9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. PT - Recent trends and developments in litigation funding

Speakers:

• Michael Tomasulo (Partner, Reed Smith, Los Angeles)
• Quynh La (Associate, Reed Smith, San Francisco)
• Fatima Mobin (Associate, Reed Smith, San Francisco)

Delve into the dynamic world of litigation funding, where recent trends and developments are reshaping the way legal matters are financed and conducted. Litigation funding has emerged as a strategic tool for both plaintiffs and defendants seeking financial support to pursue or defend against legal claims. This session will not only provide a comprehensive overview of general litigation funding practices but also will shine a spotlight on the increasing prevalence of litigation funding in patent disputes. Our panel will explore the latest trends in litigation funding, offering valuable insights into how it is transforming the legal landscape. In addition, we will examine the factors contributing to the surge in litigation funding within patent litigation and discuss the unique aspects of its benefits and potential challenges. We also will look at how courts across the country are addressing disclosures and discovery related to litigation funding.

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. PT - ESG Today: California’s landmark carbon disclosure legislation and impending Federal Regulation

Speakers:

• Todd Maiden (Partner, Reed Smith, San Francisco)
• Sara Marie Eddy (Associate, Reed Smith, San Francisco)
• Eric Schmoll (Associate, Reed Smith, San Francisco)

Two California ESG laws, SB 253 and SB 261, were recently signed into law. These laws are the first of their kind in the nation. California continues to forge ahead with ESG requirements, despite the long-awaited federal SEC rules not being finalized. What companies are subject to these new requirements? What must be disclosed? When do requirements go into effect? In this session, we will discuss both new California ESG disclosure requirements, as well as potential federal requirements to help you best prepare.

11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PT - Lunch break

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. PT - Building Bridges: Outside counsel and general counsel share perspectives on difficult conversations

Speakers:

• Raymond Cardozo (Partner, Reed Smith, San Francisco)
• Sonja Weissman (Partner, Reed Smith, San Francisco)
• Seth Jaffe (Former General Counsel at Levi Strauss)
• Mark LeHocky (Former General Counsel at Ross Stores, Inc., and Nestle/Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc.)

Dive into the dynamics of "Building Bridges," where outside counsel and general counsel come together to discuss the intricacies of challenging conversations between attorneys and clients. Explore effective communication strategies, collaborative approaches, and insights that define successful legal partnerships. Join us for a focused exploration of the art of navigating difficult dialogues in the legal realm.

1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. PT - California Employment Update: What’s on track for 2024

Speakers:

• Michele Gehrke (Partner, Reed Smith, San Francisco)
• Mara Curtis (Partner, Reed Smith, Los Angeles)
• Garrett Parks (Counsel, Reed Smith, San Francisco)

The California employment landscape continually changes and 2023 was no exception, with numerous bills signed into law and others vetoed. Our lawyers will update employers on the relevant 2024 developments, including new laws on noncompetes, paid sick leave, and cannabis testing.

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT - Ethics In Review: Everything you need to know but were afraid to ask

Speakers:

• Terry Bates (Partner, Reed Smith, Los Angeles)
• Mitesh Patel (Associate, Reed Smith, Silicon Valley)

Join us for an engaging and informative session, "Ethics In Review," designed to equip legal professionals with the knowledge and strategies necessary to avoid a State Bar Court Ethics hearing. Through understanding the complexities of professional conduct and uncovering the nuances of ethical dilemmas, you will enhance your ethical decision-making skills, build confidence in your practice, and proactively avoid potential ethical pitfalls. From the foundational principles of legal ethics to real-world scenarios that can lead to a State Bar Court Ethics hearing, this session ensures that you are well-prepared to navigate the ethical challenges inherent in the legal profession.

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. PT - Networking Reception

PLEASE READ – Important CLE information:

The “Ethics in Review” session is presumptively approved for 1.0 CLE ethics credit in California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Applications for CLE credit will be filed in Delaware, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia. Attendees who are licensed in other jurisdictions will receive a uniform certificate of attendance but Reed Smith only provides credit for the states listed.

All other sessions are presumptively approved for 1.0 CLE credit in California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. Applications for CLE credit will be filed in Delaware, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia. Attendees who are licensed in other jurisdictions will receive a uniform certificate of attendance but Reed Smith only provides credit for the states listed.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for CLE processing.