CEB (Continuing Education of the Bar)

As set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding for the Sponsorship of the Continuing Education of the Bar Program by the Regents of the University of California, CEB's objectives are to:

1. Keep members of the legal profession informed of changes and developments in the law through instruction, publications and other services;
2. Provide continuing legal education to members of the legal profession in significant areas of legal practice;
3. Promote greater efficiency in the practice of law by providing instruction, publications, and other services for law office management;
4. Present courses and publish materials concerned with the ethical and professional responsibilities of the members of the legal profession;
5. Provide such other services supportive of the purposes set forth above.

CEB's goal is to collaborate with members of the legal profession to "deliver the best current knowledge for the proficient and successful practice of law, thereby contributing to the betterment of the members of the legal profession, the public and the administration of justice."[4]

Oversight of CEB is provided by the CEB Governing Committee. The Committee consists of nine voting members: four members appointed by the State Bar of California and five members appointed by the University of California. The University appoints the chair, and the State Bar's Board of Governors appoints the vice chair. The vice chair must be a lawyer in active practice in California. The other members the State Bar appoints include the Executive Director of the State Bar, or the Executive Director's designee who must be a lawyer, and two members who are actively practicing law in California, at least one of whom represents the interests of the sections of the State Bar.[5] The Committee reviews and approves CEB's annual publishing and educational program, strategic objectives, annual budget, and recommendations from the Director on the overall operation of CEB.

CEB's CLE courses are typically presented by practicing attorneys and judges with expertise in the course's subject matter. All CEB courses are also available through CEB's "On Demand" service. In June 2012, CEB began offering podcasts on recent developments, beginning with two podcasts on the decision in Brinker Restaurant Corp. v Superior Court (Hohnbaum) (2012) 53 C4th 1004.[6]

CLE courses cover substantive practice areas including business law, criminal law, employment law, estate planning, real property law, family law, and litigation. CEB also offers law practice management programs, including "Making Sure You Get Paid: Accounts Receivable Management" which is available online to members of the Bar free of charge.[7] CEB also tackles subjects required by the California State Bar's minimum Continuing Legal Education Program, including legal ethics, elimination of bias, and substance abuse.[8]

Each year CEB and the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law present a 12-hour Estate Planning Institute in Los Angeles. The program focuses on advanced estate planning and estate tax issues. Each January, CEB presents a two-day fair in several locations across California that focuses on recent developments in the areas of estate planning, real property, business law, civil litigation and torts, and ethics.

In 2013 CEB created the Estate Planning Intensive Course (EPIC) and in 2015 the Family Law Intensive Course (FLIC). Both courses prepare attorneys for the Certified Specialist exams in their respective fields. The courses are online over 12 weeks from July to Oct every odd year before the late October exam is administered.

CEB publishes more than 120 regularly updated practice guides in substantive areas including business law; civil litigation and torts; criminal law; employment law & workers' compensation; estate planning, trust and probate; family law; public law; and real property.[9] CEB also publishes books on law practice management topics.

The Association for Continuing Legal Education (ACLEA) has issued the Awards of Professional Excellence and of Outstanding Achievement to over 20 of CEB's practice guides, technological adoptions, and marketing efforts since 1992.

CEB also publishes more than 25 "Action Guides," which are short, softbound books that describe step-by-step how to handle a specific task for a client. Action Guides are updated every two years.

CEB publishes four periodicals: the quarterly "California Business Law Practitioner," as well as the "California Business Law Reporter," the "Estate Planning and California Probate Reporter," and the "Real Property Law Reporter," which are published every two months.[10] The publications are designed to keep the practitioner up to date concerning developments in his or her practice area.

In conjunction with the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER), CEB publishes a number of criminal law handbooks and benchbooks, including the Felony Sentencing Handbook[11] and the Mandatory Criminal Jury Instructions Handbook.[12]

CEB's practice guides and Action Guides are available online through OnLAW. OnLAW allows the user to search a book or a library of books for specific words, to answer legal questions and locate forms. Books published on OnLAW are embedded with links to U.S. Supreme Court cases, as well as California cases and codes.[13]

