p>In order to offer our members increased diversity alongside engaging networking and learning opportunities, the Orange County Bar Association proudly partners with a variety of Affiliate Bars. As such, we invite you to take this opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about our Affiliates directly from their leadership. Joining a relevant Affiliate Bar may improve your practice while simultaneously increasing your involvement in the Orange County legal community.
ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS TRIAL LAWYERS - ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER The Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL), founded over fifty years ago, has five thriving chapters across California. ABTL is dedicated to promoting a dialogue between the California bench and bar regarding business trial and litigation issues. Bench and bar participation in ABTL programs and events is very strong, in part because ABTL includes both plaintiff and defense perspectives.
The Orange County Chapter (ABTL-OC) provides top-quality programs combined with social hours where colleagues can meet with each other and with judges, which anyone is welcome to attend. On May 29, 2024, Justice Evans of the California Supreme Court spoke; on September 11, 2024, a panel will present on AI and the Future of Law. There will be an additional meeting on a topic of interest November 13, 2024. ABTL-OC is also proud to support Orange County’s Public Law Center (PLC), and its May 29 meeting benefited the PLC.
In addition to its regular programs, ABTL is known for its unmatched statewide Annual Seminars, at which panels and speakers cover timely topics. This year, the Annual Seminar will take place at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley, October 17-20, 2024.
The Orange County Chapter of the ABTL is also dedicated to mentoring and fostering relations with its “Young Lawyer Division” (YLD), which is defined as those practicing ten years or fewer. Our YLD organizes events throughout the year, including brown-bag lunches, “nuts and bolts” programs, happy hours, and judicial mixers.
Finally, ABTL-OC is devoted to giving back to the Orange County community. In addition to supporting the PLC via its May 29 meeting, each November the ABTL-OC collects new stuffed animals for the Orange County Superior Court’s adoption program.
Every Orange County litigator that handles any type of business case is encouraged to join ABTL-OC, and all lawyers are welcome at its programs. For more information, visit our website at www.ABTL.org, or contact our Executive Director, Linda Sampson, at abtloc@abtl.org.
CELTIC BAR ASSOCIATION The Celtic Bar Association (CBA) aims to promote camaraderie amongst members, civility and professionalism within the Orange County legal community, and a greater awareness of Celtic culture and history, particularly its contribution to the law. One need not be of Celtic descent to join! All we ask is that you be an OCBA member, have an outgoing nature, and support our organization’s goals.
We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Muldoon’s Irish Pub—originally through the graciousness of one of our founding members, Ronald “O’Schwartz” (and now thanks to the pub’s new owner, Mario Marovic)—located near Fashion Island in Newport Beach. We have a longstanding tradition set forth in our bylaws that meetings cannot last more than five minutes, which is strictly adhered to at all meetings, with our leaders heckled down as the deadline approaches.
Each year, we install officers and recognize our Celtic Judge of the Year on Samhain Eve, which heralds the beginning of the Celtic New Year. This past year, we recognized the Honorable James P. Gray (Ret.) as the Celtic Judge of the Year and Nikki Presley Miliband of Good Wildman as Attorney of the Year at our well-attended Samhain Eve installation dinner. Past attorney recipients include Kate Corrigan, and past judicial officer recipients include the Hon. Judge Maria D. Hernandez, Judge John Nho Trong Nguyen (Ret.), Charles Margines (Ret.), Judge H. Shaina Colover, Judge Jamoa Moberly (Ret.), Judge Linda S. Marks (Ret.), Judge Nancy Wieben Stock (Ret.), Judge Gail A. Andler (Ret.), Judge Dennis Choate (Ret.), Judge Sheila Fell (Ret.), Judge James Di Cesare (Ret.), Justice Kathleen O’Leary, Judge William McDonald (Ret.), Judge C. Robert Jameson (Ret.), Judge David McEachen, Judge Ronald Kreber (Ret.), Judge Dan Pratt (Ret.), Judge Franz Miller (Ret.), Judge Michael Brenner (Ret.), Judge Andrew Banks (Ret.), Judge Lon Hurwitz, and Justice William Bedsworth. In 2019, we granted the inaugural Founder’s Award at Samhain Eve to Attorney Ronald Schwartz. In 2021, we instituted our annual Whiskey Tasting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day; in March 2022, we hosted a very well-attended second edition with the OC Korean American Bar Association, followed in 2023 with another OCKABA co-hosted tasting at Muldoon’s.
