CLA

They are affectionately known as, “the Law Ladies,” but make no mistake. They are powerbrokers, advocates, and thinkers who have shared their mission over decades to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the judicial system and provide an educational pathway for students interested in the law. Their goal: to ensure that California’s legal profession reflects the rich diversity of the state’s population and provides equal access to justice. The women are also among the “firsts.” Attorney Ruthe Ashley was elected… Read more

California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) announced today it has re-established its partnership with Bullard High School and the Regional Pathway in Fresno County. CLPC is the diversity educational pipeline program for its parent organization, California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA). CLA is the largest volunteer bar association in the state with 50,000 members. Read more

CLA invites you to share your expertise and submit your program proposals for the 7th Annual CLA Solo and Small Firm Summit - Charting Your Course for Success: Strategies for Solo & Small Firms. Read more

On October 23, 2025, the Antitrust and Consumer Protection Section was delighted to host the 35th Golden State Institute at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco. The Section’s signature event, each year the Golden State Institute brings together thought leaders, top enforcement officials, and leading practitioners to discuss important topics in California and federal antitrust and consumer protection law. The Section was thrilled to welcome Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero as Keynote Speaker and hosted seven thought-provoking panels throughout the day,… Read more

The CLA International Law and Immigration Section (ILS) recently completed their October 2025 CLA/Milan Bar International Law Conference. Planned entirely between volunteers of our respective associations, the 4-day event featured a strong lineup of CLE programs on hot topics of interest to all attorneys representing international clientele. Read more

 It is an honor and a privilege to be the new President of the California Lawyers Association.  I want to thank each and every one of you for your support.  Special thanks to my beautiful family, everyone at CLA, and my colleagues at Duane Morris LLP for your continued support.  Read more

A few weeks ago, I was mentoring a 6th grade Girl Scout leading a group of 1st grade Girl Scouts in my troop in an activity related to part of the “Girl Scout Law.”  The topic was the importance of being “Honest and Fair” (one part of the “Girl Scout Law”), and the 6th grader told the 1st graders, “We are going to play a game. You have 5 minutes, and you can’t leave the cafeteria. Other than that, there are no rules.” I added, “When the game is over, I want to know who won.” The 6th grader said, “Ok, go!” Read more

Tom Dahdouh will be the first to tell you he’s an “antitrust nerd.” When he talks about antitrust law, it’s with the enthusiasm of someone who truly loves what he does. Read more

CLA’s Sections were hard at work in 2025 pursuing their legislative proposals, with four bills being enacted. The changes made by these bills, effective on January 1, 2026. Read more

When an attorney or law firm seeks to withdraw from representing a client, steps must be taken to ensure that there will not be an adverse effect on the client.  Withdrawal from representation, including the duty to avoid reasonably foreseeable prejudice to the client, is addressed in the California Rules of Professional Code (CRPC), rule 1.16.  This article reviews the requirements applicable to lawyers under the CPRC, including the requirements for attorneys to continue to comply with the other applicable… Read more