CLEs You Actually Want to Hear

AI hallucinations are no longer a novelty. Nearly 1,000 documented court decisions in the United States now involve AI-generated errors in legal filings, from fabricated citations to inaccurate procedural statements, and the number continues to grow. These incidents highlight not only the limitations of AI technology but also lawyers' longstanding responsibilities to verify information before relying on it. In this program, Professor John Lande, University of Missouri School of Law, will examine what AI hallucinations reveal about lawyers' duties of competence, diligence, and candor under the ABA Model Rules. The program will explore practical verification strategies and how thoughtful use of AI can reinforce habits of careful analysis and independent professional judgment under California's AI-related ethics proposals. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for integrating AI into their practices while maintaining responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Piper Hinson, Southwestern Law School graduate, presents her award-winning law review article on the constitutional case against state gender-affirming care bans. Courts are split on whether these bans violate the Equal Protection Clause, and the divide comes down to one question: which standard of review applies. Piper argues that "rational basis with bite," rooted in City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, is the answer. These statutes ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors while expressly permitting the same treatments for intersex and cisgender minors, and she makes the case that animus, not child protection, is what's actually driving them. The Rule of Law Writing Competition encourages law students to integrate Rule of Law concepts into their writings. Papers may be on any topic either directly discussing an aspect of the Rule of Law, demonstrating how the Rule of Law affected the topic, defining the Rule of Law, criticizing the Rule of Law, or demonstrating the economic social or political effects of the Rule of Law. 100% of proceeds from this program will be donated to the Beverly Hills Bar Foundation. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity is the community arm of the Beverly Hills Bar Association with direct impact in promoting equal access to justice, community service and law-related education. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

The landmark 2026 social media decisions did not end in the trial court. Ari Stiller, Stiller Law Firm, examines how these rulings are being tested on appeal, what appellate courts are scrutinizing most closely, and where the doctrine is likely to land. He covers the key procedural and substantive issues driving appellate review, including challenges to the product defect theory, First Amendment tensions, and the legal weight courts are giving the addiction framing. Attendees will leave with a clear picture of where this litigation stands at the appellate level and what to watch as the law continues to develop. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

In this session, attorneys will discover three Breath Performance Strategies they can use anywhere — at their desk, before court, or between back-to-back meetings — to generate energy, clarity, and focus on demand. Most attorneys are running on borrowed energy: caffeine, adrenaline, and willpower, until the body and mind finally push back. Yet the legal profession demands sustained cognitive performance under enormous pressure. The breath is the fastest, most accessible, and most under-used lever for shifting physiology, regulating the nervous system, and restoring mental clarity. Backed by a growing body of peer-reviewed research, breathwork is increasingly used in elite athletic, military, and clinical settings to support performance and resilience.

When a client has a disability or a dependent with special needs, the legal documents are only half the picture. The financial strategy behind them (how a trust gets funded, how benefits eligibility is protected, how a family plans across more than one lifetime) is where things often succeed or fall apart. This program is built for attorneys who work with families affected by disability and want a clearer view of how the financial pieces fit alongside the legal ones. Our speaker will review: How families build a plan that spans multiple lifetimes, from early childhood through retirement and beyond

We’re excited to offer members a rare chance to engage directly with leading practitioners at the intersection of AI, copyright, and documentary filmmaking. The conversation will focus on the practical legal questions filmmakers and their counsel face as AI tools become more common, including transparency and disclosure, the copyrightability of AI-generated material, fair use, editing and manipulation risks, and the record-keeping that distributors and insurers increasingly demand.

In this second installment of a three-part series, Comm'r. Patti Ratekin (Ret.) of Signature Resolution builds on the first installment's (watch it here) foundation of temporary support standards, evidentiary requirements, and Xspouse basics to examine permanent spousal support and the distinct legal standards that govern it. This program covers the legal foundation for permanent orders, the key financial inputs that drive support outcomes, and why reliable financial evidence is critical to achieving accurate results. The session also clarifies how Xspouse fits into permanent support practice, focusing specifically on its role in analyzing tax consequences. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Immersive art has quickly become one of the fastest-growing segments of the creative economy — walk-through installations, VR and AR environments, interactive pop-ups, and multisensory experiences are drawing larger audiences than many traditional galleries and generating a wave of legal issues that existing art, entertainment, and technology frameworks were never designed to address. Lorena Guzmán-Díaz and Adam N. Weissman of Weissman Law PLLC take practitioners inside the legal playbook their firm uses to counsel immersive artists, producers, and venues — covering premises liability and insurance, right of publicity and biometric privacy, licensing and compensation structures, authorship in AI-assisted projects, cross-border enforcement, and the ethical obligations of counsel advising creative clients. Attorneys who advise clients in the art, entertainment, and technology sectors will come away with concrete drafting tips, client-counseling strategies, and a top 10 practice-tips takeaway to help them spot the issues before they become disputes. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

