Using AI for Legal Tasks: Ethical Issues and Practical Guidance

When: Thursday December 12th, 2024, 12:00 – 1:15 PM

Where: Zoom (click the link HERE to join)

MCLE: 1.0 Hour Ethics

The use of artificial intelligence tools raises many ethical issues for attorneys in the areas of confidentiality, competence, supervision of non-lawyer personnel, communication with and billing of clients, and candor to tribunals. We will consider sections of the California Rules of Professional Conduct and Business and Professions Code that may affect attorneys’ engagement with AI and provide practical guidance for its ethical use in the practice of law. In addition, we will discuss federal cases concerning the dangers of AI-generated “hallucination” output, the use of large language models for interpreting contracts, statutes, and other legal documents, and a sampling of judges’ local rules concerning the use of AI.

Speaker: Michael D. Harris, SoCal IP Law Group

Michael Harris is a partner in the Westlake Village office of SoCal IP Law Group. His practice focuses on litigation, prosecution, and licensing in the areas of patent, trademark, and copyright, and on advising clients about enforcing their IP rights and avoiding infringement. Mr. Harris began his career as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office before moving to private practice with IP-centric firms in the Los Angeles area. He has served as president of the Century City Bar Association and on the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Harris earned his undergraduate degree in engineering from Purdue University and his law degree from Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C.

Reservation:
To receive the meeting link via email, please respond by Tuesday, December 10th to Marietta Jablonka at sblawdirector@gmail.com AND to Chris Kopitzke at ckopitzke@socalip.com
You can also find the meeting link HERE

Cost: $20.00

Mail checks by Tuesday, December 10th payable to Santa Barbara County Bar Association, 15 W. Carrillo St., Suite 106, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

To Pay Online: Click the link HERE

Questions? Please email sblawdirector@gmail.com

Click here to view our refund policy.

Santa Barbara ADR: The View from the Court

Date: Thursday December 5, 2024, at 3:00 PM
Place: Department 5, Santa Barbara Superior Court
MCLE: 1.0 Hour (General)

Moderator: John Derrick

Judge Colleen Sterne, who presides over the Santa Barbara Superior Court’s ADR programs, will be joined by Judge Frank Ochoa (Ret.) — who first brought ADR programs to the Court at a time when they were truly pioneering — and Vance Saukko, the CADRe coordinator, in a not-to-be-missed MCLE presentation.

Topics to be covered include:

  • The history of the current ADR programs.
  • An overview of how they operate.
  • Best practices for both litigators and neutrals.

Whether you litigate cases in the Santa Barbara Superior Court, are currently a neutral in any of the court programs, or would like to become one, this is a unique event to get fully up to speed on how best to use and contribute to these valuable programs.

The event will allow for audience members to provide their own perspectives and ask questions. Whether you are seasoned in Santa Barbara ADR or newer to it, there are plenty of reasons to attend.

Cost: $20 (click the link here to register/pay online)

Click here to view our refund policy

MCLE: “A Discussion of the Racial Justice Act”

 

When: Wednesday December 9th, 2024, from 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Where: Santa Barbara Superior Court, Anacapa Division, Dept. 2 (Zoom option also available: click the link HERE to join)
MCLE: 1.0 Hour General 

Speakers: The Honorable Pauline Maxwell, Presiding Judge Santa Barbara County Superior Court; Tracy Macuga, Public Defender of Santa Barbara County; and John Savrnoch, District Attorney of Santa Barbara County.

About the Event: This presentation will provide an overview of the Racial Justice Act of 2020, which prohibits the State from seeking a criminal conviction or sentence on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin. Speakers will also discuss steps the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office are taking in response to the Racial Justice Act.

Cost: Members: $20 Non-Members: $25

Mail checks by Friday July 19th payable to Santa Barbara County Bar Association 15 W. Carrillo Street, Suite 106 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Venmo @SBCBA; or via credit card by clicking the link here.

Contact Information/RSVP: Please RSVP to Teresa Martinez at teresamaemartinez@gmail.com OR Marietta Jablonka at sblawdirector@gmail.com

Click here to view our refund policy.

