25-Hour Compliance Package (California)

Hon. Holly J. Fujie, LA Superior Court
Hon. Rupert A. Byrdsong, LA Superior Court
Mia F. Yamamoto, Law Office of Mia Yamamoto
Dr. Gitu Bhatia, Gitu Bhatia Psy.D.
Moderated by Jinna Kang, Enenstein Pham & Glass, LLP

Stephanie Blondell, lead faculty for the Pepperdine Straus Institute's popular Women's Negotiation Academy, explored recent research regarding the role of gender in negotiation. Professor Blondell challenged participants to consider the various biases that can bedevil and/or support both men and women in negotiations and identify techniques to overcome or use these biases to advantage.

The lines between ethically mandated and permissive withdrawal from a client?s representation are often unclear, making it difficult for attorneys to determine their ethical obligations and how to satisfy them. This program will explore where the lines are drawn, how they are applied, and what an attorney?s duties are when withdrawing from representation.

Deborah Wolfe, Founder, Wolfe Legal Solutions, PC.

The program will address the process of onboarding new clients with emphasis on risk management and compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Joel A. Osman, Senior Counsel and General Counsel to the Firm, Parker Mills LLP
David B. Parker, Founding Partner,Parker Mills LLP

This program will review lawyers? ethical obligations in holding funds belonging to others. This program will cover the guidance and pitfalls in trust accounting and the new mandatory Client Trust Account Protection Program and will include considerations of banking stability.

Rachelle Cohen, Valensi Rose, PLC
Erin Joyce, Erin Joyce Law, PC

This presentation will explore the kinds of activities that are discouraged and prohibited by the State Bar, as well as those that are perfectly permissible in 2023 (this has changed significantly from a few decades ago when many of the Attorney Attendees started practicing, so many of us learned a very different set of rules and behaviors). Come learn what you can do to get more business, without getting in trouble with the State Bar.

Marc E. Hankin, Hankin Patent Law, APC

This CLE program will explore competence issues in the context of the aging attorney population. While mental and physical issues impacting the elderly population are very common, few CLE programs discuss them in the context of an aging attorneys? ability to perform legal services with competence.

While it is relatively easy to spot an attorney who has completely lost physical capability and mental competence, it is very challenging to spot those in the gray area who have started their descent into concerning territory often exhibiting barely perceptible signs of incompetence

Benazeer "Benny" Roshan, Partner, Greenberg Glusker

Join leading litigators Paul Kiesel and Jeffrey A. Koncius of Kiesel Law LLP as they share valuable insights into the practical applications of AI and ChatGPT in your legal practice. Discover how these cutting-edge technologies can enhance productivity and client services while addressing the ethical concerns that arise from their integration.

Learn to effectively tell your clients? story and formulate a cogent opening statement that will win over your jury before you call a single witness.

In Hollywood, we are surrounded by some of the most compelling storytellers in the world. Their techniques for captivating an audience and persuading a listener translate perfectly to the courtroom but are applied far less often than expected. A case can be won with a compelling opening statement; it can also be made far more difficult to win with one that is disjoint and emotionless.

In this program, learn from recently retired LA Superior Court Judge Craig Karlan how to present a successful opening statement. Judge Karlan is not only an experienced trial lawyer and trial judge ? having tried countless jury trials as both a lawyer and a judge over the past 32 years ? Judge Karlan is also a writer, one who has optioned several pilots. Like a theater audience, the jury needs to feel what your client has gone through to care about your case.

Hon. Craig D. Karlan (Ret.), ADR Services, Inc.

This panel will discuss the In re Grand Jury case and will include one of the lawyers on the case itself. This case was recently argued before the Supreme Court. After the arguments, the Supreme Court reversed its decision to grant certiorari for this case and removed the case from the Supreme Court?s docket. Where does this leave the state of the law for attorney-client privilege for legal advice communications that may include business advice? In this important case, a law firm was asked to turn over documents that the firm argued are protected by the attorney-client privilege because they were made with the purpose of obtaining legal advice. However, because these communications had a dual-purpose which also included a discussion of the preparation of the client?s tax returns, which is not generally protected, the government disputed the claim. A federal district court held the firm in contempt for its failure to produce the documents, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld that ruling, which was appealed to the Supreme Court. This panel will focus on exploring the dual-purpose and tax preparation issues regarding attorney-client privilege and best practices in this new legal environment.

