Company Profile

THE VHF DIFFERENCE

VHF Legal Seminars transforms CLE from a requirement into an experience. Our programs immerse attorneys in interactive, practical, and genuinely engaging learning, moving far beyond traditional lectures. Founded by seasoned attorneys Alissa Van Horn and Meredith Friedman, VHF combines deep legal expertise with dynamic, real-world simulations that make learning stick and skills immediately applicable.


Since 2015, Alissa and Meredith have led the charge in CLE innovation, blending knowledge with creativity to deliver hands-on, entertaining professional development. Their signature style gained national attention, inspiring the launch of VHF Legal Seminars. Today, attorneys across the country sharpen their skills, elevate their practice, and enjoy the process, all through VHF’s uniquely interactive model.


Meet our team

Alissa L. Van Horn, Esq.
Founder/Principal

Alissa is a powerhouse in family law, with extensive experience in divorce, adoption, custody, child support, orders of protection, foster care litigation, and prenuptial, postnuptial, and separation agreements. Beyond her courtroom expertise, she brings creativity and energy to CLE design, ensuring every program combines practical skill-building with engaging learning. Alissa is recognized for her strategic insight, approachable teaching style, and ability to make complex legal concepts instantly accessible.

Meredith Friedman, Esq.
Founder/Principal

Meredith is known for her dual approach: seeking harmonious resolutions where possible but fiercely advocating when needed. She draws on years of litigation experience to craft CLE courses that replicate the real-world challenges attorneys face, from high-stakes negotiations to courtroom strategy. Meredith’s seminars emphasize critical thinking, practical problem-solving, and hands-on application, giving participants tools and strategies they can immediately use in practice.

Ashley N. Besse
Chief Operating Officer

Ashley drives strategy, operations, and program delivery with a singular focus: redefining legal education. She ensures each VHF program is operationally seamless, highly engaging, and leaves a lasting impact. With a background in organizational leadership and legal program management, Ashley specializes in creating scalable, innovative learning experiences that resonate with attorneys nationwide. Her leadership bridges vision and execution, making VHF’s interactive model both practical and memorable.

CarolAnn Carbone-Cajuste

Director of Educational Programs

CarolAnn is a seasoned legal professional and educator with a strong background in law and instruction. A Queens College graduate with a B.S. in Political Science and an Accelerated Paralegal Certificate, and the first paralegal invited to teach there, she has worked across multiple legal fields and gained experience at the Court of Appeals. She now serves as Director of Educational Programs, developing continuing legal education initiatives that inspire learning and uphold excellence.

Interactive CLE's

CLE shouldn’t feel like a chore and with VHF, it doesn’t. Our programs keep attorneys actively engaged with real-world scenarios that sharpen strategy, judgment, and confidence. Each CLE requires at least two expert lecturers, ensuring dynamic perspectives, lively discussion, and authentic simulations.

Participants don’t just listen, they practice the very skills that drive success in the courtroom, at the negotiation table, and in client relationships. From mock client meetings to simulated trials and mediations, attorneys leave with immediately applicable tools. The result: sharper instincts, stronger advocacy, and a CLE experience that’s as practical as it is unforgettable.


Our interactive CLE’s include:
  • Mock Client
  • Consultations
  • Closings
  • Hearings
  • Trials
  • Conferences
  • Mediation
  • Oral Arguments
  • and more