CLE Program

ADR Services, Inc., is a California State Bar certified MCLE provider that offers legal education programs to our clients throughout California at no charge.

1 hr. Ethics CLE Credit

A Deep Dive into Effective Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Real Property Disputes
Presented by the Los Angeles County Bar Association Residential Real Property Subsection of the Real Property Section

Virtual

This program will examine the nuances of alternative dispute resolution with respect to residential real property disputes. Panelists will examine how astute advocates approach mediation and arbitration, versus litigation. Together, we will explore best practices before and during the ADR process, including:

  • How to approach mediation and arbitration
  • How to propose mediation and arbitration to clients seeking advocacy
  • How to best draft ADR clauses in real property agreements
  • How counsel can best transition from advocacy to proposing settlement
  • Choosing the right mediator or arbitrator
  • Ethical obligations to ensure a mediated settlement agreement is admissible and enforceable
  • Client confidences and permitted communications
  • What to do or say when a mediator may try to elicit privileged information
  • How to handle similar issues in direct negotiations without a third party
  • Advocacy in mediation and arbitration, versus litigation
  • A look into the mind of your mediator or arbitrator
  • Applying the rules of evidence and other procedural rules in mediation or arbitration
  • Do I really have to have my client sign a form stating they cannot sue me for malpractice?

Full Seminar provides 6.25 general credits, or Legal Specialization Credit in Appellate Law

PINCUS Appellate Program Presents: Advanced Oral Argument Skills
PINCUS Appellate Program Presents: Advanced Oral Argument Skills

In this session of the Advanced Appellate Practice Seminar, a distinguished panel of speakers will discuss select topics in advanced oral argument skills, including:

  • What judges are trying to accomplish at oral argument
  • How to quickly categorize a question
  • How to identify the type of question you are getting, so you can answer it strategically.
  • How to best to answer hypothetical questions of different flavors
  • How to address policy concerns
  • How best to pivot when a judge has you on the ropes
  • How to approach Oral Argument when there is a Tentative Opinion or Focus Letter
  • How to maximize the few minutes you have without wasting time
  • Preparation and Practice Strategies:
    • Effectively using moot courts when preparing
  • Hybrid Arguments – pros, cons and policy changes

1 Hour General Credit

Appeals: Preserving the Win/ Preserving the Argument
ADR Services, Inc. Complimentary In-House MCLE Program

Join us for a comprehensive MCLE webinar program designed to sharpen your skills in civil appeals, offering invaluable insights for litigators. From the pre-trial stages of dispositive motions through the conclusion of trial and post-trial, this program will delve into critical aspects that can help you set yourself up for success in the event of an appeal.
When you are preparing for trial, the appeal may be the furthest thing from your mind. In this webinar, our seasoned appellate experts will provide insights into how to be mindful of the appeal while preparing and pursuing trial, along with perspective from the trial court. Our speakers will guide you through real-world scenarios, sharing practical tips, and providing a roadmap for effectively preserving your win, or preserving your argument.

1 Hour General MCLE Credit

Practical Considerations for Class Action Settlements, from Negotiation to Final Court Approval
ADR Services, Inc. In-House Complimentary MCLE Program

Litigating the disputes of large numbers of people simultaneously using the class action rules bring special challenges for all parties involved. Trying to resolve such class actions also brings its own special challenges. This program will examine the issues involved in the alternative dispute resolution of class action disputes. Our panelists – who have decades of experience litigating and settling class action cases from both the plaintiff and defense perspectives – will address the unique considerations in negotiating the resolution of class action cases, and specifically how such considerations differ from those in two-party (or even multi-party) litigation.

Topics to be addressed include:

  • What are the key substantive and procedural differences between settling a class action and settling a typical two-party case?
  • When in the life of a class action case should settlement discussions be held?
  • What are the benefits of engaging an alternative dispute resolution professional in a class action case?
  • How do you settle a class action when related cases are pending on the same subject?
  • How does the involvement of insurance carriers affect class action settlement negotiation?
  • How, when and with whom do parties negotiate the issue of plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees?
  • What are the ethics issues unique to class actions involved with all of the above?

1 Hour General MCLE Credit

Important New 2023 Civil Case Decisions
ADR Services, Inc. Complimentary In-House MCLE Program

Virtual

California courts publish around 500 new civil decisions every year, and many of them make significant changes to existing law. In this one-hour seminar Monty McIntyre and Mike Roberts will discuss many important case civil case decisions published in 2023 by the California Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeal.

2024 Bay Area Women Lawyers’ Retreat (BAWLR)
Hosted by the ACBA, CCCBA, CJA, MCBA, NCWL, SCCBA, SFTLA, SMCBA, and WLAC & Co-sponsored by Queen's Bench

ADR Services, Inc. is proud to sponsor the 5th annual BAWLR event. Women lawyers from all practice areas, from both sides of the aisle, mediators, and judges will converge in Northern California for the weekend. This is a weekend retreat with plenty of opportunity to develop relationships, learn from amazing speakers (including Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero!), and enjoy some leisure time. We're still working on the schedule, but will share more as we lock in the details.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to be a part of a community that champions and empowers women lawyers. Mark your calendars for March 1-3, 2024 and prepare to embark on a transformative weekend at BAWLR 2024. Together, let's rewrite the narrative and shape the future of the legal profession.

1 Hour General CLE Credit

Public Entity Claims to Summary Judgment: Don’t Trip! (and Fall)
Presented by the Alameda County Bar Association

This session will focus on trip & fall claims involving public entities. Discussion will include tips for initial claim consideration, recognizing conditions, presentation of claims, and tips for the inevitable summary judgment motion. Hear from former Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge, and current ADR Services, Inc. Mediator, the Hon. Steven K. Austin, as well as practitioners from both the plaintiff and defense bar, regarding strategies and approaches.

1 Hour General MCLE Credit

Lessons Learned: Cautionary Tales from Litigators and Mediators for Estate Planners and Trust and Estate Administrators
Presented by the Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council

Presenters Bette Epstein and Richard Collier have decades of experience both litigating and mediating inheritance disputes.  This program will address issues that arise for trust and estate counsel from the time the proposed client walks in the door through the administration of the estate.  Their discussion will include recognizing and managing conflicts of interest, fiduciary duties vs. attorneys duties, importance of asking the right questions, record maintenance, going to/keeping out of probate court.

1 Hour General Credit

Mediating With and As the General Counsel
ADR Services, Inc. Complimentary In-House MCLE Program

Virtual

Unlock the keys to successful mediation with in-house corporate counsel in this MCLE program. This webinar is designed to equip both outside and in-house counsel with the essential tools and strategies needed to navigate the unique challenges of mediating with corporate legal teams. Our speakers bring keen insights from their own time as general counsel to corporations small and large, including such corporations as Dreyer’s Ice Cream, Ross Stores, Inc. (Mark LeHocky, Esq.) and Ticketmaster (Ed Weiss, Esq.). We will also gain insight from the Bench from former LA Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Feffer. This session promises an enlightening exploration of the intricacies involved in collaborating seamlessly with in-house counsel, covering topics ranging from pre-mediation preparation to effective collaboration with General Counsel for information gathering. Additionally, the discussion will delve into overcoming impasses and steering clear of potential pitfalls, ultimately facilitating successful resolutions at the negotiation table. Join us for this complimentary MCLE program, and discover the essential elements for achieving successful mediation when working with and as in-house corporate counsel.