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

News

  • Monday, October 03, 2022 10:31 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The closing date is Friday, October 21, 2022.

    USAJOBS link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/680888100

  • Thursday, September 29, 2022 5:05 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Please see the latest job announcement for the Supervising Attorney – Lawyers Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project

    Supervising Attorney

    ICLC seeks a talented full-time Supervising Attorney to serve our clients who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness and people living with HIV. Working in partnership with homeless service providers, the Supervising Attorney will provide holistic legal services to tackle barriers to our clients becoming and staying housed.”

    Learn More

  • Wednesday, September 28, 2022 2:26 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Principal Counsel, Construction

    UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

    At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

    The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

    DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

    UC Legal - Office of General Counsel (UCL - OGC) delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California ten campuses, five medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University. Its services include prosecuting and defending litigation, drafting and negotiating agreements, providing advice, counsel and interpretation of laws, regulations and policies, and assisting with development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University's complex operations.

    The Business, Transactions, and Innovation (BTI) practice group handles a broad range of business transactions including, but not limited to, transactions involving innovative research, joint ventures, collaborations, international activities, public finance, real estate, land use, construction, investments, intellectual property, laboratory affairs, energy, tax-exempt organizations, charitable giving, trusts and estates, and institutional advancement.

    POSITION SUMMARY

    This position provides substantial expertise in the construction and development legal matters and projects. Reporting to the Managing Counsel – Business, Transactions and Innovation, this position independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects in the construction practice area, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact. The Principal Counsel interprets complex facts and the law and advises on complex matters in an atmosphere of substantial ambiguity. The Principal Counsel also provides functional advice, training and/or guidance to clients and to less-experienced attorneys, and may act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in certain complex litigation.

    Responsibilities require substantial knowledge of laws, regulations and policies applicable to a broad range of construction and land use issues including, but not limited to, the Public Contracting Code, and Regents bylaws and policies. Drafts, reviews and revises a variety of instruments involving the University's interest such as policies and contracts.  Manages and advises on construction litigation matters.

    All team members are expected to actively participate in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.

    Link for more information and to apply:https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&JobOpeningId=42556&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=19&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant

     

     

    Principal Counsel, Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Litigation

    UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

    At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

    The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

    DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

    UC Legal delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California's ten campuses, six medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University. Its services include prosecuting and defending litigation, drafting and negotiating agreements, providing advice, counsel and interpretation of laws, regulations and policies, and assisting with development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University's complex operations.

    POSITION SUMMARY

    Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Litigation, the Principal Counsel, Litigation is a litigator who primarily oversees outside counsel in employment practices liability litigation. Responsibilities require substantial expertise in litigation strategy, trial work, civil procedure, and federal and state labor and employment laws (including relevant whistleblower statutes, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act, and National Labor Relations Act), as well as privacy and First Amendment issues.

    The position works closely with outside counsel in developing case strategy consistent with University policy and protocols; Manages a full range of legal matters and projects, including the most complex and those of substantial importance and impact to the University; interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity; provides functional advice to senior managers, stakeholders, and leadership concerning risk assessment, liability, and damages; acting as a liaison among outside counsel, campus counsel, campus risk managers, and other campus constituents; and drafting, reviewing, and revising discovery documents, pleadings, and briefs.

    The University is a consensus-based organization, and the Principal Counsel, Litigation plays a key role in helping the relevant decision makers to reach consensus regarding litigation-related decisions.

    All team members are expected to actively participate in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.

    Link for more information and to apply:https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&JobOpeningId=38310&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=19&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant


  • Wednesday, September 28, 2022 9:38 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Six “Special Cycle” proposals have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm

     

    CIVIL AND SMALL CLAIMS AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS

    SP22-09

    Protective Orders: Civil Protective Order Forms Implementing Assembly Bill 1621

    Summary: The Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee is proposing revisions to 30 Judicial Council civil restraining orders forms. Many of the forms in this proposal were circulated for comment between April and May 2022 to update the information on the forms related to interpreters, disability and court accommodations, and the priority of enforcement among protective orders. After the comment period closed, the Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1621 (Stats. 2022, ch. 76), which took effect immediately on June 30, 2022. The new legislation prohibits persons restrained under these restraining orders from possessing firearm parts (in addition to the already prohibited firearms). This proposal recommends additional revisions to 12 previously circulated forms and recommends revisions to 18 forms that were not previously circulated to reflect the new law.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

     

    SP22-10

    Protective Orders: Elder Abuse Forms Implementing Assembly Bill 1621

    Summary: The Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee is proposing revisions to nine Judicial Council elder or dependent adult restraining orders forms. Most of the forms in this proposal were circulated for comment between April and May 2022 to implement the statutory changes in Assembly Bill 1243 (Stats. 2021, ch. 273) and to make other updates. After the comment period closed, the Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1621 (Stats. 2022, ch. 76), which took effect immediately on June 30, 2022. The new legislation prohibits persons restrained under elder or dependent adult restraining orders from possessing firearm parts (in addition to the already prohibited firearms). This proposal recommends additional revisions to seven previously

    circulated forms and recommends revisions to two forms that were not previously circulated to reflect the new law.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

     

    CRIMINAL AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS

     

    SP22-11

    Criminal Procedure: Criminal Protective Orders and Firearm Relinquishment Orders

    Summary: The Criminal Law Advisory Committee recommends revisions to two mandatory Judicial Council criminal protective orders to (1) reflect statutory changes to the definition of firearm in Penal Code section 16520(b), with an impact on Penal Code section 136.2 and Code of Civil Procedure section 527.9; (2) reflect statutory changes adding “reproductive coercion” as an example of “coercive control” in Family Code section 6320; (3) be consistent with similar provisions in the civil protective orders; and (4) improve the forms’ useability and accuracy. The committee circulated proposed revisions to the two mandatory criminal protective orders from April to May 2022 and is now proposing further revisions to those forms in light of the recent statutory changes. The committee also recommends revisions to a mandatory Judicial Council order to surrender firearms in domestic violence criminal cases to reflect statutory changes to the definition of firearms as described above and to be consistent with previously circulated proposed revisions to the criminal protective orders.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

