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

President Messages

  • Wednesday, August 09, 2023 10:14 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Happy August OCWLA Members!

    We had an amazing July! We held our first ever Speed Networking Event that sold out! Leadership & Development Consultant Tracy Stayton provided excellent tips on giving an effective elevator pitch and provided tips for professional networking and business development. It was such a success that we plan to hold the event annually.

    Also, our Women Judges Reception is less than a month away. It will be held on Thursday, September 7th at the Boardwalk Courtyard. This is a great event to meet and talk with the Women Judges in Orange County and will likely sell out, so be sure to register soon. Register here >

    This year’s Annual Gala is also right around the corner, and will be held at VEA Newport Beach on Tuesday, October 17th. Sponsorship opportunities are still available!



    UPCOMING EVENTS


    August OCWLA Book Club

    An OCWLA Members-Only Club. Join us for our monthly book club! This month we will be reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The discussion will be led by Lori Cheyne of Aptus Court Reporting at 5:30pm on August 28th at Mimi's Café in Tustin!



    OCWLA Women Judges Reception

    Join OCWLA's Annual Women Judges Reception on Thursday, September 7th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Boardwalk Courtyard in Irvine. Sitting Judges are complimentary.

    This event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors: 

    Diamond: Bock & Plummer LLP

    Platinum: Cox, Castle & NicholsonCrowell & Moring

    Gold: Judicate WestRutan & Tucker

    Emerald: ADR Services, Inc.Allen Flatt Ballidis & LeslieCiti Law Firm GroupGoodman Bail BondsKennedy McCarthy & Rumm LLPManufacturers BankMontage Legal GroupPremier UniformsSantos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C.Sunwest Bank

    Silver: Aptus Court ReportingIkuta • Hemesath LLPTraut Firm 



    The 2023 OCWLA Annual Gala 

    Registration and sponsorship opportunities have opened for the 2023 OCWLA Annual Gala on Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00pm - 8:30pm at VEA Newport Beach. Join us in honoring the OCWLA Judge of the Year, the Honorable Claudia J. Silbar, Attorney of the Year, Kate Corrigan, and the Advancement of Women Awardee, The Orange County Bar Association.




    OCWLA NEWS


    Email WISEPlace

    Legal Advice Needed for WISEPlace Participants

    WISEPlace, one of OCWLA’s 2023 Philanthropy grant recipients, is seeking volunteer attorneys to assist women experiencing homelessness with pro bono legal services. Current needs include, but are not limited to, family law, housing/eviction law, criminal law, employment law, consumer law, and immigration law. If you are interested, please contact Elizabeth Hendershot at eliz@wiseplace.orgor (714) 803-5302.






  • Wednesday, July 05, 2023 11:46 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Happy July OCWLA Members!

    I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July Holiday. It is nice that it finally feels like Summer. Thank you to everyone who came out for our Annual Membership Mixer on June 8th. It was a great evening and a great way to kick off the start of Summer. Thank you again to our many Annual Sponsors who helped make this event happen. 

    I am excited to share about our upcoming Speed Networking eventon Friday, July 14th. This event will be a great opportunity to perfect your elevator pitch with tips from Leadership & Development Consultant, Tracy Stayton. We will then practice these skills by speed networking. This is a great way to meet other women lawyers and expand your referral network. I hope to see you at this great event! Register here.

    This year’s Annual Gala will be held at VEA Newport Beach on Tuesday, October 17th. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Learn more here.



    UPCOMING EVENTS


    Yoga In The Park

    AN OCBA LAWYER WELL BEING, OCBA MOMMY ESQ. COMMITTEE, OCBA YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION AND ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION EVENT

    Join us on Saturday, July 8, from 10:00am to 11:30am at beautiful Begonia Park in Corona Del Mar for a yoga class instructed by registered ERYT500, YACEP teacher Robin Hall. All levels of yoga experience are welcome.



