conclude at the hotel.
5:00 p.m.
Athens By Night with Dinner
Your evening begins with a short panoramic drive through the city center and on the slopes of the sacred hill you will be able to see, admire and take photos of the illuminated Acropolis. Then a pleasant walk through the narrow picturesque streets of Plaka, the old city, will bring you to a Typical Greek Tavern where you will enjoy your dinner following a floor show with live music and Greek Folk Dances in traditional costumes.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Breakfast at Hotel
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Examining the Charges Against Socrates
Joel Oster, Esq.
Socrates, the wisest man alive, was put on trial for corrupting the youth and introducing new deities. While the Trial of Socrates happened well before the advent of Instagram, and the tweets from that period are somewhat limited, the impact on the legal system was and continues to be significant. Socrates was on trial for corrupting the minds of the youth. Which is rather ironic because most youth think the word revolves around them. The Trial of Socrates has significantly impacted the law to this day. In this session, we will learn the importance of public trials, trials by jury, the importance of academic freedom and controlling freedom of thought. This class will prove one thing – the more things change, the more they stay the same.
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
BREAK
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
The Socrates Trial: The Prosecution and Defense Strategies
Joel Oster, Esq.
Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the jury system then as compared to now, the analysis covers the benefits and flaws of the current system, including the prosecution’s case against Socrates. The impiety and corruption charges are examined in detail, highlighting the defense’s strategy, which leverages sympathy, the merits of the case, the illogical nature of the charges, and Socrates’ status as a war hero. The discussion also explores the verdicts, the pendulum-style motivations behind the death penalty, and Socrates’ own offer. The final vote is considered alongside the application of Socrates’ trial to current trials, emphasizing the role of government and the debate between democracy and philosopher kings/oligarchy. The cross-examination techniques, including the Socratic method, are evaluated, as well as the origins of freedom of thought and speech. The summary concludes by questioning why, in a society with unprecedented freedom and democracy, a 70-year-old philosopher would be put to death for his teachings.
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm
The Legacy: Cross Exam Your Way to the Truth
Joel Oster, Esq.
Socrates was known for his brilliant use of cross-examination, giving rise to the “Socratic Method.” In our legal system, cross-examinations are crucial for uncovering the truth. This discussion will explore the theories behind the importance and value of cross-examination, review techniques for effective cross-examination, and examine how our laws incorporate cross-examination in the admission and exclusion of evidence. We will address the problem with modern cross-examinations, including examples of poor questions and how a poor cross-examination can harm a case by failing to meet expectations. The objective should be to collect points for your summation. Federal rules derived from the value of cross-examination will be reviewed, alongside ten rules for effective cross-examination: keep it short, keep it simple, lead the horse to water, be prepared, listen, avoid mud fights, resist revisiting points, get off the other side’s payroll, focus on summation building, and always maintain credibility.
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
BREAK
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Current Law on Corrupting the Minds of Our Youth
Joel Oster, Esq.
This class examines the protection and influence of youth from both historical and contemporary legal perspectives. It begins with an exploration of Socrates’ trial for corrupting young minds, questioning the relevance of such charges today. The course also delves into the Lenny Bruce trials, analyzing his 1964 conviction under obscenity laws and subsequent legal challenges. Pivotal Supreme Court cases like Miller v. California (1973), IANCU v. Brunetti (2019), and Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021) are reviewed to illustrate how these decisions shape current laws concerning the impact of speech and actions on youth, reflecting on whether laws today still protect the cultivation of young minds.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Breakfast at Hotel
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tour Delphi with Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, meet our guide in the lobby. Depart from Athens and drive along the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes – connected with the tragedy of king Oedipus – Levadia and Arachova, famous for its colorful rugs and carpets. Arrive at Delphi, the center of the ancient world – the “Omphalos” (Navel) of the Earth – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.
Visit the treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Return to Athens by the same route.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Breakfast at Hotel
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Current Law on Impiety
Joel Oster, Esq.
