2011 CAALA President Philip Michels to Welcome in 2012 President at 63rd Annual Installation & Awards Dinner

2011 Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) President Philip Michels will pass on his title at CAALA's 63rd Annual Installation & Awards Dinner being held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 21, 2012 from 5:30 - 11:00 pm. After a successful year as president, Mr. Michels will turn over control to the 2012 CAALA president, Michael Alder. Notable accomplishments spearheaded by Mr. Michels during his tenure include an increase in new membership by nearly 50 percent, the introduction of the new lawyers' program, a record-breaking turnout at the annual Las Vegas convention, and a significant increase in CAALA revenue.

CAALA is the nation's largest local association of plaintiffs' attorneys.

Philip Michels Speaks at Consumer Attorneys of California 50^th Annual Convention

Philip Michels, Principal of Michels & Watkins, led a panel at the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) 50^th Annual Convention, held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, California. The panel, "Electronic Medical Records - Do You Have The Whole Story?" discussed the use of electronic medical records in litigation, including discovery, input errors and special issues.

CAOC is an organization of more than 3,000 attorneys who represent plaintiffs and consumers seeking responsibility from wrongdoers.

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) President Philip Michels Hosts Town Hall Meeting at the Las Vegas Convention

CAALA President Philip Michels hosted the annual Town Hall Meeting at the Las Vegas Convention on September 9, 2011 from 12:30pm -1:30pm. The keynote speaker was Carolyn Kuhl, Presiding Judge of the Civil Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court. Other speakers included: Gary Paul, President of the American Association of Justice and John Montevideo, President of Consumer Attorneys of California. The 2011 Town Hall Meeting discussed state and national legislative issues, budget cutbacks and the impact on the civil justice system.

CAALA is the nation's largest local association of plaintiffs' attorneys.

Shirley Watkins Speaks at Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) 29^th Annual Convention

Shirley Watkins participated on a panel at the CAALA 29^th Annual Convention held in Las Vegas on September 8-11, 2011. On the panel titled "Depositions," Ms. Watkins explained how to prepare depositions with a focus on deposing Persons Most Knowledgeable (PMK), appointed by Corporations and Government agencies to testify on their behalf, and Custodians of Records, individuals who oversee all requests for medical records maintained by the Health Care Agency.

CAALA is the nation's largest local association of plaintiffs' attorneys.

Steven Stevens Speaks at Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) 29^th Annual Convention

Steven Stevens participated on a panel at the CAALA 29^th Annual Convention held in Las Vegas on September 8-11, 2011. On the panel titled "Liens," Mr. Stevens explored the pertinent aspects of Medi-Cal liens, medical bills that are paid from funds recovered for an injury, and Ahlborn, a holding which prohibits reimbursement for Medicaid costs intended to cover medical expenses such as pain and suffering and wage loss.

CAALA is the nation's largest local association of plaintiffs' attorneys.

Philip Michels, 2011 President of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and the Michels & Watkins team attend the CAALA annual convention in Las Vegas.

From left to right: Philip Michels, Helene Bizar, Dr. Bradford S. Davis, M.D. and Shirley Watkins.

Philip Michels, Shirley Watkins and Steven Stevens Speak at Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles 28^th Annual Convention.

Philip Michels, Shirley Watkins and Steven Stevens participated on panels at the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) 28^th Annual Convention held in Las Vegas. On the panel titled "Malpractice Cases," Mr. Michels, who is also president-elect of CAALA, discussed the development and resolution of medical malpractice cases. On the "Discovery" panel, Ms. Watkins explained how to prepare and defend plaintiff depositions. In the "Specialty Credits" session, Mr. Stevens discussed Medi-Cal and other government liens.

CAALA is the nation's largest local association of plaintiffs' attorneys.