The Labor & Employment Law Section of The Bar Association of San Francisco presents
Labor and Employment Law Conference - 2026
50th Anniversary
Date
|
Friday, February 6, 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026 |
| MCLE |
7 Hours |
Location
|
Yosemite Lodge
Yosemite, CA |
We are excited to be returning to the breathtaking Yosemite Valley in 2026, the BASF Labor and Employment Law Conference is set to take place on February 6th and 7th, 2026, at the iconic Yosemite Lodge and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel.
CONFERENCE DETAILS
FRIDAY
MCLE Registration: 12:00 p.m. (re-opens 30 minutes before each Panel to sign in for MCLE Credit)
Conference Time: 1:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Location: Cliff Room at the Yosemite Lodge | Light refreshments will be provided.
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | MCLE: 1.5 Hours
PANEL I: Year in Review
Important, Surprising, and Perplexing Labor & Employment Decisions from the Past Year
Speakers
This panel will summarize the major labor and employment cases from 2025 and provide an update on new and proposed legislation in this field. You will hear from the plaintiff side, defense side, a federal judge, and a labor lawyer, who will provide a diverse range of perspectives on recent developments in the law and how these developments will impact your clients and cases.
Time: 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. | MCLE: 1.5 Hours
PANEL II: How to Stop Worrying and Embrace Arbitration
Speakers
Moderator
This panel will explore some of the less well-known benefits of arbitration, including for plaintiffs. It will include practice tips to get the best results from arbitration, a look back at the rise of arbitration in the practice of labor and employment law, and the differences between labor and employment arbitration.
Reception: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Location: Garden Terrace at the Yosemite Lodge
SATURDAY
Executive Committee Meeting led by Chair: BJ Chisholm, Altshuler Berzon
Time: 7:50 - 8:15 a.m. | Location: Mountain Room at the Yosemite Lodge
Breakfast | Breakfast for Conference Attendees only. (Bring your Conference name badge for access)
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Location: Mountain Room at the Yosemite Lodge
MCLE Registration: 7:30 a.m.
Time: 8:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Conference Location: Cliff Room at the Yosemite Lodge | Light refreshments will be provided for Conference Attendees only.
Note: BASF's Labor and Employment Section Business Meeting will IMMEDIATELY take place after Conference concludes on Saturday.
Time: 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. | MCLE: 1.5 Hours
PANEL III: Preparing for Employment Trials Through Mock Jury Exercises and Surveys
Speakers
Moderator
Many employment trials are decided based on witness likeability and credibility assessments that are challenging for attorneys and advocates to assess in advance. Moreover, the jury’s views of a particular company, current event, or political issue may also influence a case’s outcome. Given these factors, employment attorneys often engage in mock jury or survey exercises to gain critical insight into how a jury might evaluate their claims, defenses, themes, and evidence. This panel will dive into the world of mock jury and survey exercises, including the pros and cons, the types of cases that might benefit, the insights that may be gleaned, practical implications (timing, in-person vs. remote, whether to rely on videotaped depositions or utilize role play), and real world examples of past mock juries gone wrong and right.
Time: 9:55 - 11:00 a.m. | MCLE: 1 Hour
PANEL IV: AI at Work: Risk, Compliance, and Employee Impact under California Law
Speakers
Moderator
A diverse panel comprising in-house employment counsel and the employer-side bar as well as members from academia and the government representing employee rights and protections will discuss the evolving landscape of AI in recruitment and hiring; performance management; and employee monitoring, including opportunities for new efficiencies and potential pitfalls; the scope and impact of the CRD’s new AI regulations; and other recommended best practices related to the use of AI in the workplace.
Time: 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | MCLE: 1.5 Hours
PANEL V: 50 Years of Labor and Employment Law
Speakers
Moderator