Orange County Paralegal Association upcoming events

Litigation Section 1 of 3 - Virtual MCLE Lunch Meeting (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

LITIGATION SECTION MEETING 1 of 3

"Session 1- Pretrial Frenzy: Turning the Case File into a Trial Plan

Preparing for trial requires organization, strategy, attention to detail, and teamwork. In this practical, paralegal-led session, experienced litigation paralegals will walk attendees through the critical steps of transforming a case file into a well-organized trial plan.

Attendees will learn how to organize and manage trial exhibits, identify evidentiary gaps, prepare exhibit and witness lists, and assemble witness preparation materials. The session will also explore the process of preparing deposition designations and counter-designations, as well as coordinating trial materials with motions in limine to ensure evidence is properly addressed before trial.

Designed by paralegals for paralegals, this session will provide practical insights, real-world experiences, and best practices to help litigation paralegals anticipate challenges, support trial counsel, meet critical deadlines, and confidently navigate the demanding pretrial process.

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Presented By: E. Penny Gutierrez & Garrison Giali

Penny Gutierrez is a Senior Litigation Trial Paralegal at Walsworth handling insurance defense matters related to bad faith. In addition, Penny teaches Litigation in the paralegal program at UCI Division of Continuing Education. Lastly, Penny is a Executive Board member with the Orange County Paralegal Association. Her current role on the board is the Chief Financial Officer.

Garrison Giali is a Chief Litigation Paralegal at BKLW handling pre-indictment investigation through trial. Garrison supports his trial teams in all aspects of high-stakes litigation in federal courts across the U.S. Garrison volunteers his spare time as the Criminal Section Chair for the Orange County Paralegal Association.

OCPA is a State Bar of California Approved MCLE provider and certifies that this event qualifies for MCLE CREDIT 1.0.

$10.00 for OCPA Members only.

$20.00 for Non-Members.

$5.00 for OCPA Students only

Per OCPA Policy, please pay via Paypal, Debit or Credit Card on the website. Check or cash payments are not accepted.

*Cancellation Policy* - If you need to cancel your registration, please e-mail vptechnology@ocparalegal.org at least 48 hours prior to the event in order to receive credit for a future meeting. No refunds will be issued.

Technology Section - Virtual MCLE Lunch Meeting (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

TECHOLOGY SECTION MEETING

"SB 574 and the Paralegal: What California's New AI Law Means for Your Work Starting January 1, 2027"

California just signed SB574, which puts AI rules for lawyers into law effective January 1st. This session will cover what it requires, how it affects the work paralegals do every day with AI tools, and a practical checklist teams can use to stay compliant.

Presented By: Gerry Wolfe, Esq.

Gerry Wolfe is a legal professional that knows both sides of the table. He practiced 15 years as a managing attorney before transitioning to Computer Science/Technology. Gerry now consults with law firms creating bespoke deterministic AI.

SPEAKER OPINION ARTICLE ON SB574:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-220923896

OCPA is a State Bar of California Approved MCLE provider and certifies that this event qualifies for MCLE CREDIT 1.0.

$10.00 for OCPA Members only.

$20.00 for Non-Members.

$5.00 for OCPA Students only

Per OCPA Policy, please pay via Paypal, Debit or Credit Card on the website. Check or cash payments are not accepted.

Ethics & Litigation Section - Virtual MCLE Lunch Meeting (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

ETHICS SECTION MEETING

TOPIC: "AI or I: Human Supervision Required".

Gen AI is transforming discovery, but not every tool reads every document, and not every shortcut is defensible. This ethics presentation will cover the duty of technological competence, your supervisory obligations over AI output, and how to match the right tool to the right task. Walk away with the questions every litigator should ask before relying on an AI platform.

Presented By: Kevin Clark and Danny Thankachan

Kevin M. Clark, JD. is Chief Executive Officer of Right Discovery LLC, a boutique eDiscovery and litigation support firm based in Dallas, TX. Kevin has worked at various law firms including Williams & Connolly LLP, Thompson & Knight, LLP and Holland & Knight LLP where he developed his foundation in eDiscovery and legal project management. He holds a JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law, a BA from the University of Illinois.

