The mission of the California Lawyers Association is....
Promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.
The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California.
Established in 2018, CLA is a nonprofit, voluntary organization and the new home of the Sections of the State Bar of California and the California Young Lawyers Association. Our extensive membership represents the vast diversity of California’s legal community and the various areas of law practiced throughout the state.
We thrive at the intersection of innovation and dedication—delivering high-quality programs, events, and resources and continuously seeking new ways to expand our offerings. Through premier educational and networking opportunities, our members can maintain expertise in their fields, build contacts, and uphold the legal profession and system.
As an independent entity, we can now provide greater value to our members, including direct communication with the California Legislature and the ability to be more responsive to each member’s needs. Together, we are committed to fostering excellence and fellowship throughout the California legal community.
The Sections are voluntary organizations of attorneys and affiliates who share an area of interest. The Sections help their members maintain expertise in their various fields of law, expand their professional contacts, and serve the profession, the public and the legal system.
The California Lawyers Association has 16 Sections, with low annual fees. Each Section is governed by an executive committee of appointed members.
Sections activities include:
CYLA is an organization of California lawyers in their first five years of practice in California or age 36 or under. The organization is run by the CYLA Board of Directors, whose members are drawn from diverse constituencies, including but not limited to geographic location, racial and ethnic diversity, practice setting, practice type, district representation, and gender and sexual orientation.
CYLA members:
See our CLE of Events for a list of upcoming programs sponsored by the California Lawyers Association.
A number of the Sections have vigorous legislative programs wherein they monitor legislation concerning their area of law. In some cases, they propose new legislation to help the administration of justice.
The Section year runs from January to December. Dues are not pro-rated. To sign up, see Join a Section. Non-California lawyers can join as Affiliate Members, and law students can also join. For more information visit Join Us.