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Making Trials Less Trying

Andrew H. Friedman to Speak at The Rutter Group’s “Making Trials Less Trying” MCLE Program

October 4 – 6, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is excited to announce that Andrew H. Friedman will be speaking at The Rutter Group’s upcoming trial advocacy program – “MAKING TRIALS LESS TRYING: A Step-by-Step Approach for Achieving Winning Verdicts.”

How to make trials less trying featuring Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman LLP.

Mr. Friedman will be speaking on a panel with a fantastic lineup of speakers, including the Presiding Justice for the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division 8 – Justice Maria E. Stratton, Michael D. Stein of Tisdale & Nicholson, LLP, and theatre professional Rachel Stein.

The Rutter Group describes this program as follows: “While most civil actions settle, many do not. In those instances, an attorney must possess a litany of skills to successfully teach the case to 12 strangers who would rather be anywhere else! This comprehensive 4-hour “how to” program, presented by a Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal and experienced plaintiff and defense trial counsel, systematically analyzes each component of a civil jury trial and includes a mock direct and cross-examination demonstration. Specifically designed for novice and seasoned practitioners alike, the program offers innovative ways to convert jurors from passive listeners into engaged participants, presents strategies for portraying yourself as an objective teacher rather than a biased advocate, and highlights techniques for transforming critical jurors into your client’s champions in the deliberation room.”

For more information, find the Trials Less Trying brochure here.

2023-10-20T17:49:26-08:00July 26th, 2023|Andrew Friedman, speaking engagements|Comments Off on Making Trials Less Trying

Pincus 18th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp

Andrew H. Friedman to Speak at The Pincus 18th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp

October 13, 2023 – Andrew H. Friedman will speak at the 18th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp, presented by Pincus Professional Education. Mr. Friedman will be speaking alongside multiple Superior Court judges, including Hon. Lawrence H. Cho (Los Angeles Superior Court), Hon. Harold W. Hopp (Riverside Superior Court), Hon. Kira L. Klatchko (Riverside Superior Court) and Hon. Laura A. Seigle (Los Angeles Superior Court). Also speaking with Mr. Friedman will be many preeminent plaintiff and defendant employment attorneys and other litigators, including Rachel Gezerseh (Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP), Angel James Horacek (Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, P.C.), Courtney Abrams (Courtney Abrams, P.C.), Jason Liang (Liang Ly LLP), Ryan T. Moore (Fox Rothschild LLP), Adam K. Shea (Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP), Matthew C. Slentz (Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC), and Kimberly A. Valentine (Valentine Law Group).

Pincus describes this program as follows: This dynamic and information-packed program will teach you all about litigating in California State Court. It will also teach you what you need to know to be a successful litigator in any court. The program covers your case in state court from start to finish – from developing your case themes, to CMCs, discovery, depos, and motions on through to your pre-trial, trial and post-trial tasks. Check out the agenda tab above to see the details.

Many large and medium-sized firms send multiple associates each year to this program (and to our Federal Court Boot Camp), because they value the instruction and insight provided. In fact t, if you are from a firm that wants to send four or more attorneys, give us a call for an extra special discount. We have multiple judges teaching at each location – many who have taught this course for years. We also have plaintiff and defense attorneys from large and small firms and solos teaching, to make sure you get a variety of perspectives on each topic.

This is a great program for newer attorneys or attorneys wanting to get the court’s perspective on effective litigation techniques. If you are looking for a more advanced or in-depth course on litigation topics, we offer two-part courses on depositions and jury selection as well. The entire seminar is designed to teach you not only what you must do, but also how to do it. The faculty also helps you understand common or easily made mistakes and how to avoid them. This program covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time, so come prepared to learn and to take a lot of notes! Click on the Agenda Tab to see the detailed agenda.

It is an invaluable resource that will help guide you through your cases and ensure your success. Just graduated law school? – can’t miss it. You don’t get these skills and this practical advice in law school. Been an attorney for a while, but have not yet done much beyond document review? This course is for you. Getting ready to take on more litigation related responsibilities at your firm? This course is for you. Has it been a long time since you’ve been in the courtroom or written a motion? This one’s for you as well. And if you’re with a law firm – join many other large law firms and send your multiple associates each year.

