Events

Annual Meeting
The ADC's Annual Meeting provides many opportunities to receive valuable education, see the latest in products and services and connect with colleagues. The meeting offers a comprehensive program on interesting topics of significance to your practice, and provides for several hours of MCLE credit. Specialty credit are typically offered. The meeting starts on Thursday morning with the ADC Annual Business Meeting in which incoming officers and board members are elected. Thursday typically evening features a President's Reception where attendees can gather and catch up with one another. Friday's events feature a legislative update, inspirational speaker and annual luncheon. 

Basic Training - 6 Week Series
This annual favorite is designed to give lawyers of all levels the practical tools and skills to move a case from inception to trial. The program provides associates and those new to the defense practice an in-depth preparatory course in this specialized field. Presented by skilled local attorneys, judges and experienced mediators, this seminar series provides training on how to open a new file; develop and effectively communicate a litigation strategy; and navigate written discovery and depositions. In addition, our panelists review best practices for law and motion work and well as preparing a case for mediation and trial. Upon completion of the series, participants will have gained the skills necessary to defend a client from day one to trial.

Construction Seminar
This half-day program features panelists with a broad range of experience in various aspects of the construction industry who will address topics of interest to attorneys, contractors, and claims representatives alike. It is a unique opportunity to hear from claims professionals, counsel, and a construction professional who have been actively involved in claims handling, defense of claims, and addressing coverage issues raised by policy language of wrap-up insurance programs, lack of resultant damage associated with violations of certain functionality standards, and risk transfer challenges since the amendments to the Civil Code.

Golf Tournament
The Silverado Resort in Napa serves as the venue for the ADC's Annual Golf Tournament. Don’t miss this opportunity to play great golf and then gather with your colleagues over drinks and hor d’oeuvres. The fee includes green fees, golf cart for two, a hosted wine and beer reception, a buffet dinner, giveaways and a whole lot of fun. Then after the tournament, short putts and tall tales will be part of the menu when you join us for a private dinner and awards giveaway. For the non-golfers, significant others of golfers, and out-of-commission golfers, we have a wine tasting option at some of Napa’s best along the Silverado Trail.  

Law Firm Management Seminar (held biennially)
Some say the practice of law is a profession, a calling, even an art. But a law firm is a different animal. It is a business and, as such, must be evaluated, ran, and managed like a business. So the question for many firms – including yours – is how to create and implement effective management to run your firm as a business. Management of a modern law firm has become increasingly complex, requiring Managing Partners, Executive Committees and others to devote more and more time to running the business, often at the sacrifice of their own practice. This is coupled with the reality that most lawyers don’t hold MBA’s and are not otherwise trained in business; hence the 2013 Forbes Article: “Why are Lawyers Such Terrible Managers?” In today’s highly competitive marketplace, it is imperative to understand law firms as businesses. A lack of business savvy about your own industry is perilous. This seminar teaches you how to think critically about business trends that affect the legal profession, law firms, and your own career. 

Toxic Torts Series
The ADC's highly acclaimed Annual Toxic Torts Series offers two half-day programs that explore emerging appellate, legislative, and scientific issues affecting California toxic tort defense practitioners, featuring top trial attorneys, key thought leaders, as well as specialists in toxic torts from across CA, in an exchange of insights on the most important trends and changes fueling the defense of tomorrow's trials.  These sessions provide substantive law and practical tips for collecting evidence and presenting your case in a way that juries will understand and find interesting. The audience will also have opportunities to participate in engaging and lively discussions.