The Franchise Tax Board has pushed hard to tax nonresidents on amounts the FTB claims is California source income, often arguing their sole proprietorships qualify as unitary businesses subject to apportionment. On May 1, 2026, the California Court of Appeal rejected that theory in Garcia-Rojas v. Franchise Tax Board, holding that a single person engaged in one business activity cannot operate a unitary business. The decision dismantles the reasoning behind the OTA’s ruling in Appeal of Bindley and narrows the reach of the unitary business doctrine. Robert S. Horwitz, Principal at Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez P.C., breaks down the court’s analysis, what it means for nonresident taxpayers, how it may support claims for refund and be used as a defense to claims a nonresident owes California income tax. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

AI has been around for a couple years now, but this revolutionary technology is still new to many. Jessica Maurin, AI Edge Partners, will define basic terminology and AI jargon and provide a comprehensive review of foundational concepts necessary for understanding discussions surrounding AI and making informed decisions. You'll leave with an understanding of specific AI platforms available, how they function, their major differences, capabilities, and their benefits and drawbacks when used in legal practice. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

AI-enabled smart glasses have moved from science fiction to everyday reality. They are now showing up in workplace break rooms, courtrooms, and city streets, and the legal framework is struggling to keep pace. Joe Lazzarotti, Jackson Lewis, examines the technology itself, tracing the arc from early wearables to today's always-on AI devices capable of real-time facial recognition, audio capture, and data aggregation. The program covers the legal landscape governing this technology, including privacy statutes, biometric data laws, employment compliance obligations, and emerging litigation. Use cases span employers monitoring workers, retailers tracking customers, and individuals recording in public and private spaces. Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of where the law currently stands and the compliance questions every attorney advising clients in this space must be prepared to answer. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Cybersecurity is no longer an IT problem. It is a competence problem, and federal law is making that clear. In this program, Majo Castro of Castroland Legal, PLLC walks attorneys through key federal frameworks, ABA Model Rules, and bar ethics opinions that now define how lawyers must protect client data, vet vendors, and respond to breaches. Drawing on ABA Model Rules 1.1 and 1.6(c), NIST standards, and formal opinions from the ABA, California, and New York, this CLE translates technical cybersecurity concepts into practical guidance attorneys can apply across practice areas. Attendees will leave understanding what written information security policies, employee training, vendor due diligence, incident response planning, and breach notification actually require, and why these obligations are now inseparable from competent, billable legal representation. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Discovery bottlenecks quietly drive up cost, blow deadlines, and put cases at risk long before anyone names the problem. Hon. Susan L. Greenberg (Ret.) of Signature Resolution gives litigators a practical method for catching them early, tracing each one to its root cause, and clearing it before it stalls the matter. Drawing on the informal discovery conference program she built for her court, she covers how to read the warning signs, tell a one-time delay from a structural problem, and keep the same bottleneck from resurfacing. Attendees leave with a repeatable approach they can apply to any case. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Credits: 1.00 Hours. Credit Type: General. Specialty Area: None. Original Air Date: 06/18/2026. Program Materials: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_wxS2JjgDVr4bPVyY5BjRZt-nlqBHS5/view?usp=sharing Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Peter Brown and Christina Fung of GHJ will walk through the most common types of post-acquisition disputes that arise after a deal closes, including net working capital true-ups, earn-out disagreements, and representations and warranties claims. Drawing on real-world case studies, the program will examine how these disputes play out in practice and how specific contractual language shapes their outcome. Attorneys will also gain insight into the role forensic accountants play in these matters and leave with a clearer understanding of how to anticipate, structure around, and navigate post-closing conflicts. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Kristopher Peerali and Serena Peerali of Peerali Law present a timely exploration of ethical best practices in handling social media as a critical source of discovery. Learn the importance of proactive strategies—treating social media posts the same as other potential evidence like medical records or depositions—and guiding clients early on regarding what to expect and how to proceed. Attendees will gain practical tools for preserving relevant digital content, advising clients on the implications of their posts, and maintaining ethical compliance while safeguarding narratives in an era where a single photo or caption can make or break a case. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Mediation has become the preferred method for resolving many disputes, yet first-time participants often arrive underprepared. Unlike litigation or arbitration, mediation is a confidential, voluntary negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party who guides discussion, identifies common ground, and helps parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution without issuing a decision. Michael B. Murphy, Esq., Mediator, Arbitrator, and Court-Appointed Neutral at JAMS, draws on his practice to walk attorneys through the process from start to finish. Topics include what to expect at your first mediation, how to prepare, managing negotiation strategy, and handling the emotional dimensions of dispute resolution. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are all rolling out their next generation of models this summer. GPT-5.6, the Claude 5 family, and the first Gemini 3.5 models arrive within weeks of one another, and each release changes what these tools can do in a law practice. Stephen Smith, founder and CEO of Intelligence by Intent, breaks down what is new in each platform and what the changes mean for your practice. Smith has trained more than 3,000 attorneys across more than 100 law firms and bar associations, with a focus on practical adoption and governance. The session covers how each model handles core legal tasks like drafting, document review, and legal research, and how to use the newest visual creation features to build timelines and infographics for your clients and your cases. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

