
Friday, March 7, 2025
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Welcome Remarks
Introductory Comments from Mark A. Wilson, Esq., Chair, Real Property Law Section, Elizabeth A. Blair, Esq., Chair, Real Property Law Retreat Planning Committee, Jo Ann Woodsum, Esq., Chair, Women in Commercial Leasing Law Symposium
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | 2024 Case Law Update
1 Hour MCLE
Get up to speed on recent case law that is most relevant to real estate and leasing attorneys. The presentation will cover selected cases of interest and highlight key take-aways, lessons learned, and best practices to bullet proof your next deal.
Speakers:
- Skye Langs, Esq., Partner, Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP, San Francisco, CA
- Kiana Araghi, Esq., Associate, Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP, San Francisco, CA
3:45 PM to 4:00 PM | BREAK
Join us for coffee or tea and connect with sponsors and fellow attendees.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Driving Deals Closed: Negotiation Strategies for Successful Transactions
1 Hour MCLE
This panel discussion will focus on leveraging creative negotiating techniques to manage common transactional challenges in real estate and business deals. Topics will include (i) ego management and overcoming deal-killer personalities, (ii) utilizing techniques for engagement, de-escalation and breaking deadlocks and discord, and (iii) collaborating with your deal mates to help get egos out of the way of the finish line. Our panelists, three real estate professionals – a business/real estate attorney, realtor/business strategist and a commercial leasing broker – will field questions and offer attendees a diverse perspective of how to manage deals from term sheet through closing.
Speakers:
- Catherine Meunier, Principal, Maven Commercial, Inc.
- Lisa Liu, Esq., Founder, Sand Hill Law Group, Inc., San Francisco, CA
- Rebecca Cafiero, Broker and Marketing Coach, Monterey, CA
Moderator:
- Laura Drossman, Esq., Drossman Law, San Francisco, CA
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Welcome Reception (co-sponsored by the Monterey County Bar Association)
RSVP Required
Please join members of the Monterey County Bar Association, other attendees and sponsors for cocktails, mocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Saturday, March 8, 2025
7:15 AM to 8:00 AM | Fitness Activity
8:45 AM to 9:45 AM | Collaborate and Connect: Breakfast with the Sponsors and the Real Property Law Section’s Executive Committee
RSVP Required
Come enjoy breakfast and meet the sponsors and fellow attendees! Learn about the Real Property Law Section’s various committees and discover how you can get involved. Share your input on future programming, networking opportunities, and other events. Please note: No CLE credit is available for this session.
9:45 AM to 10:00 AM | BREAK
Join us for coffee or tea and connect with sponsors and fellow attendees.
10:00 AM to 11: 00 AM | Liability Traps for the Unwary: How do Creative Lawyers End-Run Corporate Protections Against Individual Liability.
1 Hour MCLE
When engaging in real estate transactions, many corporate clients create single purpose entities (“SPE”) to limit potential liability to the specific property at issue. Nevertheless, many creative plaintiffs’ lawyers, when filing suit against the SPE, also assert alter ego claims against the SPE’s parent entities with the aim of increasing the money available for recovery. This panel will discuss the ins and outs of creating successful SPEs and how to defend alter ego claims against parent entities in litigation.
Speakers:
- Jill Rowe, Esq., Partner, Venable, LLP, San Francisco, CA
- Hillary A. Lehmann, Esq., Of Counsel, Lubin, Olson & Niewiadomski LLP, San Francisco, CA
10:00 AM to 11: 00 AM | Women Lawyers In-House: The Only Constant is Change
1 Hour MCLE
This panel of distinguished women practicing leasing law in-house at some of America’s premier companies will discuss the ever-changing landscape they face and how they handle the dynamic workplaces they occupy. Not unique to women, but in some ways uniquely impacting women, current changes affecting in-house leasing practices include COVID-19-driven market and business tumult and expectations, industry differences in the pace of change and consolidation, and the impacts of technology (including AI) on the business of commercial leasing and real estate law.
Speakers:
- Evelyn Jew, Senior Counsel, Gilead Sciences, Inc.
- Robin Cleary, Esq., In-House Counsel, Rivian, San Francisco, CA
- Marilyn Beardsley, Esq., Vice President, Real Estate Law, Albertsons/Safeway, Pleasanton, CA
Moderator:
- Catherine Oh, Esq., Partner, Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfield, LLP, Sacramento, CA
10:00 AM to 11: 00 AM | Navigating the AI Frontier, Products, Practices and Perspectives
1 Hour MCLE
Experts Rick and Jeremy will explore the transformative impact of AI on industries, the ethical challenges it presents, and the opportunities for innovation. The discussion will dive into cutting-edge AI products and services, insights from the CLA AI report, and strategies for aligning technological advancements with ethical principles. Panelists will address the current limitations of AI, emerging trends shaping the future of the technology, and realistic timelines for groundbreaking developments. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, the session will highlight how professionals from diverse fields can work together to ensure AI’s growth benefits businesses and society responsibly. Attendees will gain actionable insights into leveraging AI effectively while navigating its complexities and risks.