    WISEPlace Summer Bash:

    Donate or Volunteer!

    Join OCWLA on Sunday, July 9, 2023 to donate Summer essentials or volunteer at the event. For more information, please visit our website.



    Women Supporting Women

    I Want to Refer You Business!

    Join us on Friday, July 14, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at Avenue of The Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa for lunch and a presentation from Tracy Stayton, a renowned speaker and trainer at conferences and companies across the U.S. She will provide tips on how to give an effective elevator pitch and provide the "dos and don’ts" in professional networking and business development. We will then use those skills as we break into groups for speed networking.



    OCWLA Past Presidents' Tea

    Join the OCWLA for a full tea service on Saturday, July 22, at 10:00am at Morning Lavender Cafe, Tustin outdoors on the patio.

    An exclusive members-only event. Space is limited.



    July OCWLA Book Club - One Week Early This Month

    An OCWLA Members-Only Club. Join us for our monthly book club! This month we will be reading The Only Woman In The Room by Marie Benedict. The discussion will be led by Janelle Price of Price Legal Practice at 5:30pm on July 24th at Mimi's Café in Tustin!



    The 2023 OCWLA Annual Gala 

    Registration and sponsorship opportunities have opened for the 2023 OCWLA Annual Gala on Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00pm - 8:30pm at VEA Newport Beach. Join us in honoring the OCWLA Judge of the Year, the Honorable Claudia J. Silbar, Attorney of the Year, Kate Corrigan, and the Advancement of Women Awardee, The Orange County Bar Association.








    OCWLA June Book Club: Lori Cheyne from Aptus Court Reporting led a discussion about Verity by Colleen Hoover. OCWLA members: join our next meeting on July 24!



    RECOGNIZING OCWLA'S MEMBERS


    Welcome New & Renewing Members!

    Thank you & welcome Anna Aberman, Carley Anderson, Skye Anderson, Melani Bartholomew, Olivia Benvenuto, Rachel Boden, Jordan Carman, Victoria Cendejas, Kristina De La Rosa, Kala Gabler, Dina Joseph, Erica Lee, Melanie McCorkle, Emily McCorry, Aditi Murillo, Meghan Murphey, Samantha Pruett, Taline Ratanjee, Melanie Scotto, Leyla Tabatabaie, Michelle Wang, Audi Wu, Elif Yesildal. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to seeing you at the next event.



  • Friday, June 02, 2023 10:49 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Happy June OCWLA Members!

    It is hard to believe that Summer is almost here! We had a busy May, starting with our Cinco de Mayo coffee meetup that we held with the Hispanic Bar of Orange County. 

    We also had a great turnout at the California Women Lawyers’ 2023 Annual Conference, which was held here in Orange County. Thank you to everyone who turned out, and a big thank you to Tracy Hughes, who helped organize this great event. 

    I was honored to present the Judith Soley Lawyer As A Citizen Award to OCWLA Past President and Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, who has dedicated her life’s work to public service, the law, and making our community a better place.

    As we step into Summer, please join us for our Annual Membership Mixer, which will be held on Thursday, June 8th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Zov’s in Tustin. Register here > Come meet the OCWLA Foundation Board and hear more about our upcoming Annual Gala. I hope to see you there!


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    NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES


    Nancy E. O'Malley Scholarship Available!

    The CWL is now accepting applications for the Nancy E. O'Malley Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a law student whose prior, current, and or future activities demonstrate a commitment to issues affecting women and/or children in the community. Submit your materials by June 5!




