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

News

  • 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:
  • 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.


  • 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.


  • Tuesday, October 29, 2019 7:57 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Kutak Rock LLP, a national law firm, has an immediate opening for a 3 to 5-year litigation associate in its Irvine office.   

    Candidates must have strong communication and writing skills, be self-motivated, and have the ability and confidence to work independently. Experience in business and commercial litigation preferred. All candidates must be currently admitted in California.

    Please submit a writing sample when applying.

    Kutak Rock offers a collegial working environment with a competitive benefits package.

    https://www.kutakrock.com/careers/irvine-litigation-associate


  • Monday, October 21, 2019 7:50 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    To view the announcement, please go to our website at www.cacd.uscourts.gov/employment

  • Wednesday, October 16, 2019 8:45 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    A new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm

     

    SP19-10

    Judicial Branch Administration: Policies on Workplace Conduct

    Summary: To promote improvement and greater consistency in how judicial branch entities prevent and address harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and inappropriate workplace conduct based on a protected classification, the Rules and Projects Committee (RUPRO) proposes a new rule of court to establish standardized baseline requirements for court policies on the prevention, reporting, and resolution of these types of complaints. This proposal originated from recommendations made by the Work Group for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment, appointed by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. Those recommendations, including a recommendation to adopt a rule on these issues, were approved by the Judicial Council on July 19, 2019.

     

    The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2019.


  • Tuesday, October 15, 2019 1:49 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    October 23, 2019 | 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
    Event Address: Eureka | 4143 Campus Drive, Irvine
    For questions: info@occd.org or (949) 608-8305

  • Sunday, October 13, 2019 8:48 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    OneJustice is looking for a Staff Attorney to join our team of legal aid innovators. The Staff Attorney will be based in our Los Angeles office and work on a portfolio of projects, including stewarding one of OneJustice’s pioneering projects, IMPACT LA, which leverages the private bar to serve survivors of domestic violence.  As part of the Pro Bono Justice team, the Staff Attorney will also work on helping to build and support pro bono networks throughout California, including providing consulting and logistical support to legal aid organizations around the state.  

    For more information and to apply, please click here: https://onejustice.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=33  


  • Wednesday, October 02, 2019 11:19 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    Orange County Women Lawyers Logo EmpowHer

    OCWLA Community,

    The Annual Gala is here! We hope to see many members at the Annual Gala on Thursday where we will recognize OCWLA's Judge of the Year Hon. Elizabeth G. Macias, Attorney of the Year Lei Lei Weng Ekvall, and Advancement of Women Awardee Walsworth - WFBM, LLP. This event would not be the success that it is without the sponsorships of our local legal community, the tireless efforts of the Gala Committee and the dedication of both the OCWLA and OCWLA Foundation Boards of Directors. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! It truly takes the power of the community to EmpowHer women in the profession.
    OCWLA Breaks Membership Records
    For the first time in its history, OCWLA has exceeded 500 members! You can still join to be part of this record-breaking year! Join today and get the rest of 2019 FREE, as well as the year 2020 (membership expires January 1, 2021.)
    September Recap:
    Women Judges Reception
    Women Judges Reception
    Women Judges Reception
    Women Judges Reception
    In September, OCWLA had its annual Women Judges Reception. The event recognizes the strides women have made on the bench in Orange County and provides members with the opportunity to chat with bench officers about the journey to the bench. A special thank you to Call & Jensen, Enenstein Pham & Glass, Hittelman Strunk Law Group, LLP, Knobbe Martens, Ogletree Deakins, Robinson Calcagnie, Inc., and Rutan & Tucker LLP for sponsoring this event!
    Upcoming Events:
    SIGNATURE EVENT: Thursday, October 3 As promised, we have reached capacity at the Annual Galand have a waitlist! We are looking forward to celebrating this year's honorees including 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. We are also recognizing two of our philanthropy award recipients, CASA of Orange County and Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children's. The Gala committee has been hard at work creating a fantastic evening, starting with a champagne reception and silent auction on the terrace overlooking the Newport Coast sunset, with several "Instagram-worthy" photo opportunities for all attendees.

    If you weren't able to snag a seat at this year's event, you can still participate in the silent auction provided you can pick up your winnings in person in Newport Beach. Simply visit the silent auction site to participate!

    Sunday, October 6 - OCWLA & OCBA YLD Hike - OCWLA is again joining with the OCBA YLD for a hike at Crystal Cove State Park. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and greet with members as well as focus on the wellness of the profession with a little physical activity. There is no cost to attend.

    Friday, October 11 - CLE: Trial Tips & Techniques from Superstars of the Courtroom - We are excited to host an amazing panel of Andra Greene, Elizabeth Kolar, and M.C. Sungaila! These leading Orange County trial and appellate attorneys will provide tips and techniques they have learned along the way to become exceptional attorneys. This is a not-to-miss CLE!

    Monday, October 28 - The October book club book is the classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. 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.
    Other Opportunities:
    Election Nomination Deadline: Are you interested in becoming more involved? Nominations for the 2020 Board of Directors is open. Self-nomination is encouraged. If you have questions about serving on the OCWLA Board of Directors and the responsibilities it entails, do not hesitate to reach out to any of our current board members. Please provide your statement of candidacy to info@ocwla.org no later than October 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm.

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

    Whew! This is a busy time of year! Thank you to the Orange County community for your ongoing support.

    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
    Michelle A. Philo
    OCWLA President

    STAY CONNECTED:
    Orange County Women Lawyers Association, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658

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  • Tuesday, October 01, 2019 7:53 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Have You Pre-Registered for The Silent Auction?

    • Save Time Registering At The Event

    • Get Early Access to Silent Auction Bidding on Your Smartphone or Desktop (Bidding Opens TODAY!)
    We encourage EVERYONE to Pre-Register 
    with your Credit Card before the event.


      PRE-REGISTER NOW 

    2019 Auction Featured Auction Items:

    • Two Sets of 3 ON THE ICE Ducks Tickets
    • Tickets to Disneyland, Raging Waters & the OC Fair
    • Pelican Hill Spa and Resort Gift Certificates
    • Segerstrom Center Tickets to Miss Saigon, Anastasia & Fireflies
    • Burke Williams
    • 7 Night Mexico Resort Stay
    • 5 Nights in Telluride, CO
    • Catered dinner for 10
    • Gift certificates to Flemmings, Chapter One, and Fig & Olive
    • Golf packages and more


    Not Able To Attend This Year?

    • Bid From Home & Remotely!
      • Pre-register for the silent auction using the instructions above, 
      • and join us on October 3 from 5:30pm to 7pm online! 
    • Make a Donation to the OCWLAF Bar Stipend Fund
      Your donation and name will appear on our fundraising thermometer, shown during the event!
    • Pick-up is required
      After the event, please pick up your items at Bentley & More LLP, 4931 Birch St, Newport Beach, CA 92660 

    Help Us Reach Our Goal!

    Once you have registered for the Silent Auction you can Click to Donate to our Bar Stipend Fund.

     

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