MCLE: “Microsoft Excel and Outlook: Tips & Tricks for Attorneys”

When: Wednesday December 4th, 2024, from 12:00 – 1:15 PM
Where: Zoom (click the link HERE to join)
MCLE: 1.0 Hour General 

In this MCLE you will learn about:

  • Understanding the basic core functionality of Excel and Outlook?
  • Best practices on how to build spreadsheets and organize your work?
  • Leveraging core keyboard shortcuts for Outlook and Excel?
  • Effective integration of Outlook with legal technology tools, such as case management software

Speaker: Jordan Turk, Attorney and Legal Technology Advisor at Smokeball

Jordan graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Classics, History, and Religious Studies and then went on to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law to earn her J.D. After almost four years of practice with a high-asset family law firm in Houston (and after being frustrated at the lack of automation in her firm), she discovered the world of legal technology which ultimately brought her to Smokeball.

Cost: Members: $20 Non-Members: $25

Mail checks by Friday July 19th payable to Santa Barbara County Bar Association 15 W. Carrillo Street, Suite 106 Santa Barbara, CA 93101; Venmo @SBCBA; or via credit card by clicking the link here.

Contact Information/RSVP: Please RSVP to: Marietta Jablonka at sblawdirector@gmail.com

Click here to view our refund policy.

Refund Policy

Santa Barbara County Bar Association (SBCBA) strives to provide exceptional services and courses to our members and local community. We understand that circumstances may change, and you may need to request a refund. Please read our refund policy carefully to understand the conditions under which refunds can be issued.

1. General Refund Policy.
SBCBA will provide full refunds for purchases requested within seventy-two (72) hours of the purchase date. After the seventy-two (72) hour refund period, refunds will no longer be issued. MCLE attendance Certificate will not be issued and credit will not be reported to the CA State Bar if MCLE payment is not received or there is no attendance.

2. Cancellation of Live Events.
To cancel a registration for a live event and receive a refund, please send a written cancellation request to sblawdirector@gmail.com.

All refund requests for live events must be received two (2) or more weeks prior to the scheduled course date. Refund requests for live events will be subject to a $50 administrative fee. Registrants who do not attend a live event (“no-shows”) or cancel their registration less than two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled event will not qualify for a refund.

3. Refund Requirement.
All refund requests must be made in writing and sent to sblawdirector@gmail.com SBCBA will process your refund as quickly as possible, but please allow for a reasonable processing time. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method, unless otherwise agreed upon. If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding our refund policy, please don’t hesitate to contact sblawdirector@gmail.com.

4. Appeals:
Should you have a good faith reason to request a refund that falls outside of our policy, please submit your request in writing with all supporting documentation for our consideration to sblawdirector@gmail.com.

2024 Annual Dinner

You are cordially invited to attend the Santa Barbara County Bar Association’s Annual Dinner

New Date!
Thursday, November 14th
El Paseo Restaurant, Santa Barbara

6:00 PM Reception
Dinner & Awards Presentation to follow beginning at 6:30 PM

Awards Presentation Honoring:

The Honorable Judge Pauline Maxwell
John T. Rickard Judicial Service Award

Russell Ghitterman
Jamie Forrest Raney Mentorship Award

Cost:
Members: $125 (After October 18th $135)
Non-Members: $140 (After October 18th $150)
Includes dinner

Click the link here to pay online!
Please call (805) 569-5511 for tickets and sponsorship opportunities

Click here to view our refund policy

Well-Being in Law Week

SPECIAL EVENT: WELL-BEING IN LAW WEEK
WEEK-LONG EVENT BY ZOOM

Co-Hosted by Robin Oaks, SBCBA Director of Well-Being,
Attorney at Law and Well-being Coach/Trainer/Consultant

Monday, October 28 Through Friday, November 1, 2024; Each Day at Noon – 1:15 pm

Five days of nationally recognized speakers presenting about well-being in law each – at noon by Zoom (click the link here). Earn MCLE Credits (5 hrs. total.) Wellness Competence, Ethics and Elimination of Bias.

