In the OCBA’s annual election, two outstanding and contributing members of the Orange County legal community are nominated for Secretary of the OCBA to serve the term beginning January 1, 2024. Yearly, the Secretary elevates to Treasurer, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President. The person you elect will influence the development and direction of the OCBA for years to come.
If you are an active attorney member of the OCBA, please vote. The online election will open for voting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and will close at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at www.ocbar.org/vote.
In alphabetical order, allow me to introduce your two candidates for OCBA Secretary: Sharon Oh-Kubisch and Eric V. Traut.
Sharon Oh-Kubisch I am humbled and honored to be a nominee for the 2024 OCBA Secretary position. It has been a privilege for me to serve on the OCBA Board of Directors, and I look forward to finding more ways to better serve you.
A Little About Me I was born and raised here in Orange County, California. I have been practicing law for over 25 years, primarily focusing on business and real estate law. I am grateful to be affiliated with Smiley Wang-Ekvall, LLP, a firm with a rich history of community service, leadership, and participation. I have been involved with the OCBA for over 20 years.
I have had the pleasure of serving as the former Chair of the OCBA Business Litigation Section and as a member of the Administration of Justice committee. I currently serve as Chair of the OCBA Real Estate Law Section, a Board member of the OCBA Charitable Fund, and a Board member of OCAABA. I also currently serve on a variety of OCBA committees, including the Finance, Practice Pointers Portal, and Mommy Esq. committees. I know firsthand how much the OCBA can give us in terms of community, friendships, meaningful education, and opportunities to expand our horizons.
During the pandemic, the OCBA pushed out many webinars focusing on deeper discussions about unity. I personally rolled up my sleeves to assess the legal needs, made recommendations to address those needs, delivered updates as quickly as possible, worked to maximize resources, and promoted collaboration across the legal system. There is still much to do.
Why Am I Running? If elected as Secretary, my goal is to help our Bench and Bar find better resolutions on the myriad of issues that face our profession post-COVID. I want the Bar to expand to be more of a service to our legal community, to provide greater access with better technology, and to have more voices heard. Finally, I want to continue OCBA’s mantra for civility and professionalism. I look forward to hearing from you on how we can do better. Thank you for your continued trust, confidence, and support.
Eric V. Traut Dear Colleague, Our Bar Association remains among the strongest in the nation. I am running for OCBA Secretary because I believe that together we must continue to take the lead at meeting the changing needs of our profession.
I am a partner at Traut Firm—where I work alongside my wife, brother, and son—handling personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Born and raised in Fullerton, a graduate of both Cal State Fullerton and Western State University College of Law, I have devoted over three decades of demonstrated leadership to our Orange County legal community, prioritizing service to others.
I am humbled by the confidence placed in my ability to lead, having served as President of the OC Trial Lawyers Association, our local chapter of ABOTA, OC Italian American Lawyers Association (twice), Banyard Inn of Court, and the OC Bar Foundation’s Project Youth.
Through Project Youth, I continue to donate time and money to educate and mentor at-risk teens. Further, I am a proud founding member of the OC Trial Lawyer Charities, even offering myself up earlier this year as a roastee at one of its major fundraisers.
My lengthy track record implementing the OCBA’s mission includes service on its Board of Directors, Judiciary Committee, Co-Chair for the College of Trial Advocacy for nearly 25 years, and Board Member of both the Masters Division and Charitable Fund.
I remain committed to the OCBA membership. As its Secretary, I will focus support for our changing needs in this post-pandemic environment. We owe it to our profession to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our members.
My vision for the OCBA is to promote public confidence in our legal system. We must prioritize the depth of diverse representation, maintain civility, and provide engaging educational programming. Together, our work will ensure the lasting success of our legal community, local judiciary, and the public we serve.
If you would like to speak with me before casting your ballot, please contact me via my personal cell phone at (714) 624-9005 or visit www.EricTraut4OCBA.com.
I hope to earn your vote.