The main meeting will be held in the port town of Cowes (sometimes referred to as West Cowes, and not to be confused with East Cowes), the Cowes Yacht Haven will be the venue for most of the talks (www.cowesyachthaven.com) Cowes has direct transport links to Southampton. Cowes is a very cosmopolitan town, and is a world famous yachting centre and party capital of the Island with numerous pubs and restaurants. Many of the shops sell high performance outdoor clothing though there are a wide range of shops. A short chain ferry ride and walk is Queen Victoria’s seaside home Osborne House, in East Cowes and is well worth a visit should you decide to stay a little longer.
Dinosaur Isle Museum (www.dinosaurisle.com) is home to over 30,000 specimens including many type specimens, notably of the dinosaurs Neovenator and Eotyrannus. Currently managed by the Isle of Wight Council, it is a fully accredited museum. The museum has a proactive acquisitions policy through fieldwork so there are always new specimens being added to the collection. Located in Sandown, about 45 minutes’ drive from Cowes, the museum is small but with plenty of ambition. 2019 should be an important year for the museum as it moves away from solely local authority control and should be working with a new commercial partner to develop the site.

We will be running a  field trip on the 10th September  in part  parallel with the workshop session. This trip will explore the Cretaceous sequence at Yaverland to Culver Cliff. This section will follow the sequence from the terrestrial Wessex Formation to the Late Cretaceous Chalk.

Exploring the California Lawyers Association: A Pillar of Legal Excellence

Introduction

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) stands as a cornerstone of legal professionalism in California, serving as a vital resource for attorneys, law students, and the broader legal community. Since its establishment in 2018, the CLA has been dedicated to promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion within the legal profession, while also advocating for the advancement of justice in California. This article delves into the history, mission, organizational structure, and services offered by the CLA, highlighting its significance in the legal landscape.

The History of the California Lawyers Association

The CLA was formed in 2018 following the separation of the voluntary bar sections from the State Bar of California. This reorganization allowed the State Bar to focus on regulatory functions, while the CLA became the primary professional association for California attorneys. The association inherited 16 specialized sections and committees that provide networking, education, and resources for legal professionals across a range of practice areas.

Mission and Vision

The CLA's mission centers on three main pillars:

1. Supporting Legal Professionals: Providing tools, training, and opportunities for career development.


2. Advancing Justice: Promoting fair and equitable access to the legal system.


3. Building Community: Fostering a sense of collaboration and support among members.

The CLA envisions a robust and equitable legal system where lawyers play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law.

Organizational Structure

The California Lawyers Association operates through an extensive network of sections, committees, and boards, each addressing specific legal disciplines and issues. Some of the notable sections include:

• Business Law Section: Focused on corporate and commercial law.


• Family Law Section: Supporting attorneys in matrimonial and family law.


• Intellectual Property Law Section: Addressing issues in patent, trademark, and copyright law.

Additionally, the CLA includes the California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA), which provides resources and mentorship to attorneys in the early stages of their careers.

Services and Resources

The CLA offers a wide array of services to its members, including:

• Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Access to seminars, webinars, and publications to help attorneys stay current with legal developments.


• Networking Opportunities: Events, forums, and conferences where members can connect and collaborate.


• Advocacy: Representing the legal profession’s interests before legislative and regulatory bodies.


• Publications: Legal updates, journals, and newsletters tailored to various practice areas.

The CLA also engages in community outreach initiatives, such as pro bono programs and educational campaigns aimed at improving public understanding of legal rights.

Membership and Benefits

Membership in the CLA is open to attorneys licensed in California as well as law students and other legal professionals. Members gain access to exclusive content, discounts on events and publications, and opportunities to influence the direction of their practice areas through committee participation.

Challenges and Future Goals

Like any professional organization, the CLA faces challenges such as adapting to technological advancements, addressing diversity gaps in the legal profession, and responding to evolving societal needs. Moving forward, the association aims to expand its impact by fostering innovation, enhancing member engagement, and deepening its advocacy efforts.

Conclusion

The California Lawyers Association is more than just a professional organization—it is a dynamic force for positive change in California's legal community. Through its dedication to supporting lawyers, advocating for justice, and fostering collaboration, the CLA continues to elevate the standards of the profession. For those seeking to thrive in the legal field, the CLA serves as an indispensable partner in their journey.

This detailed overview captures the essence of the CLA, providing insights into its mission, structure, and role in shaping the legal profession in California.

This year’s SVPCA host committee comprises
Martin Munt (DI), Dave Martill (UoP), Neil Gostling (UoS), Jeremy Lockwood (DI), Steve Sweetman (UoP), Megan Jacobs (UoP)
SPPC hosts Martin Munt and Gary Blackwell (DI), with support from Cindy Howells, Richard Forest and Nigel Larkin