LACBA News

LACBA joins the world community in observing International Remembrance Day commemorated each year on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

Congratulations to LACBA's annual award winners. Senator Thomas J. Umberg is this year’s Shattuck-Price Outstanding Lawyer. Supervising Judge Kelvin D. Filer is the Outstanding Jurist for 2025. And Justice Helen Zukin is the Philip H. Lam Diversity Impact Award recipient. All three will be honored at the Installation and Awards Dinner, June 20 at the Bonaventure Hotel.

LACBA is committed to supporting our community during the devastating fires impacting LA County. We are providing resources, including updates on court closures, legal assistance, and a members-only emergency listserve to facilitate communication and support. LACBA is also organizing efforts with leaders and legal professionals to explore ways to assist those affected. 

As we bid farewell to 2024, I want to thank you for your support of LACBA and take a moment to reflect on the year that passed and the one ahead. I find myself more contemplative than usual because this new year marks the midway point in my tenure as LACBA’s President...I can say without hesitation that my favorite part has been having a front row seat at various LACBA events and meeting many of you in person or virtually.

Our dear friend and LACBA member, Seth M. Hufstedler, passed away on Dec. 20 at the age of 102, following 74 years of active practice that included serving as the association's president in 1969. 

A Message from Presiding Judge Tapia – Last month, former Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner passed me the gavel, marking the beginning of my two-year term leading the nation’s largest consolidated trial court. This role represents both the greatest challenge of my career and the privilege of a lifetime. Our partnership with LACBA is one we deeply value, and I am honored to use the first Quarterly Update to share a glimpse of the road ahead. 

A pervasive lack of lawyer civility has long been a matter of concern. Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor observed: “…[A]ttorneys have been spotted exchanging invectives and even engaging in shoving matches in front of various court clerks’ offices, an image that that recalls the description of modern-day litigation as ice hockey in business suits.”

This month, LACBA hosts a free event for California Bar members admitted from 2020 to 2024. Join us from 6-8 p.m. to network with peers, enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, meet lawyers from 22 LACBA Sections, and attend panels like "Surviving (and Thriving) in Court" and "What I Wish I’d Known When I Started My Legal Career." RSVP today to fast-track your law career!

After careful consideration and a thorough review of our financial circumstances and the services we provide, LACBA membership dues will be adjusted in 2025, marking the first change in eight years. Recently approved by the LACBA's Board of Trustees, the decision comes in response to rising operating expenses and to ensure we continue to deliver the high-quality programs, advocacy, and resources our members deserve. Six membership categories will have an increase while law students, new attorneys, and others will continue to enjoy free or discounted memberships. The dues adjustment takes place February 28, 2025.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to LACBA. We look forward to serving you and working together to advance the legal profession.

On February 20, 2025, CFJ hosts its 3rd Annual Community Impact Awards Reception to honor the dedication of its project volunteers. Save the date for this cocktail reception and awards ceremony at the Jonathan Club in downtown LA. Help us recognize the exceptional volunteers who have contributed to CFJ's mission.