CLE Program

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.

Catch up on credits, while looking to the future. Join ADR Services, Inc. for our 4th Annual Complimentary MCLE Day event! This event will feature a full day of MCLE programming covering all of the hard to get "special" credits - four (4) hours of Legal Ethics, one (1) hour of Competence, one (1) hour of general Elimination of Bias, and one (1) hour of Elimination of Bias with Emphasis on Implicit Bias. As a bonus, we will also feature a one (1) hour general credit session. Attend one session, or all!

Proper briefing is a critical element in the success of any mediation.  It helps ensure that things go smoothly for your client,  puts your arguments in the best possible light, and makes you look good, driving repeat business and referrals.  We'll discuss best practices in briefing, with a particular eye toward how briefing has changed since mediations went online.    Proper briefing saves time, saves money, and helps drive the highest-possible settlement rate.  Join us and learn from two prominent SoCal mediators how you can make your briefs the best they can be.  We'll reserve time at the end for your questions.

Catch up on credits, while looking to the future. Join ADR Services, Inc. for Part II of our 4th Annual Complimentary MCLE Day event! This event will feature a full day of MCLE programming covering all of the hard to get "special" credits - four (4) hours of Legal Ethics, one (1) hour of Competence, one (1) hour of general Elimination of Bias, and one (1) hour of Elimination of Bias with Emphasis on Implicit Bias. As a bonus, we will also feature a one (1) hour general credit session featuring a conversation between Former California Supreme Court Chief Justice Hon. Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.), and California Supreme Court Justice Hon. Ming Chin (Ret.). Attend one session, or all!

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?

Last chance to comply with the implicit bias MCLE requirement!  This program will explore how to recognize implicit bias in ourselves and others, and how to implement bias reducing strategies to raise awareness and facilitate change in the legal profession.

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