Come listen to and engage with a stellar line-up of nationally recognized presenters sharing wellness and well-being strategies and specific topics of interest for all legal professionals.

Lawyer MCLE Credits for Each Presentation
AND Daily Drawings for Fabulous Prizes!

COST:
Weeklong Package: $120 Members, $30 Individual Session
$140 Non-Members/$35 Individual Session
$90 Weeklong Package for Students/Legal Staff/$25 Individual Session
Click the link here to register online.

Day One:

DATE/TIME: Monday, October 28, 2024, Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm BY ZOOM
MCLE CREDIT: 1/2 hour WELLNESS COMPETENCE: 1/2 hour ELIMINATION OF BIAS
TOPIC: Unlearning Silence to Unleash Our Talents and Support Legal (and Life) Success

Elaine Lin Hering, J.D., facilitator, speaker, and author of Unlearning Silence, How to Speak
Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully:

Ms. Hering will explore how we silence ourselves, we silence others, and how we are silenced by those at work and in our lives. She’ll highlight the many meanings of silence, its negative impacts, and how unlearning silence can support success as legal practitioners and life
satisfaction.

Day Two:

DATE/TIME: Tuesday October 29, 2024, Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm BY ZOOM
MCLE CREDIT: 1 Hour WELLNESS COMPETENCE
TOPIC: Psychological Well-being for Legal Professionals: What is it and how do we find it?

Dr. Nicole Alea Albada, Ph.D., Professor/Researcher UCSB Psychological and Brain Sciences Dept., Director for Education and Outreach, Center for Aging and Longevity Studies, Director of the Thinking About Life Experiences (TALE) Lab:

Dr. Albada will explore how psychologists measure well-being, and outline how our minds and well-being pathways across our legal career timelines affect fostering and experiencing well-being.

Day Three:

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm BY ZOOM
MCLE CREDIT: 1/2 hour WELLNESS COMPETENCE, 1/2 hour ETHICS
TOPIC: How Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence Impact Judicial Decision-making and Ethics, and Buffer Law Practice Stressors

Judge Jeremy Fogel, Director of Berkeley Judicial Institute, Berkeley Law School.

Judge Fogel will explore the factors affecting judge’s decision-making, and ways to address the stressors legal practitioners face, while sharing how mindfulness and emotional intelligence skills – and compassion, positively promote ethical and civil conduct and optimize legal outcomes.

Day Four:

DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 31, 2024, Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm BY ZOOM
MCLE CREDIT: 1 hour WELLNESS COMPETENCE
TOPIC: Successfully Overcoming Procrastination and Writer’s Block

David Rasch, PhD, psychologist and author of The Blocked Writers Book of the Dead: Bring Your Writing Back to Life!:

Lawyers, judges, law students, and law professors often struggle with starting, sustaining, and completing legal writing projects. Dr. Rasch and attorney Meehan Rasch explore the complexities of the legal writing process, common issues, and practical tools for improving writing productivity.

Day Five:

DATE/TIME: National Love a Lawyer Day Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, Time: 12:00 – 1:15 BY ZOOM
MCLE CREDIT: 1 hour WELLNESS COMPETENCE
TOPIC: A Cardiologist’s Holistic and Evidence-based Guidance for Managing Stress and Lawyering and Living “Whole-Heartedly”
PRESENTATION: Dr. Jonathan Fisher, M.D., FACC, author of Just One Heart, A
Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness (2024)

Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a practicing cardiologist, will present about the mind-body and heart connection and the “seven timeless traits of the heart” for stress management, successful legal practice – and life satisfaction. Highlighting the similar stressors that doctors and lawyers face, Dr. Fisher will share the science and strategies that he teaches his patients and colleagues, and he learned from his own quest discovering the roots of healing, health, and happiness.

COST:
Weeklong Package: $120 Members, $30 Individual Session
$140 Non-Members/$35 Individual Session
$90 Weeklong Package for Students/Legal Staff
Click the link here to register online.

