Day One
Continental Breakfast | 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome Remarks | 9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
Annual Wage and Hour Update | 9:05 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
1.75 Hours MCLE
One plaintiff-side attorney and one management-side attorney will review the most influential wage and hour cases and statutes from the past year. The written materials alone will be a great reference. Not to be missed!
- Adrianne de Castro, Desai Law Firm, P.C. (plaintiff)
- Matthew Weber, Greenberg Traurig, LLP (defense)
Break | 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Data Analysis for Lawyers | 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
1.25 Hours MCLE
One plaintiff-side attorney and one management-side attorney will be joined by two data analysts to show how two sides with the same data sets can reach very different conclusions. Learn the different factors that analysts look for, as well as the do’s and don’ts regarding attorney instructions.
- Aaron Woolfson, Teleswitch (data expert)
- Charlie Platt (data expert)
- Rachel Terp, Terp Law (plaintiff)
- Tracy Wei Costantino, Littler (defense)
Lunch | 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
“15 for 15” – Game | 12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
0.5 Hours MCLE
During lunch, and in honor of the Annual Conference turning 15, one plaintiff-side attorney and one management-side attorney will present the top fifteen most influential wage and hour cases from the last fifteen years. Attendees (per table) will compete together for a prize. Good lunch fun!
- Leonard Sansanowicz, Sansanowicz Law Group (plaintiff – tentative)
Hot Takes: Update on PAGA Post-Reform | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
1.0 Hour MCLE
A one-year review of the current state of PAGA litigation following the 2024 amendments. Speakers will provide plaintiff, management, and neutrals’ perspectives.
- Kenneth Yoon, Yoon Law, APC (plaintiff)
- Chris Jalian, Paul Hastings, LLP (defense)
- Todd Ratshin, Deputy Secretary for Enforcement, Labor & Workforce Development Agency
- Cynthia Sandoval, Sandoval Mediation, P.C. (neutral)
- Christine Kurek, Kurek Dispute Resolution (moderator)
Break | 2:30 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.
Ethical Considerations of PAGA Actions and Settlements | 2:35 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
1 Hour MCLE; 1 Legal Ethics
One plaintiff-side attorney and one management-side attorney will be joined by a neutral (retired judge) to discuss various ethical considerations in litigating PAGA cases and negotiating PAGA settlements.
- Lauren Teukolsky, Teukolsky Law, APC (plaintiff)
- Andrew Livingston, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliff, LLP (defense)
- Hon. Abraham Khan (ret.), Signature Resolution (neutral)
- Rachiel Bien, Olivier & Schreiber, PC (moderator)
Afternoon Break | 3:35 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
Judges Panel | 3:55 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.
1 Hour MCLE
Three judges from across the state will provide their perspectives on complex cases. Gain valuable insights!
- Laboni Hoq, Hoq Law, APC (moderator)
- Hon. Lauri Damrell, Sacramento County Superior Court
- Hon. Elaine Lu, Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Hon. Somnath Raj Chatterjee, Alameda County Superior Court
Closing Remarks | 4:55 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Networking Reception | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Come join us to celebrate the winner of the 2nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Pro Bono Achievement Award.
Day Two
Continental Breakfast | 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Welcome Remarks | 8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Employment Law Year in Review | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
1.5 Hours MCLE
In this fast-paced presentation, Anthony J. Oncidi and Andrew H. Friedman will once again cover the top employment law cases from the past year, with an emphasis on the cases of greatest utility to employment law practitioners.
- Anthony J. Oncidi, Proskauer LLP
- Andrew H. Friedman, Helmer Friedman LLP
Break | 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Understanding Whistleblower-Reward Programs: Opportunities and Challenges for Both Sides of the Bar | 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (Concurrent Session)
1 Hour MCLE
Whistleblower-reward programs, which include laws like the False Claims Act (FCA) and “tip” programs run by several federal regulatory agencies, offer significant financial incentives to employees who report fraud and other unlawful conduct within their organizations. For lawyers representing employees, navigating these complex programs can be challenging. How do you spot a potential claim and assess its strength? Do whistleblower-reward laws and programs protect employees from retaliation, and how do retaliation claims interact with whistleblower cases that the government investigates? Are settlement agreements, NDAs, releases, and other agreements that impact the ability of an employee to report alleged misconduct enforceable? These complex whistleblower-reward laws and programs can be equally daunting for counsel for employers. What are best practices to address potential whistleblower concerns proactively, before they materialize? If an employer suspects an employee has filed an FCA lawsuit or provided information to the government, what should they do? What are the considerations around self-disclosing potential misconduct? This panel will offer practical guidance on how to advise both employees and employers about the risks, rewards, and processes involved in whistleblower-reward laws and programs, while avoiding common legal and ethical pitfalls.
