CLA

As the terms AI or Artificial Intelligence (AI) and more notably Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) are being used frequently in today’s world, I question its meaning in the context of the practice of law, which typically involves human beings analyzing case law, statutes and procedures; and applying such knowledge to the facts in client’s matter to provide competent representation to the client.  There is much that is being written about AI and the ethical standards that should apply[1].   However, at present, there are  no settled standards, including in the practice of law, for its use.  Lawyers continue to be bound by the California Rules of Professional Conduct (“CRPC” or “Rules”), statutes Read more

Join CLA members and author and leadership expert Michael Melcher in discussing his book, “Your Invisible Network: How to Create, Maintain, and Leverage the Relationships That Will Transform Your Career.” The book presents a practical plan with manageable practice exercises to foster meaningful connections and the various types of relationships critical for career success. Read more

Billing is the lifeblood of law practice, but many of us have no idea what we are doing when it comes to invoicing and collecting payments. Similarly, we know we have to adhere to regulations regarding trust accounts, but how do we as attorneys actually accomplish three-way reconciliation? Law school did not prepare us to strike out on our own, and many attorneys find themselves hampered by tedious administrative tasks when we should be more focused on working our cases. Read more

If your work involves labor, employment, public entities or public employees in California,   California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) Labor and Employment Law Section Public Sector Conference is a must-attend event. Read more

As the legal economy grows more complicated and lawyers and clients look for new ways to finance legal work, lawyers in many fields have fashioned new forms of fee arrangements as an important part of their client relationships.  Whenever a lawyer enters into a fee agreement with a client, but especially when adopting a non-traditional approach, lawyers must consider whether their agreement complies with the State Bar Act and Rules of Professional Conduct.  One consideration for lawyers proposing alternative fee agreements for transactional work is whether their arrangements with their clients constitute contingency fee agreements – something traditionally thought of only in connection with litigation.  Read more

It’s in the news. It’s addressed in the law. And it’s vital to the legal profession. The “it” are technology advancements, particularly those involving Artificial Intelligence (AI). As legal professionals, how do you navigate these increasingly complicated developments— from forensics and document review to broader practice innovations—to make the best decisions for your practice needs? Read more

The program will cover the basics of the recent Rule 8.3, including when and what a lawyer is obligated to report and how that obligation may be impacted by the lawyer’s duty of confidentiality. Read more

This presentation explores the transformative impact of two game-changing technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Bitcoin. Gain insights into the key drivers behind AI's disruptive potential and Bitcoin’s evolving role as both a digital asset and a catalyst for financial innovation. We will examine how these technologies complement each other and discuss their collective influence on the future of finance, along with strategies for investing in them. Read more

1 Hour MCLE; 1 Legal Ethics Whether it’s outside vendors or people in our offices, attorneys frequently use non-lawyers to help us with our marketing and advertising. Well, there are ways that these assistant might end up costing us dearly — in the disciplinary world. Join the CLE Performer, Stuart Teicher as he reveals the ways lawyers can get into trouble when we use other people to help us grow our business.  Topics Include: You could own what your consultant… Read more

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.  I have also been mentored by numerous wise women of all different Read more