CLA eNews

Legal Talk Network, a podcast producer for legal professionals with hosts from well-known organizations and brands in legal, was at the CLA Annual Meeting in Monterey last month. Read more

At his swearing-in ceremony last month, new California Lawyers Association President Emilio Varanini said when he thinks about the importance of lawyers and judges to our democracy he looks to the experience of his wife. Joanna grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution. When her teacher explained that all the intellectuals were being sent to the countryside, 8-year-old Joanna dared to ask a question about what would happen to the peasants. As a result, she was taken out of… Read more

In a traditional transaction, California lawyers receive U.S. dollars in exchange for providing legal services. But it is not unheard of to see transactions where lawyers are compensated in different ways. Most typically, alternate payments come through the provision of goods. But, of course, there are other options. And perhaps the most recent trend is toward the use of cryptocurrency. Read more

Ruthe Catolico Ashley receives the Civic Engagement Award at the CLA Annual Meeting Ruthe Catolico Ashley was in a San Francisco Department store this summer when she heard a voice calling, “Mrs. Ashley, Mrs. Ashley.” “I turned around and there’s a beautiful young black woman walking toward me. I said, ‘Myra is that you?’” That’s when Ashley learned that Myra, her former student at the Law Academy at DeAnza High School, had graduated from college and was headed for law… Read more

It is bittersweet to be writing our last CLA eNews column, as the inaugural President and Chairman of the Board. Our terms end a few days after the upcoming CLA Annual Meeting in Monterey (we hope you'll join us!). It has been our true pleasure and honor to serve. And what a ride it has been! So please allow us a moment to reminisce, as well as to congratulate and welcome the new CLA leaders — President Emilio Varanini, Board Chairman Chip Wilkins, Vice President Jeremy Evans, Vice Chairman of the Board Betty Williams, Secretary Sarah Rief, and Treasurer Ryan Baron. The organization continues to be in great hands. Read more

As I prepare to travel to Monterey for my first Annual Meeting since becoming Executive Director of the California Lawyers Association, I am feeling celebratory. Preparing for the Annual Meeting is a huge undertaking and I’m extraordinarily grateful to the volunteer leaders, particularly those on the Annual Meeting committee, and our professional team from Sacramento, who worked so hard to make it happen. And we have a lot to celebrate! Read more

Applications are being accepted through Dec. 5 for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California, which is based in Los Angeles and also covers offices in Riverside and Santa Ana. For more information, see the recruitment announcement from the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Outgoing Federal Public Defender for the Central District Hilary Potashner has left to take a position in private practice. Effective Oct. 1, the Ninth Circuit has appointed Amy M. Karlin… Read more

The Women Attorneys Advocacy Project in conjunction with the Federal Bar Association's Northern District of California Chapter & the Women’s General Counsel Network are presenting the Oct. 22 program: “Toot Your Own Horn: Mastering the Art of Self-Advocacy.” Read more

The San Diego Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California will host the Annual State of the District Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. Space is limited. Register at fbasd.org.  Date: Thursday, October 10, 2019 Time: 12:00-1:30 PM (registration from 11:30 AM) Place: Westin San Diego - Gaslamp, San Diego Ballroom, 4th Fl., 910 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101 Cost: $30 for FBA Members, $55 Non-Member Public/CJA Attorneys/Law… Read more

The San Diego chapter of the Federal Bar Association will present an Oct. 15 introductory level seminar geared toward recently admitted attorneys and those with little experience in federal court.  The program features several panels of U.S. District Judges, U.S. Magistrate Judges, and judicial law clerks. The program also includes a presentation on federal jurisdiction and venue by James T. Wagstaffe and a presentation by the Clerk of Court, John Morrill. The panelists will include the Hon. Anthony J. Battaglia,… Read more