We have organized MCLE travel seminars to Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, France, Italy, England, Spain, and Wales, and this last year (2023) we returned to Ireland (Dublin and Ashford Castle). We have also had excursions to contemporary Irish comedies and plays, the Orange County Irish Fair, a local Renaissance Faire, and Irish and Celtic movies. There are seven Celtic nations, all of which are connected by common history and culture: Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Galicia (in Spain), Brittany (in France), and Cornwall (in England). Celtic people are known for their outgoing nature and love of the written and spoken word. While there are many Irish-American lawyers’ groups throughout the United States, we believe that the CBA is the first attempt to gather all the Celtic clans in a single legal organization.
More than 300 lawyers and judges rally to our cause. (We have modest annual dues of $25!) For further information, contact CBA President Meredith L. Williams at mwilliams@rutan.com or visit celticbarassociation.org.
FEDERAL BAR ASSOCIATION The Federal Bar Association (FBA) is the preeminent national organization for lawyers and judges involved in federal practice. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and needs of federal practitioners, the federal judiciary, and the public.
The Orange County Chapter of the FBA (FBA/OC) covers the spectrum of federal legal practice in Orange County and focuses on presenting frequent and topical CLE programs. Local federal judges participate in presenting many of the programs, provide insight on federal practice in Orange County, and serve on the FBA/OC Board of Directors. Programs and events provide a unique opportunity to interact with federal judges and personnel, stay current on developments in federal practice, and meet and learn from other federal practitioners in our community.
FBA/OC regularly offers programs on cutting-edge topics in civil, criminal, and intellectual property practice. The Chapter also hosts special programs with nationally recognized members of the legal community. Each summer, the FBA/OC offers two Bench and Bar luncheon events at which local federal judges provide valuable insights to practitioners. The Chapter also hosts four Judicial Lunches every year, where a small group of our members will attend lunch with a federal judge in a relaxed and informal setting. The Chapter’s hallmark event each year, Judges’ Night, draws many judges from local and regional courts.
FBA/OC also supports the local community by hosting an annual pro bono lunch to raise awareness of and participation in pro bono programs in the county. Its members also support the Federal Pro Se Clinic at the Ronald Reagan Courthouse through volunteer activities.
FBA/OC is also committed to promoting the growth of younger federal court practitioners via its Young Lawyers Division. The YLD hosts brown bag lunches with local judges and networking opportunities for younger federal court practitioners. And the YLD supports the Federal Pro Se Clinic and the Constitutional Rights Foundation and hosts a variety of public service events.
The Chapter’s membership spans a wide range of attorneys, from civil to criminal, from private practitioners to corporate counsel to government attorneys, and includes lawyers in diverse practices, from solo offices to the largest firms.
For more information, membership applications, or to join the FBA/OC, visit the website at www.fbaoc.com or contact FBA/OC Administration at info@fbaoc.com, or (949) 608-9905.
IRANIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION The Iranian American Bar Association’s mission is to educate our community about legal issues of interest and ensure that the public and our representatives are informed on such matters, to protect and advance the legal rights of our community, and to foster and promote the achievements of Iranian American legal professionals.
IABA-OC is the Orange County chapter of the IABA, which is a nonprofit, non-religious, apolitical, and all-volunteer member-funded organization that serves Iranian American lawyers, judges, students, and the community as a whole.
