Save the Date for the 43^nd Annual Las Vegas Convention, back at the Wynn | Encore Las Vegas. Join us August 28 - August 31, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!

On August 1st, the Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) to address the judicial emergencies occurring in district courts. The Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act would increase the number of federal district judges across the country in line with the nonpartisan recommendations made by the Judicial Commission. In California, a state with several of the most overworked and understaffed districts in the country, the bill would create additional much-needed judgeships: nine in the Central District, four in the Eastern District, six in the Northern District, and two in the Southern District. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. 

Do you feel lucky? This year LATLC is hosting a Helicopter Ball Drop with 50/50 Prize. Each ball costs $25 (5 FOR $100), and you do not even have to be there to win. 1,000 total BALLS will be dropped from a helicopter into a special hole at the tournament and the one that drops in the hole, wins half of the funds raised.

Since 1979, JAMS has been a destination for many of California’s most respected and accomplished alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioners. JAMS California neutrals have played a major role in making us the world’s largest ADR provider and one of the industry’s premier innovators and thought leaders. Over the past year, we have added 20 eminent California neutrals to our panel. JAMS California neutrals serve as mediators, arbitrators, neutral evaluators, discovery referees, special masters and temporary judges. They augment their deep knowledge of California case law and ADR with ongoing training and are adept at conducting seamless in-person and virtual proceedings.

With a roster of over 450 neutrals and 29 locations, JAMS handles over 19,000 cases annually ranging from two-party personal injury mediations to complex, multi-party, multimillion-dollar arbitrations worldwide. That depth of experience—combined with our team of highly skilled case managers and extensive case management resources —makes JAMS uniquely qualified to coordinate the entire resolution process.

More information is available at www.jamsadr.com, and you can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and our JAMS ADR blog. To learn about diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at JAMS, visit www.jamsadr.com/diversity/.

Many judges have devoted time to the important work of mentoring persons interested in applying to the bench and this program will encourage them to continue and expand their efforts. This program is open to anyone seeking guidance in applying to the bench. The role of the mentor judges is not to select or recommend candidates; but rather to demystify the application and vetting process. Registration Closes September 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., Register today!

On September 5, 2024, LASC Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner signed a general order directing David Slaton (Executive Officer/Clerk of Court) to have court staff operate electronic recording equipment in certain family law, probate, and unlimited jurisdiction civil matters. This will ensure litigants have access to the verbatim record needed for appeals. Judge Jessner stated, "I have issued a general order permitting judicial officers in family law, probate, and unlimited civil cases—where fundamental rights are at stake and a court reporter is unavailable—to use electronic recording equipment to provide litigants access to a verbatim record of the proceeding."

CAALA members are invited to submit candidate letters for the CAALA Board of Governors. The Board of Governors has the responsibility to set direction, establish policy and provide financial and fiduciary oversight of the Association. Candidates must be members in good standing of CAALA for two years as of the date they would take office as Governors.  Each elected or appointed Governor shall serve for a term of one year, commencing on the next January 1st following their election or appointment. If interested please contact Kwedi Moore at Kwedi@caala.org by September 13th. 

Advanced Plaintiff Trial Academy (APTA) is a brand new in-person program for experienced trial lawyers looking to advance their trial skills. Participants will have extensive discussion, training, and demonstrations in trial skills and techniques from CAALA's most experienced trial lawyers as part of this program. The deadline to apply is September 27th, 2024 at 5:00pm. 

The Judicial Pipeline Committee and DEI Committee are working to schedule in-person opportunities for CAALA members to connect with members of the bench. The committee would love to hear from you which judge or justice you would like to get connected with! Please email Lydia@caala.org with suggestions! 

Have you ever thought about becoming a Judge? Join us at the CAALA Vegas Convention in the Meursault Ballroom at 12:30 pm on Saturday, August 31^st for a lunchtime chat with Justice Zukin and Judge Jessner, followed by networking opportunities with other members of the bench.