Women’s Bench Bar Retreat
Presented by the Women in the Law Committee
Tuesday, March 5 - Friday, March 8, 2024 9.0 HR CLE/1.0 Ethics/1.0 NLS
About the event
ISBA’s Women in the Law Committee invites you to join them for the ISBA Women’s Bench Bar Retreat. Now in its 22nd year, this annual event brings together women attorneys and judges from across the state to share in education, camaraderie, and community-building. Every
retreat includes a selection of CLE specific to interests and challenges women legal professionals or the legal community as a whole might be facing. A slew of fun social events and relationship-building opportunities are also built into the schedule, designed
to connect women attorneys and judges across the bench and bar, develop relationships between current leaders and the next generation of legal professionals, and create a more supportive community. This year's schedule, at the suggestion of prior retreat attendees, includes even more free time for participants to explore the beautiful location independently or with their new connections.
All in all, the ISBA Women's Bench Bar Retreat bridges
the gap between Indiana’s bench and bar and strives to create a more unified, cohesive community of women legal professionals who are better able to tackle challenges and create a more fair and just system for all Indiana residents.
Agenda (all times listed in ET)
Each day offers morning education and afternoon connection and exploration. Tuesday, March 5
- Welcome Reception
- Dinner on Own
Wednesday, March 6
- Breakfast
- Morning: CLE Programming
- Afternoon Off
- Tour and historical talk with Justice David K. Thompson at the New Mexico Supreme Court
- Dinner on Own
Thursday, March 7
- Breakfast
- Morning: CLE Programming
- Afternoon Off
- Evening Social
Friday, March 8
- Breakfast
- Morning: CLE Programming
CLE Programs Sure Picks on Route 66
Just as the sites along Route 66 are interesting, entertaining, and downright awesome, so too are the recent developments in family law. This CLE will take you on a spin across recent case law, statutory changes, and new/revised guidelines. Join Deb Dubovich as she takes us on this whirlwind tour of all things family law.
Presenter: Debra Lynch Dubovich, Managing Partner, Levy & Dubovich
Roadside Attractions: Obscure Statues
In this fascinating program, Ann Knotek will lead a discussion of several obscure statutes including Facts of Birth, Name Change, and Adoption History Program.
Presenter: Ann Knotek, Attorney, Indiana Department of Health
Put On Your Running Shoes
Women play an important role as elected officials. A greater number of women now hold elected office. Women lawyers have the qualifications for government service and should consider becoming candidates for elected or appointed office. This session will review Indiana election laws and how to organize an election campaign.
Presenter: Hon. Diane Schneider, Senior Judge, Lake Superior Court
Spotting Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Law Detours in your Cases
Tour guide Ann Marie Waldron will discuss how to spot personal injury and medical malpractice issues in your other cases and how to handle them when they do pop up.
Presenter: Ann Marie Waldron, Member, Waldron, Tate, Bowen, Land LLC
Get your ETHICS Kicks on Route 66!
An interactive trip along Route 66 with Ethics stops along the way. Take an educational and historical journey along the famous road and learn some tips that will keep you from being infamous. Tips for travelling down the Ethics highway and avoiding the ditches while maintaining control when the road is curvy and dangerous.
Presenter: Ret. Justice Steven David, Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Close Encounters in the Twilight Zone
Like many states, Indiana is faced with a shortage of attorneys, which deepens the chasm that is the access to justice gap. Efforts to narrow that gap, called innovations by some and deregulation by others, include certifying nonlawyers to provide limited legal services as licensed legal practitioners. How do we define the practice of law? The Indiana Supreme Court was stumped enough in 1963 to label it the Twilight Zone. So strap on your tin foil hat and fire up your space laser for an examination of this close encounter with the twilight zone that is (or is not) the practice of law.
Presenter: Amy Dudas, Dudas Law Tour and Historical Talk with Justice David K. Thompson at the New Mexico Supreme Court (1 hr. NLS)
Attendees will meet at the New Mexico Supreme Court to tour the building and learn about the court's history with Justice David K. Thompson. This program is approved for 1 hour of NLS credit. NLS courses are courses that are not substantively legal, but enhance your competence in your individual practice. An attorney may report a maximum of 12 hours of NLS credit per three-year cycle. Pricing and Registration
Early Registration (November 30 - January 15) ISBA Member: $350
Non-Member: $400
Guest: $225
Regular Registration (January 16 - February 20)
ISBA Member: $400
Non-Member: $450
Guest: $275
Optional Event Support Donation
The optional Event Support Fee is entirely voluntary and will be used to help offset costs associated with taking this event out of state, ensuring that we can continue to provide a memorable experience for all attendees. The success of WBBR relies on the support of our dedicated community, and your additional contribution will help us enhance the overall experience for everyone involved
Suggested Donation: $50
Location and Lodging Information
 Hotel and retreat location
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa
330 East Palace Ave
Santa Fe, NM, 87501
Please note that a $100 surcharge will be assessed for attendees NOT staying at La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa.
Click here to reserve your room »
Room rates
- Standard queen or king: $279/night
- Two queens: $309/night (only a few of these rooms are available under the group rate)
- IMPORTANT: The $35 per night resort fee has been waived for our group, but it will show up as part of the rate when you book your room. (The hotel cannot customize that rate during the online booking process.) However, you will
not be charged the resort fee when you arrive at the hotel to check-in.
Additional hotel information
- The group rate cut-off is Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.
- Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
- Hotel has a 72 hour cancellation policy in effect.
- Attendees will receive vouchers for breakfast to use at the on-site restaurant for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Hotel and room description
A storied Victorian mansion, La Posada de Santa Fe
Resort & Spa was a renowned inn for many celebrated artists throughout the twentieth century. A member of Historic Hotels of America, La Posada is the only resort located downtown, situated within walking distance from Canyon Road, Santa Fe Plaza,
and more. More of a village than a typical hotel, La Posada de Santa Fe is comprised of 157 lovingly restored casita-style rooms and suites, some dating back more than 230 years. Every casita is different, as they reflect the resort’s historic
roots with features like original adobe walls and traditional viga (exposed beam) and latilla (exposed wood slat) ceilings. Most guest rooms have original hardwood or Saltillo tile floors or carpeting.
Resort fee
The daily resort fee has been waived for our group and includes the following:
Daily resort activities (may vary): Tastings, beverages, yoga classes, entertainment, and art talks; High speed wireless internet in guest
rooms and meeting space; Shuttle service within a two-mile radius for guests on an individual basis; Local and toll-free calls; 24-hour fitness center; Outdoor, heated saline swimming pool and hot tub, valet parking. Additionally, WBBR attendees and
guests receive 10% off services at the resort's spa.
Daily resort activities (occurring during the retreat)
Monday – Tequila tasting | 4-5 p.m. | Staab Bar
Tuesday – Whiskey tasting | 4-5 p.m. | Staab Bar
Wednesday – Wine tasting | 4-5 p.m. | Staab Bar
Thursday
– Beer tasting | 4-5 p.m. | Staab Bar
Friday – Art and History talk by Lobby fireplace | Time TBD
Saturday/Sunday – Yoga | 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
Airport information
The Albuquerque International Sunport Airport is approximately 50 minutes from La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa. Santa Fe Municipal Airport has limited commercial service and is located about 20 minutes
away.
Visiting Santa Fe
Home to deeply rooted culture, historic landmarks, breathtaking
natural landscapes and modern hospitality, this 413-year-old city keeps evolving with a fiery source of creativity at its core. Santa Fe, with its small city charm and spirit and international recognition as a top destination, is just that place.
Santa Fe was ranked the #3 city on the 2022 World's Best Awards list of the "Top 15 Cities in the U.S." Santa Fe is located in the foothills of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. Adapting to high altitude can take a few days, but drinking extra water can help. High altitude also means faster sunburns so sunscreen
and hats are strongly recommended.
Testimonials from Past Attendees“For over twenty years this annual retreat has given me the opportunity to build friendships with accomplished and talented women from all parts of Indiana. Each year is unique and the out-of-state travel years are extra special. But whether we meet in Indiana or this year in New Mexico, the one guarantee is you will return to your office and block your calendar for the next retreat in 2025!” – Kris Sakelaris, Executive Director, Hammond Legal Aid, Chair of the Women's Bench Bar Retreat “The ISBA Women’s Bench Bar gave me an opportunity to meet women lawyers from different parts of the state who had different types of practices. I’ve learned over the years that the more contacts you make, the better. Meeting smart, interesting, fun women - and getting CLE - what more could you want?" Hon. Melissa May, Indiana Court of Appeals “Need a break from the winter blues? Want to connect with women judges and lawyers around the State? Need CLEs? Have I got a place for you! Make plans to attend the 22nd Annual Women’s Bench Bar Retreat, which is being held in Santa Fe, New Mexico on March 5,-8, 2024. I have attended this retreat for years as a lawyer, and now as a Judge, and I cannot tell you the how valuable these connections can be to your career. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with your fellow women lawyers and judges, share stories of how to juggle the practice of law as well as your home life, and have a whole lot of fun! Make plans now to join us in Santa Fe now. Join us and ‘Get Your Legal Kicks on Route 66!’” – Hon Judi L. Calhoun, Judge, Delaware Circuit Court #1, Chair of the ISBA Women in the Law Committee “The Women’s Bench Bar Retreat enriches life personally and professionally! It is an informal opportunity to share ideas and experiences with trial and appellate judges and lawyers. Bringing practitioners and judges together strengthens our camaraderie, our awareness of the critical roles we each play for those we serve, and our pride in Indiana law.” – Leslie Craig Henderzahs, Partner, Church Church Hittle + Antrim "The women's bench bar is a really good way to network and find fellowship, but also a great way to meet new people that can become lifelong friends. I don't think I've ever heard anyone have a bad thing to say about the retreat and even if you don't know many people attending, this group will not let anyone feel left out or alone. Everyone involved in the planning of this retreat really goes out of their way to make sure that it is a memorable experience each year. The value for me, is not just in the quality CLEs that are provided, but also in the people who attend.” – Renee Ortega, Attorney, ROK Legal Group, LLC Cancellation Policy
A $25 service fee will be applied to cancellations received on or before February 19, 2023. No refunds on cancellations received after Feb. 19. If you would like to send someone else
in your place, please contact pgotsis@inbar.org.
ISBA Code of Conduct
All attendees of ISBA's events are required to comply to the Code of Conduct Policy.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Premier Sponsor
 Contact: Ann Marie Waldron
Ann Marie Waldron is a member at Waldron Tate Bowen Land LLC.
She focuses her practice on personal injury, medical malpractice, and business/real estate transactions and litigation. 
Supporting Sponsors
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