A Moment of Gratitude: Honoring CLA’s Leaders, Volunteers, and Community

Quarterly Update from CEO Chris Nguyen

Thank you.

Sometimes we need to take a step back from our busy schedules to say. “Thank you.” It’s important. It’s hard to believe we are entering the 10th month of 2025. So, before I move away from California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) Annual Meeting, I want to take this space to share a few words of thanks.

Thank you to outgoing CLA President Betty Williams for your leadership over the past two years, helping to navigate challenges and taking on a major initiative to reach out to several affinity bars. Thank you, Terrance Evans, for your inclusive leadership as CLA’s Board Chair and your ongoing commitment as CLA’s President. Thank you, Jessi Fierro, for your leadership as Board Treasurer and now Board Chair, as well as your focus on community. Thank you to all our former and incoming Section chairs, along with the many volunteers serving CLA and people across the state. You are the lifeblood of our organization. Your passion is inspiring. From the Litigation Section’s community service (thank you, Adrieannette) to the Environmental Section’s dedication to diversity and the environment (thank you, Miles), and to the many CLA members who step forward to lend a helping hand in times of need. You share your time generously.

Thank you to the many CLA members and judges who attended the Civics Luncheon at the Annual Meeting. Attorneys and judges mingled with more than 100 4th and 5th-graders from Rio Vista Elementary. The joy and wonder on their faces as they engaged with and learned from wise advisors and mentors truly embody CLA’s mission of promoting diversity and inclusion.

CLA and its charitable arm, California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), are making a real difference for aspiring lawyers in California. This year, CLF, along with donors and CLA, awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to 12 students — eight law students, three undergraduates, and one high school student. This truly reflects our dedication to the future of the profession and our commitment to investing in Californians. Thanks to the generous donors who contributed to CLF and the Billable Hour campaign, allowing us to provide this meaningful financial support. For those who haven’t seen the impact we’re making, I encourage you to watch this student scholar video.

Countless hours were spent behind the scenes by hard-working staff and volunteers throughout the year so that we could take a step back and realize we do matter, we can make a difference.  So, thank you. It is an honor to be part of this great association, making a difference to people’s lives, the rule of law, and the future of the legal profession.