.png)
As I begin my term as CAALA President, I am filled with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me and with determination to meet the challenges ahead. Our association has always stood as a beacon for trial lawyers committed to protecting the rights of consumers, workers, and families. Today, that mission faces a direct threat: the Uber initiative to deny automobile accident victims access to the courtroom and limiting their ability to recover medical expenses when they can find an attorney to bring a case for them. We also face a proposal from the Los Angeles City Attorney that would limit the rights of those harmed by public entities. Meeting, and defeating, these threats will require unity and resolve.
The Uber Initiative Battle
If the initiative is successful, it would create barriers for people from all walks of life seeking accountability from powerful corporations. It does this by limiting fees as low as zero percent in some cases. The only reason to have a zero percent fee cap is to close the courthouse doors to victims. In this way this initiative seeks to undermine the very foundation of our civil justice system. Even if the victims are able to find an attorney, the initiative restricts their ability to obtain full compensation for their medical expenses. The initiative would tilt the scales against those who have already been injured or wronged.
We cannot allow that to happen. The strength of CAALA has always been our unity. When trial lawyers stand together, we amplify our voices, protect our clients, and safeguard the principles that define our profession. This is a moment that demands solidarity.
Defeating the Uber initiative will require more than opposition – it will require action. Each of us must commit to making financial contributions to this battle, along with educating our colleagues, clients, and communities about what is at stake. We must engage in outreach, share resources, and ensure that the public understands how this initiative threatens their rights. We must also support the broader coalition of consumer advocates who are joining us in this fight. In partnership with CAOC, we will guide members on how to engage in this battle, including the best ways to provide our unified message to colleagues, clients, and communities about what is at stake.
Our opponent has deep pockets and a powerful platform. But we have something stronger: the truth and the collective will of trial lawyers who refuse to let justice be sold to the highest bidder. History has shown that when CAALA members unite, we can overcome even the most formidable challenges.
This fight is also a reminder of why our association exists. CAALA is not just a professional organization – it is a community. We mentor, educate, support one another, and stand shoulder to shoulder when justice is threatened. As President, I pledge to continue building that community, strengthening our bonds, and ensuring that every member feels empowered to contribute to this cause. Every action matters. Together, we can protect access to justice for all Californians.
