Orange County Women
 Lawyers Association
For Women Lawyers and Those Who Support Their Advancement

News

  • Monday, March 02, 2020 7:59 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    OCWLA Community,

    Orange County Women Lawyers Association's 45th year is well under way.  We look forward to seeing you at one of our many upcoming events as OCWLA continues its EmpowHer™ women in the legal profession.
    February Recap:
    In February, OCWLA hosted its Welcome to the Decade Wine Tasting Mixer at Orange County Winery.  Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Ferruzzo & Ferruzzo, LLP, and our Gold Sponsors Call & JensenJAMS, and Rutan & Tucker.
    In addition, OCWLA's Executive Director, Amelia Montgomery, was recognized with OCWLA's Presidents Award for her 10 years of service as the Executive Director.  Thank you Amelia for all you have done for the organization!
    OCWLA volunteers with different organizations throughout the year.  As the first event of the year, OCWLA members assisted Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children's to assist families with the preparation of legal documents regarding legal consent. 
    Upcoming Events:
    Thursday, March 5 - Join OCWLA to celebrate International Women's Day with LawWorks and Harvard Law School Women's Alliance!  OCWLA is proud to serve as a co-sponsor to this no cost event.

    Friday, March 13MCLE - Tips from the Bench: What Judges Want You to Know - Hon. Kathleen O'Leary and Hon. Maria Hernandez divulge the top things they want all lawyers to know.  The program will navigate through trial tips as well as preserving the record on appeal.  In addition, at this lunch, members are encouraged to bring clothing donations to WHW's 9th annual Suits for a Cause collection.  

    Monday, March 30 - The March book club book is Radium Girls by Kate Moore.  This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly books.  There is no charge for members to attend.  

    Tuesday, March 31 - MCLE - Equal Pay Day: Obtaining Your Next Pay Raise or Promotion! - Join OCWLA for its annual Equal Pay Day luncheon.  This year's event will focus on pay raises and promotions.  All attendees are encourage to wear red as a symbol of the deficit in pay between men and women.  

    Thursday, April 16 - Chicago The Musical - Join OCWLA members in determining whether the murderesses of Cook County Jail are guilty or not!  Seats are located in the Orchestra Terrace at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.  In order for OCWLA to obtain group pricing, tickets must be purchased before March 10, 2020.  OCWLA will arrange for members to meet in advance of the show for networking.  

    SIGNATURE EVENT: Wednesday, April 22 - Women Judges Reception - This annual event celebrates the women of the Orange County bench!  Members are encouraged to mix and mingle with members of the bench with a special judicial bingo.  The event is expected to sell out - be sure to register early!  If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact info@ocwla.org.

    SIGNATURE EVENT: Save the Date: OCWLA's 45th Annual Gala will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Pelican Hill Resort.  If you are interested in sponsoring the Gala, please contact info@ocwla.org
    I look forward to seeing you at one or our upcoming events!
    Cheers,
     
    Michelle A. Philo
    Michelle A. Philo
    OCWLA President

    STAY CONNECTED:
    Orange County Women Lawyers Association, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658
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  • Monday, February 24, 2020 10:03 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    OCWLA members are invited to register at the OCTLA member rate:

    February 27, 2020 Dinner Seminar

    Bias In & Out of the Courtroom: Benefits & Challenges Faced by Female Advocates

    Register: https://www.octla.org/index.cfm?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=74775&evSubAction=listAll


  • Tuesday, February 18, 2020 9:44 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Orange County Justice Fund is seeking to hire a Program Coordinator to provide operational, strategic, fundraising and administrative leadership and support to carry out OCJF’s mission and programs. For all the details regarding responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation please click the following link:

    https://ocjusticefund.org/employment/

  • Thursday, February 13, 2020 10:31 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Overview

    The Senior Counsel, Real Estate Legal position is a full-time position primarily responsible for providing legal counsel, strategy and direction on a wide variety of real estate matters associated with new restaurant locations.   Leadership responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing a large number of real estate transactions from LOI through restaurant opening by working closely with internal business partners and outside counsel and providing related legal counsel to Chick-fil-A, Inc.  and its affiliated entities as well as outside professionals.  This position is based in our California Support Center.

    https://careers-chickfila.icims.com/jobs/7494/sr.-counsel%2c-real-estate/job

  • Sunday, February 09, 2020 8:26 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    • Job Summary

