SABA North America Annual Conference

JAMS is a proud sponsor of the SABA North America Annual Conference.

The SABA North America Annual Conference will take place June 18–21, 2026, in San Diego, California. The conference brings together attorneys, judges, law students, and other legal professionals from across the United States and Canada for programming focused on legal developments, professional engagement, and issues affecting the South Asian legal community. The program includes continuing legal education (CLE) sessions, panel discussions, and networking events.

JAMS Attendees and Speaker: Rachel A. Gupta, Esq., Shirish Gupta, Melissa Lelaind, Joanne Saint-Louis, Hon. Shashi H. Kewalramani(Ret.), Sukhsimranjit Singh Ph.D., Hon. Jackson Lucky(Ret.), and Hon. Randa M. Trapp(Ret.).

Featured Panel:

From Aunties (and Uncles) to Arbitrators: Managing Community Clients Without Breaking Ethical Rules
Friday June 19, 2026 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
South Asian attorneys often face unique practice management challenges arising from the intersection of cultural values and professional obligations. How do you handle a potential client who is a close family friend without risking a conflict of interest? How do you manage confidentiality when a client’s family expects to be involved in decision-making? This ethics CLE explores the friction between South Asian cultural norms—such as collectivism, deference to hierarchy, and indirect communication—and the explicit requirements of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The CLE will provide practical practice management tips to maintain ethical boundaries while respecting cultural nuances.
Speakers:

• Emil Ali- Partner, McCabe & Ali, LLP 
• Sabera Choudhury- Managing Director, BRG 
• Hon. Shashi H. Kewalramani (Ret.)- Mediator, Arbitrator, Court-Appointed Neutral (Referee/Special Master), Neutral Evaluator, JAMS 
• Sidra Zaheer- Partner Rosing, Pott & Strohbehn

Faith, Work & Human Rights: Religious Accommodation in the Modern Workplace
Friday June 19, 2026 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Explores the legal framework for religious expression and workplace neutrality policies across North American jurisprudence.
Speakers:

• Jim Sonne- Professor, Stanford Law School
• Lipi Mishra- Litigation Associate, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• Marissa Rossetti- Senior Staff Attorney, Sikh Coalition
• Richa Oza- Employment Lawyer, Don Valley Community Legal Services
• Rachel A. Gupta, Esq.,- Arbitrator and Mediator, JAMS
   

Settlement or Siege? Navigating the Fine Line Between Trial and ADR
Friday June 19, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:15 pm
A look at effective advocacy from the perspective of trial judges and neutrals. Discusses the psychological nuances of judicial decision-making and when to pivot to mediation.
Speakers:

• Shirish Gupta- Mediator and Arbitrator, JAMS 
• Judge Sonny Sandhu- Presiding Judge, Superior Court of Stanislaus County 
• Iman Hyder-Elizi- Vice President, AAA 
• Judge Rupal Shah- Superior Court Judge, Connecticut Judiciary 
• Judge Jay Gandhi- Mediator/Arbitrator Phillips ADR (formerly U.S. Dist. Ct. for Central Dist of California)