Vol. 2023, No. 5 May/June 2023

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Members and Friends of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County,

 

As we delve into the summer season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible events that have shaped the past months. Together, we have been Breaking Barriers and making a lasting impact on our community. Here’s a glimpse of the remarkable events that took place at the HBA in May and June:


Our dedicated board members coached a team of 7th and 8th graders from El Sol Academy in Santa Ana, for the CRF-OC Middle School Moot Court competition. The final competition took place on May 2, 2023. We are immensely proud to announce that one of our teams secured second place, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication.

We came together at Avila’s “El Ranchito” in Santa Ana for our Annual Cinco de Mayo Mixer where we shared a lovely night networking, good food and celebrating together. It was a pleasure to see attorneys, judges, and professionals from various backgrounds gathering to celebrate our rich heritage.

In collaboration with the Orange County Women’s Lawyers Association, we held a delightful coffee breakfast at Corner Bakery, commemorating Cinco de Mayo and fostering connections within the legal community. 

Our Free In-Person Free Feria Legal on May 6, 2023 at El Sol Academy brought accessible legal consultations in the Orange County Community. With gratitude to our board members, attorneys, and law student volunteers, we provided guidance on diverse areas of law including Family, Immigration, Employment, Landlord-Tenant, Estate Planning and Criminal Law, ensuring justice reaches those in need.

We embarked on an unforgettable journey to Costa Rica during the Memorial Weekend, with over 30 participants. Together, we explored new horizons, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories. We hope you will join us for our next trip, which will soon be announced!

I was fortunate enough to represent the HBA at the Second Annual Unity Bar Summit in Sacramento, CA on June 3, 2023. This inspiring event united legal advocates from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and creating positive change throughout California. The summit was truly invigorating and inspirational. 

On June 9, 2023 it was our pleasure to co-sponsor the OCBA DEI Summer Social; we had the honor of recognizing Presiding Judge Hon. Maria Hernandez with the Lei Lei Wang Ekvall Award. This event was a testament to the HBA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

As we continue to make remarkable strides in Breaking Barriers, I am thrilled to share the exciting events lined up for the upcoming months. Mark your calendars for these not-to-be-missed occasions:

 

  •    SOLD OUT Angels Game on July 19, 2023: co-hosted with the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Regal Court Reporting. Get ready to cheer on our team as they take on the New York Yankees. It promises to be an unforgettable night of camaraderie, community, and baseball. We cannot wait to see you all there.

 

  • Annual Backpack Drive from now until July 15, 2023: this annual event aims to provide essential supplies to support students as they embark on a new school year. We are committed to ensuring that our students have the tools they need to succeed. From now until July 15, 2023, we are accepting cash donations and donations in kind of backpacks and school supplies. Your generous contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of children and families in our community. Join us again this year in making a positive impact on education.

 

  •  End of Summer Mixer on August 24, 2023: As summer draws to a close, we invite you to our highly anticipated End of Summer Mixer. Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the season and foster meaningful connections among our members. More details about this exciting event will be shared soon, so stay tuned!

 

  •  Judge’s BBQ on September 17, 2023: Save the date for our beloved tradition where we come together with esteemed members of the judiciary to celebrate and strengthen our community bonds. It’s an event that promises delicious food, engaging conversations, and a chance to connect with influential legal minds. More details soon.

 

These upcoming events provide ample opportunities for us to connect, network, and continue our journey of breaking barriers in the legal profession. Be sure to renew your membership to take advantage of member pricing for these events.

 

In addition to these remarkable events, I would like to highlight the Hon. Elizabeth G. Macias Legal Studies Academy at Santa Ana High School. The academy is hosting a three-day Justice League Summer camp from July 31st to August 2nd, catering to 8th-12th graders from the Santa Ana Unified School District who have an interest in learning about legal skills. It is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to explore the field of law and empower themselves for a future of advocacy. This is only open for Santa Ana Unified School District students, if you know of any students interested, please share the information. 

Last but not least, remember our commitment to our community doesn’t end with events. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Let’s stay connected, support one another, and continue to break barriers in the pursuit of justice.

 

Wishing you and your families a fantastic summer season filled with joy, safety, and meaningful connections.

Warmest regards, 

Law Office of Jeannette Garcia

1800 N. Broadway, Suite 101

Santa Ana, CA 92706

(714) 855-6474

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