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

News

  • Tuesday, January 02, 2024 10:50 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Now Accepting 2024 Sponsorships!

    OCWLA Annual Sponsorship Program

    OCWLA is pleased to offer its 2024 Annual Sponsorship Program. 

    For one singular discounted price, the program allows sponsors to receive the benefit of recognition throughout the calendar year at OCWLA's signature events including:


    • OCWLA Annual Gala
    • Women Judges Reception
    • Annual Wine Tasting 
    • Holiday Celebration & Installation Dinner

    In addition to the annual sponsorship program, OCWLA offers exclusive title sponsorships for each of its continuing education luncheons. Title sponsors receive exclusive branding on all e-communications for the sponsored luncheon and are able to share promotional materials with members attending the luncheon. If you would like more information about this opportunity, please email us at info@ocwla.org.

    Sponsorships support OCWLA's mission of advancing women in the legal profession by providing a professional network, raising awareness of discrimination and bias, and supporting charitable organizations. The ongoing support of OCWLA's sponsors have enabled the organization to continue to grow, offer additional resources to its members, and support the local legal community. 

    Questions about the sponsorship program may be referred to info@ocwla.org.

     

    Sponsor the OCWLA!


  • Monday, December 18, 2023 9:51 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    JOB SUMMARY

    Kutak Rock LLP, a large national law firm, has an immediate need for an associate in its Irvine office with 1+ years of experience, with a focus in civil litigation, insurance litigation, municipal/public entity litigation, and construction matters. In addition to having strong academic credentials, the ideal candidate will have excellent writing skills as well as experience taking and defending depositions, drafting dispositive motions and handling matters independently.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    ·        Law degree (JD) from a fully accredited law school

    ·        Experience in civil litigation, insurance litigation, municipal/public entity litigation, and construction matters

    Additional Information  Salary Range: $110,000 – $130,000

    Benefits  Benefits offered include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Flexible Spending Plan. Health Savings Account. Profit-Sharing and 401(k) Retirement benefits. Nine Paid Holidays and Paid-Time Off Plan. Employee Assistance Program. Back-Up Care. Domestic Partner Benefits. Commuting Benefits. Some of the foregoing benefits include Employer/Employee cost sharing.

    Additional Information  Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

    Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO).

    About The Firm  Kutak Rock was formed in 1965 with a commitment to exceptional client service delivered with a collaborative, team-focused approach. Our founding charter commits the firm to “allow and encourage each individual within it to be a full person,” and we strive to offer an exceptional professional environment, intellectually challenging and engaging work in multiple disciplines, competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for training and career development. We are a leading national law firm with locations in 19 cities united by our common commitment to our core values of client service; integrity and fairness; innovation; and inclusiveness and diversity.

    We are dedicated to the maintenance of a respectful, collegial, communicative, and equal opportunity workplace that encourages and rewards innovation and entrepreneurship. We measure our success not just on the basis of our revenues or our profits, but by the satisfaction we deliver for our clients and the health, engagement and loyalty of our people.

    Interested individuals may apply on our website: https://www.kutakrock.com/general-content/careers


  • Thursday, December 14, 2023 6:21 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    WINTER CYCLE PROPOSALS (3)

    APPELLATE AND CRIMINAL 

    W24-01

    Title: Criminal Procedure: Racial Justice Act

    Summary: The Appellate Advisory Committee and the Criminal Law Advisory Committee propose amending rules 4.551, 8.385, and 8.386 of the California Rules of Court and revising Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (form HC-001), Motion to Vacate Conviction or Sentence (form CR-187), and Order on Motion to Vacate Conviction or Sentence (form CR-188) to implement the Racial Justice Act, which prohibits the state from seeking or obtaining a conviction or sentence based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Friday, January 19, 2024 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

    CRIMINAL

     

    W24-02

    Title: Criminal Procedure: Appointment of Counsel for Claims Filed Under Penal Code Section 1473(f)

