Events
2025 Public Sector Conference
May 2 All day
When: May 2, 2025
Where: Hilton Arden West
2200 Harvard St.
Sacramento, CA 95815
Earn up to 6.25 Hours of MCLE Credit with 2.00 Hours of Elimination of Bias & 1.25 Hours Ethics
This full-day, in-person conference is designed for attendees interested in the latest developments in California public sector labor and employment law. You’ll have the opportunity to attend concurrent sessions featuring experienced speakers who will provide updates on court decisions, legislation, and administrative decisions from the past year, as well as other information and analysis critical to California public sector labor and employment lawyers. Immerse yourself in insightful discussions and gain practical knowledge from industry experts in the field.
Registration Fees
Early Bird Rate |  Thru April 11
$295 | Labor and Employment Section Members
$395 | Non-Section MemberÂ
Regular Rate  | Starting April 12
$360 | Labor and Employment Section Members
$460 | Non-Section MemberÂ
*Lunch included with registration.
Agenda
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. | Registration Open – Continental Breakfast
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | In One Year And Out The Other: Year In Review
Experienced and dynamic speakers from the union and management perspectives will provide an overview of the year’s latest developments in California public sector labor and employment law, and share their often contrasting views on what those developments mean. The review will include updates and insights on the most important court decisions, legislation and administrative decisions from the past year. [1.5 Hours MCLE]
- Kerianne Steele, Weinberg, Roger and Rosenfeld
- Tim Yeung, Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | A Conversation with Justice Kelli M. Evans
Join us for an engaging conversation with California Supreme Court Justice Kelli Evans, featuring the Honorable Bentrish Satarzadeh. Justice Evans will share reflections on her legal and judicial career, and her unwavering commitment to public service. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand from two esteemed members of the judiciary about their experiences and perspectives. [1 Hour MCLE]
- Justice Kelli M. Evans
- Honorable Bentrish Satarzadeh (moderator)
12:00 p.m. | Box Lunch Provided to Attendees
12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | To PERB Or Not To PERB: Overlapping Jurisdictions
What if a PERB charge is based on the same facts as a discipline appeal or a grievance? Does the claim belong at PERB, in the other forum, or both? Navigating claims over which PERB and another forum have jurisdiction can be very tricky. But our expert panelists from labor, management, and PERB will help guide you around the shoals that lie in wait for the unwary in this evolving area of law. [1.25 MCLE]
- York Chang, California Teachers Association
- Stephanie O’Hara, Public Employment Relations Board
- Eric Riss; Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Beyond the Band-Aid: Employer Accountability after Workplace Injuries
Dive into the nuanced intersection of reasonable accommodations, industrial injuries, and collective bargaining agreements. This engaging panel will unpack employers’ obligations under the Fair Employment and Housing Act to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, even when the disabling condition is the result of an industrial injury and contractual rights are exhausted. Learn how to navigate the tension between statutory rights and collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance while advocating effectively for your clients—whether you represent employees or employers. [1.25 Hours MCLE; 0.75 Elimination of Bias]
- Sarah Kanbar, Beeson, Tayer & Bodine, APC
- Junn Paulino, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
- Dawniell Zavala, Cal Voices
- Nicole Heeder, Johnson Heeder, LLP (moderator)
2:10 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. | PERB Your Enthusiasm: Getting the Most of Remedies & Enforcing Compliance
Please join presenters Latika Malkani (Siegel LeWitter Malkani), Anni Safarloo (Liebert Cassidy Whitmore), and moderator Jessica Kim (PERB), for a conversational and interactive presentation on all things remedies and compliance. Find out the latest on expanding remedies at PERB from the perspectives of both employee representatives and management. Will the new remedies change how labor relations functions in real life? Has PERB gone too far or not far enough? We’ll also cover changes in compliance procedures as well as tips and tricks for a smooth compliance process. Come for the updates on all that’s happening with remedies and compliance and stay for the hot takes. [1.25 Hours MCLE]
- Latika Malkani, Siegel Lewitter Malkani
- Anni Safarloo, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
- Jessica Kim, Public Employment Relations Board (moderator)
