CDLA Board of Directors: Call for Nominations

The CDLA Board of directors invites all membership to submit nominations for upcoming vacancies on the Board.

Service on the CDLA Board of Directors is an excellent opportunity to give back to your legal community. The CDLA has a long, rich history of serving the civil defense bar, thanks in no small part to the countless members who have served on the CDLA Board of Directors. Please consider giving your time and your talents by serving on the Board. Board members receive free registration and hotel for the Annual Conference, among other perks and rewards throughout the year.

The CDLA Nominating Committee will review candidates for five open positions on the Board with terms beginning in August/September 2024.

Board Vacancies 2024

The following positions will have vacancies due to expiring terms:

Officer - Serves a five-year term (2024–2029), rotating each year through Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President. Serves on the Executive Committee. Responsibilities for each officer position are detailed here.
Professionalism & Education Committee Director - Serves a two-year term (2024-2026). Primary responsibilities are to recruit and head the P&E Committee, which develops robust CLE content throughout the year and at the Annual Conference.
At-Large Director – Serves a two-year term (2024-2026) on a staggered schedule with a second At-Large Director. Primary responsibilities are to organize and run the CDLA's annual Trial Academy, develop innovative and relevant fact patterns, recruit and train instructors and witnesses, and recruit participants.
New Lawyers Committee Director - Serves a two-year term (2024-2026). Primary responsibilities are to head New Lawyers Committee, organize social/networking opportunities for New Lawyers, represent interests of New Lawyers to the Board, manage CDLA law school scholarships, attend legal community events to promote interest and membership in CDLA.
Communications Director - Serves a two-year term (2024-2026). Primary responsibilities are to manage electronic communications to the Association including newsletters, website, external media statements and solicitations, and social media presence.

The Board and the Nominating Committee work to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives, experiences, and areas of identified emphasis when making slate recommendations.

For questions, please contact our Nominating Committee Chair and Vice President, Rob Hinckley at rhinckley@buchalter.com, or Executive Director Bo Donegan at bo@codla.org.

Important dates and deadlines

The deadline to submit nominations is August 31, 2024.

Timeline details

The Nominating Committee will review the nominations and recommend a slate of candidates to the current Board. Nominees can expect to hear back in early summer of 2024 regarding the final status of the nomination.

CDLA Board Members will vote on the final slate of candidates recommended by the Nominating Committee. Additional procedures regarding the Nominating Committee and election process can be found in the CDLA Bylaws (login required).

New Board members will begin their term October 1, 2024.

Areas of emphasis for 2024

While these are not prerequisites or requirements for nominations, the Nominating Committee seeks individuals with qualifications or experience in one or more of the following areas:

Board service for professional associations or non-profits
Public information and communications
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Education

Criteria and eligibility

Criteria

Candidates should ideally meet the following criteria:

Appropriate understanding and commitment to meet the goals and mission of CDLA
A history of CDLA participation and engagement
Ability to regularly participate in Board of Director meetings (Monthly Board meetings are the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings are virtual except for quarterly in-person meetings).
Ability to fulfill outlined role during term
Ability to attend Annual Conference
Knowledge of the Association and its mission
Commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership

Eligibility

A candidate must be a current CDLA member.
Self-nominations are welcome.
If a candidate would fit well (or has interest) in multiple open positions, a willingness to serve in either open position may be indicated on the submission form and the candidate may be considered for either position.
Candidates must be willing to serve the respective terms and carry out the powers and duties of the positions as outlined in the bylaws.

About the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee

Board of Directors

CDLA's Board of Directors is a carefully selected group of individuals committed to improving the future of civil defense and advancing the CDLA's mission. The Board consists of sixteen members fitting the criteria outlined in the CDLA bylaws.

Learn more about the current members of the Board of Directors and find additional details on how the Board functions.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending new Board members. The 2024 Nominating Committee members will be announced in the very near future and this page will be updated with that information.

Required documentation

To be considered, please download and complete the CDLA Nominating Committee Nominating Committee Board Nominee Questionnaire (available here). Email the completed form and a copy of the candidate's current Resume/CV (limit of 10 pages) to rhinckley@buchalter.com and bo@codla.org.

Upcoming Events

Next Generation Event Data Recorders: Changing the Landscape of Accident Reconstruction Presented by: Nel Carter, MS., PE / Explico Engineering

May 21, 2025, 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Nearly all new passenger vehicles are equipped with an onboard electronic data recorder (EDR) that record crucial information just before a crash. These systems have evolved significantly since becoming standardized in 2012, with many manufacturers now integrating advanced features like photographs and video recordings. Successfully preserving, downloading, and analyzing this data can efficiently provide valuable insight on accident causation. In this presentation, we’ll explore a brief history of event data recorder systems, tracing their development from early models in the mid-1990s to today’s cutting-edge technology. We’ll dive into the different types of data recorders, their recording capabilities, and the specific data elements they capture. Through real-life case studies of vehicle crashes, you’ll see firsthand how EDR systems can provide valuable insights into accident causation and learn how to leverage this powerful data to enhance your legal strategy.
To Register for the Webinar, Click Here

Golf Tournament - Ironbridge Golf Club

July 31, 2025, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Get ready for a day of camaraderie, competition, and breathtaking scenery! Our annual CDLA golf outing is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the stunning Ironbridge Golf Club in Glenwood Springs
To Register, Click Here

2025 Annual Conference - July 31-Aug 2 - Book your room now at the host hotel, Viewline Resort

July 31, 2025, 5:30 PM
through August 2, 2025,
Book your room here!

Limelight Snowmass - 2025 Conference - July 31-Aug 2, 2025 If you want to call, 855-369-2460 Group Name: CDLA 2025 Annual Conference