California Lawyers Association Hosts Soiree Dinner and Annual Awards Recognition at 2024 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference

Fundraising Evening Event Supports Education in Law and Promotes Future Opportunities for Youth

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 29, 2024): The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to announce its highly anticipated Soiree Dinner and Annual Awards Recognition event, a centerpiece of CLA’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference. This event will occur on Saturday, September 7, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Marriott in San Jose.

As a celebratory finale, the Evening Soiree Dinner and Annual Awards Recognition Reception is presented by the California Lawyers Association and the California Judges Association which supports the California Law Association Foundation. As evening highlights to the red carpet affair, Patricia Guerrero, Chief Justice of California, is confirmed to attend the festivities, special awards will be presented to deserving individuals, and dedicated industry leaders will be sworn in to serve as CLA’s new Board of Representatives Officers. This event also serves as a fundraiser dedicated to supporting the California Lawyers Foundation, 501(c)(3) organization, and its initiatives in educating students about the great opportunities in law. 

With an inspiring “Building the Future” theme, the conference features an extensive agenda filled with carefully curated programs designed to empower leaders in the legal field and will focus on industry leaders and leadership principles. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of sessions including panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. 

The Soiree Dinner caps off a full day of engaging activities during the conference, including:

• Opening General Session: Those who aspire to serve California’s judiciary can listen and learn from Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes who will discuss the California Judicial Mentor Program.  He will be joined by CJMP Chair Judge Lucy Armendariz and CJMP Chair Emeritus Judge Paul Bacigalupo, Ret. as they explain how the mentor program works to demystify the judicial application process and how a judicial mentor can be a guide to achieve professional goals.

• Panel Discussion with CLA Committee Leaders: Attendees will hear from CLA staff on volunteer leaders on the achievements of the CLA’s committees in the past year, what we have been working toward, and how to get more involved. The program will feature the Government Affairs, Health and Wellness, Ethics, DEI, RJC, and Membership Engagement Committees, as well as an update on CLA’s participation with the ABA and the California Lawyers Foundation.
• CLA Leadership Roundtables & Breakout Sessions: Discussion led by CLA President Betty Williams, directed to Section Chairs, Vice Chairs, Chairs-Elect, and others interested in becoming a CLA leader, to engage in exercises and discussions focused on strengthening leadership skills.
• A Conversation with Affinity Bar Leaders: This panel discussion features leaders of several of the largest affinity bar associations in California regarding the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Affirmative Action cases.  The all-star panel, which will be moderated by CLA Vice Chair & CLA Racial Justice Committee Co-Chair, Terrance J. Evans, will provide insights and strategies for navigating DEI in a changing legal landscape.  Attendees who are members of the California Bar will earn 1.25 hours of Implicit Bias credit. 

“Through our Soiree Dinner and Annual Awards Recognition as part of the Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference, we are proud to champion education in law and create pathways for future generations,” said Nicole Stragalas, Chief Member Experience Officer (CMEO) of the California Lawyers Association. “This exclusive event not only celebrates excellence in the legal profession but also ensures that young individuals are inspired and equipped to pursue meaningful careers in law, embodying our commitment to ‘Building the Future’. We invite CLA members and legal professionals alike to join us in this important endeavor.” 

In addition to the enriching sessions and networking events, attendees can earn up to four hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit, including specialized sessions on technology in law practice and diversity and inclusion. The conference also offers a unique E-Wallet code to registered attendees, providing access to five hours of MCLE content through CLA’s InReach Catalog. 

Cocktail attire is encouraged for this ticketed event, which includes a semi-hosted bar and buffet dinner. For those interested in attending the Soiree Dinner and Annual Awards Recognition, tickets can be purchased through the CLA’s official event registration page.

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About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.

Media Contact:

Angel Duan
Media Relations Manager
angel.duan@calawyers.org