This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.

On July 1, the CVMA officially began delivering its Legal Services Program through Klinedinst PC. CVMA members are entitled to 30 minutes of free legal advice each month. Please read the following FAQs to take advantage of the new and improved program!

Who is Klinedinst?

Klinedinst PC is a leading law firm with offices throughout California and beyond. For more than 25 years, the firm has provided trusted legal counsel to the veterinary profession, handling a wide variety of matters ranging from claims involving liability insurance policies brokered through Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) to complex legal disputes. Klinedinst has also been a primary advocate for veterinarians in licensing matters before the California Veterinary Medical Board and in litigation and other proceedings before California civil courts.

How do I contact Klinedinst?

Klinedinst has set up a CVMA-Klinedinst hotline for members to use. To access this number, please visit the Legal Services Program webpage.

What areas of law are covered by the Legal Services Program?

CVMA members may seek guidance from Klinedinst attorneys on:

• Business tax issues
• Business owner succession planning
• Cal/OSHA issues
• Contract issues
• Criminal items relating to veterinary practice
• Employment law
• Licensure issues
• Practice ownership and organizational structure
• Regulatory and administrative law
• California Veterinary Medical Board enforcement issues

What services are not included in the program?

• Domestic relations advice
• Family estate planning
• Any other personal items unrelated to veterinary practice or your veterinary business

Who can use the program?

For the first time, the program is available to not only CVMA member veterinarians, but CVMA member registered veterinary technicians and students as well.

Visit the Legal Services Program page.

The Legal Services Program is generously sponsored by: