Inside the Process: Understanding Delaware’s Legislative System

August 20, 2025 at the DSBA’s Offices at 704 North King Street, Suite 110

9:00 am – 11:00 am

Agenda

Whether it be school property taxes or election reform, these issues often get decided in Legislative Hall in Dover. This program offers an inside look into the legislative process, including how the process really works, guidance on effective lobbying strategies, best practices for legislative drafting and how/when to engage the Delaware State Bar Association (“DSBA”) as a resource.

Panelists:   

The Hon. Bryan Townsend, Esquire, Senate Majority Leader
Mark Cutrona, Esquire
Thomas McGonigle, Esquire
Karl Randall, Esquire

Check-in: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Presentation: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Review of the legislative/budget cycle, with key dates and timelines that impact the success or failure of legislative initiatives.
• From the perspective of an elected official voting on these matters, discussion of new issues before or likely to be considered by the General Assembly, as well as reoccurring prominent issues, such as budget bills and important nominations.
• Practical considerations and recommendations related to lobbying, including summary of lobbying registration requirements and political campaign contributions limitations.
• Access to information and services available to monitor and track important legislation, regulations and nominations.
• Legislative drafting, including the most common mistakes to avoid and the use of a specialized drafting manual developed to assist in drafting and proofreading legislation.
• Guidance on how to effectively engage the Delaware State Bar Association and gather input from its individual sections concerning proposed legislation.

This seminar offers 2.0 credits to Delaware and Pennsylvania Attorneys.

Locations available are Wilmington, Live stream options in Georgetown and Dover.

* Advertised price is for the standard member rate.

OUT OF STATE CLE CREDIT INFO

Those attendees who wish to receive CLE credit, other than from Delaware or Pennsylvania, should contact their individual State’s CLE Commission for credit. The Delaware State Bar Association can provide you with the agenda (included in the Materials sent with your registration confirmation) and a Certificate of Attendance (upon completion of the webinar), which should meet the requirements of compliance.