CLE Program

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.