This program examines how implicit and systemic bias shapes key aspects of consumer litigation, from product safety standards and workplace practices to damages calculations, insurance claims handling, and medical treatment. Drawing on real-world examples and current data, Molly McKibben, partner at Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, explores how unchecked assumptions can affect case valuation, liability theories, and client outcomes. The session challenges attorneys to critically evaluate the data, expert opinions, and institutional practices underlying their cases in order to more effectively advocate for fair and equitable results.

The Litigation Section is chaired by Rachael Kogen.

A practical, step-by-step overview of this exciting new process - how it works, what goes where on the forms, who it's right for, and why it has the potential to revolutionize divorce in California.

The Family Law Section is chaired by Jack McMorrow and Ryan Wedeking.

OpenAI (ChatGPT), Anthropic (Claude) and Google (Gemini) have all recently launched major new flagship model updates. Come learn what’s new in the main offerings, how you can leverage projects and memory more effectively in your cases, and how you can create stunning timelines and infographics with the latest built-in imaging capabilities.

The AI and the Law Section is chaired by Marc Hoag

Employment law continues to evolve at a rapid pace—and 2025 was no exception. This engaging session will highlight the most influential appellate decisions of the year from the U.S. and California Supreme Courts, the Ninth Circuit, and California Courts of Appeal, and unpack their practical implications for practitioners.

The Employment Law Section is chaired by Andie Fields.

This program is chaired by MyKhanh Shelton.

This 30-minute CLE program gets right into the critical considerations and practical methods of addressing the evidentiary admissibility of text messages at trial. Our panel of seasoned trial attorneys walk you through the practical steps for authenticating text messages in California courts and will conduct a case study of the recent Second District decision of Adoption of X.D. (2025) 114 Cal.App.5th812 which further explores methods of authentication beyond the testimony of the text author.

This program gives attorneys a clear, practical framework for modern asset protection planning. We will move beyond theory and examine the structures you should use to insulate clients from litigation and creditor claims, including LLCs, limited partnerships, charging-order jurisdictions, transmutations of assets, domestic asset protection trusts, offshore trusts, hybrid DAPT structures, and trigger-type trusts that convert from revocable to protective status. The session focuses on how these structures work, where they fail, and how to layer them to achieve predictable results. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately apply in their own practices, including planning for real estate investors, professionals exposed to malpractice claims, business owners with personal guarantees, and high-net-worth clients seeking to reduce litigation risk.

Attendees will learn:

• How to use “game theory” when negotiating with plaintiffs and creditors
• See why it is never too late to implement asset protection
• Protect assets from personal guarantees and business lawsuits
• Understand the most common domestic structures
• Comprehend offshore structures in the age of transparency

In this program, Joel A. Osman and Adam J. Telanoff of Parker Shaffie LLP examine the ethical risks that arise when attorneys step into the role of expert witness, particularly in legal malpractice and professional liability matters. The program addresses how the Rules of Professional Conduct apply even when no attorney-client relationship is formed, including ongoing duties of confidentiality, loyalty, and disclosure. It also explores conflict scenarios involving former clients, current firm clients, and the danger of drifting from neutral expert into advocate, with practical guidance on engagement letters, conflict screening, and avoiding conduct that can trigger disqualification, discipline, or malpractice exposure.

In this comprehensive presentation, Mardiros "Marty" Dakessian will explore the latest developments in California tax litigation, offering practitioners an in-depth review of recent case law and changes to the state’s tax landscape. Attendees will gain valuable insights into key court and administrative decisions, as well as an analysis of emerging trends in state and local tax matters. The program will also address the evolving policies of California taxing agencies, equipping practitioners with practical strategies for navigating disputes, litigation, and settlement negotiations. Finally, the session will examine the broader impact of state tax law changes on both California taxpayers and the professionals who serve them.