Since its founding over a decade ago, the IABA has been at the forefront of legal issues impacting the Iranian American community. IABA and IABA-OC have combined efforts and issued timely “Know Your Rights” educational material, assisted community members, worked to safeguard the Iranian American community against hate crimes, and held community outreach and educational town hall events. Through IABA-OC’s legal clinics, often held in partnership with local nonprofit counterparts, attorneys give back to the community by offering guidance covering a wide array of topics, such as immigration and family law, and by introducing the community to additional resources available to them.
The IABA has grown to be the largest national organization of Iranian American legal professionals, with multiple chapters nationwide, and continues to grow in other states.
Contributing to and supporting the careers of Iranian American legal practitioners and law students is another main objective of the IABA. That’s why the IABA started the National Iranian American Law Students Association. IABA-OC has implemented a mentorship program to guide law students and young practitioners as they begin their journey in law. The mentees are paired with a mentor, empowered to pursue their personal career objectives, learn from others, and raise their professional confidence. Together with the IABA Foundation, multiple scholarships are provided to law students across the country.
IABA-OC regularly hosts events both by Zoom and in person, this year including two major events, a Nowruz Gala in March 2024 and a Fall ABC (Attorneys, Bankers, and CPA) Night in September 2024. We will continue hosting numerous live and virtual programs on hot topics, providing MCLE to participants, raising money for scholarships and charitable organizations, and offering opportunities for members and non-members to expand their networks locally and nationally. IABA-OC also hosts an annual toy drive in December of each year, which not only is a celebration of the holiday season, but also benefits national and international children through charitable efforts in partnership with nonprofit organizations.
IABA-OC is open to all attorneys, judges, and law students, and one need not be of Iranian descent to join. IABA-OC invites readers to become a member and to connect with IABA-OC through the website iaba.us, and join the IABA-OC community on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn @iabaoc.
ITALIAN AMERICAN LAWYERS OF ORANGE COUNTY The mission of the Italian American Lawyers of Orange County–Lex Romana is to weave a tapestry of legal excellence and cultural richness, deeply rooted in our proud Italian heritage. We provide continuing legal education and create fun and festive opportunities for networking among lawyers, non-lawyers, and anyone interested in good food, good wine, and good company. We aim to nurture the next generation of attorneys by creating a bridge that connects the wisdom of the past to the innovation of the future. United by our heritage and our profession, we seek to make a significant, positive impact on both the Italian and legal communities. We are committed to growing, learning, and succeeding together, honoring our roots while forging a path to a bright, inclusive future.
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month. In addition to the annual January Board Installation Dinner, special events include cooking demonstrations, wine and olive oil tastings, and a summer bocce tournament at Il Fornaio. You can register for our events at http://www.ialoc.org. Tutti sono i benvenuti. All are welcome!
Additionally, IALOC annually recognizes a member of the legal community for his/her outstanding lifetime legal career and support of the Italian American Lawyers of Orange County. The award is named after the first honoree, Hon. James Alfano. Past honorees include Hon. James Di Cesare, Joseph D’Antony, Andrew Lachina, and posthumously John DiCaro.
As an MCLE provider, IALOC provides periodic CLE programs to its members while enjoying a glass of wine and good Italian cuisine. In addition to these local CLE programs, IALOC has a “CLE in Italy” program every two years. Attendees obtain MCLE credits while experiencing the history, food, wine, and culture available only in Italy. Past travels included unforgettable trips to Sicily, Tuscany, Verona, and Sorrento.
IALOC takes pride in being the premier OCBA Affiliate that places equal emphasis on the importance of legal, cultural, epicurean, and fermented contributions Italians have made to our society. We are well known for our love of Italian culture, food, and wines, and believe everyone is an Italian at heart. Italians and non-Italians are all welcome and encouraged to join. If you love good food, a nice Chianti, and/or periodic opportunities for CLE locally and in Italy, you qualify for membership in the IALOC!
