by Alexa Zabat-Fran, Kelly L. Galligan, and Dean J. Zipser
Christina Zabat-Fran is a born creator. It’s in her DNA. A dynamic force of creativity and accomplishment, she embodies the spirit of self-made success with innovation inherited from a lineage of entrepreneurs and community leaders, but done in her own way, with her own unique vision. You may know her as the trailblazing global executive in fashion, the visionary behind beloved organizations, or the driving force behind countless triumphs. Her impact is undeniable. Though she requires no introduction, we take pride in offering a glimpse into the extraordinary journey of Christina, set and well-poised to lead as the Orange County Bar Association’s (OCBA) President in 2024.
Creation is a familial attribute—her maternal grandfather was a successful entrepreneur building one of Canada’s prolific sign companies from the ground up. On her father’s side, her Lolo was a dedicated surgeon and physician who established important community health programs for low-income households in Manila, Philippines, providing free healthcare services to those in need. Her father, Deo, started his own computer systems and software consulting firm, and her mother, Valerie, is a talented designer and artist who longtime owned and operated an in vogue flower shop in Orange County.
As a child, Christina often could be found in her parent’s backyard, sitting on an oversized red blanket surrounded with dozens of random objects, paints, and trinkets. “Make something” is what her mum would tell her. It was that initial freedom to think outside the box and bold curiosity to conceive from imagination that has led Christina in her conviction that, if you want something, you make it yourself.
In high school, Christina worked hard to earn valedictorian, was elected Homecoming Queen by her peers, and, as you would imagine, was selected for multiple superlatives, including Most Likely to be President. How fitting for our 2024 OCBA President!
She can kick your butt too. Beyond the classroom, Christina excelled in mastering the precision and artistry of martial arts and rising to become a Taekwondo World Champion. It was the study of martial arts that taught Christina what it means to be confident, to persevere, and to have respect for others and for competition. Her bold presence in the ring was aspirational for young girls looking to have the same confidence.
Staying a true OC-native, Christina entered University of California, Irvine as a UC Regents Scholar, and after exploring different majors, decided what she truly wanted wasn’t available—so she made it herself. Her novel design of the “Arts & Humanities” major is officially adopted by UCI as a catalogued major any current student can now choose.
She didn’t stop there, as she also majored in Political Science and double minored in Italian and French, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude. In addition to creating her own art, Christina managed the on-campus Art Studio. Drawing from her creative nature and applying her precise problem-solving skills, Christina took a pragmatic approach to help artists make their dreams a reality in the gallery, from hanging large scale heavy works from the ceiling to casting molds of unconventional objects. Her own art shows included a large scale sculptural presentation of intricately constructed chandeliers out of cardboard, as a bold social commentary on the housing market and trend.
After eight years of public affairs work and nonprofit board service, law school beckoned. After being tapped to be a part of the prestigious inaugural class of UC Irvine School of Law, Christina returned to her alma mater and immediately found herself surrounded with like-minded individuals who were ready to start something new. She boldly stepped into the blank-slate environment that made headlines nationally for disrupting the traditional form of legal education. By necessity, the students were scrappy and creative, embracing an entrepreneurial spirit to design a novel graduate program for all those who would follow. That fit Christina to a T.
Working alongside Founding Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, Christina was a stakeholder in founding several key pillars for the school, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom. For example, she co-founded the Student Bar Association, crafting its foundational documents, and assumed the influential role of Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Law Review. But that’s not all. Christina also initiated In Vino Veritas, a wine society that provided a haven for students and professors to unwind and share their enthusiasm for the noble grape, transforming the atmosphere after demanding weeks of grappling with Torts and Contracts into one of camaraderie and relaxation.
Combining her appreciation of arts and fashion, Christina went straight into working in-house for luxury fashion legacy brand St. John Knits, where she was quite impressively tapped for General Counsel within four years of practice—taking on oversight of not just legal activities, but also Human Capital Management, Enterprise Risk, Asset Protection, Operations and Corporate Social Responsibility, playing a significant role during the brand’s evolution and global expansion. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, every part of the production, from garment design to pattern making to marketing happens here in Irvine, creating interesting challenges and unique opportunities for her team to add value.
As a first-generation American with immigrant parents, Christina sees it as essential for businesses to have an active role in fostering diversity and inclusion, recognizing the profound value it adds to organizational dynamism. Here, like every other facet of her background, Christina doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk. At St. John, for example, Christina championed social responsibility efforts, initiated and served as the co-executive sponsor of the company’s Diversity Board, created an internship program focused on empowering and mentoring the next generation of women leaders, and supported diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Christina then ascended to St. John’s parent company, Lanvin Fashion Group, as Chief Legal Officer and a corporate executive for the Group and its portfolio of iconic luxury fashion brands, including Lanvin Paris, Wolford, Sergio Rossi, St. John, and Caruso, currently overseeing big-picture strategy on a global scale. At the helm, she serves on the Board of Directors for several of the brand global subsidiaries and manages teams in Shanghai, Milan, Paris, and New York.
