Our Train CLE a SUCCESS!

Our August 28, 2009 "International Express" Cross-Border Train CLE was a success! Co-sponsored by the WSBA and the WSBA International Practice Section, the first portion of this CLE was held in an Amtrak train car as it traveled north from Seattle, WA to Vancouver BC.

CLE Presenter Chris Hilgenfeld of Seattle firm Davis Grimm Payne & Mara discusses the legal pitfalls of U.S. employment and labor law while picturesque scenery flows by outside the car's windows. Photograph by Jacqueline Pruner.

The second portion of this CLE, along with a post-seminar reception, was held in Vancouver, BC, Canada and hosted by the Boughton Law Corporation.

CLE attendees at the Boughton Law Corporation in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Photograph by Jacqueline Pruner.

Attendees at this very unique and never-before attempted all-day CLE gained a better understanding of such issues as: the cross-border similarities and differences of the doctrines of privilege and work product; labor & employment issues for U.S./Canadian businesses entering Canada/the U.S. respectively; immigration considerations when crossing the 49th Parallel; and tax concerns, lending issues, and cross-border secured transactions.

Post-CLE reception hors d'oeuvres. Photograph by Jacqueline Pruner.

Without a doubt, this literally international seminar offered 6.5-CLE credits for Washington Attorneys (with 1.5 of those credits ethics credits) and was a first - truly an innovative and cutting-edge international seminar.

After a long day of cross-border law absorption, CLE attendees relax and enjoy a lovely reception. Photograph by Jacqueline Pruner.

(Rumor has it that Amtrak is looking into marketing conferences on train cars as a result of our partnership for this event.)