IALOC established its roots in the Orange County community in 1979 with Joseph D’Antony installed as its first President. Founding members also include Hon. James Di Cesare, Frank Barbaro, John DiCaro, Joseph DiVincenzo, Andrew Lachina, and Frank Terreri. IALOC thanks all of its past presidents who still attend most dinners.
For more information on becoming a member, attending a meeting, learning about the IALOC and its history, searching our Board and Membership Directories, or getting on our CLE in Italy interest list, please visit our website at IALOC.org or contact our 2024 President, Joseph A. Ferrucci, who is serving his second term. jferrucci@oc-litigation.com. Unisciti a noi per cibo straordinario mentre crei amicizie per tutta la vita. Join us for amazing food while creating lifelong friendships.
J. REUBEN CLARK LAW SOCIETY The J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS) is a diverse, worldwide organization with active chapters throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North, Central, and South America. The JRCLS emphasizes public service, loyalty to the rule of law and to the Constitution, and appreciation for the religious dimensions both in society at large and in a lawyer’s personal life. The JRCLS Mission Statement reflects these values: “We affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer’s personal religious conviction. We strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law.”
With over 100 active members, the Orange County chapter (JRCLS-OC) is one of the largest and most dynamic chapters in the JRCLS. Our chapter hosts approximately six CLE luncheons each year, an annual Religion & the Law Symposium, Women-in-Law events, an annual dinner, and community service events. We refer pro bono matters to our members who are interested in such opportunities.
Members of the JRCLS-OC and their guests have recently heard presentations by Professor Carl Hanson (Professor, Brigham Young University Department of Public Health), Tad R. Callister (tax lawyer in Southern California until he was called into full-time service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2005), Honorable Francisco F. Firmat (Mediator, Judge (Ret.) of the OC Superior Court), Blaine Evanson (Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP), and Prof. Carl H. Esbeck (University of Missouri School of Law).
Our society is named after an eminent statesman, jurist, and religious leader who embodied the values we espouse. J. Reuben Clark, Jr. served as solicitor of the U.S. State Department and later in the JAG Officers’ Reserve Corps, earning a Distinguished Service Medal in his work for the U.S. Attorney General’s Office during World War II. He also served as Undersecretary of State, publishing the “Clark Memorandum on the Monroe Doctrine,” and then as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. He later served in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Membership in the JRCLS-OC is open to all law students, attorneys, and judges who support our mission statement and share these values. There is no requirement to have attended or graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University or to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All who share our mission are welcome.
Anyone interested in attending one of our luncheons or joining our organization may contact the JRCLS-OC Chapter Chair, Stan Mortensen, at stanmortensen@hotmail.com, or visit our websites at www.jrcls-oc.com and www.jrcls.org.
ORANGE COUNTY ASIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION Established in 1993, the Orange County Asian American Bar Association (OCAABA) celebrates its thirty-first year as Orange County’s Pan-Asian bar association. OCAABA embraces diversity, welcoming members from any and all backgrounds and practices. Interfacing regularly with fellow local bars and nationally with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), OCAABA is a voice for our community, dedicated to service, charity, and leadership.
There is something for everyone in OCAABA, and we welcome you to join one of our many active committees.
The Professional Development Committee organizes MCLE programs and seminars. These provide guidance for professional development and advancement and often focus on popular, present-day issues. In 2023, we even organized a delegation to travel to South Korea for a week-long CLE event.
The In-House Counsel Section helps build relationships among in-house counsel and with outside counsel through events such as the “Must-Know GCs in OC” reception and the “Must-Know GCs” lunch series, as well as other casual in-house focused events.
The Pipeline/Mentoring Committee works with law student associations and partners with local law schools to provide mentorship, career panel programs, and skills workshops. Student members can sign up for OCAABA’s popular mentor-mentee program.
The Community Service Committee organizes charitable drives such as supply drives for homeless people and food drives.
