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2023 News Releases

California Lawyers Association Announces Chris Nguyen as Chief Executive Officer

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (December 20, 2023): California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to announce the selection of Chris Nguyen as its new Chief Executive Officer. CLA is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in the country and the statewide leader in promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Chris will also serve as CEO of the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the charitable arm of CLA. CLF shares a common mission with CLA and executes its goals through civics education, access to justice and other programs.

“We welcome Chris and look forward to his leadership and successful impact,” said Betty Williams, President of CLA. “With his impressive background in law, operations and financial management, coupled with a passion for visionary leadership, we are confident Chris will elevate our mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.”

Nguyen joins CLA from Sofia University in Palo Alto where he served as Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, he worked for San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton as Vice President for Administration Services, as well as for SUNY Ulster in New York as Vice President for Administrative Services. Nguyen has overseas experience with several highly respected educational institutions in both executive management and as a law professor. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Santa Clara University, a Master of Business Administration from the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University, and a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School.

“I am thrilled to be selected to lead California Lawyers Association and California Lawyers Foundation. I look forward to working with staff, leaders, and the Board of Representatives to make CLA the premier voluntary bar association in the country, focused on serving its members while promoting excellence, inclusiveness and diversity,” said Ngyuen. “I am also excited about collaborating with CLF and its board to further impact our California communities.”

CLA is headquartered at 400 Capitol Mall in Sacramento, California. For more information about CLA, visit: www.calawyers.org.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

About California Lawyers Foundation

Formed in 2019, the California Lawyers Foundation is the charitable arm and partner of the California Lawyers Association, California’s voluntary statewide bar association. While new to the scene, the CLF is a statewide foundation actively developing and supporting projects that improve access to justice for people in need and make the legal system more fair and efficient for everyone; increase diversity in the profession and help educate Californians about the 3rd branch, the role of lawyers and the rule of law. CLF is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 501(c)(3). For more information about CLF, please visit calawyersfoundation.org.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association’s Criminal Law Section to Present Annual Trial Skills Update Seminar on November 4

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 26, 2023): The Criminal Law Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to present the Annual Trial Skills Update Seminar in Oakland on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The annual seminar will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at CSU East Bay in the Oakland Professional Development & Conference Center. The event itinerary includes compelling presentations by industry leaders on topics such as the Elimination of Bias/Implicit Bias, The Road Map to Making Your Case in Opening Statements, and Disaster Preparedness: Making A Record and Protecting Your Client While Thinking About Appeals, just to name a few.

“The Annual Trial Skills Update Seminar presented by the Criminal Law Section of California Lawyers Association provides an information-rich opportunity for both practicing attorneys and law students preparing for their future careers,” said Betty Williams, President of California Lawyers Association. “The day-long seminar provides valuable insight, tips, and useful training, designed to strengthen crucial trial skills that can make your case a success.”

Registration is open to all California attorneys and law students, and attendees do not have to be members of California Lawyers Association to participate. Space is limited and the deadline to register in advance is October 30. To register and/or find out more detailed information about the seminar is available via this link.

The mission of the Criminal Law Section of the California Lawyers Association is to provide education in the area of criminal law, and to promote diversity, fairness and ethical behavior in the profession. More information is available at www.calawyers.org/section/criminal-law.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association’s Intellectual Property Section Announces the 47th Annual IP Institute in San Diego November 2-4

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 20, 2023): The Intellectual Property Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA) is hosting its 47^th Annual IP Institute event in San Diego on November 2-4, 2023. The event is one of the nation’s premiere IP conferences, offering access to top industry leaders and sessions. The event is attended by members of both large and small leading California IP law firms, various in-house legal counsels, members of the judiciary, and academic professionals practicing in the areas of patents, trademarks, copyrights, litigation, trade secrets, international law, licensing, entertainment and sports law, technology law, social media, and privacy. Space is limited and advance registration is required and available via this link.

The keynote address will be delivered by Eric Goldman, Associate Dean for Research, Professor of Law, Co-Director of the High-Tech Law Institute, and Supervisor of the Privacy Law Certificate, at Santa Clara University School of Law. The title of Goldman’s keynote is “Section 230: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.” Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act (CDA) is the legal foundation of the modern Internet that is poorly understood by many lawyers. The keynote address will demystify the law and underscore why the topic is critically important in today’s fast and ever-evolving world of information sharing, communications, and technological advancement.

A sampling of the timely session topics includes Generative AI and Copyright: Where We Are, Trademark Licensing as Brand Strategy and Business Driver, and Hot Topics in Legal Ethics, just to name a few. In addition, the Section will recognize Vanguard Award recipients, given to outstanding legal professionals in the judiciary, private practice, in-house practice, academia, and public policy advocacy for their contributions to the advancement of intellectual property law. In addition, the IP Section has created the annual Larry Maxham Award to recognize and celebrate a lifetime of commitment to our IP Section, as well as a lifetime of contributions to serving clients in the field of IP law. The inaugural Larry Maxham Award will be posthumously presented to Larry Maxham at the event.

“The IP Institute presented by the Intellectual Property Section of California Lawyers Association covers topics that are incredibly important and relevant to us all,” said Betty Williams, President of California Lawyers Association. “The thought-provoking subjects and insight will be beneficial to attendees and, ultimately, help to protect clients and achieve greater success in related case work.”

First organized in 1976, the Intellectual Property Law Section works to further the knowledge of its members in the law of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyright, licensing, technology, privacy, entertainment, and sports.

To learn more about the Intellectual Property Section of California Lawyers Association, please visit www.calawyers.org/section/intellectual-property-law.

About California Lawyers Association

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association Attorneys Convene Largest Gathering of Leaders in Environmental, Land Use and Natural Resources Law in Yosemite National Park

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 11, 2023): The Environmental Law Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA) is hosting its 32nd Annual Environmental Law Conference in Yosemite National Park on October 19-21, 2023. The conference is the largest and most prestigious gathering of leaders who are passionate about the environment, energy, land use and natural resources law.

“The Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite is the pride and joy of the Environmental Law Section of California Lawyers Association,” said Betty Williams, President of California Lawyers Association. “One of the reasons that this conference is so well attended by environmental leaders from around the country is that the conference affords attendees a chance to experience what they are fighting to protect. The Annual Environmental Law Conference is a complete experience of education and inspiration.”

The Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite has confirmed a variety of speakers who have advanced appropriate access to culturally significant spaces, environmental justice through affirmative litigation, green infrastructure development, farming innovations, coastal regulations, greenhouse gas emission reductions, environmental justice, Endangered Species Act protections, CEQA deveopments, and more. The conference features equal opportunities to learn, experience Yosemite National Park, alongside colleagues and family.

“I have been attending the Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite since 1999,” said Mary Akens, Chair of the Environmental Law Section of California Lawyers Association. “Rarely can one attend a conference that is as good as its brochure advertises. But the Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite not only exceeds expectations, it will remind one why they enjoy the field of environmental law. Year after year, the conference provides top notch training, continuing legal education, an opportunity to make new connections, and for colleagues to reunite in person. I always leave the conference feeling inspired and reinvigorated.”

The mission of the Environmental Law Section is to advance the quality, breadth, and availability of information and services related to environmental, natural resources, land use, and energy law, and to enhance the profession by cultivating a well-informed, collegial, and diverse group of lawyers and law students throughout the state. It further aims to bring attention to emerging issues related to environmental laws and to foster an informed understanding of the role of such laws in encouraging sustainable use of natural resources, protecting public health and safety and the environment, and addressing climate change and environmental justice. To learn more about the Environmental Law Section or the 32nd Annual Environmental Law Conference, please visit www.calawyers.org/section/environmental-law.

About California Lawyers Association

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association’s Insolvency Law Committee Has Filed an Amicus Curiae Brief in Supreme Court to Offer Expertise in Complex Case Related to Bankruptcy of Purdue Pharma

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 10, 2023): The Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) of the Business Law Section of the California Lawyers Association filed an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court of the United States in William K. Harrington, United States Trustee, Region 2, v. Purdue Pharma L.P., et al., a case arising out of the bankruptcy of Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, in which Purdue Pharma and related entities filed for bankruptcy. Members of the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma, did not file for bankruptcy but agreed to contribute $6 billion to fund the bankruptcy plan. In exchange, the Sacklers would be released from liability for opioid-related claims.

“The Supreme Court’s resolution of this case will have a significant impact nationwide,” said Christopher Passarelli, Immediate Past Chair of the Business Law Section’s Executive Committee, which oversees the Insolvency Law Committee. “The Business Law Section is proud to provide the expertise of its committee members while the Supreme Court considers the crucial issues in this case.”

Non-consensual third-party releases, which release parties who have not declared bankruptcy from liability without the consent of all claimants, are frequently used in mass injury as well as other types of cases. The federal circuits are currently split on whether bankruptcy courts have statutory authority to approve this type of release.

As amicus curiae, ILC has not taken a position on the ultimate disposition of this case, an issue that will certainly be fully briefed by the parties. Instead, ILC has encouraged the Supreme Court to consider various concerns in reaching its decision, emphasizing that the impact of any decision on future third-party releases in bankruptcy cases will depend on the scope of the Court’s opinion. ILC urges the Supreme Court to limit its decision to addressing whether the Bankruptcy Code authorizes nonconsensual releases such as those at issue in this particular case, without deciding the validity of other types of nonconsensual releases of third-party claims against nondebtors.

“It is the responsibility of California Lawyers Association to provide the perspective of California practitioners on issues of nationwide significance, in furtherance of our commitment to fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law,” said Betty Williams, President of California Lawyers Association. “Preparation of this brief provides a stellar example of collaboration among our member leaders. I am particularly grateful for the contributions of Leonard Gumport of the ILC and CLA Amicus Committee members, Leah Spero and Reuben Ginsburg.”

The Supreme Court will hear oral argument in this case in December 2023 and will issue an opinion by the time the Court recesses for the summer in late June or early July 2024.

About California Lawyers Association

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association Announces Departure of Oyango A. Snell, Esq. and Appoints Sheila Johnston to Serve as Interim Executive Director

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 28, 2023): Today, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) announced the departure of Oyango A. Snell, Esq., after nearly two years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director. Effective October 2, 2023, Sheila Johnston will serve as interim CEO/ED until the Board of Representatives identifies a permanent replacement. Snell joined CLA in December 2021 and led both the association and its charitable arm, the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF).

“A heartfelt thank you to Oyango for his service and I truly wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Jeremy M. Evans, who served as President of CLA during Snell’s tenure. “I wish Oyango well as he continues his leadership of other organizations in the future,” added Sabrina Green, who served as Chair of the CLA Board of Representatives this past year and will serve as Vice President in the year ahead.

Snell led the execution and implementation of CLA’s Strategic Plan, Antitrust Policy, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy.

“I am truly proud of the team that we put together and for the CLA Board of Representatives for believing in me as the leader of a wonderful and thriving organization,” said Snell. “When it comes to my career, my primary professional goal is to leave an organization in much better shape than I found it, and I believe that I have completed that goal at CLA with unwavering certainty that the team I hand selected and fostered will continue the legacy we have built together.”

The Board of Representatives will begin recruitment efforts to fill the permanent position of Executive Director immediately. Interested candidates can send their resumes to Joanne Kenison, HR Manager at joanne.kenison@calawyers.org.

About California Lawyers Association

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association Announces New Board of Representatives Officers

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 18, 2023): The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to announce the election of new officers to lead the organization and its Board of Representatives. As the voluntary bar association for California attorneys, CLA is the statewide leader in representing attorneys of all practice areas.

The new officers represent a diverse class of some of the nation’s most prominent attorneys and are set to take office on Monday, September 25, 2023:

Betty Williams – President, Managing Shareholder at Law Office of Williams & Associates, PC
Sabrina Green – Vice President, Managing Partner at Stratton & Green, ALC
Tara Burd – Chair, Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC
Terrance Evans – Vice Chair, Partner & Co-Leader of the Banking & Financial Services Practice at Duane Morris LLP
Anthony Lai – Secretary, Associate Attorney, Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, LLP
Jill M. Manning – Treasurer, Partner at Pearson Warshaw, LLP

“We are excited to announce and welcome six wonderful attorneys, Betty, Sabrina, Tara, Terrance, Anthony and Jill to CLA leadership,” said Jeremy M. Evans, who serves as the current CLA President and will complete his two-year term after the Annual Meeting in September. President Evans will continue to serve as Immediate Past President through 2025. “As an organization that has achieved a statewide, national, and global spotlight in our commitment to elevate not only the practice of law, but the rule of law, our new officers are poised to further advance the innovation and initiatives that expand our impact and serve our members. We look forward to their unique perspectives and leadership to serve our members and strengthen the legal profession.“

CLA solicits nominations from its members and sections to serve in a leadership capacity as officers and on the Board of Representatives. Each nomination is vetted by an independent committee before recommendations are evaluated and approved by the Board of Representatives.

“The new officers appointed to the Board of Representatives represent a new chapter in CLA’s history,” said Oyango A. Snell, CEO & Executive Director of the California Lawyers Association. “Not only do these leaders reflect the most diverse slate in the organization’s history, each officer has achieved a status in the legal profession that will inspire present and future attorneys to reframe their abilities to make impactful change in their communities. The future of law is represented in the new officers of the Board.”

CLA’s Board of Representatives guides the association’s leadership in policy advocacy, professional development, diversity initiatives, operational excellence, and news and insights. The Board of Representatives has 18 members, expanding the impact of the legal profession not only in California, but worldwide.

Betty Williams – President, Managing Shareholder at Law Office of Williams & Associates, PC

Betty Williams is the Managing Shareholder at the Law Office of Williams & Associates, P.C. in

Sacramento, California. She specializes in civil and criminal tax matters including audits, appeals, and settlements of any tax controversy, including multi-state and residency matters. She defends criminal clients in tax evasion and related crimes. Betty has obtained penalty abatement for her clients in the millions. She has represented clients before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Tax Court, the International Chamber of Commerce, in Superior Courts, and before the California Office of Tax Appeals. Betty serves on the U.S. Tax Court Appointments Committee of the American Bar Association, and is the former Vice President of the California Lawyers Association, a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, a member of the California Office of Tax Appeals’ external advisory committee, and serves on the CJA Trial Panel for the Office of the Federal Defender.

Sabrina Green – Vice President, Managing Partner at Stratton & Green, ALC

Sabrina L. Green is a managing partner at Stratton & Green, ALC in San Diego which specializes in labor and employment and complex business/construction litigation. Sabrina is immediate Past Chair of CLA where she has served on the Board of Representatives for the past five years. Sabrina has also served as two-time Past Chair for Solo Small Firm Section of CLA, serving previously as treasurer and secretary. Sabrina is the founder of CLA Lawyers Outreach and Rural Attorney Outreach Committees and has chaired a multitude of CLA committees including Solo Small Firm Summit, Programs Committee, SSF Education, Outreach and Awards. Sabrina is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Business Association of Southern California, NCL Meals on Wheels Coordinator, and recently termed off serving locally as a Director at Large for the Labor and Employment section of the San Diego County Bar Association.

Tara Burd – Chair, Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC

Tara R. Burd is a graduate of California Western School of Law, and Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC. She is a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law with extensive probate and trust litigation experience. Ms. Burd serves on the CLA Board of Representatives for her second term as the Real Property Law Section’s Representative, and previously served as the Co-Chair of the Real Property Law Section. She also served as Chair of the Membership Engagement Committee, which created new cross-sectional committees to serve practitioners in the areas of Cannabis, ESG, and Indian and Tribal Law. Outside of the CLA, Ms. Burd served on The State Bar of California’s Access Through Innovation of Legal Services (ATILS) Task Force, and is Past President of the Irish-American Bar Association of San Diego.

Terrance Evans – Vice Chair, Partner & Co-Leader of the Banking & Financial Services Practice at Duane Morris LLP

Terrance J. Evans is a Partner in the San Francisco and Los Angeles offices of Duane Morris LLP, where he is the Co-Leader of the firm’s Banking and Financial Services Practice. Mr. Evans is also the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the CLA Racial Justice Committee, Past Chair of the CLA Litigation Section, Co-Chair of the American Bar Association ICLC Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Member of the Bar Association of San Francisco Judicial & Finance Committees, Past President of the Charles Houston Bar Association, and Director of Region IX of the National Bar Association. He represents clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts across the United States including the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Evans also regularly counsels clients regarding racial justice and diversity and inclusion issues. He has led more than 175 diversity training sessions for judges, lawyers, law students, and members of the community around the USA.

Anthony Lai – Secretary, Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, LLP

Anthony Lai, CFLS, is a senior associate attorney at Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein LLP, specializing in family law. With nearly a decade of litigation experience, he focuses on dissolution of marriage, child custody, support, prenuptial agreements, and domestic violence cases. Anthony is recognized as a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2021-2023 and one of Pasadena’s Top Attorneys for 2022-2023. Anthony is an active leader in the legal community, particularly in advocating for the unique needs and interests of new attorneys across California. He previously served as the Chair of the New Lawyers Section of CLA and is currently a member of the LACBA Barrister’s Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee. Committed to serving the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, Anthony is a member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles Board of Directors. He offers legal advice and support to the underserved APA community through various pro bono legal clinics. In his leisure time, Anthony enjoys taking his family to Disneyland and unapologetically supports the Dodgers and the Chargers.

Jill M. Manning – Treasurer, Partner at Pearson Warshaw, LLP (San Francisco Office)

Jill Manning is a Partner in the San Francisco office of Pearson Warshaw, LLP, where she represents individuals, employers and businesses who have been harmed by price-fixing and tying schemes, restraints of trade, and other types of anticompetitive conduct and unfair business practices. She has successfully represented plaintiffs in some of the leading cases brought under federal and state antitrust and consumer protection laws and has achieved recoveries exceeding $1.5 billion. Ms. Manning is one of the top-rated antitrust attorneys in Northern California and has met the stringent “Super Lawyers” selection criteria annually since 2018. In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Manning is a court-appointed mediator, neutral evaluator, settlement mentor, and discovery facilitator. Ms. Manning lives in West Marin with her husband and daughter. She enjoys cooking with vegetables grown in her garden, hiking coastal Marin and Sonoma with her Australian Shepherd, playing tennis, and exploring ancient ruins.

More information about CLA’s leadership is available at www.calawyers.org/cla/leadership.

About California Lawyers Association: Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

Attorneys and Organizations Recognized at California Lawyers Association’s and California Judges Association Presidents Gala

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 14, 2023): The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to announce the attorney influencers who will be honored during the closing ceremony of the Annual Meeting at the President’s Gala on September 23, 2023.

Each year, the California Lawyers Association takes inventory of the incredible service of attorney influencers, judges, and legal leaders who have gone above and beyond to represent the underserved, advocate for underrepresented communities, and individuals.

The honorees that will be recognized this year include:

Chris Passarelli, Chair of the Business Law Section will receive the California Lawyers Association Excellence in Leadership Award. This award is presented to a CLA volunteer who demonstrates a commitment to the Association’s mission and represents outstanding leadership in the practice of law.

The Labor and Employment Law and International Law and Immigration Sections of California Lawyers Association will receive the Section Innovation Award. This award is presented to a Section that demonstrates a commitment to promoting excellence in the Section’s field of practice.

San Joaquin County Bar Association will receive the California Lawyers Association Exceptional Organization of the Year Award. This award is presented to an organization that exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a collaborative spirit that mirrors CLA’s mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the California legal profession, as well as a commitment to seeking a fair administration of justice and rule of law.

ThreeDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion awards are given annually to a Bar Association, a firm and a nonprofit organization. This year The Filipino Bar Association of Northern California will receive the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Association Award, California Law Pathways the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Organization Award for their work creating law school pathways and Morrison Foerster the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Law Firm Award. These individuals and organizations have made outstanding contributions in promoting diversity in the legal profession, in their organization and peers.

Tiela Chalmers, Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of the Alameda County Bar Association and Legal Access Alameda, and Gregory Knoll, Chief Executive Officer, Legal Aid Society of San Diego (in memoriam) will receive the Loren Miller Award. The Loren Miller Legal Services Award, named after the late Loren Miller, an African American lawyer and judge who was a leader in the civil rights movement, was established in 1977 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the State Bar of California. It is considered a lifetime achievement award and is given annually to a lawyer admitted to practice in California who has demonstrated long-term commitment to legal services and who has personally done significant work in extending legal services to the poor.

Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Justice of California (retired) will receive the Bernard Witkin Medal. This award honors attorneys and non-attorneys who, through a career of extraordinary service, have made significant contributions to the quality of justice and legal scholarship in California.