    Summary: The Criminal Law Advisory Committee proposes a rule of court to implement legislation requiring the Judicial Council to develop qualifications for the appointment of counsel in superior court habeas corpus proceedings under Penal Code section 1473(f).1 Section 1473(f) is part of the Racial Justice Act, which prohibits the state from seeking or obtaining a conviction or sentence based on race, ethnicity, or national origin and allows petitioners to make claims for relief based on violations of this Act.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Friday, January 19, 2024 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

    PROBATE AND MENTAL HEALTH AND FAMILY AND JUVENILE

     

    W24-03

    Title: Mental Health Law: CARE Act Rule Amendments and Form Revisions

    Summary: The Probate and Mental Health Advisory Committee proposes amending four rules of court and revising seven forms to implement Senate Bill 35 (Stats. 2023, ch. 283), which amended both substantive and procedural aspects of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act. In addition, the statute updated the Judicial Council mandate to adopt rules implementing the policies and provisions of the act to add a requirement that the rules include “communications between the CARE Act court and the juvenile court, if applicable,” and to remove the requirement that the rules include “the clerk’s review of the petition.” The Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee joins in proposing the amendment of rule 7.2210 and the revision of form CARE-100 to the extent those proposed changes address communications

    between the CARE Act court and the juvenile court.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Friday, January 19, 2024 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

    SPECIAL CYCLE PROPOSALS (2)

    Posted under the following locations:

    TECHNOLOGY

    SP23-10

    Title: Court Technology: Minimum Standards for Courtroom Technology to Permit Remote Participation in Court Proceedings (Senate Bill 133)

    Summary: Senate Bill 133 (Stats. 2023, ch. 34) requires the Judicial Council to adopt by April 1, 2024, and the trial courts to implement by July 1, 2024, minimum standards for courtroom technology necessary to permit remote participation in court proceedings. The Information Technology Advisory Committee recommends adoption of these proposed standards to satisfy the statutory mandate.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Friday, January 12, 2024 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

    SUPREME COURT

     

    SP23-11

     

    The Supreme Court of California invites public comment on a proposed amended Conflict of Interest Code for Designated Employees of the Supreme Court of California for the eventual consideration and approval by the Chief Justice of California, who serves as the code reviewing body for this code.  (Gov. Code, § 82011, subd. (g).) 

    Instructions: Comments for this proposal (SP23-11) may be submitted via email to coi.feedback@jud.ca.gov.  Any comments submitted will not be deemed confidential, but please indicate whether you wish your personal information, such as your name and email address, to be kept confidential. 

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Thursday, January 11, 2024 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

     

    You are welcome to distribute this within your court and to any other interested parties.

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


  • Tuesday, December 05, 2023 11:13 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Kutak Rock seeks an experienced environmental attorney to join its Environmental & Natural Resources Practice Group. This position may be located in any Kutak Rock office location: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Fayetteville, AR; Irvine, CA; Kansas City, MO; Little Rock, AR: Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Rogers, AR; Scottsdale, AZ; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MO; Tallahassee, FL; and Washington, D.C.

    I have included the full job description below. Interested individuals may apply at: https://www.kutakrock.com/general-content/careers

    We would like to share this position with the Orange County Women Lawyers Association. Please let me know what further information is required.

    Thank you!

    Sarah E. Anderson

    Talent Acquisition & Compliance Specialist

     

    Kutak Rock LLP

    901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1000, Richmond, VA 23219

    sarah.anderson@kutakrock.com

    p: 804.343.5248   f: 804.783.6192

    Job Summary Kutak Rock seeks an experienced environmental attorney to join its Environmental and Natural Resources Practice Group. Our team works closely with our colleagues across practice groups at Kutak Rock nation-wide to provide advice and counseling on environmental risk and liability to Kutak Rock clients. Attorneys in this role regularly interface with colleagues across offices and practice groups and engage directly with clients. This is an opportunity to grow an already established practice with a broad existing client base that includes state and local governmental entities, publicly and privately held corporations, not-for-profit groups, and lending organizations.