      The Sr. Corporate Counsel & Contracts Manager, works cross departmentally and aims to reduce Niagara’s risk through document review and is responsible for participating in and managing the corporate contracts team in the drafting, preparing, examining, analyzing, negotiating (in person, over conference calls and via email) and revising legal documents (including, without limitation, master agreements, addendums, amendments, letters and other related documents) both as vendor and customer. This position is also responsible for maintaining, developing and improving upon policies, processes and procedures to ensure efficiencies are maintained and consistently-increasing growth and scope are accounted for.  This is a full-time exempt position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, evening and weekends will be required as job duties demand.

      Essential Functions

      ·       Management of the corporate contracts team.

      ·       Draft and negotiate terms, conditions, standards and language for all legal documents companywide.

      ·       Legal document development, administration and tracking of key legal provisions.

      ·       Maintain, develop and improve upon policies, processes and procedures to ensure efficiencies are maintained and consistently-increasing growth and scope are accounted for.

      ·       Maintain accurate records and files in matrices and databases to ensure reporting accuracy.

      ·       Train plants and corporate personnel on legal document review process and terms.

      ·       Misc. legal projects requested on an as-needed basis.

      ·       Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

      Qualifications

      ·       Minimum Qualifications:

      o   10+ Years  – Experience in Field 

      o   10+ Years  – Experience in Position

      o   10+ Years  – Experience managing people/projects

                    *experience may include a combination of work experience and education

      ·       Preferred Qualifications:

      o   12+ Years – Experience in Field

      o   12+ Years – Experience working in Position 

      o   12+ Years – Experience managing people/projects

      *experience may include a combination of work experience and education

      Competencies

      ·       Effective negotiation, organizational and decision making skills with ability to plan, prioritize and multi-task;

      ·       Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills;

      ·       Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, customers and vendors;

      ·       The position has extensive contact with various levels of both internal and external customers;

      ·       Ability to review, comprehend, and, as necessary, rephrase/edit complicated legal language;

      ·       Excellent business and legal writing skills;

      ·       Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) to all levels of the organization and outside parties;

      ·       Advanced knowledge of contract law and its application in the purchasing and sale processes;

      ·       Strong leadership skills;

      ·       Very detail oriented;

      ·       Strong organizational and time management skills;

      ·       Professional, self-motivated, flexible and able to meet deadlines under a high volume workload in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment with minimal supervision;

      ·       Strong grammar and spelling;

      ·       Excellent computer skills in Excel, contracts databases and MS Word.  Knowledge of Oracle a plus;

      ·       Positive attitude, ethics and values which support our company’s values, the team and environment and a healthy, high-performance culture.


    Please contact Caroline.Djang@bbklaw.com .

  • Sunday, February 09, 2020 8:24 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    • Job Summary

      The , is responsible for drafting, preparing, examining, analyzing, negotiating (in person, over conference calls and via email) and revising legal documents (including, without limitation, purchase and sale agreements, closing documents, commercial leases and other related documents) and managing the legal due diligence efforts, primarily, but not exclusively supporting the Company’s legal real estate and expansion efforts.  This position works cross departmentally and aims to reduce Niagara’s risk through document review and conducting legal due diligence for real estate transactions.  This is a full-time exempt position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, evening and weekends will be required as job duties demand.

      Essential Functions

    • ·       Drafts and negotiates terms, conditions, standards and language with minimal supervision for a variety of real estate and expansion related documents.
    • ·       Manages legal due diligence for real estate and expansion both directly and through outside counsel.
    • ·       Drafts and negotiates terms, conditions, standards and language with minimal supervision for other contracts and legal documents, as needed.
    • ·       Maintains accurate records and files in matrices and databases to ensure reporting accuracy.
    • ·       Misc. legal projects requested on an as-needed basis.
    • ·       Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.
    • Qualifications

    • ·       Minimum Qualifications:
    • o   8+ Years – Experience in Field
    • o   8+ Years – Experience working in Position
    •               *experience may include a combination of work experience and education
    • ·       Preferred Qualifications:
    • o   10+ Years – Experience in Field 
    • o   10+ Years – Experience working in Position  
    • *experience may include a combination of work experience and education
    • Competencies

      Proficiency in, but not limited to:

