SACRAMENTO, Calif., February 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to honor California Sen. Thomas J. Umberg as the 2022 Legislator of the Year and recognizes his distinguished service as a retired U.S. Army colonel, former federal prosecutor, three-term state legislator, small business owner, and vice czar of drugs for the president bill clinton.
CLA is a mission-driven, member-driven organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the State of California. CLA will present the award to Senator Umberg (D-santa ana) to April 6 at its fourth annual Legislative Day, which brings together CLA members with key decision makers to explore legislative issues that could have a significant impact on California and how CLA can make a difference.
As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Umberg has taken the initiative to pass legislation that is integral to the daily practice of CLA members and improves the lives of all Californians. He also served three terms as a central of Orange County Member of the State Assembly, author of 76 laws and forging cross-party ties.
He also founded a successful law firm and is a strong advocate for small business owners, helping them cut red tape and streamline unnecessary regulations.
He has completed three overseas tours in Korea and Afghanistan and received a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone for leading the U.S. military effort to fight corruption in partnership with the Afghan army and police. In addition to being a former federal criminal prosecutor, he served as deputy drug czar for the president. bill clintonwhere he was responsible for foreign drug interdiction, drug intelligence and international drug policy.
“With this impressive track record, Senator Umberg has proven to be an incredibly effective advocate and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his colleagues in the Legislative Assembly,” said CLA Executive Director and CEO Oyango. A. Snell. “Advocacy is a key pillar of CLA’s mission. We are proud to speak on behalf of the legal profession in recognizing Senator Umberg for his accomplishments.”
President of the ACL Jeremy M. Evans said the CLA is grateful to be able to work with Senator Umberg and other justice system partners to enact laws that advance the administration of justice and improve the practice of law.
“Senator Umberg is an essential advocate in these efforts to balance the sacred relationship between attorneys and clients,” Evans said. “We commend him for his efforts and commend him for being a great collaborator.”
Umberg said of the award, “As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am grateful to the California Lawyers Association for advancing our profession’s best values - excellence, diversity, inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law – and humbled by this recognition.”
ON CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF LAWYERS
Established in 2018, the California Lawyers Association is the bar association for all California Lawyers. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.
SOURCE California Bar Association
