Message from the Executive Director of the California Lawyers Association

Ona Dosunmu

I’ve been the Executive Director of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) for six months already and it’s thrilling to begin seeing little green shoots of success emerge. People often ask why I left a secure job as Vice President and General Counsel of an organization that’s been around for more than 100 years to join an untested, new effort on the other side of the country. My answer remains consistent: the opportunity presented by the CLA is nothing short of extraordinary. The mission is vital. The excellent track record for top-flight continuing legal education and publication by our sections is the envy of many bar associations. We’re rapidly making a name for ourselves as the statewide voice of the profession with the legislature, the courts and among other stakeholders. And we’re just getting started.

When I landed in my new hometown of Sacramento back in January, I had three goals: 1) establish a team and create momentum; 2) spread the word about CLA; and 3) get to know the sections. I’m well on my way to achieving all three.

As for the first, I sought to get my team in place and all rowing in the same direction. I knew then, and continue to believe, that one of the most important determinants of CLA’s success would be having the right people in the right roles. I couldn’t be more pleased with the senior executive team that has been assembled. The depth and knowledge brought to bear by people with experience working in bar associations at the national, state, and local level is leavened by the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives that those of us with other professional backgrounds bring to the table. More importantly, however, I’m beginning to see evidence that the workplace and organizational culture I want to create is starting to take root. Our team is working together. People are eager to teach and learn from one another and share experiences. There’s enthusiasm and genuine bonhomie from the receptionist who greets guests at the front desk to the colleagues doing the filing and data entry. Our employees feel comfortable speaking up and letting me know how we can do better. I couldn’t ask for more.