    OCBA Summer Social: Celebrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

    Join friends from the Orange County legal community for a fun, outdoor social gathering on June 6, 2023 from 5:30pm to 8pm, featuring the presentation of the Lei Lei Wang Ekvall Award to

    The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez, Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court



    CLE Speaking Opportunities with CEB in Summer 2023

    Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB), a non-profit program of the University of California that serves the California legal community, is currently developing exciting legal education offerings and is looking for new subject matter experts to record 60–90-minute on-demand CLE programs for CEB Learning’s summer curriculum. CEB Contributors share their expertise with a statewide audience, while also promoting their work, improving their public speaking skills, and boosting their professional recognition. More than anything, CEB is interested in collaborating with attorneys to develop programs that share sophisticated legal expertise and provide more diverse perspectives in all practice areas. If you're an experienced California attorney who wants to develop and record a legal education program (or series!) with CEB, please complete the CEB Speaker Form. You can also contact the CEB Learning team at CEBLearning@ceb.ucla.edu


    OUR MARVELOUS MAY 


    Cinco de Mayo Coffee Meetup with the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County:OCWLA and OCHBA members met for a free coffee breakfast on May 5 at Corner Bakery Irvine/Tustin Marketplace. Thank you to Knobbe Martens for sponsoring this event!


    CWL Conference and Judith Soley Award Reception Honoring 2023 Awardee Ashleigh Aitken: OCWLA and CWL members joined for an all-day conference on May 19 at Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. OCWLA Past President and Mayor of Anaheim Ashleigh Aitken was honored with the prestigious Judith Soley Award.

    May Book ClubThe discussion of the book The Husbands by Chandler Baker was be led by OCWLA Immediate Past President Dana Heyde of Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP at Mimi's Café in Tustin



  • Wednesday, May 03, 2023 10:06 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Happy May OCWLA Members!

    OCWLA Members, as we step into May we have some exciting announcements to share. Our 47th Annual Gala with be held this year at the beautiful VEA Hotel in Newport Beach on Tuesday, October 17th from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please save the date! We are excited to announce our award recipients, which include the Honorable Claudia J. Silbar for Judge of the Year, Kate Corrigan for Attorney of the Year, and the Orange County Bar Association for our Advancement of Women Award. Congratulations to these amazing awardees! 

    We still have annual sponsorship opportunities, which include sponsoring our Annual Gala. You can find those here. There is still time to register for our free coffee meetup this Friday on Cinco de Mayo from 8:15 to 10:00 a.m. at the Corner Bakery at the Irvine/Tustin Marketplace. We are excited to hold this event with the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County, and thank you to Knobbe Martens for sponsoring this event. I hope to see you there! 


    Finally, we are so excited to have the California Women Lawyers’ 2023 Annual Conference in Orange County this year. It will be held on Friday, May 19th at Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa and includes 6 MCLE credits with panels from top women lawyers and judges addressing timely issues. The conference with be followed by the Judith Soley Award Reception honoring OCWLA Past President and Mayor of Anaheim Ashleigh Aitken! We hope to see you there!


    UPCOMING EVENTS


    Cinco de Mayo Coffee Meetup

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the OCWLA and the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County and enjoy a free coffee breakfast! Members and non-members are welcome to attend. May 5, 2023 8:15am - 10:00am at Corner Bakery Irvine/Tustin Marketplace. Please RSVP by May 4! Sponsored by Knobbe Martens

    Sign Up

    CWL 2023 Annual Conference

    Featuring inspirational speakers and multiple panels of top women lawyers and judges addressing timely issues, the California Women Lawyers Annual Conference is a full-day conference held on May 19, 2023 at Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. 

    Sign Up

    Judith Soley Award Reception Honoring 2023 Awardee Ashleigh Aitken

    Join OCWLA and CWL on May 19, 2023 at Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa to honor OCWLA Past President and Mayor of Anaheim Ashleigh Aitken. 

    Sign Up

    May OCWLA Book Club 

    An OCWLA Members-Only Club. Join us for our monthly book club! This month we will be reading The Husbands by Chandler Baker. The discussion will be led by Dana Heyde of Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP at 5:30pm on May 22nd at Mimi's Café in Tustin!

    Sign Up


    NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES


    Nancy E. O'Malley Scholarship Available!