“Each of the honorees represent what all attorneys strive to be – one that uses their influence for the better,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President, California Lawyers Association. “Honoring these individuals will elevate the expectation amongst all attorneys and legal professionals, that there simply is no limit to the impact we can have to make our communities stronger, brighter, and reflect the uniqueness of our great state.”

The Presidents Gala is a red-carpet, black-tie affair hosted in partnership with the California Judges Association. The Presidents Gala is open to members, non-members, committee members, law students, and interested media (upon advance request and registration). Space is limited and registration is now open. For tickets and details, please click here.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association Celebrates Judge Mark A. Juhas, Recipient of the 2023 Aranda Award

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 14, 2023): The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to celebrate Judge Mark A. Juhas, Superior Court of Los Angeles County, as the recipient of the 2023 Aranda Award. Each year, the Aranda Award, co-sponsored by the Judicial Council, California Lawyers Association, and California Judges Association, in association with the California Commission on Access to Justice, is given to a judge who demonstrates a long-term, tireless commitment to improving and promoting fairness and access to the courts.

Throughout the course of his career, Judge Juhas has worked to improve services and access to justice in family court, particularly for low- and moderate-income litigants. His work included recommended changes to statutes and court rules and helped create a program to educate and promote the practice of family law to attorneys statewide.

Judge Juhas has also served as the longtime chair of the California Access to Justice Commission, including direct involvement in the creation of the commission’s Incubator Project. The project is part of a national movement to connect practical training for newer lawyers to help provide affordable legal assistance to low- and moderate-income clients on a range of topics, including family and housing law, labor code violations, and consumer debt.

“For the last 24 years, California Lawyers Association and formerly the Sections of the State Bar of California, has been honored to join our partners in celebrating individuals who are actively working to elevate not only the expectations, but the impact judges, like Judge Juhas have made in communities throughout Los Angeles and beyond,” said Betty Williams, President-Elect, California Lawyers Association. “It’s individuals like Judge Juhas who inspire others to act in ways that inspire change through action.”

Judge Juhas has also led efforts to improve services for self-represented litigants. He has served on the Project Advisory Board of the Self-Represented Litigation Network, the Judicial Council’s Task Force on Self-Represented Litigants, and the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants. He also serves on the Los Angeles County Law Library Board of Trustees, creating educational programs to assist self-represented litigants.

Alongside the Judicial Council, California Judges Association, and in association with the California Commission on Access to Justice, the California Lawyers Association looks forward to celebrating Judge Juhas on November 16 in Sacramento. To learn more about the 2023 Aranda Award and its past recipients, click here.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

New Lawyers Section of the California Lawyers Association Announces Monica Valencia as Recipient of the 2023 Jack Berman Award of Achievement

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 5, 2023): The New Lawyers Section (NLS) of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) has announced Monica Valencia, an attorney, and Air Force Veteran as the recipient of the 2023 Jack Berman Award of Achievement. The prestigious annual award recognizes a new California lawyer (in their first eight years of service) for distinguished service to the public, judiciary, or legal profession. The 2023 Jack Berman Award of Achievement will be officially presented to Monica at a special reception on Friday evening, September 22, in conjunction with the California Lawyers Association Annual Meeting being held September 21-23, 2023, in San Diego.

From Echo Park in Los Angeles, Monica is a first-generation Latina who was interested in advocacy of immigrants from a very young age. Destined for success, Monica, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 18 years old, and was determined to not only support her family but also become financially secure. Monica was the first in her family to attend college, graduate and receive higher education, which included earning her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2017.

Today, Monica is a lawyer, clinical professor, non-profit director, activist, and artist. She is the Managing Attorney for the Removal Defense Unit & Student Legal Services Department at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) in Los Angeles. Monica also manages two distinct legal services teams that provide effective and intentional legal services to college students in both Southern and Northern California at the community college and Cal State University levels. As a defender, she also provides superb legal services to asylum seekers who are fleeing systemic persecution and violence around the world – with a focus on LGBTQ persecution and violence against women.

Monica considers herself a “Rebellious Lawyer” – a descriptor she prefers to use – rather than a traditional lawyer, and teaches her staff to practice under this model that is focused on perpetual learning from others and growing as people. She also teaches her law students under this model at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco where she is the Immigration Clinic Co-Director and adjunct professor.

When asked by the selection committee what receiving the Jack Berman Award of Achievement means to her, Monica Valencia said: “The spirit of this award is what speaks to me most because it speaks to Jack Berman’s consciousness and integrity. I read that some of Mr. Berman’s friends described him as having ‘a very open heart and a very strong conscience.’ And if this is what people remember about Mr. Berman, then I can only stand before this committee and the entire legal profession and say that I am proud to be of service to the most in need with the biggest open heart and consciousness. I will never stop fighting or being the conscience of every space that I take up.”

“The New Lawyers Section of California Lawyers Association is a beautiful representation of honoring the past, while inspiring the future,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President, California Lawyers Association. “In honoring Monica, the New Lawyers Section solidifies that their goal is to empower, motivate, and recognize the contributions new lawyers are making to drive the profession forward.”

NLS first established the Jack Berman Award of Achievement in 1992 in memory of Jack Berman, a new attorney who performed outstanding service to both the public and profession before he tragically died in a shooting in San Francisco. The award honors his dedicated service to issues of concern to the profession, especially to its new lawyers. More information about the award is available here.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association to Present the
Stellar Line-up of Four Inspirational Keynote Speakers to Cover Wide Range of Industry Topics2023 Annual Meeting in San Diego September 21-23

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 5, 2023): The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to present the 2023 Annual Meeting, a multi-faceted three-day event happening September 21-23 in San Diego. With a packed itinerary highlighted by four distinguished keynote speakers, this industry event also includes trending discussions and evolving topics across all legal practice settings. Of great interest to those studying law, the event features a specialized Law Student Track that brings law students from across California together to engage in interactive presentations and focused discussions, while also providing opportunities to network with legal professionals, exhibitors, and potential employers.

With an “Experience the Power of Community” theme, the 2023 Annual Meeting will kick-off with keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative that will be followed by a keynote address from California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. In the days that follow, other prestigious speakers will include Camille Vasquez, Partner, Litigation & Arbitration Practice Group, Brown Rudnick, and Dr. Chris Mattmann, international expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“The Annual Meeting is much more than a law conference – it is a celebration of the law,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President, California Lawyers Association. “The Annual Meeting brings together the best and brightest in law – those that write regulations, those that enforce, those that utilize their networks to design policies that benefit our communities for the better. More so, the Annual Meeting recognizes those that have gone above and beyond to inspire the next generation of legal professionals.”

The annual festivities will end with the Presidents Gala, a red-carpet, black-tie affair hosted in partnership with the California Judges Association. The 2023 Annual Meeting is open to members, non-members, committee members, law students, and interested media (upon advance request and registration). Space is limited and registration is now open to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting and Presidents Gala. More detailed and updated event information is available here and a complete event itinerary broken out by day is available here.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association Applauds Signed Legislation that Extends Remote Civil Proceedings in California

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 10, 2023): The California Lawyers Association (CLA) applauds Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to sign legislation that extends the sunset of remote civil proceedings in California to January 1, 2026.

Since 2021, CLA has strongly and consistently advocated in support of legislation that would ensure that remote civil proceedings continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, when emergency rules were adopted that provided temporary authorization for remote proceedings in the courts. For reasons that range from increased accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness – for attorneys and their clients – CLA will advocate making the decision permanent.

“We have seen the tremendous benefit of innovation in providing the option to participate remotely in court proceedings, including decreased costs to the litigants and increased access to justice,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President of the California Lawyers Association. “Among other benefits, remote access provides more options for working parents, caregivers, and others to participate in proceedings by avoiding travel costs and significant time commitments associated with in-person court appearances. Remote access more cost-effective and efficient for the lawyers, thereby reducing the costs to their clients, providing an important option for attorneys and clients alike.”

The legislation was signed on June 30, 2023, and went into effect immediately. The legislation extends existing law under which a party has the option to appear remotely in civil conferences, hearings, and proceedings in California, in whole or in part, if appropriate notice is given (subject to specified restrictions). The legislation exempts certain types of proceedings from the provisions governing civil cases generally and creates new provisions for these other types of proceedings, including proceedings regarding the involuntary treatment and conservatorships of gravely disabled persons, contempt proceedings, competency proceedings, and juvenile justice proceedings.

“We applaud efforts to make the justice system more streamlined and user friendly across the board,” said Oyango A. Snell, CEO & Executive Director of the California Lawyers Association. “And we won’t stop here. Our continuing goal is to advocate to make remote civil proceedings permanent in California. We look forward to reviewing the annual reports that will be required from the superior courts and the Judicial Council to assess the impact of technology issues or problems affecting remote proceedings and purchases and leases of technology or equipment to facilitate remote conferences, hearings, or proceedings.”

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

State Bar Applauds California Lawyers Association for Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Legal Profession and Honors Organization with a DEI Leadership Seal

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 5, 2023): The California Lawyers Association (CLA) has been recognized as a DEI Leadership Seal Bronze tier recipient as part of the new California State Bar’s Leadership Seal program. In its inaugural year, the mission of the program is to encourage and incentivize legal employers to take action to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations in an effort to create a more diverse, accessible, and inclusive legal workplace.

The State Bar’s new DEI Leadership Seal program honors those organizations that commit to and implement research-driven actions that further workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, the program monitors and tracks progress as organizations work toward achieving Gold seal status based on clearly defined action items.

“California is a beautiful state with many opportunities,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President, CLA. “The California Lawyers Association will continue to do its part to lead in welcoming and encouraging a state and profession that is rich in culture and differences. This award and recognition is a reflection of that work.”

Headquartered in Sacramento, CLA is very proud of its intentional focus on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the voluntary organization that represents 80,000 lawyers throughout the state.

“We recognize advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is long-term work, and involves a thoughtful, and multi-faceted approach that includes resource development and outreach to support the pathway, mentoring, stakeholder convening, and advocacy on an ongoing basis,” said Oyango A. Snell, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director, CLA. “We’re committed to doing the work that will strengthen the profession and ultimately benefit those who work in the legal field and everyone who accesses legal guidance in California.”

More information about the California State Bar’s new DEI Leadership program is available here. More details about CLAs commitment to advancing DEI among their membership is available here.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

Social media tags: #CALawyers, #CaliforniaLawyersAssociation, #DEILeadershipSeal, #TogethweLaw

California Lawyers Association Elects Five New Officers to Board of Representatives

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 28, 2023): Today, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to announce the election of five new officers to lead the organization and its Board of Representatives. As the voluntary bar association for California attorneys, CLA is the statewide leader in representing attorneys of all practice areas.

The new officers represent a diverse class of some of the nation’s most prominent attorneys and are set to take office on Monday, September 25, 2023:

Betty Williams – President, Managing Shareholder at Law Office of Williams & Associates, PC
Sabrina Green – Vice President, Managing Partner at Stratton & Green, ALC
Tara Burd – Chair, Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC
Terrance Evans – Vice Chair, Partner & Co-Leader of the Banking & Financial Services Practice at Duane Morris LLP
Anthony Lai – Secretary, Associate Attorney, Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, LLP

“We are excited to announce and welcome five wonderful attorneys, Betty, Sabrina, Tara, Terrance and Anthony to CLA leadership,” said Jeremy M. Evans, who serves as the current CLA President and will complete his two-year term after the Annual Meeting in September. President Evans will continue to serve as Immediate Past President through 2025. “As an organization that has achieved a statewide, national, and global spotlight in our commitment to elevate not only the practice of law, but the rule of law, our new officers are poised to further advance the innovation and initiatives that expand our impact and serve our members. We look forward to their unique perspectives and leadership to serve our members and strengthen the legal profession.“

Betty Williams – President, Managing Shareholder at Law Office of Williams & Associates, PC

Betty Williams is the Managing Shareholder at the Law Office of Williams & Associates, P.C. in

Sabrina Green – Vice President, Managing Partner at Stratton & Green, ALC

Tara Burd – Chair, Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC

Terrance Evans – Vice Chair, Partner & Co-Leader of the Banking & Financial Services Practice at Duane Morris LLP

Anthony Lai – Secretary, Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, LLP

Anthony Lai, CFLS, is a senior associate attorney at Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein LLP, specializing in family law. With nearly a decade of litigation experience, he focuses on dissolution of marriage, child custody, support, prenuptial agreements, and domestic violence cases. Anthony is recognized as a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California and has been named a Superlawyers Rising Star from 2021-2023 and one of Pasadena’s Top Attorneys for 2022-2023. Anthony is an active leader in the legal community, particularly in advocating for the unique needs and interests of new attorneys across California. He previously served as the Chair of the New Lawyers Section of CLA and is currently a member of the LACBA Barrister’s Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee. Committed to serving the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, Anthony is a member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles Board of Directors. He offers legal advice and support to the underserved APA community through various pro bono legal clinics. In his leisure time, Anthony enjoys taking his family to Disneyland and unapologetically supports the Dodgers and the Chargers.

More information about CLA’s leadership is available at www.calawyers.org/cla/leadership.

California Lawyers Association Declares the Time for Attorney Wellness is Now

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 1, 2023): Coinciding with the start of Mental Health Awareness Month and Well-Being Week in Law, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) has declared that the time for attorney wellness is now. CLA is the nation’s largest voluntary bar association representing nearly 80,000 attorneys. Taking place May 1-5, 2023 during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Well-Being Week in Law is a national movement to raise awareness about mental health and encourage action and innovation across the profession to improve well-being.

“California Lawyers Association recognized long ago that attorneys suffered and had few outlets to vocalize their need for help. Once we provided a platform to shine a bright light on the importance of putting one’s health and wellness first, we normalized conversations like suicide, asking for help, and supporting each other,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President of CLA. “As the largest statewide voluntary bar association in the nation, we intentionally design a prudent space to not only support each other, but normalize health in our every day.”

The results of “Stressed, Lonely, and Overcommitted: Predictors of Lawyer Suicide Risk,” a study published in collaboration with Patrick Krill of Krill Strategies and the D.C. Bar Association found that attorneys had few opportunities to vocalize concerns about their mental health. As a profession, attorneys are the first to take care of others but the last to take care of themselves.

“CLA believes this trend must end, as no individual should bear any burden alone, especially regarding thoughts of depression, stress, loneliness, or suicide,” said Oyango A. Snell, Esq., Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of California Lawyers Foundation. “As an organization, CLA normalizes wellness-focused conversations and provides opportunities to practice wellness at every moment.”

Mental health has become the central tenant of the deliverables CLA provides to internal and external stakeholders. Leading by example, CLA’s goal is to normalize wellness-focused conversations and provide opportunities to practice wellness. Whether through wellness challenges, discussions, or providing platforms to support each other, CLA is well aware that to change the current trend, we all must act and support each other as a profession.

Throughout the week, CLA will host five wellness webinars, each focused on elevating personal health and well-being. To learn more about the events, visit https://calawyers.org/health-and-wellness/.

California Lawyers Association Attorneys Convene for Law Enforcement Practices and Liability Conference May 25-26

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (April 10, 2023): The Public Law Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA) is hosting the annual Law Enforcement Practices and Liability Conference in San Diego, California, on May 25-26, 2023. The conference will welcome hundreds of attorneys, officials representing local government entities, law enforcement professionals and non-profit partners to discuss the public policy of law enforcement practices, and barriers that assist in limiting the use of force in public safety interactions.

“Over the last six years, California has been successful in reducing the incidences of fatal deaths resulting from law enforcement practices,” said Jeremy Evans, President of CLA. According to a recent article by the San Francisco Chronicle, law enforcement interactions resulted in nearly 1,000 deaths over six years, over a one year period, and the past year in particular, 80 less deaths were caused by law enforcement. “These trends are due in part to the continuous conversation held by stakeholders, specifically, California’s attorneys, local law enforcement, local agencies, and coalition partners that are collectively invested in designing model behaviors that drive standards throughout the nation. The Law Enforcement Practices and Liabilities Conference reflects the commitment of stakeholders to invest in discussions that mitigate violence and death in police interactions.”

The Law Enforcement Practices and Liability Conference has confirmed a variety of speakers who have personally influenced the manner in which policing standards are set and executed. Speakers will address topics such as the use of body cameras, public records requests, race and policing, mental health, free speech of law enforcement, and privacy. Furthermore, the conference will also feature Pulitzer Prize Winner Robert Greene, known for his commentary on police issues covered for the Los Angeles Times.

“The Public Law Section of California Lawyers Association is devoted to providing the highest quality educational programs featuring the leading practitioners and experts in their fields on the most pressing concerns facing public lawyers and the communities we serve,” said John Appelbaum, Event Chair. “The Public Law Section has found the perfect balance to discuss the most sensitive topics with the numerous stakeholders focused on one goal – identify policies that reduce the need for force in California.”

The Public Law Section (Section) promotes the practice of public law by attorneys employed by public agencies and attorneys in private practice who represent public agencies or those who have dealings with public agencies. The Section seeks to ensure that laws affecting the public sector are clear, effective and serve the public interest. With more than 1,300 members, including law students, the Public Law Section focuses on addressing issues related to all areas of public law – including administrative law, constitutional law, municipal and county law, open meetings/open records laws, political/election law, education law, water law, state and federal legislation, public employment, government contracts, government tort liability, agency regulations, land use/environmental issues, public lawyer ethics, and public finance.

To learn more about the Section, or the Law Enforcement Practices and Liability Conference, visit https://calawyers.org/section/public-law/about/.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

California Lawyers Association Announces Lisa Kim of the California Privacy Protection Agency as California Privacy Lawyer of the Year

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (February 16, 2023) – During the Inaugural Annual Privacy Law Summit hosted by the Privacy Law Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA), Lisa Kim, Senior Privacy Counsel and Advisor to the California Privacy Protection Agency, was recognized as the 2023 Privacy Lawyer of the Year. The special award was presented during a ceremony culminating a two-day summit that took place February 9-10, 2023, at the UCLA Luskin Center in Los Angeles, California.

The California Privacy Lawyer of the Year Award recognizes an individual that has made meaningful contributions to California’s privacy laws. Formerly a Deputy Attorney General in the Privacy Enforcement and Protection Unit of the Consumer Law Section of the California Department of Justice, Ms. Kim has been the driving force behind drafting regulations to implement the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including recent amendments enacted through the California Privacy Rights Act. During the award ceremony, Stacey Schesser, California Supervising Deputy Attorney General, and Ashkan Soltani, CPPA Executive Director, praised Ms. Kim for her exceptional dedication and hard work, with echoing comments made by CPPA Board Chair Jennifer Urban.

“I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of the California Privacy Lawyer of the Year award,” said Lisa Kim. “I knew that when the CCPA passed, my professional life would never be the same. I was the lucky one that got to put pen to paper to actually make the CCPA work for consumers and businesses alike and the weight of that responsibility was not lost on me. The regulations were a true labor of love, and to receive this award on behalf of that work confirms that we did a good job. A really good job.”

The Privacy Law Summit welcomed more than 200 people to the UCLA campus. It featured speakers representing top privacy regulators from the California Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission, and the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, as well as a wide range of practitioners from diverse settings worldwide. The Summit addressed topics relating to the California AG’s recent CCPA enforcement action against Sephora, digital advertising, the new California teen/children’s privacy law, artificial intelligence, data ethics, health privacy, cybersecurity, and more.

“This conference was an important step towards building out the California privacy community by convening regulators and privacy lawyers and civil society groups to share perspectives on the most important issues of the day,” said CLA Privacy Law Section Chair Sheri Porath Rockwell. “We were especially grateful to have had leaders and staff from the California AG’s office and the California Privacy Protection Agency in attendance in such an intimate setting that allowed for meaningful connection.”

The Inaugural Privacy Law Summit convened at a strategic and pivotal moment when California’s laws have become the de facto US privacy laws, and it has the first state privacy agency in the nation. Indeed, California lawyers are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of privacy and cybersecurity worldwide.

“In celebrating Lisa Kim, we also celebrate the incredible vision of Privacy Law Section Chair Sheri Porath Rockwell, Counsel at Sidney Austin LLP, and section leaders including Jeewon Serrato, Partner at Baker Hostetler, and Hailun Ying, Senior Lead Council of Privacy at Redbox,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President of CLA. “Their leadership reflects the section’s relentless drive to elevate the importance of privacy law by recognizing the trailblazers in the industry, like Lisa Kim. Their vast connections to the leaders in privacy law benefit not just attorneys, but the communities we, as attorneys, represent.”

Founded in 2020, the mission of the Privacy Law Section of CLA is three-fold: to bring together privacy practitioners working in diverse settings, provide members with a range of unique educational opportunities, and create a community that allows for an exchange of ideas and technical know-how. Recognizing CLA’s unique role in the discussion, the Privacy Law Section also advocates for the public by engaging with California legislators, regulators, and businesses to ensure privacy laws and regulations protect consumers and foster innovation.

