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As we close out 2025, Lawline remains committed to empowering legal professionals with timely, practical, and forward-thinking CLE. This year brought extraordinary shifts, from the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence to heightened awareness around attorney wellness, ethics, and sustainable practice.
To celebrate this milestone year, we’ve curated the Top 25 Courses of 2025: the programs attorneys turned to most as they navigated an evolving profession. Covering everything from AI governance and professional responsibility to negotiation, burnout prevention, and practice management, these courses offer the tools today’s lawyers need to thrive in a complex legal landscape.
Ready to see which program claimed the #1 spot? Let the countdown begin.
25. Why Engagement Letters REALLY Matter - To Clients, To the Firm and To You - and What Should They Contain
This comprehensive program, presented by Anthony Davis, Jayne Reardon and Jackie Schimmel of FisherBroyles LLP, demonstrates how properly structured engagement letters help lawyers comply with professional responsibility rules while establishing positive client relationships. The course covers critical components from client identification and scope of engagement through conflict waivers, billing, dispute management, and relationship termination. Attorneys will learn how effective engagement letters serve as the foundation for managing every matter ethically from start to finish.
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24. Efficient Estate Planning Techniques Every Attorney Should Use
Learn how to communicate the value of estate planning without sounding like a salesperson while systematizing your practice for maximum productivity. In this program, Shawn D. Garner of Deason Garner & Hansen Law Firm walks through effective consultation techniques that help clients identify their needs organically, overcome procrastination, and understand why planning is essential now. Attorneys will also discover how to delegate tasks and track progress efficiently from initial appointment through final signing.
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23. Mindful Lawyers: Boosting Productivity, Well-Being, and Mental Health
This essential program, presented by Doug Brown, JD, Chief Learning Officer at Summit Success, LLC, addresses the critical intersection of legal practice and mental well-being. The course examines unique mental health challenges faced by legal professionals while offering evidence-based approaches for recognizing burnout, setting boundaries, and developing sustainable work habits. Special emphasis is placed on addressing perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and anxiety in legal settings.
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22. Ethics 101: Maintaining an Ethical Practice
This foundational program, presented by Joseph A. Corsmeier of the Law Office of Joseph A. Corsmeier, provides practical guidance on essential law practice management skills with a focus on ethical obligations in client relations and file management. The course examines competence maintenance, conflict identification, client communication protocols, and proper file management procedures. Designed for solo practitioners, small firm attorneys, and lawyers transitioning to private practice, this program offers concrete strategies for avoiding common ethical pitfalls.
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21. "I Don't Belong" - Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession
Attorney Brian S. Quinn of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. addresses the often-overlooked issue of imposter syndrome in the legal profession. This powerful program explores feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite education, experience, and accomplishments. Through personal stories and research, including the role of gender and racial bias in creating imposter syndrome, attorneys will gain a better understanding of this phenomenon and receive practical guidance for overcoming these feelings.
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20. Wellness for Lawyers: Practical Strategies, Trusted Resources, and a Reality Check
In today's fast-paced legal landscape, wellness is a popular but often elusive concept. This program, led by Lynn Garson of BakerHostetler, equips attorneys with practical tools and trustworthy resources to navigate the overwhelming wellness information available today. Participants will gain insight into what wellness support the legal industry realistically provides, identify practical strategies to advocate for their own well-being, and discover vetted resources available to support lawyers from those with minimal needs to those experiencing a crisis.
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19. 10 Common Mistakes Attorneys Should Avoid in Arbitration
This program identifies and offers solutions for common mistakes that even experienced litigators make when handling arbitration proceedings. Designed by Patricia Thompson of JAMS for trial attorneys, corporate counsel, and dispute resolution professionals, the course examines strategic errors that often frustrate arbitrators and diminish parties' chances of success. Participants will gain valuable insights into the fundamental differences between litigation and arbitration strategies, including approaches to cooperation, professionalism, evidence presentation, and procedural considerations.
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18. How to Succeed and Excel in Negotiation, Mediation, and the Secrets for Success
The program, presented by John C. Sciaccotta of Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa, discusses best practices and helpful strategies to become an outstanding negotiator. The course includes strategy, ideas, perspective, and techniques that will help attorneys and their clients be successful in negotiation and mediation proceedings. Participants will review the mindset necessary to negotiate successfully, examine the strategies involved in negotiation and mediation, and identify strategies necessary to prepare clients for the negotiation and mediation process.