    The CWL is now accepting applications for the Nancy E. O'Malley Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a law student whose prior, current, and or future activities demonstrate a commitment to issues affecting women and/or children in the community. Submit your materials by June 5!



    OCBA Mentoring Committee Spring Mixer

    Come to this fun and informative event on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Callahan & Blaine in Santa Ana and find out more about the new “group” structured OCBA Mentoring Program and how the program can help benefit you in your career and practice development.









  • Wednesday, April 12, 2023 11:37 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Happy April OCWLA Members!

    We are off to a busy and fun year so far! On March 2nd we held our Annual Wine Event at the Roof Bar at Old Vine Kitchen & Bar at the Camp and had an excellent turnout. We just kicked off April with our Annual Equal Pay Day MCLE. While Equal Pay Day for all women on average this year was March 14th, Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is September 21st, Latina Equal Pay Day is October 8th, and Native and Indigenous Women’s Equal Pay Day is November 30th. Thank you to our all-star panel, Lori Andrus, Shauna Madison, and Professor Andrew Penner for a very informative discussion on how the U.S. measures up in terms of pay equity for women, how women litigators are fighting for equal pay in the workplace, and for highlighting the continued disparities for equal pay for women of different ethnicities.  

    On Friday, April 14th we are doing Zumba with the Chapman Women Lawyers Association, which will be taught by The Honorable Erithe Smith. Please save the date for our quarterly free coffee meetup on May 5th from 8:15-10:00 a.m. at the Corner Bakery. I hope to see you there!

    Finally, stay tuned for upcoming details on a spectacular new venue for our 47th Annual Gala, which we will be announcing soon! 

    We also have Annual Sponsorship opportunities available that include sponsoring our Annual Gala. Please check out our packet here.

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    Let's Zumba with Chapman Women Lawyers Association

    Join Chapman Women Lawyers Association on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 5pm at Aitken Arts Plaza Field, One University Drive, Orange. This special Zumba class is free, and will be lead by The Honorable Erithe SmithYou won't want to miss this!

    Sign Up

    April OCWLA Book Club 

    An OCWLA Members-Only Club. Join us for our monthly book club! This month we will be reading is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. The discussion will be led by Yvette Patko, OCDA's Office at 5:30pm on April 24th at Mimi's Café in Tustin!

    Sign Up

    Cinco de Mayo Coffee Meetup

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a free coffee breakfast with the OCWLA! Members and non-members are welcome to attend. May 5, 2023 8:15am - 10:00am at Corner Bakery Irvine/Tustin Marketplace. Please RSVP by May 2.

    Sponsored by Knobbe Martens

    Sign Up

    CWL 2023 Annual Conference

    Featuring inspirational speakers and multiple panels of top women lawyers and judges addressing timely issues, the California Women Lawyers Annual Conference is a full-day conference held on May 19, 2023 at Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. 

    Sign Up

    Judith Soley Award Reception Honoring 2023 Awardee Ashleigh Aiken

    Join OCWLA and CWL on May 19, 2023 at Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa to honor OCWLA Past President and Mayor of Anaheim Ashleigh Aitken. The Judith Soley Award is presented at the CWL Annual Conference to a worthy recipient who has made a significant contribution to her community, extending beyond the practice of law, to devote time and effort to the public good and values through the tradition of public service and involvement, and who exemplifies the values and missions of California Women Lawyers.

    Sign Up

    KICKING OFF AN AMAZING APRIL

    Elimination of Bias MCLE: Celebrate Equal Pay Day with the OCWLA!Members and guests attending our presentation to learn how women litigators are fighting for Equal Pay in the workplace, and how the United States stacks up in terms of pay equity for women. Featuring attorney leaders in their field Lori Andrus and Shauna Madison, as well as Professor Andrew Penner, Director of The Center for Administrative Data Analysis at UCI (via Zoom).





    RECOGNIZING OCWLA'S MEMBERS

    Welcome New & Renewing Members!

