California Lawyers Association

In 2022, California Lawyers Association adopted the organization's first ever strategic plan a five year road map that:oEstablishes a strong recognition of the CLA brandoEstablishes long-term financial sustainability oGrow paid CLA membershipoDelivers an exceptional member experienceoChampions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)oStrengthens and unify the CLA CommunityWe strengthened the relationship with the State Bar, Judicial Council, regional bar associations and affinity bars.Created a technology team to enhance CLAs Association Management System, including adopting new technology tools to meet the demands of a growing organizationIntroduced DEI programming and advanced equity and inclusion throughout the organization. This resulted in ensuring that the staff at CLA represented the diversity of the workforce women, people of color, LGBTQ+ and individuals of all ages.Redesigned the organization and ensured that the organization was staffed in a way that supported the on-boarding of membership, marketing, sponsorships, and social media personnel to elevate the work of our Sections and volunteer leaders. Revamped employee benefits and adjusted salaries to retain and attract quality staff.Adopted a bold DEI policy that aligns ideology and execution synonymous with a culture of belonging. Strengthened CLAs Governance Policies to ensure fiscal and operational responsibilities.Since July 31, 2022, produced 145 webinars, and 14 in-person programs. Additionally, CLA frequently offers free and low-cost continuing legal education consistent with statutory requirements. Specifically there is always one Free CLE program offered each month, and an additional 51 free programs available covering ethics and specialty law topics.In 2022, CLA focused advocacy efforts on several issues, including:oBlue Ribbon Commission on the Future of the Bar Exam. CLA sent a letter to the Blue Ribbon Commission on October 11, 2022, and a second letter on April 10, 2023, expressing CLAs concerns with a pathway for licensure to practice law in California that would eliminate testing entirely as a method of determining minimum competence and further expressing support for the pursuit of other potential reforms to the California Bar Exam.oScope of Attorney-Client Privilege. On November 22, 2022, CLA filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case regarding the test to determine whether a communication is protected by the attorney-client privilege in the context of dual-purpose communications that provide both legal and non-legal advice.oThe ENABLERS Act. On September 30, 2022, CLA sent a letter to Senators Feinstein and Padilla urging opposition to the ENABLERS Act, which would have added new classes of persons to the definition of a financial institution covered by the Bank Secrecy Act, including lawyers providing a variety of legal services for their clients, requiring these lawyers to file Suspicious Activity Reports concerning their clients transactions and other activities, thereby disclosing privileged and confidential client information.oJudges' Retirement System. On September 12, 2022, CLA sent a letter to Governor Newsom requesting his signature on AB 2443 (Cooley), a bill adding provisions relating to early retirement and deferral options for judges who are members of the Judges Retirement System II (JRS II) plan, with a positive impact on the judicial branch.To further our mission, CLA focuses on four key pillars: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Access to Justice and Pro Bono Civic Engagement and Outreach Health & WellnessExamples of activities undertaken in support of CLAs initiatives over the past year include: Following partnering with Patrick Krill and the D.C. Bar on a well-being study of the profession in 2020, we established a state-wide working group to evaluate the first of three phases of findings from the study to produce recommendations specific to California stakeholders. This first phase of findings focus on the disparate experiences and retention of male and female practitioners. The results of the study were featured in a variety of news reports, local and national. Continuing to fund and host the California Free Legal Answers Platform, a virtual legal advice service for low-income Californians. We're offering the service in conjunction with Legal Access Alameda (part of the Alameda County Bar Association), the California Lawyers Foundation, and the ABA. Each the summer we host a free, virtual, five-week walking challenge to encourage the legal community to proactively focus on their health and well-being. The Civics Engagement and Outreach Committee created new civics content to explain how laws are made in California. This presentation is enhanced with video featuring three state legislators who guides middle school and high school aged students through the process of creating a bill and getting it approved. The content can be presented by volunteers from the legal community or used by teachers to engage students in this important foundational knowledge. The Racial Justice Committee worked in partnership with students from a local high school law academy to develop an animated video series about how to safely navigate interactions with law enforcement. This critically important content will be available for youth to access freely but may also be used by volunteers from the legal community to present and discuss in a classroom environment.As part of the ongoing efforts to prepare for the next Judicial Diversity Summit in 2026, CLAs Diversity Outreach Committee Chair has initiated development of a judicial launchpad web page to help explain the judicial appointment process.CLA has added staff resources to support an expanded law school engagement effort - expanding direct outreach activities, scholarships, fellowships, regional networking events and career development. In addition, CLA added a student specific content track at our flagship Annual Meeting to ensure student opportunity to access personal and professional growth opportunities.