by Christina M. Zabat-Fran

There’s a moment in every round of golf—standing over the ball, taking a breath—where the only thing that matters is the shot in front of you. Not the last hole. Not the one after this. Just this shot.

It’s a lesson that applies far beyond the golf course. Leadership, like golf, isn’t about perfection; it’s about making the best decision you can in the moment with the information at hand. You can’t control the wind, the lay of the land, or the unexpected bounce of the ball, but you can control your focus, your approach, and your next move.

That’s something I’ve come to appreciate both on the course and in my professional journey. Whether you’re navigating a legal career, leading an organization, or stepping up to take on something new, the best shot—the most important shot—is always the one right in front of you. Not the mistake from earlier, not the outcome you’re hoping for down the line, but the opportunity you have right now to assess, adjust, and execute with confidence.

Sometimes, the best shot isn’t the one you planned to take—it’s the one you have to take. Maybe the fairway didn’t give you the perfect lie, or the green slopes more than you expected. The game, much like leadership, requires adaptability. When things don’t go as expected, you adjust, stay focused, and trust your ability to make the next right move.

And that’s why I love the Judge Kenneth Lae Golf Scramble. It’s not just about golf—it’s about showing up, taking your shot, and making a difference. It’s about stepping up to the tee with purpose, whether on the course or in our community.

The OCBA Charitable Fund’s Judge Kenneth Lae Golf Scramble: Who’s in Your Cart?
The OCBA Charitable Fund’s annual Judge Kenneth Lae Golf Scramble is more than just a tournament—it’s a tradition. A day where the legal community comes together, not just to compete, but to connect, support, and give back. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just here for the camaraderie, the real win is in the impact we make together.

This year, it all goes down on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Monarch Beach Golf Links in beautiful Dana Point—a breathtaking setting where the beach view from the third hole truly can’t be beat.

Of course, no great golf outing is complete without great company. The best part of the tournament isn’t just the drives or the putts—it’s who’s in your cart. It’s the friendships built, the stories shared, and the connections that carry on well beyond the eighteenth hole. This event is a reminder that while golf may be an individual sport, the best experiences—like the most rewarding careers and causes—are shared.

And if your golf game could use a little help, don’t worry—you can always make up for it in the Best Dressed contest (yes, we’re bringing it back!) or try your luck in the famous Duck Pond Raffle. Expect on-course contests, friendly competition, and plenty of fun ways to engage, whether you’re swinging for a hole-in-one or just there for the post-round camaraderie.

Beyond the fairways and friendly competition, the OCBA Charitable Fund is the driving force behind this event. As the philanthropic arm of the Orange County Bar Association, the Charitable Fund has granted more than three million dollars to organizations that advance access to justice, provide pro bono legal aid, and support underserved communities in Orange County.

For many of the organizations we support, these grants are more than just funding—they are a lifeline. They allow pro bono legal teams to keep doors open for those in need, ensure that at-risk youth have mentors guiding them, and help veterans secure benefits they earned through service. This tournament isn’t just about playing a great round of golf—it’s about creating meaningful change, one grant at a time.

While the Golf Scramble is one of our signature fundraisers, the work of the Charitable Fund continues year-round. Firms, individuals, and sponsors who want to deepen their impact can explore ongoing partnerships, additional giving opportunities, or even volunteer engagement with the organizations we support.

As this year’s President of the Charitable Fund, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the impact this event makes. The enthusiasm of our sponsors and golfers translates directly into real, measurable change for people in need. I’m grateful to be part of an effort that blends purpose with connection, and I hope you’ll join us in making this year’s tournament our most impactful yet.

A huge thank you to our Golf Committee for their incredible work in bringing this event to life—especially our Golf Committee Chair, Kelly Galligan, whose leadership, enthusiasm, and creativity have made this year’s tournament one to remember. Organizing an event of this scale takes dedication, and I’m grateful to every committee member who has contributed their time, ideas, and energy to make it such a success.

I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to the OCBA Charitable Fund Board of Directors, whose vision and commitment ensure that our fundraising efforts translate into real impact for the community. And, of course, to the OCBA team—the hardworking professionals behind the scenes who make sure every detail, from registration to execution, runs smoothly. This tournament is a collective effort, and it’s inspiring to see what we can accomplish together.

I hope you’ll join us for an incredible day on the course. Take your best shot, enjoy the company, and most importantly, be part of something bigger than the game. See you out there!

Christina M. Zabat-Fran is the 2025 President of the OCBA Charitable Fund. She knows that leadership—like golf—is all about making the best shot with the circumstances at hand (and, occasionally, knowing when to take a mulligan). She can be reached at christina.zabat@lanvin-group.com.