Join Brenda for a 20-hour CLE program in beautiful Slaty Fork, West Virginia. In this program, join other legal professionals for an immersive 3-day retreat designed to radically reimagine the practice of law—from one rooted in conflict to one grounded in healing. Based on Brenda’s recently published book, Becoming a Restorative Lawyer, this workshop is for lawyers ready to shift from burnout and adversarial norms toward a restorative approach that centers justice, connection, and well-being. Held in the serene, forested beauty of Elk River Inn & Cabins in Slatyfork, West Virginia, this all-inclusive experience will offer over 20 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) while creating space for deep reflection, practical training, and community building. Through workshops, guided discussion, movement, and nature-based integration, you'll leave with both the mindset and tools to lead systemic change—starting with your own practice. Review a detailed agenda of the program here. The program will also include two short online segments held during the lunch hour, both before and after the retreat. Regular registration is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rooted Practice: A Path to Becoming a Restorative Lawyer
What is Rooted Practice?
Rooted Practice is an immersive retreat and professional development experience for lawyers who want to reimagine legal practice through restorative principles, well-being, and human-centered advocacy. The retreat combines CLE programming, reflective practice, community dialogue, and experiential learning in a restorative environment.
Who is this workshop designed for?
This retreat is designed for lawyers, mediators, judges, law students, and legal professionals who are interested in:
Preventing burnout and restoring meaning in their work
Learning restorative and collaborative approaches to conflict
Building healthier law practices and legal systems
Expanding skills in communication, facilitation, and relationship-centered advocacy
Connecting with a supportive professional community
Do I need experience in restorative justice to attend?
No. The program welcomes both newcomers and experienced practitioners. The retreat is structured to provide foundational concepts while also offering deeper reflection and practical tools for experienced restorative professionals.
What will I learn during the retreat?
Participants will explore:
Principles of restorative lawyering
Restorative justice frameworks and applications
Communication and conflict transformation skills
Lawyer well-being and sustainable practice
Community-centered and relationship-centered legal approaches
Practical tools to integrate restorative principles into everyday legal work
How many CLE credits are offered?
The retreat is expected to provide more than 20 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit. Final approval details will be shared with registered participants.
Where is the retreat located?
The retreat takes place at the Elk River Inn & Cabins in Slaty Fork, West Virginia, surrounded by the forests and mountains of the Monongahela National Forest.
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration includes:
Retreat programming and workshops
CLE sessions
Lodging accommodations
Meals during the retreat
Group activities and community experiences
Access to pre- and post-retreat online sessions
Are lodging and meals included?
Yes. The retreat is designed as an all-inclusive experience, with lodging and meals included in the registration fee.
What are the online sessions?
Participants will attend two short online gatherings—one before the retreat and one afterward. These sessions help prepare participants for the experience and support integration of learning into practice after the retreat.
What makes this retreat different from a traditional CLE?
Unlike traditional CLE programs focused primarily on legal doctrine, Rooted Practice emphasizes transformation in how lawyers practice, relate, and sustain themselves. The retreat integrates reflection, dialogue, movement, experiential learning, and community building alongside professional education.
Is this retreat appropriate for litigators?
Absolutely. Many participants come from litigation backgrounds and are looking for more sustainable, effective, and humane approaches to advocacy and conflict resolution.
What should I bring?
Participants are encouraged to bring:
Comfortable clothing for movement and outdoor activities
A journal or notebook
Walking shoes
Layers for changing mountain weather
An openness to reflection, dialogue, and connection
Will there be outdoor activities?
Yes. Nature-based reflection and integration are part of the retreat experience, weather permitting. The setting is intentionally designed to support rest, reflection, and connection.
How large is the group?
The retreat is intentionally designed for a small group to encourage meaningful conversation, connection, and individualized participation.
Is this retreat focused on wellness or legal skills?
Both. Rooted Practice recognizes that effective legal practice and lawyer well-being are deeply connected. The retreat combines practical professional development with opportunities for reflection, restoration, and community support.
Can this approach work within traditional legal systems?
Yes. Restorative and relationship-centered approaches can be integrated into many practice areas, including litigation, mediation, family law, criminal law, workplace disputes, organizational leadership, and community-based advocacy.
Who is leading the retreat?
The retreat is led by Brenda Waugh, an attorney, mediator, and restorative justice practitioner with more than thirty years of legal experience and extensive work in restorative lawyering, mediation, and conflict transformation.
How do I register?
You can learn more and register here:
Rooted Practice Registration Page
What if I still have questions?
Email brenda at waugh@brendawaugh.com or call 304-728-3660.