The Social Committee plans and coordinates social events throughout the year. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Holiday Dim Sum Party, and Lunar New Year Celebration have become signature events, creating opportunities for students, attorneys, judges, and community supporters to promote friendships and professional ties.
The Judicial Evaluation Committee evaluates qualified judicial candidates for OCAABA endorsement and endeavors to recognize and celebrate diversity on the bench.
For more information, visit www.ocaaba.org or email contactus@ocaaba.org.
ORANGE COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE BAR ASSOCIATION The Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association (OCCDBA) is the unified voice of the criminal defense bar for Orange County. The founding Board members, Paul Meyer, Kate Corrigan, Jennifer Keller, Gary Pohlson, John Barnett, Mike McDonnell, Al Stokke, Jack Earley, and Ed Muñoz started the association to promote the interests of the private criminal defense bar in Orange County.
During the pandemic, the OCCDBA was instrumental in assisting to ensure that the rights of the accused were not lost in the process. A strong working relationship with the courts and prosecution and public agencies guarantees that the voice of the criminal defense bar continues to be effectively heard.
For further information, please contact Kate Corrigan at Kate@cwsdefense.com, or visit our website at www.occdba.com.
HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County was founded in 1970 by an astonishingly small group of Orange County lawyers of Hispanic heritage. The late Honorable James O. Perez was a founding member as well as the first Latino judge appointed to the bench in Orange County. To proudly honor his legacy, the HBA created the James O. Perez Judge of the Year Award given out at the Annual Judges’ Barbeque.
The HBA is committed to promoting education, unity, and excellence in the Latinx community. Our membership and sponsors provide the support and financial resources to continue our mission. The HBA just held its 46th Annual Gala Scholarship Fundraiser, Awards, & Installation Dinner, our organization’s biggest fundraising event! With the support of our sponsors and membership, the HBA was able to award five deserving law students: Brandon Martinez (Harvard), Astrid Cardona (Western State College of Law), Christian Valenzuela-Cabral (UCI), Joshuel Calderon (UCLA), and Claudia Diaz Martinez (UCI) with the HBA’s Wally Davis Scholarships, at $5,000 each, to help fund their law studies. Andrea Cervantes (UCI) received the HBA’s $5,000 Bar Stipend to help supplement Bar Exam preparation costs. These amazing law students all had incredible stories of hard work and perseverance, many with immigrant parents who struggled, and many being first-generation college students.
The HBA was privileged to honor Father Gregory Boyle, Founder and Director of Homeboy Industries, with the Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary lifetime of helping young adults and teenagers escape gang life. Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes was honored with the Guardián de Justicia Award for his commitment to ensuring diversity on the bench in California and for his commitment to the Unity Bar. The HBA proudly honored Deputy Public Defender Amber Poston with Attorney of Year for her incredible work representing marginalized clients in minority communities and for her commitment to the Unity Bar. Our Corporate Citizen was awarded to Target Corporation for their dedication to serving and strengthening the community, making a positive impact on people’s lives.
The success of this organization, its programs and events, and its commitment to providing much needed scholarships to law students, is only possible through the support of our membership and sponsors who are devoted to our mission. We are committed to the Latinx community in areas of social justice, community outreach, student mentoring, and diversity in the legal community and on the bench. Join us this year as we work together to continue to this mission.
We encourage you to join us at our many events throughout the year to network and to support these great causes. Please join us at our Angel game in July, our Cinco de Mayo Mixer in May, the Annual Judges’ BBQ in September, and many other events! The HBA is also proud to team with our Latinx partners throughout California in planning the State of the Latinx Community Inaugural Summit in September on the UCLA campus. For membership and event information, contact info@ochba.org or go to ochba.org.
ORANGE COUNTY JEWISH BAR ASSOCIATION The OCJBA was founded to provide a social environment that engenders comradeship among its members based on the Jewish traditions of Torah (law), Mitzvot (good deeds), and Tzedakah (literally, justice) while practicing law and serving the community. The OCJBA greatly appreciates Jordon Steinberg for taking the initiative to create this incredible organization.