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17. Walking the Line: Professionalism, Ethics, and Limits of Zealous Advocacy (Update)
Courts and disciplinary bodies have always wrestled with the question of "how far is too far?" This course, presented by Matthew Blaisdell of Sunset Immigration PLLC, provides an understanding of the different roles that attorneys must play in different circumstances and how the rules of professional responsibility may apply differently in various situations. Attorneys will learn to recognize situations where they may be pushing their advocacy too far—or not far enough—while developing a philosophy of lawyering that reflects who they are as professionals.
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16. AI Machina, Esq.: Practical Tools, Risks, and Ethical Rules
This program explores the ever-increasing impact of artificial intelligence and its practical, legal, and ethical implications for lawyers. Under the guidance of Jeffrey Allen of Graves & Allen, and Ashley Hallene of Demeter Land Development, LLC, attorneys will analyze the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of artificial intelligence, learn how to integrate AI into their practice, and identify the ethical obligations created by AI. The course also covers the cybersecurity measures necessary to address the risks created by artificial intelligence and protect clients and practices.
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15. Coping with Difficult Clients and Lawyers: Tips and Tools to Stay Both Ethical and Professional
This program, presented by Jeanne Huey of Hunt Huey PLLC, explores the ABA Model Rules, ethics opinions, and professional guidelines applicable to bad behavior by attorneys and clients. Through examination of current news events and practical scenarios, attorneys will learn to identify bad behavior early, develop strategies for dealing with outrageous conduct, and understand that remaining ethical and professional in the face of bad behavior ultimately benefits clients, the court system, and the legal profession.
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14. 2025 Employment Law Update: Navigating Recent Trends and Emerging Issues
This comprehensive program, presented by Marc J. Scheiner, Special Counsel at Duane Morris LLP, examines significant developments in employment law across federal, state, and local jurisdictions, with particular focus on emerging trends and regulatory changes affecting employers. Through analysis of recent cases and regulatory updates, participants will gain essential insights into managing employment-related risks in an evolving legal landscape. The program emphasizes strategies that balance companies' legal compliance obligations and practical business considerations.
13. Bullying in the Legal Profession
Based on a first-of-its-kind study sponsored by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism involving more than 6,000 Illinois lawyers, this program, presented by study authors Stephanie Scharf of Scharf Banks Marmor LLC and Roberta Liebenberg of Fine Kaplan & Black, examines the prevalence and effects of bullying in the legal profession. The study reveals that although bullying impacts lawyers from all backgrounds, it disproportionately affects female attorneys, attorneys with disabilities, attorneys of color, younger attorneys, and LGBTQ+ attorneys. Participants will explore workplace culture's role and learn specific best practices for leaders and employers to eliminate bullying.
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12. Financial Literacy 101: What Lawyers Need To Know
Financial literacy is a skill set that most lawyers do not develop during law school. This program, presented by attorney Alexander Henlin of MGC Law and forensic accountant Brian McDonough of PKF O'Connor Davies, demystifies the world of finance and provides practitioners at all levels with an introduction to financial literacy. Participants will learn to read financial statements including profit-and-loss statements and balance sheets, understand different types of accounts maintained by businesses, and identify when to engage an accountant as an expert and what information they will need.
11. Estate Planning Fundamentals for Beginners
This comprehensive course is designed for beginning estate planning attorneys, covering a broad spectrum of topics essential for estate planners. Stephen Bonfa of the Law Office of Stephen A. Bonfa, Esq., PC explores basic principles of estate and trust law, analysis and application of wills, trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney, and other crucial estate planning documents. Participants will also explore tax implications, strategies for asset protection, and ethical considerations involved in advising clients and drafting estate plans.
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10. Ethics and Hidden Greed
Through insightful case studies, this captivating course presented by Rob Docters, Senior Partner at Abbey Road Associates, LLP and author of Ethics and Hidden Greed (2023), alongside Bruce A. Cranner, Partner at Milling Benson Woodward, unveils fresh perspectives on the rising tide of unethical activities among individuals and organizations. Participants will explore why these behaviors are on the rise and how they often elude detection, leaving victims perplexed. The program provides concrete foundations for ethical decision-making and reveals a surprising insight: that ethical conduct can be more profitable than taking shortcuts.
9. Where Are We Now: DEI Today After Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. Harvard and UNC
Following the Supreme Court's 2023 affirmative action decisions, DEI efforts and programs have been targeted in myriad court cases, online pressure campaigns, and demands aimed at ending DEI. In this course, Bruce L. Adelson of Federal Compliance Consulting LLC discusses the state of DEI challenges as 2025 begins, including court rulings and organizational decisions to either drop or bolster their DEI commitments. Participants will learn how organizations can resist external pressures and maintain long-term commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
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8. The Ethics of Errors
Even the most skilled and seasoned attorneys will inevitably make mistakes. This course, presented by Tracy Kepler of CNA, addresses an attorney's duties related to error disclosure, what exactly those duties require, and why it's important to take these duties seriously. Participants will explore what triggers the duty to report an error, how to keep communications with in-house ethics counsel privileged, discover best practices for discussing errors with clients, and address conflicts of interest while preparing effective waivers.
