NEWS & EVENTS

The California Coast Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates is proud to announce Jay A. Hieatt, Esq. as the recipient of its 2026 Terrence J. Bonham Civility Award. A member of Hall Hieatt Connely & Bowen LLP in San Luis Obispo, Mr. Hieatt has practiced law in California since 1982 and built a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and a consummate professional. Across more than four decades of litigation, he has shown the qualities this award celebrates: integrity, c

Third Annual Wine Tasting

The Chapter convened on February 18th at the University Club for a timely presentation by special guest Marshall Cole on "Understanding the Use and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Field." Cole offered a compelling overview of how AI is reshaping legal practice — from research and contract drafting to e-discovery — while highlighting the ethical responsibilities lawyers must uphold when using these tools. He reminded members that AI brings both significant oppor