    This position may be located in any Kutak Rock office location: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Fayetteville, AR; Irvine, CA; Kansas City, MO; Little Rock, AR: Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Rogers, AR; Scottsdale, AZ; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MO; Tallahassee, FL; and Washington, D.C.


    Responsibilities Advise on matters associated with:

    • Mergers and acquisitions
    • Real estate, tax credits, and financing transactions
    • Permitting related to stormwater, air, and water emissions
    • Risk mitigation
    • Federal, state, and local statutory and regulatory compliance
    • Emerging contaminants
    • Renewable energy projects
    • National Environmental Policy Act

    Qualifications

    • Strong writing and communication skills
    • Law degree (JD) from an ABA accredited law school
    • Bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
    • 5+ years of environmental law experience in the public and/or private sector
    • Experience with federal law and standards (including but not limited to CERCLA, NEPA, RCRA, TSCA, FIFRA, CWA, CAA)
    • Familiarity with state and local environmental regulatory requirements
    • Experience with pollution legal liability insurance and prior defense sites preferred, but not required
    • Portable business preferred, but not required

     

    Position Information Salary Range: $150,000 - $400,000, commensurate with experience and location
    Position Status: Exempt
    Workplace Type: Hybrid

    Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Flexible Spending Plan. Health Savings Account. Fertility coverage assistance. Profit-Sharing and 401(k) Retirement benefits. Discretionary bonuses. Nine Paid Holidays per calendar year. Bereavement, jury duty, military leave. Employee Assistance Program. Back-Up Care. Domestic Partner Benefits. Commuting Benefits. Some of the foregoing benefits include Employer/Employee cost sharing.

    Additional Information Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
    Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO).

    About The Firm Kutak Rock was formed in 1965 with a commitment to exceptional client service delivered with a collaborative, team-focused approach. Our founding charter commits the firm to “allow and encourage each individual within it to be a full person,” and we strive to offer an exceptional professional environment, intellectually challenging and engaging work in multiple disciplines, competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for training and career development. We are a leading national law firm with locations in 19 cities united by our common commitment to our core values of client service; integrity and fairness; innovation; and inclusiveness and diversity.


    We are dedicated to the maintenance of a respectful, collegial, communicative, and equal opportunity workplace that encourages and rewards innovation and entrepreneurship. We measure our success not just on the basis of our revenues or our profits, but by the satisfaction we deliver for our clients and the health, engagement and loyalty of our people.


  • Tuesday, December 05, 2023 11:09 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The UC Irvine mock trial team is hosting an elite mock trial tournament this January, featuring top schools from across the county. We are very much in need of attorney volunteers from the community to serve as competition judges.

    More than half of all students who participate in mock trial are women, but year to year, our judging pool is often 60-75% male. This year, we hope to actively recruit more female attorneys to serve as judges. In our view, female representation among judges at these events can be an important part of showing ambitious young women that they belong in law.

    Would you please share the details of our upcoming mock trial tournament with your membership at OCWLA? Here is our information for folks who are willing and able to help:

    We are in need of judges for a collegiate mock trial tournament taking place on Jan. 6th & 7th at the University of California, Irvine.

    You can sign up to judge by clicking HERE. Please sign up by Dec. 15th.

    The trials: The trials are approximately three hours long and require no preparation. There will be two days of trials, both consisting of a morning round from ~9:00 to 12:00 PM and then an afternoon round from ~2:00 to 5:00 PM. Depending on your availability, you can judge as many or as few as you would like.

    The case: This year’s case is a criminal matter about a heist that occurred at a charity gala. Each trial, the prosecution gets to pick one of two defendants to charge, selecting either (1) one of the alleged robbers ("Poe Cameron") or (2) a local billionaire accused of funding the operation ("Berkley De la Porta"). The evidence, charges and witnesses available vary across the rounds, which makes each trial unique and interesting to watch.

