Paralegal Conference - 2025

Upholding Justice Through Ethical Practice, Accurate Reporting, and Meaningful Remedies

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting this year’s BASF Paralegal Section Conference, a cornerstone event for professional development, networking, and celebrating the vital role of paralegals in the legal field. This year’s conference promises dynamic speakers, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to connect with fellow legal professionals across the Bay Area and beyond. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, this event is designed to empower, educate, and energize.

Time: 9:15 a.m.
Opening Remarks: 
Amy Jo McGuigan, Swanson & McNamara
BASF's Paralegal Section Chair

Time: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.| MCLE: 1 Hour
Panel I:  Ethics in the Age of AI: Guidance for Legal Teams
Speaker

Amy McGuigan Swanson & McNamara

Artificial intelligence is transforming legal work — but with opportunity comes ethical risk. Attorneys are responsible for supervising staff use of AI, and ethical missteps can jeopardize your role. This session will explore California’s guidelines and the ABA’s latest opinion on generative AI, highlighting what paralegals and legal staff must know to use AI responsibly and protect their attorneys.

Topics

• Overview of generative AI and its role in legal work
• Ethical risks: confidentiality, bias, and accuracy concerns
• California guidelines on attorney and staff use of AI
• ABA’s recent opinion on generative AI
• Practical steps for paralegals to use AI responsibly
• Best practices for supervision and compliance

Time: 10:40 - 11: 40 a.m. | MCLE: 1 Hour
Panel II: Protecting Record Integrity in the Age of AI and Digital Recordings
Speakers