The Docket: A 2025 Approach to Legal Networking

More than a year in the making, California Lawyers Association (CLA) has partnered with Higher Logic to provide CLA’s members with an engaging space, using a single integrated platform. The Docket is a powerful online community software system which brings together the organization and its people, making real conversations happen.

“Since coming on board with CLA, I’ve talked to, and more importantly, listened to, hundreds of our members discuss their needs,” said CEO, Chris Nguyen. “It became clear to me early on that the approach the organization was taking to develop a state of the art, technology based community would leverage the incredible knowledge base which makes CLA so unique.”

Working with CLA President, Betty Williams, CLA leaders, members, and technology specialists researched and discussed several strategies. Higher Logic was selected as the new platform, because it offers a secure, dedicated space where members can engage, ask questions, share resources, and learn from each other. The application is highly user-friendly and can be accessed by desktop or using an online app.

“I am excited about the possibilities The Docket brings to our membership. One benefit will be having an easy way to access our rolodex of over forty-five thousand members,” explained Williams. “If I have a client who needs a referral for a certain specialty or in a specific city, I can easily use The Docket to make the referral. For me, there is a certain level of trust in a practitioner that comes with membership in CLA.”

A key component of The Docket is the ability for each of CLA’s 18 Sections to have their own space inside the platform, allowing attorneys to network with each other. What makes the system even more special is the additional capacity for all CLA members to reach out to any of the Sections in one place.

 The platform was tested by several CLA members, including Williams, over a six-month period. The software developer listened to concerns and made improvements directed specifically toward the application needs of attorneys and legal professionals. Initial users were quickly able to utilize the many features available and gain immediate access to references.

For example, one CLA member had concerns for an estate planning client with registered copyrights. The lawyer was able to ask CLA’s online community for advice regarding revocable living trusts and the assignment of copyright. He received input from other CLA members, who not only gave him legal opinions, but pointed him to relevant case law.

California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) President, Jeremy Evans, also participated in system testing. “CLA’s new communications platform, Higher Logic, is built for you, the lawyer, the CLA member, and anyone looking for legal services or a connection to a mentor.” Evans is excited about this important merger of technology with CLA’s expert base.

CLA’s CEO agrees. “Having tens of thousands of members available to each other is tremendously powerful,” said Nguyen. “I hope all of our members take this opportunity to explore The Docket. I think the benefits are obvious.”

The Docket is absolutely free. To sign in, click here. Additionally, The Docket may be accessed through CLA’s website. Over the next few months, the software can be expanded to meet growing needs, and an online app will be made available for cell phone use.