CLE Program

Experts can make or break a mediation—but only if used strategically. John D. Hanover and Robert S. Mann explore how to engage, prepare, and deploy experts to clarify technical issues, build risk models, and support realistic negotiations without overpowering the process. This program covers selective disclosure, joint expert sessions, and the potential role of neutral experts, offering practical strategies to ensure experts enhance—rather than hinder—the path to resolution.

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To support attorneys in meeting the California State Bar’s MCLE Competence requirement, this one-hour program explores the intersection of mental well-being, professional resilience, and personal authenticity. Through practical strategies and candid conversation, participants will gain tools to navigate stress, prevent burnout, and foster a more sustainable and fulfilling legal practice. Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned practitioner, this session offers space to reflect, recharge, and reconnect—with yourself and your purpose.

Join #1 New York Times bestseller Ezra Klein and a panel of sensational experts for a special discussion about the abundance agenda for California’s economy, policy reform and dispute resolution. Are you interested in building what California needs, political governance and current affairs? This lunchtime webcast is for you.
This complimentary CLE program is presented by ADR Services, Inc., and co-sponsored by CA FWD, Kearns & West, and Hanson Bridgett.

Mediating construction disputes often turns on two critical drivers: the role of experts and the availability of insurance or other risk transfer contractual provisions. Panelists will explore how to effectively use experts to further a party’s objective at mediation, including discussion of the timing, preparation, credibility of experts and recent case law requiring experts to have personal knowledge of the facts underlying their opinions. Panelists will also share practical strategies for leveraging expert reports, coordinating expert-to-expert meetings, and using actual repair costs to build credibility.

On the insurance side, the panelists will analyze the key coverage issues that influence both negotiations and resolution. Topics discussed will also include key contract terms and anti-indemnity statutes.

Through real life examples, attendees will learn how to use experts and insurance most effectively to achieve resolution in complex construction disputes.

The Pinto decision upended long-standing assumptions in California insurance litigation, directly challenging the validity of CACI 2334 and setting off a wave of change across bad faith failure-to-settle claims. In response, courts and legislators acted—producing two significant published opinions and ushering in Code of Civil Procedure § 999, which now governs pre-litigation settlement demands.

Speakers: Michael Balmages, Esq.  - ADR Services, Inc. Shirin Forootan, Esq. - Forootan ADR Location: Western State College of Law, Irvine CA Price: $150 Members, $225 Non-members  

Description: Seminar Registration is open through September 24 at 12:15 p.m. Registration includes online digital materials. Your MCLE certificate of attendance will be emailed to you within 14 working days following the event.   Speakers: Hon. Marie S. Weiner (Ret.) - ADR Services, Inc. Paula Vielman-Reeves - ADZ Law Stephen M. Hayes - Hayes Scott Bonino Ellingson & Guslani, LLP Frank M. Pitre - Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP   Location: Zoom Webinar   Cost: $50 Members, $60 Non-Members

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how legal professionals draft, research, and strategize. But how can attorneys use these tools effectively—and ethically?

In this engaging and practical CLE program, Dan Garrison, CEO of OpenWallet and adjunct professor at the University of Utah College of Law, and Judge Victoria Wood (Ret.), a seasoned neutral and retired judge, explore how generative AI tools like ChatGPT can be used to enhance legal work product without compromising professional obligations.

The program will demonstrate a hands-on exercise for using AI to optimize (not replace!) human work product —showing how attorneys can train AI to improve outputs through structured prompting, context building, and iterative feedback. Through real examples and interactive discussion, the speakers will highlight best practices for leveraging AI tools in tasks like legal drafting, oral argument preparation, and brief analysis.

Interwoven throughout the presentation will be key ethical considerations under the California Rules of Professional Conduct, including duties of competence, confidentiality, candor to the tribunal, and oversight of non-lawyer (and now, non-human) assistance.

Attendees will leave with practical takeaways, sample prompts, and an adaptable framework for integrating AI tools into their legal practice—safely, ethically, and effectively.

This program will examine the legal frameworks and practical challenges of subrogation litigation in auto, workers’ compensation, and property disputes, emphasizing strategies to maximize the effectiveness of mediation in reaching durable, cost effective outcomes.

Too often, settlement is mistakenly seen as giving in. In reality, mediation—when approached strategically is one of the most powerful tools a litigator has to deliver results. Zealous advocacy doesn’t end when you leave the courtroom; your clients expect you to go to bat for them at every stage, and for most civil cases, that stage is mediation, not trial.

This dynamic, practice-focused program brings together three seasoned mediators and a California judge to give you the inside track on achieving superior results through mediation. Whether you are new to mediation or a seasoned advocate, this program will equip you with concrete, ready-to-use skills to powerfully represent your clients throughout the mediation process.

Following the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet members of BASF's mediation panel and learn more about BASF's high-quality and accessible Mediation Services.  Our program staff will also be on hand to share more about our resources to support mediation and mediators, as well as pathways to advancing your mediation skills or joining our panel of experienced mediators.

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 new ways to increase the value of your cases.
The 3.5 hour seminar is fast-paced and follows the format pioneered by the late Mr. Belli.