• 2017 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Real Property Ownership and Taxation
• 2016 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Employee Leave Laws: Compliance and Litigation
• 2015 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Fiduciary Accounting Handbook
• 2014 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Neighbor Disputes: Law and Litigation
• 2012 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Criminal Sentencing Enhancements
• 2011 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, California Wage and Hour Law and Litigation
• 2010 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, California Real Estate Brokers: Law and Litigation
• 2008 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration
• 2006 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, California Domestic Partnerships
• 2005 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Internet Law and Practice in California
• 2003 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Technology, C@sesfirst!
• 2002 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, California Trust Administration, 2d Ed.
• 2001 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing, Personalized Web Page for CLE Information
• 1996 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, California Trial Objections, 3d Ed.
• 1996 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications, Forming and Operating California Limited Liability Companies
• 1996 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing, New Attorney Kit
• 1996 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing, CEB CD-ROM Campaign
• 1996 Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Use of Technology, CEB CD-ROM Civil Litigation Practice Library
• 1995 Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Use of Technology, CEB Call In Telesemeniars
• 1993 Best Technological Application, Winner
• 1993 Best Marketing Idea, 2nd Runner Up
• 1992 Best Technological Idea

CEB offers free content to practicing attorneys and members of the public on its blog,[14] law alerts,[15] and discussion forums.[16] The American Bar Association acknowledged CEB's blog as one of the top 100 law blogs in 2011.[17]

CEB publishes blog posts three times a week on substantive topics including business law, civil litigation, constitutional law, criminal law, elder law, employment law, estate planning, evidence, family law, public law, real property, and tort law.[18] The blog also covers legal writing,[19] litigation strategy,[20] new legal developments,[21] the practice of law,[22] and profiles of California attorneys.[23]

Throughout the years, the key to the success of CEB's programs and publications has been the generosity of the attorneys and judges who have volunteered to speak and write for CEB. These individuals—motivated not by hopes of personal gain but by their love of teaching and dedication to improving the profession—have made an enduring contribution to the continuing education of attorneys through their work over the years. To acknowledge these contributors and their service to the legal profession, CEB initiated the "Spirit of CEB" Awards in 2005. These awards are an acknowledgement of the selfless sharing of information by these colleagues for the betterment of the legal profession and the society it serves.

CEB honored the following volunteer authors and speakers:

2016

• Katherine E. Stoner, Commissioner, Monterey County Superior Court, Monterey
• Peter S. Muñoz, Reed Smith LLP, San Francisco

2015

• Richard S. Kinyon, Shartsis Friese LLP, San Francisco
• Wendel Rosen Black & Dean LLP, Oakland

2014

• James Birnberg, Oldman, Cooley, Sallus, Gold, Birnberg & Coleman LLP, Encino
• Clara Ruyan Martin, The Law Office of Clara Martin PC, Los Angeles
• Stephen Kostka, Perkins Coie LLP, San Francisco
• Marilyn D. Anticouni, Santa Barbara
• Lawrence E. Leone, Law Offices Lawrence E. Leone, Los Angeles
• Dee Dee Blackwood, San Luis Obispo

2013

• Ann C. Harris, A Professional Corporation, Carlsbad
• Frederick Hertz, Law Office of Frederick Hertz, Oakland
• Micha S. Liberty, Liberty Law, Oakland
• Keith W. McBride, Dipenbroch Elkin LLP, Sacramento
• Shanon K. Quinley, Law Offices of Shanon K. Quinley, Pasadena
• Michael H. Zischke, Cox Castle & Nicholson LLP, San Francisco

2012

• Honorable Kathleen M. Banke, Civil Litigation Publications
• Honorable Colleen S. Casey, Workers’ Compensation Publications
• Debra Frank, Family Law Publications
• Margaret Hand, Estate Planning Programs
• Charles A. Hansen, Real Property Programs
• Honorable Gale P. Hickman (Ret.), Family Law Programs
• Stanley K. Jacobs, Civil Litigation Programs
• Sonya Bekoff Molho, Real Property Publications
• Jonathan T. Rubens, Business Law Programs
• Whitney Skala, Business Law Publications
• Peter S. Stern, Estate Planning Publications
• Carolyn Wiggin, Criminal Law Publications

2010

PROGRAM SPEAKERS

• Michael C. Tobriner, Law Offices of Michael C. Tobriner, San Francisco, Family Law
• Margaret Hart Edwards, Littler Mendelson, San Francisco, Business Law
• James R. Birnberg, Oldman, Cooley, Sallus, Gold, Birnberg & Coleman LLP, Encino, Estate Planning
• David M. Van Atta, Hanna & Van Atta, Palo Alto, Real Property

PUBLICATION AUTHORS

• Mitchell E. Abbott, Richards, Watson & Gershon, Los Angeles, Civil Litigation
• James E. Acret, Pacific Palisades, Real Property
• Ellen A. Friedman, Friedman Dumas & Springwater LLP, San Francisco, Business Law
• Sandra Price, Sideman & Bancroft LLP, San Francisco, Estate Planning

