Los Angeles Paralegal Association upcoming events

Leveraging Technology: Exploring the New and the Noteworthy in Law Practice Innovation (MCLE) (August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Leveraging Technology: Exploring the New and the Noteworthy in Law Practice Innovation

This CLE session explores the latest technologies transforming the legal profession, from established productivity tools to emerging AI-powered solutions. Attendees will discover practical innovations that improve efficiency, strengthen client service, streamline legal workflows, and enhance collaboration. Whether you're looking to modernize your practice or stay ahead of industry trends, this session provides an overview of the new and noteworthy technologies shaping the future of law practice.

Presented by:
Douglas Lusk, J.D.
National Society for Legal Technology

Monday, August 17, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom

LAPA Members - $10.00
Non-members - $25.00

Douglas Lusk, J.D. Doug is the founder and CEO of National Society for Legal Technology (NSLT). Doug has authored multiple textbooks and is a nationally recognized expert in the field of legal technology education. The NSLT is used as classroom curriculum in over 320 universities and colleges in the U.S. and Canada and have individual members in 11 countries around the world. After receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of Laverne College of Law, Doug accepted his first Adjunct Professor position at Fullerton College. Never one to turn down a great opportunity, Doug also accepted Adjunct positions at Mt. San Antonio College, Daemen University, Salt Lake Community College, and Pasadena City College. Doug also serves on the Technology Advisory Group for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). CIO Views magazine honored Doug on the cover of their October 2022 edition and listed him in their “Top 10 Most Inspiring People In Legal Services, 2022.” Doug was presented the “Outstanding Leadership Award” at the 2022 Law2.0 conference in recognition for his contributions to the field of law.

Ballona Wetlands Community Habitat Restoration (Non-MCLE) (August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Ballona Wetlands Community
Habitat Restoration

Join the Los Angeles Paralegal Association (LAPA) and Breathe Southern California for a hands-on morning of community action with Friends of Ballona Wetlands!

Ballona’s native plants need a helping hand—yours! Roll up your sleeves and help restore the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. You'll gain hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive, and healthy plant life is vital for a healthy ecosystem!

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Please arrive early to connect with our partner Breathe Southern California!)
Meeting Location: Dirt parking lot behind Local Market

303 Culver Blvd, Playa del Rey, CA 90293

Important Details & Guidelines

Punctuality Notice: The ecological reserve gates are locked during events, so late arrivals will find themselves locked out. Please plan to arrive early!

Registration Requirements: Pre-registration is required. You must complete the digital waiver and watch the instructional safety video prior to attending.
Age Recommendations: Activities are recommended for ages 7+. Volunteers aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
What to Wear:
- Required: Closed-toe shoes.
- Recommended: Weather-appropriate layers you don't mind getting dirty, a hat, and long pants to protect against prickly plants.
What to Bring: Gardening gloves and a full reusable water bottle. (Note: There are no water fountains on-site, but all other tools and supplies will be provided).
Cancellations: For safety, the event will be canceled in the event of rain. Please check the weather beforehand and consult our social media or call us if you're unsure.
Suggested Donation: A $5 per person donation is suggested to help keep these restoration events and free tours running.

Thank you for volunteering with us—we literally couldn’t do it without you!

Registration link

Software Source Code in Litigation (MCLE) (August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Software Source Code in Litigation

Software source code is increasingly central to IP litigation, contract disputes, and tech due diligence. This 1-hour MCLE session offers legal professionals practical insights into handling source code discovery, protective frameworks, and expert analysis.

Key Topics Covered:

Source Code & Build Systems: Understanding compilation and why makefiles matter in discovery.
Protective Orders & Protocols: Navigating "Attorneys' Eyes Only" restrictions and secure review environments.
Version Control Analysis: Leveraging git commit logs to trace code changes and establish key case timelines.
Defect Spotting & Expert Review: Identifying software vulnerabilities and maximizing expert efficiency under FRCP standards.

Presented by:
Bert Schiettecatte
Noicetron LLC

Monday, August 24, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom

LAPA Members - $10.00
Non-members - $25.00

Bert Schiettecatte is a computer scientist and software and hardware engineer, with over 30 years of industry experience. He previously founded Percussa, a succesful audio consumer electronics company, and a proprietary trading startup in crypto and futures (CME) markets. He holds a MSc/CS degree from VUB (summa cum laude) and an MA/MST degree from Stanford University's CCRMA.

