SCUPA’s 30th Annual Seminar for Legal Professionals

South Carolina Upstate Paralegal Association (SCUPA)

Morning Ethics Presentation: “A I is Not Accountable – But You Are” by Yusuf Hasan, Esq.

Morning Breakouts:
Workshop A: “Beyond the Game: Navigating Sports Law and NIL” by Ashley Long, Esq.
or
Workshop B: ” Behind Every Criminal Case is a Life that May Be Changed” by Andy Moorman, Esq.

Keynote: “The 13th Circuit Drug Court Program” by The Honorable Charles B. Simmons, Jr.

Afternoon Breakouts:
Workshop C: “Start-Ups: Making a Case for a Robust Intellectual Property Portfolio” by Amy Allen Hinson, Esq.
or
Workshop D: ” Swept Under the Insurance Tide: What Every Paralegal Should Know” by Madellyn E. Dukes, Esq.

General Afternoon Session: ” Bank Robbery: Studying the Event, Investigation and Subsequent Trial”
by Solicitor Allen Fretwell and Greenville Police Lieutenant David Weiner

Session Agenda: 2026-Agenda-for-SCUPAs-30th-Annual-Seminar.pdf

“AI is Not Accountable but You Are” learning objectives:
1. AI is not actual intelligence- how to use AI as a tool to effectively enhance paralegal skills of analytical thinking, logic, communication and procedural knowledge.
2. Your value is in the final product – AI dependence without verification could result in violations of FRCP 11 for failure to conduct a reasonable inquiry and unwarranted legal contentions and ABA Model Rule 1.1 for failure to understand privacy risks and technical limitations of AI
3. Only humans pay the cost of AI failures – common penalties and sanctions are monetary fines, disbarment, case dismissals, trial cancellations and liability for supervisors

“Beyond the Game: Navigating Sports Law and NIL” learning objectives:
1. Provide understanding of the evolving legal landscape of NIL and how recent changes affected college athletics
2. How to identify key legal and contractual issues surrounding NIL agreements
3. Examination of emerging trends and legal challenges in sports law and NIL and how the changes may shape future of collegiate athletics.

“Behind Every Criminal Case is a Life that May be Changed: How to Meet the Responsibility” learning objectives:
1. Discussion of the necessity of thorough factual and legal research by shepardizing, using KeyCite and using AI
2. Ensuring the mode of communication with clients fits the message
3. How to develop systems to prepare for hearings, trials, depositions in your regular practice using exhibit lists, evidence checklists and trial briefs.

“13th Circuit Drug Court Program” by Honorable Charles B. Simmons, Jr. learning objectives:
1. Introduction to the Drug Court diversion program now available in South Carolina’s 13th Circuit, how it began and why it is important in the community
2. Education on how it works procedurally, who qualifies and who does not.
3. Success stories of the program and the future of initiatives in other counties.

“Start-Ups: Making a Case for a Robust Intellectual Property Portfolio” learning objectives:
1. Fundamentals of intellectual property: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights & Trade Secrets: core definitions, requirements and durations
2. Intellectual Property as a Driver of a Start-Up Valuation and Exit Strategy
3. IP Due Dilligence and Risk Management for Legal Support Professionals: docketing, clearance searches, diligence checklists

“Swept Under the Insurance Tide: What Every Paralegal Should Know” learning objectives:
1. Identifying the entities involved in any claim: insurers, reinsurers, underwriters, adjusters and what their roles are and differing scopes of involvement.
2. Mastering policy analysis, meticulous medical record tracking and strict deadlines.
3. Defining PIP, UM/UIM coverage and how to identify each within policies.

“Bank Robbery: Studying the Event, Investigation and Subsequent Trial” learning objectives:
1. A true crime presentation of a real life bank robbery as presented by the detective who investigated the crime and the solicitor who prosecuted it.
2. Discussion of evidence gathering techniques available and what can legally be used and what cannot.
3. Insight into what the prosecution looks for in testimony, witnesses and evidence and how to tie it all together successfully

CLE Hours = 8.5 (1-Legal Ethics, 7.5-Substantive)