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.

NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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)

AI, Ethics & the Modern Law Practice: Navigating Technology Responsibly
Bianca Falcon, Esq. and Jonathan Dang

Artificial intelligence and emerging technology are transforming the legal profession, creating new opportunities for efficiency while also raising important ethical concerns. This MCLE will explore how attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals can responsibly use AI while meeting their duties of competence, confidentiality, supervision, candor, and professional judgment. Topics will include AI hallucinations, protection of client information, cybersecurity, AI-generated evidence, billing considerations, staff supervision, and the growing use of agentic AI tools. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, attendees will learn how to recognize common risks, apply ethical safeguards, and develop best practices for incorporating AI and technology into modern legal practice.

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

Legal Writing – Suzanna R. Harman, Esq.
"Motion Practice Under Pressure: Hurdles, Pitfalls, and Practical Strategies"
This fast-paced session will equip you with actionable strategies to navigate complex filing mechanics, avoid critical procedural errors, and manage statutory deadlines under tight timelines.

General Law (Responsible Client Representation) – Antoinette Naddour, Esq.
"Beyond the File: Trauma-Informed Communication and Ethical Advocacy for Vulnerable Clients"
Every legal matter involves a person, and for vulnerable clients, the way a legal professional listens, communicates, and builds trust can profoundly affect both the legal outcome and the client's willingness to engage with the justice system.

Litigation - Appellate Procedure – Patricia A. Teunisse, Esq.
"Appeal Basics: You Thought the Hard Part Was Over, What About the Appeal?"
This seminar focuses on how to protect the record before an appeal, how to file the appeal, and the procedural mechanics up to and including the briefing of the appeal.

Immigration Law – Patrick Valdez, Esq.
"Immigration Under Trump 2.0"
New rules. Real consequences. Get the facts on public charge, removal defense, and consular processing, and learn how to protect yourself and your family.

Professional Development (NALA CP/No CLE) – Terry Wright, ACP
"Why Become a Certified Paralegal?!"
[DESCRIPTION PENDING]

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

11:45 – 1:00 Lunch Served
Keynote Speaker – Justice Dorothy Kim
"The Role of Paralegals in Fast-Changing Times"
Exhibitor Raffles

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

Civil Rights Law – Capri Maddox, Esq.
"LA City - Civil Rights Dept. Discrimination Enforcement"
[DESCRIPTION PENDING]

Employment Law – Dane Cummaro, Esq.
"Employment Litigation from Intake to Trial: A Practical Guide for Paralegals"
This presentation will provide a lawyer’s perspective on the lifecycle of an employment case.

Litigation - Defense – Jeff Fishkin, Esq.
"The Litigation Lifecycle: What Attorneys Need from Paralegals and Why It Matters"
Taking a new case from pre-litigation through trial.

Personal Injury – Kamelia Jalilvand, Esq.
"Slip Happens: Premises Liability from Both Sides of the Aisle"
This session will address how to develop a premises liability case and anticipated defenses.

Resume/Interview Skills Development (No CLE) – Tracey Perkins, MBA
"More Than A Resume: The ParaLeader Blueprint for Building Your Career-Defining Brand"
[DESCRIPTION PENDING]

2:20 – 3:20 General Session (Ethics + Infrastructure)

Tracey Perkins, MBA
"The Ethics of Invisible Work: When Legal Systems Fail Before People Do"
Ethical failures rarely begin with bad intentions.

3:20 - 3:30 Awards

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

Exhibitor Raffles

Closing Remarks

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors

Los Angeles Paralegal Association upcoming events

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