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. 

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

At the ABTL Wailea Conference, this dynamic panel will explore how lawyers and clients can navigate high-stakes litigation under the glare of public scrutiny. Using a realistic fact pattern enhanced with mock press releases, news coverage, and even simulated media interviews, panelists will demonstrate how legal teams must manage both courtroom strategy and crisis communications. The discussion will highlight how to align messaging for judges, juries, the press, employees, and investors—while managing unpredictable variables like executives going off-script. Attendees will leave with practical insights into building resilience under fire and transforming crises into opportunities for effective advocacy.

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.

Rare CLE Credit! This program includes a 1-hour program and dinner.  

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.

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).