In this season of thanksgiving, we asked OCBA members to share what brings them gratitude. The statements that came in spoke of a diverse community of lawyers who support each other and are united by common values of community, compassion, and excellence, among others. Below are selected submissions.
Statement of gratitude from Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura (Ret.), JAMS: I have been fortunate to have been blessed with many positions of authority and influence.
I was appointed to the bench by Governor Gray Davis in 2001. I was thrilled to be elected as Presiding Judge by my colleagues on the bench and invited to be a neutral and shareholder at JAMS.
Orange County is really the only county I have known. I was born in Whittier and raised here since I was an infant. As a child, Japanese Americans were a small minority in the county but I achieved success with the help of a diverse cadre of teachers, mentors, friends, and colleagues in a profession in which my family had no ties or experience. Jews, Gentiles, Blacks, Italians, Irish, Hispanics, and of course Asians of every nationality were these teachers, mentors, supporters, and most importantly, my friends.
Many of these people were and still are my friends at the OCBA who elected me to serve as an at-large board member, a board member representative for OCAABA (an affiliate bar organization), and allowed me to serve in important committees. They continued to support me as an active judge, presiding judge and retired judge. For this, I am quite thankful.
Statement of gratitude from Lisa K. Risner, Risner & Associates Inc.: When my father was growing up, the ordinary things most of us take for granted like electricity and indoor plumbing were luxuries that other people enjoyed. Never knowing this about him until much later in life, it now makes me extremely grateful that he humbly and quietly worked so hard to break the cycles of dysfunction, addiction, and domestic violence that served as the backdrop in his family for generations. He passionately fought against the proverbial grain to climb out of the poverty conditions in which he grew up. My siblings and I will probably never fully understand the extent of this priceless gift from him. He was the epitome and definition of excellent work ethic. If there was ever a day he did not go to work, the rest of the family was sincerely concerned he might be dying. Sniffles, aches, or feeling “under the weather” were never an excuse to call in sick. I am thankful every single day for having a role model like my dad who, through his words, but also mostly by his actions, proved that hard work and determination are the cornerstones to creating the reality you really want for yourself—not to mention the legacy you pass on.
Statement of gratitude from Susan L. Heller, Greenberg Traurig, LLP: I have a lot to be grateful for in 2024, but three things stand out.
First, I am grateful to work with those who value women’s voices and actions. In both my firm and community, I see women showing strength, smarts, and courage of conviction in all areas of their work and life. As lawyers, we are better, smarter, and stronger when we embrace all voices to debate the important issues of the day.
Second, I am so very grateful—and proud—to serve as Vice President of the Human Options Board of Directors. Human Options is a non-profit organization dedicated to the greater good of Orange County through its commitment to end the cycle of domestic and relationship violence. Their work is driven by basic human kindness and the fundamental belief that every person deserves the right to live without fear of harm. I am grateful for all the work they do, the compassion they bring, and the difference they make in so many lives.
Lastly, I am grateful to my precious family and friends who listen, care, and make things better just by being there.
Statement of gratitude from Steven G. Hittelman, CFLS, Hittelman Family Law Group, APC: Exactly ten years to the day of writing this essay I was recovering from open-heart surgery to replace a defective valve. Exactly ten days ago I was cleared from emergency eye surgery after going blind in one eye, so that nine days ago I could be declared “cancer free” after the last Mohs surgery on my ear.
When I would think about doing something “risky” my wife would comment, “Six of Nine”; reminding me that I already used six of my nine lives (like a cat). For those who don’t know; I’ve been shot, drowned, nearly bled to death twice from injuries, and had various repairs to this body throughout my life.
Sometimes you have to remind yourself to be grateful for those who kept you here.
I’m grateful for the lifeguard who resuscitated me, grateful for the physician who noticed a heart murmur, grateful to the retinal surgeon who met me on a Sunday afternoon to confirm I didn’t need emergency surgery, and grateful to the dermatologist who insisted on six-month check-ups and caught the melanoma early enough I only have a rounded-off ear rather than rounds of chemotherapy.
Most of all, I am grateful for my wife, daughter, family, and friends who have comforted and supported me throughout my recoveries, and for my colleagues and staff who have treated me with kindness and respect to accommodate my (lack of) availability.
Sometimes you have to be grateful just to be here, so be here. Be present. Be grateful.
Statement of gratitude from Maria Bashaw, Maldonado Bashaw Law, Inc. : I am grateful for so many things. One thing that stands out because of its impact on my professional and personal life is the generosity of our legal community.
A clear example of this generosity I see on the List Servs. With any post, I know without a doubt that someone will generously share their perspective, a link, or detailed guide, authority, etc. We are all busy practicing law, managing our firms, and living our personal lives, yet, we do not hesitate to use our precious time to help each other, mentor students, and new attorneys. This generosity makes me joyful and forever grateful!
Statement of gratitude from Antoinette Naddour, Veterans Legal Institute: I am grateful for the volunteer village the past ten years at Veterans Legal Institute including board members, attorneys, paralegals, law students, and other volunteers. I have had the privilege to work side by side with leaders in the OCBA community to ensure access to justice for U.S. military veterans in need. Each year, VLI logs over 10k volunteer hours which has had a massive positive impact on veteran homelessness and suicide in our County.
