Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Schedule Your CLE Offered by a GJP Attorney

georgia continuing legal education

CLE’s Offered by Executive Director Douglas Ammar

  • “When Superpowers Are Not Enough”
    Approved for one-hour professionalism credit by the GA State Bar
    What do Antman, Catwoman, and the Guardians of the Galaxy have in common? They all have a criminal record. And they all struggled to overcome the impact that record created. If it’s hard for superheroes, how much more difficult is it for the average person? Doug will explore the impact of a criminal record as seen in several Marvel Comics movies, including Antman, The Dark Knight Rises, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
  • “Grand Canyon: Fear vs. Possibility – A ’90s Movie Worth Revisiting”
    Approved for one-hour professionalism credit by the GA State Bar
    This movie metaphorically uses the Grand Canyon to illustrate two opposing propositions: First, it describes the chasm between the haves and the have-nots and the pain, suffering, and rage in our society. Secondly, the movie accentuates the Grand Canyon as a place that helps us understand our place in the universe. Using crime as a catalyst, the movie explores how a variety of characters react to difficult life situations. Doug will discuss how the movie frames two alternatives as a response to pain and suffering—fear or mutuality. Crime, in particular, creates visceral reactions. Our country has become the world’s leader in incarceration, a reaction that is being reconsidered by many segments of our community. GJP approaches crime and poverty informed by an attitude of mutuality.
  • “Les Misérables Meets Collateral Consequences”
    Approved for one-hour professionalism credit by the GA State Bar
    This movie, which focuses on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption, gives Doug a chance to explore how grace, justice and the different types of love are relevant to today’s moral practice of law.
  • “Lost Lessons From Groundhog Day”
    Approved for one-hour professionalism credit by the GA State Bar
    Doug uses this comedy about a man who is forced to relive one day over and over again, as a launching point to discuss the potential for personal and relational transformation through public engagement and service to the poor.

For more information or to schedule a professionalism CLE at your firm, please contact:

Brenda Smeeton, Legal Director

Phone:  (404) 827-0027, ext. 235

Email:  Brenda@GJP.org

Criminal Records CLE’s

  • Record Restriction & Correction Basics
    Approved for one-hour or two-hour general credit by the GA State Bar
    This class is designed to teach lawyers and other legal professionals the basics of criminal records law in Georgia. It includes information on how to read a criminal record, and what types of legal relief are available. Additionally, detailed information about Georgia’s latest revision to the law including SB 288 and 435 will be presented. We offer a one hour and two hour version of this presentation. The one hour version is focused on the law, and the two hour version includes information on how to volunteer at GJP’s Criminal Records Intake and Criminal Records Clinic. 
  • Understanding the Changes to Georgia’s Criminal Record Clearing Laws: SB 288 and SB 435
    Approved for two-hour general credit by the GA State Bar
    This two hour class is designed to inform attorneys who practice criminal law (defense or prosecution) about state and federal law around criminal histories. Two major changes have passed in Georgia during the 2020 legislative session and this CLE will focus on those changes. Topics include: record restriction and sealing (expungement), including changes under SB 435 and SB 288; pardons; First Offender Act issues; and record corrections.

For more information about upcoming criminal records CLEs, please contact:

Brenda Smeeton, Legal Director

Phone:  (404) 827-0027, ext. 235

Email:  Brenda@GJP.org

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