Evan J. Davis, Principal, Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez P.C.
Laura Buckley, Founder, Buckley Tax Law, APC
David Foster, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
S. Starling Marshall, Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP (Moderator)

This program will focus on the art of persuasion, the ?Dos and Don?ts? of law and motion. Tune in to learn everything you ever wanted to know about law and motion but were too afraid to ask.

Having served as an Independent Calendar Judge in the West District for over 14 years, ruling on upwards of 7,500 motions, if not more, with as many as 730 general jurisdiction cases assigned to him at one time, recently retired Judge Karlan has handled a complex and complicated law and motion calendar under a variety of circumstances and time constraints.

In this program Judge Karlan will provide insight from his over twenty years on the bench, including motions to quash, demurrers, motions to strike/anti-SLAPP motions, MSJs, electronic service, discovery and motions in limine. HOWEVER, beyond the technical legal requirements, successful motion practice requires careful crafting, a compelling argument and attention to detail. It also involves thinking of and paying attention to your Judge, both with respect to what you submit and how you argue.

Hon. Craig D. Karlan (Ret.), ADR Services, Inc.

In the presentation, the panelists will cover opportunities for insurance coverage for losses arising from data breaches and email scams, where companies may be duped into wiring money to fraudsters who impersonate either company executives or outside vendors. In addition, they will discuss insurance coverage opportunities for claims involving the misuse of biometric information. Finally, our speakers will discuss what is covered and not covered by cyber insurance.

Peter Selvin, Chair of Insurance Coverage and Recovery Department, Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
Elliot Chen, Associate Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP

Non-billable tasks are necessary - but they shouldn't occupy your every waking hour (or the firm's profit margins). That's where automation comes in. This CLE will share how automation helps you streamline repetitive law firm tasks and focus on high-impact work that grows your business.

Jordan Turk is a practicing attorney in Texas and is also the Legal Technology Advisor at Smokeball.

Are you compliant with Ethics rules when it comes to communicating with clients?

Knowing and understanding the ethics regulations surrounding client communication is vital to your success as an attorney and to your clients? experience. This CLE presentation will cover the benefits of texting and how this form of communication can help you stay compliant and offer the best client experience possible.

In this presentation, Joseph Jones will discuss various ethical issues and legal requirements relating to social media and the law, including how to properly preserve and authenticate social media content, the fallacy of social media privacy and what should/shouldn?t be discussed about your cases on social media.

Joseph Jones is a licensed Private Investigator and the President of Bosco Legal Services, Inc. Joseph is a Certified Social Media Intelligence Expert, Certified Expert in Cyber Investigations, and holds multiple certifications in Open Source and Cyber Intelligence. He also has degrees in Psychology and Social & Behavior Sciences. Joseph has received over 2,000 hours of specialized training and regularly teaches courses to judges, attorneys, paralegals, insurance professionals, and contributes to their various publications. Joseph has appeared as an Expert Witness in legal cases on various topics. When he?s not tracking down bad guys or digging up the truth, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and 4 active children.

Email is a convenient, and necessary, communication tool to send asynchronous messages to your clients, prospects, vendors, and your team. Often resulting in efficient and effective responses, which allow projects to move forward. However, as email has exploded, you have become overwhelmed by the volume of correspondence.

During this powerful and dynamic presentation, you will

Gain insight into a new framework to take control of your emails
Implement a new mindset to interact and use emails as a tool, not a to-do list
Never forget or lose important emails
Discover how to prioritize and organize emails to fit into your schedule
Ultimately, learn the tools to tame the email beast and effectively manage the ARTTÆ of email during this interactive program.

