Rita Gunasekaran

Functions as a College/University

Operates as a official attorney licensing agency

Provides legal services

Offers lawyers and advance the administration of justice

The non-profit company is based in San Diego, CA. Membership requires California bar membership in good standing, at least 10 years of predominantly appellate experience, demonstrated appellate skill through lead counsel roles in numerous appeals, and submission of principal briefs from recent, closely contested cases. CAAL fosters a network of about 100 appellate lawyers and judges who meet three times yearly for advanced continuing legal education, discussions on appellate issues, and social events, emphasizing confidentiality and frank exchanges without discussing pending cases. The academy participates in appellate legal matters by filing amicus curiae briefs and letters, advocating for reforms to improve appellate procedure and access to justice, while maintaining side neutrality. It supports professional development through resources such as a searchable member directory, CLE materials, meeting minutes, and committee reports available on its website. CAAL offers a fellowship program for early-career appellate lawyers to promote diversity and introduce them to the organization’s educational and social activities. Additional initiatives include a task force on the defense of judges and the rule of law, addressing threats against judicial officers and attorneys. The organization is led by elected officers and maintains a comprehensive website with resources, legal disclaimers, and member portals. The California Academy of Appellate Lawyers (CAAL) is a voluntary, election-only professional organization founded in 1972, dedicated to advancing appellate advocacy and excellence in appellate practice.

The non-profit company is based in Los Angeles, CA. The Asian Pacific American Legal Center, operating as Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), is a nonprofit legal and civil rights organization serving Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It offers multilingual support and legal hotlines in various Asian and Pacific Islander languages for low-income and limited-English-speaking individuals. AJSOCAL operates community legal clinics, educational webinars, trainings, and outreach programs to empower AANHPI communities, and engages in policy advocacy and impact litigation in collaboration with legislators. The organization also conducts research and provides resources to address issues like anti-Asian hate and political participation, and encourages community involvement through volunteering, partnerships, and donations. Founded in 1983, the organization provides free or low-cost legal advice, litigation, and representation on issues such as immigration, citizenship, healthcare access, housing preservation, domestic violence, family law, anti-Asian discrimination, LGBTQ+ rights, and voting rights.

The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) is dedicated to promoting the full participation of women lawyers and judges in the legal profession. Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles is based in Los Angeles, CA. The company advocates for principles of fairness and equality to maintain the integrity of the legal system. WLALA also works to protect reproductive rights, believing that abortion care, along with all reproductive healthcare, should be legal, safe, and accessible.