CLA to Host First-Ever Black-Tie Gala

June 2022

By President Jeremy M. Evans and
Chair of the Board of Representatives Ryan M.F. Baron

CLA is grateful for the return of in-person events. We are thrilled to let you know about a new marquee event we are planning for 2022—a first-of-its-kind black-tie gala coming to San Diego on September 17. 

The statewide gala that CLA is co-sponsoring with the California Judges Association will bring together lawyers and judges from across the great state of California to celebrate the accomplishments of both organizations. Capping off the CLA Annual Meeting on Sept. 15–17, the formal affair will recognize incoming and outgoing leaders, member contributions, and award winners. It will also raise money for our respective foundations. We hope this will be the first of many annual galas.

It will be a fun way to conclude our Annual Meeting. We hope you will take advantage of this excellent opportunity to come together, learn, and socialize. Save the date now. Check back here for more information when registration opens by the end of June, and read more about our COVID-19 safety guidelines here.

This event also furthers our mission of promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. If you have a colleague who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to promoting justice and high ethical standards, please consider nominating them for one of the many CLA awards given at the Annual Meeting. It is a great way to highlight the fantastic work lawyers are doing. 

The event is also an example of how CLA brings together like-minded people from local and affinity bar associations across the state. This spring, CLA’s volunteer and staff leaders have been on the road, attending meetings with colleagues in Oakland, Lake Tahoe, Silicon Valley, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Joaquin County. We have more in common with each other than we realize.

CLA plays a vital role in convening folks from all areas, urban and rural. The more lawyers and members of the community we have collaborating and pushing for a common goal, the better we can advocate for the profession and have our collective voices heard by the Legislature.

This collaboration is taking place online as well as in person. One of our most popular events of the year, Legislative Day, drew more than 120 participants online. In a few weeks, our virtual Solo and Small Firm Summit will provide two days of networking and education without traveling.

In closing, we would like to shout out to our CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell. Congratulations, Oyango, for being named Association Executive of the Year by the California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE). Since joining CLA in December, Oyango has helped CLA adopt its first-ever strategic plan, led efforts to implement governance best practices, and successfully led the association beyond a post-pandemic state. A well-deserved honor. We look forward to continuing to serve you.