Sarah Tetlow is the CEO and founder of Firm Focus? where she focuses on productivity consulting for attorneys and busy professionals. She uses her past experiences, organizational and strategic thought process, education, training, and natural gift to help professionals, law firms, and businesses improve their bottom line and operate more efficiently. More importantly, Sarah?s clients see a reduction in stress and anxiety and an increase in focus and new business.

Sarah is also the creator of the ARTTÆ Email Productivity system and course. The ARTTÆ course has helped hundreds of professionals gain control of their email, mitigate using email as a distraction, effectively track important communications, and reduce stress and anxiety. It helps email users understand their human habits connected to the technology to effectively organize their inbox. ARTTÆ Graduates have reported an increase in responsiveness and revenue.

It?s easy to consider the metaverse as science fiction. But the metaverse and blockchain technology offer significant practical utility for brands, regulators and consumers. This presentation moves beyond Bored Apes and explores how top brands are using the metaverse to build deeper connections with consumers and develop new revenue streams. We will also analyze the key legal and technical challenges brands must overcome to make their metaverse investment relevant and successful.

Dan Jasnow, ArentFox Schiff LLP, New York
Malcolm S. McNeil, ArentFox Schiff LLP, Los Angeles

On August 30, 2022, the US Department of Justice issued a press release reiterating that civil and criminal employment tax enforcement is among the Tax Division?s highest priorities. The IRS and DoJ have stepped up criminal enforcement against employers who fail to meet their employment tax obligations. This program will review employment tax obligations, the Trust Fund Recover Penalty which comprises employers? personal liabilities for their failure to collect and pay over wages withheld from their employees and their employees? share of employment tax ? and criminal tax liability for employment tax failures.

Michele F.L. Weiss, Senior Counsel at Holtz, Slavett & Drabkin, is a CA state bar certified specialist in tax law and a former IRS Counsel attorney. She helps businesses, business owners and investors resolve their civil and criminal tax disputes with the IRS and state tax agencies - FTB, EDD, BoE, and CDTFA - in examinations, appeals, litigation, criminal and collection defense. She has expertise in many substantive and procedural tax issues including penalty abatement, payroll and employment tax, offshore tax compliance and sensitive disclosure matters, trust matters, qualified contributions, R&D and ERC credits, cryptocurrency, and non-profit matters. She provides tax counsel in business litigation and bankruptcy matters.

Gary M. Slavett has been a California licensed attorney since 1996 and has over 20 years of experience in the practice of tax law. Gary?s practice focuses on tax controversy matters including issues related to Foreign Bank Accounts & FBAR penalties, criminal tax defense, tax litigation, tax audit representation, and tax administrative appeals. Gary also handles matters related to the Bank Secrecy Act and Administrative and Civil Forfeitures. Gary frequently represents his clients before the United States Tax Court, U.S. District Court, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorneys Office, California Franchise Tax Board, State Board of Equalization, and the Employment Development Department. Gary was a Senior Trial Attorney for the Internal Revenue Service, Office of Chief Counsel. As an IRS attorney, Gary represented the IRS in U.S. Tax Court and provided legal advice to IRS personnel. After leaving the IRS, Gary joined Deloitte & Touche?s Tax Controversy Group in Los Angeles. At Deloitte, Gary represented Deloitte?s clients before the IRS and state taxing authorities. Clients included Fortune 500 companies from the banking, healthcare, and toy industries, a professional sports team, a popular television personality, and regional real estate and construction firms.

Michele Weiss, Senior Counsel, Holtz, Slavett & Drabkin
Gary Slavett, Principal and Founder, Holtz, Slavett & Drabkin

Justin Goldberg represents clients in various industries, including food and beverage, sports, insurance and reinsurance, cannabis, and automotive, in a wide variety of commercial transactions, including corporate structuring, finance, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, corporate compliance, real estate, sponsorships, and general corporate law. Justin?s clients include international corporations, food and beverage companies, auto industry companies, emerging growth companies, cannabis companies, select startups, collegiate sports entities, and prominent individuals. Justin provides effective counsel throughout a company?s business life cycle, from formation through operations, expansion, and eventual sale.

