CLE Program

Changes to mediation practice initially triggered by the pandemic appear to be long-lasting. Join us to consider new strategies and ethical considerations to optimize mediation preparation and outcomes.  The panel – former litigators, a former general counsel, and retired judge – will share their insights and experiences to help advocates improve their ADR efforts. Sutopics include:

Experienced practitioners will review 2023’s new employment laws which all employment practitioners should be aware of.

This event is designed to equip CPAs and attorneys with the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate family law cases effectively. The conference focuses on the critical role of CPAs in assisting clients with intricate financial matters throughout divorce, child support, alimony, asset division, and related legal proceedings. Additionally, it serves as a platform for CPAs to enhance their skills, exchange best practices, and foster connections with fellow professionals in the field of family law.

Judges’ Panel at 3:10 p.m.: This unique opportunity allows attendees to gain invaluable perspectives directly from the bench, offering a deep dive into the complexities, trends, and nuances of family law cases from the judicial standpoint.

The recipe for a "nice" settlement: Confidentiality; fairness; neutrality; civility; an occasional white lie. Simmer for 4 - 12 hours. Add mediator's proposal to taste. Boil for the last 90 minutes.

Two former Superior Court judges and one former business lawyer with a combined experience of presiding at more than 2,000 MSCs and 1,000 mediations, talk about civility, ethical considerations, and practical tips in settling cases.

Join us as we deep dive into the complexities of selling a conservatee’s property. The webinar will cover three main topics: determining the appropriate time for sale, steps to obtain a court order authorizing the transaction, and the process of executing the sale. This is a must-attend event for attorneys, conservators, and others involved in such real estate transactions.

In a world characterized by rapidly evolving social landscapes and interconnected global networks, the art of mediation has taken on a new dimension of significance. Join us for the keynote address, "Embracing the Tapestry: Mediating in a Vibrantly Diverse World," where Hon. Anita Santos (Ret.) will delve into the essential skills and understanding required to navigate the complexities of mediating across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

As mediators, we are entrusted with the vital task of resolving conflicts, promoting understanding, and fostering harmony. The success of our endeavors is increasingly linked to our ability to adapt and connect with the diverse fabric of humanity. Our goal is to empower participants with the knowledge and techniques to bridge gaps, break down barriers, and transform conflict into an opportunity for growth and unity.

Join us for this thought-provoking program as we strengthen our resolve to build bridges across differences, celebrate diversity, and forge a path toward a more harmonious and inclusive world.

This year we are asking everyone to REFRESH & REIMAGINE with us. We are refreshing our venue for the first time in 28 years, moving to the Hilton in Concord.

We are also refreshing our date. This year we will be holding the SPEC on Friday, November 3^rd.

We are also reimagining our online presence. In addition to videotaping all three keynotes and 10 breakout sessions, we will live stream all the keynotes and two breakout sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Join BHBA's Family Law section for four exciting panels: "How to Prepare for Good Negotiations" with Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh; "Practitioner’s Approach to Effective Mediation" with Matthew Skarin and Jackie Adams-Ings; "Demystifying Private Mediation: The Dos and Don'ts" with Hon. Susan Lopez-Giss among others; and "Maximizing the Use of MSCs and VSCs" with Judges Shelley Kaufman and Firdaus Dordi. More Bench Officers will be announced soon.

As the art of mediation continues to shape the legal landscape, professionals must remain committed to the highest standards of conduct. This webinar will offer valuable insights into the ethical considerations that attorneys and mediators alike encounter, ensuring that every mediation process remains grounded in integrity and fairness. Our three experienced mediator-speakers will cover such topics as standards of behavior, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, making the most of court-ordered mediation attendance, and what to do when your client isn’t playing fair with the process.

Whether you're a seasoned attorney or new to mediation, this webinar will empower you to navigate mediation with confidence and professionalism while maintaining attention to ethical complexities. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your practice and contribute to the ethical foundation of the mediation process.

FEATURED SPEAKERS: ASSOCIATE JUSTICE MING W. CHIN (RET.) Formerly of the California Supreme Court Neutral ADR Services, Inc. RONALD KLAIN Former White House Chief of Staff Partner O’Melveny & Myers LLP DAVID BARRETT Senior Vice President & General Counsel Southern California Gas Company ADEL HAGEKHALIL General Manager & CEO Metropolitan Water District of Southern California LEO E. STRINE, JR. Former Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Delaware Supreme Court Of Counsel Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz   Cost: In-Person Registration - $295 Government Employee - $75 Full-Time Law Students - $75   Address: California Club 538 Flower St. Los Angeles,...

Join a panel of five esteemed mediators of trust and estate disputes including Honorable James P. Gray (Ret.), Honorable Jamoa A. Moberly (Ret.), Honorable Glen M. Reiser (Ret.), and Bette Epstein, Esq., together with moderator Kristin Yokomoto, Esq. as we explore the intricacies of successful mediations. Trust and estate litigation is on the rise and so are the number of disputes being successfully resolved outside of the courtroom through mediation. Unlike other types of disputes, trust and estate fights often involve the break-down of family relationships over inheritances. These experienced mediators will discuss the top five critical lessons on dealing with challenges of mediating trust and estate disputes including the (1) importance of advanced preparation by the lawyers and mediator and well prepared pre-mediation briefs, (2) role of the disputants’ understanding of mediation and how mediators can help establish realistic expectations during the mediation, (3) standards of conduct for mediators and mediation confidentiality, (4) differences between evaluative and facilitative mediation styles and the time and place for a mediator’s proposal to progress through an impasse, and (5) hidden forces that shape a disputant’s decisions and dealing with high conflict personalities. They will also share touching stories about apology and the opportunities to help families build bridges to be able to potentially reconnect with each other.

Interact with the Mediators: The presentation will allow time for attendees to interact with these top trust and estate mediators who contribute to helping resolve these complex family disputes.

The reality is that most lawsuits settle. Thus, just as every case should have trial themes and discovery strategies, each one should have a settlement plan and strategy. But most lawyers mistakenly assume that what persuades a jury will persuade opposing counsel or meet the needs of the defendant’s insurers, who may or may not be present, and whose checkbooks will fund the settlement.

An overall settlement strategy needs to be developed based on numerous obvious and not-so-obvious factors. Although the parties may frequently be attempting to divide a fixed sum, such as the defendant’s insurance proceeds, some options may exist to expand the pie or the people adding to it.

Listen as this premier panel of experienced negotiators and litigators offers guidance on practical actions that personal injury attorneys can take to make their opponents more receptive to their proposals.