Family Law
No Holds Barred: Unfiltered Conversations Between Bench and Bar
By Leslie L. Abrigo, CFLS
Chair, CLA Family Law Executive Committee (FLEXCOM), 2025–2026
FLEXCOM’s ‘No Holds Barred’ seminar in Walnut Creek on October 25, 2025, brought together leaders from across California’s family law community for a day of genuine dialogue, laughter, and reflection.
The program invited honest conversation about the realities of practicing family law in today’s courts, including maintaining civility and professionalism to managing bias, ethics, and technology in daily practice. The event offered 6.0 hours of Family Law Legal Specialization credit, including 1.0 hour of Civility in the Legal Profession, 2.0 hours of Elimination of Bias, 2.0 hours of Legal Ethics, and 1.0 hour of Technology in the Practice of Law.
A Conversation That Mattered
FLEXCOM was honored to host an exceptional lineup of presenters and judicial leaders, including:
- Hon. Mark A. Juhas
- Hon. Sue Alexander
- Hon. Monica Wiley (Guest Judge)
- Barbara Hammers, CFLS
- Justin O’Connell, CFLS
Together, they led a candid exchange between bench and bar, exploring not only courtroom conduct but also the emotional and ethical dimensions of family law practice. Their insight and candor set the tone for meaningful conversations and thought about the policies affecting the practice. It was a reminder for attendees that professionalism and humanity can and must coexist.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
FLEXCOM extends heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors whose support made No Holds Barred possible:
- Event Sponsors: Soberlink, Billables.ai, Leap Legal Software, and Delacey Riebel Shindell
- Gift Sponsor: Signature Resolution
- Marketing Sponsors: The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF), the Sacramento County Bar Association (SCBA), The Marin County Bay Association, The Alameda County Bar Association, The Contra Costa County Bar Association, and the Solano County Bar Association.
- Special Sponsor Recognition: Genesis Family Law
A special thank-you to California Family Law Report (CFLR) for donating a full set of the Family Law Rutter Guide and the Professional Responsibility Rutter Guide to two lucky attendees. Their generous contribution underscores CFLR’s commitment to continuing education and excellence in our field.
On behalf of FLEXCOM, thank you to every sponsor, speaker, and attendee who made this event a success. Your partnership helps strengthen the practice of family law across California.
Watch On Demand
If you missed the live event, do not worry as it was recorded and will soon be available for purchase through CLA’s MCLE Catalog.
As a reminder, members of the CLA Family Law Section receive:
- One free webinar each month, and
- 6.5 hours of complimentary self-study MCLE credit each year.
These benefits are an excellent way to stay connected with the continuing conversations shaping our profession.
Looking Ahead
‘No Holds Barred’ represents what FLEXCOM strives for: authentic, forward-thinking dialogue that strengthens both advocacy and community. Thank you again to all who joined us in Walnut Creek.