The summer lineup

From networking to education/CLE credits, this summer’s programs will help build your practice

2025 May

CAALA never ceases to amaze me. As a membership organization, there is no other local bar that does more for its members than CAALA. This summer’s lineup of membership events, education programs and networking events, is a prime example of all that CAALA brings to the table for its members.

Education events

CAALA’s Plaintiff Trial Academy has trained close to 400 CAALA members the art and skill of trial advocacy. Running through the month of May, this signature program provides trial lawyers with intensive training from the best trial lawyers in the country. Covering trial techniques on getting tough pieces of evidence admitted, voir dire, opening, closing, and more, the program has the perfect balance of teaching and doing. Each student obtains hands-on practice and coaching, preparing them to be the best trial lawyers they can be.

Launching in June is the first ever CAALA Leadership Academy. Focused on teaching CAALA members to be better leaders in the community, the program is going to have six sessions over six months and will teach about leading with integrity, visionary leadership skills, effective communication and listening, how to be a stellar storyteller, learning from legal legends, and more. If you are a future leader of CAALA, the legal community, and the Los Angeles community at large, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to fine-tune those leadership skills. Applications are out, so check out the program and apply to be part of the Leadership Academy.

Also in June, our education team is continuing their hitting streak of great events. Already this year our education committee has put together great webinars. May and June are no different. In May there are two webinars focused on litigation – pre-litigation and countdown to trial – topics that will help all our members manage their cases. June has a series of employment law webinars. Also in June is a judges’ evaluation night, where CAALA members can get together and learn about the new members of the Southern California bench – as the adage goes – “a good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge.”

CAALA Vegas. Not much more needs to be said. Registration is already open for our flagship event that bookends the summer of amazing educational events. More than 120 speakers on all the legal education topics needed. This year is no different with four tracks – trial skills, personal injury, specialties, and required reporting to obtain all the CLE for our State Bar requirements. For example, attendees can obtain all the various ethics, elimination of bias, competency, and technology specialty credits needed. Learn about preparing for trial, presenting your best case at trial, premises liability, law practice management, and so much more. Not to mention the premier networking events at the opening welcome party on Thursday night to the closing party on Saturday night at the Intrigue Nightclub at the Wynn Hotel. And being able to meet up with friends and meet new people and learn about all the different exhibitors and what they have to offer as you walk through the exhibit hall. If you only go to one conference a year, then CAALA Vegas is the only one to attend. Go to www.caalvegas.com to register and check out this year’s conference agenda and slate of speakers.

Networking events

I mentioned already all the great networking possibilities at CAALA Vegas and the summer leading up to Vegas has more networking opportunities as well.

First, on June 6, 2025 we will have a member mixer in downtown Los Angeles at the Moxy. Every year our mixers are attended by hundreds of CAALA members, providing them with opportunities to connect in person with other CAALA members.

The Second Annual CAALA picnic is on July 12, 2025 at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Last year’s picnic was a huge success. Families and friends had amazing food, bar-b-q, races, snow cones, treats. With a smorgasbord of food, friends, and fun, the CAALA picnic is a great way to spend a Saturday under the glorious California sun and have a great time. It really is an amazing day – bring your family. The kids had an amazing time last year and this year will be no different.

LATLC, CAALA’s sister charity, kicks off the summer with a stellar weekend on May 31 and June 1. First, on May 31, LATLC is holding its Hollywood Casino Night at the historic Roosevelt Hotel. This fabulous fun-filled event helps LATLC raise money for all the charities it supports and its more than 121 partner charities. It’s a great evening for a great cause. Then, the very next day, for the first time ever, LATLC will be marching in the WeHo Pride parade. Put your athletic shoes on and come out to support Pride month. Then, at the end of the month, on June 28, 2025 is the annual Vartazarian Luau. Another fun evening with friends – great food and an amazing luau show highlight the evening. It’s an event not to miss!

All of this and more. I haven’t even mentioned the amazing events that the Women in Law, New Lawyers, and Membership committees already have in the works. CAALA is truly an amazing organization with a little bit of everything for everyone. Go to www.CAALA.org. See you at one of these amazing events. And thank you for being a CAALA member.