Speakers:
- Jeremy Evans, Esq., CEO, California Sports Lawyer®, Newport Beach, CA
- Rick Tapia, Esq., General Counsel, Digital Ascension Group
11:00 AM to 11:15 AM | BREAK
Join us for coffee or tea and connect with sponsors and fellow attendees.
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM | Effective Strategies and Techniques for Successful Mediations
1 Hour MCLE
Gain insights into essential preparation steps, techniques for building rapport, and strategies to overcome impasses. Learn how to manage high-conflict situations, foster creative solutions, and advocate effectively for your clients during mediation. This program is tailored specifically for attorneys representing clients in mediation, focusing on actionable strategies to help achieve successful outcomes. This interactive session will include real-world examples, expert tips, and practical tools to refine your advocacy skills.
Speakers:
- Ana Sambold, Esq., Mediator – Arbitrator, Sambold Law & ADR Services, San Diego, CA
- Deb Graceffa, Esq., Principal, Graceffa Law, Inc. / Graceffa Dispute Resolution Center, Oakland, CA
- Anne Lawlor Goyette, Esq., Mediator – Arbitrator – Referee – Special Master, Signature Resolution, Burlingame, CA
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM | Risk Management in Commercial Leases: Insurance, Indemnity & Waiver of Subrogation
1 Hour MCLE
Commercial properties can be subject to unexpected damage with costly consequences, even litigation. This panel will explore the critical components of risk management in a commercial lease or sublease, particularly insurance, indemnity, and waiver of subrogation provisions, and how these provisions allocate risk and responsibility among the parties. Our presenters will examine policy specifics, coverages available, and drafting strategies to maximize coverage through lease provisions as well as discuss the interplay between indemnities, casualty restoration obligations, and insurance.
Speakers:
- Vahishta Falahati, Esq., Principal, Falahati Law, Walnut Creek, CA
- Caitlin Connell, Esq., Partner, Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP, San Francisco, CA
- Jamie Taylor, Senior Vice President, Alliant Insurance Services, San Francisco, CA
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM | The California Coastal Act Issues and Updates
1 Hour MCLE
12:15 PM to 1:45 PM | Civility in the Legal Profession – Our Common Goal
RSVP Required
1 Hour MCLE; 1 Hour Civility in the Legal Profession
Civility is so important to our profession. During this presentation, these distinguished jurists will discuss whether civility has declined in our profession over the past several years, why civility matters in our profession and recent developments to address incivility. This panel will also provide practical tips for handling difficult opponents in litigation and what Judges expect in terms of civility. We will also discuss short and long term solutions for addressing incivility.
Speakers:
- Justice Charles E. Wilson, Associate Justice, 6th District Court of Appeal, San Jose, CA
- Hon. Robert McGuiness, Retired Judge, Superior Court of Alameda County; currently Mediator – Arbitrator – Special Master, Signature Resolution, Oakland, CA
- Hon. Peter Kirwan, Retired Judge, Superior Court of Santa Clara County, currently Mediator & Arbitrator, Signature Resolution, San Jose, CA
1:45 PM to 2:00 PM | BREAK
Join us for coffee or tea and connect with sponsors and fellow attendees.
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Lender and Landlords – How Lenders Manage Commercial Leases in Loan Documents & Current Trends in Loan Workouts
1 Hour MCLE
This dynamic panel will unpack each of the goals and motivations of the commercial lease/loan triad: lender, landlord and tenant/borrower.
Speakers:
- Adriana Vesci, Esq., Partner, Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles, CA
- Mia Blackler, Esq., Partner, Lubin Olson & Niewiadomski LLP, San Francisco, CA
- Danielle Duenas Peterson, Principal, Ares Management, Los Angeles, CA
Moderator:
- Pam Westhoff, Esq., Partner, Sheppard Mullin, Los Angeles, CA
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Illuminating Title Review & Land Surveys
1 Hour MCLE
This panel of title and survey experts will shine a light on the intricacies of title reports and land surveys, two extremely important documents in real estate acquisition and finance transactions. Our panel of highly experienced professionals will walk us through the steps of analyzing these documents and provide practical insights on how to spot problems, dig deeper into the issues, and find solutions.
