Message from Christopher Hughes, Chair of the Business Law Section

As you read this, we stand not only as legal professionals but as citizens of a state that has been tested, remains resilient, and is now beginning to rebuild.  The devastation caused by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires is a stark reminder of nature’s power, but it is also a testament to the enduring spirit of Californians.  In the face of such a disaster, the people of Los Angeles are coming together in ways that speak to the very heart of what we can do: rebuilding, restoring, and creating a future from the ashes of today.

As business lawyers, we are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in this recovery.  Just as we draft contracts, negotiate deals, and resolve disputes, we also have the power to contribute to a more resilient and thriving community.  The principles we defend—justice, integrity, and fairness—are the same principles that guide communities in their efforts to rebuild after loss.  And it is the rule of law that serves as the bedrock upon which all this work rests.

The rule of law is what ensures that each individual and entity can rebuild with confidence, knowing that their rights will be respected and upheld.  It is our responsibility, as attorneys, to educate ourselves and others on how the law can guide and shape this recovery.  In this moment of challenge, it is our knowledge and adherence to the law that will allow us to navigate the complexities of rebuilding, from insurance claims to disaster relief efforts, ensuring that justice prevails at every step.

The wildfires, though a tragedy, have brought forward an unparalleled opportunity for renewal.  Time and again, in the face of tragedy, we have seen incredible collaboration, with businesses and individuals coming together to support victims, offer resources, and innovate solutions for rebuilding.  Our role as legal professionals extends far beyond the courtroom.  We are advocates for communities, leaders in sustainable growth, and architects of the frameworks that will guide the recovery process.  As we move forward, we must continue to educate ourselves about the evolving legal landscape, the new policies, and the laws that will shape how we rebuild a stronger and more resilient Los Angeles.

Together, we are part of a larger movement—not just restoring buildings but fortifying the very fabric of the neighborhoods and communities that make Los Angeles unique.  Every contract we draft, every piece of advice we give, and every challenge we help navigate is a brick in the foundation of a future that will rise from the ashes stronger than before.

Let us take this opportunity, not just to rebuild, but to reimagine what it means to build a community that is impartial, all-encompassing, and resilient.  Let us lead with compassion, innovation, and a commitment to the shared future of all Californians as we also work to ensure no community is left behind. 

The road ahead will not always be easy, but as lawyers, we are uniquely equipped to guide others through complex challenges.  Let’s step into this rebuilding phase with the knowledge that the work we do now, underpinned by the rule of law, will lay the groundwork for generations to come.