Civil Law Symposium

4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Program
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Reception
MCLE: 2.5 hours

The Practice Program for the Northern District of California invites you to a symposium on civil practice issues in our district. The program begins with a panel of judges and practitioners sharing their views on issues related to jury selection. The second panel explores the impact on discovery practice in the Northern District of CA from the 2015 Amendments to the Federal Rules. A reception will follow.

Picking and Persuading – Voir Dire, Jury Selection, and Advocacy
(4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.)

Panelists: Joseph W. Cotchett of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP; Florence O. Keller, PhD. of the Trial Analysis Group; and Robert A. Van Nest of Keker & Van Nest LLP

Moderator: The Honorable James Donato

Description: This panel of trial pros will discuss the ins and outs of jury selection and how the process lays the groundwork for the well-tried case. The dialogue will include considerations that apply not just to jury trials but to any contested proceeding. The panelists will also discuss the Northern District judges’ policies and procedures for voir dire and jury selection.

A Proportional Response? How the December 1, 2015 Amendments to the Federal Rules Have Impacted Discovery Practice in the Northern District of CA. (5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)

Panelists: The Honorable Sallie Kim; Sol Cera of Cera LLP; and others

Moderator: The Honorable Elizabeth Laporte

Description: This panel will discuss the on-the-ground impact of the December 1, 2015 amendments to the Federal Rules on civil practice in the Northern District. The dialogue will focus on what the District Court and Magistrate Judges in the Northern District have observed with respect to the scope of discovery and how they are thinking about discovery disputes in the post-amendment era. The panelists will also discuss how the amendments are impacting e-discovery in civil matters.

NO CHARGE FOR THIS PROGRAM, BUT ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

If you have questions, call 415-522-4151.

The Northern District of California Practice Program is State Bar of California Approved MCLE Provider.