AB 515 brings significant changes to California's statement of decision process under CCP §§ 632 and 664, effective January 1, 2027. The updates cover how and when requests must be made, what the statement must include, and how the process connects to entry of judgment. Changes to California Rule of Court 3.1590 are underway and may be finalized by the time of this talk.

Cristina Garcia, trial attorney at Dolan Law Firm, P.C., will explore how attorneys representing clients with catastrophic injuries are regularly exposed to intense trauma. Over time, they may absorb their clients' experiences, placing them at risk for secondary traumatic stress. Garcia will cover how to identify the signs of vicarious trauma and emphasize the importance of self-care in sustaining effective, compassionate advocacy. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

A mismatch between the estate and gift tax exemption and the GST tax exemption is not a new issue, and it can arise either by design through specific planning techniques or unexpectedly as plans evolve. These disparities may become even more common now that portability applies to estate and gift exemptions but not to GST exemptions. This presentation will review the most frequent circumstances that create these inconsistencies and explore a range of planning strategies available during life to better align or maximize exemption use. It will also cover planning options at death, including post‑mortem tools that can correct or mitigate earlier imbalances. By the end, participants will be able to recognize how these issues commonly arise and apply practical techniques to help ensure no exemption is inadvertently left unused. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Family law attorneys are entrusted with guiding clients through some of life's most emotional and complex transitions. While empathy is essential to effective advocacy, consistently managing conflict, trauma and heightened emotions can take a significant personal and professional toll. Moderated by Hon. Vanessa Zecher (Ret.), with panelists Mary Lund, Ph.D., Rebekah Frye, CFLS, and Elena Gonzalez, LCSW, this discussion brings together leaders in family law and mental health to explore practical strategies for building a sustainable and rewarding legal practice. Inspired by Judge Zecher's article, Facing the Daily Stress of Family Law: Why Self-Care Is Vital for Attorneys, the discussion will examine how attorneys can establish healthy professional boundaries, recognize and address compassion fatigue, navigate high-conflict relationships, and develop practical tools for managing stress. Drawing on perspectives from the bench, private practice, psychology and clinical social work, panelists will share actionable insights that attorneys can incorporate into their practice.

