OCWLA Community,

The passion of OCWLA continues show through the organization's events. Members continue to take advantage of the fantastic educational panels and networking opportunities. As OCWLA launches into Summer, the promise of more sold out events are on the horizon. OCWLA encourages you to participate in one of our events as we continue to EmpowHer™ women attorneys in Orange County.

April Recap:

OCWLA's Equal Pay Day program had a record turn out. Equal Pay Day is the day women would need to work until in order to receive the same pay as their male counterparts for the year before. Several attendees wore red, representing the disparity in pay between men and women. The panel started off with an overview of the current pay statistics, demonstrating a penny increase to 80 cents on the dollar. Under moderator Maria Stearns, the panelists (Joni Lee Gaudes, Victoria Harvey, Karen Polyakov, and Sheniece Smith) provided invaluable tips on pay negotiation as well as maneuvering other aspects of the profession to level the playing field. The program received excellent reviews. 

Upcoming Events:

Friday, May 10 - A Start Up Success Story: Trade Secrets and a $112 Million Verdict. This program provides an intellectual property for everyone. The lessons learned in trial affect strategies for in house counsel as well as outside counsel advising or litigating on behalf of the trade secret holder. The MCLE program is presented by Christy Lea. 

Friday, May 17 - CWL Southern California Judicial Reception Honoring Hon. Maria Hernandez. OCWLA is proud to co-host this reception and congratulates Hon. Maria Hernandez on being named as California Women Lawyer's Joan Dempsey Klein Award recipient. The judicial reception will be held at the Noguchi Sculpture Garden. Registration for sitting judges is complimentary.

Monday, May 20 - The May  book club book is Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly books.

Tuesday, June 25 -  3rd Annual Membership Mixer at Pelican Hill. OCWLA returns to Pelican Hill's Great Room Social Lounge to enjoy the company of fellow members and the sunset views of Newport Coast. This event has sold out in the past - be sure to register early!

Thursday, October 3 - Save the Date! The Annual Gala will return to Pelican Hill. OCWLA is honoring Hon. Elizabeth Macias as the Judge of the Year and Lei Lei Weng Ekvall as the Attorney of the Year. OCWLA is also recognizing Walsworth Franklin Bevins McCall with the Advancement of Women Award.

Other Opportunities:

Sponsor the Gala: OCWLA's 2019 Gala Sponsorship Package is available. The Gala Committee will be reaching out for sponsorships and donations to the silent auction.

Do not hesitate to reach me with your ideas, thoughts, and goals. In the meantime, we will continue our work to EmpowHer™ women in our legal community.

Cheers,

Michelle A. Philo
OCWLA President
Philo Law Firm, P.C.