9:00 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.
The Early Stuff: Case Themes and Strategies, Advice on submitting Complaints & Answers; Demurrers and Motions to Strike, CMCs


  • Complaints and Answers
    • Rules and Timelines
    • How to do it
    • Strategies
    • Common Mistakes
  • Demurrers/Motions to Strike
  • Demurrers v. Answers
  • Case Management Conference / Scheduling Your Case

 

9:55 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Discovery in State Court


  • Discovery
    • Regular Discovery in state court
    • Types in state court
    • Motions that occur during Discovery, including motions for sanctions
    • Overlooked Deadlines
    • Procedural Issues that are often missed/common mistakes
    • Strategies and choices
      • For Settlements
      • For Trial
    • Superior Court v. Federal Court
    • RFPs
  • E-Discovery
    • Latest State Rules, changes in rules
    • Strategies
    • Cost Saving Measures
    • Mistakes not to make
    • Important state cases
  • Motions to Compel

10:55 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.
BREAK

11:05 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Depositions in State Court


  • Rules Strategies & Timelines for state court
  • State v. Federal rule differences and strategy differences
  • Deciding whom to depose
  • Taking good depositions – Mistakes not to make
  • Making effective use of depositions at trial in state court
  • Practical examples, discussion of anything in the handout

12:05 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Oral Argument


  • Any state rules or court customs/questions they should ask?
  • Top tips

12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch (on your own)

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Motions for Summary Judgment and Summary Adjudication


  • Timeline
  • Responses and Replies – Organization and Effectiveness
  • What is effective and what is not
  • What is persuasive?
  • What judges look for
  • Common mistakes not to make
  • Practical Examples, discussion of handout material

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Heading to Trial and Additional Motions


  • Heading to Trial
    • Final Status Conference
    • Trial Outline
    • Motions to Exclude Witnesses from Courtroom
    • Motions in Limine

Additional Motions

  • Ex parte applications
  • Continuances
  • Reconsideration
  • Motions for Sanctions
  • Motions to Exclude Witnesses from Courtroom
  • 998 offers

2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Your Pre-Trial Tasks, Selecting and Dealing with Your Jury


  • Jury Selection in State Court – Procedure, Strategies and Questionnaires
  • Jury Instructions, Jury Verdict Forms
    • What to do, mistakes not to make
    • State court – rules, local rules, chambers rules
    • Difference between state and federal
  • Evidence at Trial
    • How to get evidence admitted / submitting exhibits at trial
    • Laying foundation
    • Objections & Hearsay Exceptions
    • Privileges
    • Any differences between state and federal rules/procedures
    • Strategic Use

3:30 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.
Your Trial


  • Opening Statements
    • State Court Specific
    • Strategies and Advice
  • Direct and Cross-Examinations of Lay Witnesses
  • State Court Specific
  • How to
  • Strategies and Advice
  • Direct and Cross-Examination of Expert witnesses
  • State Court Specific
  • How to
  • Strategies and Advice
  • Just a few tips on Closing Arguments
  • State Court Specific if there are differences
  • Strategies and Advice

4:25 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
BREAK

4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Preserving the Record for Appeal, Post-Trial Motions and Judgments


  • Preserving the Record for Appeal
  • Post-Trial Motions
    • Motion for a JNOV
    • Motion for a New Trial
    • Attorneys’ Fees
    • Determining “Prevailing Party” under CCP Sec. 998, 1032 & 1033
    • Filing Notice of Appeal
  • Judgments
    • Financial awards
    • Injunctive relief
    • Requirements for entry in jury trials per CCP664
    • How to enforce

To learn more about the program or to register, please visit – https://new.pincusproed.com/product/superior-court-boot-camp-18th-annual-the-nuts-and-bolts-ca/

2023-10-20T17:59:15-08:00July 19th, 2023|Andrew Friedman, speaking engagements|Comments Off on Pincus 18th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp

2023 Employment Mediation Institute Featuring Andrew H. Friedman

The Southern California Mediation Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Speak At Its 2023 Employment Mediation Institute

Transforming Workplace Conflict - Mediation in the Modern Workplace. Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Southern California Mediation Association has invited Andrew H. Friedman to speak at the organization’s 2023 Employment Mediation Institute. Mr. Friedman will speak on a panel with Phyllis Cheng and Anthony J. Oncidi entitled “A Review of the Most Recent, Cutting-Edge Developments in California Employment Law.” The SCMA’s 2023 Employment Mediation Institute will take place in downtown Los Angeles at Loyola Law School on Saturday, August 5, 2023. To learn more about the 2023 Employment Mediation Institute and/or to register to attend, please visit – https://scmediation.org/page/EMI2023Home

2023-06-22T07:07:43-08:00June 22nd, 2023|Andrew Friedman|Comments Off on 2023 Employment Mediation Institute Featuring Andrew H. Friedman

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Elder Abuse Awareness Day - Helmer Friedman LLP is dedicated to defending seniors rights everyday.

At Helmer Friedman LLP, our attorneys are dedicated to defending the rights of seniors who have suffered physical abuse, neglect, fraud, and other financial crimes. Our older community members, who may be vulnerable, deserve our protection.

Sadly, financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, contractors, and even family members have exploited our seniors. We aim to prevent such mistreatment from occurring. #ElderAbuseAwarenessDay #ElderAbuse

2023-10-20T17:43:39-08:00June 15th, 2023|Elder Abuse|Comments Off on Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Cal State University Sued for Gender Discrimination

Lawsuit Accuses California State University, President Tomás Morales, and Dean Jake Zhu of Equal Pay Act Violations, Gender Discrimination, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Other Illegal Behavior

Courtney Abrams, PC & Helmer Friedman LLP Represent Current California State University Employees Accusing CSU Of Illegal Employment Practices

March 14, 2023 (Los Angeles, California) – On this 2023 Equal Pay Day, Courtney Abrams of Courtney Abrams, PC & Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman LLP announced today the filing of a lawsuit against the Board of Trustees of the California State University (“CSU”), the President of CSU’s San Bernardino campus, Tomás Morales, and the Dean of the Palm Desert Campus of CSU, San Bernardino, Jake Zhu.

The lawsuit, Clare Weber & Anissa Rogers v. Board of Trustees of the California State University (the State of California acting in its higher education capacity); Tomás Morales, an individual; and Jake Zhu, an individual (Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 23STCV05549), alleges that CSU has a well-known pattern and practice of violating California’s Equal Pay Act and otherwise engaging in gender discrimination against and harassing its female employees.

The lawsuit further alleges that CSU resorts to an entrenched practice of silencing its victims if they complain, including forcing them to resign by threatening their careers with ruin (like Plaintiff Anissa Rogers), or, if they refuse, simply firing them (like Plaintiff Clare Weber).

Unfortunately, women’s individual stories have often included the reality that their contributions have been undervalued, underpaid, and overlooked. Pay discrimination is a stark example of that reality […] When a woman is paid less than a man for doing the same work […] it not only affects her weekly paycheck but also her long-term economic security.

According to the lawsuit, Dr. Weber, who was the then-Vice Provost at CSU’s San Bernardino campus, complained to Defendant CSU and President Tomás Morales that female Vice Provosts, including herself, were being paid less than their male counterparts. The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Weber specifically protested gender discrimination, including complaining that (1) she had learned that she was not making the same amount of money as her male counterparts in the CSU system and (2) she was one of the lowest-paid despite her large portfolio of assignments. According to the lawsuit, Dr. Weber requested a raise to address the disparity in pay between her and her male colleagues. Indeed, as the EEOC recognized today, allegations like Dr. Weber’s are all too common:

“Unfortunately, women’s individual stories have often included the reality that their contributions have been undervalued, underpaid, and overlooked. Pay discrimination is a stark example of that reality . . . When a woman is paid less than a man for doing the same work . . . it not only affects her weekly paycheck, but also her long-term economic security.”