As AI rapidly reshapes the workplace, employers face increasing pressure to ensure employees use AI tools responsibly, effectively, and legally. Sheila Abron and Karen Odash, Fisher Phillips, explore the U.S. Department of Labor's emerging AI Literacy Framework and what it means for employers implementing workplace AI. Attendees will examine evolving expectations surrounding workforce training, human oversight, governance, and employment law risk, and leave with practical strategies for building AI-ready organizations without compromising compliance, confidentiality, or sound decision-making. In today's legal landscape, AI literacy is no longer optional, it is a workforce imperative. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Civility is often viewed as a matter of professional courtesy, but it can also be a powerful tool for effective advocacy and dispute resolution. This program will explore the role of civility and professionalism throughout the ADR process, including mediation and arbitration, and examine how attorney conduct can influence negotiations, client outcomes, costs, and credibility. Panelists Hon. Nancy Wieben Stock (Ret.), Hon. Stuart Rice (Ret.), and Edith Matthai, Esq., all of JAMS, will discuss practical strategies for maintaining zealous advocacy while fostering productive dialogue, preserving professional relationships, and advancing the interests of clients. Through real-world examples and insights from these experienced neutrals, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how civility can contribute to more efficient and successful resolutions. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

In the wake of the Palisades Fire and other Southern California wildfires, many homeowners, renters, and businesses are confronting the insurance claim process for the first time. This session will provide a practical overview of first-party property insurance, with a focus on wildfire-related claims affecting Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region. Dan Veroff, Merlin Law Group, will cover key policy provisions, common coverage issues, duties after loss, proof of loss requirements, dwelling and personal property claims, additional living expense benefits, smoke and ash damage, and underinsurance concerns. Topics will also include claim valuation disputes, appraisal, bad faith considerations, and practical steps policyholders and their counsel should take to protect their recovery. Designed for attorneys advising clients, friends, family members, or affected community members, attendees will leave with a clear foundation for understanding how first-party property claims are presented, adjusted, disputed, and resolved. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

In this session, attorneys will discover how the language they use — internally and out loud — directly fuels or sabotages their performance, and how to leverage emotion as a tool rather than be governed by it. The legal profession is associated with some of the highest rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout of any profession. Emotional intelligence and self-regulation are increasingly recognized as core competencies — directly tied to client trust, negotiation outcomes, ethical decision-making, and personal wellbeing. Specific words and emotional states measurably shift physiology and judgment. Learning to recognize and shift them on demand is one of the highest-leverage skills an attorney can develop.

The 2026 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement has now been ratified and covers a lot of ground. The four-year deal running through June 2030 includes important changes to working rules, money breaks, residuals, and of course digital replica and artificial intelligence restrictions. Please join Ryan Wedell of Sheppard, whose practice centers on guild and production counsel matters, and David Shraga, a mediator specializing in entertainment, media, and intellectual property, as they walk through the agreement's key provisions and discuss what the deal means for producers, talent, and future negotiations across the industry.

This program will explore the critical importance of close collaboration between in-house and outside counsel to ensure alignment on strategy, cost management, and risk mitigation throughout the arbitration process. Participants will gain practical strategies for controlling costs, managing timelines, selecting arbitrators strategically, and ensuring that the arbitration process supports broader business objectives. Topics will include: Deciding which arbitration rules to apply for your dispute type. Types of arbitration clauses and which ones typically lead to cost overruns. Hiring the right outside counsel. Working with outside counsel to select the right arbitrator. How involved should in-house counsel be in the arbitration process? Working with outside counsel to control costs throughout the arbitration process.

