Archive for category: News

When: January 29th, 2026 at Noon
Where: Zoom (link to be provided after registration)

MCLE Credit: 1.0 Hour (Competence – Prevention & Detection credit)

Attorneys spend their days helping others through crisis — but that same work can quietly affect their own well-being. In this engaging and compassionate program, criminal defense attorney Doug Ridley and clinical psychologist Dr. Mike Rodriguez explore how repeated exposure to clients’ stress and trauma can impact attorneys’ mental health, focus, and resilience. Drawing from real courtroom experience and clinical insight, they discuss how to recognize early signs of burnout, balance empathy with self-care, and maintain professional competence under pressure. Attendees gain practical tools for managing stress and fostering a healthier, more sustainable approach to practicing law.

Speakers: Douglas Ridley, Esq. & Dr. Mike Rodriguez

Douglas Ridley: Practicing law since 1998, Doug Ridley is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and former Ventura County Deputy District Attorney. Now the founder of Ridley Defense, he focuses exclusively on criminal law, handling serious felony, DUI, and juvenile cases throughout Southern California. Doug serves as President of the Ventura County Criminal Defense Bar Association and teaches as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law School. Known for his compassionate advocacy, he also champions mental health awareness in the justice system through his work with NAMI and the Ventura County Mental Health Diversion Advisory Workgroup.

Dr. Mike Rodriguez: Dr. Mike Rodriguez is the Clinical Director of Dos Arboles Psychological Services and a retired leader from Ventura County Behavioral Health. A recognized expert in forensic risk assessment, he has overseen multiple county programs serving adults, older adults, and justice-involved clients. A former youth minister and coach, Dr. Rodriguez brings a lifelong commitment to service and community wellness. He continues to develop programs supporting families in crisis, including founding Camp Widow Kids in San Diego, and works closely with courts, clinicians, and attorneys to promote trauma-informed care and mental health awareness.

Registration:

Questions:

Please contact Douglas Ridley at doug@ridleydefense.com

Date: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 from 12:00 – 1:15 PM

Location: Online – Zoom

MCLE: 1.0 Hour

You can find the zoom link HERE.

Everyone knows Superman’s fictional origin: rocketed from Krypton, raised in Kansas, savior of Metropolis. But the real battle over Superman’s legacy has taken place not in comic books, but in courtrooms. This presentation explores the complex legal history behind the Man of Steel, from Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s $130 sale of rights in 1938, through decades of litigation, creator struggles, and copyright termination efforts. It’s a story of contracts, reversions, and the limits of intellectual property law, told through the lens of America’s most iconic superhero. We’ll examine how U.S. copyright termination rights allowed the Siegel family to reclaim partial ownership of Superman, why the Shuster estate’s efforts failed, and what role trademarks and “work for hire” doctrine play in protecting modern IP empires. We’ll also look ahead to 2034, when Action Comics #1 and the original version of Superman enter the public domain.

Speaker: Puya Partow-Navid, Seyfarth Shaw

Puya Partow-Navid is a partner in the Century City office of Seyfarth Shaw. He assists clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies in protecting and enforcing their patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. A former Symantec engineer and named inventor of an ad-blocking technology, Puya understands both the excitement and complexity of innovation. He has broad experience in the tech field, including with inventions in the areas of AI, wireless communications and devices, and robotics. Puya is co-editor and a contributing author for “Gadgets, Gigabytes & Goodwill,” Seyfarth’s blog focused on the protection and promotion of intellectual property. He earned his B.S. in computer science from UCLA and his law degree from Loyola Law School.

Price: $20.00

Registration: Please fill out the form below to register online. A confirmation email will be sent to you after registration with the Zoom link.

Questions? Please contact sblawdirector@sblaw.org

Get ready for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie at our upcoming 2025 Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament on Friday, September 26th, 2025.

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 26th!