In this episode, San Francisco family law attorney Jill Hersh joins Direct Examination for a candid conversation about real-world lawyering, professional judgment, and the human dynamics that shape legal outcomes. Drawing on practical experience, the conversation explores how attorneys navigate client expectations, strategy decisions, and the realities of practice beyond the textbooks.

On Direct Examination, hosts Dan Bemel and Lauren Youngman interview leading Family Law practitioners, judicial officers, and mediators to unpack the technical realities of practice: building a case from the ground up, navigating client relationships, crafting arguments that resonate with the bench, and avoiding common procedural and strategic missteps. They also explore how to work productively with opposing counsel, especially when personalities or litigation styles add complexity—an area closely tied to civility in the legal profession.

Presented by UBS

📂 Access materials: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lVZU_uk7w_FNTbBWBAtcBLo1H54gCEOc/view?usp=sharing

No CLE is provided for this program.

This special episode of Direct Examination brings together three giants of California Family Law—Larry Ginsberg, Neal Hersh, and Alexandra Leichter—for an in-depth, candid conversation about the practice, the profession, and the evolution of the field.

On Direct Examination, hosts Dan Bemel and Lauren Youngman interview leading Family Law practitioners, judicial officers, and mediators to unpack the technical realities of practice.

This episode goes further—delving into the personal and professional histories of three legendary attorneys. Together, they reflect on pivotal career moments, landmark cases, and legislative developments that have shaped their work and the broader Family Law landscape. The result is a rare roundtable with some of the field’s most influential voices, offering both practical insight and a living history of the profession.

📂 Access materials: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wn47CZvb0eIbS0AHOdqL_Nms2dGS-MQH/view?usp=sharing

No CLE is provided for this program.