To learn more about the Privacy Law Section of CLA, or the Inaugural Annual Privacy Law Summit, visit https://calawyers.org/section/privacy-law/. Recordings of the sessions will be available in the coming weeks.

About Lisa Kim

Lisa Kim is the Senior Privacy Counsel and Advisor at the California Privacy Protection Agency. As the Agency’s top privacy protection legal expert, she provides analyses and legal and policy recommendations to the Agency’s Board and Executive Director, and advises on privacy and data security across all the Agency’s divisions, which include Legal, Policy and Legislation, Public Affairs, Enforcement, Information Technology, and Administration. Lisa led the Agency’s team in drafting new regulations that operationalize the California Privacy Rights Act’s amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act, including regulations that clarify the law’s data minimization principles, prohibition on dark patterns, and requirements for an opt-out preference signal. Prior to joining the Agency, she was a Deputy Attorney General at the Office of the California Attorney General, where she enforced state and federal privacy laws and drafted the regulations first implementing the California Consumer Privacy Act. Lisa received her J.D. at UC Berkeley’s School of Law and her B.A. magna cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

Lawyers with High Stress 22 Times More Likely to Contemplate Suicide than Those with Low Stress

Lawyers Experience Heightened Risk of Suicidal Ideation Compared to Other Groups; Stress, Loneliness, Work Overcommitment and Gender Among Top Predictors of Risk

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. and WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 13, 2023) – California Lawyers Association (CLA) and the D.C. Bar shared findings today from a groundbreaking research project offering insight into personal and workplace risk factors for mental health problems among practicing attorneys. In 2020, the two organizations announced their participation in the project, which has now yielded the third in a series of published papers. Titled “Stressed, Lonely, and Overcommitted: Predictors of Lawyer Suicide Risk,” the findings were published February 11, 2023 in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Healthcare. The research project was led by attorney mental health and well-being expert Patrick Krill, of Krill Strategies, and Justin J. Anker from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota.

Using a random sample of approximately 2,000 practicing lawyers from California and Washington, D.C., the latest research examined the relationship between thoughts of suicide and various factors that negatively and disproportionately affect lawyers including perceived stress, loneliness, work overcommitment, work-family conflict, alcohol use, and prior mental health diagnosis.

Key findings from the study include:

Lawyers were twice as likely as the general population to experience suicidal ideation.
Perceived stress was the number one predictor of suicidality; compared to lawyers with low stress, those with high stress were a remarkable 22 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, and lawyers with intermediate levels of stress were 5.5 times more likely.
Lonely lawyers were nearly three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, and those who are highly over-committed to work more than twice as likely.
Male lawyers were twice as likely to contemplate suicide, a notable difference from the general population where women experience higher levels of suicidal ideation. Prior mental health diagnosis also increased risk of suicidal ideation.
A significantly greater proportion of lawyers who contemplated suicide indicated that working in the legal profession was detrimental to their mental health and contributed to their substance use and feelings of burnout.
The profile of a lawyer with the highest risk for suicide was a lonely or socially isolated male with a high level of unmanageable stress, who was overly committed to their work, and may have a history of mental health problems. The heightened risk of suicidal ideation extends well beyond this specific profile.

Key takeaways for legal employers and other stakeholders:

A two-fold strategy whereby stressors in lawyers’ lives are reduced, and their stress tolerance is enhanced, would seem to be the most efficacious approach for mitigating the stress-suicidality risk in this population.
Considering the profound impact of stress on lawyer suicidality, all options should be considered for mitigating stress, including an examination and recalibration of attitudes, norms, and cultures relating to their work.
Employers may be able to help mitigate some of the loneliness their lawyers experience by making collaboration and regular social interactions in the work environment more of a priority.
Given the high rates of alcohol misuse among lawyers, efforts to combat loneliness and isolation should avoid reliance on alcohol-based events as a primary means of increasing socialization and connection.
By raising awareness of the notable downsides of being too committed to one’s work, encouraging lawyers to set appropriate boundaries in their lives, and reframing notions of success, the legal profession may be able to temper the harmful effects of work overcommitment.

“The legal profession has known that lawyers are disproportionately predisposed to suicidal thoughts, but we’ve been largely relying on assumptions and anecdotes to understand why,” said Patrick Krill of Krill Strategies. “With this research, however, we now have the beginnings of a data-driven formula for successfully mitigating risk and ultimately saving lives.”

California Lawyers Association CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell, Esq. and D.C. Bar CEO Robert J. Spagnoletti thanked the researchers for continuing to glean new insights from their collaboration on the project.

“The results of this joint study validate what the California Lawyers Association has known for quite some time – attorneys spend so much time taking care of others and do not take enough care of themselves,” Snell said. “Alongside our partners at Krill Strategies, the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota, and D.C. Bar, we commit to all attorneys that our focus has been and will always remain the health and well-being of attorneys. The data released in this study will further guide the strategies we are actively designing to mitigate these trends of self-harm and improve overall well-being.”

“Thanks to Patrick Krill and Justin Anker’s groundbreaking study of the lives of lawyers, we now have a better understanding of the many challenges they face in the pressure-filled legal profession,” said D.C. Bar CEO Robert J. Spagnoletti. “In addition to experiencing higher-than-average rates of depression and substance use disorders, Krill and Anker have confirmed that lawyers face a higher risk of suicide. Bar associations should lead the way in providing their members with critically important mental health services to reduce lawyer suicide. The D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program, which provides lawyers access to free confidential mental health, addiction, and well-being resources when they need them, is one example of how bars can support their members at risk of self-harm.”

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

About D.C. Bar

The District of Columbia Bar (D.C. Bar) is the largest unified bar in the United States, with more than 111,000 members in all 50 states and more than 80 countries and territories. Established by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 1972, the D.C. Bar is responsible for licensing and disciplining attorneys who have been admitted to practice law in the District. The D.C. Bar is committed to enhancing access to justice, improving the legal system, and empowering lawyers to achieve success through its award-winning Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program, diverse programming and initiatives, and other professional services. Learn more at www.dcbar.org.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Foundation Announces Recipients of Annual Grants Totaling Nearly $350K

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (February 7, 2023) – The California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), in its first three years of operation, has awarded over $450,000 to California organizations that are actively working to enhance diversity in the legal profession and achieve fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. CLF is the charitable arm of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), California’s largest voluntary bar association, representing nearly 80,000 attorneys. Now in its fourth year, CLF will award an additional $350,000 in grant funding to qualifying organizations to increase access to justice, enhance civics education for K-12 students, and eliminate financial and academic hurdles for students of color and students from low-income communities who want to pursue a career in law.

“The State Bar of California recently reported that the state’s adult population comprises 61 percent people of color, but only 34 percent of California’s active licensed attorneys,” said Oyango A. Snell, Esq., Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of California Lawyers Association (CLA). “Furthermore, California is growing increasingly diverse, with only 36 percent of Californians identifying as Non-Hispanic White according to the most recent census data. That means that the majority of Californians do not have access to an attorney that represents their background.”

California Lawyers Foundation believes that fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law begins with representation. Since inception, CLF has actively worked to diversify the legal profession by channeling its efforts to eliminate burdens to enter and access the legal profession. CLF develops and supports projects that improve access to justice for people in need and make the legal system more fair and efficient for everyone, and help educate Californians about the third branch of government, the role of lawyers, and the rule of law.

“By awarding nearly $350,000 to the state’s most impactful organizations, we, as a united profession of attorneys, judges, and legal scholars, continue to ensure that trends affecting the most disproportionate populations in the legal civil and criminal justice system will be addressed,” said Snell.

Recipients of the 2023 Grant Award include:

Access to Justice

California Access to Justice Commission received $50,000, a project to connect advisors with seniors and others who need to make legal arrangements for their health care decision making and end of life planning.
Legal Access Alameda received $50,000 to help fund Free Legal Answers California, an online legal advice platform benefitting low-income populations throughout California, founded in partnership with CLA.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area received $30,000 to work with low-income entrepreneurs of color to protect and build locally held wealth, thus staving off commercial evictions and loss of income for small business owners and their families.
Legal Link received $50,000 to provide timely, effective, community-based legal support for families experiencing poverty and housing insecurity in California.
Veterans Legal Institute® (VLI) received $7,500 to help eradicate barriers to employment, foster self-sufficiency, and free legal services support for indigent Veterans in Southern California.

Civic Engagement

California Judges Association’s Judicial Fairness Coalition received $40,000 to educate people on the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary and to combat attacks and unfair criticism on judges and the judicial branch.
Legal Education Access Pipeline (LEAP) received $50,000 to continue making law school and legal careers more accessible to underrepresented groups.
San Joaquin County Bar Foundation received $4,000 to restart the Foundation’s First Impressions program, bringing civic education to fifth grade students in the San Joaquin County area.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC) received $40,000 to support attorneys and legal aid staff from marginalized backgrounds with the end goal of increasing the critical issue of retention and representation of attorneys from these groups.
UC College of the Law, San Francisco; Black Alumni Council received $25,000 to fund an established scholarship fund benefiting students who have worked to better the experience of the UC College of the Law, San Francisco African-American community.

In addition to the annual awards to deserving organizations, CLF is always seeking support from law firms and corporate legal departments who believe in diversifying the legal profession, improving access to justice, and enhancing vital civics education. For more information on CLF, its grant funding process, and initiatives, visit www.calawyersfoundation.org.

About California Lawyers Foundation

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association Announces Attorney General Rob Bonta as Keynote Speaker for Legislative Day on April 19 in Sacramento

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (January 30, 2023): California Lawyers Association (CLA), the state’s largest voluntary bar association representing nearly 80,000 attorneys, is proud to announce Attorney General Rob Bonta as the keynote speaker for Legislative Day, taking place on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Sacramento, California. An annual event typically attended by attorneys and industry colleagues, Legislative Day brings attorneys from all practice areas together to advocate, educate, interact with and learn from the state’s leading experts.

“Legislative Day is just a snapshot into the long standing relationship that California Lawyers Association has formed over the years,” said Jeremy M. Evans, President of California Lawyers Association. “As the largest statewide voluntary bar association in the nation, we are honored to welcome Attorney General Bonta as keynote speaker for the annual celebration of Legislative Day in Sacramento.”

As the 34th Attorney General of the State of California, Bonta is the first person of Filipino descent and the second Asian-American to occupy the position. Similar to the California Lawyers Association, Attorney General Bonta represents many of the personal and professional aspirations that attorneys advocate for the diverse communities that they serve.

“As the leading attorney of the State of California, Attorney General Rob Bonta represents the power that we hold as attorneys to advocate for the communities that we serve,” said Oyango A. Snell, Esq., Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of California Lawyers Association. “By attending Legislative Day, members of the California Lawyers Association will be inspired to act and advocate to advance the legal community in ways that set the standards for other states to follow in the pursuit of excellence and a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry.”

California Lawyers Association’s Legislative Day is open to all attorneys and will feature multiple opportunities to interact with representatives from the Legislative, Judicial and Executive Branches, and colleagues from around the state. Registration for the event is now open. To register and learn more, visit https://calawyers.org/event/legislativeday2023.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

California Lawyers Association Announces Erika Frank as Associate Executive Director, Sections Chief and General Counsel

For a link to the following article, click here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (January 30, 2023) – California Lawyers Association (CLA), the state’s largest voluntary bar association representing nearly 80,000 attorneys, is proud to welcome Erika Frank as Associate Executive Director, Sections Chief and General Counsel. The announcement was made today by Oyango A. Snell, Esq, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of California Lawyers Association. Frank will be based in CLA’s Sacramento headquarters and her first day will be January 30, 2023.

“The California Lawyers Association represents the best attorneys in the state, and now, we have the most well known General Counsel in Sacramento and beyond joining our ranks,” said “Oyango A. Snell, Esq, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of California Lawyers Association. “Erika’s professional reputation as a collaborator, problem-solver, and inspiring manager of human capital will benefit not only our team, but the members that we serve.”

Leveraging more than two decades of legal, regulatory, and legislative experience, Erika offers a practical and insightful approach to helping clients deal with the effects of California’s employment laws on employee relations and workplace policies. Prior to joining the Shaw Law Group, Erika served as the General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs at the California Chamber of Commerce, the largest broad-based trade association in California. With a focus on employment law compliance, Erika oversaw CalChamber’s Labor Law Helpline and assisted countless members with their labor and employment law questions. She also played an integral role in the launch and success of CalChamber’s “The Workplace” podcast.

“Erika’s appointment represents the strength of our association,” said Snell. “Over the last five years, we have strategically positioned California Lawyers Association as advocates, educators, and community change makers. Erika’s innate ability to innovatively unite and position our sections to make an even stronger impact in the diverse communities attorneys serve will generate an even greater impact in California, the nation, and the world.”

As a subject matter expert in labor and employment laws, Frank has produced and conducted numerous seminars and webinars on topics including leaves of absence, wage and hour compliance, harassment, discrimination and retaliation prevention. She is known for her relentless energy and ability to transform legal concepts into simple stories and realistic scenarios. Frank has conducted impartial workplace investigations for public and private sector employers. Her ability to quickly evaluate complex situations and commitment to “getting it right” make her a sought after investigator.

As a member of CLA’s Senior Executive Team, Frank will oversee the 18 sections and their managers, including Human Resources Teams. Her position on the Senior Executive Team will ensure that the vision and mission of CLA’s Board of Directors have an expanded reach to support the growing membership and future impact.

About California Lawyers Association

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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Media Contact: Traci Rockefeller Cusack at 916-213-4373 or traci@trockcommunications.com

2022 News Releases

Olga Diaz Joins California Lawyers Association Executive Team to Lead Inclusion, Outreach, and Strategic Initiatives

December 6, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA), the state’s largest voluntary bar association representing thousands of attorneys, announced today that Olga Diaz has joined CLA’s Senior Executive Team as Associate Executive Director of Inclusion, Outreach, and Strategic Initiatives. In this newly created role, Diaz will execute the vision of the Board of Representatives to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the California legal community through training, advocacy, affinity bar partnerships, and education to positively impact the future of the profession.

“The State Bar of California recently reported that 66% of California’s 195,000 licensed attorneys are Caucasian. As the Bar Association for California’s attorneys, CLA must set the standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession,” said Oyango A. Snell, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for CLA. “Olga’s decade-long experience in ensuring equity and inclusion to professional pathways will ensure that the CLA, and our members, are at the forefront of welcoming all to our profession.”

As a member of CLA’s senior executive team, Diaz will ensure the association fulfills its strategic mission to champion and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout CLA and the California legal industry. The position involves nurturing external relationships with affinity bar associations and other organizations, developing training and education programs, and ensuring CLA is positioned as an inclusive leader throughout the state.

The CLA’s Board of Representatives recently approved a strategic plan that champions DEI in California’s legal community as a strategic pillar. The plan calls for new program investments to positively impact the current and future of the profession by incorporating DEI strategies throughout CLA’s governance policies, membership recruitment and retention efforts, leadership opportunities, educational panels and speakers, and strengthening the pathway for representatives from historically marginalized groups to pursue a legal career.

“Olga’s role is central to executing our strategic plan and positions the CLA as a leader in moving past performative diversity and mission statements that the legal profession has accepted as the status quo. With Olga’s expertise, CLA’s members practicing throughout California will become a more inclusive organization and position the CLA as DEI experts in our fast-growing industry,” said Snell. “We welcome Olga to the CLA family and are excited to collaborate with her on strategic initiatives to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our own organization and throughout the legal profession.”

First in her family to attend college, Diaz received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Santa Clara University and a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University. She is completing a doctoral program in organizational change and leadership at the University of Southern California.

Diaz, who started at CLA last week, most recently worked at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where she served as Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Student Affairs. She previously worked in public accounting and data analysis and research and for 10 years owned a small business. She also brings experience as a public servant and trailblazer in North San Diego County, having been the first Latina elected to the Escondido City Council, where she served constituents for 12 years.

California Lawyers Association Welcomes Sheila Johnston as Associate Executive Director of Communications

December 5, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA), the state’s largest voluntary bar association representing thousands of attorneys, announced today that Sheila Johnston has joined CLA’s Senior Executive Team as Associate Executive Director of Communications. In this newly created role, Johnston will design and implement communication strategies in collaboration with Tej Baath, Associate Executive Director of Membership, Marketing and Technology to redefine the CLA experience.

“Sheila has spent the last decade of her career designing communication strategies that result in brand expansion and awareness for the associations she has worked for. Branding herself as a ‘kindness-driven communications executive,’ Sheila has spent the last decade of her career elevating communications for the associations she has served. Her foundation is a mix of creativity and a lot of strategy; she designs communications that utilize the latest trends – digital marketing, engaging copywriting, strategic rebranding. Simply put, no tool is off the table for Sheila when it comes to communications,” said Oyango A. Snell, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for CLA.

Johnston credits her success in association communication strategies to her professional relationships that stem from her education and work experience. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State University. She served as a Leon Panetta Fellow, Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow, and is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Management program. Johnston has worked in the California State Legislature, various statewide budget offices, and in the House of Representatives. Her executive experience in associations includes the California Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, NAIOP Silicon Valley, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, the California Pharmacists Association, and the Association of California Healthcare Districts.

“In an association environment, the objectives may be clear, but the response that leadership provides, and members expect, can be a moving target on any given day. Coupled with Sheila’s ability to understand complex issues and design eye-catching assets that communicate to a diverse audience, Sheila’s expertise positions CLA to communicate the association’s value in a manner where audiences will respond and be driven to act,” said Snell.

As a member of CLA’s Senior Executive Team, Johnston will oversee communications strategies, including public relations, social media, and website content creation, and other publications that CLA partners rely on. She will lead the design of marketing assets that uniquely tell the CLA story – where we have been, and where we are going.

Johnston’s position on the Senior Executive Team will ensure that the vision and mission of CLA’s Board of Representatives have an expanded reach to support the growing membership and impact expected for 2023 and beyond.

California Lawyers Association Successful in Amicus Effort Urging U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case Involving Attorney-Client Privilege

October 6, 2022

On October 3, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case involving the application of the attorney-client privilege, which protects the confidentiality of communications between attorneys and their clients. The grant of certiorari was a victory for the California Lawyers Association (CLA), which filed an amicus brief on June 1 urging the court to hear the case. This is the most consequential attorney-client privilege case that will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in several decades.

In re Grand Jury, 23 F.4th 1088 (9th Cir. 2022), involves the test that applies to communications between lawyers and their clients involving both legal and nonlegal purposes, known as dual-purpose communications, and when those communications are protected by the attorney-client privilege. In that case, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had held that a dual-purpose communication is only privileged when the most significant purpose is legal.

There is currently a three-way split among the circuits as to how to assess dual-purpose communications. CLA supports adoption of the test set forth by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2014, which held that attorney-client privilege applies to dual-purpose communications if “obtaining or providing legal advice was one of the significant purposes of the attorney-client communication.” That test was articulated in In re Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc., 756 F3d 754, 760 (D.C. Cir. 2014).

“We are grateful that the Supreme Court has agreed to resolve the confusion created by the three-way split in the circuits and protect the sacred relationship between attorneys and their clients,” said CLA President Jeremy M. Evans. “We appreciate our member leaders, including Adria Price, Laura L. Buckley, and H. Thomas Watson, who worked on our amicus brief and helped bring attention to an issue with nationwide significance.”

CLA plans to follow up its advocacy by filing an amicus brief on the merits with the U.S. Supreme Court.

“CLA believes the test applied in Kellogg provides the most clarity and protection to the attorney-client privilege, which is of the utmost importance to our members and their clients,” CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell said.

California Lawyers Association Brings Together California Bar Leaders

September 8, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is partnering with the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) to host and bring together local bar leaders for the 2022 Annual California Bar Leaders Conference. CLA welcomes bar leaders across California to join the statewide voluntary bar association and SDCBA in a series of discussions on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in San Diego. The conference, which will also be offered virtually, features an afternoon of programs designed to strengthen attendees’ leadership skills.

Suzanne Hoffman, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and organizational consultant, will kick off the event with her keynote speech on “Constructive Conflict: Bringing Civility Back to the Board.”

After a break, CLA CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell will lead the group in a discussion of the issues raised to reflect and discuss how civility issues play out from a practical perspective amongst bar leaders and staff.

“After two-plus years of remote work and virtual events, I look forward to seeing everyone and exploring the shared challenges and opportunities we face,” Snell said.

The conference concludes with a program titled “Nonprofit Management: Board Accountability + Measuring Progress,” featuring a distinguished panel of bar leaders.

