California Lawyers Association
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
CLAs mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in access to justice and the rule of law.
- Income
- $10.4 million
- Spending
- $11.8 million
- Employees
- 49
- Volunteers
- 450
- Highest pay
- $346,681, ceo, exec dir
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- Program Accomplishments1.In 2024, CLA produced 214 webinars, and offered 33 in-person programs. Additionally, CLA frequently offers free and low-cost continuing legal education consistent with statutory requirements. Specifically there is always one Free CLE program offered each month and an additional 28 free programs available covering ethics and specialty law topics.2.The Taxation Section hosted pro bono events in collaboration with the California Office of Tax Appeals, where CLA attorneys assisted taxpayers in navigating mediation. These efforts helped resolve numerous tax appeals and provided meaningful access to justice for individuals in need.3.The Taxation Section also advanced mentorship through its Odyssey Mentorship Program, designed to shape future leaders in the tax profession. The program offers mentees a confidential forum to seek guidance, gain professional exposure, and develop practical skills to become effective tax practitioners. Mentors benefit by giving back to the tax community and strengthening the next generation of leaders.4.CLA strengthened its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by implementing programming that reflects and supports the diversity of Californias workforce. Efforts ensured representation across gender, race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identity, and generational perspectives within CLA staff and leadership.5.The Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach Committee (DIOr) promoted CLAs commitment to diversifying the legal profession and bench. In 2024, the Committee launched its first annual Distinguished Law Student Writing Competition, recognizing exceptional student authors advancing DEI in the legal profession. DIOr continues to provide policy recommendations and outreach initiatives to expand equity, representation, and access across CLA membership, leadership, education, and programming.6.The Civics Engagement and Outreach Committee advanced public understanding of civic processes by developing and distributing accessible content for educators and community leaders on how laws are made in California.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2018.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.