     

    CRIMINAL

     

    SP22-12

    Criminal Law: Definition of Firearm

    Summary: The Criminal Law Advisory Committee recommends revisions to two optional Judicial Council plea forms and the optional Judicial Council firearm relinquishment findings form to reflect statutory changes to the definition of firearm in Penal Code section 16520(b). The committee also recommends additional revisions to one of the plea forms to reflect accurate mandatory minimum probation terms and make minor, nonsubstantive technical changes.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

     

    SP22-13

    Criminal Procedure: Request for Dismissal of Conviction for Violation of Penal Code

    Summary: The Criminal Law Advisory Committee recommends two optional forms relating to resentencing, dismissal, and sealing of Penal Code section 653.22 convictions. Senate Bill 357 (Weiner; Stats. 2022, ch. 86), effective January 1, 2023, repeals Penal Code section 653.22 (loitering with the intent to commit prostitution) and adds Penal Code section 653.29, which

    outlines the process for resentencing, dismissal, and sealing of section 653.22 convictions. Penal Code section 653.29(f) specifically instructs the Judicial Council to “promulgate and make available all necessary forms to enable the filing of petitions and applications provided in this section.” The proposal includes a request for relief and a court order granting or denying relief.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

    FAMILY AND JUVENILE

     

    SP22-14

    Juvenile Law: Secure Youth Treatment Facility Offense-Based Classification Matrix

    Summary: The Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee proposes that the Judicial Council adopt a rule of court to implement Welfare and Institutions Code section 875(h), which requires the council to develop and adopt a matrix of offense-based classifications to be used by all juvenile courts when setting baseline terms for youth whose disposition is a commitment to a Secure Youth Treatment Facility (SYTF). The statute calls for the matrix to assign a baseline term of years to each offense for which a youth can be committed to an SYTF. The offenses are to be grouped into offense categories that are linked to a standard baseline term of years for each offense category. The statute was recently amended to allow the standard term to be a range of years as designated by the council. The proposed matrix in the rule would include four total offense categories, and each category is assigned a range of years as the standard baseline term. To assist the court in determining a baseline term for each youth within the range, the rule sets forth criteria for the court to weigh in making its decision.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Friday, November 4, 2022 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)


    If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

     


  • Friday, August 26, 2022 12:25 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    It’s time for OCWLA’s annual election for ten (10) Director positions. The time commitment for an OCWLA Director (or Officer) is a one (1) year term, and includes:

    1. Attendance at the OCWLA monthly Board meetings (on the fourth Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noticed);
    2. Attendance at the OCWLA monthly lunch or evening programs;
    3. Participation in OCWLA committees; and
    4. Participation in the Board Planning Retreat.

    Collegiality and camaraderie are all integral to the OCWLA Board experience.

    If you are interested in running, please submit a short Candidate's Statement and photo (optional) to us by the close of business on Monday, October 10, 2022, via email: info@ocwla.org. The 2023 Slate of Director candidates will be presented to the membership via e-blast the following week.

    Elections are held in November and will close and be tallied at the OCWLA monthly lunch meeting at Avenue of The Arts on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Election results will be announced at the end of the lunch meeting. Installation of the 2023 Board of Officers and Directors takes place at the OCWLA Holiday Reception and Installation Dinner.

    We are very excited about your interest in joining the OCWLA Board. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@ocwla.org.


  • Monday, August 22, 2022 12:45 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    This e-mail is to inform you a “Special Cycle” proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm

    Civil and Small Claims

    SP22-08

    Rules and Forms: Name and Gender Change Forms for Minors to Implement Assembly Bill 218 and Assembly Bill 421

    Summary: The Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee is proposing revisions and additions to Judicial Council forms and the revocation of one form used to request recognition of a change of gender and change of name. Proposed forms implementing statutory changes in Assembly Bill 218 (Stats. 2021, ch. 577) were circulated for comment between April and May 2022. Among other things, AB 218 made significant changes to requirements for petitions for recognition of gender change for minors (removing the requirement for consent by, or notice to, a minor’s parents) and added a new category of petitioners who may make such petitions on behalf of minors, placing certain requirements on them.

    Shortly after comment on the proposed forms closed, the Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 421 (Stats. 2022, ch. 40), urgency legislation that modifies AB 218’s provisions in significant ways. Because AB 421’s amendments immediately went into effect upon signing by the Governor, they need to be incorporated in the proposed forms before the forms go into effect in January 2023. The proposed forms for minors’ petitions have all been further revised to reflect these statutory changes, and have been reorganized to make them clearer.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Monday, September 19, 2022 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)


    Judicial Council of California

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

    415-865-7957, Fax 415-865-4391, benita.downs@jud.ca.gov 

    www.courts.ca.gov


  • Monday, August 22, 2022 12:41 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    OCWLA is proud to be a member of the newly established Unity Bar! We are thrilled to be working with our fellow bar organizations to work together to achieve diversity in the legal profession. Join us to celebrate this new group at the Inaugural Orange County Unity Bar Mixer, on September 8, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    Registration Herehttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/inaugural-orange-county-unity-bar-mixer-tickets-396705064527

  • Thursday, June 30, 2022 11:15 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

     



  • Wednesday, June 29, 2022 12:52 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)


  • Wednesday, May 04, 2022 11:51 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    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. 


    026_2022EqualPay.jpg

    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


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