    • ·       Effective negotiation, organizational and decision making skills with ability to plan, prioritize and multi-task;
    • ·       Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills;
    • ·       Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, customers and vendors;
    • ·       The position has extensive contact with various levels of both internal and external customers;
    • ·       Ability to review, comprehend, and, as necessary, rephrase/edit complicated legal language;
    • ·       Excellent business and legal writing skills;
    • ·       Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) to all levels of the organization and outside parties;
    • ·       Advanced knowledge of contract law and its application in the purchasing and sale processes;
    • ·       Strong leadership skills;
    • ·       Very detail oriented;
    • ·       Strong organizational and time management skills;
    • ·       Professional, self-motivated, flexible and able to meet deadlines under a high volume workload in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment with minimal supervision;
    • ·       Strong grammar and spelling;
    • ·       Excellent computer skills in Excel, contracts databases and MS Word.  Knowledge of Oracle a plus; and
    • ·       Positive attitude, ethics and values which support our company’s values, the team and environment and a healthy, high-performance culture.
    • This position embodies the values of Niagara’s LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

    • ·       Lead Like an Owner
    • o   Makes safety the number one priority
    • o   Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately
    • o   Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals
    • o   Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly
    • o   Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively
    • o   Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers
    • ·       InnovACT
    • o   Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products
    • o   Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances
    • o   Increases performance through greater efficiency
    • ·       Find a Way
    • o   Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts
    • o   Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions
    • o   Seeks solutions rather than placing blame
    • ·       Empowered to be Great
    • o   Consistently looks for ways to improve one’s self through growth and development opportunities
    • o   Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across
    • o   Communicates effectively to manage expectations
    • Education

    • ·       Minimum Required:  
    • o   Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
    • Certification/License: 

    • ·       Required:             Licensed to practice law in one of the 50 states in the USA
    • ·       Preferred:            Licensed to practice law in the State of California
    • Foreign Language 

    • ·       Required:              None Required
    • ·       Preferred:             Native or Bilingual Proficiency
    Please send all contract requests to: Caroline.Djang@bbklaw.com


  • Friday, January 31, 2020 4:52 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Awardees will be honored at OCWLA's Annual Gala in August 2020, celebrating OCWLA's 45th Anniversary and recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.  

    Judge of The Year 

    The criteria for the award is based upon the nominee's contributions and commitment to bench, bar and community, especially with regards to advancing women in the legal professions and women's issues generally. 

    Download Nomination Form

    Attorney of The Year 

    The Attorney of the Year should be an outstanding member of the legal community as well as the community at large, with a proven commitment to advancing women in the legal profession as well as women's issues generally. 

    Download Nomination Form 

    Advancement of Women Award

    This award seeks to recognize and celebrate a law firm, or other legal organization, whose words, actions, and deeds support the advancement of women within the firm and in the greater legal community. Please include the following when submitting your nomination:

    • The total number of partners within the firm and the number of female partners;
    • Other leadership positions held by women in the organization;
    • Specific policies that promote diversity and the interests of women;
    • A description of how the organization's culture supports the advancement and growth of women;
    • Examples of how the efforts of the nominee have resulted in advancement of women in the firm and the legal profession;
    • Notable awards, recognitions, or other metrics showing the firm's efforts;
    • Notable women attorneys and achievements within the firm

    Download Nomination Form 

  • Thursday, January 23, 2020 3:28 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Comments sought:

    This e-mail is to inform you that a new proposal has been posted to the California Courts website, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

    The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions has approved for posting for public comment proposed revisions and new instructions. The committee is very interested in your input.

    The proposed changes and additions are available for viewing on the internet athttp://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm . Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle.

    Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent tociviljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online. And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do not comment by Reply All to this e-mail.

    Comments by letter should be sent to: 

    Mr. Eric Long, Attorney

    Judicial Council of California

    Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions

    455 Golden Gate Avenue

    San Francisco, CA 94102

    The deadline for receiving comments is Monday, March 2, at 5:00 p.m.

    All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

    When submitting comments, please:

    *             Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.

    *             Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.

    *             Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.

    *             Provide any applicable authority for your position.

    We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach.  We appreciate your participation in this effort.

