CLA

The end of the year is an excellent time for reflection and identifying areas for growth for the new year. Instead of listing the same annual resolutions that are often redundant from past years, why not try something different?   Read more

A recent Delaware case, Simeone v Walt Disney Co. (Del. Ch. June 27, 2023, No. 2022-1120-LWW) 2023 Del Ch Lexis 154, provides helpful guidance for boards of directors in navigating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) controversies. The court found that the Disney board's decision to publicly oppose Florida’s so-called "Don't Say Gay" law was a legitimate business decision, holding that:  Read more

As lawyers, we often face numerous competing demands that put a strain on our time. We have to make important decisions about how to delegate administrative tasks, handle client intake, accept new cases, and communicate with clients - all while upholding our obligations under the California Rules of Professional Conduct. However, with time being a limited resource, it's easy to overlook some of these rules. This program will specifically concentrate on the rules that tend to be ignored by busy lawyers. Read more

November 2023 By Mary AkensChair of the Environmental Law Section of California Lawyers Association On October 19, over 800 registrants including lawyers and future lawyers joined together for the SOLD-OUT 32nd Annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite®. The conference brought together lawyers, law students, professors, consultants, engineers, and their families for three days of continuing legal education and fun.  Thursday afternoon, the Executive Committee held its annual meeting prior to the Opening Night Reception.   Opening Night Reception The Thursday evening… Read more

As lawyers, many of us routinely navigate disputes between parties. To do this, we have to know our client’s position, certainly, but often it is equally as important to understand the vantage point of our opponent. Read more

California Lawyers Association’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Interest Group released two new episodes of our ESG-in-Law video series. The episodes featured discussions with Kabir Duggal and Howard Fischer.  Read more

The California Supreme Court recently ordered the approval of new Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3 (Reporting Professional Misconduct), sometimes referred to (perhaps derogatorily) as the “snitch rule,” which went into effect on August 1, 2023. In addition, the California Legislature recently passed, and Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law, state Senate Bill No. 40 (the annual State Bar licensing fee bill), which (among other things) added new Section 6090.8 to the California Business and Professions Code, effective January 1, 2024. Read more

California Lawyers Association hosted 90 fifth-grade students and their teachers from Harborside Elementary School at a Civic Education Luncheon during CLA’s Annual Meeting in San Diego on September 22, 2023. The students were joined by over 40 judges and attorneys, who generously volunteered their time to engage with them in a fun and interactive civics program called “No Animals Allowed.” Read more

This month the California Lawyers Association (CLA) is launching its first-ever association-wide annual theme: Building the Future. And what better way to build our future than to give back. Read more

Hello! As some know, I am the new chair of the Intellectual Property (IP) Law Section. My goals as chair are community, engagement, and value. In support of the first two, and perhaps the last one as well, I hosted our first virtual Office Hours with the Chair on October 6, 2023, noon–1 p.m. Pacific. For those who joined, thank you! It was great to see many familiar faces and some new ones as well, with members Zooming in from California (of course!), New York, and Italy, among other places, I am sure. Office Hours will be held on the first Friday of each month, from noon–1 p.m. Pacific, except in November, when we will have our Annual IP Institute. Read more