In addition to the free training, CLA is offering bar leaders a discounted rate to the CLA Annual Meeting, which kicks off on Thursday, September 15, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The Annual Meeting features MCLE courses and multiple networking opportunities. Contact bar.relations@calawyers.org for the discount code and more information. Tickets are sold separately for the California Judges Association and the California Lawyers Association first-ever black-tie Gala on September 17, 2022 to support diversity in the profession, access to justice, and civics education programs.

“As the voluntary bar association for all California attorneys, we strive to be a convener of bar associations and gather folks together to pursue our common goals,” CLA President Jeremy M. Evans said. “The Bar Leaders Conference, Annual Meeting, and Gala, among other opportunities, do just that—convene us in one place. We thank you for participating.”

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Established in 2018, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

California Lawyers Association to Honor Work of Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky Following Program on ‘Our Imperiled Democracy’

September 1, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA), Public Law Section will honor UC Berkeley School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky with its highest award on October 3, 2022, following the constitutional law scholar’s talk on “Our Imperiled Democracy.”

Dean of Berkeley Law since 2017, Chemerinsky was previously the founding Dean of the University of California, Irvine School of Law. He has taught law since 1980, including more than two decades at the University of Southern California Law School.

He has authored more than 200 law review articles and 14 books, including leading casebooks and treatises about constitutional law, criminal procedure, and federal jurisdiction. One of the country’s leading academic commenters on the U.S. Supreme Court, his op-eds and columns frequently appear in the Los Angeles Times, The Sacramento Bee, the ABA Journal, the Daily Journal, and newspapers across the country. In 2016, he was named a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

CLA’s Public Law Section will present Chemerinsky with the Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year Award on October 3, 2022, during a reception from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Berkeley, Calif. The award is presented annually to recognize a public law practitioner who has provided outstanding service to the public and possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community and the highest of ethical standards. Since 2008, the award has been named for former Chief Justice Ronald M. George in recognition of his distinguished career.

“This award recognizes Dean Chemerinsky’s exemplary contributions to educating lawyers and the public about the Constitution and the rule of law,” said CLA CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell. “His long track record of prolific writing and public speaking has helped to improve the public’s understanding of these legal principles, which are critical to a functioning democracy.”

The award reception will follow CLA Public Law Section’s program “Our Imperiled Democracy,” from 4–5:15 p.m. at UC Berkeley School of Law. Featuring Chemerinsky as keynote speaker, the program will explore the legal and political developments threatening democracy in the United States.

“There are few legal scholars in the country who have such an outstanding depth of knowledge of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Constitution,” CLA President Jeremy M. Evans said. “CLA appreciates Dean Chemerinsky’s tireless efforts to share his wisdom and experience with the legal profession and the public and encourage a variety of legal opinions.”ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

California Lawyers Association to Honor Outgoing Chief Justice with Judicial Excellence Award and Recognize Distinguished Bar Leaders

August 29, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to recognize the exceptional contributions of outgoing Chief Justice of California Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, who is concluding her 12-year term on January 2, 2023, after 32 years of service at every level of the state court system.

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye who was the first person of color and the second woman to serve as the state’s chief justice, will receive the Inaugural Judicial Excellence Award on September 17, 2022. She concludes her 12-year term as chief justice and chair of the Judicial Council on January 2, 2023, after 32 years of public service at every level of the state court system.

The Judicial Excellence Award was established to recognize a member of the California Judicial Branch who exemplifies the mission of CLA and is dedicated to promoting excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. The recipient of the Judicial Excellence Award is also committed to the improvement of the administration of justice and preserving the rule of law.

The award may be presented to any individual or organization who has made a positive local or statewide impact on the justice system and preservation of the rule of law. The Honorable Rupert A. Byrdsong, Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles and President of CJA, will present Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye with the award.

“California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye is a brilliant legal mind and wonderful person,” CLA President Jeremy M. Evans said. “The court, judicial system, and legal community will miss her steadfastness, humility, and care for others. We are also excited for her future and future of the court with Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero at the helm.”

In addition to the Judicial Excellence Award, a new series of awards to recognize outstanding legal practitioners, leaders, and organizations will also be presented during the first-ever black-tie Gala sponsored by CLA and the California Judges Association (CJA) to support the work of the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) and the California Judges Foundation (CJF).

Somita Basu, CLA Solo and Small Firm Section Executive Committee Chair and Founder and Partner of Norton Basu LLP, will receive the California Lawyers Association Excellence in Leadership Award. This award is presented to a CLA volunteer who demonstrates a commitment to the association’s mission and represents outstanding leadership in the practice of law.

CLA’s Privacy Law Section will receive the California Lawyers Association Section Innovation Award. This award is presented to a Section that demonstrates a commitment to promoting excellence in the Section’s field of practice.

San Diego County Bar Association will receive the California Lawyers Association Exceptional Organization of the Year Award. This award is presented to an organization that exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a collaborative spirit that mirrors CLA’s mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the California legal profession, as well as a commitment to seeking a fair administration of justice and rule of law.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to recognize great people who consistently work to improve and strengthen the legal profession,” said Oyango A. Snell, CLA CEO and Executive Director. “The valuable contributions that these public servants, leaders, volunteers, and partners have made to the legal profession is invaluable and worthy of a celebration.”

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Established in 2018, California Lawyers association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

California Lawyers Association to Honor Best of Legal Profession at Annual Meeting

August 23, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to announce the names of the lawyers, judges, and legal organizations who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession in California.

The honorees will be recognized at the opening reception of CLA’s Annual Meeting at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel on Thursday, September 15, 2022. The awards include legacy awards that were once given by the State Bar of California, the regulatory body for attorneys.

“CLA was pleased to take responsibility for these awards after we became the voluntary statewide bar association in 2018,” said CLA’s CEO and Executive Director CLA Oyango A. Snell. “CLA is honored and excited to acknowledge these passionate and dedicated award winners who have gone above and beyond to help society’s most vulnerable, make our esteemed profession more equitable, and promote justice and high ethical standards.”The CLA 2022 Award winners are as follows:

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Bobbi Tillmon will receive the Aranda Access to Justice Award. Co-sponsored by the Judicial Council, CLA, and the California Judges Association, in association with the California Commission on Access to Justice, the award honors a judge who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving access to our courts and who has significantly improved access for low- and moderate-income Californians. This award will be presented on November 17, 2022 at the Judicial Council of California.

Southwestern Law School Dean Susan Westerberg Prager will receive the Bernard E. Witkin Medal. The award recognizes those who, through a career of extraordinary service, have made significant contributions to the quality of justice and legal scholarship in California.

Lawyers Club of San Diego and DTO Law will each receive Diversity Awards for their efforts to promote diversity in the legal profession or among peers.

Mark L. Tuft, a litigation partner with Cooper, White & Cooper in San Francisco, will receive the Harry B. Sondheim Professional Responsibility Award. The award recognizes a member’s outstanding long-term contribution to the advancement of attorney professional standards in California.

Deeva Shah, an associate at Keker, Van Nest & Peters, will receive the Jack Berman Award of Achievement. The award honors a young lawyer (first eight years of active State Bar membership) who has provided outstanding service to the legal profession and public, as well as dedication to issues of concern to new and young lawyers.

California Rural Legal Assistance Executive Director José R. Padilla will receive the Loren Miller Legal Services Award. The award honors an attorney who has demonstrated long-term commitment to legal services and who has personally engaged in significant work extending legal services to the poor. The award is co-presented with the California Commission on Access to Justice and the Legal Aid Association of California.

Tristan E.H. Higgins, a San Diego lawyer, speaker, and diversity and inclusion expert, will receive the California Lawyers Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award.

Legal Education Access Pipeline Inc. (LEAP), a diversity pipeline fellowship program, will receive the California Lawyers Foundation Heather L. Rosing Pathway Partner Award.

“I am humbled and awed by the accomplishments of our award winners,” said CLA President Jeremy M. Evans. “They provide excellent examples for the rest of us to follow. We look forward to celebrating with the award winners and all conference and gala attendees soon.”

CLA is celebrating the “best of the legal profession” at its Annual Meeting on September 15–17, 2022 and hosting a first-ever black-tie Gala in partnership with the California Judges Association on September 17, 2022, benefitting both the California Lawyers Foundation and the California Judges Foundation.

California Lawyers Association Congratulates President Jeremy M. Evans on National Bar Leadership Role

August 17, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) congratulates President Jeremy M. Evans on his recent appointment to the Executive Council of the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP).

Evans was elected this month to a three-year term on the council, which serves as the governing body for the organization. NCBP’s mission is to provide high-quality programming to bar leaders across the country.

In 2021, Evans was elected to a two-year term as president of the California Lawyers Association. From 2019 to 2021, he served as the secretary of CLA’s charitable arm and partner, the California Lawyers Foundation. In 2021, the California Supreme Court appointed him to the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of the Bar Exam, which will make recommendations on the exam and whether to adopt alternative or additional testing or tools to ensure minimum competence to practice law.

“The California Lawyers Association commends Jeremy on this new role, which will allow him to share ideas and collaborate with bar association presidents across the country,” said Oyango A. Snell, CLA’s CEO and Executive Director. “We appreciate Jeremy’s leadership, partnership, and support and are excited for the new opportunities his involvement in NCBP will bring to our organization and the California legal community.”

California Lawyers Association (CLA) Commends ABA Resolution for Reconfirming Core Values in Law Firm Ownership

August 15, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) commends the American Bar Association’s (ABA) passing of a resolution opposing revision to the law prohibiting lawyers from sharing legal fees with non-lawyers and from transferring to non-lawyers ownership or control over entities practicing law. Resolution 402, passed during the ABA’s annual conference in Chicago, upholds the notion that “sharing of legal fees with non-lawyers and the ownership or control of the practice of law by non-lawyers are inconsistent with the core values of the legal profession.”

CLA voiced concerns in a September 2019 letter to the State Bar of California regarding potential amendments to Rule of Professional Conduct 5.4 that would allow non-lawyers to participate in fee-sharing and share in the profits or ownership of entities that deliver legal services, among other proposed recommendations aimed to address California’s justice gap. CLA recognizes the necessity of mending California’s justice gap, and it has urged the State Bar of California to consider alternative methods for correction that do not sacrifice the ethics of the legal profession, such as the funding of preexisting, effective programs, and addressing the existing knowledge gap as well as the true justice gap. CLA voiced its concerns to the State Bar of California once again in a January 2022 letter.

“On behalf of the California Lawyers Association, I was proud to support and recommend the adoption of Resolution 402,” said Jeremy Evans, President of the California Lawyers Association. “I was very pleased to work with and see our wonderful California Delegation to the American Bar Association House of Delegates support Resolution 402, which received unanimous support, reconfirming our core values of practicing law to the highest standards, while protecting consumers, who are our clients,” said President Evans.

Resolution 402 also reaffirms ABA policy in Resolution 20M115, encouraging U.S. jurisdictions to explore alternative methods of increasing access to justice, including addressing the affordability of legal services. While other state bar associations, including the Illinois State Bar Association and New York State Bar Association, have shown support for the ABA’s resolution, it comes on the heels of states such as Arizona and Utah loosening fee sharing and law firm ownership restrictions, and others such as California, Michigan, and North Carolina considering similar changes.

“We should be doing everything that we can do in the legal profession to create greater pathways and enhance access to justice, but we should not do so in a manner that would negatively impact the constituents who need help the most,” said Oyango Snell, Esq., CLA’s CEO and Executive Director. “Resolution 402 amplifies the voices of the California legal community that sharing legal fees and ownership of legal services with non-lawyers could create unintended harm to consumers,” said Snell.

CLA will continue to express its concerns relating to changes to the legal profession and exercise its voice on behalf of the entire legal community. Although a California-based organization, CLA will represent its constituents on both statewide and national levels.

California Lawyers Foundation Launches New Grant Application Process

The California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) is pleased to launch a new grant application process to support projects advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, access to justice, and civic engagement and outreach in 2023.

To be considered for a 2023 grant, nonprofit and legal services organizations should fill out the fields on the CLF’s grant application page, and a staff member will then provide a complete application form.

Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2022. CLF will announce the grant recipients on December 15, 2022.

“CLF has developed amazing partnerships over the course of the last couple of years with legal services organizations, student organizations, and other nonprofits,” CLF President Heather L. Rosing said. “We are now excited to take our work to the next level with the announcement of our official grant process. These funds will support and amplify the excellent work of our philanthropic partners in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, access to justice, and civic education and outreach.”

Founded in 2019, CLF awarded seven grants in the approximate amount of $403,000 in 2020 and 2021. CLF is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization governed by a Board of Directors of philanthropists and trailblazers in the legal community. Learn more about CLF’s work.

“We could not achieve success in creating pathways for diverse lawyers, investing in civics education, and supporting access to justice work without the financial support from the California Lawyers Association (CLA), CLA Sections, law firms and individual lawyers throughout California,” Foundation CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell said. “We are excited to leverage our financial support and invest in the work of our community partners through our 2023 grant program.”

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS FOUNDATION
Formed in 2019, the California Lawyers Foundation (“CLF”) is the charitable arm and partner of the California Lawyers Association, California’s voluntary statewide bar association. While new to the scene, the CLF is a statewide foundation actively developing and supporting projects that improve access to justice for people in need and make the legal system more fair and efficient for everyone; increase diversity in the profession and help educate Californians about the 3^rd branch, the role of lawyers and the rule of law. CLF is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 501(c)(3). For more information about CLF, please visit calawyersfoundation.org.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 2018, California Lawyers Association is the bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

California Legal Community Introduces Gala Event to Support Access to Justice and Civics Education Programs

July 27, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) and the California Judges Association (CJA) are introducing a new event—a black-tie- Gala celebration—to raise money for their respective charitable foundations.

On September 17, 2022 in San Diego, the Gala will bring together lawyers and judges from across California to recognize the best of the legal profession.

Andy Buckley from the hit show The Office will serve as the emcee. The Gala will serve as the closing event for CLA’s 2022 Annual Meeting, to be held September 15–17, 2022 at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront Hotel.

“We appreciate the opportunity to come together as a statewide legal community, recognize our shared goals, and shine a spotlight on members who are improving our profession and beyond,” CLA’s CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell said.

“We are looking forward to hosting a fun evening of entertainment and socializing to raise money for essential programs that benefit the public. We hope this is the first of many annual galas celebrating heroes in the legal profession,” CLA President Jeremy M. Evans said.

The Gala will benefit the California Lawyers Foundation, which shares CLA’s mission and is focused on civics education and development among our youth, and the California Judges Foundation, which is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of an impartial judiciary.

Registration is now open for the Gala.

About California Lawyers Association: Established in 2018, CLA is the bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

About California Judges Association: CJA is dedicated to promoting judicial excellence to achieve fair, impartial and equal justice for all through education, ethics, inclusivity, outreach, and advocacy.

CLA and D.C. Bar Announce More Findings from Groundbreaking Study on Attorney Mental Health and Well-Being

June 8, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) and the District of Columbia Bar (D.C. Bar) shared additional findings today from a groundbreaking research project offering insight into the personal and workplace risk factors for mental health problems, substance use, and attrition among practicing attorneys. In 2020, the two bar associations announced their participation in the project, which has now yielded the second in a series of published papers. Titled “People, Professionals, and Profit Centers: The Connection Between Lawyer Well-Being and Employer Values,” the findings were published June 3 in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Behavioral Sciences.

The latest research examined the relationship between what lawyers think their employers value most about them, and the mental and physical health of those lawyers. It found that lawyers who felt most valued for their professional talent/skill or overall human worth had the best mental and physical health. Lawyers who felt most valued for their billable hours, productivity, and responsiveness were a distant second in mental and physical health. Lawyers who did not feel valued by their employers or did not receive enough feedback to know what their employers value about them fared the worst in terms of mental and physical health. In addition, lawyers who felt most valued for their professional talent/skill or overall human worth were much less likely to report they were considering leaving the profession.

Key findings from the study, as shown in this infographic:

62.4% of lawyers reported feeling most valued for their personal or professional attributes. This group also had the best mental and physical health.
27.5% of lawyers reported feeling most valued for attributes like productivity and responsiveness. This group had poorer mental and physical health than those who felt most valued for their personal or professional attributes.
The group with the poorest mental and physical health was the 10.1% of lawyers who believed their employers did not value them or did not receive enough feedback.
Lawyers who work in environments that value professionalism, skill, and humanity over productivity and availability were not only in better health but also experienced lower stress levels and were less likely to say that their time in the profession had been harmful to their mental health.
Lawyers working in larger firms were less likely to feel valued for their professional or personal worth and more likely to be valued for their financial and productivity contributions.

Key takeaways for legal employers:

Employers who can make their lawyers feel more valued for their skill or humanity may be able to improve lawyer well-being, reduce healthcare costs, and mitigate unwanted turnover.
Providing clear and regular feedback may reduce stress and improve mental health.
By targeting and seeking to improve maladaptive behaviors in their workplace, employers may be able to improve the stress levels and mental health of their lawyers.

The research project was led by attorney mental health and well-being expert Patrick Krill, of Krill Strategies, and Justin J. Anker from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota.

The research raises significant questions about whether a drift toward a profit and business-centric approach to law is sustainable for the health and well-being of lawyers and legal professionals.

“This novel and actionable research invites a challenging yet essential conversation for lawyers. We need to step back and ask ourselves whether we are valuing the right things in our profession and, if so, whether we are effectively communicating those values to our colleagues,” Krill said.

California Lawyers Association CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell and District of Columbia Bar CEO Robert Spagnoletti thanked the researchers for continuing to glean new insights from their collaboration on the project.

“This new, definitive research illuminates the important role professional culture plays in lawyer well-being and gives us a roadmap for helping to address one of the root causes of burnout and stress in the legal profession,” Snell said.

“Once again, Patrick Krill and Justin Anker have held a mirror to the legal profession, presenting important data on the impact of an attorney’s working environment and perceived value,” Spagnoletti said. “Knowing and understanding this information will better enable the D.C. Bar to provide meaningful services to its members and those organizations that employ lawyers.”

The project previously yielded a paper titled “Stress, Drink, Leave: An Examination of Gender-Specific Risk Factors for Mental Health Problems and Attrition Among Licensed Attorneys,” published in May 2021 in the peer-reviewed scientific journal PLOS ONE. The research found that mental health problems and hazardous drinking are exceedingly high among currently employed attorneys. In addition, female attorneys experience more mental distress, greater levels of overcommitment and work-family conflict, and lower prospects of promotion than their male counterparts.

Another research paper is forthcoming exploring the predictors of suicide among attorneys, Krill said.

About California Lawyers Association:
Established in 2018, CLA is the bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

About the District of Columbia Bar:
Since 1972 the District of Columbia Bar (D.C. Bar) has been enhancing access to justice, improving the legal system, and empowering lawyers to achieve excellence. It is the largest unified bar in the United States, with more than 113,000 members in all 50 states and over 80 countries and territories. To learn more about how the D.C. Bar serves its members and the larger legal community, visit www.dcbar.org.

Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Establish Boundaries of Attorney-Client Privilege

June 6, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the test that applies to communications between lawyers and their clients involving both legal and nonlegal purposes, known as dual-purpose communications, and when those communications are protected by the attorney-client privilege. CLA supports adoption of the test that provides the most protection to the attorney-client privilege.

In an amicus brief filed June 1, CLA urges the Supreme Court to grant a petition for certiorari to review a Ninth Circuit decision, In re Grand Jury, 23 F.4th 1088 (9th Cir. 2022), which created a three-way split among the Circuit Courts on the issue of attorney-client privilege and dual-purpose communications.

The Ninth Circuit held that a dual-purpose communication is only privileged when the most significant purpose is legal. This test requires courts to evaluate and balance all the purposes for the communication. The decision conflicts with the D.C. Circuit, which found that a dual-purpose communication is privileged when it has a significant legal purpose. In the Seventh Circuit, a dual-purpose communication is never privileged.

CLA argues that the attorney-client privilege needs to be clearly defined so attorneys know the boundaries of the privilege and clients know when they can communicate freely and candidly with their counsel to ensure they are receiving competent and informed legal advice. CLA endorses the D.C. Circuit’s test.

“The CLA urges this Court to grant certiorari to protect this sacrosanct tenant of the legal profession and resolve the conflict in the circuit courts,” the amicus brief says. “The CLA has an interest in ensuring there are uniform and clear rules regarding whether a communication is privileged, especially when those rules substantially affect a broad spectrum of attorneys in many practice disciplines.”