Click here to view our refund policy

GIFTS FROM COMMUNITY DONORS FOSTERING WELL-BEING IN LAW
FIVE DAY SBCBA WELL-BEING IN LAW WEEK EVENT DRAWING

Gifts will be randomly drawn from each of the following well-being categories at the end of each talk. Five lucky winners EACH day! Must be present (by Zoom) to win the drawing gifts.
Good Luck – Be well!

Fostering Well-Being Fun Connections 

  • Gift Certificate for 4-some for golf and carts, after 11am ($376 value) at Santa Barbara Golf Club, Santa Barbara, CA
  • Gift Certificate ($200) for Namaste Indian Bistro restaurant. Santa Barbara, CA.
  • Gift Certificate ($50) for Los Arroyos restaurant. Santa Barbara and Goleta locations.
  • Gift Certificate for 1 hour individualized private golf coaching lesson with Michael Koskin: Golf Pro at Sandpiper Golf Club, Goleta, CA.
  • Gift certificate ($175) for Santa Barbara Salt Caves; meditation in pink Himalayan salt cave rooms, massage/facials, sound healing sessions, unique/locally made health & cooking products.

Well-Being Support Experiences

  • 1 hour phone consultation ($250 value) with Stephanie Kerst, certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant (BBEC); Sage Living; expert, science-based individualized advice for minimizing EMF exposure and for creating environmentally safe/healthy home and work spaces.
  • Gift Certificate ($105 value) for 5 yoga sessions/classes at Yoga Soup. Santa Barbara, CA
  • Gift Certificate ($95); for one full session or two people for half sessions at The Light Zone with Hana Haig; offering red LED light sessions for addressing inflammation, pain, skin rejuvenation, wound issues, and mood/metabolism regulation. Santa Barbara, CA
  • 1 session ($100 value) thirty minutes with Cecily Longo, MFT; counsel/demonstrate re: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT); a mind-body practice strategy for emotional and nervous system self-regulation and stress management. Santa Barbara, CA
  • Gift Certificate ($50) Island Seed & Feed; safe, natural garden, pet, seed, farm supplies: principles of urban sustainability, organic horticulture and community responsibility. Goleta, CA

Wellness Body-Mind Services

  • Gift Certificate ($275) for Zen Spa (Facials/Skin Treatments). Santa Barbara, CA
  • Gift Certificate ($150) for Evolutions Medical & Day Spa (Facials/Massages). Santa Barbara
  • Gift Certificate ($100) for Patricia Folk (LMT) deep tissue/Swedish massage session. Goleta, CA
  • Gift Certificate ($140) for Joanne Station (LMT) 75 minutes integrative therapeutic massage session (“Serving the Women of Santa Barbara”). Goleta, CA.
  • Gift Certificate ($135 value) for Cielo Spa for one Custom Facial Session. Santa Barbara, CA

Life-Long Learning and/or the Arts for Lawyers’ Well-Being

  • Gift Certificate: Ensemble Theatre Company ($200 value) at the New Vic – TWO tickets for any ETC production for any time through the year (November 1, 2024 through November 30, 2025)
  • Books: The Best Lawyer You Can Be; A Guide to Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Wellness (Compiled by Steward Levine) ABA Law Practice Division AND Positive Professionals: Creating High Performing Profitable Firms Through the Science of Engagement by Anne Brafford, ABA Law Practice Division.
  • Books by the Well-Being in Law Week Speakers:
    • Book: Just One Heart, A Cardiologist’s Guide to Health Healing and Happiness by Dr. Jonathan Fisher (2024)
    • Book: Unlearning Silence, How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully, by Lawyer Elaine Lin Hering (2024)
    • Book: The Blocked Writer’s Book of the Dead – Bring Your Writing Back to Life, by David Rasch, Ph.D.

PLUS, EACH DAY FOR A LUCKY WELL-BEING IN LAW WINNER– One bag of Organic Purity Coffee, Whole Bean, from environmentally and socially responsible Purity Coffee, free of contaminants, wellness-focused blends: Balance, Protect, Flow, Ease, Calm (Total $135 value)

2024 Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament

Tournament Registration Now Open!
Get ready for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie at our upcoming 2024 Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament on Friday, September 27th 2024.

