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  • Past Presidents' Tea
    Saturday, July 19, 2025 10:30 AM
    Private Residence
  • July OCWLA Book Club
    Monday, July 28, 2025 5:30 PM
    Mimi Cafe- 17231 E. 17th St. Tustin, CA 92780
  • OCWLA Women Judges Reception
    Thursday, August 21, 2025 5:30 PM
    Boardwalk Courtyard, 18575 Jamboree Road, Irvine, CA

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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 October Message

    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 Gala and 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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  • Silent Auction Pre-Registration Open!

    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.

     

    Message & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code 56512. Text HELP to 56512 for help. Privacy Policy


  • vacancy announcement for the position of Federal Public Defender (FPD) for the Central District of California

    Tuesday, October 01, 2019 7:37 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Announcement-FPD CAC.PDF

  • OCWLA President's September Message

    Tuesday, September 03, 2019 10:58 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)


    OCWLA Community,

    As we wrap up the lazy days of summer, OCWLA is embracing the upcoming months which feature OCWLA signature events: the Women Judges Reception and the Annual Gala. These are member favorites and both have historically sold out. We hope to see you at one of our many events in the upcoming month.

    Join Today for Half Price!

    As of July 1, you can join OCWLA for half the rate for the remainder of the 2019 year! Be a part of this year as we break our membership records and join today with coupon code "HALFOFF2019". Our goal of achieving 500 members is on the horizon and we are excited to be a part of this record-breaking year! 

    August Recap:


    In August, OCWLA members took an afternoon to sip and swing for charity. Members donated three bottles of high quality wine and were treated to a golf lesson, along with wine and appetizers. The wine will be donated to OCWLA Foundation and Veterans Legal Institute to help in their upcoming fundraisers. A special thank you to Rutan & Tucker LLP and Knobbe Martens for sponsoring this event! 

    Upcoming Events:


    SIGNATURE EVENT: Wednesday, September 18 - OCWLA's signature annual Women Judges Reception will be held at Chapter One Local. The annual event celebrates and encourages the advancement of women on the bench as well as recognizes Orange County's women bench officers. Light appetizers, wine and beer will be served. This event will sell out. Be sure to register early! Sitting judges are complimentary. A special thank you to our generous sponsors for this event: Knobbe Martens, Enenstein Pham & Glass, Ogletree Deakins, Call & Jensen, Hittelman Strunk Law Group, Rutan & Tucker, LLP and Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.

    Sunday, September 22 - OCWLA is joining together with the Orange County Bar Association for the More Than Pink Susan G. Komen walk. Join other members of the OC legal community on the "Raising the Bar" team, or stay home and make a donation in support of breast cancer research. You can register or donate here.

    Monday, September 30 - The September  book club book is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. 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: Thursday, October 3 - Register now for the Annual Gala! This promises to be another sold out year as OCWLA honors 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 - WFBM, LLP with the Advancement of Women Award. 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. 

    Other Opportunities:

    Sponsor the Gala & Silent Auction: It is the last chance to support OCWLA with its annual Awards Gala. The Gala Sponsorship Package is available and features sponsorships on a variety of levels. The Gala Committee is still accepting sponsorships and donations to the silent auction. For inquiries about the silent auction, please contact foundation@ocwla.org.

    Elections: Are you interested in serving on the OCWLA Board of Directors? As of September 1, 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.

    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.

    michelle@philolaw.com

    michellephilo@gmail.com


  • Interested in Running for a 2020 OCWLA Director Position?

    Sunday, September 01, 2019 8:27 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)


    It’s time for OCWLA’s annual election for nine (9) 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 Wednesday 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 Amelia Montgomery, OCWLA Executive Director, by the close of business on Thursday, October 10, 2019, via email: info@ocwla.org. The 2020 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 Andrei's on Friday, November 8, 2019. Election results will be announced at the end of the lunch meeting. Installation of the 2020 Board of Officers and Directors takes place at the OCWLA Holiday Reception and Installation Dinner on Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

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

  • University of California General Liability Program seeking applications from qualified law firms for panel of approved defense counsel

    Friday, August 30, 2019 9:08 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The Regents of the University of California, Office of General Counsel and Office of Risk Services are conducting a Request for Proposals to select a limited number of preferred outside law firms to represent the University and its employees in litigation under its General Liability Program.  General liability claims exposure is covered by the University’s General Liability Self-Insurance Program and typically involves third-party lawsuits alleging personal injuries (auto accidents, slip and fall, etc.), non-employee discrimination and harassment, ADA violations, libel, slander and invasion of privacy, appellate work and claims involving sexual violence/harassment/Title IX.  This recruitment does not include employment, medical malpractice or professional liability-related lawsuits or police misconduct.  Attached you will find a memorandum announcing the panel review seeking applications from qualified firms, along with the application.  These materials are also available online at http://www.ucop.edu/general-counsel/index.html

