CLA “Brings Down the House” at its In-House Counsel Conference

April 2025

Attorneys from northern California learned and laughed together at California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) In-House Counsel Conference held on Friday, March 21 at CLA’s headquarters in Sacramento. The educational event was designed to enhance the effectiveness, ethical awareness, and strategic impact of in-house counsel in the evolving business and regulatory landscape.

Meeting topics ranged from legal and ethical responsibilities to compliance and corporate integrity. While the subject matter was critical, it was also delivered with creative, forward-looking knowledge. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a key theme, with technical primer and governance sessions focused on technology serving as principal sessions.

Ruli, a company which empowers lawyers to pair their knowledge with AI, acted as the conference sponsor. Ruli’s Cofounder and CEO, Bryan Lee, explained that, “”AI agents are an AI legal colleague. It isn’t going to fully replace legal work, but the evolution of this technology is important to the legal profession.”  Lee has worked with CLA’s Business Law Section and felt it was important to connect with in-house legal professionals.

Lee was one of several dynamic speakers participating in the educational afternoon. Heather Antonine, a partner at Stoel Rives LLP, provided updates on domestic and international privacy laws. Senior Privacy Counsel, Abdu Abdullah, for CSAA Insurance Group, shared information on new data initiatives and how to handle consumer data in a legally compliant manner. Mark Leonard, General Counsel for Sunsweet Growers, Inc., discussed litigation matters related to e-commerce, licensing, and commercial contracts. Julie Maresca, with Jackson Lewis PC and former General Counsel for a global copyright licensing company, talked about reducing risk management. Technology trial lawyer, Jennie VonCannon, with Crowell & Moring LLP, a certified AI Governance Progressional, gave updates on compliance programs regarding AI.

“I came today to learn about technology,” says Jasmine Darron, Esq. As CEO for Darron Investigating, and a CLA member, she shared how much she enjoyed the conference. “I want to be up on the latest trends, and this was a great resource.”

Danny Marshall, an attorney with California Earthquake Authority, echoed Darron’s remarks. “This program was strong. I need to be trained up on things that are important to all lawyers, including those of us working as in-house counsel.”

Several attendees remarked that CLA offers the best continuing education programs available in the legal field. “I’m always trying to find resources and opportunities to learn from the best and the brightest,” explains Keith Jurke, CLA Intellectual Property Section member and counsel for Grail, Inc., a cancer screening company. Jurke drove up to Sacramento from Mountain View to attend the conference.

Mark Leonard, a featured speaker and longtime CLA member has held many leadership positions with the volunteer association. He believes fully in CLA’s commitment to excellence in the legal profession. “There are a lot of legal organizations out there,” he says. “CLA is cutting edge. The community and the network are unparallel.”

The learning sessions were followed by a reception, giving participants and CLA staff the opportunity to mingle, share ideas, and spend time among their colleagues. For more information on the wide range of educational program and opportunities provided for its members, visit: https://calawyers.org/education/.