Hello OCWLA Community!

There is no doubt we are in Fall! I’m thankful for the dedicated board members of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association who have collaborated with me this year. This dynamic group continues to advance our mission and provide a fun space for women to connect. I’m proud to be a part of this amazing organization, and I hope to see you all at the next event!              

Upcoming Events

Celebrate Fay Stender Award Recipient Kimberly La Salle: Orange County Women Lawyers Association is proud that our member and nominee Kimberly La Salle is this year’s recipient of the California Women Lawyers Fay Stender Award. We hope you will join us to celebrate Kimberly La Salle’s accomplishments on November 2, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Zov’s Bistro. Register today! 

The Past President’s Tea: Join us for a full tea service on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the Morning Lavender Café to celebrate the Past Presidents of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association. The inspiring leadership of our Past Presidents is something to celebrate. I hope to see you there! Hats are encouraged! Register now, because space is limited. Register here!

Women Litigators Panel: Learn from the best! This month, our MCLE boasts an impressive all-female panel of successful trial lawyers. These seasoned attorneys are ready to share trial tips, secrets, and insights with OCWLA. Join us on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa. Register today! 

Connect With Other Book Lovers: This month, our members-only Book Club will laugh with Molly the Maid in The Maid by Nita Prose. Heather Stangle-Smith will lead the discussion on this hilarious comedic murder mystery. Join us on November 14, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at Mimi’s Café in Tustin.

Rock The Vote: Don’t forget to vote for the 2023 Board of Directors. If you have not received your email ballot, please contact info@ocwla.org. Voting can also be done in person at this month’s MCLE on Thursday, November 10, 2022.  

Celebrate With Us! This year’s Holiday Celebration will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. Join us as we celebrate an amazing 2022 and install the 2023 OCWLA and OCWLA Foundation Board of Directors. Register today!

Our Fabulous October

Thank You For Celebrating Our Awardees At The Gala! The Board of Directors was proud to promote OCWLA’s mission by recognizing those who advance women in the legal profession at our spectacular 46th Annual Gala on October 12, 2022, at Shady Canyon Golf Club. We honored 2022 Judge of the Year Judge Debra Servino, 2022 Attorney of the Year Antoinette Balta of Veterans Legal Institute, and the recipient of the Advancement of Women Award Community Legal Aid SoCal. Thank you to all our sponsors, underwriters, and supporters. We had a fantastic event because of you! 

Book Club: Last month, our members-only Book Club got in the spooky spirit by reading the classic horror story The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. This dark fantasy sparked plenty of discussion!

Coffee & Costumes: Our members started Halloween with Coffee & Costumes! This group takes the work out of networking! A fun time was had by all!

Get Involved!

Share Your Recent Achievements: We love learning more about our members! Our Featured Member Series is a great way for members to introduce themselves to the membership and share their recent accomplishments. Nominate yourself, or another spectacular OCWLA member, today. 

Let’s Celebrate Each Other!: OCWLA’s Everyday Hero Award recognizes members of our profession who have made a positive impact in the community through their hard work, generosity, and commitment to justice. At an upcoming event, the OCWLA will recognize one "Everyday Hero" and the great work they do. To nominate an Everyday Hero, fill out this form.

Utilize Our Discussion Forum: OCWLA continues to take action that will connect members in new ways. Members can access a Discussion Forum to share referrals, mentorship, and provide professional resources. Simply log in to your OCWLA account to access the Discussion Forum. 

Join Us!: We would love to have you join OCWLA! Renew your membership today to become a part of this active and dynamic group! Discounted and/or complimentary membership rates are available for judges, government attorneys, attorneys with less than five years of practice, and law students. 

Become A California Women Lawyers Member: Over forty years ago, OCWLA became an Affiliate Organization with California Women Lawyers, which in 1974 established itself as the only statewide women lawyers organization. The mission of both OCWLA and CWL is the advancement of women in the legal profession through collaboration and leadership. OCWLA Members can join at a discounted annual rate of $95 when they sign up for an "Affiliate" membership Join CWL as an "Affiliate Member" today!

Recognizing OCWLA’s Members

Welcome New & Renewing Members!

Welcome Stephanie Alvarez, Nina Ancheta, Laura Blumenstein, Vivienne Chen, Evan Clark, Susan Dahlin, Sayuri Espinosa, Irma Garcia Guerrero, Mimi Mikulka, Yen Quach, Tara Sabha, Kristi Thomas, Amelia Tidwell, Alli VanderVorst. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to meeting you at the next event.