Adria Price and Laura L. Buckley of CLA’s Taxation Section authored the brief, with editing and technical appellate assistance from H. Thomas Watson of CLA’s Amicus Committee.

“We appreciate the work of these dedicated volunteers who are helping to bring attention to an issue with nationwide significance for lawyers and their clients across the country,” CLA President Jeremy M. Evans said.

“This amicus brief highlights CLA’s invaluable role in advocating on issues of interest to our members and the legal profession as a whole,” CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell said.

About California Lawyers Association:
Established in 2018, CLA is the bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

CLA Congratulates Oyango A. Snell on Association Executive of the Year Award

May 2, 2022

Oyango Snell with Keith Darby, Executive Director of the San Mateo County Medical Association and Patty Hendrickson, Interactive Leadership Speaker with Hendrickson Leadership Group, Inc. — Oyango Snell with Keith Darby, Executive Director of the San Mateo County Medical Association, and Patty Hendrickson, Interactive Leadership Speaker with Hendrickson Leadership Group, Inc.

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) congratulates its CEO and Executive Director Oyango A. Snell on his recognition as Association Executive of the Year by the California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE).

“Oyango Snell has been an incredible volunteer leader for CalSAE,” said CalSAE Executive Director Jim Anderson. “He’s made so many contributions in such short time, it’s been a joy to work with him. Oyango has a clear passion for helping others, an amazing depth of knowledge and a terrific sense of humor!”

CalSAE’s award recognizes association CEOs who have achieved success in overall contributions to CalSAE, service to professional, civic or charitable organizations, and achievements for their employing organization. “Snell is the first Black recipient in the award’s 20-year history,” Anderson said. Snell received the award at CalSAE’s ELEVATE Annual Conference, which was held in Lake Tahoe on April 25. Among the reasons Snell was chosen was “his leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at CalSAE,” Anderson said.

CLA President Jeremy M. Evans congratulated Snell on the recognition, saying: “Oyango is a wonderful person and leader! Everyone who meets him appreciates his energy and passion for the legal profession and association management. As a friend, I could not be more proud. The entire organization congratulates our CEO and Executive Director on being named the Association Executive of the Year. His work at the CLA and past organizational work is rightly being noticed.”

Snell joined CLA in December 2021 after serving as senior vice president and the first in-house general counsel for the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), where he spearheaded the organization’s first-ever diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, its human resources program, and a leadership initiative for women in energy.

The California Lawyers Association is a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California. It was founded in 2018 upon separation by the California State Legislature with the State Bar of California.

In his short time at CLA, Snell has helped CLA adopt its first-ever strategic plan, led efforts to implement governance best practices, and successfully lead the association beyond a post-pandemic state.

California Lawyers Association Introduces its New Lawyers Section

The New Lawyers Section Will Support and Promote Professional Excellence and Diversity of California Attorneys

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to introduce its New Lawyers Section, formerly the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA). The new Section will provide California lawyers in their first three years of practice (those within their first 8 years of practice as of 2022 will be grandfathered in) free access to the Association’s standard membership plan—which includes access to an additional Section of their choice, free educational content, events, and other membership benefits.

With the standard membership plan, lawyers just starting out will be able to take advantage of helpful offerings created by the Association’s New Lawyers Section, Solo and Small Firm Section and the Law Practice Management and Technology Section as well as access to an additional Section. Under CLA’s recently enhanced membership structure, members also receive broad, digital access to content and CLA-wide benefits such as discounts, job listings, networking opportunities, and legal education.

“This arrangement will create excellent mentorship and leadership development opportunities for our new and more diverse generation of lawyers,” Executive Director Oyango A. Snell said. “Fostering excellence among California lawyers will enhance the practice of law, promote an equitable administration of justice, and benefit the public that lawyers serve.”

“CLA is grateful for the opportunity to play a key role in the personal, social, and professional advancement of all lawyers, and especially those just finding their way in their legal careers,” said President Jeremy M. Evans.

The standard membership plan is also available to others who want access to one of the nation’s largest bar associations. In addition, CLA offers law students the option to join up to three Sections at no charge. Judges and judicial officers can also join any Section (available on the CLA website only).

California Lawyers Association Recognizes Senator Thomas J. Umberg as Legislator of the Year

February 23, 2022

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to honor California Sen. Thomas J. Umberg as 2022 Legislator of the Year and acknowledge his distinguished service as a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal prosecutor, three term state legislator, small business owner, and Deputy Drug Czar for President Bill Clinton.

CLA is a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California. CLA will present the award to Sen. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) on April 6 at its fourth annual Legislative Day, which brings CLA members together with key decision-makers to explore legislative issues that could have a significant impact in California and how CLA can make a difference.

As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Umberg has taken the lead on passing legislation that is integral to the daily practice of CLA members and improves the lives of all Californians. He also served three terms as central Orange County’s State Assembly Member, authoring 76 laws and forging ties across party lines.

He also founded a successful boutique law firm, and is a strong advocate for small business owners, helping them cut red tape and streamline unnecessary regulation.

He served three overseas tours in Korea and Afghanistan and was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone for leading the U.S. military effort to attack corruption in partnership with the Afghan Army and Police. In addition to being a former federal criminal prosecutor, he served as Deputy Drug Czar for President Bill Clinton, where he was responsible for foreign drug interdiction, counter-drug intelligence, and international drug policy.

“With this impressive track record, Senator Umberg has shown himself to be an incredibly effective advocate and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his colleagues in the Legislature,” CLA Executive Director and CEO Oyango A. Snell said. “Advocacy is a key pillar of CLA’s mission. We are proud to speak for the legal profession in recognizing Senator Umberg for his achievements.”

CLA President Jeremy M. Evans said CLA is grateful for the ability to work with Sen. Umberg and other justice system partners to enact laws that advance the administration of justice and improve the practice of law.

“Senator Umberg is an essential advocate in these efforts of balancing the sacred relationship between attorneys and clients,” Evans said. “We applaud him for his efforts and congratulate him for being a tremendous collaborator.”

Umberg said of the award: “As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am grateful to the California Lawyers Association for advancing the best values of our profession – excellence, diversity, inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law – and humbled by this recognition.”

2021 News Releases

California Lawyers Association Names Oyango A. Snell as Its New CEO and Executive Director

December 6, 2021

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Oyango A. Snell as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director, effective December 13, 2021. Snell comes to CLA from the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) where he served as the organization’s first in-house general counsel in its 114-year history. CLA was founded in 2018 upon separation by the California State Legislature with the State Bar of California. CLA is a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California.

Oyango Snell, California Lawyers Association CEO and Executive Director

Holding previous positions representing national, regional, and statewide associations, Snell brings significant association management and government relations experience to CLA at a time when the voluntary bar association is looking to grow its membership and increase engagement with the three branches of state government.

“Oyango is the perfect marriage in personality, character, and discipline to be the next CEO and Executive Director of the California Lawyers Association,” said CLA President Jeremy M. Evans. “We are excited to work together to grow the organization in our next chapter by providing exemplary services and programing to existing members and adding new members, new practice areas, amazing events, and leading in education, legislative affairs, and relationships across the great State of California and the globe.”

“I am humbled by this wonderful opportunity to combine two things that I love dearly – the legal profession and nonprofit association management, Snell said. “I look forward to working together with our volunteers and members to accomplish CLA’s important advocacy and education goals.”

CLA recently rolled out new membership pricing options, including an introductory plan that includes access to CLA-wide benefits such as free access to the Fastcase legal research platform (valued at $995/year), 18 hours of free MCLE, and a wide array of helpful content for members.

Snell, since March 2017, has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at WSPA, a nonprofit business association organized similarly to CLA and based in Sacramento. Among his many achievements, he created a first-in-class in-house legal advocacy and human resources program, provided legal advocacy for monumental climate policy initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and created a leadership initiative for women in the oil and natural gas industry.

Previously, Snell served as the chief legislative and regulatory counsel for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) in Washington, D.C., from January 2012 to March 2017. From August 2009 to December 2011, he was a solo practitioner in Columbus, Ohio, providing legal counsel and regulatory advocacy to various business groups.

Snell is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credentialed by the American Society of Association Executives and he earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

California Lawyers Association Launches Dynamic New Membership Structure

October 4, 2021

California Lawyers Association (CLA) has announced the expansion and enhancement of its membership structure. The introduction of two new membership options aims to deliver dynamic ways for members and prospective members to engage with CLA. Instead of one, simple membership plan, CLA members can now choose from three different tiers to engage with the association in traditional and evolving ways. Content from the Solo and Small Firm and Law Practice Management and Technology Sections will automatically be available for all CLA members regardless of which membership option is selected.

Membership in one of the largest bar associations in the nation will be offered as follows:

The Introductory Membership:
One of two new options will feature a plan for professionals whose practice, and therefore what they need from CLA, changes frequently. This membership will give the member access to all CLA-wide benefits without becoming a member of a particular Section. Content from the Solo and Small Firm and Law Practice Management and Technology Sections will automatically be included.

The Standard Membership:
The default for current members, who will automatically be enrolled for the remainder of 2021, provides all traditional, standard benefits without having to add a new membership for additional Sections, which can now be separately added at substantially lower costs than before.

The All-Access Membership:
Finally, for the most engaged, involved, and active members, the All-Access option, available via the CLA website only, will include membership and digital access to all CLA Sections. This option benefits those who need broad, digital access to content, and wide visibility, such as in-house general counsel, senior or managing partners, and academics, and includes additional discounts.

Aside from the above membership options, law students, judges, and judicial officers can join up to three Sections at no charge, available on the CLA website only. Newly admitted attorneys will receive the Standard Membership for three years at no charge.

“After listening to members and prospective members, we decided to change our membership and dues structure to align with the wishes of California’s legal community,” said CLA Interim Co-Executive Director Tricia Horan. “First and foremost, we are committed to providing CLA members with incomparable content, resources, and opportunities to connect with colleagues. Aligned with that is our desire to be nimble and change with the times. Starting Fall 2021, current and prospective members will have two new ways to belong to and engage with our association,” CLA Interim Co-Executive Director Ellen Miller added.

Please visit the CLA website to learn more about the roll-out of these new offerings. As of October 1st, 2021, new members can sign up for 2022 and receive membership for the remainder of 2021.

Gilberto Vera to Receive California Young Lawyers Association’s 2021 Jack Berman Award of Achievement

September 23, 2021

The California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) is pleased to announce that Gilberto Vera is the recipient of its 2021 Jack Berman Award of Achievement. CYLA annually confers the Jack Berman Award of Achievement to recognize a new or young lawyer within their first eight years of practice for their distinguished service to the public, the judiciary or the legal profession. This year’s pool of nominees was extremely competitive, and we thank and recognize everyone who submitted nominations.

About Gilberto Vera

Mr. Vera is a Senior Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego where he manages a staff of four attorneys, two advocates, and one case manager on the housing team. Before the start of the pandemic, Mr. Vera’s practice focused on unlawful detainer defense, representing families facing housing insecurity. At the start of 2020 and through 2021, Mr. Vera transitioned his practice to address COVID-19 and the ensuing economic impact and housing crisis. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Vera connected residents to rental assistance, legal representation, and bilingual access to eviction moratorium information that proved invaluable to 1,466 individual households in San Diego County. In addition to direct work with clients, Mr. Vera led trainings in English and Spanish on various local, state, and federal eviction moratoria, and became a sought-after subject matter expert on new legislation by elected officials.

Mr. Vera holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a law degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. A first generation Mexican-American, Mr. Vera is a South San Diego native and has dedicated his career to public service with the mantra “to give his community a voice.”

About the Jack Berman Award of Achievement

CYLA established this prestigious award in 1992 in memory of Jack Berman, a young attorney who performed outstanding service to both the public and the profession before he tragically died in a shooting in San Francisco. The Award honors Mr. Berman’s dedicated service to issues of concern to the profession, especially to young lawyers.

In conferring the award, the CYLA Executive Committee considers projects or service to the public, the judiciary, and/or the legal profession that the nominee has taken part in or spearheaded. To be eligible, an awardee must be an active California attorney in their first eight years of practice. The projects or services may be – but need not be – pro bono. The award is intended to recognize an early-career lawyer for their individual achievements and contributions.

The 2021 Jack Berman award will be conferred to Mr. Vera by the CYLA Executive Committee later this fall.

California Lawyers Association Ethics Committee Issues Formal Opinion on Ethical Screens

May 17, 2021

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) Ethics Committee has issued its first formal ethics opinion, Formal Opinion 2021-1, addressing Ethical Screens. The opinion promises to be a vital resource for any law firm wishing to minimize the risk of conflicts. Several Rules of Professional Conduct expressly provide for implementation of a screen without client consent to rebut the presumption of shared confidences, and CLA’s opinion clarifies and expounds on those Rules, including 1.0.1(k) (which provides a definition of the term “screened”).

The opinion addresses the elements an ethical screen must have in circumstances where such a screen is expressly required by the Rules. Importantly, the opinion notes that there may be a distinction between what is ethically required to comply with professional obligations and what a court may view as necessary to avoid disqualification, which sometimes may be granted without a violation.

The most critical ethical screen factors are those expressly set forth in the Rules. The screen must be implemented in a timely manner, and include preventative measures to protect against the confidential information of the former or potential client from being shared with others in the firm. There should be no communications related to any matter being protected in either direction across the screen. The lawyers whose conflict results in them being screened off should not receive any portion of the fees from the matters they are screened from. And the affected clients must receive notice of the fact of the screen and its terms so they have an opportunity to comment about them. Additional factors may help the efficacy of the screen in preventing the sharing of confidential information, but whether they should be implemented largely depends on the circumstances.

Any ethical screen must ultimately be judged by whether it is sufficient to meet its purpose, to satisfy concerns that a prohibited attorney has not and will not have any involvement with, or communication concerning, the screened matter that would support a reasonable inference that confidential information was or will be disclosed.

CLA’s CEO and Executive Director Ona Alston Dosunmu lauded the Committee’s first opinion. “This important opinion demonstrates our commitment to provide analysis and thought leadership to support the ethical practice of law. CLA will continue to provide its members and the legal community with guidance and resources to promote excellence in the practice of law,” Dosunmu said.

California Lawyers Association and the D.C. Bar Announce Results of Groundbreaking Study on Attorney Mental Health and Well-Being

May 12, 2021

Today, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) and the D.C. Bar shared crucial findings from a groundbreaking research project that offers insight into the personal and workplace risk factors for mental health problems, substance use, and attrition among practicing attorneys. In 2020, the California Lawyers Association and the D.C. Bar announced their participation in the project, which has now yielded the first of several forthcoming papers. Entitled “Stress, Drink, Leave: An Examination of Gender-Specific Risk Factors for Mental Health Problems and Attrition Among Licensed Attorneys,” the research was published today in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal PLOS ONE. This first-of-its-kind research project generated significant, alarming, and highly instructive data which will greatly enhance the legal profession’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of its members.

Key findings from the study include:

Roughly half of practicing attorneys are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, with approximately 30% of those falling in the mild range and nearly 20% falling in the moderate-severe range.
Over half of the attorneys screened positive for risky drinking, and 30% screened for high-risk hazardous drinking (which is interpreted as alcohol abuse or possible dependence).
Women are experiencing meaningfully worse mental health than men and are drinking more hazardously.
Considering the higher rates of mental health distress experienced by female attorneys, an expected but nonetheless troubling result is that 1 in 4 women is contemplating leaving the legal profession due to mental health problems, burnout, or stress. 17% of male attorneys report the same thoughts.

The research project was led by attorney mental health and well-being expert Patrick Krill, who collaborated on the work with Dr. Justin Anker from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Minnesota.

“The legal profession continues to have significant work ahead of it to improve mental health and gender disparities among practicing attorneys. Our hope is that this essential research will be a useful tool for performing that work in a timely and effective manner,” said Krill.

Their research found that mental health problems and hazardous drinking are exceedingly high among currently employed attorneys. Most notably, a significant gender disparity was revealed, with female attorneys experiencing more mental distress, greater levels of overcommitment and work-family conflict, and lower prospects of promotion than their male counterparts. Additionally, the findings raise meaningful concerns about the stress levels of both male and female attorneys, and the possible impact of that stress on the delivery of effective legal services.

CLA’s CEO and Executive Director Ona Alston Dosunmu emphasized the importance of this research for the organization and its members. “We at CLA are so grateful to have this rigorous, data-based analysis to back up what we have all known intuitively. This study will enable us to develop targeted, effective programs to enhance the well-being of our members—particularly women.”

The results of this study highlight the importance of addressing the structural, cultural, and organizational infrastructures responsible for this mental health gender disparity and are an important step towards achieving the profession’s longstanding goals around improving mental health and the retention of female attorneys.

“The D.C. Bar deeply appreciates the study’s authors and our participating members, without whom this critical work would not have been possible,” said D.C. Bar CEO Robert Spagnoletti. “These insights will enable us to better serve our members and help drive awareness about the severity of mental health issues and gender disparities in the legal profession.”

To view the complete findings from this research project, visit the published article in PLOS ONE.

California Lawyers Association Issues Statement Regarding Violence at the U.S. Capitol

January 8, 2021

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) strongly condemns Wednesday’s violent occupation of the United States Capitol during the constitutional process of certifying the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. A commitment to the rule of law, civility, and fairness in the administration of justice is at the heart of CLA’s mission. Just as elected officials swear to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” upon admission to practice, all California lawyers take an oath to “support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.”

Usurping constitutional processes through violence undermines democracy. The Congressional consideration of the results of the Electoral College was proceeding in a bipartisan manner in a revered place when it was suddenly interrupted. While other incidents of violence have occurred at the Capitol, it has not been invaded and occupied since the British did so in the 1800s.

We are grateful that law enforcement ultimately retook the Capitol and that the process of bipartisan certification of the Electoral College ultimately continued and concluded. But as lawyers, we must stand for the rule of law. Actions that terrorize representatives from both parties and prevent them from carrying out their role in the peaceful transition of power from one duly elected President and Vice President to the next cannot go unremarked. We condemn the violent takeover and interference with our government and will continue supporting all efforts to safeguard our republic and its over 231-year-old Constitution.

2020 News Releases

California Lawyers Association (CLA) Announces Privacy Law Section Formation

October 8, 2020

California Lawyers Association (“CLA”) is pleased to announce the formation of its new Privacy Law Section, which will focus on thought leadership around the legal, regulatory, and business issues involving privacy in the digital age. CLA’s Privacy Law Section will provide invaluable education and networking opportunities, including webinars, conferences, and exceptional MCLE and continuing professional education programming for lawyers and non-lawyers who are working on the full cycle of data management issues.

In particular, CLA’s Privacy Law Section will encourage a timely exchange of information regarding new and emerging laws and regulations related to the protection of personal data, and create a centralized forum and resource repository with useful and current information about privacy legal issues. The Privacy Law Section will also provide practitioners with the opportunity to network with likeminded colleagues by joining virtual and in-person networking events. In addition, the Section will participate in advocacy and rulemaking activities in Sacramento and provide technical input on proposed changes to privacy laws.

In a statement, CLA’s CEO and Executive Director, Ona Alston Dosunmu, expressed how important this Section is in the current environment. “In California, the right to privacy is enshrined in the California Constitution. Our legal community and legislators have been leaders in debating, proposing and enacting privacy laws that will impact the global economy for decades to come. With the California Consumer Privacy Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, more than ever before consumers and businesses are interested in understanding the privacy law landscape in California and want to connect with others who practice privacy law in California. CLA recognizes the central role that California plays in the global privacy debate and what it means to have privacy. CLA’s new Privacy Law Section will build upon and amplify the work CLA has already been doing in privacy within our existing sections, including Antitrust, Business Law, Intellectual Property Law, and International Law and Immigration. CLA is proud to continue its tradition of leading the way in promoting excellence in the legal profession in California – and in the world. By creating a central meeting place and a home for privacy professionals, CLA seeks to serve not only California licensed attorneys but also other privacy and cybersecurity professionals around the globe who are looking for educational resources and thought leadership in privacy.”

CLA is actively seeking interested candidates to join the Privacy Law Section Executive Committee and to serve on the Section’s committees. CLA members may submit themselves for consideration and receive more information by contacting privacy@calawyers.org.

California Lawyers Association and Legal Access Alameda Partner to Provide Help to Members of the Community Impacted by COVID-19

August 24, 2020

California Lawyers Association (CLA) and Legal Access Alameda (Legal Access) are proud to announce a new partnership hosting a free online question and answer portal through the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers (FLA) platform. The platform will offer pro bono legal services to Northern Californians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent wildfires, especially low-income residents who face limited access to legal services.

