CLE Program

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.

Three esteemed panelists will combine their expertise and experience from a variety of perspectives to provide insight on the current status of Chevron deference following the recent United States Supreme Court decisions.

Please join this distinguished panel for wide-ranging coverage of important advanced topics and issues that are essential for Probate Minor’s Counsel, including:

• Core Components of Representing Minors.
• Comparative Roles of Minor’s Counsel.
• Best Practices in Client Communication and Testimony.

This discussion promises to be informative and enlightening. 

Hear from a former writs and receiver judge and three experienced land use and municipal lawyers on best practices and tips for California administrative writs and mandamus practice.  This 101 Class will cover topics including administrative record, pleadings, defenses, dispositive motions, settlement, trial and post-trial practice.

This day-long institute focuses on the intersection of law, business and politics, providing a platform for our panelists and participants to better understand how Los Angeles’s evolving business environment, best practices and changes in the law will impact business. Join conversations about the latest industry developments, legal guidelines, and practical advice with immediate application for in-house legal departments and law firms. In her keynote presentation, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) will address challenges facing the Supreme Court of our nation’s largest and most dynamic state.

Hon. Victoria Wood (Ret.) will moderate and make rulings following skits based on real-life scenarios featuring a Plaintiff’s attorney played by Rachel Leonard, Esq., a defense lawyer played by Trevor Howard, Esq., and the deponent played by Cleve Collado, Esq.

Enjoy two days of expert presentations, real-life examples, and lively discussions about the California Environmental Quality Act. See you in San Francisco!

Unlock the strategic benefits of using discovery referees to streamline civil litigation. In this program, retired judges Hon. James Lambden and Hon. Victoria Wood guide attorneys through the flexible authority of referees, breaking down obstacles like discovery disputes, stonewalling, and misbehaving counsel. Explore how referees can expedite pre-trial procedures, save costs, and manage complex motions. Learn practical tools, from appointing a referee to sharing real-world examples and forms, and gain a clear path to faster, more efficient discovery practices.