Events
Webinar: Discovery & AI: Evaluating Privilege and work product issues in AI communications
May 1 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
1 Participatory MCLE Credits; 1 Technology in The Practice of Law
What happens when attorneys use AI tools in the course of representation? Do those communications remain privileged, or does inputting client information into an AI platform risk waiver of work product protections? How should counsel respond when opposing parties seek discovery of AI-assisted work? This session examines emerging legal and ethical issues at the intersection of discovery, privilege, and artificial intelligence, including recent federal cases reaching differing conclusions and the implications for California practitioners under existing ethical rules. Attendees will gain practical guidance on preserving privilege when using AI tools, assessing risks of waiver, and responding to discovery requests in this rapidly evolving area.Â
Speakers: Hon. Cheryl Simbulan Beach, Christopher Han, Hon. James Finete, and Sharon Velzy-Lenington
Moderator: Orlando Ruff
Non-Member Price
$75
Member Price
$55
Cheryl Simbulan Beach is a Workers’ Compensation Judge and Law Professor at the University of West Los Angeles (“UWLA”). She holds a JD from UWLA and MBA from the University of Southern California. She began her career as a workers’ compensation litigation attorney, representing defendants initially then applicants, and later worked as a transactional attorney at The Walt Disney Company. Her work is grounded in the belief that education, innovation, perspective, and creativity are catalysts for empowerment and growth. She is committed to mentorship and the arts as pathways that help students and communities realize their potential.Â
Chris Han is a Business Professor at Los Angeles Harbor College, part of the Los Angeles Community College District, and an Adjunct Law Professor at the University of West Los Angeles. He holds a JD and MBA from the University of Virginia. He began his career as a corporate lawyer at Skadden Arps and later worked as an investment banker at Raymond James. He is passionate about education and the community college system, which enabled him to complete his undergraduate education at 16 and continues to shape his work as an educator. He currently serves as legal advisor to Options for Learning, a leading nonprofit organization providing early childhood education and child care services to more than 9,600 children and their families across Southern California.Â
Judge Finete was born and raised in San Diego, graduating from the University of San Diego with a B.A. before graduating from Santa Clara Law as a Public Interest Legal Scholar. He is certified as a specialist in workers’ compensation. His defense practice included representation of municipalities, CIGA, Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, self-insured private employers, professional sports teams, and non-profit organizations in workers’ compensation, labor and subrogation proceedings, as well as acting city attorney in criminal proceedings. After 25 years of legal practice, he is now a workers’ compensation judge at the Anaheim District Office, and at the Van Nuys District Office before that.
Judge Sharon Velzy is the Presiding Worker’s Compensation Judge for the State of California in Van Nuys. She served as a Workers’ Compensation Judge for 10 years before becoming the Presiding Judge. Judge Velzy attended college in San Diego where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She began her legal career as a criminal defense attorney and worked on The Innocence Project before becoming an attorney for the State of California handling workers’ compensation cases.  During her career, Judge Velzy has been a guest lecturer and has organized numerous statewide education programs.  She is currently serving as an officer on the Executive Committee of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the California Lawyers Association and is the Chair of the Education Committee.  She is a member of the Conference of California Workers’ Compensation Judges where she previously served on the board as Treasurer. Judge Velzy is a past recipient of The State Bar of California Wiley W. Manuel Award honoring her pro bono work.Â
We are committed to accessibility! Virtual events are equipped with closed captioning. To request an in-person accommodation, send us a note at accessibility@calawyers.org or contact us at 916-516-1760 for assistance.