SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026

The Power Trio – Behind-the-Scenes of the In-House Counsel-Claims-Outside Counsel Collaboration

Like any great film, litigation success depends on what happens behind the scenes. This candid, dynamic panel pulls back the curtain on the three key players driving corporate legal outcomes: in-house counsel, claims professionals, and outside defense counsel. Using a “studio collaboration” lens, panelists will explore communication gaps, expectation misfires, and the storytelling disconnects that derail cases. Attendees will learn how to align strategy early, streamline reporting, enhance trust, and build a shared narrative that leads to better results—for the company, the client, and the bottom line.

From Gatekeeper to Executive Producer – The New Role of Female In-House Counsel

Today’s most effective female in-house counsel aren’t just managing risk—they’re using their unique perspective to shape corporate strategy, influence governance, and drive business outcomes. This session explores the powerful evolution from traditional “legal gatekeeper” to true “executive producer” within the corporate structure. We’ll discuss how women counsel use key tactics pulled directly from the world of actors and influencers to persuade in the boardroom, use enterprise-wide perspectives to guide decision-making, and flip the script from cost center to strategic asset. Attendees will gain tools to elevate their roles, amplify their voices, and take the lead in defining their organization’s next act.

The Female Advocate’s Edit – Power, Presence and Performance Without the ‘Difficult’ Label

Women litigators and claims leaders often walk a tightrope between assertiveness and stereotype. This session rewrites that script. Using storytelling, communication research, and real-world advocacy examples, we’ll examine how women can command a room, lead tough negotiations, and deliver powerful courtroom performances without being mislabeled as “aggressive” or “difficult.” Attendees will learn how to craft an authentic advocacy persona, leverage credibility instead of volume, and reclaim narrative control in depositions, hearings, and strategic conversations. The new edit: powerful, persuasive, unapologetically effective.

The Jury as Your Audience – Directing the Story for Maximum Impact

Jurors are more than fact-finders—they’re your audience. And like any audience, they respond to compelling stories, relatable characters, and emotional truth. This session dives into modern juror psychology, social influence, and the narrative tools that win trials. We’ll explore cognitive biases, generational shifts, and how to craft defense themes that flip traditional expectations. Attendees will learn to “direct the courtroom story,” shaping what jurors see, hear, and believe from opening scene to final verdict. If storytelling is the heart of advocacy, this is your masterclass.

Trial by Spotlight – Lessons from the Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Case and Others

High-profile trials—whether involving celebrities, corporations, or viral public attention—live at the intersection of litigation and performance. In this session you will hear from one of the lawyers who cross examined Gwyneth Paltrow in the prominent 2023 ski injury case, and examine how narrative, demeanor, credibility, and media scrutiny shape outcomes. We will explore strategies every lawyer and claim professional needs to know about handling a case in the spotlight. From managing public narratives to anticipating juror reactions, this session reveals how to win when the courtroom becomes a stage.

Rewrite Your Ending – Redefining Success Without Burning Out

In a profession defined by long hours, high stakes, and constant urgency, burnout often feels like an inevitable plot point—especially for women balancing multiple roles. This session reframes the story. We’ll explore how to redefine success on your own terms, set sustainable boundaries, build a support structure, and create a career arc that energizes instead of exhausts. Using Hollywood metaphors and real-world strategies, attendees will learn how to craft a new ending—one where accomplishment doesn’t come at the cost of well-being. Your sequel starts here.

California’s New Script – The Employment Law Reboot

California’s employment laws are constantly being rewritten—sometimes faster than employers, counsel, and claims teams can keep up. This session gives attendees a front-row seat to the latest “reboot” of workplace regulations, including new leave expansions, domestic violence protections, pay transparency obligations, and emerging litigation trends. We’ll explore how these developments reshape risk, influence claims strategies, and shift expectations for inside and outside counsel. Walk away with a refreshed understanding of what’s coming next—and how to stay ahead of California’s ever-changing legal storyline.