Advocacy Letter

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) respectfully opposes SB 42, as introduced. We greatly appreciate discussions that have taken place about our concerns with this bill, and look forward to ongoing discussions to address those concerns. Read more

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) submits these comments in response to the request for input on alternatives for a proposed new Rule of Professional Conduct, rule 8.3. In our comments below, we address (1) issues that are common to both Alternative 1 and Alternative 2; (2) issues that are unique to each Alternative; and (3) overarching concerns, as addressed in CLA’s February 17, 2023 letter on the initial proposal for new rule 8.3, which remain unresolved by the revised proposal.  Read more

I am writing on behalf of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) in support of the request of the California Access to Justice Commission (CalATJ) pertaining to Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) in the State Budget Act. LRAPs are a critical part of addressing the recruitment and retention crisis in legal aid and thereby strengthening the civil legal safety net in our state.  Read more

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) supports SB 662, which authorizes a court to order that, in any civil case, the action or proceeding be electronically recorded if an official reporter or an official reporter pro tempore is unavailable, as specified.  Read more

On October 11, 2022, we submitted comments on behalf of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) expressing our concerns with the proposal that was under consideration by the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) to establish a “non-exam pathway” for licensure to practice law in California as an alternative to the California Bar Exam. CLA urged the BRC not to recommend a non-exam pathway. At the same time, we encouraged the BRC’s continued exploration of other issues under consideration, including potential revisions to the California Bar Exam.  Read more

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to support Senate Bill 21, which extends until January 1, 2026, the existing authorization for a party to appear remotely and a court to conduct conferences, hearings, proceedings, and trials in civil cases, in whole or in part, through the use of remote technology. Read more

This is CLA's Comment on the Proposed Amendments to Rules Governing Minimum Continuing Legal Education  Read more

This is CLA's comment on the Proposed Amendments Requiring Attorneys to Complete Annual Civility Pledge  Read more

This is CLA's comment on Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct Addressing Incivility  Read more

This is CLA's comment on the Proposed New Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3 Read more