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ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

FOR WOMEN LAWYERS AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEIR ADVANCEMENT

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  • OCWLA President's January Message

    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 10 - MCLE: 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
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  • OCWLA President's December Message

    Wednesday, December 04, 2019 1:38 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    Orange County Women Lawyers Logo EmpowHer

    OCWLA Community,

    As 2019 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank this year's Board of Directors. Each of them has embraced the EmpowHer™ theme and has provided their own distinct contribution to this record-breaking year. Thank you to Jessica Achtsam, Jacqueline Beaumont, Sheila-Marie Finkelstein, Betty Fracisco, Kelly Galligan, Jaimi Groothuis, Dana Heyde, Tracy Hughes, Colleen McCarthy, Jessica Munk, Sarah Nowels, Laurie Rowen, Heather Stangle-Smith, and Lucia Valenzuela. I would also like to thank our Foundation Board of Directors including Jaimi Groothuis, Betty Fracisco, Shelly Aronson, and Linda Iannelli. And thank you to the many members who served on OCWLA committees. I would also like to thank Amelia Montgomery, OCWLA's Executive Director, for her exemplary work and dedication to OCWLA. 

    In 2019, OCWLA has not only achieved its goal of 500 members, but has soared past the goal with 587 members. OCWLA was able to give the largest amount it has ever given to local charities, and the OCWLA Foundation was able to double its bar stipend program. The work accomplished this year launches OCWLA into the next decade on a new platform.
    Upcoming Events:
    Signature Event: Tuesday, December 10 - OCWLA Holiday Party & Installation Dinner - OCWLA Holiday Party & Installation Dinner - The 2020 OCWLA and OCWLA Foundation Board of Directors will be installed by Hon. Linda Marks at Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa.  This annual event is a member favorite allowing OCWLA to take a moment during the busy holiday season to celebrate the accomplishments of 2019 and welcome the 2020 leadership.  In addition, OCWLA will recognize Orange County Justice Fund with its Community Service Award.

    Monday, December 16 - OCWLA Book Club Holiday Party & Book Exchange.  This no host group will meet at a member's home for a potluck and book exchange.  You will be provided the location address prior to the event.  There is no charge for members to attend. 

    January 16, 2020 - OCBA Judges Night - OCWLA coordinates 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. You will be invoiced through OCWLA and OCWLA will coordinate and pay for your seat at Judges Night with other OCWLA members.
    Other Opportunities:
    Everyday Hero Nominations: OCWLA is seeking nominations for Everyday Heroes. The Everyday Hero award is presented to members of the Orange County legal community for everyday and not so everyday acts or accomplishments. If you know someone that should be recognized as an Everyday Hero, please submit a nomination to info@ocwla.org.

    Thank you to the Orange County community for an incredible 2019!
    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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  • 2020 1L NAWL Summer Internship

    Wednesday, November 20, 2019 12:17 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The National Association of Women Lawyers is pleased to partner with Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential) to provide a meaningful summer internship opportunity for a highly-motivated first-year law student. Through this partnership, the National Association of Women Lawyers will select a student to join the 2020 summer law intern class at Prudential for a 10-week internship at Prudential’s New Jersey offices, for a stipend of approximately $10,000. Email nawl@nawl.org to apply.



  • Congratulations to the 2020 OCWLA Officers & Directors

    Monday, November 18, 2019 1:16 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    Orange County Women Lawyers Association
    Congratulations to the 2020 OCWLA Officers & Directors  
     
    President:
    Michelle A. Philo

    Vice President:
    Kelly Galligan

    Treasurer:
    Dana Heyde

    Secretary:
    G. Lucia Valenzuela

    Directors:
    Jessica Achtsam
    Shelly Aronson
    Jacqueline Beaumont
    Caroline Djang
    Betty Fracisco
    Tracy Hughes
    Colleen M. McCarthy
    Jessica C. Munk
    Laurie Rowen
    Heather Stangle-Smith
    Proud Usahacharoenporn
     
    The 2020 OCWLA Officers & Directors will be installed at the OCWLA Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 10 at The Avenue of The Arts Hotel, Costa Mesa. For more information, and to register, please see below:
    Holiday Party
    STAY CONNECTED:

  • Career Opportunity: Fisher Phillips LLP - Employment Litigation Associate (5-7 years)

    Monday, November 18, 2019 12:58 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Fisher Phillips Career Opportunity.

