CLE Program

Gain a deeper understanding of the insurance challenges arising from California wildfire disasters. This interactive CLE session examines actual claims and lived experiences of insured homeowners, alongside expert analysis from attorneys on both sides of the insurance aisle. Moderated by Len Levy, the discussion will unpack disputed policy provisions, key negotiation points, and effective resolution strategies, providing practical insights for attorneys navigating post-disaster claims. Learn the most common issues, effective resolution techniques, and the real human impact behind the paperwork.

This session will explore practitioners' top considerations in determining the appropriate value of cases at all stages of litigation, from pre-lit to post-trial.  Practitioners will share their experiences and advice for justifying and communicating “their number” to opposing parties, mediators, and jurors. (How to value cases to put out initial settlement demand; How that value might change over time; How to effectively negotiate for the best value considering that mills are driving down value).

The recently-enacted Partition of Real Property Act creates new procedures for properties held as a tenancy in common. In the absence of published appellate cases interpreting the new statute, what are the best practices for navigating the new procedural requirements? Join real property/partition litigator Curtis Holdsworth, partition referee and attorney Matthew Taylor, and the Hon. Elizabeth Feffer (Ret.), as they provide an overview of California’s long-established partition statutory scheme, and also offer their perspectives on the impact of and implementation of the new statute. By the end of this session, attorneys with or without experience litigating partition actions will have an understanding of the Partition of Real Property Act, and will also receive practical tips and strategies to deploy in or out of the courtroom.

Speakers: Edward Weiss, Esq. - ADR Services, Inc. Hon. Randolph M. Hammock - LASC Paul Kiesel - Kielsel Law LLP Jay Spillane - Spillane Trial Group PLC   Location: Webinar   Cost: Free members, $45 non-members  

Description: Appellate strategy doesn’t begin after trial—it begins the moment a case is filed. In high-profile disputes, where the stakes are amplified by media coverage, public perception, and evolving areas of law, careful planning is critical at every stage. This program will highlight how trial lawyers can collaborate effectively with appellate specialists to shape litigation strategy, preserve issues for review, and prepare for appellate challenges long before the record is finalized. Through discussion of nationally recognized cases—the panel will explore how appellate courts engage with emotionally charged issues, what happens behind the scenes at the Court of Appeal, and how...

Hear from a variety of speakers at this annual conference.

The 2025 two-day--TUES November 12th and WED November 13th, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM--(virtual) conference with a wide array of provocative MCLE programs that fulfill Specialty (Civility in the Legal Profession, Legal Ethics, Implicit Bias, Prevention and Detection Competence, Wellness Competence, Technology in the Practice of Law), Legal Specialty (Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law) and General MCLE credits. Attend all or just a few of the offerings for one flat fee. The MCLE Committee has selected current topics and issues challenging our legal profession and community.

Speaker: Hon. Kathleen Kelly (Ret.) – ADR Services, Inc. Oliver Vallejo, Esq. – The Veen Firm Hon. Sandra Margulies (Ret.) - JAMS Location: Zoom Cost: $55.00 SFTLA Member │$65.00 Non-Member

Description: Franky Carrillo was exonerated after serving 20 years in prison for murder. During this panel, Mr. Carrillo will share the impact of his wrongful conviction. Deputy DA Juan Mejia, the prosecutor in Mr. Carrillo's case, and Deputy DA Amy Wilton, both former leaders of the Habeas Corpus Team, will discuss the DA's approach to habeas corpus matters. Joseph Trigilio, ED of Loyola Law School's Project for the Innocent (LPI), will discuss how the LPI deals with wrongful conviction claims. Judge Kelvin Filer, the Supervising Judge of the Compton Courthouse where Mr. Carrillo's conviction and exoneration occurred, will provide the...

Participatory credit is taken at its word in this interactive program. Using audience volunteers and a fact pattern, the panelists will perform a mock voir dire, demonstrating plaintiff’s and defense perspectives, presided over by retired Judge Steve Austin. Following the mock voir dire, the speakers will dissect where they went right and where they went wrong in the search for a jury.