The State Bar of California is accepting applications for an attorney position on the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE). Pursuant to Rule 9.4 of the California Rules of Court, this recruitment is for an attorney who has been admitted to practice law in California within three years of the date of appointment.

Applications are open through October 16, 2026.

Newly admitted attorneys interested in contributing their perspective and experience to the work of the CBE are encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply!

Dear Future Prosecutors:

We are excited share the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will be hosting a Southern California Prosecutorial Job Fair, taking place on September 4, 2026, from, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, at the County of Orange County Conference Center,located at 400 W. Civic Center Dr. Satna Ana CA. 92703.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for you to explore a variety of career options within various District Attorney Offices. You'll have the chance to learn about the unique office cultures, job openings, and the numerous benefits that come with a career in prosecution. Moreover, you can engage in on-the-spot interviews, which could be a significant step toward your future career. 

This event highlights the rewarding nature of prosecutorial careers, including the fulfilling opportunity for community service, job stability, and competitive salaries.  

If you would like to register, please do so here So Cal Prosecutorial Career Fair Registration Form by August 20, 2026.

We look forward to seeing you there and helping you take the next step in your legal career. Please mark your calendar and don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Respectfully,

Orange County District Attorney's Office

A new proposal has been posted to the California Courts website, at https://courts.ca.gov/policy-administration/invitations-comment

 

Court Interpreters SP26-05

Title: Court Interpreters: Revisions to Payment Policies for Independent Contractor Interpreters

Summary: The annual Budget Act instructs the Judicial Council to set policies and compensation rates for contract court interpreters, not to exceed the rates paid to certified court interpreters in the federal court system. In response to increasing interpreter expenditures and challenges in managing interpreter resources, the Court Executives Advisory Committee (CEAC) recommends revising the Payment Policies for Independent Contractor Interpreters to promote short- and long-term cost containment measures. These include implementing non-negotiable rates, establishing uniform travel compensation, standardizing contractual obligations for services rendered, and additional revisions to clarify and standardize administrative procedures across the state. To implement the required rate structure, CEAC proposes raising the maximum daily compensation rate for independent contractor interpreters to not exceed the rate paid to federally certified interpreters, as required by the annual Budget Act.

Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Monday, August 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

President's Message As summer begins to wind down, August reminds us that meaningful progress is built not only through landmark moments, but through consistent action. It is in the everyday work of showing up for one another, mentoring the next generation, advocating for justice, and leading with integrity that California Women Lawyers continues to make a lasting impact. Across our organization, I have been inspired by the dedication of our Board of Governors, committee leaders, affiliates, and members who generously give their time and talents to strengthen our profession. Whether you have volunteered for a committee, attended a program, mentored a colleague, or simply reached out to support another woman in the law, you are helping to advance CWL’s mission. As we look toward the months ahead, we have exciting opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate together. Our educational programming, judicial pipeline initiatives, networking events, and planning for our Annual Event continue to move forward because of the commitment of leaders throughout our organization. I encourage every member to find a way to become more engaged. Your perspective, your voice, and your leadership matter. The legal profession continues to evolve, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Now more than ever, women lawyers must remain connected not only to our profession but also to one another. Through collaboration, sponsorship, and shared purpose, we strengthen our collective ability to advocate for our clients, our communities, and the future of the legal profession. As we prepare for the remainder of the year, I hope you will join us at our programs, support our initiatives, and make plans to attend our Annual Event. It will be an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the law, strengthen relationships across California, and reaffirm the values that unite us as an organization. Thank you for your continued dedication to California Women Lawyers. It is an honor to serve as your President and to work alongside so many extraordinary leaders. Together, we are building a stronger organization and creating new opportunities for women lawyers across our state. With gratitude, Judge Patanisha E. Davis Pierson, Esq. President, California Women Lawyers

CIVIL JURY INSTRUCTIONS (CACI) _CACI26-02

Title: Civil Jury Instructions: Revisions to Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions seeks public comment on proposed revisions and additions to the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI). Under California Rules of Court, rule 10.58, the advisory committee is responsible for regularly reviewing case law and statutes affecting jury instructions and making recommendations to the Judicial Council for updating, revising, and adding topics to the council’s civil jury instructions. On approval by the Judicial Council, all changes will be published in the 2027 edition of the official CACI publication.

Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Friday, September 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm

The First-Generation Pre-Law Association (FGPLA) is a pre-law organization created specifically to support first-generation students at UCLA pursuing careers in the legal field. Through a year-long, one-on-one mentorship, students receive guidance, resources, and insight into the legal field, helping them build confidence, skills, and professional connections to succeed in higher education and beyond. 

Program Highlights:

• One-on-one pairing: build a strong relationship with your mentee

• Flexible commitment: 1 check-in a month

• Hybrid Format: Virtual coffee chats are fine, but if distance isn’t an issue, we highly suggest meeting in person!

FGPLA outreach mentor interest form  https://forms.gle/Zgsczn4SH6zQY8SZ8

The First-Generation Pre-Law Association (FGPLA) is a pre-law organization created specifically to support first-generation students at UCLA pursuing careers in the legal field. Through a year-long, one-on-one mentorship, students receive guidance, resources, and insight into the legal field, helping them build confidence, skills, and professional connections to succeed in higher education and beyond. 

Program Highlights:

• One-on-one pairing: build a strong relationship with your mentee

• Flexible commitment: 1 check-in a month

• Hybrid Format

• Virtual coffee chats are fine, but if distance isn’t an issue, we highly suggest meeting in person!

FGPLA outreach mentor interest form  https://forms.gle/Zgsczn4SH6zQY8SZ8

President's Message As we welcome July, we are reminded that this season represents both celebration and responsibility. While many of us gather with family and friends to commemorate our nation’s 250 year independence, it is also a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the role the legal profession plays in protecting the rule of law, expanding access to justice, and ensuring that our legal system serves every member of our communities with integrity and fairness. At California Women Lawyers, our mission has always extended beyond professional advancement. We are a community of advocates, mentors, leaders, and change makers who understand that when women in the law support one another, we strengthen our profession and the communities we serve. This year has already demonstrated the extraordinary dedication of our members. Across California, you continue to lead courtrooms, boardrooms, classrooms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms with excellence. You volunteer your time, mentor the next generation, champion meaningful legislation, and advocate for clients facing life’s most difficult moments. Your commitment is the very heart of California Women Lawyers. This month, I also want to extend an extra special congratulations to Jodi Cleesattle on her election to the bench in San Diego County. Jodi has been a valued member and leader within the California Women Lawyers community, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement. On behalf of our entire organization, congratulations, Judge-Elect Cleesattle. We thank you for your continued service to our profession and wish you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter of judicial service. As we look toward the months ahead, I encourage each of you to find one new way to engage with CWL. Attend a program, join a committee, invite a colleague to become a member, mentor a law student, or share your expertise through one of our educational offerings. Every contribution, large or small, helps advance our mission and expands the impact of our organization. Thank you for your continued leadership, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment to lifting one another up as you climb. Together, we are creating opportunities, opening doors, and leaving the legal profession stronger than we found it. I wish you and your families a safe, joyful, and restorative summer. With gratitude, Judge Patanisha E. Davis Pierson, Esq. President, California Women Lawyers

Event Details:

Pathways to the Profession
A Bay Area Legal Networking Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, July 18, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
San Francisco Ferry Building

 

This event will bring together:

• JIOP students
• Pre-law students
• Law students
• Judicial interns and law clerks
• Young lawyers
• Attorneys and judges 

Rather than a traditional panel, participants will explore the Ferry Building and Embarcadero in small teams, completing networking challenges and building authentic professional relationships in a fun, engaging environment. Every student attendee will also receive a gift card thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners.

Please RSVP or direct any questions to tiega@varlacklegal.com.