Section forges international ties.

Travel to Brazil's Amazon Rainforest to learn more about environmental law.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Get an Israeli perspective on travel law issues under the Peace Accords while in Monaco.

Flit to Havana to better understand complex legal issues handling cases involving Cuban nationals.

Reap an insight on special banking privileges from the International Financial Center in Montreal.

Promote cultural and economic ties with Russian lawyers and civil law notaries in St. Petersburg.

These are just some of the opportunities for continuing legal education sponsored by the Bar's International Law Section.

"Especially in these times of non-world peace, it's most important that we get out there and develop these relationships and maintain the ones we have," said International Law Section Chair Larry Gore of Ft. Lauderdale.

While the section is seasoned at reaching out to lawyers around the world, Chair-elect David Willig said his personal initiative will be reaching out to other sections of The Florida Bar. He invites other section members to brainstorm about future joint programs at a summer retreat in Miami at The Palms hotel on August 8-10.

"If you are in criminal law practice or family law practice, there is always an international element to that," Willig said.

"I think other Bar members can benefit from our knowledge and experience and our programs."

Globe-trotting members of the International Law Section hope to stimulate minds and rack up CLE credits, it as well as enrich worldly experiences and make international contacts.

In Havana, the purpose of the February 27 through March 3 trip organized by Miami lawyers Jose Valdes and Enrique Zamora was to familiarize lawyers with complex legal issues encountered handling cases involving Cuban nationals, with the promise that political issues would not be discussed and no Cuban government representatives would be present.

There's still a chance to go to Brazil Seay of Florida Gulf Coast University, where participants will spend 11 days from September 11-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador da Bahia, the Amazon Rainforest, and Manaus. Besides a dizzying array of sightseeing activities, the continuing legal education features international experts in a variety of topics including intellectual property, environmental law, trade, business, and ethics--all from an international, and decidedly Brazilian, perspective. (To register or receive a brochure, call Seay...