CAALA Vegas 2026 breaks records

4,152 attendees celebrated education, community, and the future of our profession

2026 October

CAALA Vegas 2026 will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary conventions in our organization’s history. This year’s theme, “Viva La Justice” (or as I like to say, ¡Viva La Justicia!) captured the spirit of who we are as a community: bold advocates, committed leaders, and champions of the civil justice system. 

Over the course of four unforgettable days, 4,152 attendees came together at our new location, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, to learn, connect, celebrate, and reaffirm our shared mission. It was the largest CAALA Vegas ever, and it set a new standard for what our annual gathering can achieve. In a year marked by significant challenges, the plaintiffs’ bar and our colleagues showed up at CAALA Vegas in full force, proving once again the strength and resilience of our community.

Our move to the Fontainebleau marked a major milestone. For the first time, CAALA had a dedicated conference footprint within the hotel including our own centralized, beautifully designed space that allowed the entire convention to flow seamlessly. Attendees repeatedly commented on how easy it was to navigate between sessions, the exhibit hall, networking lounges, and social events. The Fontainebleau’s modern meeting rooms, advanced technology, and spacious layout elevated every aspect of the convention. 

The Attorney Education Program delivered some of the strongest and most dynamic content we have ever offered. Our speakers, including trial lawyers, judges, experts, and thought leaders, brought depth, clarity, and practical guidance to every session. Panels were packed, most breakout rooms were standing‑room only, and the enthusiasm in the hallways between sessions reflected a community eager to sharpen its skills and strengthen its advocacy. 

Equally impressive was the Legal Staff Program, which continues to grow in both size and sophistication. Our legal staff are essential to the success of every plaintiff practice, and CAALA Vegas 2026 honored that truth with a curriculum designed specifically for their roles. The turnout for the Legal Staff Program was the highest in CAALA history, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Investing in our legal staff strengthens our firms, the clients we serve, and our community.

One of the most meaningful components of CAALA Vegas 2026 was the continued growth of the Judicial Pipeline Program (JPP). The Pipeline reflects CAALA’s commitment to building a judiciary that mirrors the diversity, experience, and values of the communities we serve. This year’s JPP session drew lawyers from across California who are considering judicial service or who want to support colleagues on that path. The panel of judges and mentors offered candid, practical guidance on the appointment process, qualifications, and the importance of having plaintiff‑side voices represented on the bench. The Pipeline is a long‑term investment in the future of our civil justice system. 

CAALA Vegas is also about community, connection, and celebration. This year delivered unforgettable moments. The Meet & Greet for New Members, New Lawyers, and First‑Time Attendees continued to shine as one of the most meaningful traditions of CAALA Vegas. The event has quickly become an essential part of the convention experience. Held in a welcoming, vibrant space within our dedicated conference area, the Meet & Greet brought together a packed room of attendees who were experiencing CAALA Vegas for the first time. It offered a unique opportunity to connect with CAALA leadership, committee chairs, and longtime members eager to share guidance, encouragement, and community. Many attendees later shared that this event helped them feel immediately included and supported, setting the tone for the rest of their weekend. 

Our Welcome Party set the tone for the entire weekend. Held in a large and stunning space at the Fontainebleau, the event brought together thousands of attendees in an atmosphere filled with excitement, music, and camaraderie. The energy was electric, and it carried through every day of the convention.

The Saturday Night Party was another highlight, delivering a spectacular evening filled with great entertainment, high energy, and pure fun. The venue, production, and music created an atmosphere that felt both celebratory and uniquely CAALA. It was a night where trial lawyers, legal staff, judges, and sponsors came together not as professionals, but as a community.

We closed the weekend with our Closing Brunch, a tradition that has become one of the most beloved parts of CAALA Vegas. The brunch offered a chance to reflect on the weekend, share final conversations, and enjoy time together before returning home. 

Reaching 4,152 attendees is more than a milestone; it is a testament to the strength of our community and the value CAALA provides. It reflects the trust our members place in us, the importance of our mission, and the commitment we share to protecting access to justice. CAALA Vegas 2026 was a celebration of who we are and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, spoke, moderated, and supported this year’s convention, with a special thank you to the CAALA Staff, the CAALA Vegas Committee, and to the CAALA Executive Committee for their roles in making CAALA Vegas 2026 a complete success. CAALA Vegas 2026 was extraordinary. ¡Viva La Justicia! Here’s to an even brighter year ahead.