32nd Annual CADC Conference & Seminar

The 32nd Annual CADC Conference & Seminar, organized by the California Appellate Defense Counsel (CADC), is scheduled for March 20 and 21, 2026, at the South San Francisco Conference Center in South San Francisco. This event serves as a premier gathering for appellate defense attorneys, focusing on enhancing professional skills and promoting the fair administration of justice.

The conference will cover a range of pertinent topics, including the practical and ethical use of AI in appellate practice, strategies for creating a sustainable and satisfying appellate practice, and new issues in Racial Justice Act (RJA) litigation. Sessions will also address standards of review and prejudice on appeal, mental state defenses in homicide cases, and the advantages of effective collaboration between trial and appellate attorneys.

Attendees will have opportunities to engage in networking receptions, including a no-host cocktail hour at The Landing, DoubleTree Hotel, and a dinner in the Baden Room at the conference center. Notable speakers include the Honorable Kelli M. Evans, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California, who will deliver a distinguished guest address.

This conference is ideal for appellate defense attorneys seeking to stay abreast of developments in criminal and dependency law, enhance their practice through specialized sessions, and connect with peers dedicated to the field. Participation is restricted to those not affiliated with prosecutorial or law enforcement agencies, ensuring a focused environment for defense counsel.