Code of Conduct

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The California Lawyers Association (“CLA”) is a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing law in the state of California. Established in 2018, CLA is a nonprofit, voluntary organization, and the new home of the Sections of the State Bar of California and the California Young Lawyers Association. Our extensive membership represents the vast diversity of California’s legal community and the various areas of law practiced throughout the state.

We thrive at the intersection of innovation and dedication–delivering high-quality educational programs, events, and resources, and continuously seeking new ways to expand our offerings. We are committed to fostering excellence and fellowship throughout the California legal community, and the Sections enable CLA to help members maintain expertise in their various fields of law, expand their professional contacts, and serve the legal profession, the public and the legal system.

As part of this commitment, we expect all CLA members to observe and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior, including faithfully abiding by the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to the member’s profession. Additionally, we expect the CLA Board of Representatives, CLA Corporate Officers, Section Officers, Section Executive Committee members, Section Advisors, and other Section volunteers (collectively, “Volunteers”) to demonstrate ethical conduct by acting in the manner described in this Code of Conduct.

Accountability:

• Faithfully abide by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Policies of CLA.
• Know and abide by the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to the Volunteer’s profession (e.g., the California Rules of Professional Conduct).
• Exercise reasonable care, good faith, and due diligence in regard to all affairs and activities related to CLA.
• Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information that may cause a perceived or actual conflict of interest with respect to the Volunteer’s involvement with CLA.

Integrity:

• Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect, and objectivity in all affairs and activities related to CLA, including individual business affairs that can affect the public image of CLA.
• Strive to uphold those professional practices of courtesy, respect, and objectivity, and assist other members of CLA in upholding the highest standards of conduct.
• Model and encourage the integration of ethics into all aspects of performing responsibilities for CLA.

Fairness:

• Conduct oneself impartially and objectively with the good of all of CLA members in mind, rather than for personal gain.
• Serve CLA’s interests through fair, honest, and courteous dealings that help advance the legal profession.

Diversity and Inclusivity:

• Treat CLA staff, members, and other Volunteers with dignity, respect, and compassion, to foster a trusting work environment free of harassment, bullying, intimidation, and unlawful discrimination.
• Assure an environment of inclusiveness and a commitment to diversity in performing responsibilities for CLA, being mindful of the rights of all members to access CLA benefits and services without discrimination.
• Develop, administer, and advocate policies and procedures that foster fair, consistent, and equitable treatment for all CLA members.

Collaboration and Cooperation:

• Respect the diversity of opinions as expressed or acted upon by CLA, including its Sections, committees, and membership, without being disagreeable, not personalizing disagreements, and discussing issues, not personalities.
• Promote collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among the Sections, Volunteers, and members.
• Ensure that serving CLA is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to CLA and the legal profession.

Violations of the Code of Conduct

If CLA has reasonable cause to believe that any CLA Volunteer has violated this Code of Conduct, CLA shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions, up to and including removal of the CLA Volunteer from the applicable CLA position.

Adopted by the Board of Representatives of the California Lawyers Association on June 22, 2018