Life is hard enough these days, even for intact families. Add in the challenges of a contentious divorce and custody battle, with attendant mental health and behavioral challenges, and it can become complete turmoil, not only for all members of the families, but also for the attorneys who represent them. Hear viewpoints from a retired Family Law Judge, a child custody evaluator and a litigator on ideas to help bring more peace to family law conflict.

Description: This year, at the 47th Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers, former Chief Justice of California, Tani Cantil-Sakauye, will attend as the Keynote Speaker. As the first Asian-Filipina and only the second woman to serve as Chief Justice of California, we know that she has had an incredible impact on our courts and community. You will not want to miss this special evening where we hear about her work to increase access to justice and increase civic awareness and engagement. PALSD will aslo award the Honorable John A. Houston with the PALSD Legacy Award at this year’s Annual Dinner....

Building off the latest land Use and CEQA litigation updates, this session features practical strategies for navigating CEQA and land use approvals. From project planning to litigation, settlement, and appeals, attendees will gain valuable insights and real-world tips to achieve successful outcomes.

2024 real estate commission rules – it is no longer an automatic Buyer’s commission from the Seller. Conservator to simply sell a Conservatee’s residence with new 2024 real estate commission rules is not an automatic 5% and there are many factors when deciding to contribute to the Buyer’s commission. There is post Britney Spears Conservatorship consideration and penalties designed to protect even further the Conservatee, due to the negative public perception regarding conservatorships.

Description: Since 1993, the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar has become an institution, a staple and must go to event for all the members of the construction defect community. In no other single place can one learn so much about the prosecution, defense, insurance coverage, science and technology regarding this specialized subject of claims and litigation . . .  and . . .  in no other place will you be able to meet your colleagues where great long lasting relationships can be established which assist you in your claims and litigation handling throughout the business year. It has been long said about our...

Join us for a fun and compelling fireside chat on civility past and present, featuring esteemed Contra Costa County judges who will share their insight and experiences from the bench and beyond. This session will delve into the critical importance of professionalism and respect in legal practice, exploring how civility impacts courtroom dynamics, case outcomes to include mediation and arbitration, and the broader judicial process. Attendees will gain practical advice on fostering constructive communication and maintaining ethical standards in interactions with peers, clients, and the judiciary. Enhance your understanding of civility as a cornerstone of effective advocacy and leave inspired to elevate your practice.

Why do some mediations lead to resolution while others fall flat? The key often lies in preparation and managing expectations. This panel of experienced mediators and litigators will explore best practices for preparing your case, your client, and the opposing side for mediation success. From strategic information exchanges to timing considerations and the role of external factors like insurance and pending motions, this program will provide practical insights to maximize settlement opportunities both in employment disputes, and mediation in general. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to mediation, you'll leave with actionable strategies to enhance your effectiveness in the process.

Description:
This program presents proven strategies for prosecuting and defending contempt's from initial pleading through trial.  Drafting and evaluating the initial pleadings, pretrial motion, practice, trial presentations, and sentencing considerations will each be discussed 

Learning Objectives:   

• Gain a greater understanding of the mediation process from beginning to end
• Learn how best to prepare for the mediation hearing
• Know the pitfalls to avoid at the mediation hearing
• Receive helpful tips to increase their mediation advocacy skills
• Know what is necessary for an enforceable settlement agreement

Join Frost Brown Todd, ADR Services, Inc. and Murex Environmental, Inc. for a half-day technical and legal seminar as we present, “Brownfield Redevelopment in the Age of the California Housing Crisis” at the California Club. DTSC’s new director, Katherine Butler, and a panel of experts will discuss the challenges and possible solutions to redeveloping Brownfields in pursuit of addressing the shortage of housing in California.

"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers"
Justice John Paul Stevens understood why Shakespeare put those oft-misquoted words into the mouth of the villainous Dick the Butcher. As Justice Stevens explained: "Shakespeare insightfully realized that disposing of lawyers is a step in the direction of a totalitarian form of government."

This timely panel will discuss the constitutionality of the Trump administration's series of unprecedented attacks on prominent law firms and sitting judges, the reaction from the courts, and how members of the legal profession can defend the Rule of Law.

To negotiate effectively and efficiently, it is important to identify and understand your own biases and the biases held by others. The purpose of this program is to learn just that and empower you to reach the best settlement outcomes for your clients. We will discuss, define, and explain types of biases that show up in negotiations such as the "fixed pie bias," susceptibility to framing, conflicting motivations, and egocentrism, as well as cultural biases that can affect negotiation outcomes. In this program you will gain tools and skills to recognize biases within yourself as an attorney, within your client, and in others—and learn to use that awareness strategically to overcome obstacles and achieve better settlement outcomes.

Program Overview

I. Federal Developments

• Executive Orders
• Federal Enforcement Agencies
• Federal Legislation and Regulations
• Federal Case Law

II. California Developments

• California Response to Federal Developments
• California Enforcement Agencies
• California Legislation and Regulations
• California Case Law

III. Impact of New Federalism on Resolving Employment Disputes