Brown Act 2026 Updates

Diminished Capacity? Part Two: Assessing Expert Testimony on Cognitive Impairment at Trial

Building on the medical framework established in Part 1, this session turns to the practical realities of preparing and presenting expert testimony on cognitive impairment and capacity in the courtroom. Sarah N. Mourra, M.D. and David W. Trader, M.D. return with moderator Judge David J. Cowan to address how experts analyze medical records, structure written reports versus providing oral testimony, and scope their opinions appropriately. The panel explores the critical distinctions between testamentary and contractual capacity, the risks of straying into areas of undue influence or elder abuse that may be beyond their expertise, and how the Sanchez decision affects an expert's ability to evaluate a treating physician's conclusions without personally examining the patient. The discussion also covers what lawyers often overlook when working with a medical expert and what to look for when assessing the other side's expert on cognitive issues. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

CTAPP Compliance Reviews: What to Expect, Common Findings, and How You Need to Prepare

As the State Bar rolls out the Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP) audit requirements, this program will walk you through a sample engagement, present an in-depth review of the first round, explain common findings, and give you ways to better prepare for a CTAPP audit. The session is designed to be collaborative, with a focus on trust accounting and reporting requirements within the CTAPP compliance framework. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

Kidfluencers, Child Labor, and Privacy Law Closing the Gaps for a New Generation of Child Workers

Elinor Haddad, USC Gould School of Law student and Executive Postscript Editor of the Southern California Law Review, presents her award-winning article on the legal gaps leaving child social media influencers unprotected. Kidfluencers operate at the center of a billion-dollar economy with no working hour limits, no permit requirements, and no meaningful privacy rights standing between them and the adults profiting from their content. Using the Piper Rockelle lawsuit as a case study, this program examines the limits of existing law, including the FLSA, the Coogan Law, and COPPA, alongside recent state legislation and the case for a federal response placing enforcement responsibility on social media platforms. The Rule of Law Writing Competition encourages law students to integrate Rule of Law concepts into their writings. Papers may be on any topic either directly discussing an aspect of the Rule of Law, demonstrating how the Rule of Law affected the topic, defining the Rule of Law, criticizing the Rule of Law, or demonstrating the economic social or political effects of the Rule of Law. 100% of proceeds from this program will be donated to the Beverly Hills Bar Foundation. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity is the community arm of the Beverly Hills Bar Association with direct impact in promoting equal access to justice, community service and law-related education. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.

What’s New in Influencer Marketing in 2026

Influencer marketing continues to be one of the most powerful tools for connecting with consumers – but it is also under unprecedented scrutiny. In this program, Allison Fitzpatrick, Advertising + Marketing partner at Davis+Gilbert, will walk through what brands, agencies, and counsel need to know about the rapidly evolving legal landscape governing influencer campaigns. Drawing on recent FTC updates, NAD enforcement actions, and high‑profile class action lawsuits, this session will focus on how to maximize the value of influencer partnerships while minimizing regulatory, reputational, and financial risk. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of:

It's All in the Timing: How to Win Your Case with Depositions

Timing is one of the most underused tools in deposition practice. This program shows trial lawyers how to use the seven-hour rule, the order of depositions, and the pacing within each session to gain strategic advantage. From "jack-rabbiting" through testimony to knowing when to slow down and ask for more time to prepare, attendees will learn how the right deposition at the right time can shape the outcome of a trial — or drive a favorable settlement. The program also covers the rules that govern when, and how, courts will limit deposition questioning, and the consequences when deposition limits are exceeded or violated. By the end of the hour, participants will have a working framework for deciding which deposition to take first, how long it should run, and how to respond when opposing counsel pushes the rules. Taught by Pavel Kolmogorov, Michael J. Carrozzo, and Henry Nikogosyan, Kolmogorov Law, the program is designed for litigators who want a practical, rule-based approach to deposition strategy. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.