CLA eNews

New Lawyers Section Chair Daniel Cheung learned how to argue his case at an early age, according to his parents. “My mom tells me that when I was in the 4th grade, we were having a fight, as kids do, and I objected to her, which is so embarrassing,” he said with a laugh. “But I think I always just gravitated toward law and government, and that’s what I ended up pursuing in grad school.” Daniel, who is the proud… Read more

Swearing-in ceremonies mark a milestone moment for new attorneys, symbolizing both the culmination of years of study and the beginning of a professional journey in law. In December 2025, California Lawyers Association leaders were on hand at several law school ceremonies across the state to welcome the newest members of the bar, celebrate their achievements, and introduce them to the benefits of CLA membership. For leaders like Ireneo Reus, Anthony Lai, and Max Roemer, attending these ceremonies offered an opportunity to connect with new attorneys, reinforce the supportive community of California lawyers, and ensure that every graduate feels seen, celebrated, and prepared to step confidently into their careers. Read about their experiences below. Read more

CALIFORNIA ETHICS ANNUAL REVIEW 2025 Written by Neil J Wertlieb* This article highlights the ethics advisory opinions that were issued during 2025 by the California State Bar’s Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct (“COPRAC”), the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility (“ABA”), the Los Angeles County Bar Association Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee (“PREC”), and the California Supreme Court’s Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (“CJEO”), as well as recent changes in the California Rules of Professional… Read more

I hope that you enjoyed the holidays and took time to relax and recharge. 2025 presented some unique challenges for the legal profession here in California and across the United States.  In 2026, lawyers will continue to be called upon to represent clients in consequential cases and uphold the Rule of Law.  We must remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, diversity, fairness, inclusion, and accessibility for all. Read more

A new year can be such an invigorating and reflective time. As you ponder and scheme for what you hope to achieve this year, we have opportunities to get actively involved in CLA that would suit a range of time and interest levels. Read more

California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) has joined with Pasadena High School to establish its first-ever law academy partnership in the San Gabriel Valley. CLPC is the educational component of California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA), the largest volunteer bar association in the state with 50,000 members. Read more

Leadership – Access – Diversity.  These are things which drive the California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC). What began as six innovative law academies first established in 2010, today has exploded to 25 programs across the state, with the organization’s newest partnership project recently established with Pasadena High School. Read more

When Norman Rodich donated an old suit, he had no way of knowing that his act of kindness would blossom into a nationwide movement to help others help themselves. At the time, he was just trying to help a young man get back on his feet. Read more

The Taxation Section was pleased to welcome over 300 attendees from private, government, and industry practice to the 2025 All-Tax Conference at the Westin Bayview in San Diego November 12th through 14th, 2025.  Saba Shatara, Chair of the Taxation Section, kicked off the Conference with welcoming remarks and thanked everyone for attending. Read more

I hope that all of you are doing well and enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday.  As we approach the final month of 2025,  I am taking this opportunity to encourage everyone to remember those who are less fortunate and highlight a few ways that we can all give back to the community. Read more