CLA eNews

California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) puts its mission into action to educate and inspire the next generation of legal professionals and the communities they serve. In a demonstration of its ongoing commitment to civic education and outreach, the Foundation has just announced it has officially partnered with Bullard High School to establish a California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) law academy in Fresno. 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

It’s a question on the minds of educators, legal leaders, and professional associations: How do we engage students and provide a successful pathway for the next generation of attorneys in California? The short answer: Communication. The real answer: There is no one, right answer. Read more

Dr. Tammie Ton knows her path to practicing law isn’t “normal,” but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her passion for helping others has guided every step of her professional journey, leading her to two careers that allow her to do what she loves most: uplifting her community. Read more

Thank you. Sometimes we need to take a step back from our busy schedules to say. “Thank you.” It’s important. Read more

By Neil J Wertlieb* On September 25, 2025, the California Supreme Court granted changes proposed by the State Bar of California to California Rules of Court, Rule 9.7 but, while expressing appreciation for the effort, denied proposed changes to the California Rules of Professional Conduct intended to promote civility, professionalism, and mutual respect within the legal profession.  Background In July 2023, the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees approved certain proposed rule amendments intended to improve civility among lawyers… Read more

California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) is proud to announce it has launched a completely redesigned website. From a fresh and inviting homepage to its simple and easy to use site navigation, the website was developed to be engaging, relevant, and easily accessible. Read more

Jerrilyn Malana is no stranger to the California Lawyers Association (CLA) or the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF). She was the inaugural Chair of CLA’s Civic Engagement and Outreach Committee, and she has a long history of volunteering her time to advocate for civic education, access to justice, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Read more

Imagine four days immersed in Yosemite’s breathtaking landscapes while deepening your expertise alongside the nation’s leading environmental, land use, and natural resources law professionals. The 34th Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite, presented by the California Lawyers Association, takes place October 16–19, 2025, at the picturesque Tenaya Lodge just outside Yosemite National Park. Read more

For Chris, leadership in the Business Law Section is about more than titles. It’s about creating opportunities for collaboration, education, and policy impact. We caught up with Chris to learn about his path into business law, some of the challenges shaping the field, and what’s next for the Business Law Section. Read more