    Judge orientation: Before each round, we will hold a 30-minute judge orientation session. In that session, we will explain how to judge the trials, how to score the trial ballot, and other logistics. No other preparation is needed to judge (i.e., you don’t need to read any part of the case ahead of time).

    Judge check-in will open 30 minutes before the orientation session, making morning check-in at 8:00 AM and afternoon check-in at 1:00 PM each day. During both days of the trials, we will be providing bagels, coffee and lunch.

    Here's the link to sign up: https://forms.gle/AUn3MDN2zC1C8KbR9


  • Monday, November 13, 2023 10:52 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The IRS Office of Chief Counsel is the largest tax firm in the country with approximately 1,500 attorneys, and Small Business/Self Employed is the largest Chief Counsel division with attorneys assigned to 47 field offices, including four different offices in Southern California.  At this time, we have an open announcement to fill many GS-12 to GS-14 attorney positions throughout the country, including at our California field offices in Los Angeles, Laguna Niguel, Thousand Oaks, and San Diego.  Please see the link below for the vacancy announcement and note that the deadline to apply is December 29, 2023.  However, application reviews and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis so we encourage anyone interested to apply as soon as they can.  Please share this announcement with your members and encourage interested members to apply.

    Vacancy Announcement #: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/735874700

    Open Period: 07/10/2023 to 12/29/2023

    For more information regarding what it’s like to work at Chief Counsel, please follow this link to learn about the many benefit programs and to read different attorney profiles.

  • Monday, October 16, 2023 7:26 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 Friday, October 20, 2023, via email: info@ocwla.org. The 2024 Slate of Director candidates will be presented to the membership via e-blast the following week.

    Elections are held online and in-person in November. Online voting will close on November 8. In-person voting will occur during the start of the OCWLA November lunch meeting on November 9 at Avenue of The Arts, Costa Mesa. Election results will be announced at the end of the lunch meeting.

    Installation of the 2024 Board of Officers and Directors takes place at the OCWLA Holiday Reception & Installation Dinner on November 29, 2023.

    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.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023 3:56 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    CRIMINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS (CALCRIM)

    CALCRIM 2023-02

    Title: Criminal Jury Instructions: Revisions Proposed Rules, Forms, Standards, or Statutes Revised Jury Instructions

    Summary: Revisions to user guide and jury instructions reflecting recent developments in the law and user suggestions.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Monday, November 27, 2023 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)


  • Tuesday, October 10, 2023 7:02 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The National Association of Women Lawyers’ General Counsel Institute (“GCI”) is a multi-day program of networking, education, and inspiration designed for senior in-house women counsel. Sessions with the general counsel of major corporations and other inspirational speakers foster frank, collegial discussions about career advancement. Workshops on key topics with leading experts provide opportunities to refine skills. GCI creates a unique environment to connect with other women counsel, share the highs and lows of in-house life, and build legal and leadership skills. Join NAWL on November 8 – 10 in New York as they focus on “; Extraordinary Times: Leading Through Change and Uncertainty”. Please note that attendance at GCI is limited to in-house counsel and sponsors. As a member of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association, you’ll receive 10% off your registration by using a discount code: please email info@ocwla.org for your code.

  • Monday, October 02, 2023 8:04 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Technology

    SP23-08

    Title: Technology: Final Findings & Recommendations of Advancing the Hybrid Courtroom

    Summary: The Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) is responsible for making recommendations for improving the administration of justice through the use of technology and for fostering cooperative endeavors to resolve common technological issues with other stakeholders in the justice system. In 2021, the ITAC initiated a workstream to work on a framework for courtrooms that are optimized for proceedings involving any number of physical

    or remote participants. After assessing and reviewing the current implementation of hybrid courtrooms, the workstream now requests your input on the draft of the Final Findings & Recommendations for developing standards for hybrid courtrooms.

    Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Thursday, October 12, 2023 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)


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