CLA

Pro Bono clients are like any other clients in many ways. However, some Pro Bono clients present ethical issues for attorneys that often differ from those presented by fee-paying or contingent fee clients. Lawyers sometimes face difficult questions about defining who the client is, communication with clients, clients with diminished capacity, conflicts with fee-paying clients, and many others. Representation of nonprofit organizations also can present difficult ethical issues not faced with most for-profit organizations. Read more

The final quarter of 2023 is here! 2023 may have seemed like a blur. The holidays are fast approaching. Stressed? Right now is the time to stop and take a deep breath and evaluate how you can be in control of ending 2023 and getting yourself ready for a successful 2024. Join Katy Goshtasbi, securities lawyer, transition coach, consultant, speaker and well-being advocate in this interactive and impactful workshop. Read more

The Environmental Law Section of California Lawyers Association (CLA) is hosting its 32nd Annual Environmental Law Conference in Yosemite National Park on October 19-21, 2023. The conference is the largest and most prestigious gathering of leaders who are passionate about the environment, energy, land use and natural resources law.  Read more

The Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) of the Business Law Section of the California Lawyers Association filed an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court of the United States in William K. Harrington, United States Trustee, Region 2, v. Purdue Pharma L.P., et al., a case arising out of the bankruptcy of Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, in which Purdue Pharma and related entities filed for bankruptcy. Read more

Today, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) announced the departure of Oyango A. Snell, Esq., after nearly two years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director. Effective October 2, 2023, Sheila Johnston will serve as interim CEO/ED until the Board of Representatives identifies a permanent replacement. Read more

California Lawyers Association wrapped up its third annual Walking Challenge in September. Organized by the Health and Wellness Committee, the challenge featured legal professionals from all across the state, along with their friends and family, competing in teams to complete a virtual route spanning the extreme points of Great Britain.  Read more

California Lawyers Association (CLA) sponsored a resolution encouraging jurisdictions to create and fully fund rural practice loan forgiveness programs. The American Bar Association’s (ABA) House of Delegates approved Resolution 400 at the 2023 ABA Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, on August 7, 2023.  Read more

John Carter, Darcy Brown and I, along with the immeasurable help of outgoing Section Chair Kim Bick and CLA Staff Pam Amundsen, have been very busy planning California Lawyers Association’s 32nd Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite, and so hope you can join us, October 19–22, 2023, at the Tenaya Lodge. There is truly no better way to earn CLE than enjoying that crisp mountain air, being inspired by the absolute beauty of the area combined with the company of the premier environmental attorneys of our era.  Read more

What is your goal, and how can I help? You will hear me ask this frequently as your new CLA President. You will also observe me encouraging members to get more involved in leadership with CLA. Read more

I am still reeling from the positive energy of this year’s Annual Meeting and the visible impact that California Lawyers Association (CLA) has on our community locally and globally. Read more