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Happy May, OCWLA Members and Friends!
May invites both momentum and reflection within our profession and in the broader community. At OCWLA, our focus remains steady: advancing women in the legal profession while supporting equity, access, and meaningful engagement. As Dolores Huerta reminds us, “Every moment is a chance to change the world.” Often, that change happens in small, but consistent ways.
Our recent Equal Pay Day CLE reflected that approach. The program focused on practical tools—how to invest in yourself, assess your value, and approach negotiations with clarity and preparation. These are skills that can have a tangible impact over time, particularly as we continue working toward greater equity in the profession.
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That same commitment carries through our broader efforts in philanthropy, advocacy, mentorship, volunteerism, and pro bono service. This past month, our leadership was recognized for the second year as a Tustin Superhero for pro bono work with the Veterans Legal Institute.
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We were also humbled to receive CRF-OC’sCommunity Partner Award, reflecting our members’ volunteer service as scorekeepers and their direct support of students gaining practical insight into the legal system, critical thinking skills, and confidence in civic participation.
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Members of our Board, general membership, and Foundation were also recognized by OneOC through its Spirit of Volunteerism Awards. This recognition carries particular significance. It centers not on titles or roles, but on sustained, hands-on service—individuals who consistently give their time, skills, and attention to strengthen the community.
The honorees reflect a broad range of impact, from direct service and mentorship to leadership in nonprofit and civic initiatives. What unites them is a shared commitment to showing up where there is need and contributing in meaningful, often unpublicized ways. That work does not always appear on a résumé, but it is foundational to the health and function of our community.
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At OCWLA, we do not operate in silos. We come together—with purpose—through advocacy, leadership, mentorship, and service. We show up with intention, and in doing so, we continue to move the profession forward while strengthening the communities we serve.
While recognition is appreciated, much of this work happens quietly and without much attention. Like many in the legal profession, it is easy to move from one obligation to the next without taking a moment to reflect. This month is a good opportunity to do just that—to consider the impact of the time and effort you contribute, whether through mentoring, pro bono work, or simply showing up and participating.
OCWLA continues to bring people together through programming, service, and shared purpose. That collective effort—across advocacy, leadership, and community involvement—sustains the organization and its mission.
Looking ahead, we hope you will join us at our Spring Coffee Meetup, a chance to connect in a more informal setting, and at our upcoming May CLE, which will focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal practice.
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As we move forward, let us remain grounded in the understanding that impact is not episodic—it is cumulative. And it is within our control.
Thank you for the work you do each day, both seen and unseen. It makes a difference over time. Let’s continue to change the world—one day, one action, and one moment at a time.
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Heidi Plummer
2026 OCWLA President
Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at Law
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