- Tamara Freeze, Workplace Justice Advocates
- Ari Yampolsky, Whistleblower Partners LLP
- Agustin Orozco, Crowell & Moring LLP
- Wilmer Harris, Schonbrun Seplow Harris & Hoffman LLP
Lights, Lawyers, Action: Mock Depositions Live | 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (Concurrent Session)
1 Hour MCLE
Sharpen your skills taking depositions in employment cases by watching four attorneys with decades of experience show you how they do it. You’ll watch powerful excerpts of live mock depositions of a plaintiff, a discharge decision maker, and a human resources manager. You’ll learn practical techniques you can put to use right away.
- Tanja L. Darrow, Littler Mendelson P.C.
- Thomas G. Mackey, Jackson Lewis P.C.
- Dolores Y. Leal, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg LLP
- J. Bernard Alexander III, Alexander, Morrison + Fehr
- Phil Horowitz, Law Offices of Phil Horowitz (moderator)
Lunch | 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Leading from the Bench: A Judge’s Efforts to Eliminate Bias and Improve Access to Justice | 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
0.75 Hours MCLE; 0.75 Elimination of Bias
Judge Samantha Jessner will deliver our keynote address. Judge Jessner served as the Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2023 and 2024. She was the third woman and first woman of color to serve in that role in the nearly 150-year history of the Court. During her two-year term, Judge Jessner prioritized leading with courage, transparency, accountability, and empathy.
- Judge Samantha Jessner, Los Angeles Superior Court
Break | 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Not Another AI Presentation: Real-World Solutions for California Employment Practitioners | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Concurrent Session)
1 Hour MCLE; 1 Hour Technology in the Practice of Law
This panel cuts through the legal and technical jargon to show California employment lawyers how AI can be a gamechanger in their practice. Panelists will share practical insights on how AI can help with everything from reviewing documents in wage and hour cases to analyzing employee discrimination claims. Learn how AI tools can streamline your workload, improve case strategy, and help navigate California’s complex labor and employment laws more efficiently. This session satisfies the new technology in the practice of law specialty MCLE credit!
- Brandi Cowan, Workplace Advocates
- Daniel Szabo, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
- Christina J. Ro-Connolly, Oppenheimer Investigations Group
Best Practices for Litigating Employment Cases in Arbitration | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Concurrent Session)
1 Hour MCLE
As more employment cases are tried in arbitration, mastering the nuances of litigating in this forum has become essential for practitioners. This session offers a comprehensive exploration of best practices for effectively handling employment disputes in arbitration, from initial case assessment to final award. A panel consisting of an arbitrator and experienced employment litigators will guide attendees through key stages of the arbitration process, including navigating discovery and evidentiary challenges, preparing persuasive presentations, and managing cost-efficiency without compromising advocacy. Attendees will gain practical insights into arbitrator expectations and effective case strategy unique to arbitration. Whether representing employees or employers, this session equips counsel with the tools and strategies necessary to successfully advocate for clients in this increasingly prevalent setting.
- Judge Michael Solner
- Heather Vigil, Littler
Judges Panel: Biggest Mistakes Employment Lawyers Make | 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
1.25 Hours MCLE
Three judges with deep roots in employment law will share their insights about the strategies that lead to success—and the mistakes that could tank your case. From pleadings to discovery to summary judgment to trial, these judges have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. This is your opportunity to hear directly from judges who shape the outcomes of employment law cases! Don’t miss out on the chance to walk away with a fresh perspective, practical tips, and strategies that could change the way you approach your cases.
- Honorable Theresa Traber, Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Honorable Virginia Keeny, Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Honorable Rupert Byrdsong, Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Phil Horowitz, Law Offices of Phil Horowitz (moderator)
Networking Hour | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mentoring/Networking for Judges, Inhouse, Management, Plaintiff, Neutrals, HR – Program Description: Join us for an hour of networking where you can connect with your colleagues while enjoying some food and beverage tastings! This event is designed to foster opportunities for both newer and seasoned practitioners to meet and socialize. It’s a great chance for plaintiff and management-side attorneys, in-house and labor lawyers, neutrals, and judges to engage in open conversation, share insights on cases and careers, and expand their professional networks. As you rotate from table to table savoring delicious drinks and tasty bites, you’ll discuss various topics related to employment law, business development, and practitioner perspectives.