Upcoming Events & Programs

2026 SCCTLA Belli Trial Skills Seminar

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Build Better Cases. Get Better Results.

In the spirit of the late Melvin Belli, this seminar serves as a forum to learn innovative strategies, tactics, and techniques to help your law firm thrive. Today’s plaintiff attorneys know that most cases never reach a jury. The strongest advocates, however, use the same skills that make a great trial lawyer to build leverage, communicate the value of a case, negotiate from a position of strength, and ultimately achieve better results for their clients. This year’s seminar is designed around those practical, real-world skills.

Our speakers will share strategies and lessons that can be put to work immediately, whether your next case settles at mediation, resolves through negotiation, or goes all the way to trial. Presentations will focus on the decisions and techniques that can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of a case.

The half-day program is fast-paced, with each presenter given 20 minutes. The format is the same one used by the late Mr. Belli and has been very well received by both attendees and presenters.

Build better cases. Get better results.

2026 Presenters: TBA

The seminar is moderated by SCCTLA President-elect, Kathryn Holt Montaperto and Melvin C. Belli.

Date, Time & Location

  • Friday, October 2nd
  • 9 am to 12:30 pm
  • Westin San Jose Hotel

Continental breakfast provided beginning at 8:15 am.

This activity is approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California. This program qualifies for 3 hours of General MCLE credit. SCCTLA is a certified provider. Provider # 3376.

Earn Your Mandatory CLE Specials Online

Self-Study CLE Videos

Visit the archive for additional self-study videos. The following videos are available for on-demand viewing. Upon completion, please notify SCCTLA for your Certificate of Completion. It is up to the attorney to self report the credit hours to the CA State Bar. All videos are password protected.

Ethics

Update on Legal Ethics

Ethical Issues in Negotiation & Conflict Dispute Resolution

Bias, Competence & Civility

Unveiling Implicit Bias

Is Practicing Law Driving Us Crazy?

Civility in the Legal Profession

Video Recording of the 2025 Trial & Mediation Skills Seminar

Register to View the Trial & Mediation Skills Seminar

Catch a video replay of the 2025 SCCTLA Belli Trial & Mediation Skills Seminar. In the spirit of the late Melvin Belli, this seminar serves as a forum to learn innovative strategies, tactics, and techniques to help your law firm thrive. Learn from top legal minds (15 minutes per presentation) and discover new ways to increase the value of your cases.

About SCCTLA

Providing members with continuing legal education, social and professional networking opportunities.

Mission Statement:  The Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association is a non-profit organization committed to providing members with continuing legal education, networking & involvement with the local bench, providing the community with fair access to the justice system & promoting a positive image of Trial Lawyers.

SCCTLA is a State Bar of California approved MCLE provider.

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