Message from Christopher Hughes, Chair of the Business Law Section

June 2025

For this Chair’s statement, I wanted to discuss something that brought me to the Business Law Section in the first place: our impact on legislation and regulation. 

In a democracy, few professions wield as much potential to shape the future as the legal profession.  We draft the language that becomes tomorrow’s laws, we challenge regulations that affect millions, and we stand before judges whose rulings can transform entire industries.   But the most profound legal victories often do not begin with a gavel or a governor’s pen, they begin with a conversation.  For example, consider the business owner struggling with unclear regulations, or a community group facing an unjust edict, or a legislator seeking expertise on complex policy.  As attorneys, we are uniquely positioned to translate society’s challenges into legal solutions and to transform individual concerns into systemic change.  And as members of the Business Law Section, we hold in our hands the very tools of democratic change.  

In the legislative arena, we work with lawmakers to draft bills and regulatory provisions that are technically sound and constitutionally defensible.  We bring precision to policymaking, ensuring that the laws governing our society are clear, enforceable, fair, and aligned with fundamental principles of justice.

When legislative committees and regulatory bodies seek guidance, attorneys step forward as subject-matter experts. We offer testimony and submit policy briefs that illuminate complex legal issues.  Our analysis helps lawmakers understand the real-world implications of proposed legislation, bridging the gap between abstract policy goals and practical implementation.  Through advocacy and lobbying we champion the interests of our clients and the broader public, working to advance beneficial proposals while opposing those that would cause harm.

The collaborative nature of our profession can be seen through our alliances with community organizations, small and large businesses, nonprofits, and professional associations.  Together, we develop policy initiatives and model legislation that reflect the diverse needs and experiences of the communities we serve.  These alliances amplify our collective voice and ensure that legal expertise is grounded in lived experience and community wisdom.

In the regulatory sphere, attorneys serve as both guides and guardians, helping clients navigate complex compliance requirements and challenging unclear or unfair rules.  Through strategic litigation, we bring critical issues before the courts, prompting judicial review and often catalyzing broader legislative or regulatory reform.  Each case we bring has the potential to clarify legal standards, protect fundamental rights, and inspire systemic change.

Our role as educators and public voices cannot be understated.  Through writing, speaking, and engagement with both traditional and social media, we raise awareness about legal and policy issues that affect our communities.  We translate complex legal concepts into accessible language, which can foster informed public discourse and encourage civic participation.

But, our responsibility extends beyond our professional roles.  As citizens, we are empowered and obligated to participate fully in the democratic process.  Writing and calling our representatives, voting in every election, and encouraging others to engage civically are fundamental acts that complement our professional advocacy.  These dual roles, as legal professionals and engaged citizens, create a powerful synergy that drives meaningful change.

As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to leadership, public service, and the advancement of a legal system that works for everyone.  Whether through legislative advocacy, scholastic outreach, community collaboration, or civic participation, I encourage each of you to embrace the opportunities before us to help shape a more just and equitable future for California.