California Lawyers Association

California Lawyers Association Learn more at https://calawyers.org/accessibility/

Promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

We are committed to accessibility!

CLA is proud to stand alongside bar associations and legal leaders nationwide in advancing a more diverse, inclusive, an...
08/20/2026

CLA is proud to stand alongside bar associations and legal leaders nationwide in advancing a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable legal profession.
At the 2026 ABA Annual Conference, CLA President Terrance J. Evans and the CLA delegation worked with colleagues from across the legal community to oppose Resolution 802, which would have ended ABA support for diversity and inclusion in legal education and scholarship.

Through collaboration, advocacy, and a shared commitment to justice, the CLA and its partners defeated the resolution.

Read more about CLA’s role in this important effort and our continued commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the legal profession: https://hubs.la/Q04tDchT0

What does it mean to truly uphold your oath as an attorney?The Criminal Law Section will explore this question in "The R...
08/19/2026

What does it mean to truly uphold your oath as an attorney?

The Criminal Law Section will explore this question in "The Rule of Law: Lawyers' Responsibilities to the Constitution and Oath of Office" at the 2026 CLA Annual Meeting. This session examines attorneys' constitutional oath, the Rule of Law, and accountability across all branches of government—alongside the duties that come with being an Officer of the Court. Attendees will also explore civility, professionalism, and what it means to advocate respectfully for clients, courts, and opposing counsel.

Earn 1.0 Hour of MCLE Legal Ethics credit while hearing from speakers Brian Amaya, Esq., Kevin Lally, and Cuauhtemoc Ortega, Esq.

Register for the 2026 Annual Meeting to secure your spot: https://hubs.la/Q04tCyMK0

The California Supreme Court issued a landmark decision this week, and CLA was part of it.In Family Violence Appellate P...
08/14/2026

The California Supreme Court issued a landmark decision this week, and CLA was part of it.

In Family Violence Appellate Project et al. v. The Superior Court of Contra Costa County et al., the California Supreme Court directed superior courts to provide indigent litigants with meaningful access to an official verbatim record of proceedings, including through electronic recording when a court reporter is unavailable.

CLA is proud to have served as amicus curiae in this case. In its opinion, the Supreme Court noted that numerous amici curiae had filed briefs supporting the relief sought by petitioners and specifically mentioned three, the ACLU, the Survivor Justice Center and CLA, highlighting CLA’s contention that the statutory restrictions on electronic recording violate the principle of separation of powers.

Access to justice is a right. When over one million hearings per year proceed without any verbatim record, the ability of low-income litigants to exercise their right to appeal is effectively stripped away. This decision begins to change that.

CLA remains deeply committed to engaging with California's courts and legislature on issues that shape the legal landscape for attorneys and the clients they serve.

Read the full opinion:https://www4.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S288176.PDF

Webinar: Beyond Zealous Advocacy: Maintaining Civility in California LawAugust 13 | 1 Participatory MCLE Credits; 1 Civi...
08/13/2026

Webinar: Beyond Zealous Advocacy: Maintaining Civility in California Law
August 13 | 1 Participatory MCLE Credits; 1 Civility in the Legal Profession

Join us for this upcoming webinar on staying professional under pressure, avoiding common pitfalls, and satisfying your civility MCLE requirement. This webinar covers California civility standards, real-world case examples, and practical strategies to avoid costly missteps while meeting your civility MCLE requirement.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4vND9eg

Join David D. Samani, Partner at Lewis Brisbois and Chair of the firm's Legal Malpractice Defense Practice, during our u...
08/12/2026

Join David D. Samani, Partner at Lewis Brisbois and Chair of the firm's Legal Malpractice Defense Practice, during our upcoming webinar on Identifying and Evaluating Unexpected Conflicts of Interest.

With extensive experience defending attorneys in legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and malicious prosecution matters, David brings practical insight into the ethical challenges lawyers face. He is also the co-author of the California Legal Malpractice and Malicious Prosecution Liability Handbook.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4beLWxc

CLA Committee applications are now open for the 2027 term!Serving on a CLA-wide committee is a meaningful way to contrib...
08/11/2026

CLA Committee applications are now open for the 2027 term!

