CLE Program

Civility in the legal profession is more than just good manners—it’s a fundamental pillar of ethical advocacy. With new California State Bar rules emphasizing civility and an added MCLE requirement, attorneys must navigate the balance between zealous representation and professional decorum. This program will explore what constitutes incivility, its impact on litigation and legal fees, and the potential disciplinary consequences for attorneys who cross the line. Learn from seasoned practitioners how professionalism can enhance advocacy, improve case outcomes, and maintain the integrity of the legal system.

Join us for an Earth Day-themed webinar to learn from expert lawyers and consultants on how to facilitate and negotiate resolution of property contamination disputes.  The panelists will present a mixed-use housing hypothetical and then discuss best practices to handle public participation, neighbors and communication of environmental risk, assembling a team to deal with regulatory and property development issues, and strategies for resolving multi-party environmental litigation with a special focus on insurance coverage.

ABOUT THIS EVENT
Don’t miss the premier event for dispute resolution professionals – this year with both in-person and online attendance options! Choose from a variety of live and on-demand programs to meet your professional development needs. Socialize with fellow attendees and build your network. Whether you are new to the field or have been practicing for decades, the conference has something for you!

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Reaching New Heights: The Rising Tide of Dispute Resolution
The 2025 conference will actualize the future of dispute resolution with in-person, livestreamed, and on-demand programs. Collaborate in-person in Chicago or connect virtually from anywhere in the world. Professionals from across the field of dispute resolution will present programs on the newest developments in our field. 

Who should attend? Mediators, arbitrators, ombuds, judges, dispute resolution leaders, attorney advocates, young professionals, court administrators, neutral providers, ADR consumers, legal educators, or anyone who wants to learn more about ADR - all are welcome!

What kind of practical skills will I learn?  Advocacy Skills | Neutral Skills | Negotiation Skills | ADR Strategies | Cutting-Edge Research | Creative Uses of ADR | Domestic and International Topics | Legal Updates | Technological Advances in ADR | Ethics | Practice Development | Marketing

What kind of topics will be covered? Access to Justice | Advocacy | Arbitration | Court ADR | Diversity | Ethics | International | Legal Education | Mediation | Negotiation | Neuroscience/Psychology | Ombuds | Practice Development and Management | Public Policy | Research | Technology

Construction mediation is never just about blueprints and budgets—it’s about navigating risk, wrangling personalities, and bridging gaps in credibility and understanding. In this program, experienced construction mediators pull back the curtain on what really happens inside the mediation room. From pre-mediation preparation and insurance dynamics to the recurring tropes that can derail resolution, this session explores both the substance and the psychology of construction dispute resolution. Attendees will gain practical insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to approach mediation with strategy and realism. This program is designed for attorneys who handle construction litigation, insurance-related disputes, or simply want a deeper understanding of how to make mediation more effective.

Life is hard enough these days, even for intact families. Add in the challenges of a contentious divorce and custody battle, with attendant mental health and behavioral challenges, and it can become complete turmoil, not only for all members of the families, but also for the attorneys who represent them. Hear viewpoints from a retired Family Law Judge, a child custody evaluator and a litigator on ideas to help bring more peace to family law conflict.

Description: This year, at the 47th Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers, former Chief Justice of California, Tani Cantil-Sakauye, will attend as the Keynote Speaker. As the first Asian-Filipina and only the second woman to serve as Chief Justice of California, we know that she has had an incredible impact on our courts and community. You will not want to miss this special evening where we hear about her work to increase access to justice and increase civic awareness and engagement. PALSD will aslo award the Honorable John A. Houston with the PALSD Legacy Award at this year’s Annual Dinner....

2024 real estate commission rules – it is no longer an automatic Buyer’s commission from the Seller. Conservator to simply sell a Conservatee’s residence with new 2024 real estate commission rules is not an automatic 5% and there are many factors when deciding to contribute to the Buyer’s commission. There is post Britney Spears Conservatorship consideration and penalties designed to protect even further the Conservatee, due to the negative public perception regarding conservatorships.

Description: Since 1993, the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar has become an institution, a staple and must go to event for all the members of the construction defect community. In no other single place can one learn so much about the prosecution, defense, insurance coverage, science and technology regarding this specialized subject of claims and litigation . . .  and . . .  in no other place will you be able to meet your colleagues where great long lasting relationships can be established which assist you in your claims and litigation handling throughout the business year. It has been long said about our...

Why do some mediations lead to resolution while others fall flat? The key often lies in preparation and managing expectations. This panel of experienced mediators and litigators will explore best practices for preparing your case, your client, and the opposing side for mediation success. From strategic information exchanges to timing considerations and the role of external factors like insurance and pending motions, this program will provide practical insights to maximize settlement opportunities both in employment disputes, and mediation in general. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to mediation, you'll leave with actionable strategies to enhance your effectiveness in the process.

Join Frost Brown Todd, ADR Services, Inc. and Murex Environmental, Inc. for a half-day technical and legal seminar as we present, “Brownfield Redevelopment in the Age of the California Housing Crisis” at the California Club. DTSC’s new director, Katherine Butler, and a panel of experts will discuss the challenges and possible solutions to redeveloping Brownfields in pursuit of addressing the shortage of housing in California.