Happy Holidays OCWLA Members!

It is hard to believe that 2023 is coming to an end! I have been so honored to serve as the OCWLA President this year. Thank you for trusting in me to serve and lead this great organization. It has truly been an honor!

We had a busy and fun-filled 2023. This year we held our first Business Referral and Speed Networking event, which we plan to make an annual event. We held numerous MCLEs on a variety of topics from Navigating AI in the Practice of Law to our Annual Equal Pay Day MCLE. We partnered with a number of Affiliate Bar Organizations and held free coffee meetups to give our members an opportunity to connect and network. Our book club continued to meet monthly and has been going strong for eight years now.

Also, in partnership with the Unity Bar, we recommended four candidates to the bench who have been appointed. We also held our signature events, including our Annual Wine Tasting, our Membership Mixer, Past Presidents’ Tea, Women Judges Reception, where we had over 35 judges in attendance, and held our Annual Gala and Awards Dinner at the beautiful VEA Hotel.

Thank you to our members, the OCWLA Board, and our many Sponsors who helped make 2023 a great year! Last week we held our Annual Holiday Party and Installation Dinner where the 2024 Board of Directors, the 2024 Executive Officers, and the 2024 Foundation Board were sworn in. I want to personally welcome Caroline Djang as the 2024 President of the OCWLA. 2024 will be a great year under her leadership. I look forward to serving as the 2024 President of the OCWLA Foundation and on the Executive Committee as the Immediate Past President. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year, and I hope to see you all soon at an event in the new year.

Share This Email

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCWLA Book Club Holiday Party & Book Gift Exchange

Join us at the residence of a Book Club member in Orange for a holiday dinner (address provided upon registration). Please bring a drink to share and a new, wrapped book to participate in our book gift exchange!

January Book Club Meeting

OCWLA Members Only

Join OCWLA members on Monday, January 29 at 5:30 PM

at Mimi’s Café in Tustin for a no-host dinner and discussion led by Yvette Patko of the OCDA Office, and moderated by Dana Heyde of Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP. This month's book is "Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano. See you there!

OCWLA NEWS

More Information

Have a great idea that you'd love to see in print?

Orange County Lawyers Magazine is seeking article submissions from OCWLA Members! Authors can write about anything law-related, such as a new case/practice area update, practice tips, policy information, practicing law in a big firm or small firm or as a solo in Orange County, mentoring, pro bono work, attorney wellness, etc.

Our Newsworthy November

OCWLA Installation Dinner & Holiday Celebration: Congratulations incoming 2024 OCWLA Officers & Directors, and 2024 OCWLA Foundation Board Members! Thank you to all 2023 Board members for your service to our organization. We appreciate your dedication to the advancement of women in the legal profession!

November Luncheon: Ethics & Civility in Your Practice: Thank you to speakers Hon. Michele Bell, Orange County Superior Court, Family Law Panel, Hon. Terri Flynn-Peister, Orange County Superior Court, Felony Panel and moderator Sayuri P. Espinosa, Rutan & Tucker, LLP for your presentation on Ethics & Civility.

OCWLA BOOK CLUB NEWS

OCWLA November Book Club: Thank you to Dana Heyde from Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP for leading a wonderful discussion on “Part of Your World" by Abby Jimenez!

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.

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!

Thank you & welcome Kari Barnes, Chelsey Brainard, Yulissa Cardoza, Marianne Dawson-Man, April Gilbert, Allison Imam-Hedrick, Shannon Lamb, Lisa Mays, Molly Okamura, Lindsey Poker, Hon. Peter Wilson (Ret.), and Richard Zimmer. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to seeing you at the next event.