ASCDC 2026 Managing Partner & GL Seminar

 

Join ASCDC members in a seminar covering law firm operation, general liability, & industry updates!

Click Here for Attendee & Sponsor Registration
This event is open to member and non-member attorneys.
Non-attorney vendors are welcome to attend as sponsors.

 

SEMINAR AGENDA:

  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Special Session - Managing Partners ONLY 
Alice Chen Smith and Marshall Cole will lead an interactive roundtable for ASCDC managing partners. We'll dig into associate and partner compensation, recruiting and retention, billing rate pressure, firm structure, succession planning, and the trends every managing partner is watching. Bring your questions.

Panelists: 
Alice Chen Smith, Esq. - Yoka | Smith
Marshall R. Cole, Esq. | Nemecek & Cole
  • 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Luncheon (open to all attendees)
  • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Current Updates on Med-Legal Lien Litigation and Senate Bill 623

Join moderator Tyler Ross for a discussion with Scott Jalowiec, in-house counsel for Uber Technologies, Inc., and Oliver Gold, firmwide co-chair of business litigation at Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP, on Uber's recent California RICO litigation efforts and their broader implications. The panel will also examine Uber’s recent ballot initiative and California Senate Bill 623, and explore what these developments mean for defense practitioners and the future of civil litigation in California.

Moderator:
Tyler M. Ross, Esq. | Grant Genovese & Baratta, LLP
Panelists: 
Scott Jalowiec, Esq., In-House Counsel | Uber 
Oliver Gold, Esq. | Ashurst Perkins Coi US, LLP

 

  • 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - AI For Defense Attorneys: Opportunities, Risks, and Responsible Use
AI is changing the way defense attorneys work, offering powerful new tools to help analyze information faster, streamline legal research, strengthen case preparation, and reduce time spent on routine tasks. Join moderator Lisa Costello for an engaging discussion with Marshall R. Cole and Lili Jalali on how AI can enhance litigation practice, improve efficiency, and uncover valuable insights, while navigating ethical obligations, confidentiality concerns, and accuracy risks. Learn practical ways to harness AI responsibly so you can focus more on strategy, advocacy, and delivering exceptional results for your clients.

 

Moderator:
Lisa Costello, Esq. | Koyama & Costello
Panelists: 
Marshall R. Cole, Esq.,| Nemecek & Cole
Lili Jalali, Esq. | Koyama & Costello

 

  • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - How to Become the Associate Every Partner Wants on Their Cases
The best defense associates do much more than write briefs and attend depositions. They anticipate problems before they arise, earn the trust of clients and partners, and become indispensable members of the trial team. This practical program will feature experienced defense attorneys discussing the habits, skills, and professional judgment that distinguish exceptional young lawyers from the rest. Panelists will share real-world advice on developing litigation strategy, managing client relationships, communicating effectively, taking ownership of assignments, and building a reputation that leads to greater responsibility and courtroom opportunities.

 

Moderator:
Mary R. Fersch, Esq. | Schonbuch Hallissy
Panelists: 
Vivian I. Rivera, Esq. - Yoka | Smith 

Christopher A. Faenza, Esq. - Yoka | Smith

  • 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception

SEMINAR PRICING:

  • Member/Non-member Attendee: $250.00/$350.00
  • Special Managing Partner Session Attendee: $50.00 (addon to attendee registration)
  • Cocktail Reception Only: $75.00
SEMINAR SPONSORSHIPS (see form for sponsorship details):
  • Exhibitor Table - $2,500.00
  • Luncheon Sponsor - $5,000.00
  • Reception Sponsor - $5,000.00
SEMINAR LOCATION:

Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown
899 Francisco St
Los Angeles, CA 90017

 Questions? Contact the ASCDC Management Team at [email protected].