As one of the nation’s largest voluntary bar associations, the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) has been empowering members for nearly 150 years with opportunities to network, learn, volunteer, and lead.
The 2024/2025 annual report captures a portion of the remarkable achievements of LACBA members who organized numerous events, provided substantial pro bono services, and contributed significantly to advancing the legal profession and public interest.
Messages from LACBA Leadership
Year in Review by Sarvenaz Bahar, 24/25 President
Dear Members and Friends,
Looking back as my term as president of the Los Angeles County Bar Association draws to a close, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey we have undertaken together. This past year has been one of unprecedented challenges and inspiring achievements, and I would like to reflect on some of the highlights that have defined our collective efforts and accomplishments.
The tragic wildfires in January 2025 presented a formidable challenge, one that we met with innovation, resilience and compassion. LACBA rapidly launched its Library of Legal Resources and Emergency Services Related to the Fires, an online hub populated with links to legal information and volunteer opportunities. Through ongoing virtual meetings with bar leaders, nonprofits, and other stakeholders, we identified areas of need and coordinated a response from the legal community, with participation from over sixty individuals nationwide. LACBA continues to update the resources posted in the library to assist impacted individuals rebuild their lives.
In response to the federal administration's attacks on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and legal profession, LACBA issued numerous public statements, organized L.A.’s National Law Day of Action on May 1, joined three amicus briefs in pending litigation supporting law firms targeted by executive orders, created a listserv dedicated to open and respectful discussion about issues related to the rule of law, and began the Library of Legal Resources Related to the Rule of Law and Immigration Services.
Despite executive orders that oppose DEI, LACBA hosted a Diversity & Inclusion Conference at the Loyola Law School in April 2025. Event organizers faced unprecedented challenges in planning and securing sponsorships, yet the unwavering commitment and hard work of our partners in the legal community ensured that the biennial conference was sold out and a resounding success.
My favorite part of being president has been witnessing the dedication and passion of LACBA staff members and volunteers. This great organization, with its 30 sections and 15 committees, offers numerous opportunities for diverse and varied activities that embody the power of volunteerism. The tireless efforts of our attorney volunteers, despite the high demands of the legal profession, have been pivotal in planning and running programs central to LACBA’s mission.
I am grateful for the privilege of serving as your president and for the opportunity to make a difference in addressing the pressing issues of our time. As I conclude my term, I am confident that LACBA will continue to rise to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
Sincerely,
Sarvenaz Bahar
Looking Forward by Jeffrey Margulies, 25/26 President
Dear Members and Friends,
I am both honored and excited to serve as your president for the upcoming year. My journey with LACBA began nearly two decades ago, and throughout this time, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact our association can have on the legal community and beyond. As always, LACBA stands as a pillar of support for judges, lawyers, and law firms committed to upholding the rule of law.
Moving into the new bar year, one of my primary goals is to bolster membership by demonstrating the value of our association, particularly to younger lawyers. By doing so, we can enhance our membership base, drive revenue, and ensure our financial stability.
I am committed to expanding our lawyer referral service to improve access to justice. We will also launch a program offering volunteer mediators for eviction notices, providing legal support to those unable to afford it.
I believe that by working together and leveraging our collective expertise, we can strengthen our association and make a meaningful difference in our community.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to LACBA.
Warm regards,
Jeffrey Margulies
Building a Better Bar by Stan Bissey, Executive Director & CEO
This bar year, we responded to the horrific wildfires that impacted every corner of life in Los Angeles with a practical and shareable online resource library for our members and the public. When law firms and attorneys faced unfair criticism and threats, LACBA and a coalition of over 60 other bar associations across the country stood solidly in support of the rule of law and due process. In March, we created a specific listserve dedicated to the rule of law, and this summer, under the leadership of 2024-25 President Sarvenaz Bahar, LACBA launched another online resource library dedicated to these issues and resources.
With over 250 programs annually and 30 professional law practice sections as the incubator for valuable and timely CLE content, our programming continued to excel with unmatched professional faculty, materials, and outcomes. This March, we resurrected the New Admittees Reception, with over 150 attendees seeing firsthand the excitement of connecting live and in person with friends old and new, all brought together as part of the LACBA family. In May, we continued our International Travel Program with a life-changing visit to South Africa and are in the middle of plans for our 2026 visit to South America! We ended the 2024/25 bar year with the sold-out Installation and Awards Dinner at the Bonaventure Hotel downtown. With Chief Justice of California Patricia Guerrero as our special guest, LACBA members, guests, and award recipients shared a wonderful night of fellowship and fun as we also welcomed our new officers and Board of Trustees members.
