Part 2 of our Mediation Bootcamp Series will consist of a practical demonstration of mediation in action. Our panelists, plaintiff’s counsel Bill Munoz, defense counsel Courtney O’Brien, and mediator Peter Linn will mediate this employment dispute and you the audience can decide: should they take the settlement or not?

Kari Jones, a 38-year-old divorced mother of two, worked as an account manager for MerchCo for four years, receiving pay raises and merit bonuses for three of those years. During her fourth year, her male supervisor, Mike, disciplined her for excessive absences, placed her on a performance plan, and denied her a raise or bonus. Kari alleges that Mike, who has been with the company for ten years, made unwelcome sexual advances, which she ignored. She claims that after rejecting his advances, Mike retaliated by using her absences as grounds for discipline. Although an independent investigation uncovered a suggestive email from Mike, no further evidence supported her claims, and the case was closed without action. Kari subsequently resigned and is now suing MerchCo and Mike for constructive termination, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and retaliation

We are honored to welcome Judge Anita Santos (Ret.) as our distinguished speaker for a fireside chat with Johanna Kwasniewski and Benissa Berry as our moderators. During this engaging conversation, Judge Santos will share insights on: Her background and personal journey, The factors that inspired her to become a mediator, The challenges faced when transitioning from a bench officer to a mediator, Advice for Mediators working with Judges, And much more!

Have a specific question you would like to ask Judge Santos? Email them to smarin@cccba.org by October 10th!

In the spirit of the late Melvin Belli, this seminar serves as a forum to learn innovative strategies, tactics, and techniques to help your law firm thrive. This year, learn from top legal minds and discover how to get a jury or mediator to understand and value the human loss for noneconomic damages.
The 3.5 hour seminar is fast-paced and follows the format pioneered by the late Mr. Belli. The seminar is moderated by Melvin Caesar Belli, son of the late King of Torts, and SCCTLA President, Andrea Justo.

Two experienced mediators and a leading employment attorney will share their tips about how to prepare for and participate in all the stages of the mediation process, with special emphasis on labor and employment, and tort cases. Topics will include how to get ready for the mediation, negotiation skills, and working with the mediator to achieve a successful outcome.

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.