    Thank you & welcome Ashley Aceves, Julianne Avery, Katherine Bissett, Mina Brar, Susan Chace, Emily Cook, Morgan Gallagher, Sarah Hasselberger, Marsha Jones, Julia Kilpatrick, Cara LaChance O'Neill, Catherine Learned, Chloe Lee, Cindery Liang, Brigette Martinez, Laila Masud, Atrina Mirza, Nina Moreno, Gracie Naranjo, Lizzette Olvera, Lauren Ownbey, Rebecca Rogers, Busra Sahin, Angelika Sidoruk, Jacqueline Smart, Jamie Sprague, Jenny Tran, and Joanna Weiss. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to seeing you at the next event.



  • Monday, March 06, 2023 9:45 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Happy Women's History Month 

    OCWLA Members! 

    Women’s History Month first began in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California when a task force was commissioned to address the status of women. The organizers selected the week of March 8th to correspond to International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country. In 1980, President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress passed a law designating March as “Women’s History Month.”

    Looking back on our history, Orange County Women Lawyers started in 1975 with 5 members. The original goal was to focus on the rights not only of women but also of all individual groups that may have experienced discrimination in our society or before the law. At the time, there were no women jurists sitting on the bench in Orange County. The group quickly grew to over 30 members. Since this time, OCWLA has been dedicated to the advancement of women in the legal profession and the support of diversity both on the bench and in law firm partnerships. Nearly 50 years later, today the OCWLA has over 500 members. While women have come a long way in the legal profession and on the bench, there is still much work to do.

    Equal Pay Day this year is March 14th, which represents how far into the year women must work to be paid what men were paid the previous year. Women who work full-time are paid on average just 84% of what men are paid and for part-time work just 77%These percentages are even lower for women of color.

    Our Annual Equal Pay Day MCLE will be on April 7th. Learn how women litigators are fighting for equal pay in the workplace and how the U.S. stacks up in terms of pay equity for women. This will be a very informative event, so I hope to see you there.


    2023 Award Nominations Open

    Nominations are open for the 2023 Judge of the Year, Attorney of Year, and Advancement of Women Award. Please submit all nominations by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023.


    Become An Annual Sponsor Today!

    If you or your organization would like to become an OCWLA Annual Sponsor this year, we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available. Please check out our sponsorship packet here

    Don't forget to check OCWLA's News Page for Job Opportunities and other postings. To submit a posting, email info@ocwla.org.





    OUR FABULOUS FEBRUARY


    Galentine's Day Coffee with OCWLA & Mommy Esq.Members and friends joined together for some free coffee and treats sponsored by Knobbe Martens. Thank you to all who attended!

    February OCWLA Book Club: Our book club ended February with a discussion led by OCWLA Secretary, Heidi Plummer on Elin Hilderbrand's Golden Girl! We are always so happy to see our book club regulars each month and hope to see more newcomers! Visit our website for next month's book selection!


    KICKING OFF A MARVELOUS MARCH


    OCWLA Annual Wine EventMembers of the OC Legal Community enjoyed rooftop views and good company at Old Vine Kitchen & Bar in Costa Mesa on March 2. This annual event was generously sponsored by Bock & Plummer, Attorneys At Law. Visit our Facebook page for more photos!




    RECOGNIZING OCWLA'S MEMBERS


    Welcome New & Renewing Members!

    Thank you & welcome Michele Assayag, Martha Binder, Jessica Burger, Hope Callahan, Paula Dizon, Emily Engler, Belinda Escobosa, Siobhan Fogarty, Dana Glasser, Darian Hackney, Denise Hansen, Triana Henderson, Joyce Kim, Amanat Kular, Elsa Larsen, Melody Leonard, Polina Litvina, Megan Musquiz, Natalie Najarian, Emily Neves, Mindy Nili, Misty Perry Isaacson, Stella Pogosyan, Giselle Preciado, Tamera Pruitt, Lauren Raya, Jacqueline Sarte, Shelby Slaughter, Hon. Erithe Smith, Mireya Valle. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to seeing you at the next event.



