02/4/2026: Wellness / Competence
Presenter: Cindy Tobisman
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM:
We all know how to study for the hearing or the oral argument or even to give a toast at a wedding.
We all know how to practice, and we know how to dress the part.
But none of this means that we’re calm, cool, and collected when we step up in front of our audience.
Getting a good performance out of ourselves requires a wholly different set of tools than the ones that let us cram well for the test. Performing requires the ability to regulate our nervous system and find a felt sense of safety. In short, it requires presence.
GMSR managing partner, Cindy Tobisman, has presented dozens of arguments before the California Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court during her 25-year career as an appellate attorney. As a veteran oral advocate, Ms. Tobisman has tools to offer to create the sort of focused presence that allows the advocate to field questions from a judge or an appellate panel (in short, to read the room and to react to it).
In addition to practicing law, Cindy is a traditionally published novelist. She won the 2018 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction for her second novel, “Proof.”
MCLE fees are non-refundable unless a cancellation request is made
at least three days before the event.
MCLE credits: The Santa Cruz County Bar Association has certified that this activity has been approved by the State Bar of California for one hour of MCLE credit.
This MCLE qualifies for extra credit: Wellness Competence
