Hello OCWLA Community!

Sleigh bells ring! Are you listening? I have said many times this year, that I am honored to be the 2022 Orange County Women Lawyers Association President, and it is especially true as I look back at this year. I am proud of all the OCWLA events, MCLEs, coffee meetups, and book clubs that brought us together. The Gala was a magical night where we were able to honor a few women who make positive impacts in the legal profession that benefit all of us. I am especially proud that an OCWLA Past President is now the Mayor of Anaheim! This year has shown just how amazing OCWLA is. I look forward to celebrating all of our accomplishments at the Holiday Party and Installation. Happy holidays!       

Upcoming Events

Celebrate With Us! This year’s Holiday Celebration will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa. Join us as we celebrate an amazing 2022 and install the 2023 OCWLA Board of Directors, and 2023 OCWLA Foundation Board of Directors. Register today!

Book Club Holiday Party And Gift Exchange: Join us for a catered meal at the residence of a Book Club member in Orange (address provided upon registration). Please bring a drink to share and a new, wrapped book to participate in our book gift exchange. Registration is required for this Members Only event! Register today!

OCWLA Member Achievements

OCWLA Past President Becomes Anaheim Mayor! We are thrilled that one of OCLWA’s Past Presidents, Ashleigh Aitken, was elected as the Mayor of Anaheim! As the first female mayor in over 100 years, Ashleigh embodies OCWLA’s mission of advancement of women. What an amazing role model for all young women. 

Our Fabulous November

Fay Stender Award Recipient Kimberly La Salle: Orange County Women Lawyers Association proudly recognized this year’s recipient of the California Women Lawyers Fay Stender Award, Kimberly La Salle. What a great reception! 

The Past President’s Tea: We had a lovely time celebrating the inspiring leadership of our Past Presidents at the Past President’s Tea.

Women Litigators Panel: Last month, our MCLE boasted an impressive all female panel of successful trial lawyers. The information that these seasoned attorneys shared was inspirational and informative!

Book Club: Last month, our Book Club laughed with Molly the Maid in The Maid by Nita Prose. Heather Stangle-Smith led the discussion on this hilarious comedic murder mystery. 

Get Involved!

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. 

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. At an upcoming event, the OCWLA will recognize one "Everyday Hero" and the great work they do. To nominate an Everyday Hero, fill out this form.

Utilize Our Discussion Forum: OCWLA continues to take action that will connect members in new ways. 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. 

Join Us!: We would love to have you join OCWLA! Renew your membershiptoday 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 became an Affiliate Organization 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. OCWLA Members can join at a discounted annual rate of $95 when they sign up for an "Affiliate" membership Join CWL as an "Affiliate Member" today!

Recognizing OCWLA’s Members

Welcome New & Renewing Members!

Welcome Brenda Armenta, Latasha Bonaparte, Ashley Duell, Aidan Eldridge, Kathleen Juniper, Joelle Leib, Arshia Mardasi, Mimi Mikulka, Katie Nessan, Yulisa Pedraza, Nyja Prior, Silvana Sarkis, Ruchita Shah, Nairi Siddiqi, Alexis Stoker, Hellay Taherian, Nour Vakhshoury, Nichole Weber, Annie Zwarg. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to meeting you at the next event.

Remembering Member Shauna Meryn Kossoff

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the recent passing of OCWLA Member Shauna Meryn Kossoff. Shauna passed after a long battle with glioblastoma. She is survived by her husband Matt and her son. Shauna was an attorney, a loving wife, and an amazing mother. Her greatest pleasures in life were exploration of the spirit and spending time with her friends, husband, and son. Shauna was a regular attendee of the OCWLA Book Club and will be missed by OCWLA. Please click here for information about her service or to sign her guest book.

Dana Heyde, OCWLA President

Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP

dana@cklhlaw.com