This interactive program will teach you:
How to Write Preamble in a Contract
How to Write Recitals in a Contract
How to Write Words of Agreement in a Contract
How to Write Definitions in a Contract
How to Write Parties' Rights, Obligations and Discretions in a Contract
How to Write a Formula in a Contract
How to Write Indemnification Provisions in a Contract
How to Write Representations and Warranties Provisions in a Contract
How to Write "General Provisions" in a Contract i.e. Assignment Provisions, Declaration Provisions
How to Write Clearly in a Contract
How to ETHICALLY Protect Yourself from Potential or Actual Conflicts of Interest in Drafting a Contract

How to Handle IP Bullies: Litigation Strategies and Other Considerations When IP Disputes Arise

Mark H. Plagerm Plager Schack, LLP
Michael O'Brien, O'Brien Patent Solutions
Greta M. Schultz, Heppenstall & Schultz

This workshop defines four different meanings of apology and three approaches to forgiveness. Attorneys with a robust understanding of apologies and forgiveness can assist clients in constructing de-escalation (apology) and emotional recovery (forgiveness) strategies that resonate with the client.

Topics covered will include: motivations for apology, risks of apologizing, reasons to advise clients to apologize, lawyer assisted apologies, meanings of forgiveness, three models of forgiveness (therapeutic, relational, redemptive), options after an unfair injury, grief and timing, recovering from financial and emotional injury, and when and how to encourage clients to forgive.

Peter Robinson, Professor Emeritus, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

Professor Robinson returns for the second part in this series, focusing on the three approaches to forgiveness. Attorneys with a robust understanding of apologies and forgiveness can assist clients in constructing de-escalation (apology) and emotional recovery (forgiveness) strategies that resonate with the client.

Topics covered will include: motivations for apology, risks of apologizing, reasons to advise clients to apologize, lawyer assisted apologies, meanings of forgiveness, three models of forgiveness (therapeutic, relational, redemptive), options after an unfair injury, grief and timing, recovering from financial and emotional injury, and when and how to encourage clients to forgive.

Peter Robinson, Professor Emeritus, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

Gifts of tangible personal property, such as artwork, rare books, and manuscripts, are often meaningful, enduring, and tax-efficient. Such gifts may also be more complicated than expected and require special consideration. Has the property been held long-term? Will the gift(s) be used in a manner related to the nonprofit institution's tax-exempt mission? Will the gift(s) be made during a donor's lifetime or by bequest? Join us for a lively conversation about fascinating gifts and lessons learned.

Cris Lutz, Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning at, The Huntington
Elizabeth Bawden, Partner at Withers World Wide
Joe Baratta, Senior Vice President, Head of Trusts & Estates, West Coast at Bonhams

The recent explosion of the creation and sale of NFTs has brought about significant concerns regarding the taxation of these transactions for sellers, purchasers, and investors. Tax counsel and accountants for clients holding and selling NFTs must understand applicable tax rules, reporting requirements for these transactions, and the tax treatment of NFTs.

An NFT is a digital certificate of certain rights associated with a digital or physical asset. Thus far, NFTs have been created and sold for various assets within the art, music, and sports industries worldwide. However, since NFTs and NFT transactions are fairly new, the IRS has yet to issue guidance directly addressing NFTs. This forces taxpayers to rely on general tax law principles and current IRS guidance on digital assets and virtual currency.

Tax counsel and advisers must recognize applicable tax rules for NFTs, differences to cryptocurrencies, and define proper reporting and tax treatment for NFT transactions.

Listen as our panel discusses critical tax considerations for NFT transactions, tax issues for creators and investors, and other key issues for NFTs.

We are not going to talk about your vision or your one-page business plan.

We are not going to talk about marketing or a SWOT analysis.

We are going to talk about the nuts and bolts of running a law firm business.

What you absolutely have to have on Day 1.
Who you should be on your team?
What does an organized and efficient law firm start-up look like?

Diane L. Camacho, CLM is the founder of DLC Consulting Services, LLC. She has spent more than 25 years as a legal manager in San Francisco for firms of various sizes.