CLE Program

The stage is set: The mediation is scheduled for October 22, 2024 at 12 p.m. Join real life Mediator Debra Bogaards, as she works with plaintiff’s counsel Jacqueline Ravenscroft and defense counsel Erin Poppler to present a mock mediation of this Landlord/Tenant dispute. The fact pattern will be fake, but the negotiation and settlement strategies employed will be very real. From pre-mediation preparation, to moving through negotiations and breaking a stalemate our panelists will demonstrate how a real-life mediation might play out. At the end, you decide – should they take the deal?

Retired Associate Justice Kathryn Werdegar will interview Retired Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye about her career, the Court and her jurisprudence.

Join us for this webinar on the intricacies of PMK (Person Most Knowledgeable) depositions, a critical aspect of legal proceedings involving corporate entities. We will hear from three key perspectives. From plaintiff’s perspective, we will see strategies and considerations for noticing a PMK deposition, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities when deposing a defendant entity. From the defense perspective, hear insights into the process of designating the appropriate PMK, gathering pertinent documents as outlined in the deposition notice, and effectively defending these depositions to protect the interests of the entity client. And finally, you will also get the trial judge’s perspective. Our three speakers will provide well-rounded discussion of the law of PMK depositions (statutory and case law), strategy in taking and defending, optimal use of depositions at trial, etc.

This webinar promises to provide valuable knowledge and practical tips for both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Whether you are new to PMK depositions or looking to refine your approach, this session will offer the guidance you need to excel in your legal practice.

An introduction and overview of Directed Trusts; how they differ from traditional Trusts.  The new California statute governing Directed Trusts and its limitations.

Join us at our Annual Women in Network Conference—a dynamic event designed for women lawyers to learn, connect, and grow. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, expand your professional network, and engage with like-minded peers. Don’t miss out on an inspiring day of learning, networking, and empowerment!

Join Judge Miller as she guides you through California Evidence Code sections 1115 through 1129, which govern all California mediations. These sections contain counterintuitive provisions that can cause serious problems if not properly addressed. This program will teach you the rules and how to avoid pitfalls.

Anthony D. Storm, BHBA's President-Elect and Family Law practitioner will conduct this keynote interview with Hon. Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) during lunch. The symposium will focus on Appeals and Challenging Decisions from the Court, and will feature 4 panels, two in the morning and two in the afternoon in addition to this lunchtime fireside chat.

In the past five years there has been a worldwide focus on the effects of recent events upon mental health. The World Health Organization’s campaign to make mental health and well-being for all a global priority included declaring October 10 to be World Mental Health Day. In addition to the WHO’s declaring a global mental health crisis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that substance abuse and drug overdose deaths has greatly increased in recent years.

The stresses of the legal profession put lawyers at risk for abuse of legal and illegal substances. How can those of us in the legal profession gain control and find joy in a “chaotic world”?

The presentation will discuss mental well-being and substance use disorders in the legal profession today.

For clients with permanent catastrophic injuries, reaching a settlement can be a particularly complex process with many players involved and numerous factors to consider. It is critical for attorneys to be well-versed in all aspects of the settlement process while also closely considering the long-term needs of their clients. Drawing upon the expertise of an attorney specializing in Special Needs Trusts, a Certified Nurse Life Care Planner (CNLCP®), a Forensic Economist, and a Settlement Consultant with 30 years of experience working with Special Needs Trusts, this seminar will seek to guide both plaintiff and defense attorneys in reaching an appropriate settlement for their client, and securing long-term financial vehicles and capable custodians that will be able to address the specific needs of their clients for years to come.

Hear from a former writs and receiver judge and three experienced land use and municipal lawyers on best practices and tips for California administrative writs and mandamus practice.  This 101 Class will cover topics including administrative record, pleadings, defenses, dispositive motions, settlement, trial and post-trial practice.

This day-long institute focuses on the intersection of law, business and politics, providing a platform for our panelists and participants to better understand how Los Angeles’s evolving business environment, best practices and changes in the law will impact business. Join conversations about the latest industry developments, legal guidelines, and practical advice with immediate application for in-house legal departments and law firms. In her keynote presentation, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) will address challenges facing the Supreme Court of our nation’s largest and most dynamic state.

Unlock the strategic benefits of using discovery referees to streamline civil litigation. In this program, retired judges Hon. James Lambden and Hon. Victoria Wood guide attorneys through the flexible authority of referees, breaking down obstacles like discovery disputes, stonewalling, and misbehaving counsel. Explore how referees can expedite pre-trial procedures, save costs, and manage complex motions. Learn practical tools, from appointing a referee to sharing real-world examples and forms, and gain a clear path to faster, more efficient discovery practices.