We welcome all to our monthly meetings the third Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at a wonderful, private venue located adjacent to John Wayne Airport at 3184-D Airway Avenue in Costa Mesa. Per our bylaws, the business aspect of the general monthly meetings lasts less than five minutes and the fun lasts all evening!
OCJBA continues to connect with the Orange County and Long Beach communities by facilitating and participating in activities with local organizations such as Jewish Community Centers (Orange County and Long Beach), Jewish Federation of Orange County, Chapman University, affiliate bars, OCBA sections and committees, the California Lawyers Association, the Anti-Defamation League, the Museum of Tolerance, OC Jewish Collaborative, and Jewish National Fund.
For more information about OCJBA activities and to submit Mensch of the Year nominations, Board nominations, or activity ideas, please visit OCJBA.org, write OCJBA, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658, or email president Steve Kaufman at steve@kaufmansteinberg.com.
ORANGE COUNTY KOREAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OCKABA was established in 2005 to foster meaningful relationships among Korean American lawyers and law students, to provide pro bono services to the Orange County Korean American community, and to promote the appointment of Korean American judges. Over the past eighteen years, with the help and support of OCBA, other affiliate bars, and the greater legal community, OCKABA has grown significantly as an organization. OCKABA is proud to now have three Korean American judges serving on the Orange County Superior Court bench (two of whom joined in 2023) and a robust mentorship program with over 100 participants.
OCKABA is currently led by President Mimi Ahn of Kahana Feld LLP, President-Elect Mandy Kim of McDermott Will & Emery, Treasurer Jonathan Shin of Shin Law Group, Secretary Logan Park of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, and eighteen members of the board of directors. Our officers and directors are leaders and experts in their fields, and they regularly attend and represent OCKABA at numerous events such as other affiliate bar installation galas, IAKL Annual Conference, annual NAPABA Convention, and Cal-APABA Annual Conference, just to name a few.
Last year, OCKABA sold out its 18th Annual Installation Dinner and Joanne Lee Molinaro—Korean American partner and trial lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP, New York Times best-selling author, and James Beard Award winner—was the keynote speaker and recipient of the Leadership Award, while Judge Richard Y. Lee of the Orange County Superior Court, long-time supporter and member of OCKABA, received the Judge of the Year Award. In addition, Junha Baek of Chapman Law received a bar stipend to support his preparation for the bar exam.
During the 2023-2024 term, OCKABA hosted/sponsored many events including: Summer Joint Mixer (OC APA Bars); OCKABA-IAKL Joint Mixer; Family picnic for OCKABA members with Korean lunch boxes; Joint Topgolf event with KABA-SC; Halloween Mentorship Mixer; APXLSA Night Market; Adopt-a-Family Event with TMBA Holiday party celebrating friendship with traditional Korean food; Mentorship mixers providing opportunities for mentors and mentees to connect; Board retreat in Temecula; and Joint Happy Hour to Celebrate Appointment of Judge June An with UCI Korea Law Center (University of California, Irvine Korea Law Center), KABA- SC (Korean American Bar Association Southern California), and KABA-SD (Korean American Bar Association San Diego).
We have many upcoming events and look forward to connecting with you. For inquiries about upcoming events, membership, or sponsorship information, please contact us at admin@ockaba.org or visit our website at www.ockaba.org. Many OCKABA events are completely free for its members.
ORANGE COUNTY LAVENDER BAR ASSOCIATION Proudly moving forward in our fourteenth year, the Orange County Lavender Bar Association (OCLBA) is the official association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+), and Allied attorneys, judges, and law students in the county. OCLBA provides networking, educational, and mentorship opportunities and resources to its membership and the community with the goal of increasing the county’s participation in the broader statewide LGBTQ+ community and the visibility of LGBTQ+ issues in the county.
