Walking in Old Pasadena (File Photo – Rollence Patugan)
The California Retailers Association has launched the California Retail Law Center, a new initiative aimed at helping retail legal teams navigate what many consider the most complex regulatory environment in the country.
By News Desk
Chaired by Danielle Hohos, Deputy General Counsel at Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the Center brings together in-house retail attorneys and outside counsel to address pressing litigation, compliance, and regulatory challenges unique to doing business in California.
“California sets the pace for the nation when it comes to regulation, litigation, and public policy,” Hohos said in announcing the launch. “The California Retail Law Center creates a dedicated forum for retail legal leaders to share best practices, track emerging legal trends, and engage directly in shaping policies that impact our industry.”
The Center will focus on issues including employment and labor law, privacy and artificial intelligence regulation, consumer class actions, environmental sustainability mandates, workplace safety, Proposition 65 compliance, and ADA requirements, areas that have increasingly exposed retailers to litigation risk and compliance costs.
In addition to serving as a professional development and resource hub, offering CLE-eligible webinars, benchmarking surveys, and legal briefings, the Center is expected to play a strategic role in the Association’s advocacy before the Governor, State Legislature, and regulatory agencies. Members may also contribute to amicus briefs and regulatory comment letters aimed at curbing over-litigation and promoting balanced regulations.
Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association, said the initiative strengthens the group’s ability to provide proactive, solution-oriented advocacy while helping retailers manage risk and maintain operations in the nation’s largest consumer market.
Membership is open to legal professionals at CRA member companies, with participation opportunities for retail-focused law firms. Programming will include monthly legal briefings and an annual California Legal, Policy and Regulatory Strategic Summit.
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