The project is focused on providing legal support to those especially affected by COVID-19, particularly in the areas of labor and employment, housing, and family law. With a four-month pilot program in Northern California starting September 1st, the program will help residents navigate the legal landscape with support from volunteer lawyers and experts in California law. Volunteer attorneys will take required online classes in the relevant law, and expert attorneys will review answers before they go out, in order to ensure that we are providing high-quality legal services.

In a statement, CLA President Emilio Varanini highlighted the importance of getting help where it is needed most. “When disaster strikes, the most vulnerable among us often find it hard to get the legal help they need. This partnership with Legal Access, hosting the Free Legal Answers platform, offers our volunteer attorneys a new opportunity to help our communities directly, providing access to critical resources as they navigate this pandemic.”

Legal Access President Janice Cho also addressed the desire the attorneys have to help. “Giving back is paramount in our profession. Bay Area lawyers and lawyers from around the state are eager to share their expertise with those in need, and the Free Legal Answers platform provides an easy and flexible opportunity to give much needed legal advice.”

This project is the latest in a series of resources CLA and Legal Access have each developed to support their communities facing difficult decisions and legal obstacles, including the Navigating COVID-19 video series and the statewide website hosted by the Disaster Legal S e rvices Collaborative. If you need help and to access the platform, go to https://ca.freelegalanswers.org/

This partnership is made possible with support from the California Lawyers Foundation, the Bigglesworth Family Foundation, the van Löben Sels/RembeRock Foundation, and the Walter and Elise Haas Foundation, and with the partnership of the American Bar Association.

California Lawyers Association 2020 Annual Meeting, Solo & Small Firm Summit Will Deliver Networking, CLE Credits, and Innovative Business Solutions in a Virtual Environment

August 7, 2020

California Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to virtually host its two upcoming premier events: the Annual Meeting, and the Solo & Small Firm Summit. Both events will provide attendees with the ability to earn MCLE credits, network, learn about current trends affecting the legal profession, and interact with distinguished scholars and jurists.

CLA’s Annual Meeting will take place from September 24–26, 2020 and bring together California’s attorneys, academics, and judges. The three-day conference offers top-tier MCLE programming, networking, keynote addresses, and health and wellness activities. The online conference will consist of 20 breakout sessions, three general sessions, and a California Judges Association/California Lawyers Association joint panel and joint swearing-in ceremony.

CLA’s 2020 Solo & Small Firm Summit will be held from October 7–8, 2020 and consist of 11 programs offering MCLE credit. The purpose of the Summit is to address the needs of small and solo practitioners. Topics will include substantive law practice updates, business management and risk, technology best practices, starting and growing a practice, running virtual offices, cybersecurity, ethics, and using apps for growth.

“I’m extremely excited about our 2020 conferences. Because they’re virtual and a fraction of the cost of in-person events, they offer an incredible opportunity for attorneys from all over the state and, indeed all over the world, to participate. These proprietary conferences will give attendees unique opportunities to advance their careers by developing professionally and connecting with colleagues from the comfort and safety of their own homes,” CLA CEO and Executive Director Ona Alston Dosunmu stated.

For more information and to register, visit the CLA Annual Meeting and Solo & Small Firm Summit sites.

California Lawyers Association Supports The California Supreme Court’s Approval of Timely Changes to the California State Bar Exam and Licensure Process

July 17, 2020

This year’s graduating law school class faces tremendous uncertainty amidst the unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic. To support recent law school graduates as they enter the workforce, the California Supreme Court recently handed down new bar exam guidelines and rules, supported by input from California Lawyers Association (CLA).

CLA President Emilio Varanini applauded the Court’s efforts and provided additional support for young attorneys. “CLA understands the Court’s need to adapt to address the important issues involving facilitating aspiring attorneys’ entry into our profession at what is an extraordinarily difficult time while protecting the public. From day one through the life of their practice, CLA will continue to advocate appropriately on behalf of aspiring lawyers and otherwise offer them the resources they need to succeed,” Varanini added.

Taking into consideration the tremendous risks with in-person group testing, the September 9-10, 2020 in-person bar exam will now be administered online on October 5-6, 2020 with other options being made available for those for whom taking the exam online may not be a viable option. Registration for the examination is extended through July 24, 2020, and the Court asked the State Bar to issue a “Frequently Asked Questions” guide for the new exam format. CLA welcomes these efforts by the State Bar and the Court to ensure that the exam can take place in a manner that understands the serious risks still posed by COVID-19 and recognizes that not all can easily take the exam online.

Recognizing that California is one of two states with the highest passing score for the minimum competency exam, the Supreme Court directed the State Bar to lower the passing score from 1440 to 1390. The modified passing score is effective beginning with the October 5-6, 2020 bar exam administration and will be prospectively applied to future exams.

In addition to the changes to the California bar exam, the Supreme Court addressed “Diploma Privilege,” which would allow graduates of American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools, if not all law schools, to be admitted to the bar without taking the bar exam. Recognizing the hardships faced by recent graduates in studying for and taking the bar exam, the Supreme Court has directed the State Bar to expedite the formation of a provisional licensure program. That program, which was supported by CLA in its comments to the Court, will allow 2020 law school graduates, regardless of whether they attend an ABA or non-ABA accredited school, to practice under the supervision of a licensed attorney, offering potential benefits to both young attorneys and their employers, provided that they take the bar exam by a certain date in the future. However, the Court properly rejected the Diploma Privilege proposal.

These new measures together support new law school graduates as they move into the workforce and begin their careers while still safeguarding the public. With the resources available to young attorneys through CLA and other organizations, this year’s law school graduates will be ready to enter the practice of law and provide legal services to the public as it emerges from the pandemic.

California Lawyers Association Provides Important Public Resources During Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic

May 5, 2020

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) and its team of volunteers and staff have created and compiled a wealth of resources to aid the public as the world experiences the incredible upheaval brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. CLA’s COVID-19 Public Resources page is a steadily growing portal of information and guidance designed to help navigate this crisis.

CLA CEO and Executive Director Ona Alston Dosunmu emphasized the importance of supporting the public at large. “As attorneys, we are trusted advisors and community leaders and now, more than ever, it is important to support each other, our neighbors and our communities,” Dosumnu said. “When a crisis like this occurs, we must pull together to come out stronger on the other side.”

CLA and its volunteers have created several new resources to help guide individuals and businesses through these uncertain times. Expert attorneys from across the State have contributed articles and thought leadership in their specialties to the Resources Page, including articles on California evictions and co-parenting, as well as contributions to outside sources of information. CLA has also created a new public focus video series, “Navigating COVID-19 Issues” which addresses important issues faced by families, businesses, and employers. The series already has 28 installments online and on CLA’s YouTube Channel with more added weekly. Each video taps into the legal specialization of CLA’s experienced volunteers and covers a range of topics:

Employee and Employer Concerns
- Employee Benefits
- Update: Employee Benefits
- Employee Benefits SPANISH
- Update: Employee Benefits SPANISH
- Employee Health and Safety
- Employee Health and Safety SPANISH
- Employee Leave Laws
- Employee Leave Laws SPANISH
- Employer Concerns
- Employer Concerns SPANISH
- Notify Your Employees About HR 6201 Rights
- Communicating with Your Workforce
Family Law Concerns
- General Information about Custody and Spousal Support
- Child Support and Spousal Support
- Custody and Visitation
- Domestic Violence Protection During the Pandemic
CARES Loan Program and Tax Concerns
- Loan Programs: What’s In It For Me?
- Loan Programs: Applying for C19 Loans
- Loan Programs: Increasing EIDL Loan Value
- Loan Programs: Loan Forgiveness
- Loan Programs: Building Success
- Tax Implications and Eligibility of Benefits Under the CARES Act
Bankruptcy Issues
- Essential Insolvency Questions and Concerns for Business Owners
Tenant and Real Property Concerns
- Overview of California’s Eviction Moratorium
Hospital and Healthcare Concerns
- Healthcare Provider Employment Concerns
- Telehealth Updates
- Immediate Challenges Facing Hospitals
Other Concerns
- Cyber Security Basics for the Work from Home Economy

All videos have English closed captions, and many are either available in Spanish or have Spanish closed captions.

In addition, CLA has carefully curated a selection of other resources, including analyses and summaries of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, webinars on COVID-19, and free legal resources from Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative. This is supplemented by a list of resources available through local government and agencies, banking institutions, industry groups, and mental health groups.

The COVID-19 Public Resource page and Video series are part of CLA’s Access to Justice Initiative. Find these resources and more at calawyers.org/covid-19-public-resources/.

California Lawyers Association and CalBar Connect Partner to Bring More Benefits to California Attorneys

April 13, 2020

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) and CalBar Connect announced a new partnership today. CLA is focused on empowering California attorneys by providing valuable resources to overcome the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The alliance will help more California attorneys access an array of exclusive discounts offered by CalBar Connect’s many partners, saving time and resources during a difficult time. From business products and services to insurance and major appliances, attorneys can save on premium brands and services. Plus, a portion of purchases made through CalBar Connect is invested in legal aid organizations providing free legal services to Californians in need, setting up shop in rural areas where lawyers are few and far between, and working toward a California where no one is treated unfairly in our justice system.

“Partnering with CalBar Connect is an extension of our mission to deliver high-quality programs, events, and resources to California attorneys and to promote access to justice by providing funding to legal aid programs throughout the state. We encourage our members to check out all the discounts they can access through CalBar Connect,” said CLA CEO and Executive Director Ona Alston Dosunmu.

“We’re thrilled to partner with CLA and offer our wide range of discounts on premium brands to a larger audience. California attorneys can access discounts for work and home as well as additional benefits if they join CLA,” said Cal Bar Affinity CEO Bianca Sierra Wolff.

California Lawyers Association Statement Regarding Attack On Supreme Court Justices

March 6, 2020

The mission of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) includes promotion of fairness in the administration of justice and defense of the rule of law.

Current events are an important reminder of core tenets of our Constitutional Democracy and the role of lawyers and judges in it. As an organization comprised of officers of the court and as a representative of the legal profession, we are called to defend the rule of law, to discourage attacks on the independence of the judiciary, and to support the separation of powers.

The independence and fairness of the justice system are critical to the functioning of society. It requires a system in which the law is clearly communicated, fairly enforced, and where everybody is accountable to the same laws. The rule of law restricts the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws.

While protected by the First Amendment, personal attacks on judges by elected officials, warning that potential decisions in cases pending before the court will result in adverse consequences to those judges, are inappropriate. Attacks on those who are required to make decisions based on the facts presented, the law, and precedent – whether they be judges, lawyers, jurors, or others involved with the administration of justice – are unwarranted, undercut the ideals of fair enforcement, impartiality, and the equal application of laws to everyone, and denigrate a critical component of our government. The three co-equal branches of our Constitutional Democracy – Executive, Judicial and Legislative – each play a vital role. And each must respect the authority of the others.

California Lawyers Association Announces Its Second Annual Legislative Day

February 25, 2020

Lawmakers will address current legislative issues of interest to the legal profession at the California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) second annual Legislative Day on March 4, 2020 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento, CA. The day-long event will provide a unique opportunity for CLA members to meet with decision makers in Sacramento and discuss key issues shaping the legislative landscape.

The event includes an Awards Luncheon featuring a Keynote Speech by Assemblymember Mark Stone, Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Legislator of the Year Award recipients Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and Assemblymember David Chiu will also be on hand to accept their awards.

Saul Bercovitch, CLA’s Director of Governmental Affairs, noted that “this is only our second Legislative Day and participation has doubled from last year, with over one hundred people registered to attend.” Ona Alston Dosunmu, CLA’s CEO and Executive Director, said: “I am thrilled about the level of engagement by CLA members with our advocacy efforts. CLA is very excited to offer this event to our members, and looks forward to expanding engagement and enhancing opportunities as we continue to grow.”

California Lawyers Association Statement On The Rule Of Law And The Judiciary

February 14, 2020

The mission of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) includes promotion of fairness in the administration of justice and defense of the rule of law.

The independence and fairness of the justice system is critical to the functioning of society. It requires a system in which the law is clearly communicated, fairly enforced, and where everybody is accountable to the same laws. The rule of law restricts the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws.

While protected by the First Amendment, if criticism of those who are required to make decisions based on the facts presented, the law, and precedent – whether they be judges, lawyers, jurors, or others involved with the administration of justice is unwarranted, it undercuts the ideals of fair enforcement, impartiality, and the equal application of laws to everyone and denigrates a critical component of our government. The three co-equal branches of our Constitutional Democracy – Executive, Judicial and Legislative – each play a vital role. And each must respect the authority of the others.

California Lawyers Association Trusts & Estates Section Amicus Brief Echoed In California Supreme Court Decision In Barefoot V. Jennings

January 27, 2020

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to announce that its position in its first ever amicus brief was confirmed by the California Supreme Court in the recent Barefoot v. Jennings opinion. The brief, filed by CLA’s Trusts and Estates Section, addressed issues of standing in revocable trust cases as dictated by the Probate Code.

At issue was whether a disinherited beneficiary has standing to challenge in probate court the validity of a revocable trust’s disinheriting amendments on grounds of incompetence, undue influence, or fraud. The opinion, authored by Justice Chin, is a unanimous reversal of the Court of Appeal’s judgment and confirms that under the Probate Code a person who was disinherited indeed has standing in probate court to bring a challenge to the validity of the trust amendments that resulted in their disinheritance.

“Our successful amicus brief in Barefoot demonstrates CLA’s extraordinary expertise and the deep bench of legal talent among our members. I am incredibly proud of our Trusts and Estates Section and look forward to other amicus briefs filed by CLA,” said Ona Alston Dosunmu, CLA’s CEO.

The brief was drafted by Howard Kipnis, Herbert Stroh, Ciarán O’Sullivan, and Bryan Phipps. Leah Spero of CLA’s Amicus Committee and Greg Wolff of CLA’s Committee on Appellate Courts provided invaluable assistance along the way. Many others were involved (including the entire Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section and Saul Bercovitch, CLA’s Director of Governmental Affairs) in formulating the ultimate product.

California Lawyers Association Announces Groundbreaking New Research Project on Lawyer Mental Health and Well-being

January 6, 2020

The California Lawyers Association is pleased to announce its participation in a groundbreaking new research project designed to advance the understanding of and support for mental health and well-being in the legal profession.

The project, to be spearheaded by attorney mental health and well-being expert Patrick Krill, will be launched in late March and will build upon and expand findings from the landmark 2016 ABA/Hazelden Betty Ford study that Krill led. Along with his colleague Dr. Justin Anker, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota, Krill is designing a survey that will assess the current prevalence of mental health and substance use problems among licensed attorneys and identify underlying risk factors and contributing causes for those problems.

“As the bar association for all California attorneys, CLA is excited to participate in this important research project. The health—including mental health—and well-being of our members is critically important to us,” said CEO and Executive Director Ona Alston Dosunmu. “We hope the findings from this critical survey will provide insights into ways to better serve and assist our members and the profession.”

The anonymous and confidential survey will investigate a range of individual risk factors for mental health and substance use problems (stress sensitivity, early life adversity, impulsivity, sleep, diet, exercise, social and financial health, burnout, personality disorders, drinking to cope with negative emotions) as well as cultural and workplace risk factors (stress in environment, incivility, toxic goals, incentivized and rewarded behaviors, attitudes towards substance use and self-care, availability and
utilization of support resources). Importantly, the survey will also ask respondents to share their views about what can and should be done to promote better mental health and personal well-being within the profession.

This research is crucial to furthering the progress that has been made around attorney mental health in recent years and will allow the profession to develop and deploy meaningful strategies and resources to improve the health of its members and to chart a more sustainable future.

“The legal profession has made great strides in the realm of mental health, substance use, and well- being over the last few years but, in many ways, our work is just beginning. Increased knowledge and understanding of the problems are vital to our ongoing efforts towards a long-term cultural change that will truly improve the health and well-being of lawyers. We need to move beyond prevalence data alone, and to shed light on the many risk factors that exist on both the profession-wide and individual level. I am incredibly grateful to the CLA for its enthusiasm for this work and its desire to lead on this front,” Krill said.

According to Krill, the survey will also be distributed to members of the D.C. Bar, the largest unified bar in the country. The D.C. Bar’s participation in the research project not only increases the sample size and geographic diversity of the study, but also demonstrates the type of collaborative approach necessary to successfully address profession-wide challenges. Analysis of the results is expected to take several months from the time data collection ends, with the findings to be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

2019 News Releases

California Lawyers Association Announces Judge Carol S. Brosnahan is its 2019 Aranda Access to Justice Award Recipient

October 16, 2019

California Lawyers Association (“CLA”) is proud to announce that Judge Carol S. Brosnahan of Alameda County Superior Court is the recipient of its 2019 Aranda Access to Justice Award. The award, now in its 20^th year, is presented in partnership with the California Judges Association and the Judicial Council. The award will be given to Judge Brosnahan at the Judicial Council’s November 14, 2019 meeting.

Named in honor of the late Judge Benjamin Aranda III, the award honors a judge demonstrating a long-term, tireless commitment to improving, and promoting fairness and access to, the courts, especially for low-and moderate-income Californians.

2019 Aranda Award Recipient Judge Carol S. Brosnahan is celebrating her 40^th year on the Alameda County bench, where she operates the county’s behavioral health court and is held in the highest regard by her peers, colleagues, and former classmates, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who sent a congratulatory note to Brosnahan this past April. She has been referred to as a “grass-roots” judge, who renders fair rulings with integrity, and without bias based upon socio-economic status or any other non-relevant factors.

“Judge Carol Brosnahan exudes all of the phenomenal qualities we look for when selecting Aranda Award recipients. She is an inspiration, and her commitment to public service, particularly in the area of mental health, demonstrates her integrity and passion,” says Ona Alston Dosunmu, CLA’s CEO.

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle earlier this year quoted Jeff Chorney, an Alameda County public defender who often represents mentally ill clients. “She seems to be driven by a real desire to make the world a better place…I think people in Alameda County might not know who she is, but a lot of people have felt the effect of what she has done.”

About California Lawyers Association:
Established in 2018, California Lawyers Association (CLA) is the bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association Announces Election of New Officers and Board Members

October 15, 2019

California Lawyers Association (CLA) is proud to announce the election and appointment of new organization-wide Officers and Board Members, who will assume their responsibilities this week. The new posts were announced at the recently completed 2019 Annual Meeting, “Navigating the Future for all California Attorneys,” which was held in Monterey, CA from October 10-12, 2019.

In a joint statement, CLA’s outgoing President, Heather L. Rosing, and outgoing Chairman of the Board, Jim Hill, extended congratulations to the newly-elected Officers and incoming Board Members, as well as new CLA Section Chairs, Officers, and Executive Committee Members.

“We are lucky to have such incredible leaders… While our terms are coming to an end, we are proud of what we have collectively accomplished and are excited about the future!” said Rosing and Hill.

The outgoing leaders also thanked all those who participated in the election process, including all members of the Nominations and Governance Committees, CLA CEO Ona Alston Dosunmu, the Board of Representatives, and all the candidates for office.

“While we will all miss Heather and Jim,” said CLA CEO Ona Alston Dosunmu, “they laid a strong foundation upon which our new leadership team, led by Chip [Wilkins] and Emilio [Varanini], will build. I’m very excited to work with them and our other new Officers to continue building CLA in the year ahead.”

Below is a list of New Officers and Board Members:

New Officers

President—Emilio Varanini
Vice President —Jeremy M. Evans
Chair of the Board of Representatives—Howard “Chip” Wilkins
Vice Chair of the Board of Representatives—Betty Williams
Secretary—Sara Rief
Treasurer—Ryan Baron

New Board Members

Tom Greene (Litigation)
Maria Sager (Workers’ Compensation)
Uzzi Raanan (Business Law)
Sabrina Green (Solo and Small Firm)

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 2018, California Lawyers Association (CLA) is the bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

2019 “Vanguard Awards” Winners Announced By Intellectual Property Law Section Of The California Lawyers Association

September 18, 2019

The Intellectual Property Law Section of the California Lawyers Association (“IP Law Section”) congratulates the winners of the 2019 Vanguard Awards: Hon. Michael Fitzgerald, U.S. District Court Judge, Central District of California; Catherine Lacavera, Vice President, Legal, Google; Francoise Gilbert, CEO, DataMinding; and Anthony Reese, Chancellor’s Professor of Law, UC Irvine School of Law. The 2019 Vanguard Awards will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019, 6:00 p.m. during the 44^th Annual IP Institute, “IP Without Borders” conference, November 14-16 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

The Vanguard Awards, held each year during the IP Law Section’s annual IP Institute, honors outstanding legal professionals in the judiciary, private and in-house practice, academia, and the public sector for their significant contributions to the advancement of intellectual property law.

