CLE Program

ADR Services, Inc., is a California State Bar certified MCLE provider that offers legal education programs to our clients throughout California at no charge.

1 Hour General MCLE Credit

Southern California Mediation Association 34th Annual Conference
Embracing Differences and Promoting Inclusivity in Mediation: A View Through the Lens of Negotiation

Virtual

Mediation is essentially facilitated negotiation. Each mediation involves unique circumstances that impact the role of the mediator and invoke the practical skills required to resolve the dispute. Regardless of the nature of the dispute, the mediator’s role as “negotiation coach” is critical. Indeed, mediation success is commonly measured by negotiation success. In this program, Stacie Hausner and Judge Alexander Williams, experienced mediators with ADR Services, Inc., will examine best practices during the negotiation stage(s) of mediation to identify opportunities to advance the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion and to promote recognition and respect for differences in the world of mediation.

USC Gould School of Law 48th Annual Trust & Estate Conference
Keynote Presentation Judicial Guardianship Evaluation Worksheet

Dr. Bonnie Olsen, geropsychologist and expert in decisional capacity, will discuss the development of the Judicial Guardianship Evaluation Worksheet, a tool for probate judges to evaluate relevant factors in assessing the propriety and scope of conservatorships for older adults. Dr. Olsen and her team developed the Worksheet at the behest of the Department of Justice as part of a national effort to advance conservatorship reform. The tool prompts the Court to consider the proposed conservatees’ retained capacities, susceptibility to harm, and less restrictive alternatives to preserve elder rights through targeted remedies. We are also pleased that Judge Paul Suzuki (Retired) and Dr. Olsen will complete the 45-minute presentation discussing how the Worksheet may impact consideration of evidence in probate matters.

1 Hour MCLE Credit

PROBATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERIES

Virtual

I: Conservatorships – May 10, 2022 │12:00 p.m. │1 Hour MCLE Credit │Please click here to register Handout -  Slides II: Fiduciaries & Trustees: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – August 10, 2022 │12:00 p.m. │1 Hour MCLE Credit │Please click here to register Handout -  Slides III: 850 Petitions & Civil Procedures – November 16, 2022│12:00 p.m. │1 Hour MCLE Credit │Please click here to register Handout

2 Hours Legal Ethics CLE Credit

Applicable & Actionable
Guide to the Practicing Attorneys' Ethical Compliance, Competence, & Confidentiality

Virtual

Through analysis of hypothetical situations drawn from lived experience, media coverage and even the law in film, the speakers will discuss ethical obligations and compliance in real-world situations. By applying the relevant sections of the Code of Ethics, attendees will gain actionable guidance on their responsibilities, and test their knowledge by engaging in this “Build Your Own Adventure” style program. Scenarios covered will include a subordinate’s responsibilities, discriminatory practices, inappropriate relationships, confidentiality, and more!

1 Hour General CLE Credit

Strategy: Mediation vs Trial

Virtual

Four top trial lawyers, two defense and two plaintiffs, from Northern and Southern California, will discuss the unique strategy differences between how they approach a mediation versus how they prepare for a trial of the same case.

1 Hour MCLE Credit

Judge Susan Lopez-Giss/Direct Examination
Family Law Webinar

Virtual

Hon. Susan Lopez-Giss (Ret.) served 15 years as a Judge for the Los Angeles Superior Court, with the entirety of her time on the bench devoted to Family Law. Judge Lopez-Giss presided over thousands of cases involving all types of contested and complex Family Law matters, including parentage cases, custody and visitation issues, child and spousal support, business valuation, and property division. In addition to issuing thousands of rulings, Judge Lopez-Giss became known for actively and successfully settling her cases. Her strong legal mind, coupled with an emphasis on collaboration to resolve family disputes, has resulted in her reputation as an effective problem solver and adjudicator.

Prior to her judicial career, Judge Lopez-Giss served 30 years in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, where she developed a groundbreaking domestic violence diversion and counseling program that was implemented statewide, only one of such programs in the country at the time. She was instrumental in drafting a domestic violence prosecution manual, filing guidelines, and restraining order statutes, and helped train law enforcement and medical personnel across the country. Judge Lopez-Giss also developed guidelines for the handling of child abuse and child sexual abuse and served on interagency councils that addressed child abuse and neglect that included training for mandatory reporting. She also reviewed and personally oversaw the prosecution of hundreds of such cases. For her pioneering work developing these programs, Judge Lopez-Giss was presented with a Resolution by the Mayor and the Los Angeles City Council.

1 Hour General CLE Credit

Antagonist to Protagonist:
Using emotional intelligence to identify and act on the turning point for successful dispute resolution

Virtual

Through examination of real life examples of challenging personalities and situations, two experienced mediators will discuss and offer suggestions on how to breach an impasse in settlement negotiations. This program will include focus on laying pre-mediation groundwork to establish credibility and using emotional intelligence to leverage this credibility and relationships to reach a successful resolution. Our speakers will also discuss how to identify and act on that “switch point” to flip from combatant to problem solver.