We are thrilled to be returning to Maui and the Fairmont Kea Lani for an extraordinary conference week and to celebrate this year?s Trial Lawyer of the Year, Joe McMonigle of the San Francisco Chapter. Perched on one of Maui?s most coveted stretches of shoreline, the luxe setting of the Fairmont Kea Lani is an enviable tropical paradise. Wake up each morning to gentle waves lapping at the shore, swaying palms singing in the trade winds and expansive views of turquoise waters stretching all the way to the horizon. Only steps away from your suite is Polo Beach renowned for its golden soft sand, calm swimming, excellent snorkeling and tranquil sunsets.

This program will examine the legal frameworks and practical challenges of mediating the litigated case with a focus on strategies to obtain the best possible outcome for your client by reaching durable, cost effective solutions.

As more older adults hope to age at home, families are increasingly relying on caregivers—whether hired directly, retained through an agency or provided by a family member. But what may begin as a practical caregiving arrangement can quickly raise complicated questions at the intersection of employment law, trusts and estates, fiduciary duty of a trustee, and estate administration.

In this one-hour program, employment mediator Claudia Hagadus Long, and trusts and estates mediator Bette Epstein will explore these issues through an evolving case study. The discussion will examine who may be considered the employer, wage-and-hour risks associated with in-home care, the impact of using a caregiver agency, compensation arrangements for family caregivers, and the disputes that can arise after an elder passes away. Attendees will also learn practical steps attorneys can take to help clients structure caregiving relationships, document expectations, and reduce the risk of costly litigation later.

Designed for both employment and trusts and estates practitioners, this program will highlight the legal issues each side should recognize—and when it may be time to bring in counsel from the other practice area.

Successful negotiators understand that settlement decisions are driven by more than facts and legal arguments. This engaging program explores the psychological principles that influence negotiation behavior and settlement outcomes. Participants will learn how cognitive biases, emotions, framing, anchoring, loss aversion, optimism bias, and egocentrism impact decision-making at the bargaining table. The presentation also examines techniques such as active listening, validation, strategic questioning, and interest-based negotiation to build trust and move parties toward resolution. Through practical examples and interactive discussion, attendees will gain tools to overcome impasse, increase persuasion, and maximize settlement opportunities.

Members of the San Francisco chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates present on the importance of civility throughout all aspects of the practice of law. They will discuss the ethical obligations of attorneys related to civility and respect when dealing with clients, the court, and opposing counsel. The three-person panel is comprised of a member of the plaintiff bar and defense bar along with a retired judicial officer.

High-conflict custody disputes present some of the most difficult challenges in family law. When children resist visitation, allegations of parental alienation arise, or domestic violence complicates custody arrangements, how can practitioners balance court orders, parental rights, and the best interests of the child?

Join Hon. Susan Lopez-Giss (Ret.), mediator; Hon. Geanene Yriarte, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge; Robin Sax JD, LCSW, Parenting Plan Coordinator, Mediator, Parenting Coach and Licensed Clinical Social Worker; and Michael Hanasab, Esq. experienced family law practitioner, for a practical, scenario-driven discussion of these complex issues.

Through real-world hypotheticals, our panel will explore DVROs and monitored visitation, parental alienation, reunification therapy, enforcement of custody orders, and the role of mediation in resolving entrenched disputes. The discussion will also tackle a particularly difficult question: When does continued litigation or forced reunification do more harm than good?

Gain valuable perspectives from the bench, mediation, parenting coordination, and family law practice on navigating challenging custody disputes while keeping children's safety and well-being at the forefront.