Coming together for a greater good and using our legal acumen to pay it forward is a constant reminder of the quality of the membership of the OCBA—and that we use our law licenses not just to make a living, but to improve the lives of others.
Statement of gratitude from Heidi M. Plummer, Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at Law: I am grateful for all the amazing people I have connected with through the OCBA. I have made lasting connections, not only professionally, but lifelong friends. I’m grateful for my support system that helps with legal work and for access to amazing mentors!
I am also grateful for all the OCBA staff who work so tirelessly to ensure our meetings, events, and socials are all absolutely amazing!
Statement of gratitude from Hani A. Habbas, HH Law Firm, A Professional Law Corp: As I reflect on 2024, I am profoundly grateful for the strength of the community that surrounds me—my family, my friends, and my colleagues at the Orange County Bar Association. Each case I’ve handled, each challenge I’ve faced, has been met with the unwavering support of these individuals. The legal profession can be demanding, but the relationships I’ve built have kept me grounded and motivated. This year, I’ve learned the true value of mentorship and camaraderie in our field. Whether it’s sharing advice, lending a helping hand, or simply offering encouragement, I am endlessly grateful to be part of a community that lifts each other up.
Thank you to everyone who has been there for me. Your support continues to inspire me to push forward, to grow, and to give back to this incredible community.
Statement of gratitude from Anna M. Carno, Carno Law Group: I am grateful for the opportunities this great land called America provides to those who immigrate to it so that a young Sicilian girl’s dream from years ago can come true. Within a generation’s time, her daughter was able to include the following in a recent social media post:
Dreams do come true. Believe it. Generational dreams. Dreams that began as seeds sprouted from another time, another land. And if you believe enough, pray enough, love enough and work hard enough, that mustard seed grows in dimensions and proportions that are unimaginable. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made, and dedication given, by my mother to me, my sister, and each of our children. My mom had two daughters but raised five utterly awesome grandchildren. Today, my daughter graduated from law school, magna cum laude. The Lord called my mom home a year ago, but my daughter found a way to have her present for today’s commencement ceremony by tucking a photo inside of her graduation gown—together they walked across that stage to collect the diploma they both worked so hard for. The photo securely fastened close to my daughter’s heart, where my Mom will forever remain, represented answered prayers and a dream coming true.
Statement of gratitude from Ashley Peniche Montenegro, Gartman & Montenegro, A Family Law Firm: In 2024, as a family law lawyer, and now minors counsel representing minor children in Orange County, I am profoundly grateful for the privilege to guide and support families through some of their most challenging times. Every day, I am reminded of the immense trust clients place in me to navigate the complexities of family dynamics and legal intricacies. Being a part of their journey—whether in divorce proceedings, custody battles, or domestic violence—allows me to play a role in resolving disputes and fostering positive outcomes for children and parents alike.
The emotional weight of family law can be heavy, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, to help them find clarity and resolution, is what drives my passion for this field. I am honored to advocate for my clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Moreover, the personal connections and trust built with clients are invaluable. Witnessing their growth and recovery, and sometimes even seeing families come together stronger, reinforces why I chose this path. I am thankful for the continuous learning and growth that comes with being a family law lawyer. It is an honor to serve as a beacon of support during pivotal moments, and I cherish the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of those I represent.
Statement of gratitude from Michael K. Friedland, Friedland Cianfrani: 2024 was the first year for our new law firm. I’ve been blessed with a great partner (Joe Cianfrani), a great future partner (David Kim), great professional staff, and the support of our clients, friends, fellow members of the bar, former colleagues at Knobbe and Irell, and, of course, our families. I’m stunned by how many people were not just willing—but excited—to help us. I don’t think I fully appreciated how wonderful the Orange County legal community was until we ventured out on our own. Thank you!
Statement of gratitude from Andra Greene, Phillips ADR Enterprises (PADRE): I am so grateful to practice law with the amazing members of the Orange County legal community. I value the relationships I’ve built with my colleagues and thank them for their mentorship and support over the past forty years. They continuously inspire me through their dedication and professionalism. Together, we contribute to a legal environment that works toward positive outcomes for our clients and community.
Statement of gratitude from Michelle A. Philo, Philo Law Firm, P.C.: I am grateful for those moments when I am able to connect with my clients as humans. I enjoying sharing the feeling of relief that is exerted when a client finally executes their first estate plan or gets a court order allowing them to support their family member with a conservatorship or limited conservatorship. When a probate estate finally ends, the feeling of closure on a family member’s life produces a myriad of emotions allowing me to connect with my clients on a personal level. When a client’s reaction after a stressful hearing is to reach out and hug me, I am able to connect with them as a person, not their attorney. I am grateful my practice affords me so many of these memorable and heartwarming moments.
Statement of gratitude from Tiffanny Brosnan, Snell & Wilmer: I am grateful to practice law in Orange County. The business community, bench, and bar are chock-full of smart people doing sophisticated legal work. But we’re not stuck doing it in an urban jungle. Instead, we are surrounded by gorgeous mountains and beaches. Orange County is a great place to raise a family and practice law—it doesn’t have to be one or the other. That is what drew me here when I graduated law school in 1996. Orange County was more of a hidden gem back then. We have had tremendous growth since then, and the secret is definitely out now.