    On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions, Hon. Martin J. Tangeman, Chair

    Benita Downs

    Legal Services | Leadership Services Division

    Judicial Council of California

    455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3688

  • Wednesday, January 15, 2020 9:40 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    OCWLA PHILANTHROPIC 
    GUIDELINES & APPLICATION
    For Charitable Giving
    2020 OCWLA Officers _ Directors
    It is the goal of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association to make charitable gifts to non-profits in the spirit of assisting the advancement of the status of women and children in law and society in matters including, but not limited to:
    1. Legal services, education, awareness, and prevention services regarding domestic violence, and human trafficking.
    2. Gender discrimination, harassment, or bias against women.
    3. Access to services that support and improve the rights and lives of women.
    OCWLA is currently accepting applications for its philanthropic giving.  All applications are due by January 31, 2020.
    2019 President Michelle Philo presents Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children's with a grant on behalf of OCWLA
    Would you like to help the OCWLA Continue to support these organizations?
    Please consider an Annual Sponsorship:

  • Tuesday, January 07, 2020 4:09 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    OCWLA Community,

    Orange County Women Lawyers Association is excited to celebrate its 45th Anniversary this year! The Board of Directors had its retreat this past weekend to plan the year and there are many exciting things on the horizon for our members. From our signature events, to new outings (Chicago, the musical), philanthropy volunteer opportunities, and CLEs to continue to advance women in the profession, this year looks like a year not to be missed!

    Membership Renewal: If you have not yet renewed your membership,  now is the time to do so! With a goal of breaking through 500 members in 2019, OCWLA soared past the goal with 592 members. We encourage you to join this year as we aim to break another membership record.
    Installation Dinner Recap:
    On December 10, the 2020 Board of Directors for both the Orange County Women Lawyers Association and the Orange County Women Lawyers Association Foundation were installed by Hon. Linda Marks.
    Upcoming Events:
    Friday, January 10MCLE: Follow My Lead: Excelling in Private Practice and on the Bench with Hon. Sheila Prell Sonenshine - Hon. Sonenshine will share her experiences in the legal profession from launching her own practice to being appointed to the bench.

    Monday, January 27 - The January book club book is The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly books. There is no charge for members to attend.

    OCBA Judges Night, January 16 - OCWLA is coordinating a table of members to sit together at the 2020 OCBA's Judges Night and Annual Meeting. If you are interested in sitting at the same table as OCWLA members, please contact info@ocwla.org no later than Thursday, January 8, 2020. You will be invoiced through OCWLA and OCWLA will coordinate and pay for your seat at Judges Night with other OCWLA members.

    Saturday, February 8 - Hockey Night - Join OCWLA for this family friendly event as the USA and Canada National Women's Hockey Teams meet on the ice at Honda Center. Both teams feature Olympic athletes. The seats are only $25 and are on the Club Level. Please purchase tickets by January 20.

    Tuesday, February 25 - SAVE THE DATE: Signature Event: OCWLA Membership Mixer & Wine Tasting - This annual favorite event will be available for registration soon! Be on the look out for emails as this event always sells out! If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact info@ocwla.org.

    Saturday, February 29 - 1st Quarter Philanthropy Event: HEALTH Day at CHOC - Join OCWLA and the Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children's to complete intake interviews and paperwork for CHOC families in need of conservatorships to access healthcare. Training will be provided. Attorney representation is provided by Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children's
    Other Opportunities:
    Award Nominations: OCWLA is seeking nominations for its Attorney of the Year, Judge of the Year, and Advancement of Women Awards. Nomination forms are available on the OCWLA website. All awardees will be celebrated
    at OCWLA Annual Gala in August.

    Annual Sponsorship Program:
    OCWLA is accepting sponsors for its 2020 Annual Sponsorship Program. Annual sponsors serve as sponsors for all OCWLA's signature events at a reduced price. Membership is also included with each package.

    Gala Committee: 
    If you are a member and interested in serving on the 2020 Gala Committee, please contact Gala Chair Kelly Galligan at kgalligan@rutan.com. This year promises to be exciting as we will be celebrating OCWLA's 45th Anniversary and honoring the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

    I look forward to seeing each of you throughout this exciting year!
    Cheers,
     
    Michelle A. Philo
    Michelle A. Philo
    OCWLA President

    STAY CONNECTED:
    Orange County Women Lawyers Association, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658
    Sent by info@ocwla.org in collaboration with
    Constant Contact
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