Hello OCWLA Community!

Welcome to the sweet and merry month of May! To further OCWLA’s mission to raise awareness of discrimination and bias against women, our members took a stand for equality at our sold out Equal Pay Day event! OCWLA made a further stand against discrimination when it signed on to CWL’s Amicus Brief filed in the landmark case, Meland v. Weber. I am also thrilled to announce that OCWLA launched a Discussion Forum to help members connect with each other. I am proud that these actions further the advancement and successes of women everywhere.  

Exciting News!

OCWLA Launches A Discussion Forum: OCWLA continues to take action that will connect members in new ways. This month, I am thrilled to announce that 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. Instructions for accessing the forum can be downloaded here. 

OCWLA Takes A Stand For Inclusion: OCWLA was given the opportunity to sign on to the Amicus Brief that CWL filed in the landmark case, Meland v. Weber. OCWLA recognized it was important to support efforts that sought the inclusion of women on corporate boards. We are proud that OCWLA is associated with this effort to achieve diversity and equality for women. See OCWLA’s name in the Amicus Brief on page xii.

Gala Updates

Become A Gala Sponsor: Join us at the Gala on October 12, 2022, at Shady Canyon Golf Club from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as OCWLA honors 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. You can support these amazing honorees with a Gala Sponsorship.

Upcoming Events

Summer Coffee Meetup: Kick off the summer with other OCWLA members at our Summer Coffee Meetup! Join us from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on May 5, 2022, at Corner Bakery in Tustin Marketplace. This is a no cost event, so there’s no reason not to come!

Connect With Other Book Lovers: This month, Retired Judge Linda Miller will lead the group as we read The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis. This amazing apartment in New York hold many mysteries waiting to be solved. Join us on May 23, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at Mimi’s Café in Tustin. Register here.

Donate In A New Way: This month, give back to the community by participating in OCWLA’s Blood Drive. The event will be held at The Bowers Museum on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donors receive free parking and $5 off General Admission on the day of their donation. Thanks to Past President Allyson Thompson for organizing a new way for OCWLA members to help others. More Information. 

Summer Membership Mixer: Invite your friends to the Spring Membership Mixer! We love meeting new people! This event will take place on the evening of June 14, 2022. More details to come/Save the date.

Our Empowering April

Equal Pay Day MCLE: There is no event more important than Equal Pay Day in acknowledging the disparate earnings between men and women in an effort to end this arbitrary practice. Thanks to Treasurer Caroline Djang and Secretary Tracy Hughes for putting together a dynamic who presented on the best practices for salary negotiations. 

Book Club: I was thrilled to lead April’s Book Club selection, Man’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. This powerful autobiography by Holocaust survivor inspired our group.

Get Involved!

Make An Immediate Impact: You can advance women in the legal profession, raise awareness of discrimination and bias, and support charitable organizations by becoming an Annual Sponsor of OCWLA. Sponsors receive recognition and connect with OCWLA members at several events throughout the year. Thank you for your interest in supporting this amazing organization!

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.

Mentoring Opportunities: We are pleased to announce that OCWLA has partnered with OCBA to provide mentoring opportunities for both mentors and mentees. Sign up by May 20, 2022 to attend the Spring Mentoring Café. Learn more here.

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. To nominate an Everyday Hero, send the nominee’s contact information and a brief description of why they are a hero to Executive Director Kaity Van Amersfort at info@ocwla.org.

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 aligned 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. Join today!

Recognizing OCWLA’s Members

Welcome New Members!: Welcome Caroline Nam, Khorshid Hajsoleymani, Charnell Gilchrist, Monica Calvillo-Chao, Meghan Murphey, Anum Arshad, Zijing Han, Suzanne Picariello, Kathrynn Benson, Kori Gearhart, Danielle Struwe, Kayla Phillips, and Cindy Boun. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to meeting you at the next event.

Dana Heyde, OCWLA President

Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP

dana@cklhlaw.com