Michael Fitzgerald was nominated to the federal bench in 2011 by then-president Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2012. His intellectual property law cases include the well-known 2018 copyright infringement case against Taylor Swift. Judge Fitzgerald was the first openly LGBT person to be appointed to the federal bench in California.

Catherine Lacavera is Vice President, Legal at Google LLC. She manages a team of approximately 300 attorneys and technical advisors and oversees a global litigation docket that has included more than 1000 intellectual property matters with cases involving Viacom, YouTube, Apple, Microsoft and Oracle.

Françoise Gilbert has extensive, in-depth experience with data privacy and security issues, the Internet, eBusiness, and information technology law. She is a prolific speaker throughout the United States and internationally on privacy, security, risk management, outsourcing, information technology, and eBusiness law.

Anthony Reese specializes in copyright, trademark, and internet aspects of intellectual property law. He has been a visiting professor at Stanford Law School and at NYU School of Law, and has taught copyright law in several international programs. Professor Reese has published numerous articles and casebooks on copyright law and digital copyright matters, with a focus on the complexity and nuances of copyright doctrine.

About the IP Institute
The IP Institute is the IP Law Section’s flagship annual event. The 2019 multi-day conference includes cutting-edge panels on patent litigation before the European Patent Office and the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board; the California Consumer Privacy Act and the EU’s GDPR; enforcing IP rights in China; pharmaceutical trade secrets; food and IP; big data patents and AI; blockchain; and lootboxes. Information about the IP Institute can be found here.

About the CLA Intellectual Property Law Section
The IP Law Section of the California Lawyers Association (formerly under the State Bar of California) was organized in 1976. With nearly 7,000 members, the IP Law Section is one of the largest intellectual property organizations in the world. For more information on the IP Law Section, click here.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association Announces Its 2019 Awards Recipients

September 16, 2019

California Lawyers Association (“CLA”) is proud to announce its 2019 CLA Awards recipients – attorneys, judges, and programs that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to promoting justice, diversity, high ethical standards, and excellence in the legal profession. Many of the award recipients work with vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, low-income farm workers, and those in non-English speaking communities. Recipients will be honored in an awards ceremony as part of CLA’s 2019 Annual Meeting, held October 10-12 in Monterey, CA, and throughout the year. CLA’s Awards committee is chaired by Renee Stackhouse and Adrieannette Ciccone.

“I am very excited for the California Lawyers Association to be celebrating the legal profession,” said CLA Executive Director Ona Alston Dosumnu. “The extraordinary individuals being honored by CLA represent the very best of the legal community and we at CLA are thrilled to recognize them for their achievements.”

2019 CLA Awards Recipients

Excellence in Civics Engagement Award
California attorney who has championed the advancement of civics programs, campaigns, projects or efforts that promote the understanding of civics and the 3rd branch of government.

Ruthe Catolico Ashley, Esq. – Executive Director, Emeritus, California LAW

Excellence in Diversity Award
Outstanding efforts made by a law firm, bar association, and organization to promote diversity in the legal profession, in their organization or among their peers.

Bar Association – John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angeles
Law Firm – Buchalter, APC
Organization – California LAW

Legislator of the Year
Member of the California State Assembly or Senate who has championed the advancement of the legal profession.

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson
Assemblymember David Chiu

Loren Miller Legal Services Award
An attorney who has demonstrated long-term commitment to legal services and who has personally engaged in significant work extending legal services to the poor.

Linda Kilb – Director, Legal Services Trust Fund Program, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

Harry B. Sondheim Professional Responsibility Award
Outstanding long-term contribution to the advancement of attorney professional standards in California.

Richard Zitrin – Zitrin Law Office

Bernard E. Witkin Medal
Attorneys and non-attorneys who have made significant contributions to the quality of justice and legal scholarship in California.

James J. Brosnahan – Senior Counsel, Morrison Foerster
Herma Hill Kay – Dean, UC Berkeley

Excellence in Civics Engagement Judicial Award (In partnership with the California Judges Association)

Honorable Barbara A. Kronlund – Superior Court Judge, State of California, San Joaquin County Superior Court

About California Lawyers Association:
Established in 2018, CLA is the bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association 2019 Litigation and Appellate Summits to Address Effectiveness in the Courtroom, General Counsel Guidance

September 5, 2019

California Lawyers Association’s 2019 Litigation and Appellate Summits, the special one-day event featuring an array of programs designed to provide resources, insights, and educational opportunities, will feature a keynote address and discussion with California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, among other renowned speakers. It will be held on Friday, September 20, 2019 at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.

Attendees will receive valuable guidance from general counsel regarding outside counsel, and hear from a panel of federal and state judges on how to be more effective in the courtroom. Expert panels will provide updates on new developments as Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame members demonstrate key trial skills. In addition to sharing ideas and networking, attendees will be able to fulfill MCLE hours while switching between the appellate and litigation tracks. Participants in the Litigation track will earn 8.25 hours of MCLE, including 1 hour of Legal Ethics, while participants in the Appellate track will earn 6.25 hours of MCLE, including 6.25 hours of Legal Specialization in Appellate Law.

Keynote speaker Justice Leondra Kruger of the California Supreme Court will share her views on the challenges facing California courts and the lawyers who serve them. Attendees can expect to hear thoughtful commentary on cutting edge legal issues, important perspectives on effective advocacy, and the story of Justice Kruger’s personal journey to the high court. The summits will conclude with this year’s Appellate Lawyer Hall of Fame induction.

SPONSORS
CLA is grateful for the generous support of its Sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor

Horvitz & Levy LLP

Gold Sponsor

Varner & Brandt LLP

Silver Sponsors

ADR Services, Inc.
Akin Gump
American Arbitration Association
Arrowhead Evaluation Services Inc.
Commerical Surety Bond Agency
Counsel Press
Duane Morris
JAMS
Lawyers’ Mutual
Polsinelli

Luncheon Sponsor

California Appellate Law Group

Reception Sponsor

HansonBridgett

About the Litigation Section: The CLA Litigation Section is dedicated to promoting excellence in all areas affecting dispute resolution, including the protection of the rights of all litigants, pre-trial discovery, the expeditious trial of lawsuits, alternative dispute resolution, effective judicial administration, uniform rules of court, and the protection and preservation of the independence of a judiciary of high quality.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association (CLA) Intellectual Property Section Announces New Cannabis IP Interest Group

August 14, 2019

California Lawyers Association (“CLA”)’s Intellectual Property Law Section (“IP Section”) is pleased to announce the formation of a new interest group within the IP Section that will focus on intellectual property issues in the cannabis industry. The Cannabis Intellectual Property Law Interest Group (“Cannabis IP IG”) will provide education and networking opportunities to IP Section members in all intellectual property areas, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights, with a focus on the cannabis industry.

In particular, the Cannabis IP IG is designed to encourage a timely exchange of legal information in this rapidly evolving area of law, and to provide a centralized forum and resource for all California lawyers, judges, law students, and paralegals interested in obtaining useful and up-to-date information about intellectual property legal issues in the cannabis industry. The Cannabis IP IG will also provide those practicing, and those interested in practicing, in this area of the law with an opportunity to network with likeminded colleagues.

David Branfman of Branfman Mayfield Bustarde Reichenthal LLP in Solana Beach and Elizabeth J. Rest of Crown, LLP in San Francisco have been named Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the IP Section’s Cannabis IP IG.

The Cannabis IP IG plans to offer monthly telephone call-in meetings on the first Thursday of each month for all interested lawyers, judges, paralegals, and law students, as well as live seminars and webinars on a host of challenging intellectual property law issues continually confronting cannabis businesses, entrepreneurs, and their lawyers, together with a variety of networking opportunities.

CLA’s IP Section is proud to continue its tradition of leading the way in the dissemination of information and the exploration of cutting edge legal issues in California – and the world. For more information and to join the new Cannabis IP IG, please contact Chair Dave Branfman at david@bmbr.com and/or Vice-Chair Elizabeth J. Rest at elizabeth@crownllp.com.

ABOUT THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW SECTION
The CLA Intellectual Property Law Section (formerly under the State Bar of California) was organized in 1976. With nearly 7,000 members, the Section is one of the largest intellectual property organizations in the world.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association (CLA) Annual Meeting to Deliver Connection, Industry Insights, and Innovative Business Solutions

August 7, 2019

California Lawyers Association (CLA) will host its Annual Meeting, “Navigating the Future for all California Attorneys,” on October 10-12, 2019 in scenic Monterey, California. The three-day conference is 2019’s premier gathering for all attorneys in California, providing unique opportunities for professional connection and discourse on pressing topics. Attendees will fulfill MCLE requirements, build networks, learn about current trends affecting the legal profession, and interact with distinguished scholars and jurists. Last year, over 600 legal professionals attended CLA’s Annual Meeting.

CLA’s conference assembles attorneys, academics and judges from all over California. It offers outstanding CLE programming, networking, keynote luncheons, awards, receptions, and exhibits. One networking reception will take place at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, while others will welcome attendees, honor awardees, and highlight the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA). The Annual Meeting will provide 74 MCLE-credited programs taught by a faculty of more than 150 legal scholars and jurists. Attendees can earn up to 16.75 hours of MCLE credit, including legal specialization credit.

2019’s Annual Meeting will open with CLA’s inaugural Bar Leaders Conference, a gathering of leaders from bar associations across California. CLA’s Spotlight on the Supreme Court luncheon will feature a conversation with the California Supreme Court’s longest-serving and newest Justices, Justice Ming Chin and Justice Joshua Groban. The famed Morrison Lecture, a highlight of the State Bar’s Annual Meeting for over 85 years, will also be presented. This year’s Morrison Lecturer is Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, one of the most frequently cited legal scholars in the nation. The Annual Meeting will also include a special joint swearing-in ceremony with the leadership of the California Judges Association and presided over by Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye.

Attending one of the most vital and influential gatherings in the State of California ensures connections with fellow legal professionals and unparalleled educational opportunities. The pre-registration deadline is September 12, 2019. For more information and to register, visit the CLA Annual Meeting site here.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association Introduces New Branding and 2019 Membership Promotion

August 6, 2019

California Lawyers Association (CLA), the Bar Association for all California attorneys, announced today the launch of a new brand identity, logos, and website. The striking graphic redesign aligns with CLA’s mission of promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession, as well as fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. CLA is celebrating its new brand launch with a membership promotion allowing new members to join for only $40.

The bold graphic elements work effortlessly across digital and physical channels, portraying a consistent message to CLA’s 100,000+ members. The new, responsive website highlights the value that CLA provides, from advocacy and education to news and networking. In addition, CLA’s 16 individual sections and the California Young Lawyers Association each provide additional practice area-specific resources and member benefits including journals, webinars, and conferences.

From its strategically located headquarters in Sacramento, CLA is a strong advocate and dynamic voice for its members. CLA was established when SB 36 separated the long-standing Sections of the State Bar of California to create a new professional association. With over 100,000 members, it is the nation’s largest statewide voluntary bar association, dedicated to supporting the growth and continued success of its members.

“In our first 18 months of existence, we have worked very hard to demonstrate our value to our members. Involvement in CLA provides California attorneys with truly unique opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere – extremely sophisticated MCLE, award-winning conferences, and networking events, as well as many service-oriented opportunities,” says CLA’s Inaugural President Heather Rosing. “We are also extremely pleased to be the voice for all California attorneys, through our advocacy efforts.”

“Serving California lawyers at every stage of their professional lives is our primary purpose. Our members are our lifeblood. We are extremely proud of the new imagery and messaging accompanying our growth. To celebrate, we are offering a limited time membership promotion,” adds Ona Alston Dosunmu, Executive Director.

Visit California Lawyers Association online for more information on the benefits of membership and how CLA empowers California lawyers to thrive.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 2018, California Lawyers Association (CLA) is the Bar Association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association Solo & Small Firm Summit: The 21ˢᵗ Century Law Firm

June 3, 2019

California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) Solo & Small Firm Summit aims to address the needs, from business management and technology to substantive law practice updates, of solo and small firm practitioners. The three-day summit will take place in California from Thursday, June 13 through Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.

The summit covers important issues for employers to stay compliant with California’s unique and complex rules and regulations regarding environmental and employment laws. Attendees will also learn how to attract new clients by putting together realistic and targeted marketing plans through sessions such as “What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Social Media” and “Small Law Firm Marketing: Discipline and Persistence for Success.”

Highlights include the rare opportunity for a conversation with California Supreme Court Associate Justice Carol A. Corrigan during the Friday lunch program as well as a discussion between Appellate Court Associate Justice Eileen Moore, Associate Justice David A. Thompson, and Orange County Superior Court Judge Peter J. Wilson on the topic of preserving adequate record for appeal.

Solo & Small Firm Summit is expected to attract solo and small firm practitioners from all over California. Networking opportunities for attendees to connect with and learn from each other include breakfast and lunch programs, plenary sessions, a wine and cheese reception, and the Solo & Small Firm Section’s annual reception and presentation of their 2019 “Excellence in Practice” and 2019 “Excellence in Service” Awards.

For more information or register for the event, please visit http://bit.ly/cla-solosummit19.

SPONSORS
CLA is grateful for the generous support of its Solo & Small Firm Summit Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors

Solo & Small Firm Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA)
CEB
Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
McGowanPRO

Silver Sponsors

Elkins Employment Law
Mercer

The full press release can also be viewed here.

California Lawyers Association (CLA) Intellectual Property Section Conference To Address Critical Internet, E-Commerce and IP Legal Issues

May 28, 2019

“IP and the Internet,” a full-day conference focusing on cutting edge legal issues concerning the Internet, e-commerce and intellectual property will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center in Los Angeles.

Presented by the Intellectual Property Law Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA), “IP and the Internet” will address evolving Internet-related legal issues such as California’s new Consumer Privacy Act, the federal copyright Music Modernization Act, the European Union (EU)’s new Copyright Directive, and rapidly evolving legal issues affecting e-commerce. The conference provides 5.75 hours of MCLE credit.

Keynote Speaker Mike Masnick, Founder of TechDirt and CEO of Floor 64, will discuss the new EU Copyright Directive and its effect on the “open Internet” concept. Mr. Masnick will also discuss the controversial “Article 13,” mandating online platforms to filter copyrighted material from their websites.

Other panels include Prof. Tyler Ochoa of Santa Clara Law School, George Borkowski of Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass, and Brad Prendergast of SoundExchange on Music Modernization Act, and Kevin DeBre and Luis Wharton of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles and Tavio Hobson of Truf discussing the lifecycle of mobile apps. Panelists will host lunch “table topics” on GDPR, California’s bot disclosure law, cannabis and the Internet, “lootboxes” and the continuing viability of Privacy Shield.

“The Internet is a critical medium for commerce today. California businesses, and professionals advising them, are faced with complex legal issues at state, federal and international levels,” said Emily Yu, Conference Chair. “This conference will provide crucial, up-to-the-minute information on pressing legal issues affecting the Internet and e-commerce.”

“IP and the Internet” is expected to attract business executives, in-house, private practice, government and nonprofit attorneys, law school professors, and law students. The conference will include networking opportunities during breaks and at a reception following the program. More information and online registration are available at https://bit.ly/2Wlpiho.

About the Intellectual Property Law Section: The CLA Intellectual Property Law Section (formerly under the State Bar of California) was organized in 1976. With nearly 7,000 members, the Section is one of the largest intellectual property organizations in the world.

The full press release can also be viewed here.

Daily Journal Covers Access to Justice Seed Funding

The July 22, 2019 print edition of the Daily Journal covered the decision of California lawmakers to provide funding to help the California Commission on Access to Justice split from the State Bar. The new legislation mandates that the first $150,000 in revenue from the State Bar’s affinity insurance products in 2020 and 2021 will go to the commission.

CLA President, Heather Rosing provided the following quote for the article:

“The people on the access commission are some of the top leaders in the quest to ensure access to justice for all Californians, so it is critical the access commission have some initial funding. Without funding, they will not be able to continue on with this really important work.”

CLA Picks Up Five ABA House of Delegates Seats

February 6, 2019 — The American Bar Association (ABA), after a vote at its midyear meeting in Las Vegas, has granted California Lawyers Association (CLA) five seats in ABA’s House of Delegates, to be implemented as soon as August of this year. With support from the State Bar of California, the state will soon be represented in the ABA by six delegates from the State Bar and five delegates from CLA.

“CLA is excited to work with both the State Bar and the ABA to promote excellence, diversity, and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. The work of the ABA House of Delegates and that of CLA intersect very nicely,” says CLA President Heather Rosing.

Following CLA’s split from the State Bar, the sharing of delegates will help better represent the interests of all California lawyers in the ABA and in its policies. State Bar Executive Director and Board of Trustees Chair Jason Lee drafted a letter in support of CLA’s involvement.

The letter states “such a split of the state-wide delegation recognizes that both the State Bar and California Lawyers Association should be represented in the American Bar Association House of Delegates to ensure full and fair representation of the interests of California attorneys on the range of issues that span both organizations.”

This month, CLA moved into its new Sacramento headquarters and bolstered staff to augment its advocacy with the Legislature. During CLA’s first Annual Meeting late last year, ABA president Bob Carlson lauded CLA’s efforts.

“We have had a long history of working with the State Bar, and now we look forward to turning the page and starting a long history of working with the California Lawyers Association,” he said. “What we need is a strong national voice in collaboration and cooperation with strong state and local voices,” he added.

CLA intends to actively and responsibly utilize its delegate seats. CLA members are public and private attorneys, in-house counsel, judges, governmental officials, law professors and law students, and other legal professionals who help to promote excellence and diversity in the legal profession and the administration of justice.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Established in 2018, California Lawyers Association (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. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. For more information, visit calawyers.org.

Contact: Tej Baath, 916-284-2000, tej.baath@calawyers.org

2018 News Releases

Help the Survivors of the California’s Camp Fire (Butte County) Woolsey Fire (LA and Ventura Counties) and the Hill Fire (Venture County)

Sign up to volunteer:

Attorneys will be needed to help staff information hotlines and provide direct legal services through various California legal services programs and area law schools. Attorneys may also be needed to help supervise law students who can provide service. There are several places to sign up to assist with these efforts. This listing will be refreshed as more opportunities become available: State Bar of California Registry.

Pepperdine Law School currently has set up a clinic and they are in need of volunteers now to assist.

Resources:

Hotlines:

Butte County 1-800-345-9491
Los Angeles County 1-800-870-0732
Ventura County 1-877-301-4448

The State Bar of California has set up a resource page.

Morrison and Foerster LLP has created comprehensive guides to help victims in disasters.

Disaster Legal Aid Collaborative of Northern California (formerly the Bay Area Resilience Collaborative) has training videos and resources available to train attorney volunteers. Information is currently housed on the Alameda County Bar website.

Disaster Legal Aid also has a significant number of resources, including resources for advocates, and sample forms.

The National Employment Law Project has updated materials to assist those who were not able to attend work in light of fires.

United Policyholders also has made available disaster resources as it relates to insurance issues.

Free Access to Fastcase is also available to attorneys or volunteers in need. Click here to register for a free trial . Or email relief@fastcase.com for additional support.

If you would prefer to make a financial donation to support legal services programs, please consider donating here: https://www.changelawyers.org/rapid-response.html

Legal Talk Network Speaks with California Lawyers Association at 2018 Annual Meeting in San Diego

October 24, 2018 – At our Annual Meeting in San Diego, CLA leaders and members spoke with the Legal Talk Network on a variety of topics. Legal Talk Network’s On the Road series, which covers conferences and other legal industry events and meetings, features these conversations online as podcasts.

In one podcast, CLA President Heather Rosing, Acting Executive Director Pam Wilson, Chair Jim Hill, Vice Chair Chip Wilkins, and Vice President Emilio Varanini discussed CLA leadership and the future of the organization after its split from the State Bar. Congressman Brian Baird, who delivered the Annual Meeting’s Morrison Address, also spoke with Legal Talk Network about distinguishing facts from opinion in today’s political climate. In another podcast, CYLA Past Chair Lauren Powe talks about the benefits of joining the California Young Lawyer’s Association.

Other selected podcasts include Jim Lambe and Janet Hong on the jury selection process; Suma Peesapati, Jennifer Novak, and Jon Rohrer on enforcement issues in environmental law; Nell Wertlieb on changes to the California Rules of Professional Conduct; Shirin Forootan and Tamara Freeze on avoiding employment lawsuits; Erin Gerstenzang and Megan Zavieh on social media for lawyers; Michael Iseri on cybersecurity for law firms; Larry Wayte and Juanita Brooks on cross examining experts; Robert Klein, Sabrina Green, Steven Mayer, Philip Shapiro, and Sarah Redpath on the Solo and Small Firm Section; and Cynthia Elkins on classifying independent contractors.

