CHAIR MESSAGE

Written by Nathan Gabbard
Chair

The CLA Family Law Section continues promoting access to justice and improving the overall practice of family law through education, mentorship, and legislation. The following are some highlights of the things we have been accomplishing.

Delivery of educational opportunities is in full swing. The Education Committee is revamping and streamlining the online educational offerings available through the CLA portal. These efforts aim to increase efficiency and ensure new content becomes available throughout the year. Recent and upcoming webinars will be provided on topics including: navigating CPS in custody disputes, the intersection of family law and probate law, artificial intelligence and the practice of law, and the Hague Convention on wrongful removal and abduction. Additionally, planning has already commenced for producing in-person education events to take place in early 2025.

The Mentorship Committee is actively facilitating connections. An essay contest resulted in a scholarship being awarded to a law school student who is interested in the area of Family Law as their field of practice. The scholarship will help students who are passionate about Family Law to achieve their career goals and make a meaningful impact in this area of law by defraying costs of taking the bar exam. Additionally, in coordination with C.F.L.R. (California Family Law Report), scholarships will be offered to individuals seeking to become certified specialists.