Attend for the Education and Engagement: Stay for the Fun! CLA’s 2025 Annual Meeting Promises Something for Everyone

August 2025

When asked to describe California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting in a word or two, Programs Committee members enthusiastically respond: Exceptional. Career-changing. Educational. Meaningful. Community-building. Growth. Elevated. Connecting. Their answers are as compelling as the conference itself.

A year in the making, CLA will host its 2025 Annual Meeting and Sneaker Ball, from September 11-13, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood, in Los Angeles. Offering up to14 hours of MCLE, the three-day meeting agenda is packed with panels and programs providing learning opportunities on everything from AI to Litigation Land Mines to Hate Crimes to Settlement Enforcement. In fact, participants can earn educational credits in: Legal Ethics, Recognition and Elimination of Bias, Technology in the Practice of Law, Civility in the Legal Profession, Wellness Competence, Legal Specialization in Legal Malpractice Law, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, Criminal Law, and Immigration and Nationality Law. 

And that’s just the beginning. California Supreme Court Chief Justice, Patricia Guerrero, will provide remarks and conduct the swearing in ceremony for CLA’s incoming board leaders as well as the board leaders of CLA’s charitable arm, California Lawyers Foundation (CLF). Special receptions, a joint sections awards recognition, expos, sponsor demos, a book selling and signing by CLA member authors, awards luncheons, and health and wellness activities are also features of the signature event. If that isn’t enough, attendees can bring their families for an excursion to Universal Studios, the only authentic, working movie studio and theme park in the world.

CLA President, Betty Williams, applauds the incredible work by CLA volunteers to bring innovation to the Annual Meeting. “This is not a typical conference focused on a particular area of legal interest. It is the culmination of many months of planning based on what our members say interests them most. We have listened intently to provide an unparalleled experience.” Williams, whose two-year term as CLA’s president ends following the Annual Meeting, is honored to welcome Terrance J. Evans as the newly elected president of CLA. “Terrance has tirelessly shared his time as CLA Chair, and as a respected leader in DEI and civil rights advocacy. There is no doubt that he will be an excellent President for CLA and its members.”

Tangela Terry, CLA Criminal Law Section Advisor, has been practicing for 22 years. A member of the Programs Committee, she highly encourages CLA members and non-members alike to attend. “This is an incredible opportunity to earn a significant number of MCLE credit hours and an incredible opportunity to network with new and seasoned attorneys, and to develop and grow friendships,” she says. “Most conferences are focused on a single area of practice. This is an opportunity to hear from a cross-section of specialties, offering significant value to attendees.”

More than 300 people are expected to attend including lawyers, judges, legal experts and practitioners, technology specialists, professors, students, and others. Important discussions will be held on the rule of law, immigration, free speech, ethical mistakes, and defamation. There will be a reception for members of California affinity bars, and a special reception designed for women, “Sisters-in-Law!”

“There is something for everyone,” explains Mary Akens, immediate Past Chair for CLA’s Environmental Law Section. “Honestly, when I look at the agenda, I wonder, ‘How am I going to choose what to attend, because all of the sessions are so good.’” She continues, “There is strength in community. The ability to engage with others and expand our legal knowledge helps us all to achieve our personal and professional goals.. CLA brings credibility. When you look at our mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion, you know that we are authentic.”

Jeffery Daar, a member of both CLA’s International Law and Immigration Section (ILS) and Litigation Section Executive Committees, has attended the Annual Meeting for many years. He serves alongside both Tangela Terry and Mary Akens on the Programs Committee. The Committee is made up of more than 30 CLA members representing all 18 specialty practice areas, as well as CLA section committees and CLF.

“There are tremendous opportunities available for participants,” says Daar. “The Annual Meeting is a great way to become more involved with the CLA. If you’re a member of one of the sections, you may consider getting involved in the section by volunteering. You can also connect and find out how to become involved with the leadership of the section.” Daar is particularly happy to see that four CLA sections are hosting a joint Sections Awards Ceremony and Reception.  Everyone is welcome to attend the reception. “Collaboration is so important,” he says noting that, “Attorneys from foreign bar associations will also be in attendance. This is a great opportunity to form and maintain international relationships and learn about different legal cultures.”

Programs Committee members all emphasize the benefit of this year’s meeting location in the heart of Los Angeles. They are encouraged to see the number of people who have already registered to attend both the Annual Meeting and its associated Sneaker Ball, a leadership celebration and fundraiser benefiting CLF’s student scholarship programs. The Program Committee members share their gratitude with the many sponsors and exhibitors supporting CLA, its mission, and goals. Working quietly in the background, the Committee has volunteered dozens of hours to ensure an exceptional occasion.

 To register now for CLA’s 2025 Annual Meeting, please visit: https://calawyers.org/2025-annual-meeting/.