CLA

CLA supported proposed amendments to the Code of Judicial Ethics, to allow a judge to comment publicly about a pending case that formed the basis of criticism of a judge during an election or recall campaign, provided the comment would not reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of the proceeding. CLA has worked closely with other interested stakeholders to address the increasing attacks on judges and judicial independence. These efforts have involved defense by third parties. The proposed amendments would provide judges with the option of defending themselves. Read more

Pro Bono clients present ethical issues for attorneys that are often different than 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

CLA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative presents the 2nd part of a series that dives into tactics to address implicit bias in Mentoring, Coaching, and Sponsorship. This presentation will explore the various types of mentoring, effective mentoring for the ways in which we work today, the intersections of mentoring and inclusion, some of the common challenges in mentoring relationships, and strategies that mentors and mentees can use to strengthen their unique relationships.  Read more

CLA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative presents a 2-part series that dives into tactics to address implicit bias. This webinar is part 1 of the 2-part series. Although there has been a lot of dialogue on implicit and unconscious bias, unpacking this concept to understand the myriad of “mental shortcuts” that we take that impact how we work with and value others is critical to the diversity and inclusion journey of any organization. Read more

On November 6, 2019, Herbert A. Stroh, representing the Trusts and Estates Section Executive Committee (TEXCOM) of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), appeared before the California Supreme Court to argue CLA’s first case as amicus curiae in Barefoot v. Jennings. The case turns on an issue of standing which will have a significant impact on trust litigation in California. In its amicus brief, TEXCOM aimed to assist the Supreme Court in understanding the nature of trust contests, the applicable law, and the practical effects of conferring or denying standing to people who wish to challenge modifications to a trust that have the effect of disinheriting them. Read more

CLA’s Mission Statement specifies the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in all facets of our work: Promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Read more

As the second-largest bar association in the nation—with more than 60,000 members of our Sections and 50,000 members of the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA)—the California Lawyers Association has already demonstrated that we represent the interests and aspirations of the legal profession of this state. Read more

You know it’s late in the year when you begin scheduling things on your calendar for “early in the New Year” or “after the holidays.” I’ve reached the point where I’m counting the few precious days I’ll actually be in the office to work between now and year-end. Read more

California Lawyers Association (“CLA”) is proud to announce that Judge Carol S. Brosnahan of Alameda County Superior Court is the recipient of its 2019 Aranda Access to Justice Award. The award, now in its 20th year, is presented in partnership with the California Judges Association and the Judicial Council. The award will be given to Judge Brosnahan at the Judicial Council’s November 14, 2019 meeting. Read more

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