Areas of Expertise:

Audio processing software, video processing software, audio processing hardware, audio signal processing. Audio technology, music technology. Audio forensic analysis and Video forensic analysis.
Wireless devices, wireless protocols, wireless sensor systems, consumer electronics, device firmware, industrial control software.
Desktop software, embedded software, server software, open source software, linux kernel. Computer forensic analysis.
Proprietary trading systems, high-frequency trading (HFT) technology. Crypto and futures (CME) markets.

Your Home is Spying on You: A Look at Internet of Things Forensics (MCLE) (September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Your Home is Spying on You:
A Look at Internet of Things Forensics

Presented by:
Tom Plunkett
ArcherHall

Thursday, September 10, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Thomas Plunkett is Managing Director of Digital Forensics & eDiscovery at ArcherHall. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and EnCase Certified Forensic Examiner (EnCE) with over 20 years of experience in digital forensics, cybersecurity, and counterintelligence. He holds a master’s degree in Information Systems and is an adjunct professor, teaching cybersecurity and digital forensics topics at the University of San Diego. Tom has led investigations involving data breaches, computer hacking, theft of intellectual property, and foreign intelligence operations. His clients have included all levels of government, law firms, casinos, medical device manufacturers, hospitals, technology companies and celebrities.

LAPA's 50th Annual October Conference (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Regular Registration - June 14 to October 9th

LAPA Member: $145.00 (10/10-10/17 $155)

LAPA Student Member: $125.00 (10/10-10/17 $135)
Non-Member: $175.00 (10/10-10/17 $200)

Not a Member? Join Now and Enjoy Member Rates

Group Rate (students or paralegals):
Purchase 5 or more Registrations and get $10 OFF each Registration.
Discounts and/or Group Rates cannot be combined and payments must be made with a single company or school check or credit card.

AGENDA

8:00 - 8:30 Continental Breakfast / Exhibitor Meet & Greet

8:30 – 8:45 Good morning and welcome guests!

Charity of Choice: CASA Los Angeles

8:45 – 9:45 General Session (Ethics + AI)

Bianca Falcon, Esq. and Jonathan Dang

10:00 – 11:00 Morning Break-out Sessions

● Legal Writing - Suzanna R. Harman, Esq.

● General Law (Responsible Client Representation) – Antoinette Naddour, Esq.
● Litigation - Appellate Procedure – Patricia A. Teunisse, Esq.
● Immigration Law – Patrick Valdez, Esq.
● Professional Development (NALA CP/No CLE) – Terry Wright, ACP

11:00 -- 11:45 Visit with Exhibitors / Sponsors

11:45 – 1:00 Lunch Served
Keynote Speaker – Justice Dorothy Kim
Exhibitor Raffles

1:15 – 2:15 Afternoon Break-out Sessions

● Family Law – Elizabeth Yang, Esq.

● Employment Law – Dane Cummaro, Esq.

● Litigation - Defense – Jeff Fishkin, Esq.

● Personal Injury – Kamelia Jalilvand, Esq.

● Resume/ Interview Skills Development (No CLE) – Tracey Perkins, MBA

2:20 – 3:20 General Session (Ethics + Expert Witnesses)

Pete Fowler Construction Services

3:20 - 3:30 Awards

Lee Paige Student Scholarship, Lifetime Achievement,
Maria Teresa Bravo, Volunteer of the Year

Exhibitor Raffles

Closing Remarks

EXHIBITOR: LAPA's 50th Annual October Conference! (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, October 17, 2026

8:00am – 3:30pm

Pacific Palms Resort
1 Industry Hills Parkway
City of Industry, CA 91744

Benefactor Members: $900
$1000 (after September 18, 2026)

Non-Members: $1050
$1150 (after September 18, 2026)

Schools and Non-Profits: $450
$500 (after September 18, 2026)
(Only accredited schools and government recognized
non-profit organizations are eligible for this discounted rate)

Registration includes 6' table and two chairs, conference syllabus listing, pre-conference marketing, and access to hundreds of decision making paralegals!
Additional items that may be purchased: lunch, syllabus advertising, electrical.

Can't attend the conference? You can still get your company in front of hundreds of paralegals! Ask about our BAGSTUFFER opportunity.

Order Electrical Directly from the Pacific Palms

Package Handling Policy