2:10 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. | Say What?: Free Speech In the Workplace and Navigating First Amendment and Non-Discrimination Laws
The intersection of speech and discrimination issues rooted in bias are front of mind for many employers and employees. Learn about the laws that apply in the public workplace, the limits of such rights, and legal decision-making in balancing these rights. [1.25 Hours; Elimination of Bias]
- Chris Knudsen, Department of Justice
- Beth Mora, Mora Employment Law
- Lisa Buehler, Buehler Trapani LLP (moderator)
3:25 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Afternoon Snack Break
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | The Ethics of Advocacy to and Representation of Public Entities; How to Serve Your Client and Stay Out of Jail at the Same Time
Providing legal advice to elected officials, public entity employees, and the unions that lobby them requires an understanding of campaign finance laws, use of public funds, lobbying rules, and the sunshine laws that provide for transparency of public board meetings and public records. Kathryn Meola and Julia Harumi Mass, who are on opposite sides of union/public agency disputes, are joined by Karen Getman, an expert on reporting and disclosure laws, conflict of interest laws, and use of public funds, among many other areas. Join us for a lively discussion of these topics, including attention to the ethical responsibilities attorneys have in advising clients under the California Rules of Professional Conduct. [1.25 Hours MCLE; 1.0 Legal Ethics]
- Karen Getman, Olson Remcho LLP
- Kathryn Meola, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
- Julia Harumi Mass, Rothner, Segall & Greenstone (moderator)
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Order in the Court – Trial Pros Share their Secrets for Winning and Defending Public Entity Trials
Seasoned trial lawyers form both sides of the aisle will share lessons learned from their recent trial victories, focusing on litigation issues specific to public entities and covering topics such as the critical tasks that lead up to your trial, choosing the venue, jury selection, developing and anticipating trial themes, and how to excel at Opening Statements and Closing Arguments. [1.25 Hours MCLE]
- Jean Hyams, Vinick Hyams Trial Partners
- Serena Warner, Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff, LLP
- Mari Bandoma Callado, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office (moderator)
5:00 p.m. | Join Us for an Exclusive Networking Reception!
Wrap up the day with an evening of connections and conversations at our Networking Reception. This informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to engage with conference speakers, industry professionals, and fellow attendees in a relaxed setting.
Enjoy light appetizers and complimentary beer and wine as you expand your network, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with colleagues or make new connections, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Interested in Sponsoring?
Networking Reception Sponsor $5,000
- Recognition in marketing materials
- Prominent signage at reception
- Optional add on: branded cocktail napkins (+2,500)
Wi-Fi Sponsor $3,500
- Recognition in marketing materials
- Recognition in conference signage
- Name featured on Wi-Fi credentials
Coffee & Pastries Sponsor $5,000
- Recognition in marketing materials
- Prominent signage at coffee and refreshments table
Branded Swag Sponsor $2,000
- Distribution of your branded items to all registrants at check-in (e.g. tote bag, notepad, pen, etc.)*subject to approval
Exhibitor Table $1,500
Scholarship Opportunity Available!
Scholarship Application Deadline: April 14, 2025
The Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Lawyers Association is committed to encouraging the representation of persons of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, other underrepresented groups and those who work in the area of public service. As such, the Labor and Employment Law Section has committed to provide a scholarship to those persons who have traditionally been underrepresented in our field and/or working in public service in order to become familiar with the Labor and Employment Law Section. Learn more and apply today!
Our Speakers
More Info
Group Registration
To qualify for group registration, all participants must belong to the same organization. If you are the primary purchaser for the group and do not see the option for group registration, or need any assistance, please email, ProgramRegistrations@calawyers.org.
Cancellations/Refunds
Cancellations and refunds must be received in writing no later than April 11, 2025 and are subject to a 10% service fee. Refunds will not be provided after April 11, 2025.
Questions
For program and registration information, please email ProgramRegistrations@calawyers.org or call 916-516-1757.
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.