California Lawyers Association (“CLA”) has announced the launch of its new formation: the new Privacy Law Section. This section will focus on thought leadership around the legal, regulatory, and business issues involving privacy in the digital age. CLA’s Privacy Law Section will provide invaluable education and networking opportunities, including webinars, conferences, and exceptional MCLE and continuing professional education programming for lawyers and non-lawyers who are working on the full cycle of data management issues.

In particular, CLA’s Privacy Law Section will encourage a timely exchange of information regarding new and emerging laws and regulations related to the protection of personal data, and create a centralized forum and resource repository with useful and current information about privacy legal issues. The Privacy Law Section will also provide practitioners with the opportunity to network with likeminded colleagues by joining virtual and in-person networking events. In addition, the Section will participate in advocacy and rulemaking activities in Sacramento and provide technical input on proposed changes to privacy laws.

In a statement, CLA’s CEO and Executive Director, Ona Alston Dosunmu, expressed how important this Section is in the current environment:

“In California, the right to privacy is enshrined in the California Constitution. Our legal community and legislators have been leaders in debating, proposing and enacting privacy laws that will impact the global economy for decades to come. With the California Consumer Privacy Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, more than ever before consumers and businesses are interested in understanding the privacy law landscape in California and want to connect with others who practice privacy law in California. CLA recognizes the central role that California plays in the global privacy debate and what it means to have privacy".

"CLA’s new Privacy Law Section will build upon and amplify the work CLA has already been doing in privacy within our existing sections, including Antitrust, Business Law, Intellectual Property Law, and International Law and Immigration. CLA is proud to continue its tradition of leading the way in promoting excellence in the legal profession in California – and in the world. By creating a central meeting place and a home for privacy professionals, CLA seeks to serve not only California licensed attorneys but also other privacy and cybersecurity professionals around the globe who are looking for educational resources and thought leadership in privacy", commented Mr. Dosunmu.