Schedule

Celebrating 100 Year Anniversary of Woman Suffrage: How the Fight Was Won

Elimination of Bias Specialty Credit 1 CLE

One hundred years ago, in the summer of 1920, American women gained the right (but not necessarily the ability) to vote in federal elections.

For decades women worked together and clashed over strategies and tactics to enact woman suffrage. They petitioned, paraded, protested, lobbied, picketed, and went to jail, and after more than 70 years, the 19th amendment (first introduced in1878) was ratified. It took another forty-five years for the Voting Rights Acts of 1965 to prohibit racial discrimination and secure suffrage for all citizens. Unfortunately, access to the ballot box is presently under attack.

This talk highlights specific women who worked in the movement which changed the role and perception of women in the home, workplace, and society. The “cause” provides background to the on-going struggle for equality in the U.S.

Introduction: Ahtossa Fullerton

Sister Pat Dougherty, Dominican University

Criminal Law Reform Panel

Moderator: Karthik Raju, Marin County Public Defender

Elimination of Bias Specialty Credit 1 CLE

Speakers: Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli, San Francisco Assistant District Attorney Cristine Deberry, Marin County Public Defender Jose Varela

Ethical Issues in the COVID19 Era

Ethics Specialty Credit 1 CLE

Becoming an attorney in California is no easy task. You must demonstrate good moral character and operate within the ethical framework established by the State Bar. Failure to meet these requirements could make it impossible to practice law in California. The pandemic can create ethical issues in unchartered areas. How does a lawyer navigate these scenarios and adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Speaker: Samuel Bellicini

The Struggle for Racial Justice and Civil Rights During a Time of Crisis

Elimination of Bias Specialty Credit 1 CLE

Moderator: Ruthe Catolico Ashley

What does racial justice have to do with civil rights? Why do we need answers now? How do we look into our own personal experiences and understand our own biases? How do I “walk in another’s shoes?” What is my own personal responsibility and/or opportunity as a lawyer to effect change? These questions and so much more will open your minds, increase your understanding and also touch your souls as you experience the journeys of two black lawyers who have deeply personal stories of rising above and moving forward in their careers. A must-attend discussion on how to become an ally in this time of crisis

Speakers: Toussaint Bailey, Otis Bruce, and Ruthe Catolico Ashley

Intellectual Property Law Bootcamp

General Credit 1 CLE Intellectual Property/Business Sections

Lawyers whose practices are not focused on intellectual property can find themselves presented with IP issues on a regular basis. Knowing IP basics can be invaluable in spotting issues and finding outside expertise to help clients navigate the world of IP law. This presentation will provide an overview of copyright, trademark and patent law, for non-specialists looking for a better understanding of the key principles.

Speakers: Naomi Jane Gray, Steven Nielsen and Jeffrey Knowles

Keynote Speaker : SCOTUS Update with Professor Rory Little

General Credit 1 CLE

U.C. Hastings Constitutional Law Professor, Rory Little continues his popular update on SCOTUS cases for the upcoming term. A frequent NPR commentator on the Supreme Court, Rory will provide perspective on the composition of the Court after the death of Justice Ginsberg, the new administration (whichever way the election goes), and the major cases that will be heard during the 2021 term.

Competency Issues: Having the "Talk"

Substance Abuse |Competency Specialty Credit 1 CLE

Data confirms that licensed attorneys and law students suffer from mental health and substance use problems at greater rates than the general population. But after recognizing potential issues of competency or substance abuse, how do we start the process of intervention? What are the steps in having the "talk" and getting help for a colleague, friend or client? Attendees will hear advice from the Lawyer Assistance Program and a clinical therapist on processes, expectations and how to respond to denial. They will discuss the resources available before the situation escalates to an issue before the Office of Chief Trial Counsel.

Michelle Harmon is a licensed clinical social worker and Program Supervisor for Lawyer Assistance Program, State Bar of CA. Starr Kelton-Locke is an psychologist with a practice in treating substance abuse and other mental health issues.

Speakers: Michelle Harmon LCSW, and Starr Kelton-Locke Ph.D, PsyD.

Real Property Update

General Credit 1.5 CLE Real Property Section

Moderator: Derek Weller

This program will address recent developments in real estate and discuss what's next, focusing on how attorneys can navigate commercial and residential leasing issues on behalf of their clients through the changing leasing landscape, including a discussion of lease negotiations and re-negotiations, pandemic related defenses and evictions during these times. Additionally, the program will cover recent developments in real estate brokerage and the impact of the pandemic on brokerage and other issues.

Speakers: Elva Harding, Leonard Rifkind, and Sean Ponist

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Chief Justice of California Supreme Court, Tani Cantil - Sakauye in conversation with KQED reporter Marisa Lagos

Chief Justice Cantil - Sakauye will discuss the most pressing issues facing the Court during this challenging year, including access to the courts.

Family Law and Estate Planning Crossover Issues| Malpractice Pitfalls

Moderated by Valerie Fenchel

Estate Planning & Probate Specialization Credit 1 CLE

The panel will discuss prenups, divorce planning and reimbursement rights and how these issues play out in the event of divorce and death. The panel will share their experience and best practices when preparing estate plans, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Speakers: Renee Chernus and Michelle Lerman

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law

In Conversation with J. Timothy Nardell, 2021 MCBA President

General Credit 1 CLE

For decades, Dean Chemerinsky has been a leading voice on controversial issues of constitutional law and legal education. He will discuss pressing constitutional questions in the aftermath of the elections and in the COVID-19 era; his outlook for the Supreme Court; and challenges in preparing lawyers for the legal profession, including the responsibility of law schools to address systemic racism in the legal profession.

Employment Law Updates

Moderated by Thomas McInerney

General Credit 1 CLE

Into the midst of this pandemic has stepped the state legislature, Governor Newsom, and the courts to help address vexing legal questions confronted by all employers and employees, including: What actions can employers lawfully take if you suspect an employee has COVID-19? What are an employer’s obligations regarding sick leave and PTO for employees forced to stay at home? What is the government doing to assist employers and employees?

In this interactive presentation, experienced employment practitioners will provide an overview of recent changes to employment labor and employment statutes in California and new court cases impacting all employees and employers in the state. In addition, they will lead an interactive discussion of key legal issues affecting all employers implicated by the ongoing pandemic.

Speakers: Therese Lawless and Donna Rutter

Wrap Up Social Program

A Sonoma Winery will be pairing your festive Thanksgiving menu with an array of offerings. Not sure what to serve with your roasted turkey? Need a novel stuffing recipe? Join us for some gourmet tips and more...