  • Thursday, February 09, 2023 10:06 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Happy February OCWLA Members!

    Our board met this past Saturday for its annual retreat, and we had a great time planning this upcoming year! We have some great MCLE programs planned as well as a wide variety of fun networking events. We will also be doing a series entitled “Women Supporting Women” focusing on intentional networking and referrals so stay tuned for details soon.

    If you or your organization would like to become an OCWLA Annual Sponsor this year, we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available. Please check out our sponsorship packet here. The sponsorships come with great benefits and include tickets to many of our signature events, including our upcoming Annual Wine Event, which will be held on March 2nd at the Roof Bar at Old Vine Kitchen & Bar at the Camp.

    Coming up this month, we have our free Galentine’s Day Coffee the morning of February 14th. Come get a free coffee and breakfast on Valentine’s Day and network with some other lawyers. I hope to see you there, or at another one of our many upcoming events!




    Super Lawyers! Share Your Story!


    Congratulations to all of our members who were selected as 2023 Super Lawyers! 

    OUR FABULOUS JANUARY

    January MCLE Luncheon: In January we had a great turnout for our ethics MCLE: Avoiding the Perils & Pitfalls of Social Media. Thank you for our wonderful panel, Camellia Imani, Carmel Imani, and Neil Pedersen, who spoke and thank you to the OCBA‘s Solo Practitioner & Small Firm Section for co-sponsoring. 


    RECOGNIZING OCWLA'S MEMBERS

    Welcome New & Renewing Members!

    Thank you & welcome Christina Ahn, Miriham Antonio, Michele Assayag, Judy Barrett, Anne Beehler, Shannon Cahill, Erinn De La Riva, Jessica Ewert, Samantha Geraghty, Samantha Geraghty, Triana Henderson, Courtney Hylton, Anita Inagandla, Diana Isyanova, kristine koo, Fang L, Kaity McKee, June Monroe, Natalie Najarian, Lisa Nelson, Lizbeth Ochoa, Valentina Polunina, Giselle Preciado, James Rumm, Eugene Ryang, Paulina ("Polly") Tran, Mireya Valle, Georgia Weedall, Katie Woznicki. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to seeing you at the next event.

    Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter


  • Tuesday, January 03, 2023 9:48 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    January 2023 President's Message by Jessica Munk

    Hello OCWLA members,

    Happy New Year!

    It was great to see many of you at the Holiday Party and Installation Dinner, where OCWLA and the OCWLA Foundation Board Members were installed. Thank you again to Judge Macias who swore us in! I am honored to be the 2023 President of this great organization.

    I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and had some quality time with your family and friends, as well as some time to relax. It is hard to believe a new year is already upon us! We have a lot of fun events planned for 2023, so I hope to see you soon at our next event.

    Join or Renew
    OCWLA President Jessica Munk Wiechert, Munk & Goldstein, PC







    MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS


    OCWLA Foundation Board Members sworn in at OCWLA's 2022 Holiday Installation Dinner

    Congratulations 2023 OCWLA Foundation Board Members

    2023 Foundation President Dana Heyde, Vice President Jessica Munk, Treasurer Jaimi Groothuis, Secretary Suzanne Leslie, and Directors Anna Brennan, Ashley Duell, Betty Fracisco, Ashley Peniche Montenegro, Heidi Plummer, and Sarah St. John were sworn in by Hon. Elizabeth Macias at OCWLA's Holiday Installation Dinner on December 6, 2022.

    Learn more about the OCWLA Foundation


    OUR FABULOUS DECEMBER


    OCWLA Holiday Celebration & Installation Dinner: 2022 OCWLA Board Members welcomed the holiday season with a dinner for members and friends at Avenue of The Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa.

    Holiday Book Club Photo

    OCWLA Book Club Holiday Party: OCWLA Book Club Members joined for dinner and book exchange at the home of an OCWLA Board Member. Thank you to all who attended our book club meetings this year!


