About the CELC

CELC numbers among its membership a high percentage of California's largest and most significant employers. CELC is a moderate but action-oriented organization dedicated to improving the general business climate for California employers. We seek to eliminate unnecessary legal restrictions in the employment law area, while preserving a commitment to fair and equitable treatment of employees.

The model for the California Employment Law Council is the Equal Employment Advisory Council (EEAC), founded many years ago as a nationwide employer organization. EEAC's organizational model has worked very well, and is working well for the California Employment Law Council. Organizations similar to the CELC have sprung up in other states, e.g., the Texas Employment Law Council (TELC), the Georgia Employment Law Council (GELC), and the Minnesota Employment Law Council (MELC).

CELC is governed by a Board of Directors made up of individuals from member companies. Board members are limited to a maximum of two three-year terms, so all member companies have an opportunity to become heavily involved. Many representatives who are not members of the Board of Directors regularly attend board meetings. Since most CELC actions are done by consensus, they also fully participate. CELC members include a high percentage of California's most significant employers. Click here to view our current board of directors.

The day-to-day activities of CELC are managed by the General Counsel, Paul Grossman, a partner in the law firm of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP in Los Angeles. Because of its relationship with the Paul Hastings firm, CELC does not employ a staff. Elaine Lee, the CELC Administrator, is paid by Paul Hastings, not by CELC, and CELC is not charged for her time. The overhead expenses associated with office space and staff are assumed by the law firm. Thus, every dollar of dues money to CELC goes directly to providing services.

The California Employment Law Council is organized as a nonprofit corporation. There are no solicitations for funds other than annual membership dues.

Sexual Harassment! Disability Discrimination! Public Policy Torts! Punitive Damages!

CELC can quickly act to assist the employer community with respect to virtually every major employment litigation issue by filing amicus briefs on almost a moment's notice in the state and federal courts, introducing proactive legislation in Sacramento, opposing legislation which is not in the employer's interest, preparing white papers, funding research projects, and putting on educational programs for member companies. Our lack of red tape, and our unusual expertise differentiate us from general employer associations.

Major advantages of membership include:

• Attendence at four quarterly briefing board meetings (all member companies are invited to attend) at which, among other things, our General Counsel, Paul Grossman, analyzes and answers questions about key court decisions and new legislation.
• A two-day Annual Meeting in the fall open only to members and guests, at which California's leading employment lawyers speak on topics chosen by the CELC Board.
• Attendence at a half-day educational program for HR personnel held every summer in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, at which leading attorneys and member company representatives train HR personnel in depth on a specific topic, again chosen by the CELC Board, with extensive materials.
• CELC retains the major law firms in the state to file amicus briefs in key court cases. Member companies receive copies of every brief.
• Upon request, CELC will file an amicus brief for any member company as long as the position taken is consistent with general employment interests.
• Copies of all CELC white papers are sent to member companies.
• Copies of all CELC position statements to the California Legislature are sent to all member companies.
• All member companies agree to consider sympathetically a request from a member company for forms, policies, and the like. Each member company has a complete membership directory with address, telephone number, and email addresses.
• Access to CELC's Legislative Counsel with respect to questions about pending legislation.