Litigation Section

For the first time in the 233-year history of the Supreme Court, a Black woman will join the Bench of our nation’s highest court: on April 7, 2022, the Senate voted 53-47 to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. Soon-to-be Justice Jackson’s ascension also marks the first time in history where 4 of the 9 justices are women. Read more

John Byron Owens is a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Read more

Judge Chhabria was confirmed by the Senate as a District Court Judge for the Northern District of California in March 2014. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Chhabria worked as a staff member for U.S. Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey in Washington D.C. and California. Read more

Central District of California Covid-19 Update:  On March 15, 2022, the Court extended its authority pursuant to provisions of the CARES Act through May 28, 2022. Accordingly, court hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters. (Notice.)   Merit Selection Committee: The United States District Court, Central District of California, is currently accepting applications from attorneys interested in serving on the Central District’s Merit Selection Panel, which (1) evaluates and recommends to the District Judges the… Read more

With so many mediation and arbitration related cases being heard and reviewed on both a state and federal level in recent years, panelists Paul Dubow and James (Jim) Madison will provide an analysis and discussion of the most interesting ADR cases decided since January 1, 2022. Don’t miss the first of a biannual series on ADR case law updates presented by the ADR Committee of the Litigation Section! Read more

Learn the latest theories and tools of statutory construction from a judge, law professor, and practitioner. The panelists will explain the framework for statutory interpretation; the role of legislative history in the age of textualism; the federal and state legislative processes, the legislative records that result, and the appropriate use of these records; and what courts want from litigants when it comes to considering legislative history. Great overview for all litigators: trial and appellate, state and federal, civil and criminal. Read more

Central District of California Covid-19 Update:  On February 8, 2022, the Central District announced that it will resume jury trials on February 22, 2022. (Notice.) The District Court adopted an amended policy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, effective February 3, 2022. (Policy.) On January 3, 2022, the Court extended its authority pursuant to provisions of the CARES Act through March 28, 2022. Accordingly, court hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters. (Notice.)   Judicial Nominations: On December 15,… Read more

A monthly publication of the Litigation Section of the California Lawyers Association. Read more

The Jury Instructions Committee of the California Lawyers Association’s Litigation Section has reviewed the proposed revisions to civil jury instructions (CACI 22-01) and appreciates the opportunity to submit these comments. Read more

In its 34th year, a Week in Legal London is pleased to continue the tradition of providing exciting new opportunities for interaction with UK colleagues at exceptional legal and historic destinations. Read more