Serving on a CLA-wide committee is a meaningful way to contribute to the legal profession in California, whether that's advancing diversity and inclusion, shaping ethics policy, supporting member engagement, or strengthening our governance.

We currently have opportunities across a wide range of committees, including:

- Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach
- Ethics Committee
- Racial Justice Committee
- Health and Wellness
- Civic Engagement & Outreach
- And many more

Applications close September 30th, and new terms begin January 2027.

If you're ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply. Submit your application or learn more about each committee here: https://calawyers.org/cla/committees/

Happening TODAYRetirement isn't just about leaving a career; it's about creating what's next.Join us for Creating Your R...
08/11/2026

Happening TODAY

Retirement isn't just about leaving a career; it's about creating what's next.

Join us for Creating Your Retirement Vision: Embracing the Next Chapter, a discussion exploring professional identity, life transitions, and the opportunities and challenges of retirement from the legal profession.

Following selected clips from the documentary Retirement on Trial, a distinguished panel of attorneys and retired judges will share their experiences and insights.

Moderator: Evelyn Neaman
Speakers: Steve Herman, Dee Dee Dickey, Hon. Paul A. Bacigalupo (Ret.), and Hon. Erica Yew (Ret.)

Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on planning your next chapter.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4piYNnE

Legal work is demanding. But emotional exhaustion doesn't have to be the price of a successful career.At the 2026 CLA An...
08/10/2026

Legal work is demanding. But emotional exhaustion doesn't have to be the price of a successful career.

At the 2026 CLA Annual Meeting, Kara Feldman and Negar Shekarabi are leading a session designed to help attorneys across all practice areas and career stages protect their wellbeing without compromising their practice. "The Emotional Impact of Legal Work: Sustainable Practice Strategies" offers evidence-based tools to recognize vicarious trauma, reduce burnout, and lead with clarity, resilience, and ethical competence.

Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned practitioner, this session gives you practical strategies to sustain the work you love for the long haul.

Earn 1.0 MCLE Hour in Wellness Competence and leave with a clearer path forward.

Spots are filling quickly. Register today to secure yours: https://calawyers.org/2026-annual-meeting/

AI is reshaping the way disputes are resolved, and lawyers need to be ready.The International Law and Immigration Sectio...
08/07/2026

AI is reshaping the way disputes are resolved, and lawyers need to be ready.

The International Law and Immigration Section presents "AI Utilization in International Arbitration and Mediation" at the 2026 CLA Annual Meeting. This timely session examines how artificial intelligence is being applied across ADR processes, from case strategy and evidence analysis to settlement negotiations, and what U.S. and international tribunal rules say about it.

Joining us are three distinguished speakers: Hon. Paul Bacigalupo, Ret., Jeffery Daar, and Yoshihiro Takatori. Each brings a unique perspective on the practical and regulatory dimensions of AI in arbitration and mediation.

Whether you focus on dispute resolution or simply want to stay current on how technology is transforming legal practice, this session offers critical insights you can put to work. Earn 1.0 Hour Technology in the Practice of Law MCLE credit while you're at it.

Don't miss your chance to join us in San Diego! Register today: https://calawyers.org/2026-annual-meeting/

Every attorney has had a difficult client. But how you handle them can define your practice."Dealing with Problem Client...
08/05/2026

Every attorney has had a difficult client. But how you handle them can define your practice.

"Dealing with Problem Clients: What Every Attorney Should Know" gives you the practical tools to navigate those situations with confidence.

Join Marina Fraigun, Erin Joyce, and Annie Thompson at the 2026 CLA Annual Meeting as they share strategies for managing challenging clients, navigating unproductive attitudes, and building lasting client trust through clear and effective communication, including knowing when disengagement is the right call.

Spots are filling quickly! Register today and join us in San Diego this October: https://calawyers.org/2026-annual-meeting/

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