The employment mediation landscape has changed, and knowing how to navigate it makes all the difference. Christine Kurek of Kurek Dispute Resolution, Cynthia Sandoval of Sandoval Mediation, and Julie Arias Young of Julie Arias Young Mediation examine the trends reshaping how employment cases settle, including the rise of emotional distress verdicts, the growing use of anchoring, how to navigate financial difficulty disclosures during the process, and more. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can apply in their next employment mediation. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Where a patent case is filed can be almost as consequential as the merits. Local patent rules, individual judges’ standing orders, unwritten “rules,” and judicial temperament vary dramatically across districts. For defendants, those differences can mean everything. Karen Boyd, Thompson Hine LLP, brings a defense-side perspective to the tactical decisions that shape a case from day one: where to fight, how to use early motion practice, and how local rules can be leveraged to narrow the battlefield. Participants will leave with a practical framework for evaluating venue, reading judicial preferences, and making the early procedural moves that strengthen a defense. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Research shows that legal decision-makers often weigh a defendant's expressions of remorse as highly valuable when estimating character and future behavior during the legal process, particularly during sentencing. Yet assessing remorse in court is a subjective process heavily influenced by the backgrounds of decision-makers and defendants, which fosters and reinforces implicit bias. Dr. Colleen Berryessa, Rutgers University, examines this phenomenon, known as remorse bias, which can lead decision-makers to misread and discount a defendant's true remorse as disingenuous. This can produce adverse outcomes for some defendants in the legal system, especially for those with personal characteristics that are commonly socially stereotyped or quite different from the backgrounds of decision-makers. Attorneys will leave with a clear understanding of remorse bias, its impacts on legal decision-making, and practical recommendations for navigating remorse in court settings. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Getting a favorable judgment is only half the battle. Collecting on the judgment it is where the rubber meets the road. Ira M. Friedman, Certified Family Law Specialist, Fellow of the American Academy of Family Lawyers, and partner at Friedman & Friedman, draws on 51 years of enforcement practice to walk attorneys through various tips and tricks of collection tools available in family law matters that has learned over the years in his practice. The program covers foundational methods, including levying on bank accounts and wage garnishments, as well as more advanced remedies such as charging orders, assignment orders, and receiverships. Attendees will leave with practical tips that can be put to work immediately. Ira has been a proud member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association for 50 years.

Video, audio, and digital records have long functioned as anchors of truth in criminal trials. But as AI-generated media, deepfakes, synthetic voice recordings, and manipulated digital evidence become increasingly realistic, that foundational assumption is under pressure. Duncan Levin, Levin & Associates, will examine how synthetic evidence challenges core criminal-trial doctrines, including authentication, chain of custody, voice identification, expert testimony, reasonable doubt, and the jury's ability to decide what is real. Drawing on his experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and lecturer on financial crime, Levin will address the current evidentiary framework for digital proof and the limits of existing doctrine in an AI environment. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where existing doctrine holds, where it falls short, and what the legal system must confront as synthetic evidence becomes harder to detect. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Although jurors are tasked with rendering a verdict based on the evidence and arguments presented in court, the unavoidable truth is that they often rely heavily on non-evidentiary factors, particularly when faced with a complex or highly technical case. One such factor is perceived credibility, not just of the witnesses but also of the attorneys themselves. Jurors use the perceived credibility of the messenger to judge the credibility of the message. Jury consultant Alexa Hiley, IMS Legal Strategies, will explore strategies for establishing credibility in the eyes of jurors, with a particular focus on how to preserve credibility while advocating strongly for a client. The course covers the psychological underpinnings of trust, how trust and credibility influence jurors' judgments, and the practical dos and don'ts of building credibility in the courtroom. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Gurkan Ay, PhD, Director at Resolution Economics, Paul F. White, PhD, Partner at Resolution Economics, and Kacey R. Riccomini of Thompson Coburn LLP will break down how AI-based tools used in hiring, performance evaluation, and compensation create discrimination risk under Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, and a growing body of state laws including NYC Local Law 144 and California's Title 2 regulations. Gurkan and Paul will draw on real-world examples — driver monitoring systems, applicant assessment tools, call sentiment analysis — to explain how bias audits work and what disparate impact looks like in practice, while Kacey will connect that analysis to the litigation and compliance questions attorneys are most likely to face on behalf of business clients. Attorneys will leave with a working understanding of how algorithmic discrimination claims develop, what the data actually shows, and how to advise clients on managing AI-related risk before it becomes a lawsuit. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Preparing and defending the deposition of a client who has been severing traumatized and suffers from PTSD requires more than the standard technique. Mishandled deposition and preparation of a client who suffers from trauma can cause further harm and result in disengagement. Melissa Hague of the Joel Bieber Firm examines how trauma affects memory, behavior, and communication, and what that means for how attorneys prepare and defend trauma victims in a deposition and the courtroom. The program covers trauma-informed strategies for witness preparation, recognizing trauma responses in real time, and adapting your approach to ensure an accurate record. Attendees will leave with practical tools for preparing a trauma witness and defending depositions of vulnerable witnesses effectively. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Generative AI is transforming the way lawyers work, and this interactive presentation explores how you can harness its potential to enhance your legal work. Designed specifically for in-house lawyers, Sterling Miller, Hilgers, explores what Generative AI is and, more importantly, how to craft effective AI prompts that deliver practical, actionable insights for legal research, contract drafting, compliance, and more. What You'll Learn: What is generative AI and why it matters to in-house lawyers. How to create clear, specific, and results-oriented prompts that optimize AI outputs. Techniques to use AI prompts to maximize efficiency in daily tasks. Real-world (live and real-time) examples of AI prompts for legal analysis, contract review, risk management, and more. Whether you're new to AI or simply looking to refine your skills, this session will provide you with the tools and strategies to turn generative AI into the most powerful tool in your legal toolkit. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