Speakers:
- David Albers, Esq., Senior Corporate Counsel, First American Financial Company, Santa Ana, CA
- Dan Buchanan, Esq., Senior Vice President & Chief Title Counsel, First American Title Insurance Company, Santa Ana, CA
- David E. Woolley, PLS, President and Owner, D. Woolley & Associates, Inc., Tustin, CA
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Common Insurance Issues Arising in HOA Litigation
1 Hour MCLE
Please join seasoned HOA attorney and insurance-appointed counsel to discuss how community associations utilize insurance to address the defense of legal claims. We will provide an overview of typical claims and how they materialize. We will discuss legal and performance standards for these “quasi-governmental” entities and the process by which owners and the association may undertake claims against one another. Then, we’ll move through common defenses and required pre-litigation dispute resolution processes. Attendees will be provided with sample settlement documents.
Speakers:
- A. Jeanne Grove, Esq., Partner, Nixon Peabody, LLP, San Francisco, CA
- Mark T. Guithues, Esq., President, Community Legal Advisors, Inc., Oceanside, CA
3:00 PM to 3:45 PM | BREAK
Join us for coffee or tea and connect with sponsors and fellow attendees.
3:15 PM to 4:15 PM | Navigating the Current legal climate of commercial leasing
1 Hour MCLE
The panelists will delve into common lease disputes that often arise between landlords and tenants. Specifically, they will address issues such as non-payment of rent, failure to maintain the property in accordance with required codes and/or the lease terms, and using the rented space for purposes that violate the terms of the lease agreement. Additionally, the panelists will discuss the current landscape of unlawful detainer actions (evictions) and how these cases are being handled in the court system.
Speakers:
- Kavita Sharma, Esq., Founder, Sharma Law Group, San Francisco, CA
- Tiffany Norman, Esq., Shareholder, TRN Law Associates, San Francisco, CA
3:15 PM to 4:15 PM | Emerging Trends in Residential Real Estate: Challenges and Pitfalls for Attorneys Representing Homebuyers
1 Hour MCLE
Attorney representation of homebuyers is becoming increasingly common. This could be because buyers are looking to save money on real estate agent commissions or because, as values increase, many buyers believe legal representation is essential to protecting their interests in a sizable financial transaction. If you are asked to represent a home buyer do you know what you are getting into? Expert panelists will discuss (i) the class action settlement that may have triggered the rise in home purchase attorney representation, and the essential forms needed to document the transaction and how to obtain them; (ii) what the buyer’s attorney can expect when the seller is represented by a real estate agent, as well as mistakes attorneys make in those situations; and (iii) how an attorney can help, rather than hinder, resolution of disputes that arise during a home purchase transaction. By staying informed about these changes and comprehending the new forms, practitioners can better navigate the evolving landscape of real estate transactions and minimize the risk of costly legal challenges.
Speakers:
- Neil Kalin, Esq., Assistant General Counsel, California Association of REALTORS®, Los Angeles, CA
- Holly Barberi, Esq., General Manager / General Counsel, Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Jose Mendoza, Esq., In House Litigation Counsel, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Company, Irvine, CA
3:15 PM to 4:15 PM | Ethics Hot Topics
1 Hour MCLE; 1 Hour Ethics
This panel will discuss current issues on ethics. Topics will include conflicts of interest and advance consent, the importance of the engagement letter and common mistakes, and a review of recent cases on ethics. Ethics specialty credit.
Speakers:
- Dianne Jackson McLean, Esq., Partner, Goldfarb & Lipman LLP, Oakland, CA
- Rinat B. Klier Erlich, Esq., Partner, Zelms Erlich Lenkov, Los Angeles, CA
- Rye P. Murphy, Associate, Goldfarb & Lipman, LLP
4:15 PM to 6:00 PM | Evening Reception
RSVP Required
Mingle with the sponsors and other attendees over drinks and appetizers.
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Saturday Night Dinner Program with Mike Bassett
1 Hour MCLE; 1 Hour Wellness Competence
At some point as we journey through life, we will find ourselves buried by our own baggage, stripped bare at the muddy, craggy bottom of The Ditch. The Man in The Ditch is a story about undeserved privilege, unlimited potential, hard work, and hustle. A story about self-inflicted wounds, hubris, insecurity, shame, and abandonment. A story, ultimately, about the Operation of Divine Grace that manifests itself as unapologetic joy.
Mike’s talk will remind lawyers that while they will face challenges – some very serious – in their careers, the choice is theirs about how they will respond. Will they become bitter and give up or will they emerge as stronger, better versions of themselves?
Mark Mike will share practical strategies for maintaining resilience and mental well-being, helping lawyers navigate setbacks and avoid burnout. Attendees will leave with tools to emerge as stronger, healthier professionals capable of managing stress and achieving a better work-life balance.
The lessons Mike will share will remind all attendees that the choice is theirs.
Speakers:
- Mike H. Bassett, Esq., Managing Partner, The Bassett Firm, Dallas, Texas
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Dessert and Dance Party
Delicious desserts, hosted libations and dancing complete the 2025 Real Property Law Retreat and 10th Annual Women in Commercial Leasing Law Symposium.