    All applications and supporting material will be accepted through October 15, 2019, and must be submitted in 1 PDF via email to General.kq3s0kovpjszgz9l@u.box.com

     


  • Notice from the Clerk - Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective December 1, 2019

    Sunday, August 25, 2019 10:31 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

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

  • Public Finance/Real Estate Finance Associate, Los Angeles, California

    Wednesday, August 21, 2019 10:32 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Kutak Rock LLP's Los Angeles office is seeking a Public Finance or Real Estate Finance Associate Attorney with 2-4 years of experience in public finance or real estate finance. Experience working with state and local governments, underwriters and banks in connection with tax-exempt financings is helpful.  In the absence of public finance experience, the successful candidate should have general corporate and real estate transactional experience. 

    The successful candidate must have strong communication and writing skills, be self-motivated with the drive to help shape and expand a growing practice, and have the ability and confidence to work independently. All candidates must be currently admitted in California.

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

    Thank you.

    Miriam J. Blair | Administrative Coordinator for the Office of the Chair | Kutak Rock LLP

    1650 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102

    Office: 402-346-6000 Ext. 1225 |  Direct: 402-231-8761 | Cell: 402-708-2599

    Miriam.Blair@kutakrock.com| www.kutakrock.com


  • Associate Attorney (Litigation) - Los Angeles/Orange County, CA

    Tuesday, August 06, 2019 11:00 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Kutak Rock LLP, a national law firm, is looking for a litigation associate with 2-5 years' experience for its Los Angeles and/or Irvine offices with substantial experience in environmental, toxic tort and product liability litigation. Please submit resume and a writing sample when applying. 

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

    • Principals only. Recruiters, please do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers

      Kutak Rock LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse working environment and to principles that promote inclusive practices. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy, caregiver status, gender stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, AIDS/HIV status, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran, or any other legally protected category. The firm will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants requiring accommodation in the job application process should contact the Human Resources Department at 402-346-6000 or by emailing HRDepartment@KutakRock.com.


  • OCWLA President's August Message

    Friday, August 02, 2019 9:18 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    OCWLA Community,

    Summer is in full swing. Even with the warmer weather and vacation schedules, OCWLA members have continued to stay active within the organization by volunteering in the community and with the OCWLA Gala committee.

    Join Today for Half Price!

    As of July 1, you can join OCWLA for half the rate for the remainder of the 2019 year! Be a part of this year as we break our membership records and join today with coupon code "HALFOFF2019".

    July Recap:


    In July, OCWLA members volunteered with CASA OC at their annual back to school picnic. Members assorted in a variety of capacities from assisting with cookie decorating, to handing out books, playing baseball, and working the photo booth. The annual event provides a fun afternoon for children in the foster system along with their advocates to mingle and get school supplies.

    OCWLA also debuted its EmpowHer™ shirts at the event! Watch for details on how you can earn or purchase one of these shirts and other merchandise.

    Upcoming Events:

    Monday, August 26 - The August book club book is Educated by Tara Westover. 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, August 27 - Sip and Swing for Charity at Strawberry Farms Golf Club! In exchange for a donation of 3 bottles of 90 point or higher wine, members will have time on the driving range with an instructor, followed by adult beverages and appetizers. The wine that is collected will be donated to the Orange County Women Lawyers Association Foundation silent auction and the Veterans Legal Institute's Lawyers for Warriors event. Due to the limited space, this is a member's only event. Be sure to sign up early as a wait list is anticipated. Thank you to Rutan & Tucker LLP and Knobbe Martens for sponsoring this event.

    Wednesday, September 18 - OCWLA's annual Women Judges Reception will be held at Chapter One Local. The annual event celebrates and encourages the advancement of women on the bench. Light appetizers, wine and beer will be served. This event will sell out. Be sure to register early! Sitting judges are complimentary.

    Thursday, October 3 - The Annual Gala returns to Pelican Hill with an exciting program 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 - WFBM, LLP with the Advancement of Women Award. Registration is now available. The Gala committee has been hard at work creating a fantastic evening. 

    Other Opportunities:

    Sponsor the Gala: OCWLA's 2019 Gala Sponsorship Package is available.

    The Gala Committee is currently seeking sponsorships and donations to the silent auction. For inquiries about the silent auction, you can contact foundation@ocwla.org.

    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.



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