CLE Program

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  

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.

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. 

Thinking of expanding your practice into Los Angeles? Before you step into a new courtroom, join Hon. David Sotelo (Ret.)—a seasoned former Los Angeles Superior Court judge—for a practical insider’s guide to navigating the unique structure, culture, and expectations of the LA court system.

This program is designed for attorneys interested in litigating in Los Angeles. Judge Sotelo will walk you through how the LA courts are organized, including the independent calendar system. He’ll also share practical tips on working with court staff, understanding special motion procedures, and managing cases efficiently from afar.

Plus, get key insights into the LA legal community—from the quirks of local opposing counsel to trends in jury verdicts in personal injury and employment cases. Judge Sotelo will also offer candid observations on the LA jury pool and what that means for your trial strategy.

Whether you're handling a single matter or building a presence in Southern California, this is your chance to get oriented with first-hand knowledge from the bench.

Join Phyllis W. Cheng, Esq. for a timely and in-depth CLE presentation on the evolving dynamics between federal and state employment laws under the current administration. This session explores the sweeping shifts in executive orders, agency priorities, and case law at the federal level—and California’s robust legislative and regulatory responses. Attendees will gain practical insights into how these developments impact civil rights, workplace compliance, and the resolution of employment disputes through mediation. Ideal for attorneys, HR professionals, and neutrals who need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing legal environment.

Description: When legal matters involve the potential for intense public and judicial scrutiny, an attorney’s ability to prepare for the possibility of media and other attention while remaining civil can determine both the case’s trajectory and their professional reputation. Terry Fahn of Sitrick and Company brings decades of experience in strategic communications, litigation support, and crisis management, guiding high-profile individuals, entertainers, professional athletes, institutions and corporate clients through disputes where measured words and professional decorum are critical. Anthony D. Storm, founding partner at Storm Palyan LLP, has built a reputation for handling sensitive, high-stakes family law matters with discretion, protecting privacy while navigating contentious...

Speakers: Stacie Feldman Hausner, Esq. – ADR Services, Inc. Wendy Kramer, Esq. – ADR Services, Inc. Location: Webinar Cost: $350

Go inside the room of a workplace harassment and retaliation mediation — facilitated by mediator MyKhanh Shelton. Watch as plaintiff attorney Andie Fields and defense attorney Eric Schwettmann play themselves in a scenario drawn from real world facts.

This interactive session pulls back the curtain on:

• How mediators and counsel navigate complex “gray area” cases
• Balancing risk, cost, and credibility when no side holds a clear win
• Negotiation tactics that help parties move past impasse toward resolution

Attendees will leave with actionable insights into mediation strategy, attorney mediator dynamics, and managing high stakes employment disputes.

When family members are named trustee or appointed administrator, what could go wrong? A lot, as most trust and estate litigators know all too well. This advanced-level CLE program explores the emotional, legal, and strategic challenges that arise when siblings, step-relatives, or other family members take on fiduciary roles—and the inevitable disputes that follow.

Led by Carmen Alberio and Bette Epstein, two seasoned trust and estate mediators, this program offers practical guidance for attorneys navigating these volatile dynamics. Topics include managing client expectations, bringing a realistic perspective to accounting and real property disputes, dealing with unrepresented or unreasonable beneficiaries, and leveraging mediation to reach creative resolutions. With real-world examples and insights from the settlement table, attendees will leave better equipped to counsel clients, reduce litigation, and achieve durable outcomes—even when family conflict runs deep.