Frequently asked questions

Our conferences give judges and legal professionals a place to come together, share knowledge, exchange insights and discuss the legal system, jurisprudence and judicial practice. Each conference offers:

1. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, generally 22.75 CLE hours per course
2. Ethics and professionalism, 2+ hours per conference
3. Skill enhancement
4. Discussion of current legal issues
5. Exposure to diverse perspectives
6. Inspiration and motivation in the pursuit of excellence

Our conferences are designed for judges, but attorneys who are not judges may attend and earn CLE.

AIJ currently offers three week-long conferences each year.

About 25 participants.

We encourage discussion, but if you prefer not to speak in a group setting just let us know and we will discreetly pass that along to the conference instructors. We want to foster a comfortable learning environment for all of our participants.

To be added to our contact list, send us a message with your contact information and put “Add me to your contact list” in the comments.

1. Complete the conference registration form. Once we receive it, we will email you a registration confirmation from cle@aijinc.org that includes a tentative course agenda, your invoice and instructions for reserving a hotel room in our block.
2. Reserve your hotel room in our block as instructed in the email. Our room blocks can fill quickly, so confirm your room before making travel arrangements. You are encouraged, but not required, to stay at the conference hotel.
3. Make your travel arrangements.
4. Pay for the conference. Payment is due any time before the conference or at the door. We do not accept credit cards. The registration fee does not include lodging or travel.
5. Attend. Learn and interact with judges from throughout the country at an enjoyable venue.
6. File your CLE/CJE (optional). You will earn 22.75 hours of CLE/CJE credit per course. Participants file using the Uniform Certificate of Attendance, agenda, course description and faculty bios provided in the conference materials. AIJ files CLE for participants from Ohio.

No, please register first. After you register, AIJ will send instructions for booking your hotel in our block.

Tuition is $1,300 per person, per conference. The social hour, lunches on Monday and Tuesday, and daily morning breaks are included for participants.

No, it is optional. Feel free to bring a +1 to the social.

No, but we encourage you to register once your funding is approved because our room blocks fill quickly.

Yes. Although our conferences are designed from the perspective of a judge, non-judge attorneys will benefit, may attend and can earn CLE.

It is not required. We ask only so we can communicate efficiently, particularly during the conference. We have a strict policy of not selling or sharing your number with any third party.

Business casual all week. Dress for comfort: polo shirts, khaki shorts, knee-length skirts, dresses and sandals are all acceptable.

Travel and hotel rooms are not included in the conference fee, but a limited block of rooms is available to attendees at a reduced rate after registering.

No. Staying at the conference hotel is convenient and encouraged, but it is not required. If you stay elsewhere, please let us know, because your name will not appear in our room block and we want to make sure every participant has accommodations.

In most cases, no. Occasionally the conference hotel offers this service, and if so we will note it in your registration confirmation email. Most attendees rent cars; others carpool or use Uber/Lyft, taxis or public transit. In some instances an AIJ staff member can provide transportation free of charge.

Yes. Each conference page includes a tentative agenda with a printable version. Every conference follows a similar schedule:

• Sunday, 7:00 – 8:00 PM (optional social hour)
• Monday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (lunch provided, noon – 1:00 PM)
• Tuesday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (lunch provided, noon – 1:00 PM)
• Wednesday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Lecture with PowerPoint visuals and lots of discussion, plus occasional breakout or group exercises.

See our active faculty. AIJ’s instructors are nationally recognized; many also teach at law schools or for other judicial organizations such as the National Judicial College and the American Judges Association. Most have attended AIJ conferences as participants themselves, which helps them design instruction that is both effective and engaging. We continually rotate in new instructors to keep the content fresh for repeat attendees, and our core instructors update their materials regularly, so no two courses are ever the same.

Yes, we always value participants’ input. Please contact us with your suggestions.

Absolutely. You will be around judges from various states the entire week.

Yes.

You will earn 22.75 hours of CLE/CJE credit per course, including at least 2 hours of ethics.

Most participants file individually using the Uniform Certificate of Attendance, agenda, course description and faculty bios that are provided at the conference. AIJ files CLE for participants from Ohio.

Email us at contact@aijinc.org and let us know you need to cancel.

You receive a 100% refund if we are notified at least 60 days before the conference begins. A $100 fee applies if you cancel within 60 days of the start of the conference, and a $200 fee applies if you cancel within 48 hours of the conference or do not cancel. Hotel cancellation policies are independent of AIJ.

Yes, but please let us know as soon as possible.

Yes. Just send us your instructions to transfer your payment and hotel reservation to your colleague.

Checks in advance, or check or cash at the door.

No.

Yes. Your invoice arrives with your registration confirmation email.

Yes, upon request.

Warren Johnson, Manager. Email warren@aijinc.org or call or text 662-259-0005.

Participants receive evaluation forms at each conference. You may also contact us any time with questions, suggestions or comments. We value your input.