The 7 Critical Updates Driving The Beverly Hills Bar Association's New Era (2025-2026)

As of December 2025, the Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA) is undergoing a significant transition, spearheaded by a newly installed executive team and a calendar packed with high-impact Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs designed to tackle the most pressing and complex legal issues facing California attorneys. This article offers an in-depth look at the association’s fresh direction, focusing on the current leadership’s vision and the critical legal updates—from the new PAGA 2.0 law to the evolving landscape of real estate and cannabis legislation—that are defining its 2025-2026 agenda. The BHBA continues its legacy as a premier voluntary bar association, not only serving its members in Los Angeles County and beyond but also setting the standard for professional development, ethical practice, and attorney wellness in the modern legal world. The BHBA remains a vital resource for legal professionals, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and specialized sections that cover virtually every area of practice, ensuring its members stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing legal environment. The focus on cutting-edge topics and the commitment to member support reflect an organization dedicated to excellence and relevance for its diverse membership base, which includes judges, seasoned practitioners, and new attorneys alike.

BHBA's New Leadership: The 2025-2026 Executive Profile

The Beverly Hills Bar Association’s direction for the 2025-2026 term is firmly in the hands of a new cohort of officers and governors, bringing diverse expertise and fresh perspectives to the organization. This leadership team is tasked with upholding the BHBA’s mission while navigating the complexities of modern legal practice. The current Executive Officers include: * President: Anthony D. Storm. Sworn in as the newest president, Mr. Storm is a distinguished Family Law attorney. His inaugural speech emphasized a new chapter for the association, focusing on embracing change and supporting the legal community. * President-elect: Alphonse F. Provinziano. * Vice President: Mathew S. Rosengart. * Secretary/Treasurer: Ron Reitshtein. The Association also welcomed a new cohort of Governors in 2025, including Hon. Halim Dhanadina (Ret.) of Signature Resolution and Erin L. Grey of Enenstein. Additionally, Jeffrey Kravitz, a prominent figure in the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel (AMEC), was elected to the 2025 Executive Committee and Board of Governors, signaling a continued strong focus on the Entertainment Law sector. The annual Installation and Awards Dinner, a key networking event, is scheduled to take place at the Skirball Cultural Center.

The 5 Hottest Legal Topics Driving BHBA's 2025-2026 Agenda

The BHBA’s commitment to providing timely and relevant professional development is evident in its robust calendar of events, which focuses on areas of law undergoing significant legislative and judicial transformation. These programs serve as a crucial lifeline for attorneys seeking to maintain compliance and gain a competitive edge. The most critical and current topics being addressed by the BHBA include:

1. The New PAGA 2.0 Law: Where Are We Now? The "View from the Bench" series is tackling the highly anticipated updates to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), often referred to as PAGA 2.0. This new law represents a major shift in California labor and employment litigation, making expert insight essential for all litigators and labor lawyers.
2. 2025 Cannabis Legislative Update Reflecting the industry's rapid maturity and complex regulatory framework, the Cannabis Law section is hosting a dedicated 2025 Cannabis Legislative Update. This program covers new laws, compliance challenges, and emerging business opportunities within the regulated cannabis market.
3. Nuts and Bolts of Arbitration: Commercial and Consumer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) remains a core focus. The BHBA is offering specialized sessions on the "Nuts and Bolts of Arbitration," distinguishing between the distinct procedural and substantive rules governing Commercial Arbitration and Consumer Arbitration.
4. 2025 Update on New and Revised CAR Forms In light of the significant litigation against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) activity, the California Association of Realtors ("CAR") has introduced new and revised forms. The BHBA is providing a vital update on these changes, which are critical for Real Estate Law practitioners and transactional attorneys.
5. CTAPP Compliance Audits Attorneys are being educated on CTAPP Compliance Audits, a specialized and complex area that requires specific knowledge to navigate successfully. This focus underscores the BHBA's dedication to niche, high-value practice areas.

Beyond CLE: BHBA’s Commitment to Attorney Wellness and Ethics

The Beverly Hills Bar Association recognizes that successful legal practice extends beyond substantive law. The organization is at the forefront of addressing the mental and ethical challenges facing modern lawyers, showing a deep commitment to the overall well-being of its members.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Substance Abuse

The legal profession is known for its high-stress environment, and the BHBA is actively addressing this crisis. Upcoming programs include a session on "Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Modern World," providing crucial resources and strategies for attorneys struggling with these issues. This initiative aligns with a growing national movement to destigmatize mental health challenges within the bar.

Addressing Bullying and Professional Conduct

In a direct response to issues of professional conduct, the BHBA is hosting a program titled "Bullying in the Legal Profession: Its Impact on Lawyers." This session highlights the ethical and personal costs of toxic workplace behavior, fostering a discussion on creating a more supportive and professional environment. Furthermore, the association offers unique approaches to stress reduction, such as "The Art of the Pause: The Benefits of Yin Yoga in Legal Practice."

Law Firm Management and Compliance

For those in leadership roles, the BHBA provides essential Law Firm Management resources. A key recent topic is "Employee Benefits Compliance," ensuring that firms of all sizes can navigate the complex regulations surrounding employee compensation and benefits packages, a constant challenge for managing partners and legal administrators. The Modern Lawyer series also provides ongoing Legal Updates for specialized fields like Trusts & Estates Law. The Beverly Hills Bar Association, under its new leadership, is clearly focused on providing a comprehensive and forward-thinking platform for the legal community. By integrating critical legislative updates—such as the complexities of PAGA 2.0 and the 2025 Cannabis Legislative Update—with a robust commitment to attorney wellness and professional ethics, the BHBA is ensuring that its members are not only legally proficient but also resilient and prepared for the future. The association’s ongoing events, from specialized Entertainment Law Section Meetings to major networking events, solidify its position as an indispensable organization for any legal professional practicing in the Southern California region.