The Conference of California Bar Associations (CCBA) serves justice in California by bringing together attorney volunteers from all around the State to seek, debate, and promote creative, non-partisan solutions to law-related issues for the benefit of Californians.
Our work results in:
- Improving the laws and the administration of justice
- Advancing the science of jurisprudence
- Advancing the education of lawyers and fostering their professional excellence
- Promoting public understanding of and respect for the law, the justice system, and the roles of the legal profession and an independent judiciary in that system
Our values include:
- Promoting and facilitating volunteerism among lawyers
- Fostering open and vigorous debate of law-related issues in a courteous, respectful manner that avoids personal and partisan attacks
- Encouraging originality, innovation, and accessibility in seeking solutions to law-related issues
- Eliminating prejudice and discrimination and promoting diversity in CCBA activities, the legal profession, the judiciary, and the general public
- Fostering excellence in the legal profession
- Promoting and facilitating communication and cooperation within the legal profession and among bar associations, the judiciary, the Legislature, and the general public
- Maintaining high standards of administrative integrity and fiscal accountability
HISTORY & ACTIVITIES
Formed in 2002 as the successor entity of the Conference of Delegates of the State Bar, CCBA is an independent 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that promotes legislative ideas on behalf of the legal community by and through individual delegates and bar associations across California.
CCBA holds an annual Conference in the fall where participants can engage in high-quality debates over resolutions authored by their peers that touch on every aspect of law. Every resolution that passes the Conference is eligible for inclusion in the annual Legislative Program, as prioritized by the Board of Directors and the Legislative Committee, with input from Larry Doyle, CCBA’s lobbyist in Sacramento. Larry works to pair resolutions with legislators who can introduce them as bills, and provides advice and advocacy. Since 2010, over 100 chaptered bills originated from our resolutions, which is an unparalleled record of achievement for a single organization.
JOIN US
CCBA provides a uniquely democratic forum for a resolution to be placed in the following year’s legislative program, requiring only a majority vote by the delegates in attendance. A resolution can be placed on the Conference agenda if sponsored by ten members of the State Bar or a participating bar association. Our delegates range from new admittees to seasoned lawyers with over 30 years of experience. Law students and faculty members of accredited law schools are also welcome to attend as speakers and observers. The Conference provides an ideal opportunity to hone research, writing and communication skills, to learn about important, cutting-edge issues concerning the legal profession and administration of justice, and to meet some of the finest attorneys in California. It is never too early or too late to participate, both as an individual and as a member of your bar association.