This class delves into the legal framework of religious freedom in the United States, exploring historical impiety laws and the implications of the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. It reviews landmark Supreme Court cases such as Hosanna-Tabor (2012) and Trinity Lutheran (2017), alongside recent decisions like Ramirez v. Collier (2022) and 303 Creative LLC v. Elanis (2023). Discussions span the impact of these laws on religious teachings, practices, and their application in various contexts including workplaces, public schools, and current cases before the Supreme Court on religious freedom issues.
9:00 am - 10:00 am
The Sparta/Athenian Conflict Still Plagues Us Today
Joel Oster, Esq.
This class provides a deep exploration of the intersection between law and ancient Greek political ideologies. It contrasts Athens’ advocacy for pure democracy with Sparta’s preference for rule by a select few, a conflict reminiscent of the Peloponnesian Wars that continues to influence our legal system today. Discussions encompass how these foundational principles shape our constitutional framework, Supreme Court decisions, and laws affecting religious freedoms in workplaces and schools. Modern cases such as Ramirez v. Collier (2022) and 303 Creative LLC v. Elanis (2023) are analyzed, highlighting the enduring relevance of ancient political debates in contemporary legal practice and the essential understanding required by litigators to effectively argue cases.
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
BREAK
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Deal or No Deal: Socrates Style (2 Ethics Hours)
Joel Oster, Esq.
This session offers a dynamic and entertaining exploration of legal ethics through Joel’s engaging game-show format. Co-host of the podcast “De-Briefing the Law,” Joel presents real-life cases that are both bizarre and humorous, showcasing ethical dilemmas in legal practice that will surprise, amaze, and provoke thought about career choices. Discussions cover misconduct like inappropriate juror contact, courtroom fights, attorney deceit, and ethical breaches involving clients. The class also delves into key rules from the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility and examines landmark cases where ethical boundaries were tested, challenging participants to weigh the risks of accepting deals versus facing trial.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cape Sounion Sunset Tour
Embark on a tour to Cape Sounion, highlighted by a stunning sunset at the ancient Temple of Poseidon. The journey begins with a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera, offering views of the Saronic Gulf and passing through picturesque suburbs. At Cape Sounion, explore the 5th Century B.C. Temple of Poseidon, perched atop a cliff with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Learn about the temple’s historical and mythological significance, followed by a sunset viewing, complete with a glass of wine, before returning to your hotel.
Friday, October 17, 2025
Breakfast at Hotel
All Day
Enjoy Free Time On Your Own
Or you may book a Half-Day Tour to Ancient Corinth for an additional cost
Join a guided tour starting from your hotel in Athens, traveling along the mythical Kakia Skala and viewing the “Mediterranean Sky” shipwreck. Stop at the Isthmus of Corinth for photo opportunities of the historical Corinth Canal, linking the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. Then, visit Ancient Corinth, a major city in Greek and Roman times known for trade and as a Roman colony. Explore the Acrocorinth, an important medieval castle, the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Agora, and the Bema where Saint Paul faced the Roman proconsul. The tour ends back at your hotel. $150 per person
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Breakfast at Hotel
Departure
Transportation from hotel to airport provided
Please inquire about extending your stay
Following your breakfast at the hotel, your shuttle driver will be ready to escort you to the airport for your departure.
REGISTRATION PACKAGES
INCLUDED: 6-night stay in 4-start hotel | Round-trip airport/hotel transport | CLE Sessions | All Tours | 1-Reception | 6-Breakfasts | 1-Lunch | 1-Dinner
ATTORNEY ONLY
One Traveler-1 CLE Pass
$6,000
$1,000/PP Deposit thru June 14, 2025
ATTORNEY & GUEST
Two Travelers-1 CLE Pass
$8,000
$1,000/PP Deposit thru June 14, 2025
TWO ATTORNEYS
Two Travelers-2 CLE Passes
$9,000
$1,000/PP Deposit thru June 14, 2025
A $500 late registration fee will apply for registrations completed after May 1, 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.