    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 membership today 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!

    Thank you & welcome Amy Baum, Katrina Foley, Shirin Forootan, Bobbie Hooper, Letitia Johnson Smith, Julia Lopez, Fallon Martinez, Rachel Noblett, Sejal Patel, Andrea Patton, Sheri Sandecki, Venus Sultan, and Nichole Zahler. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to seeing you at the next event.



  • Thursday, December 01, 2022 7:01 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    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 office NEW HEADSHOT TO USE.jpg


    Dana Heyde, OCWLA President

    Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP

    dana@cklhlaw.com


  • Tuesday, November 01, 2022 12:05 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Hello OCWLA Community!

    There is no doubt we are in Fall! I’m thankful for the dedicated board members of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association who have collaborated with me this year. This dynamic group continues to advance our mission and provide a fun space for women to connect. I’m proud to be a part of this amazing organization, and I hope to see you all at the next event!              


    Upcoming Events

    Celebrate Fay Stender Award Recipient Kimberly La Salle: Orange County Women Lawyers Association is proud that our member and nominee Kimberly La Salle is this year’s recipient of the California Women Lawyers Fay Stender Award. We hope you will join us to celebrate Kimberly La Salle’s accomplishments on November 2, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Zov’s Bistro. Register today! 

    The Past President’s Tea: Join us for a full tea service on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the Morning Lavender Café to celebrate the Past Presidents of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association. The inspiring leadership of our Past Presidents is something to celebrate. I hope to see you there! Hats are encouraged! Register now, because space is limited. Register here!

    Women Litigators Panel: Learn from the best! This month, our MCLE boasts an impressive all-female panel of successful trial lawyers. These seasoned attorneys are ready to share trial tips, secrets, and insights with OCWLA. Join us on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa. Register today! 

    Connect With Other Book Lovers: This month, our members-only Book Club will laugh with Molly the Maid in The Maid by Nita Prose. Heather Stangle-Smith will lead the discussion on this hilarious comedic murder mystery. Join us on November 14, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at Mimi’s Café in Tustin.

    Rock The Vote: Don’t forget to vote for the 2023 Board of Directors. If you have not received your email ballot, please contact info@ocwla.org. Voting can also be done in person at this month’s MCLE on Thursday, November 10, 2022.  

    Celebrate With Us! This year’s Holiday Celebration will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. Join us as we celebrate an amazing 2022 and install the 2023 OCWLA and OCWLA Foundation Board of Directors. Register today!


    Our Fabulous October

    Thank You For Celebrating Our Awardees At The Gala! The Board of Directors was proud to promote OCWLA’s mission by recognizing those who advance women in the legal profession at our spectacular 46th Annual Gala on October 12, 2022, at Shady Canyon Golf Club. We honored 2022 Judge of the Year Judge Debra Servino, 2022 Attorney of the Year Antoinette Balta of Veterans Legal Institute, and the recipient of the Advancement of Women Award Community Legal Aid SoCal. Thank you to all our sponsors, underwriters, and supporters. We had a fantastic event because of you! 

    Book Club: Last month, our members-only Book Club got in the spooky spirit by reading the classic horror story The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. This dark fantasy sparked plenty of discussion!

    Coffee & Costumes: Our members started Halloween with Coffee & Costumes! This group takes the work out of networking! A fun time was had by all!


    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 Stephanie Alvarez, Nina Ancheta, Laura Blumenstein, Vivienne Chen, Evan Clark, Susan Dahlin, Sayuri Espinosa, Irma Garcia Guerrero, Mimi Mikulka, Yen Quach, Tara Sabha, Kristi Thomas, Amelia Tidwell, Alli VanderVorst. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to meeting you at the next event.

    Dana office NEW HEADSHOT TO USE.jpg




    Dana Heyde, OCWLA President

    Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP

    dana@cklhlaw.com


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