    Description:

    The Irvine office of Fisher Phillips seeks a senior level associate with 5-7 years of employment litigation and/or class action experience. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience handling California wage-hour class action claims and PAGA cases. Qualified candidates will be comfortable drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadings, drafting and arguing motions, as well as taking and defending depositions. Candidate must have excellent academic credentials, strong writing and analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Successful candidate will be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be admitted in California.

    We are not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.


  • Job Opportunity with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Case Management Specialist, San Francisco, CA)

    Thursday, November 07, 2019 7:38 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Job Title Case Management Specialist Location San Francisco, CA 

    Compensation $102,691 to $168,892 per year 

    Series & Grade SK 12 

    Position Number 20-DE-10649104-MJB Application Deadline November 19, 2019 

    Summary 

    The Case Management Specialist will join a team that is responsible for performing a range of duties associated with SEC matters under inquiry, compliance examination, investigation, and enforcement actions. 

    To Apply 

    To learn more about this employment opportunity and/or to apply online, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xpjxM 

    For assistance, please contact the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion at (202) 551-6046 or omwi@sec.gov. 


  • Notice from the Clerk: Amended Local Rules Effective December 1, 2019

    Friday, November 01, 2019 10:57 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk regarding amended local rules effective December 1, 2019.

    https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/amended-local-rules-effective-december-1-2019


  • OCWLA President's November Message

    Friday, November 01, 2019 10:40 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    Orange County Women Lawyers Logo EmpowHer

    OCWLA Community,

    OCWLA kicked off October off with the sensational Annual Gala. The sold-out event created quite the buzz with a flash mob and an opportunity to take photos with the women currently sitting as Supreme Court Justices. If you weren't able to make it this year, be sure to be prepared for next year when we celebrate OCWLA's 45th Anniversary and the Centennial of the women's right to vote. As we wrap up this year with our final CLE, holiday and installation dinner, and final mixer, I feel the Orange County legal community has truly rallied behind this year's theme to EmpowHer™ women in the profession.
    OCWLA Continues to Break Membership Records
    Last month OCWLA was proud to report that OCWLA for the first time achieved over 500 members. The momentum of the events this last month have caused an additional spike in leadership and OCWLA is now at 576 members!!! You can still join to be part of this record-breaking year. If you Join today you will receive membership for the remainder of 2019 and 2020.
    Gala & October Recap
    The Annual Gala at Pelican Hill was simply a stunning, inspirational, and motivational evening. Members and guests enjoyed a reception overlooking the sunset in Newport Coast, followed by an awards ceremony that included a flash mob of dancers from Orange County High School of the Arts. Guests dined amongst tables filled with roses and rose petals with the OCWLA "EmpowHer" logo prominently displayed in the middle of the room.

    OCWLA is proud to have recognized, Hon. Elizabeth Macias as the Judge of the Year, Lei Lei Weng Ekvall as the Attorney of the Year, and Walsworth - WFBM, LLP with the Advancement of Women Award. Videos about the award recipients can be found here. OCWLA also recognized two of its philanthropy award recipients, CASA of Orange County and Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children's with donations of $5,000 each.

    The charitable arm of the organization, the OCWLA Foundation, presented a record-breaking $10,000 in bar study stipends. A special thank you to Jennifer Keller and Keith More for their efforts in raising funding to sustain and grow OCWLA Foundation's stipend and scholarship program.

    Thank you to all of our sponsors, the Gala Committee, and the boards of directors of OCWLA and the Foundation. This event would not be possible without you.
    Andra Greene_ Elizabeth Kolar_ and Mary-Christine M.C. Sungaila
    At October's luncheon, Andra Greene, Elizabeth Kolar, and Mary-Christine "M.C." Sungaila, provided members with their trial tips and techniques they have learned along the way to becoming exceptional attorneys. The panel was moderated by Tracy Hughes. Thank you to each of these women for sharing their knowledge and expertise.
    Upcoming Events:
    Friday, November 8 - CLE: The Power of NO - Setting Boundaries to Help You Find Success and Fulfillment in Your Personal and Professional Life - Executive Lion Tamer® Carol Marzouk answers the question "What if there was a way to say NO and maintain work-life balance in a manner that positively impacts your career and home life, and allows you to be fully present, focused, and fulfilled both at work and at home? This  not to miss presentation offers a MCLE credit in Competence Issues.