2008

PROGRAM SPEAKERS

• Edward T. Swanson, Law Offices of Edward T. Swanson, Santa Monica, Business Law
• The Honorable Richard E. Best (Retired), San Francisco, Civil Litigation
• David B. Gaw, Gaw Van Male, Napa, Estate Planning
• D. Thomas Woodruff, Woodruff, O'Hair, Posner & Salinger, Inc., Sacramento, Family Law
• Arthur Mazirow, Real Estate Arbitrations, Los Angeles, Real Property

PUBLICATION AUTHORS

• Richard L. Enkelis (1943-2008), Pasadena, Business Law
• Arnold R. Levinson, Pillsbury & Levinson LLP, San Francisco, Civil Litigation
• Susan M. Popik, Chapman Popik & White, San Francisco, Civil Litigation
• James P. Lambe, Office of the Public Defender, Fresno, Criminal Law
• Gregory Wilcox, Law Office of Gregory Wilcox, Berkeley, Estate Planning
• Gretchen W. Taylor, Los Angeles, Family Law
• Myron Moskovitz, Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, Real Property

2007

PROGRAM SPEAKERS

• Christopher Chediak, Weintraub Genshlea Chediak LC, Sacramento, Business Law
• Craig Needham, Needham, Davis, Kepner & Young LLP, San Jose, Civil Litigation
• Michael Patiky Miller (1944-2007), Barulich Schoknecht Dugoni Law Group, Inc., San Mateo, Estate Planning
• Robert E. Merritt, Moraga, Real Property

PUBLICATION AUTHORS

• J. Patrick Whaley, Peeler & Garrett LLP, Los Angeles, Business Law
• James C. Martin, Reed Smith LLP, Los Angeles, Civil Litigation
• Grace Lidida Suarez, San Francisco, Criminal Law
• Ruth A. Phelps, Phelps, Schwarz & Phelps, Pasadena, Estate Planning
• R. Ann Fallon, Whiting Fallon & Ross, LLP, Walnut Creek, Family Law
• Robert E. Merritt, Moraga, Real Property

Since 2008, CEB has recognized the achievement of first-year law students with Awards for Excellence in Legal Research and Writing at several UC law schools. The award is granted to the top student in the school's first-year research and writing program. The award includes a certificate and a $2,500 cash prize. Winners include:

From the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law

• Matt Gauthier & Eunice Park, 2016[24]
• Neda Khoshkoo, 2015[25]
• Jennifer Barnette, 2014 [26]
• Neda Khoshkhoo, 2013[25]
• Jennifer Barnette, 2012[27]
• Christopher Martin, 2011[28]
• Katie Henderson, 2010[29]
• Chris Bebenek, 2009[30]
• Benjamin Botts, 2008[31]

From the University of California, Davis, School of Law

• Erika Watts, 2016[24]
• Anthony Friedman, 2015[32]
• Christopher Gorman, 2014[33]
• Anthony Friedman, 2013[32]
• Elizabeth Klueck, 2011[34]
• Jessica Hawk, 2010[35]
• Susan Ye, 2009[36]

From the University of California, Irvine, School of Law

• Gregory Mintz, 2010[37]

From the University of California, Hastings College of the Law

• Miruna Pedescu, 2016[24]
• Tyler Cassacia, 2013[38]

Five third-year students were recognized by CEB for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Oral Argument at the 2014 Roger J. Traynor California Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Competition, held April 12 and 13, 2014 at UCLA School of Law. The winners were[39]

• Eurick O’Bryant, University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
• Aaron Blumenthal, UC Berkeley School of Law
• Leah Herras, Golden Gate University School of Law
• Sally Vecchiarelli, San Joaquin College of Law
• Daniel Shimell, UC Davis School of Law

In 2012, CEB acquired AccessLaw. AccessLaw offers published and unpublished California and 9th Circuit cases, as well as cases from the U.S. Supreme Court. AccessLaw also publishes DVDs containing California case law and legislation; California civil and criminal jury instructions; California Judicial Council forms; and U.S. Supreme Court Opinions.[40]

In 2014, CEB acquired Martin Dean's noted Judicial Council Forms: Essential Forms.[24] Essential Forms allows attorneys to easily and efficiently complete, print, and store California Judicial Council Forms. It features shrink-to-fit fonts, custom form groups, custom fields, and a database that automatically fills in new forms with shared data. Optional County Forms Packages are available, which allow some attorneys to efile.

• CEB Blog