CLA eNews

It is often said that women are the backbone of society.  Without women, there would be no society at all.  I was raised by a beautiful strong Black woman who instilled in me the values that have guided me throughout my life.  Read more

California Lawyers Association Vice President Jill Manning has never been one to back away from a challenge. From the beginning of her legal career, she has worked to ensure people everywhere have access to justice. Read more

Nearly 300 high school students from California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) Law Academies gathered at the State Capitol on February 26, 2026, for CLPC’s 3rd Annual Legislative Day. Read more

The California State Capitol Assembly and Senate floors, the Third District Court of Appeal, and Sacramento’s Tsakopoulos Library Galleria served as centers of learning for approximately 300 high school students as part of the California Legal Pathways Collaborative’s (CLPC) Legislative Day held on February 26,2026. Read more

One of my favorite things about CLA is the opportunity to interact with attorneys from a wide range of practice areas and backgrounds, from all over the state. Our Board of Representatives is a microcosm of this, with one attorney from each subject matter section, from various regions of California, and a variety of personal histories. Read more

When Maridel De Los Reyes (pictured right) was growing up, she wanted to be a doctor. “That was until sixth grade,” she reflects and smiles. “My middle school had a program where students from underserved areas visited law firms. I had never met a lawyer before. They were so eloquent and capable. At that moment, I decided I wanted to be an attorney.” Read more

The California bar licensing renewal period is between February 1 and March 31, 2026.  This is also CLA’s prime recruitment period. I want to take this opportunity to ask each member to help get the word out and recruit new members.  Read more

The laws that govern California are not written in a vacuum. They are shaped by advocates, experts, and engaged professionals who bring their real-world experience to the Capitol. Each spring at Legislative Day, CLA members gather in Sacramento to make their voices heard and directly engage lawmakers who shape our profession’s future. Read more

I review a LOT of leadership books. I want to be a better leader in my professional and volunteer roles, and I want to help others in these realms improve their leadership skills. Read more

February 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the origins of Black History Month in the United States.  The Father of both Black History and Black History Month is Carter G. Woodson (“Dr. Woodson”), who was born in 1875 to formerly enslaved Black parents.  Read more