    Thursday, November 14 - The OCWLA Social - Presented by Center 39, is a free membership event held at Center Club Orange County. Meet, mix, and mingle with fellow Members and guests. Be sure to register for this event in advance.

    Monday, November 18 - *Note date change due to Thanksgiving holiday* The November book club book is Recursion by Blake Crouch. 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. 

    Signature Event: Tuesday, December 10 - Save the Date: OCWLA Holiday Party & Installation Dinner - Registration will open soon for this annual event welcoming the 2020 Board of Directors for both OCWLA and the OCWLA Foundation. 

    OCBA Judges Night - OCWLA coordinates 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. You will be invoiced through OCWLA and OCWLA will coordinate and pay for your seat at Judges Night with other OCWLA members.
    Other Opportunities:
    Elections: OCWLA had adopted electronic voting this year and elections for the 2020 Board of Directors are underway. All eligible voting members received e-ballots. If you have not received your e-ballot, please contact info@ocwla.org. Voting closes on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 5:00 pm.

    Everyday Hero Nominations: OCWLA is seeking nominations for Everyday Heroes. The Everyday Hero award is presented to members of the Orange County legal community for everyday and not so everyday acts or accomplishments. If you know someone that should be recognized as an Everyday Hero, please submit a nomination to info@ocwla.org.

    Instagram: OCWLA is now on Instagram! Follow us @ocwomenlawyersassoc.

    Thank you to the Orange County community for your ongoing support.
    Cheers,
     
    Michelle A. Philo
    Michelle A. Philo
    OCWLA President

    STAY CONNECTED:

  • OCWLA Volunteer Opportunities

    Wednesday, October 30, 2019 1:28 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Mock Trial Competition And Networking Dinner

    Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County is hosting its 39th Annual Orange County High School Mock Trial Competition.

    Several OCWLA members will be volunteering on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 5:00 pm (check-in time at 4:30 pm) to 7:30 pm (approximate end time) to serve as scorekeepers for mock trial rounds held at the Orange County Superior Court Central Justice Complex in Santa Ana.

    OCWLA members are invited get together after judging for a casual mix and mingle at a nearby restaurant, Chapter One: the modern local, 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701. This volunteer opportunity is open to all attorneys, as well as those awaiting bar exam results. Attorney scorekeepers will evaluate student performances and provide feedback to the students.

    Please register to volunteer directly through CRFOC's website: https://www.crfoc.org/mock-trial-attorney-volunteer/

    Please RSVP for the post-volunteering Chapter One mix and mingle (even if only tentative) to info@ocwla.org so we can have an approximate headcount.

    Holiday Tree Donations and Holiday Decorating

    OCWLA is working with Human Options to decorate its shelter facility for the holidays. Several OCWLA members will be volunteering at the Human Options facility on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm.

    Trees: If your firm would like to donate a holiday tree, please contact us to make arrangements. We are also looking for member volunteers that would be interested in putting up the holiday décor.

    Decoration Volunteers: Due to restrictions in working with the facility, the decorating will take place on Wednesday, December 4 in the early afternoon. If you are interested in decorating during your lunch hour, please email us at info@ocwla.org to be placed on a list. Once we verify the time, we will contact you to verify your availability.

    Small Denomination Gift Cards

    OCWLA will once again collect small denominational gift cards for Collaborative Courts Foundation at its Holiday & Installation Dinner on December 10, 2019. The $5, $10, $15 gift cards are donated to Collaborative Courts Foundation to support program participants. Gift cards to fast food restaurants, retail stores, and grocery stores are greatly appreciated.

    If you are not able to make the holiday party, you can bring the gift cards to any OCWLA event between now and then and provide them to an OCWLA board member.


  • OCWLA Election: 2020 Orange County Women Lawyers Association Officers and Directors

    Tuesday, October 29, 2019 7:58 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Voting members of the OCWLA are invited to participate by voting online, or in-person.

    Online voting closes on November 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

    In-person voting will occur at the General Meeting, scheduled on November 8, 2019 before 1:00 p.m. at Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, 2607 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614. Register for November 8 Luncheon>

    Questions? Email Amelia Montgomery, Executive Director at info@ocwla.org.



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