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7. Practical & Ethical Questions: Does Artificial Intelligence Pose an Existential Threat to Law?
This program, presented by Jeffrey Allen of Graves & Allen, and Ashley Hallene of Demeter Land Development, LLC, explores the evolution of artificial intelligence and its practical and ethical implications for lawyers. Participants will review ways AI will impact their practice, explore how to prepare and effectively implement AI, identify ethical obligations associated with AI use, and discuss the protections needed for clients and practices when using artificial intelligence. This program benefits practicing attorneys from all backgrounds and practice settings.
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6. 10 Sloppy Tech Habits Your Firm Needs to Break
This eye-opening session, presented by Mark Bassingthwaighte from ALPS Insurance Agency, sheds light on the often overlooked risks that attorneys and staff pose to law firms through their technology habits. From misguided responses to emails, voicemails, or text messages to other sloppy tech habits, each action carries the risk of a cyber breach. The program aims to prevent breaches altogether through proactive measures, emphasizing that every individual within the firm serves as the front line of defense against cyber threats.
5. The Ethics, Management, and Prevention of Bullying & Other Bad Behavior in the Legal Profession
On October 1, 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism released a first-of-its-kind study on the prevalence and effects of bullying in the legal profession. This program, presented by Trisha Rich of Holland & Knight LLP, examines the study, its methodology, and discusses the effects of bullying behavior on lawyers and others in the profession. Participants will learn how the Rules of Professional Conduct govern bullying, identify key findings from the study, and discover how to identify and prevent bullying behavior in the workplace while examining techniques for managing stress caused by negative behavior.
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4. Beating Burnout: Stopping it Before It Starts
This program is designed to proactively address and recognize causes and signs of burnout before they manifest in severe symptoms. Tracy Kepler of CNA highlights the differences between burnout and depression, presents strategies for using stress for good, and explores how stress impacts a lawyer's duty of competence, diligence, and communication with others. Participants will learn proven techniques to calm the mind and create a sustainable environment where attorneys can thrive without reaching the point of burnout.
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3. AI Governance in the US: Key Regulations, Policies, and Global Insights
This course, presented by Hope Anderson of White & Case LLP, offers an in-depth review of the latest updates in AI regulation and policy in the US, with particular emphasis on Generative AI. It covers AI regulation at both the federal and state levels, including the Colorado AI Act and several new AI laws in California. Key topics include differing definitions of AI across jurisdictions, regulatory approaches of federal agencies, risks associated with biometrics and augmented reality, legal issues surrounding training data sets, and a comparative analysis of US regulations with international frameworks like the EU AI Act.
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2. Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT: Uses, Abuses, and Ethical Standards
This course focuses on the emergence of artificial intelligence in the legal field, addressing its evolution, potential benefits, risks, and ethical considerations. Jeffrey Allen of Graves & Allen, and Ashley Hallene of Demeter Land Development, LLC cover AI's history and transformative impact on the legal industry, identifying practical applications in legal research, document analysis, predictive analytics, and client interaction. Critical ethical questions are discussed, particularly concerning client confidentiality, lawyers' competence in using AI, billing practices, and AI's implications on legal advertising.
🎉 Coming in at the Top Spot:
Ethics Lessons from Suits
The hit series "Suits" (currently streaming on Netflix) follows new associate Mike Ross in his adventures in big law working under partner Harvey Specter. In this entertaining presentation, Texas litigator Brent Turman, partner at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, tracks these fictional attorneys' cases and the power struggles within their firm, explaining whether their on-screen actions comply with specific ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (spoiler alert: most of the time they don't). Through the lens of this captivating series, attorneys obtain ethics credit while analyzing common ethical scenarios and identifying proper and improper attorney conduct in various professional contexts.
What's Next on Your Learning Journey?
As we continue navigating the complexities of 2025, these top 25 courses represent the most pressing issues and valuable skills for today's legal professionals. From mastering artificial intelligence and maintaining ethical standards to prioritizing wellness and professional development, these programs provide the knowledge and tools attorneys need to succeed in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
Thank you for being part of the Lawline community, and here's to a year of continued growth and learning!
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