Meet Robbie Klein: CLA Solo And Small Firm Executive Committee Member

July 2025

Robert Klein, or Robbie as just about everyone calls him, laughs when asked, “Why did you join California Lawyers Association?” His response: “To be honest, somebody who I was friends with said I should join, so I did.”

That was nearly 10 years, and several CLA committee positions ago, which includes Robbie’s tenure as Past Chair, Solo and Small Firm Section, from 2022 to 2023. He smiles, as he reflects on his experiences as a CLA member and says, “You know, I like what CLA does to help the solo and small firm practitioner with the issues we face. Whether it be how to handle all of the work, technology concerns, or answering the question, ‘Should I hire someone to help,’ we learn from each other regardless of our practice specialty.”

The mission of the Solo and Small Firm Section is three-fold: to foster a supportive community for attorneys across all areas of practice; to guide their members on a path to becoming strong, competent, and ethical solo and small firm business owners; and, to recognize the accomplishments of solo and small firm professionals across the state. 

Like many volunteer leaders, Robbie says he enjoys giving back. “I think it’s part of my personality, and who I am, but I also think it’s something I learned from my friends. I really like being around people who are really smart. They volunteer and motivate me to continue to volunteer.”

Robbie believes that being active in CLA is much more than learning about how to practice law. “It’s about how to hold yourself as a lawyer, how to treat judges, and how to treat other lawyers. And that’s just on the litigation side.” He also thinks it’s incredibly valuable to spend time around people who share similar experiences and are able to discuss how these issues are handled on a day to day basis. There is a sense of empathy and understanding among solo and small firm practitioners.

Described by Robbie as “a close-knit group,” it’s important to the Solo and Small Firm Section Executive Committee that the larger membership feels a sense of belonging. In-person events and technology are tools to help create that environment. There is a balance, he admits, to protect privacy while wanting to reach out to as many people as possible.

“I go to as many events as I can that are organized by the section, and I also attend CLA’s annual meeting. I’m a big believer that it’s better to make in-person contacts than meeting people by video call.”

As a seasoned attorney who, “really likes what I do,” Robbie advises new lawyers to join CLA, so that they can connect with good people. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” he says. “It’s fun for newer attorneys and those who have practiced for a while to listen to each other. I think we both have a lot we can learn.”