“Words cannot adequately describe [this course]. So many emotional moments. I was drawn to tears many times. Amazing.” Janie B., Simi Valley, CA
“I knew it was going to be good. It was like an Academy Award movie!” Rhea D., San Francisco
“Perhaps the best CLE I have ever enjoyed in 25 years as a lawyer. Thank you so much for this fantastic presentation! I wish it was a movie!” Jeff U., Fairfax, VA
“Excellent, one of the best CLE courses in my 40 years of practice.” Greg, Wash., DC
“Fascinating. By far the best ethics class I have taken in my 40 years practicing law. I really appreciated the spotlight on positive aspects of serving as a criminal defense attorney.” Victoria S., CA
"Outstanding CLE... Inspirational... Thank you for making us better lawyers." G. Timothy Oksman, Esq., Richmond, VA (full name used at attendee’s direction)
"Your course was overwhelmingly interesting... My knowledge (during those time periods) acquired during my growing up in Japan, came back in the undeniable realities. My sincere respect and gratitude to [David F. Smith] for his remarkable, professional dedication and courage to fight for (past enemy) Mr. Hirota!" - Katsuko H. (Fairfax, VA).
“[S]itting in the sunroom of the Commanding General’s quarters on Camp Zama, Japan… I just completed your CLE about the Tokyo War Trials and very much enjoyed the pictures, clips and history that appeared throughout your presentation. Thank you for presenting your very informative course. Our complicated history with Japan following defeat and Occupation continues to this day and I j ust wanted convey my appreciation.” Lizanne P., Esq.
"My mother worked in MacArthur's General HQ in Tokyo... My thanks for aiding my understanding of this important chapter of American and world history. An excellent presentation!" Jeff B., Los Altos, CA
From a prior inmate of the Japanese-American Internment Camps: "I just finished watching Defending Hirota. You did a fascinating and academically impressive job. My hat is off to you.... It is absorbing and makes one see the bias and weakness that can rear its ugly head...." Gene M., MD (Retired), Maui, Hawaii
"A very good but sad presentation... My family... is related to Gordon Hirabayashi [who challenged the Japanese American detention in the Supreme Court]. [A]s long as there is fear-mongering, the Korematsu chapter [of this story] may never be closed." Tom V., Gaithersburg, MD.
From the California Dept. of Justice: "... a fascinating and inspiring documentary about historical events not widely known, but should be. It seamlessly weaves together issues of legal ethics, due process, discrimination and current events. The thoughts and ideas it evokes stay with you long after you watch it." - Elizabeth Angres, Supervising Deputy Attorney General (reporting "rave reviews" from DOJ personnel).
From a Licensed Gettysburg Battlefield Guide: “The… significant historical events, challenging ethical issue and relevant [tribunal] opinions and dissents was not only informative but riveting.” John F., Capt. USMC, Col. UFAFR (Ret.)
"[Defending Hirota] does a great job in making viewers think about the attorney's ethical duties to speak truth to power. Great program!" Professor Bryan C., Texas.
"I completed Defending Hirota… with my 15 year old son who is traveling to Japan [soon]. This course was the best MCLE course I have attended. My son and I were absolutely fascinated and the footage and original documents were outstanding. The ethics Rules and Canons were extremely helpful…. [T]he format was brilliant.” Ellen D., Esq., Alexandria VA
"Our [entire] office watched the program [under the group price]. It was fantastic! A fascinating and informative program!" Helen I., San Diego, CA
“I found myself inspired and intrigued. I certainly recommend this course.” John B., Fairfax, VA
"[This] program was fantastic. I accept Capital appointments and I found so much applicable to my... cases. 'Those that do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' Great Work." Jon T., Esq., VA
"An excellent presentation on [a] horrific injustice... while reminding us of .. what happens when we suspend procedural due process and our Constitutional principles. Will we ever learn?" Shauna W., Reston, VA
“This course was great… the best ethics class I have ever had. I am teaching Philosophy of Law at a college… I found your presentation fascinating.” Bruce G., Kingsport, TN
"Great presentation! Defending Hirota is an interesting and informative presentation that cleverly combines history with CLE." William R., Alexandria, VA
“[E]xcellent…! As a retired Navy Commander and lawyer, I found the military aspects very informative and enjoyable. Navy, Bravo Zulu!” Drew D., Santa Ana, CA
"I just did 'Defending Hirota'. Quite interesting and enjoyable, the way CLE should be." Brian F., Esq., Potomac, MD
"I really appreciated this! More people should hear this story... a wonderful program!" Amy A., Esq., Medford, OR
"Thanks for making such a fun and relevant CLE [about] the dangers of outcome-driven jurisprudence. You served history by leaving no room for rationalization." Catherine D., Esq., CA
"This was one of the best ethics CLEs that I have taken. Thank you for sharing [this] story - what a tremendous tribute...." Holly R., Esq. Tysons Corner, VA
“This CLE was terrific! It was a course to appreciate, enjoy and learn from. Very well done.” A.S., Esq., Falls Church, VA
“I very much enjoyed the Hirota CLE, especially given my Navy JAG background and duties advising on international criminal law and justice.” David B., Esq. (Rep. of Congo).
"What a great course - the best CLE I have ever taken. My father was a captain in the Pacific and your program brought back all the stories he told. I thoroughly enjoyed it." Jay H., Esq., Fairfax, VA
"Really well done. Not only interesting, but the slides and clips were really cool. The CLE was out of my usual real estate law studies, so it was particularly enjoyable.” Karen W., Esq., Gainesville, VA.
"An Outstanding CLE program. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end." Robert H., Washington, D.C.
"[A]n interesting and provocative program both from the history it discusses and the thoughtful ethical issues it raises. [It] provides a cautionary tale for our ... sanctions on North Korea ... [O]ur duties as attorneys reminds us that the right choices are often very hard." Fran L., Charlottesville, VA.
"Defending Hirota was a moving presentation." Lawrence F., Houston, TX.
"Great CLE. I'm drawn to histo[ry] ... and greatly enjoyed it." Scott C., Washington, DC
"Excellent CLE. And the early history of China was a totally new education for me." Bob B., Fairfax, VA
"It was excellent!" Christine I., Colorado
"Excellent!" Peyton M., Fairfax, VA
"Outstanding presentation! Even better at the end... The ethical issues are such that any defense attorney can relate." John M., Fairfax Station, VA
"What an interesting and timely CLE! It was very thoughtfully done.... I am very glad that I watched this. [The issues presented] are fundamental to our American system of justice." Judith F., California.
"A very interesting presentation!" Jason P., Alexandria, VA
"Thanks for the only truly interesting CLE I've ever listened to :-) And thanks for publicizing [David F. Smith's"] heroic battle." Sharon F., Fairfax, VA
"Thank you for a remarkably timely course." Marshall C., Great Falls, VA
"Fantastic!" Paul C., Washington, DC
"The presentation was fantastic." Jason L., Los Angeles, CA
"I learned a lot from this course. Outstanding. A timely CLE." Jason P., Alexandria, VA
"I was inspired and intrigued by Defending Hirota… Truly inspirational." John B., Fairfax, VA
“A fascinating program.” Stuart S., Sacramento, CA
“Defending Hirota is a sad but wonderful story. [David F. Smith] is a hero and an example for all lawyers. It reminds us how easy it is to forget the fragile fundamental values our nation rests on in the heat of tragic events.” Paul B., CA Attorney.