See “A Message from EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows for 2023 Equal Pay Day and Women’s History Month,”.

The lawsuit likewise alleges that Dr. Rogers, who was the then-Associate Dean at the Palm Desert Campus at CSU, San Bernardino, complained to Dean Jake Zhu that male employees were permitted to harass female employees and that Defendant CSU “needed to do better to disrupt sexism.” According to the lawsuit, Defendant Zhu, who had subjected Dr. Rogers and other female employees to a barrage of sex harassment, instructed Dr. Rogers to just “train the men.”

male employees were permitted to harass female employees, and Defendant CSU ‘needed to do better to disrupt sexism.’

The lawsuit alleges that, thereafter, in identical conversations with both Dr. Weber and Dr. Rogers, current Provost of CSU, San Bernardino, Rafik Mohamed, directed both Dr. Weber and Dr. Rogers to lie to their colleagues and students and say they were “resigning.” According to the lawsuit, Dr. Mohamed was abundantly clear with both Dr. Weber and Dr. Rogers: If you do not resign, you will be fired.

The lawsuit also alleges that multiple current and former employees have corroborated the conduct alleged to be illegal, including one current executive as attesting:

“President Morales is so deeply hostile to and regularly discriminates against female employees who work for him, there is a culture of fear at California State University. And unfortunately, President Morales has a well-known practice of forcing female employees to “resign” or “retire” if they disagree with him or complain. He quickly turns on female employees who report workplace concerns to him and engages in what I can only call a “campaign” to discredit them and remove the female employees.”(Emphasis added)

According to the lawsuit, CSU Chancellor Jolene Koester has been known to have “coached” female employees about how best to endure well-documented sex harassment, discrimination, and retaliation by high-ranking male employees (while doing nothing to stop it).

President Morales is so deeply hostile to and regularly discriminates against female employees who work for him that there is a culture of fear at California State University. And unfortunately, President Morales has a well-known practice of forcing female employees to “resign” or “retire” if they disagree with him or complain. He quickly turns on female employees who report workplace concerns to him and engages in what I can only call a “campaign” to discredit them and remove the female employees.

The lawsuit alleges that after Dr. Weber was fired, Defendant CSU offered multiple conflicting explanations for her firing – none of which were true.

The lawsuit filed by Dr. Weber and Dr. Rogers follows on the heels of a May 2022 study released by the California State University Employees Union finding that the current pay structure within CSU has resulted in white women being paid roughly five percent less than white men, men of color making about three percent less, and women of color having a nearly seven percent disparity in pay when compared to white men. See CSUEU Salary Study.

Dr. Weber and Dr. Rogers are represented by Courtney Abrams, PC, and Helmer Friedman, LLP, California law firms that represent employees and other individuals seeking to vindicate their rights.

Speaking about the lawsuit, Courtney Abrams stated, “California law is clear: it is illegal for employers to subject female employees to inferior and hostile working conditions and pay them less than their male counterparts.”

Andrew H. Friedman likewise stated: “California law is abundantly clear that an employer – not even the State of California – may retaliate against an employee because she complains about gender discrimination and harassment.”

Current and former employees of California State University who wish to report their work experiences or learn more about the lawsuit should complete a case evaluation form and/or visit https://courtneyabramslaw.com/csu-sued-for-gender-discrimination-and-sex-harassment.

For more information about this lawsuit, please contact Courtney Abrams (at 310-490-1547 or courtney@courtneyabramslaw.com) or Andrew H. Friedman (at 310-396-7714 x. 106 or afriedman@helmerfriedman.com).

Similarly, if you are a witness or have information that would be relevant to the claims of Dr. Weber or Dr. Rogers, please contact Mr. Friedman and/or Ms. Abrams.