Born in the shadow of Proposition 8, OCLBA launched on June 16, 2010, at a gala attended by over 200 attorneys, philanthropists, community leaders, judges, professors, and law students. The gala featured remarks by the attorneys who completed closing arguments in the landmark Perry v. Schwarzenegger case. Since then, our annual gala has provided the opportunity to celebrate advances in LGBTQ+ legal protections, both in California and across the nation.
OCLBA’s Board of Directors, which includes representatives from both private practice and academia, continues to implement a robust series of MCLE programs as well as regular opportunities for our members to meet and socialize. We have an unrivalled mentorship program where we help students navigate law school to their chosen area of practice and beyond.
For 2024, OCLBA has recommitted its focus on connecting with our community partners, including pro bono, and increasing its involvement with local law students and their OUTLaw chapters. Additionally, OCLBA members have opportunities to do pro bono work with the Transgender Legal Assistance Clinic (TLAC) each month.
Since its founding, each summer, the OCLBA hosts its annual Anniversary Gala honoring community and legal leaders in the fight for justice and equality. OCLBA also awards its M. Katherine B. Darmer Equality Scholarship to a law student committed to LGBTQ+ issues in Orange County.
OCLBA looks forward to hosting its Fourteenth Anniversary Party on July 10 at the Park Plaza Commons in Irvine. OCLBA also hosted its annual Harvey Milk Day MCLE Luncheon on May 22 and will be holding a National Coming Out Day event in October.
OCLBA seeks to serve and unite not just the LGBTQ+ community but our allies as well. For more information, please visit www.oclba.org or email OCLBA President, Gary Polston, at gary@polstonlaw.com.
ORANGE COUNTY TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION Established in 1963, when plaintiffs’ attorneys gathered to share information and exchange tips and strategies with one another, the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) has grown into one of the most influential Affiliate Bar organizations in Orange County. Now in its 61st year, OCTLA is stronger than ever, dedicated to providing premier advocacy for the protection of individuals and their access to civil justice through superior education and training for our members and access to the collective resources, knowledge, and experience of our membership. Below is an overview of the benefits that OCTLA members enjoy.
Best Networking Opportunities in Orange County: It’s no secret that OCTLA is one of the most prominent bar organizations in Orange County, and members are treated to regular networking opportunities with judges and top trial lawyers in the county at special events and our monthly dinner meetings.
MCLE Educational Events: Not all MCLE educational events are created equal. OCTLA provides monthly opportunities to earn MCLE credits while learning about relevant issues from some of the greatest speakers in the state. OCTLA also provides a multi-day MCLE seminar in Palm Springs, where its members enjoy learning trial skills and strategies against the backdrop of sunny Palm Springs.
Quarterly Magazine: From insightful interviews with Orange County Superior Court judges to practical, nuts-and-bolts articles on issues of procedure and trial skills, you will not want to miss an issue of The Gavel magazine.
Member Listserv: Some have said OCTLA’s most valuable member benefit is our members-only listserv that allows attorney members to post questions regarding their cases and solicit immediate responses from hundreds of fellow trial attorneys. It is OCTLA members connected together in a real-time, private, virtual forum sharing their collective knowledge and experience for mutual benefit.
Deposition and Document Bank: Our attorney members also have free access to our online document bank stocked with motions, pleadings, and almost a thousand deposition transcripts. It’s like having the resources of a large law firm at your fingertips.
Social Activities: OCTLA gives its members many opportunities to build lasting personal and professional relationships. These include our annual Golf Tournament which will be held this year on June 7th at Oak Creek Golf Club, along with fun networking mixers, including members-only Trivia Night, Angels Game, or Day at the Races.
Formal Black-Tie Events: For those who enjoy more formal events, OCTLA delivers with two annual marquee events including its black-tie Installation and Judicial Awards Program held in January each year and its annual Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year Awards Program and charity auction, which will be held in November. This year, OCTLA has partnered with A Quarter Blue, a local Orange County 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources for survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).