This event promises to be an exceptional opportunity for legal professionals like yourself to unwind, network, and enjoy some exciting sports activities. To secure your spot, kindly refer to the registration flyer or to our new online payment portal.

DINNER / RECEPTION

So as to provide opportunity for the victors to boast of their athletic conquests, a post golf and tennis reception will begin at 5:00 PM at the Mulligan’s Café & Bar, to be followed by dinner starting at 5:30 pm.
Dinner is $50 per SBCBA Member/$60 per non-SBCBA Member ($60/$70 after September 15th)

GOLF

Meet at the Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course at 12:00 pm. First tee off at 12:18 pm. Team prizes for 1st & 2nd places. Individual prizes for Longest Drive and Closest to Pin! Players must give some estimate of his/her handicap.

You will be contacted regarding team assignments.

$125 to Play for SBCBA Members/$135 for Non- Members – Includes green fees & cart.
($130/$145 after September 15th)

$170 for BOTH Golf & Dinner for SBCBA Members/ $180 for Non- Members
($180/$190 after September 15th)

TENNIS

Meet at the tennis courts at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club at 1:00 pm for warm-up with round robin play starting
at 1:30 pm. A committee will form teams, for all levels. Men and women will participate in the tournament in all levels.

Prizes to tournament winners!

$50 to Play per SBCBA Members/$60 for Non- Members – Includes court fees & balls.
($60/$70 after September 15th)

$95 for BOTH Tennis & Dinner for SBCBA Members/$105 for Non-Members
($110/$120 after September 15th)

PICKLEBALL 1:30-4:30 PM Earl Warren Showgrounds

$30 SBCBA Members/$40 Non-Members ($40/$50 after Sept. 10th)
$75 for BOTH Pickleball & Dinner for SBCBA Members/$85 non-members
($85/$95 after Sept. 15th)

We hope to see you on September 27th!

2024 Annual BBQ

Save the Date for SBCBA’s Annual BBQ!

When: Friday June 21st, 2024, at 5:00 PM

Where: Tucker’s Grove Park – 4800 Cathedral Oaks Road

The SBCBA invites members, guests, and families to join us for our annual celebration.

Cost: $50 Members $60 Non-Members $30 Public Interest/Student $5 Kids
Make checks payable to SBCBA, 15 W. Carrillo, Suite 106 or call click the link HERE to pay online!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Please contact sblawdirector@gmail.com for further details

Ethical Issues in Mediation

When: Tuesday June 25th, 2024, at 12:00 PM

Where: College of Law – Santa Barbara Campus 20 E. Victoria Street

MCLE: 1.0 Hour General with 1.0 Hour Ethics

Moderator: John Derrick

A panel of mediators will review a series of hypos bringing up tricky ethical issues that can arise in mediations — ones that can confront both mediators and litigators. Audience members will be encouraged to join in the discussion, bringing their own perspectives and experiences.

Whether you are a litigator or a mediator, or whether you do both, you won’t want to miss this stimulating and — hopefully — enlightening event!

Plus, we encourage people to raise their own ethical hypos. You can either bring one up during the session or — better still — email it in advance to johnderrick@icloud.com.

Panelists:

Judge Frank Ochoa (Ret.): Judge Ochoa served on the bench for over 32 years. During that time, he designed and implemented the Santa Barbara Superior Court’s ADR programs, and twice served as the court’s Presiding Judge. Today, Judge Ochoa is a sought-after mediator and arbitrator.

Lol Sorensen: Lol Sorensen is a skilled mediator and arbitrator experienced in resolving complex and emotionally charged disputes. He brings to this field a rare combination of skills having previously been both an accomplished litigator and a social worker.

Cost: $20 (Lunch not provided but feel free to bring your own!)
CLICK THE LINK HERE TO PAY ONLINE!

Registration: Please contact Marietta Jablonka at sblawdirector@gmail.com or (805) 569-5511.