CLE Program

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 to get a jury or mediator to understand and value the human loss for noneconomic damages.
The 3.5 hour seminar is fast-paced and follows the format pioneered by the late Mr. Belli. The seminar is moderated by Melvin Caesar Belli, son of the late King of Torts, and SCCTLA President, Andrea Justo.

Two experienced mediators and a leading employment attorney will share their tips about how to prepare for and participate in all the stages of the mediation process, with special emphasis on labor and employment, and tort cases. Topics will include how to get ready for the mediation, negotiation skills, and working with the mediator to achieve a successful outcome.

The stage is set: The mediation is scheduled for October 22, 2024 at 12 p.m. Join real life Mediator Debra Bogaards, as she works with plaintiff’s counsel Jacqueline Ravenscroft and defense counsel Erin Poppler to present a mock mediation of this Landlord/Tenant dispute. The fact pattern will be fake, but the negotiation and settlement strategies employed will be very real. From pre-mediation preparation, to moving through negotiations and breaking a stalemate our panelists will demonstrate how a real-life mediation might play out. At the end, you decide – should they take the deal?

Retired Associate Justice Kathryn Werdegar will interview Retired Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye about her career, the Court and her jurisprudence.

Join us for this webinar on the intricacies of PMK (Person Most Knowledgeable) depositions, a critical aspect of legal proceedings involving corporate entities. We will hear from three key perspectives. From plaintiff’s perspective, we will see strategies and considerations for noticing a PMK deposition, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities when deposing a defendant entity. From the defense perspective, hear insights into the process of designating the appropriate PMK, gathering pertinent documents as outlined in the deposition notice, and effectively defending these depositions to protect the interests of the entity client. And finally, you will also get the trial judge’s perspective. Our three speakers will provide well-rounded discussion of the law of PMK depositions (statutory and case law), strategy in taking and defending, optimal use of depositions at trial, etc.

This webinar promises to provide valuable knowledge and practical tips for both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Whether you are new to PMK depositions or looking to refine your approach, this session will offer the guidance you need to excel in your legal practice.

An introduction and overview of Directed Trusts; how they differ from traditional Trusts.  The new California statute governing Directed Trusts and its limitations.

Join us at our Annual Women in Network Conference—a dynamic event designed for women lawyers to learn, connect, and grow. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, expand your professional network, and engage with like-minded peers. Don’t miss out on an inspiring day of learning, networking, and empowerment!

Join Judge Miller as she guides you through California Evidence Code sections 1115 through 1129, which govern all California mediations. These sections contain counterintuitive provisions that can cause serious problems if not properly addressed. This program will teach you the rules and how to avoid pitfalls.

Anthony D. Storm, BHBA's President-Elect and Family Law practitioner will conduct this keynote interview with Hon. Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) during lunch. The symposium will focus on Appeals and Challenging Decisions from the Court, and will feature 4 panels, two in the morning and two in the afternoon in addition to this lunchtime fireside chat.

In the past five years there has been a worldwide focus on the effects of recent events upon mental health. The World Health Organization’s campaign to make mental health and well-being for all a global priority included declaring October 10 to be World Mental Health Day. In addition to the WHO’s declaring a global mental health crisis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that substance abuse and drug overdose deaths has greatly increased in recent years.

The stresses of the legal profession put lawyers at risk for abuse of legal and illegal substances. How can those of us in the legal profession gain control and find joy in a “chaotic world”?

The presentation will discuss mental well-being and substance use disorders in the legal profession today.

8:00 to 9:00 Registration, coffee, and snacks
9:00 to 10:00 Chief Justice Guerrero keynote discussion about her transition into the role, the Judicial Council’s new leader and potential changes in administration, and the current state of the court.
10:00 to 11:00 Dean Chemerinsky will lecture on federalism, state sovereignty, independence of state high courts, and the limits of state power.
11:00 to 12:00 former Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye will reflect on her time on the court, her observations about how the court has changed over time, and her transition to a new public policy role.
— One-hour lunch break —
1:00 to 2:00 Sixth Circuit Chief Judge Sutton (on Zoom) will discuss his views on state constitutions, federalism, and securing protections for individual liberty by focusing on state constitutions.
2:00 to 3:00 Justices Chin and Kruger will discuss with Court of Appeal Justice Chou their views on how the court’s internal review process prioritizes consensus, the effect of the litigation that sparked changes in that process, and the relative value of unanimity.
3:00 to 4:00 Justices Groban and Evans will discuss with Court of Appeal Justice Bromberg their transition from the governor’s office to the court and how each developed their judicial philosophies, and their thoughts on career paths in public service. 

For clients with permanent catastrophic injuries, reaching a settlement can be a particularly complex process with many players involved and numerous factors to consider. It is critical for attorneys to be well-versed in all aspects of the settlement process while also closely considering the long-term needs of their clients. Drawing upon the expertise of an attorney specializing in Special Needs Trusts, a Certified Nurse Life Care Planner (CNLCP®), a Forensic Economist, and a Settlement Consultant with 30 years of experience working with Special Needs Trusts, this seminar will seek to guide both plaintiff and defense attorneys in reaching an appropriate settlement for their client, and securing long-term financial vehicles and capable custodians that will be able to address the specific needs of their clients for years to come.