This article was originally printed in the Mar/Apr 2026 issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.

For more than a decade, the CVMA’s Legal Services Program has been a valued member benefit, offering veterinarian members up to 30 minutes of free legal advice each month. The CVMA is excited to announce that we will be elevating that benefit even further this year!

Beginning July 1, 2026, the CVMA’s Legal Services Program will be delivered in partnership with Klinedinst PC, a premier California-based law firm with offices across the state and beyond. For more than 25 years, Klinedinst has represented the veterinary profession in matters both large and small—including cases arising from liability insurance policies brokered through Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC). The firm has also served as the principal legal representative for veterinarians in license-related matters before the California Veterinary Medical Board and in disputes before California civil courts.

Through the program, CVMA members will be able to seek guidance from Klinedinst attorneys throughout the state of California on legal issues related to the provision of veterinary medical services and compliance with the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, employment matters, business transactional and succession planning, drug diversion, and most other aspects of veterinary practice and operations.

We are pleased to introduce the Klinedinst team, who will support the Legal Services Program throughout the state of California!

Bonnie L. Lutz
Thomas E. Daugherty
Christine E. Howson
Chris M. Milas
Lindsey N. Casillas
James D. Snyder
Stacey A. Kartchner

More information will be included in the next issue of California Veterinarian and in other upcoming CVMA communications, so be on the lookout for more details soon!