CLA eNews

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

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