DOCUMENTS:

MEDIA COVERAGE:

2023-06-21T09:30:56-08:00March 14th, 2023|Case Update, discrimination, Front Page News, gender discrimination, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, retaliation, sexual harassment|Comments Off on Cal State University Sued for Gender Discrimination

Annual Employment Law Review

Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to Reprise Their Annual Employment Law Update for Los Angeles County Bar Association

March 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association has asked Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to reprise their Annual Employment Law Update on March 23, 2023, at the Section’s 43rd Labor and Employment Law Symposium. The presentation – entitled “An Oncidi/Friedman Annual Employment Law Review” – will mark the third time that Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have presented their annual update presentation, as a team, to the Los Angeles County Bar Association. In addition, Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have each separately also presented their annual update to the Los Angeles County Bar Association with other speakers.

The Labor and Employment Law Section describes the program as: “This past year, as usual, there was an abundance of new employment laws and appellate decisions. Andrew H. Friedman and Anthony Oncidi reprise their annual update on employment law, covering new statutes and top cases, with an emphasis on the cases of greatest utility to employment law practitioners.”

For more information about Section’s 43rd Labor and Employment Law Symposium and/or to register for the program, please visit https://lacba.org/?pg=Events&evAction=showDetail&eid=264842&evSubAction=listAll

2023-03-07T10:52:41-08:00March 7th, 2023|Andrew Friedman, speaking engagements|Comments Off on Annual Employment Law Review

Workplace Investigators Law Review Article

Helmer Friedman Attorneys Author Front Page Law Review Article About Workplace Investigators

March 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to congratulate Partner Helmer Friedman LLP Andrew H. Friedman Leader Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation Employment Law.Andrew H. Friedman and Courtney Abrams on the inclusion of their article Attorney Workplace Investigations: Neither Impartial Nor Independent in the most recent edition of the California Labor & Employment Law Review on the review’s front cover.

2023-03-07T10:12:32-08:00March 7th, 2023|A.F.Friedman, Front Page News|Comments Off on Workplace Investigators Law Review Article

Erin Kelly & Andrew H. Friedman Author Article For The Advocate Magazine

New Employment Laws of 2023, Advocate Magazine

February 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the February 2023 Advocate Magazine, a journal of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, contains an article written by Helmer Friedman LLP attorneys Erin Kelly and Andrew H. Friedman2023’s new employment laws (with a bit of color commentary).  The article can be reviewed here.

2023-02-08T09:13:34-08:00February 8th, 2023|A.F.Friedman, employment law publications, Erin Kelly|Comments Off on Erin Kelly & Andrew H. Friedman Author Article For The Advocate Magazine

Andrew H. Friedman Named Super Lawyers Top 100 Southern California List

0 Consecutive Years
Super Lawyer of the Year!

 

February 1, 2023 – According to the Los Angeles County Bar Association, there are over 25,000 lawyers in the Los Angeles area. Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the lawyer rating service Super Lawyers has named Andrew H. Friedman to its list of the Top 100 attorneys in Southern California.

Awarded Super Lawyer!

2023-02-02T11:40:53-08:00February 2nd, 2023|employment law|Comments Off on Andrew H. Friedman Named Super Lawyers Top 100 Southern California List

Chambers USA Awards Andrew H. Friedman With Its Highest Possible Rating (“Band 1”) for Labor & Employment Law

January 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that Chambers USA, the Nation’s leading legal data and analytics provider, awards Mr. Friedman with its highest possible rating (“Band 1”) for Labor & Employment – see https://chambers.com/lawyer/andrew-h-friedman-usa-5:25940936. Chambers bases its ranking on the following qualities:
The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment.

Chambers rankings are considered the definitive mark of excellence across the legal industry. A ranking from Chambers shows that a law firm has stood out in the most rigorous, independent and in-depth research process of any legal directory on the market, and has emerged as one of the best in the field. According to a review published in Chambers USA, “Andrew Friedman of Helmer Friedman is recognized among peers for his work representing both individuals and classes in a variety of matters, ranging from harassment to wage and hour suits. ‘He’s an excellent plaintiff lawyer who offers a really good perspective.’”

2023-02-08T10:10:52-08:00January 9th, 2023|Front Page News, Labor & Employment Law|Comments Off on Chambers USA Awards Andrew H. Friedman With Its Highest Possible Rating (“Band 1”) for Labor & Employment Law
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