Danny Thankachan, Esq. is a legal technology entrepreneur, attorney and educator. He is a leader at CaseGuild, an AI-powered Evidence Intelligence platform that supports fact investigation, document analysis, and trial preparation. Danny teaches Discovery & AI at SMU Dedman School of Law and serves as a testifying expert on the defensible and ethical use of AI in litigation, regularly speaking on the future of evidence analysis and legal workflows.

OCPA is a State Bar of California Approved MCLE provider and certifies that this event qualifies for 1.0 ETHICS MCLE CREDIT.

$10.00 for OCPA Members only.

$20.00 for Non-Members.

$5.00 for OCPA Students only

Per OCPA Policy, please pay via Paypal, Debit or Credit Card on the website. Check or cash payments are not accepted.

Litigation Section 2 of 3 - Virtual MCLE Lunch Meeting (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

LITIGATION SECTION MEETING 2 of 3

Session 2: Logistics, Logistics, Logistics: What No One Tells You About Trial

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A successful trial requires more than strong legal arguments and well-prepared evidence. Behind every smooth courtroom presentation is a litigation team managing countless logistical details, often under intense pressure and tight deadlines.

In this practical, paralegal-led session, experienced litigation paralegals will take attendees behind the scenes of trial preparation and courtroom operations, sharing the essential logistical responsibilities that often go unnoticed but can make or break a trial.

Attendees will learn about coordinating courtroom technology, testing audio and video presentations, transporting trial materials, and organizing an efficient trial workspace. The session will also address managing witness travel and availability, coordinating with trial vendors, establishing backup systems, and handling unexpected challenges and last-minute changes. Special attention will be given to maintaining effective communication among attorneys, paralegals, witnesses, and vendors throughout the trial.

Designed by paralegals for paralegals, this session will offer real-world experiences, practical strategies, and lessons learned from the courtroom. Attendees will gain valuable insights into anticipating logistical challenges, developing contingency plans, staying organized under pressure, and ensuring the trial team is prepared for whatever happens.

Presented By: E. Penny Gutierrez & Garrison Giali

OCPA is a State Bar of California Approved MCLE provider and certifies that this event qualifies for MCLE CREDIT 1.0.

$10.00 for OCPA Members only.

$20.00 for Non-Members.

$5.00 for OCPA Students only

Per OCPA Policy, please pay via Paypal, Debit or Credit Card on the website. Check or cash payments are not accepted.

Litigation Section 3 of 3 - Virtual MCLE Lunch Meeting (02 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

LITIGATION SECTION MEETING 3 of 3

Session 3: The Lion's Den: Navigating the Courtroom with Confidence

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The courtroom can be an intense, fast-paced, and unpredictable environment where preparation, confidence, and attention to detail are essential. While attorneys take center stage, litigation paralegals play a critical behind-the-scenes role in keeping the trial organized, supporting counsel, and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

In this engaging, paralegal-led session, experienced litigation paralegals will share practical strategies for navigating the courtroom with confidence, professionalism, and efficiency. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a trial paralegal and learn how to anticipate the needs of the litigation team as the trial unfolds.

The session will explore participating in exhibit conferences, tracking stipulations, objections, and judicial rulings, and assisting counsel during jury selection (voir dire). Attendees will also learn best practices for maintaining courtroom etiquette, tracking admitted exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and ensuring attorneys have the documents and information they need during testimony.

Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of thinking ahead, remaining composed under pressure, and responding quickly to unexpected courtroom developments. Through real-world experiences and practical examples, presenters will demonstrate how skilled paralegals contribute to an organized and effective trial presentation.

Designed by paralegals for paralegals, this session will provide attendees with practical tools, insider perspectives, and the confidence to navigate the courtroom environment, whether they are preparing for their first trial or looking to strengthen their existing litigation skills.

Presented By: E. Penny Gutierrez & Garrison Giali

OCPA is a State Bar of California Approved MCLE provider and certifies that this event qualifies for MCLE CREDIT 1.0.

$10.00 for OCPA Members only.

$20.00 for Non-Members.

$5.00 for OCPA Students only

Per OCPA Policy, please pay via Paypal, Debit or Credit Card on the website. Check or cash payments are not accepted.