All consumer attorneys engaged in trial practice in Orange County are encouraged to join OCTLA. With benefits like these, how can you afford not to join? For more information, visit our website at www.OCTLA.org, or contact OCTLA at (949) 916-9577.
ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA) proudly celebrates its 49th Anniversary this year. Our enthusiastic and diverse Board of Directors has worked hard to deliver events and programming that reflect our mission of advancing women in the legal profession by providing a professional network to its members, raising awareness of discrimination and bias, and supporting charitable organizations.
Each year, the OCWLA hosts several signature events that continue to be well-attended and successful. In March, we hosted our annual Wine Event at an elegant new venue, the Park Club. We also will host the Women Judges Reception this summer where we honor the many women judges of Orange County’s federal and state bench. We will also be recognizing the California Women Lawyer’s Joan Dempsey Klein Award Winner, the Honorable Elizabeth Macias. In October, we will host our Annual Gala, which is our signature fundraising event. At the Gala, the OCWLA will honor our Attorney of the Year, Judge of the Year, and the recipient of the Advancement of Women Award. OCWLA’s philanthropy recipients will also be recognized at the Gala. We will close out the year with our Holiday Party and Installation Dinner, where we will install our incoming Board of Directors.
In addition to these signature events, OCWLA hosts programs on relevant topics that feature members of the bench and bar. In April, we hosted Equal Pay Day, which is a program that aims to raise awareness about the pay disparity women face and empower its members to address this issue. OCWLA also provides low or no-cost networking opportunities, such as monthly Book Club, philanthropy activities and free coffee meet-ups.
OCWLA, through its charitable arm, the OCWLA Foundation, is dedicated to philanthropic giving to non-profit organizations and charities in the spirit of advancing women’s interests. OCWLA also awards bar stipends and diversity bar stipends twice annually to outstanding law school graduates who are studying for the California Bar Examination.
OCWLA offers free membership to judges, first year admittees, and law students, and also offers discounted membership to junior lawyers and government lawyers.
All are welcome at OCWLA! We look forward to working together with our members to advance our mission in the Orange County community.
For more information about OCWLA, visit www.ocwla.org or email info@ocwla.org.
THURGOOD MARSHALL BAR ASSOCIATION Thurgood Marshall Bar Association (TMBA) was founded in 2012. TMBA is a contemporary bar association committed to connect, support, and increase the Black legal community in Orange County. TMBA strives to promote diversity and inclusion, professional improvement, and the advancement of justice through positive community involvement and excellence in the practice of law for the Black legal community, allies, and the Orange County legal community at large. Everyone is welcome to join and encouraged to support TMBA.
TMBA’s leadership team includes fifteen dedicated Board Members and Officers who volunteer their time, resources, and talents to support TMBA’s mission, while at the same time leading active careers in various sectors of our legal community. We are sincerely grateful for our 2024 servant leaders who include: Honieh Udenka, Tremayne Wilson, Precious Odum, Cinnamon Carr, Moriah Denton, Justin Glenn, Melonie Jordan, Nyja Prior, Denetta Scott, Shannon Winston, Christopher Lawrence, Elia Naqvi, and Hollie Washington.
In 2024, our organization is committed to celebrating, honoring, and displaying “Black Excellence,” which is our theme for the year. TMBA’s core mission of increasing the racial diversity of the Orange County legal community will be amplified by programming and events centered around connection. The organization has and will continue to serve as a platform for professional advancement through networking opportunities, coaching, mentorship, continuing education, and career placement.
TMBA will also continue to be a place of community for Black lawyers and law students in Orange County. To that end, in-person programs and events will allow us to reconnect with and reignite our village. And, by serving one another with compassion, TMBA will continue to extend itself to the most vulnerable of those in our community through our charitable initiatives.
We are excited about 2024! We are invigorated by our incoming leadership and look forward to continuing and building on the incredible legacy of this very worthy association. Please visit www.thurgoodmarshallbarassociation.org for more information about TMBA.