CLE Program

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.

In your DVRO cases, are you ready to deal with (a) unconsented-to recordings and (b) children's testimony obtained in chambers? Don’t get caught flat-footed! This unconventional DVRO evidence can be critical to outcome and you need to be ready. In this webinar, our panel will explore the law, the ethics and the practicalities of getting this evidence in or keeping this evidence out.

Our panel consists of sitting Los Angeles County Judge  Lawrence Riff, family law practitioner Michael Hanasab, and mediator and Temporary Judge Hon. Susan Lopez Giss (ret.). These panelists return from their earlier, well-received ADRS presentation on Family Code section 6309 DVRO discovery.

This program explores implicit bias in the legal profession and its impact on decision-making, advocacy, and access to justice. Participants will delve into the origins and types of bias, including affinity bias and unconscious categorization. Through self-awareness exercises and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to identify and reduce unintended biases in their professional roles. The course emphasizes understanding bias as a natural but manageable aspect of human behavior and provides tools to enhance fairness and integrity in the legal system. Topics include the implications of bias in rulings, client relations, and professional ethics, with insights from the California jury instructions and judicial best practices. 

An impactful mediation brief can set the stage for a successful resolution. This CLE webinar explores the essential elements of writing mediation briefs, including tailoring your brief to your audience, understanding the mediation privilege, and deciding between confidential and shared briefs. Our panelists will delve into the interplay between pre-mediation calls and briefs, emphasize key issues for various types of mediations, and provide practical guidance on preparing attachments and addressing disputed facts effectively.

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 2024 by the California Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeal.