SPECIAL THANKS TO
OUR SPONSORS!

  




The goals of the Leadership Conservatory are to develop members as leaders inside CELA as well as within their firms and the larger legal community; bring fresh voices into CELA leadership, grow the CELA vibe, increase the diversity of CELA leaders, and encourage newer lawyers to continue practicing plaintiffs’ employment law through CELA’s support system.

Hone Your Leadership Skills: Applications are now being accepted through September 4, 2026, for CELA’s revamped, hybrid (in-person and virtual) one-year Leadership Conservatory (LC). This comprehensive one-year training program, limited to 10 participants, will begin in early December 2026 and end at CELA’s 2027 conference, November 4-6, in Monterey, Calif.  

Group of people gathered around a table.
Photos: Left- 2024 Leadership Conservatory Dinner, sponsored by Sage Settlements.               Right - 2025 Leadership Conservatory Training.

Past LC seminars include: 

  • Differing Leadership Styles
  • The Importance of Diversity in Leadership Spaces
  • Being a Leader in The Courtroom and Showing Solidarity in Professional Spaces
  • Coalition Building
  • Relationship Building, Collaboration and Cross-Pollination with Other Organizations and Committees
  • Benefits of Working with Other Organizations (State & Local)

LC Projects and Committee Work: Each participant will develop and present a project on a CELA program or initiative. LC leaders and mentors are available for guidance on these projects, which will be displayed at the 2027 CELA conference. In addition, each participant will take part in and provide feedback on a CELA committee of their choice. More information on LC projects and committee participation will be provided during the program.

Mentorship: Each participant will be partnered with a CELA mentor to guide them through the program and its commitments. 

By the end of the one-year program, participants will have developed and expanded their leadership skills, enhanced their career path and professional reputation, increased their exposure and profile in CELA, and helped to influence and develop CELA policy and law to further workers’ rights.

History: CELA introduced the Leadership Conservatory in January 2021. To date, about two dozen participants have graduated from the LC. Many LC graduates now lead or co-lead CELA committees.

Application Process: Application to the 2026-2027 class of the LC is open now through September 4, 2026. Click here to apply. Applicants must be current CELA members. Priority will be given to attorneys who are in practice for 10 years or fewer and to CELA members who have participated in one or more CELA committees. Applicants who are already in leadership positions on CELA committees may apply. These criteria are not solely determinative and selection will be made on a case-by-case basis. We encourage applications from CELA members throughout the state and from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

CELA Leadership Conservatory Committee
Vincent Tong, Chair
Kirby Canon
Barbara Figari Cowan
Cornelia Dai
Rebecca Kagin
Jennifer Kramer
Nicole Meyers
Leonard Sansanowicz

For more information: Contact CELA's Operations Director Christina Krasomil, christina@cela.org.