Litigation Section

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

For more federal courts content, please see the Quarterly Federal Courts Committee Newsletter. This quarter’s newsletter includes an interview with United States Magistrate Judge Stephanie Christensen. We are looking for six new members to join our Federal Courts Committee. If you are interested, please apply at https://calawyers.org/section/litigation/standing-committees/committee-on-federal-courts/ or email Committee Chair Tom Stout for more information. Central District of California Changes to Local Rules: The Court has approved amendments to the local rules, which became effective on December 1, 2024:… Read more

1 Hour MCLE. Self-Study Credit offered. Free Event! California's new SB 940 will take effect on January 1, 2025, and it promises to make significant changes in the practice of ADR in California--raising concerns from arbitrators, mediators, and provider institutions.  This program--an in-depth interview of Senator Tom Umberg, the sponsor of the legislation--will shed light on the purposes behind the legislation, how it provisions are intended to be implemented, and how the ADR community can adapt and prosper under the statute's… Read more

1 Hour MCLE; 1 Legal Ethics Parker Shaffie LLP partner Joel A. Osman will explore the practical implications of Rule 8.3, including the history leading up to it and why it was enacted and its statutory interpretation. Speaker: Joel A. Osman REGISTERE HERE Free Event! Read more

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

1 Participatory MCLE Credits; 1 Civility in the Legal Profession This program explores the current state of cannabis laws at federal and state levels, the role of arbitration in cannabis-related disputes, and real-world challenges faced by parties and arbitrators. It also explores what counsel seek in arbitrators and offers specific case scenarios. REGISTER HERE Non-Member: $55CLA Member: $25 Speakers: Whitney Hodges and Dana Welch Moderator: Lisa A. Romeo Whitney Hodges Whitney Hodges is a partner in the Real Estate, Land… Read more

Free Event! Self-Study Credit offered. 1 Hour MCLE The purpose of the webinar is to educate lawyers on the path from lawyer to judge to neutral and the challenges faced in the transitions. Learning Objectives: Educate on skills acquired from the bench used as a neutral Educate on differences from being a judge and a neutral Educate on challenges faced in becoming a judge/neutral Tips for lawyers who want to become a judge or a neutral REGISTER HERE Speakers: Hon.… Read more

1. You had a distinguished career in public service before joining the bench.  What made you decide to become a magistrate judge?    Loud encouragement. People that I trusted made me believe that it was a good fit, and their encouragement was louder than doubting questions in my mind.  Was I ready to give up advocacy?  Was it financially irresponsible to commit to the salary when the opportunity cost was so high? Would I enjoy the job?  Those persistent mentors got… Read more

Free Event! Please join us the week after Veterans Day for a free webinar “Native Veterans & Servicemembers: Advocacy Opportunities for Healing and Housing” on November 18th from 6:30pm to 8pm.  This Berkeley Law Veterans Law Practicum student-led program will cover benefits available to and challenges faced by Native veterans. American Indian and Alaska Natives serve in the military at five times the national average. Yet they face significant and unique barriers accessing earned benefits. Student presenters will provide background… Read more

On March 19, 2023, I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Allison Hertog about her Los Angeles-based work as a lawyer specializing in disability services in public school education.  California’s public schools are composed primarily of students of color, sixty percent of which qualify for free and reduced-price meals. The pandemic, and its aftermath, has forced Americans to take a closer look at education system and to contend with the disproportionate impacts that the remote learning environment had on students’ mental health, and social learning and technological needs. Read more