CEO Update: The Power of Membership

Recruitment

The California bar licensing renewal period is between February 1 and March 31, 2026.  This is also CLA’s prime recruitment period. I want to take this opportunity to ask each member to help get the word out and recruit new members.  We are 43,000 members strong, representing approximately 20% of the entire California legal profession.  CLA is a great resource for success, professional growth, community service, leadership development and career support, to name a few benefits. For new attorneys and those seeking a career change, there is no better place than CLA to explore career options. For experienced attorneys, there is no better place to share your knowledge and mentor new attorneys. For those civic-minded, you have a statewide platform to make a difference, and for those looking for leadership opportunities, we offer approximately 1,000 presentation opportunities each year, and we have committee roles within our 18 sections, plus CLA-wide committees, the CLA board, and CLF board.

Many firms and state agencies pay for or reimburse for CLA memberships. We should encourage non-members to take advantage of these employer benefits. Especially when the process is as easy as checking the box for those in an agency billing firm, agency, or corporation.  For those paying out of pocket, they should remember that dues may be a tax-deductible expense.

An Easy Decision

A tax-deductible expense. Fees paid for by employers. Access to professional support, opportunities, and success.  Why not invest in your career and yourself by joining CLA?  An easy decision with no risk, high rewards.

I ask each member to look at the Section Competition and recruit a colleague, and help your section be number 1 in either the total recruitment category or the highest percentage category. 

Last Minute Addition

I originally moved my quarterly message from January to February to discuss recruitment. However, recent events dictate a comment here. By now, you would have seen CLA’s statement regarding the upholding of constitutional principles.  This nation aspires to create a fair and just society based on the rule of law. Our Association supports this aspiration through our mission statement. That is our North Star. We should be a beacon of light, reminding everyone of this aspiration. By holding ourselves accountable, we move closer to our goals.