In this program, Ryan McCarl, the author of Elegant Legal Writing, will discuss how attorneys can make briefs more readable and persuasive. Drawing on examples from real litigation filings and concepts informed by cognitive psychology, the program examines how judges process information under constraints of time, attention, and working memory — and how lawyers can structure their briefs to help judges focus on what matters. Topics include using an approachable prose style, managing complexity, improving document design, and deploying visual aids such as summaries, diagrams, tables, and multimedia evidence. Participants will also explore citation strategy and brief structure, leaving with practical tools for writing filings that are clearer, better organized, and more persuasive.

A standard severability clause and a delegation clause can coexist in the same arbitration agreement, but until recently, California practitioners could not be certain a court would honor both. The Ninth Circuit's March 19, 2026 decision in Sandler v. Modernizing Medicine, Inc. provides important guidance for attorneys drafting, enforcing, or challenging employment arbitration agreements in California. Join Jared W. Slater, Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP, as he examines the court's holding that incorporation of the JAMS rules constitutes "clear and unmistakable" evidence of delegation, and that a generic severability clause referencing "a court or other body of competent jurisdiction" does not undermine that delegation. The program will also address the court's FAA preemption analysis, explain why reliance on California state-court authority was reversible error, and provide practical drafting and litigation takeaways for motions to compel arbitration. This program offers practical guidance for anyone drafting arbitration agreements or litigating motions to compel in California. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

The term “brackets” raises anxiety or ire for many mediators and attorneys because it is susceptible to so many different interpretations. (And, of course, there is the math!) This often leads to a knee-jerk resistance to the use of this powerful negotiation technique. This presentation will cover various forms of “bracketing” such as conditional offers, public and private ranges, specific numbers, etc., as well as the many ways brackets can facilitate resolution. Diana L. Maier, Signature Resolution will discuss common assumptions made, benefits and drawbacks of different bracketing methods, timing considerations, and best practices for avoiding bracketing pitfalls and ethical dilemmas. Bracketing in its many forms can add another sophisticated and flexible negotiating instrument to the mediator’s toolbox. Bring your questions and join the conversation. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

As technology rapidly accelerates, drones and drone law move further from being a niche. In fact, drones are generating legal issues that cut across criminal defense, civil litigation, municipal law, real estate, entertainment, and more. Chances are you already represent clients utilizing drones in some capacity and if not, you may soon as the FAA’s new regulations will make them even more widely accessible in commerce and safety alike. In this introductory, sky level overview, Lauren Brown, Civica Law Group, will guide attorneys through the governing legal framework for drone use in California and beyond. Topics include FAA regulations, Fourth Amendment considerations and impacts on privacy, the public interest exception, and the evolving legal questions raised by advanced aerial surveillance. This program will address the a spectrum of clients operating in this space, from private individuals and commercial operators to public agencies and first responders, and what counsel needs to know when advising each. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

COPRAC's recent advisory makes clear that efficiency does not replace professional responsibility. Powerful AI systems require human oversight, and the lawyer's obligation to supervise, verify, and own AI-assisted work is non-negotiable under California Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.1 and ABA Model Rule 5.3. Christian Puzder of Casefriend examines how attorneys can responsibly integrate AI into legal workflows without compromising ethics, confidentiality, or client interests. The program focuses on accountability-first AI use, covering competence obligations, confidentiality risks under RPC Rule 1.6, and practical frameworks for supervising AI-generated work product. Attendees will leave with concrete protocols for integrating AI tools while satisfying their professional responsibility obligations. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Ashley Jones of LinkSquares will guide participants through the steps needed to compose focused purposeful AI prompts. Tailored to the unique demands of transactional attorneys, these prompts will address everything from clause generation and customization to document drafting and review. Drawing on practical examples spanning NDAs, deal summaries, complex contract review workflows, and more, participants will gain hands-on strategies to start incorporating AI into your daily legal workflows. By the end of this program, attorneys will be equipped to craft and deploy prompts across every stage of a transaction, saving time without sacrificing precision. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