Click here to access all of the podcasts from the Annual Meeting.

California Lawyers Association Business Law Section to Co-Sponsor California Consumer Privacy Act Panel with Santa Clara University

October 22, 2018 – Sacramento, California – The Business Law Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA), together with the Santa Clara University School of Law, the Santa Clara Privacy Certificate Program, and the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), will co-sponsor a panel on the California Consumer Privacy Act at Santa Clara University on November 1, 2018. The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 will widely impact businesses and individuals alike, prompting changes in privacy policies, contracts, and data handling practices at both statewide and national levels. The panel will conduct an important discussion on the new law and its potential impacts.

Panelists will feature California Consumer Privacy Association Chair Alastair Mactaggart, whose ballot initiative led to the passage of the 2018 law, as well as Lindsey Tonsager, West Coast lead for Covington & Burling LLP privacy and cybersecurity practice, and Professor Lydia F. de la Torre, co-director of the Santa Clara Law Privacy Certificate Program. Joshua de Larios-Heiman, Co-Chair of CLA’s Business Law Section’s Internet and Privacy Law Committee, will moderate the panel.

“We at CLA are honored to be co-sponsoring a panel of thought leaders to promote better understanding of the California Consumer Privacy Act,” said Joshua de Larios-Heiman. “CLA is mandated to educate California attorneys on important legal developments, and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 is one of the most important legal developments in recent history. CLA is fulfilling its mandate by co-sponsoring events such as this one. I look forward to moderating the panel and helping to extract practical insight from the esteemed panelists,” added de Larios-Heiman.

Lydia de la Torre, who teaches comparative data protection law at Santa Clara Law School, says, “Santa Clara University is committed to educating the next generation of data protection and privacy professionals and, for that purpose, we adopted in 2014 a rigorous first-in-the-nation Privacy Law Certificate program that requires students to complete rigorous academic, experiential, and publication requirements. I have been researching State data laws for over a year and, in my judgement, the California Consumer Privacy Act 2018 is the most important development in the field and is likely to be the model that other States and the Federal government will follow to enact future privacy and data protection laws. This event will be a great opportunity to explore its requirements and help uncover paths to compliance.”

The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 grants California residents the right to access their personal information; know which categories of personal information about them are being collected and shared; request deletion of personal information; and opt-out of data “sells.”

More information and registration details can be found here.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (CLA)

Contact: Josh de Larios-Heiman, joshdelh@data-law.com, 415.519.0696

California Lawyers Association Partners with Fastcase

Members Gain Free Access to Leading Legal Research Library

October 17, 2018 – Sacramento, CA and Washington, DC – California Lawyers Association(CLA) and Fastcase today announced a partnership that will provide free access to Fastcase’s nationwide legal research system for all members of the nation’s largest statewide voluntary bar association.

Beginning early 2019, CLA members will receive access to one of the largest law libraries in the world. This member benefit will be included as a complimentary resource for all members of at least one paid CLA Section (formerly Sections of the State Bar of California).

CLA’s leadership team has evaluated potential partners to provide benefits for its members and determined that a partnership with Fastcase, with its leading research libraries, analytics, sorting tools, and visualization options, is the best option for offering legal research to its members.

“At CLA, one of our primary goals is to provide a wide variety of resources to attorneys in California, to allow their practices to thrive and their clients to receive the highest quality legal services,” said Heather Rosing, CLA’s first President. “We are proud of what we have accomplished during our inaugural year in terms of benefits for the legal community. Coming in year two, we are excited to announce our new partnership with Fastcase that will allow our members free access to online legal research and more.”

CLA members will receive access to the nation’s most comprehensive legal research services for free – a service that would otherwise cost lawyers and law firms thousands of dollars each year. The research benefit includes unlimited research, printing, webinar training, and reference support; it is not restricted by time or number of transactions. The service also includes unlimited, industry-leading mobile apps, and live customer support from reference attorneys on the Fastcase team.

The subscription is a comprehensive nationwide law library available online anytime, anywhere. Members will be able to access Fastcase through the CLA website at calawyers.org where they will be able to log in with their bar username and password beginning early 2019.

The new member benefit provides access to Fastcase’s extensive legal library of caselaw from all state and federal courts, statutes and regulations from all 50 states and the federal government. The service also includes Fastcase’s industry-leading advanced technology to make legal research smarter and easier, including its mobile apps, patented Interactive Timeline to visualize search results, “Forecite” to suggest cases you missed, and Bad Law Bot, the first big data service to identify negative citations to judicial opinions.

Legal researchers can extend their capabilities in Fastcase with the opportunity to access value-added products, which include the published materials of Full Court Press, data analytics and docket updates with Docket Alarm, and artificial intelligence tools in the AI Sandbox, as well as access to secondary law materials through Wolters Kluwer, Aspen, and CCH.

Thirty-one state bar associations and dozens of metro, county, and specialty bar associations offer Fastcase’s smarter legal research tools as a free benefit to members. Many of the largest law firms in America subscribe to Fastcase, as well as the majority of American law schools and leading corporate counsel. Through these partnerships, Fastcase is made available free to more than 900,000 lawyers, nearly three-quarters of all lawyers in America.

“We started Fastcase to democratize the law, to make it more accessible to more people,” said Fastcase President Phil Rosenthal. “This partnership is significant because it increases access to justice for members and their clients. We couldn’t be more proud to do this work in partnership with the California Lawyers Association. We applaud the leadership team for their diligence and commitment to bringing innovative offerings and resources that meet the needs of their members. ”

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

ABOUT FASTCASE

As the smarter alternative for legal research, Fastcase democratizes the law, making it more accessible to more people. Using patented software that combines the best of legal research with the best of Web search, Fastcase helps busy users sift through the clutter, ranking the best cases first and enabling the re-sorting of results to find answers fast. Founded in 1999, Fastcase has more than 900,000 subscribers from around the world. Fastcase is an American company based in Washington, D.C. For more information, follow Fastcase on Twitter at @Fastcase, or visit www.fastcase.com.

California Lawyers Association Names Ona Alston Dosunmu Its New Executive Director

October 16, 2018 – Sacramento, California – California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ona Alston Dosunmu as its new Executive Director, effective January 2, 2019. Dosunmu is currently the Vice President and General Counsel of The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. She succeeds acting Executive Director Pam Wilson, who has led the organization since its inception in January 2018.

Dosunmu will leave Brookings after serving as a key member of its senior executive team for 16 years. Recently she also served as corporate secretary and Chair of the Inclusion & Diversity Committee. She also contributed to the Institution’s international expansion and helped establish its first Office of the General Counsel. Prior to joining Brookings, Dosunmu worked as an associate at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.; Latham & Watkins; and Arent, Fox, Kintner, Plotkin & Kahn, P.L.L.C. Dosunmu received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and earned her B.A. in journalism and M.A. in sociology from Howard University.

“CLA has come very far since the January 1, 2018 rollout as the largest voluntary statewide Bar Association in the country, and we are delighted to welcome Ona Dosunmu as our new Executive Director,” says Heather Rosing, CLA’s inaugural President. “Ona’s deep experience, collaborative style, and familiarity with the issues facing the profession of law will be invaluable to the continued growth of CLA,” Rosing adds.

“I’m thrilled to serve the lawyers, board and other extraordinary volunteers in advancing CLA’s goals and mission. I look forwarding to leading and building a top-flight staff, engaging with our diverse and dedicated legal community and meeting many members in the coming weeks,” Dosunmu said.

Roland Brandel, co-Chair of the Executive Director Search team and one of the longest-serving leaders of the (formerly State Bar) Sections, added, “For several months, our Board-appointed team conducted a nationwide, inclusive, intense search for the best available candidates. The Board set high standards for the unique opportunities CLA presents. Many applied. In Ona, the Board selected a superlative, proven leader.”

“We are thrilled to have Ona lead THE Bar Association for ALL California Lawyers,” said Jim Hill, inaugural Chair of CLA’s Board of Representatives. “The skills she brings with her from the Brookings Institution are going to be invaluable to us as we grow our own membership and expand our member benefits, much of which has already started under the leadership of our interim executive director, Pam Wilson, and scores of volunteers and other staff.”

In addition to her professional and academic credentials, Dosunmu has significant experience serving on nonprofit boards—most recently as a director of the Children’s Law Center, as well as a member of Corporate Counsel’s Institute Advisory Board and Corporate Pro Bono Advisory Board.

Dosunmu’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for CLA, which continues to expand and will soon relocate its headquarters to Sacramento effective January 1, 2019.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Contact: Tej Baath, 916-284-2000, tej.baath@calawyers.org

Daily Journal Covers CLA Annual Meeting, Award Ceremony For Retired Justice Kathryn Werdegar

Lyle Moran’s article “Pioneering Justice Kathryn Werdegar awarded Witkin Medal by California Lawyers Association” was published in the Daily Journal on September 18, 2018. California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye presented the Witkin Medal at CLA’s Annual Meeting in San Diego on Saturday, September 15. Cantil-Sakauye said the award, which recognizes someone who made an extraordinary impact on “justice and legal scholarship in our state,” is “tailor-made” for Werdegar.

Werdegar has been a pioneer for women in the legal field, serving on the Supreme Court for 23 years before retiring last year. During her tenure, she wrote crucial opinions in criminal, environmental, and labor law “with a clarity that is unmatched.” She was also the third woman and the first mother to serve on California’s Supreme Court. Werdegar told the Daily Journal that receiving the award is “something she will always cherish.” After the ceremony, she offered encouragement to women lawyers in the audience, saying “you can have it all if you maintain some connection, some determination and have faith in the future.”

Daily Journal Covers CLA Annual Meeting, ABA President Bob Carlson’s Support of CLA

Lyle Moran’s article “ABA president offers support for California Lawyers Association at first convention” was published in the Daily Journal on September 17, 2018. American Bar Association President Bob Carlson addressed CLA’s Annual Meeting attendees on Friday, September 14. “What we need is a strong national voice in collaboration and cooperation with strong state and local voices,” Carlson told the DJ about his commitment to working with CLA.

Carlson expressed enthusiasm about working with CLA to address issues such as lack of diversity in the legal profession and defending the independence of the judiciary. CLA President Heather Rosing told the DJ that CLA is “well-positioned” to discuss and raise awareness for these issues “without the strictures of a government agency” — a unique role explored through the Annual Meeting.

Nicole H. Gordon Named 2018-2019 Executive Committee Chair Of The Environmental Law Section

Nicole H. Gordon, partner at Sohagi Law Group, is the Executive Committee Chair of CLA’s Environmental Law Section for 2018-2019. This is her 5th year on the Section’s Executive Committee, and her 13th year in the Section. Her practice focuses on advising public agencies on complex land use and environmental matters, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Planning & Zoning, and the Endangered Species Act. She frequently lectures on these matters in courses, conferences, and workshops sponsored by UCLA, the American Planning Association (APA), and the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP).

Gordon says that being a part of the Environmental Law Section “keeps you at the cutting edge in what’s going on in environmental law,” and allows you to interact “with the top attorneys in the state who deal with the issues most relevant to our firm’s clients and the state as a whole.” The Section will hold its 27th Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite, from October 18-21.

California Lawyers Association Announces 2018 Award Recipients

Sacramento, CA – September 6, 2018 – California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to announce the 2018 recipients of four prestigious annual awards, historically given out by the State Bar of California. Going forward, these notable awards will be presented annually by CLA. The State Bar transferred these awards to CLA earlier this year after it transitioned its Sections and the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) to CLA pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 36. The awards will be presented at CLA’s Annual Meetingon September 14-15, 2018 in San Diego.

Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar (Ret.) will receive the 2018 Bernard Witkin Award, named for the renowned legal scholar and bestowed upon individuals who have helped shape the legal landscape through an extraordinary body of work. Justice Werdegar, who recently retired from the bench after having served for 23 years on the California Supreme Court, has authored more than 500 majority, concurring and dissenting opinions that have helped define the contours of California law. Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye will present the award at CLA’s Signature Luncheon on September 15.

Attorney Stephen Ronfeldt will receive the 2018 Loren Miller Legal Services Award, named after the African American lawyer, judge, and leader in the Civil Rights Movement. This lifetime achievement award is given to a lawyer who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to extending legal services to the poor. Mr. Ronfeldt was selected for his half-century of unwavering dedication to serving poor and under-represented populations. CLA President Heather Rosing will present this award on September 14.

Attorney Panida Pzonca will receive the 2018 Jack Berman Award of Achievement, named for a young attorney who performed outstanding service to both the public and the profession before he tragically died in a San Francisco shooting. This award is conferred by CLA’s California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) and recognizes a new or young lawyer for distinguished service to the public, the judiciary, or the legal profession. Ms. Pzonca was selected for her remarkable efforts toward eradicating slavery and human trafficking, particularly in the Thai community. CYLA Chair Lauren Powe will present this award on September 14.

Law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) will receive the 2018 Law Firm/Legal Employer Diversity Award, which is bestowed upon law firms or legal employers for outstanding efforts in promoting diversity in the legal profession. Since its formation in 1977, AALRR has made diversity a consistent priority, with a goal of creating a culture of inclusivity that can be measured directly in numbers. Diana Becton, Chair of the State Bar’s Council on Access and Fairness , will present this award on September 14.

CLA is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit, voluntary organizations for lawyers and expects more than 500 legal professionals at its Annual Meeting.

Contact: Heather Linn Rosing
California Lawyers Association
619-239-8131 x2229
HRosing@Klinedinstlaw.com
#claannual

Ellen Miller-Sharp, CEO and Executive Director of San Diego County Bar Association, to Join California Lawyers Association as Director of Bar Collaborations and Special Projects

Sacramento, CA – August 28, 2018 – California Lawyers Association (CLA) today announced the addition of Ellen Miller-Sharp as the organization’s new Director of Bar Collaborations and Special Projects.

Miller-Sharp currently serves as Executive Director and CEO of the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA). Before her 11-year tenure at SDCBA, Miller-Sharp worked at the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California, gaining valuable insight and experience in the effective administration of bar associations.

“CLA is so fortunate to welcome Ellen to its executive team,” said CLA President Heather Rosing. “She recently earned the National Association of Bar Executives’ 2018 President’s Award of Excellence. Ellen simply knows how to get things done, and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have her skills, talents and connections joining CLA.”

In her new role, Miller-Sharp will be forging connections between CLA and other bar associations across California with the express goal of developing joint opportunities for educational programming, networking events, and more. Miller-Sharp will also help promote CLA’s commitments to diversity, fairness, and civic engagement, utilizing her experience from similar projects with the San Diego County Bar Association.

“I am excited to build on the historic work and numerous accomplishments of the Sections,” added Miller-Sharp. “The CLA leadership is working hard to give a voice to all lawyers in California, and I am excited to be a part of the drive to establish CLA as the nation’s preeminent bar association.”

Miller-Sharp will begin her new role with CLA in November 2018, while helping the San Diego County Bar Association transition to a new CEO.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

CLA is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit, voluntary organizations for lawyers. It is the new home of the Sections of the State Bar of California, as well the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA). CLA’s mission is to promote excellence and diversity in the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Contact: Heather Linn Rosing
California Lawyers Association
619-239-8131 x2229
HRosing@Klinedinstlaw.com

California Lawyers Association Begins ‘Shaping the Future for All California Lawyers’ with First Annual Meeting on September 14-15, 2018

Sacramento, CA – August 9, 2018– California Lawyers Association (CLA) is hosting its Annual Meeting, Shaping the Future for All California Lawyers, from September 14-15, 2018 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. CLA is the nation’s largest statewide voluntary association for lawyers and the home of the State Bar of California’s former Sections. The State Bar “spun off” its Sections and the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) earlier this year pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 36, which required the change. CLA was formed as an independent, non-profit organization and, on January 1, 2018, the State Bar transferred all Section and CYLA memberships to CLA. All Section and CYLA members are now CLA members.

With the State Bar no longer hosting its popular annual multi-day gathering of California attorneys and judges, CLA has crafted its Annual Meeting using the same successful model. The CLA conference will include outstanding CLE programming, networking, an interactive session with CLA leadership, two keynote luncheons, awards, receptions, exhibits, and more. The Annual Meeting will provide 48 MCLE-credited programs, taught by a faculty of more than 100 legal scholars and jurists, as well as collaborative events hosted in conjunction with the Conference of California Bar Associations, California Women Lawyers, and other organizations. Attendees can earn up to 12 hours of MCLE credit, including legal specialization credit.

The keynote luncheons will feature a conversation with Justice Kathryn Werdegar, as well as the renowned Morrison Lecture, which was a highlight of the State Bar’s Annual Meeting for more than 85 years. Morrison Lecturers have included Harvard Dean Roscoe Pound, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, Ambassador George F. Kennan, U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, and U.S. Senator Frank Church. Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye will be conducting the swearing in ceremony for the new leaders of both CLA and the California Judges Association.

CLA expects more than 500 legal professionals to attend this newly-constituted annual convention for California attorneys—launching what it believes will become one of the most vital and influential gatherings for all legal professionals in the State.

The pre-registration deadline is August 22, 2018. For more information and to register,visit the CLA Annual Meeting site here.

Contact
Heather Linn Rosing
California Lawyers Association
HRosing@Klinedinstlaw.com
619-239-8131 x2229
#claannual

California State Bar Sections Form New Nonprofit Organization

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19, 2018 – The California Lawyers Association (CLA) has now officially launched, shifting oversight of the 16 Sections and the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) from the State Bar of California to a voluntary organization, as required by legislation passed in 2017. With nearly 100,000 members, the CLA is the nation’s second-largest professional association for attorneys, smaller only than the American Bar Association. Its first President Heather L. Rosing, first Vice-President Emilio Varanini, Board of Directors and officers began the work of the organization’s inaugural year this week.

“With the launch of CLA, we are on an exciting path toward advancing the legal profession in California,” said Rosing, the first President of the organization. “From day one, we offer a wealth of benefits to practicing California lawyers, and we anticipate adding many, many more. Our goal is to become an indispensable legal resource for the legal community and a tireless advocate for our lawyers and our courts.”

CLA will continue to build on the mission of the Sections, providing educational and networking opportunities, including in-person events, webinars, and publications, for members of the 16 Sections—Antitrust, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Trust and Estates, Family Law, Intellectual Property, International, Labor & Employment, Law Practice Management, Litigation, Public Law, Real Property, Solo and Small Firms, Taxation, and Workers’ Comp—and CYLA. Having been freed from the limitations inherent in being part of a regulatory agency of the State of California, the CLA’s ability to serve and advocate for lawyers, to foster and strengthen ties between lawyers from all practice areas and within and among all segments of society and government is unlimited.

The CLA’s just-launched website, www.calawyers.org, allows CLA members immediate access to all Section materials as well as a link to join the CLA if you are not already a Section member.

Last year, the State Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 36, which allowed for the incorporation of the Sections and CYLA into a private, 501(c)(6) organization. The unanimous vote by the Legislature followed input from the State Bar and Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court. Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 36 into law in October, initiating the transition from the government agency. The State Bar will continue to operate as a regulatory entity, overseeing California attorney admission, licensing, and discipline.

“The California Lawyers Association is an exciting new chapter for our Section and CLA members generally. The new organization allows us to be more responsive to member needs, to provide a broader range of cost-effective products and services, and to conduct focused advocacy to help ensure our members’ professional success,” said Matthew J. Spark, Chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section. “We look forward to providing an enhanced level of service and community to the membership.”

“Scores of our Section volunteers have worked incredibly hard this past year along with leaders and volunteers of the other Sections to emerge as an integral component of the CLA, soon to be known within and outside our state borders as the bar association for all California lawyers,” said Jim Hill, Chair of the new CLA Board. “We will continue to make excellence our standard. We will become only stronger as part of the CLA.”

Under the new organization, each of the 16 Sections and CYLA has elected one delegate to the CLA Board, ensuring equal representation. State Bar staff and the Council of State Bar Sections—the leadership body through which all Sections previously interacted—oversaw the transition to the nonprofit organization from 2017 to 2018. Membership in the Sections is automatically transferred to CLA and will remain intact and renewable, as long as members pay annual dues to the State Bar and Section membership fees to the CLA (through the State Bar).

For more information on the mission of the California Lawyers Association or how to join, please visit www.calawyers.org.

About California Lawyers Association:

California Lawyers Association (CLA), a nonprofit, Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(6) organization, is committed to promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. CLA comprises the Sections and California Young Lawyers Association, and represents the vast diversity of California’s legal community and the various areas of law practiced throughout the state. For more information, visit www.calawyers.org.

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