Post-pandemic, LACBA has evolved significantly, with initiatives directed at streamlining, integrating advanced technology, shifting to a hybrid work model, cutting costs, and setting our fiscal house in order. These efforts have made us stronger, more efficient, and a better bar.
As we look ahead to 2026 and the excitement of our 150th anniversary in 2028, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on what your LACBA story has been, how you can possibly be more involved, and how we can be a better partner in your professional and personal journey.
It remains my great honor to serve as your Executive Director and CEO, on behalf of the leadership team and the best professional staff of any bar in the country. Thank you for your membership, service, and leadership to LACBA and the legal profession.
With every best wish,
Stan Bissey
Photo by Hector Islas
24/25 Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees manages the affairs of LACBA. Election of Officers and Trustees is conducted each year with an open nomination period between January to early February. The terms of Officers and Trustees begin on July 1st.
LACBA Sections
With 25+ sections to choose from, LACBA members can find their niche and grow their careers in the areas of practice and interest that suit them best. Each section offers listserves, networking events, topical CLE events at discounted rates, and other valuable resources.
LACBA Committees
The association’s many standing, advisory and ad hoc committees work to address specific laws and challenges facing today’s attorneys and their communities. Committees are run by current LACBA members who work collaboratively to make a difference in many facets of the legal profession. LACBA members can apply to committees each spring.
LACBA’s 24/25 Numbers
LACBA Events & Programs
Most programs were organized by LACBA’s sections and facilitated through Zoom’s online conferencing and webinar services. Some of the most popular programs focused on timely topics, including the new administration’s impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the practice of immigration law.
The year also saw a return to live events, including the Bench Meets Bar Luncheon, the Labor and Employment Symposium, the Federal Courts Symposium, the Family Law Dinner Dance, and the Real Property Installation and Awards Dinner. The 2025 LACBA Installation and Awards Dinner, held in June at the Bonaventure Hotel, was attended by over 400 guests.
Popular Programming Topics:
- The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Examinations of racial justice in the legal profession
International Travel to South Africa
In late May, a group of LACBA members traveled to South Africa for the “Law, Culture, and Society in a Post-Mandela World” adventure. This journey offered insights into the country's legal landscape and cultural heritage. The adventure began in Cape Town, continued through Johannesburg, and concluded in Pretoria. A highlight of the trip was a birthday luncheon with Albie Sachs, a renowned South African lawyer who played a pivotal role in drafting South Africa's post-apartheid constitution.
“Our travel program is a unique opportunity for our members to connect both personally and professionally with each other and their international counterparts while gaining insights into the legal history and culture of the destinations,” describes Stan Bissey, LACBA Executive Director and CEO.
LACBA’s lawyer referral service, SmartLaw, is a non-profit initiative that links people needing legal representation in Southern California with qualified lawyers. Referrals and basic legal information are free of charge to the public, while attorneys pay for an annual membership that includes pre-screened referrals, electronic case-related notices, easy online reporting tools, excellent marketing reach, and customer service.
Attorney-Client Mediation and Arbitration Services
LACBA’s Attorney-Client Mediation and Arbitration Services (ACMAS) provides a convenient, fair, and low-cost way to resolve client fee disputes. ACMAS adheres to the mandatory fee arbitration provisions required by California law. The volunteers of ACMAS are fully trained in fee dispute resolution.
Counsel for Justice, a 501(c)(3)
As LACBA’s preferred pro bono provider, Counsel for Justice (CFJ) serves immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, military veterans, and tenants facing eviction, offering direct legal support at courthouses and public facilities across Los Angeles.
Project Highlights:
Domestic Violence Project
- Hosted an MCLE training focused on navigating child custody laws and domestic violence, attended by nearly 200 legal professionals.
- Through partnership with the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office Central Bureau Family Justice Center, provided more than 700 free Lyft rides to domestic violence survivors, helping ensure access to court and vital services as part of safety planning.
Immigration Legal Assistance Project
- Provided Know Your Rights education to 150 high school students, equipping them with critical legal knowledge at a formative time.
- Participated in a Skid Row Immigration Town Hall, connecting directly with community members experiencing housing instability and legal vulnerability.
- Delivered a public presentation on the naturalization process in collaboration with the LA Law Library, helping demystify the path to citizenship for aspiring new Americans.
Veterans Project
- Held 10 Record Clearing Clinics where veterans received legal education and individual consultations with pro bono attorneys to prepare court filings.
- Conducted 9 CLE-accredited volunteer trainings to equip legal professionals to serve veterans.
- Expanded services to include the filing and service of court documents, addressing common logistical barriers to resolving legal issues.
- Partnered with the LACBA Armed Forces Committee and Los Angeles Superior Court to establish a streamlined procedure for appointing counsel under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