The Lanham Act is the federal statute at the center of nearly every trademark and brand protection dispute in the United States, and entertainment lawyers run into it constantly. From artist names and band marks to character trade dress and false endorsement claims, studios, labels, and talent are turning to the Act to shut down unauthorized use before it does real damage. The panel will then turn to one of the most closely watched developments in entertainment IP. When Matthew McConaughey registered “alright, alright, alright” as a sound mark and Taylor Swift filed to trademark her voice and likeness, both were attempting to address a problem copyright law was not built to solve. The panel examines whether the strategy holds up and whether there may be better solutions. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Live Nation's grip on ticketing, venues, and concert promotion made it the target of one of the biggest blockbuster antitrust cases in the last decade. Taylor M. Owings of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a former senior antitrust official in the U.S. Department of Justice, walks through the findings in the case, explains how the 2010 Live Nation/Ticketmaster merger set the stage for enforcement, and previews how the concert industry could change as a result of the liability finding. The program also covers lessons learned about antitrust enforcement, including the current roles that federal and state enforcers are playing in bringing cases against monopolists and anticompetitive mergers. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Mike Alder of AlderLaw will examine how insurance companies evaluate attorney behavior to assess risk and shape their litigation approach — and how understanding that process helps attorneys build stronger, better-documented cases. Topics include effective discovery practices, proper documentation of damages, and the litigation habits that consistently move the needle on case outcomes. Attorneys will leave with actionable takeaways they can apply immediately to improve results for their clients. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Generative AI is moving from novelty to everyday tax-practice tool. This webinar shows what tax attorneys can realistically do today with Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, using examples drawn from the work tax lawyers handle every week. Through live demonstrations, Steve will show how AI can help analyze IRS and FTB notices, find and test authority in the IRM and Treasury Regulations, review taxpayer records and bank-deposit data, evaluate agreements against tax issue frameworks such as captive-insurance validity, and prepare a first draft of a Tax Court petition from a Notice of Deficiency. The session will also cover where these tools fail: hallucinated authority, missed deadlines, bad math, overconfident issue spotting, confidentiality risk, and the verification steps lawyers should use before any AI-assisted work product leaves the office. Recent frontier-model releases, including Claude Opus 4.7, have improved document reasoning, data analysis, and multi-step legal workflows. The focus of this session is not hype. It is practical use, careful supervision, and knowing what still must be verified. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Aleksandra Hilvert, founder of Vault Legal, provides an in-depth discussion of best practices for avoiding attorney-client fee disputes, protecting your right to payment, and navigating the decision of whether to pursue action when fees go unpaid. Topics covered include key terms to include in engagement letters, setting client expectations around billing, recognizing early warning signs of nonpayment, and understanding options when a client relationship breaks down. Hilvert will also address the practical calculus attorneys face when weighing the financial, reputational, and ethical risks of pursuing collection against the cost of walking away.

This program explores how legal professionals can move beyond general support of the LGBTQ+ community to practice thoughtful, effective allyship in the workplace. Drawing on the presenter’s perspective as an LGBTQ+ attorney and experience supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, the presentation covers key terminology and highlights practical examples of effective allyship in the workplace. Attendees gain concrete tools to foster more inclusive environments and promote a culture where colleagues feel supported and empowered to be their authentic selves. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Building on the medical framework established in Part 1, this session turns to the practical realities of preparing and presenting expert testimony on cognitive impairment and capacity in the courtroom. Sarah N. Mourra, M.D. and David W. Trader, M.D. return with moderator Judge David J. Cowan to address how experts analyze medical records, structure written reports versus providing oral testimony, and scope their opinions appropriately. The panel explores the critical distinctions between testamentary and contractual capacity, the risks of straying into areas of undue influence or elder abuse that may be beyond their expertise, and how the Sanchez decision affects an expert's ability to evaluate a treating physician's conclusions without personally examining the patient. The discussion also covers what lawyers often overlook when working with a medical expert and what to look for when assessing the other side's expert on cognitive issues. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.