Monday, September 29, 2:00–4:00 p.m. ET
| MCLE Credit: | 2.0 |
| Live-Interactive Credit: | 2.0 (all formats) |
In an era of shifting societal norms, evolving technology, and growing institutional skepticism, the role of principled legal counsel has never been more critical. This seminar explores the essential role that lawyers play in upholding the rule of law—not just through legal acumen, but through ethical, principled advocacy.
Through historical case studies—from the Japanese internment to Justice Department press briefings and intelligence-era legal advice—this seminar examines what representation by principled legal counsel has looked like in moments of national consequence. We will also confront contemporary challenges, including cultural relativism, truth decay, and the judiciary’s evolving place in public discourse.
Participants will gain insights into how principled legal counsel can be practiced and scaled—from solo offices to global law firms. The course will also address modern threats to effective lawyering, such as institutional pressure, the rise of “efficiency-first” legal technologies, and the analog/digital divide in legal service delivery. It will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on how the legal profession can maintain and invigorate its foundational role in society through a commitment to practicing as principled legal counsel.
Key Takeaways:
Registration Deadlines:
Webcast: | 10 minutes prior to seminar. If you register for a webcast the day of the seminar, your e-mail receipt will include a link to launch the seminar and download the materials. |
Telephone: | Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar |
Live on Site: | Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar |
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE®.
Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.
Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions and are attending the seminar in person, please email deanna.mcglothlin@vacle.org.
Inclement Weather Policy and Updates
MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.
Private recording of this program is prohibited.
Can’t Attend?
E-mail distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an online or USB seminar.
E-mail publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program’s seminar materials are made available for sale.
| 2:00 | Principled Legal Counsel and the Preservation of the Rule of Law |
| 4:00 | Adjourn |
LTG Charles Pede (Ret.), George Washington University Law School / Washington, DC
Lieutenant General (Retired) Charles (Chuck) Pede retired from the Army after 37 years of service. He last served as the 40th Judge Advocate General, the senior uniformed lawyer in the Army.
He graduated from The University of Virginia with a degree in Anthropology and a commission in the Army. He graduated from the University of Virginia Law School and later received an LL.M in Military Law and a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He attended the Judge Advocate Officer Basic and Graduate Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Lieutenant General Pede supervised a worldwide law firm of over ten thousand lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. Prior to his duties as the Judge Advocate General, he served as the Chief Judge of the Army’s Court of Criminal Appeals. Lieutenant General Pede also commanded the Department of Defense’s only accredited legal degree granting institution, the Judge Advocate General’s School.
During his 37 years of service, he served as defense attorney, prosecutor, congressional liaison, professor, and general counsel to large Army installations and organizations.
Lieutenant General Pede’s overseas deployments included OPERATION PROVIDE COMFORT, Army Forces-Turkey; OPERATION RESTORE HOPE, Mogadishu, Somalia; OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan; OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, Baghdad, Iraq.
He teaches at George Washington University Law School and Gettysburg College.
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