In 2022, she took Lanvin Fashion Group public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:LANV)—and all of this within ten years of practice.
But we’re not done. Far from it.
Beyond her meteoric rise in the corporate world, Christina reveals a multifaceted persona. Christina has studied music since a young age and is a classically trained pianist, skilled violist, and budding ukulele player. As a visual artist featured in national publications, she produces transportive works of art using copper and patina on canvas that are reminiscent of electric galaxies far away. Watching the process to make each masterpiece is a dynamic dance between chemistry and craft. In the grand tapestry of her professional and artistic endeavors, Christina emerges as an extraordinary force, seamlessly intertwining business acumen, artistic brilliance, and a commitment to inclusion.
The OCBA has been a huge beneficiary of Christina’s talents and efforts. Ever the pioneer, Christina is the first Filipino Bar President and only the second Asian American Bar President in OCBA history.
Christina is certainly prepared for this position, having served the OCBA in a variety of capacities over the years. From early on and observing Christina progress in her legal career and service to the OCBA, it was never a question of whether Christina would become OCBA President; it was only a question of when.
Christina started her work with the OCBA as member of the Corporate Counsel section—where she started attending meetings as a law student—and never looked back. She took the initiative on one challenge after another. And when we called upon her, she was always there.
Among a list of roles too long for the space allotted to us, Christina has served as a Board Member and the Co-Chair of the OCBA Charitable Fund’s Raise Your Glass Annual Benefit, and as the visionary Chair of the OCBA’s Corporate Counsel Section, where she orchestrated a surge in participation and increased the section’s membership by more than 150 percent.
A supportive community member, Christina is a founding board member of Filipino American Lawyers of Orange County (FLOC). She also is a member of the OC Asian American Bar Association and the OC Women Lawyers Association, among others.
Christina also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Law Center, the Collaborative Courts Foundation, and the Association of Corporate Counsel.
Christina’s hard work has not gone unnoticed, and she has garnered well-deserved acclaim, earning prestigious accolades that underscore her outstanding contributions to both the legal profession and the community. Notably, the Orange County Business Journal bestowed upon her the coveted Rising Star Award at its Annual General Counsel Awards. Beyond corporate recognition, the Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law (OCCDL) celebrated Christina with the ‘Spotlight of Excellence’ Award, lauding her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity within the legal community.
Further solidifying her place as a luminary in the legal arena, Christina was selected by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to receive the distinguished 2022 Marcus Kaufman Jurisprudence Award. This honor recognizes her profound influence and significant contributions, as a role model of ethics and leadership, and an embodiment of ADL’s mission of securing justice and fair treatment for all. These accolades underscore Christina’s dynamic leadership, her commitment to diversity, inclusion and justice, and her tireless efforts to shape a legal landscape that reflects excellence and equity.
Beyond her impressive list of achievements, what also sets Christina apart is her exceptional kindness. At any event you’ll find a queue of eager individuals waiting to engage with her—not just because she’s an award-winning community leader, but also because Christina exudes approachability. In a room full of both budding professionals and seasoned veterans, she allocates time generously, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Christina actively champions emerging talents by nominating them for awards and singing their praises, even when they’re not present. Her genuine commitment to uplifting others is a testament to her character, making her not just a leader but a beacon of support and encouragement in every room she enters. We have no doubt that Christina will bring that same approachability and supportiveness as our president.
Hailing from the heart of Orange County, Christina epitomizes the essence of a true local, deeply rooted in the community she calls home. As a proud double-Anteater and executive at a renowned OC-headquartered legacy brand, Christina embodies both the spirit of academic excellence and dynamic leadership. Beyond her corporate prowess, Christina is an ardent advocate for community welfare, actively engaging in local charities that resonate with her passion for making a positive impact.
In the upcoming year, brace yourselves for a manifestation of Christina’s indomitable creative spirit and boundless enthusiasm. With a fervent commitment to Orange County’s vibrancy and an unwavering dedication to fostering a sense of unity and innovation, Christina is poised to redefine the narrative of community involvement and creative expression.
The OCBA and all its members will be the beneficiaries.
Alexa Zabat-Fran runs the Nuclear Medicine department at Hoag Hospital. Her chronic neck pain can be attributed to looking up to her big sister all her life. Kelly L. Galligan is a Mergers & Acquisitions partner at Rutan Tucker, LLP, and is Chairman and CEO of the Christina Zabat-Fran Fan Club. Dean J. Zipser is a partner at Umberg/Zipser LLP and served as the 2005 OCBA President. He is proud to be one of Christina’s mentors (not that she’s needed one).