Law of Self Defense Seminar Review

By Jeremy Gill — September 28, 2015

Before I get into it, I wanted to say Thank You to Rick Davis of Deliberate Defense for hosting Andrew Branca, as well as Andrew Branca for making the trip to Albuquerque to share, not only his knowledge, but also his expertise, on the Law of Self Defense.

The seminar began on schedule and delivered substantial content. Attendance included approximately 12 people comprising concealed carry instructors, two attorneys, and several concealed carry permit holders. We were forewarned about receiving extensive legal information regarding lawful force use — potentially exceeding what most attorneys receive in education or what patrol officers learn during academy training.

I purchased the bound slide materials for twenty dollars — an investment well worth it. Several unprepared attendees purchased slides during breaks. Approximately 350 slides contained substantive material without filler content. The seminar ran from 1:00 PM to approximately 6:30 PM with minimal five-minute breaks.

Branca delivered information at a deliberate pace without wasting words, and audience questions were typically answered within a few slides. He effectively communicated New Mexico-specific law to general concealed carry permit holders despite traveling every weekend for presentations.

The seminar cost $150 regular admission or $100 for early registration — an exceptional value. As a New Mexico concealed carry licensing instructor with above-average legal understanding, I gained knowledge exceeding the seminar cost.

Branca successfully translated legal terminology into accessible language — an art form. The five-and-a-half-hour event felt considerably shorter.

I strongly recommend attendance and suggest saving $10 biweekly until Branca returns to schedule attendance. The seminar potentially prevents costly legal mistakes or saves consultation fees with Branca (noted as $450 for initial consultation following deadly force incidents).