Court employees under pop-up tents line the entrance to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana most of the day, ready to provide assistance and guidance to members of the public that arrive at the Court with general questions, a scheduled in-person hearing or other approved in-person matters.
Nineteen Orange County residents were selected on June 18, 2020, to serve on the Grand Jury for a one-year term that begins when the jurors take the oath of office on July 1, 2020.
Thank you to the over 200 donors and participants in the OCBA Charitable Fund’s Raise Your Glass at Home virtual fundraiser held on Friday, May 29th.
Given the unprecedented issues impacting the Orange County community caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, local legal aid organizations have had to transition staff to working at home, which has drastically impacted their budgets and needs.
Stephen K. Tamura’s name will grace Orange County Superior Court’s West Justice Center to honor the late Judge’s legacy of groundbreaking successes and to serve as recognition of the contributions of Asian Americans to Orange County and the United States.
Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. PST
The Orange County Bar Association's Mission Statement starts with "To enhance the system of justice." If the events of the last week have taught us anything, it is that our justice system needs enhancing.
OCBA President-Elect Larisa Dinsmoor announces 2020 Nominating Committee.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
Register Online
Please be aware of email phishing scams and scrutinize any email that contains links or attachments.
The court is suspending case management conference procedures through December 31, 2020.
Friday, May 8, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of OCBA Past President Robert Gerard and member Thomas J. Lo as California superior court judges in Orange County.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
Local food banks and providers are facing unprecedented challenges with the spread of COVID-19 and its effects on the local economy.
TMBA will award selected applicants with a bar scholarship in the amount of $2,000.00 to assist with the costs associated with preparing for and taking the bar exam.
Friday, April 17, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
LIVE WEBINAR - Thursday, April 16 at 12:00 PM
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 12:00 PM
Click here for complete details.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 12:00 PM
Register here: https://www.ocbar.org/webinar040820
View the Video Replay Here. Offering 1.0 Legal Ethics Self-Study Credit.
Friday, April 3, 2020 12:00 P.M
Register Here: http://www.ocbar.org/webinar040320
As we all deal and cope with the COVID-19 situation, it is helpful to hear the acts of kindness and goodwill that abound. The OCBA would like to showcase the good deeds of its members.
With all of the local food banks in South Orange County being closed down due to the COVID-19 crisis, OCBA past president Edmond Connor and his wife, Sue, organized a group of volunteers to make bag lunches for the homeless in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Dana Point.
M.C. Sungaila, OCBA Board member and partner at Haynes & Boone, OCBA Past President Jennifer Keller of Keller/Anderle, and Seymour Everett of Everett Dorey are working together to support Cost Mesa First Responders and essential city employees.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to enhance the authority of California’s Judicial Branch to take emergency action in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 12:00 P.M
Join Here: http://www.ocbar.org/webinar040120
While our office will be closed, we will be working remotely to continue to serve our members and legal community.
The Orange County Superior Court is closed to the public, with minimal exceptions for time sensitive matters, or matters pertaining to the safety and security of the community.
The Orange County Superior Court will remain closed to the public until April 24, 2020, with minimal exceptions for time sensitive matters or matters pertaining to the safety and security of the community.
UCI School of Law will begin conducting all law school class sessions remotely starting Monday, March 16, until further notice.
As you can imagine, the OCBA staff and leadership have been following the COVID-19 situation, which has now been labeled a global pandemic. Over the past couple of weeks, we have been preparing for the possibility that in-person events may be infeasible for some period of time. We believe that time is now. Based on recent recommendations from federal, state, and local health agencies, we have decided that the OCBA will postpone all in-person events scheduled to be held in March.
The OCBA is now accepting applications for mentors and protégés.
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association President Jonathan Dwork proudly presented El Dorado High School Senior Colby Bladow with the Judge Henry Moore Orator of the Year Award.
UCI School of Law will be hosting our 2nd Annual Speed Mentoring event on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Pelican Hill Golf Club, Newport Coast
The Mentoring Committee of the Orange County Korean American Bar Association (OCKABA) is now accepting applications for its inaugural Mentorship Program.
The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County, an affiliate bar of the OCBA, honors California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye with the 2020 Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award.
The organization also honored exceptional volunteers and the Orange County Superior Court as Community Partner of the Year.
OCAABA has partnered with Elder Law & Disability Rights Center, People's Homeless Task Force Orange County, and LawWorks to create and pass out care packages/backpacks for the homeless that will include critically needed items.
Justice Ming W. Chin today announced he will retire from the Supreme Court of California on August 31, capping a nearly 25-year career on the state high court.
OCBA volunteers helped to pack donations collected during the month of October for the OCBA Necessities Drive.
Western State College of Law has received confirmation of its continued American Bar Association accreditation under new ownership
The OCBA is pleased to announce The Honorable James P. Gray as the next Franklin G. West Award recipient.
The Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County (CRF-OC) celebrated 38 years of service to Orange County students this year.
The Thurgood Marshall Bar Association (TMBA), an affiliate bar of the OCBA, is accepting applications from current law students in the Orange County area to serve as a TMBA Law School Ambassador.
TMBA will award selected applicants (first-time and repeat bar takers) with a bar scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to assist with the costs associated with preparing for and taking the bar exam.
The OCBA is proud to announce four newly appointed Board Members.
On Thursday, October 24, 2019, the Orange County Superior Court hosted 130 young women from throughout the County’s high schools for the first ever Young Women’s Leadership Conference.
Hon. James Ortega Perez, a retired judge of the Orange County Superior Court, recently passed away.
The OCBA Appellate Law Section awarded its 2019 David G. Sills Award for Appellate Excellence to Theodore J. Boutrous, Jr. in honor of his distinguished career and achievements.
The OCBA honored its member volunteers for their dedicated service and community voluteerism throughout the year.
Grant Application Deadline: Friday, December 6, 2019
The OCBA Charitable Fund is now accepting applications for its 2019 Grant Cycle.
Applications will be reviewed by the HBA Scholarship Committee. All materials must be postmarked by Thursday, October 31, 2019.
The Thurgood Marshall Bar Association (TMBA), an affiliate of the OCBA, is seeking nominations for the TMBA 2020 Board.
The Federal Bar Association of Orange County (FBA/OC), an affiliate of the OCBA, announced its 2019-2020 Board.
The OCBA Board prepared public comment to the State Bar's proposals. Click here to view the OCBA's public comment.
The Orange County Asian American Bar Association (OCAABA) Pipeline Committee is accepting applications for its 2019-2020 school year mentorship program.
OCBA members spent an evening getting their geek on by participating in teams comprised of younger lawyers and more experienced lawyers for a fun, two-hour trivia night mixer.
The OCBA presented a sold-out ethical issues seminar on September 19 at Chapman University Fowler School of Law.
On September 18, the State Bar of California’s Task Force on Access Through Innovation of Legal Services held a Town Hall Meeting to discuss possible regulatory changes to remove barriers in order to promote innovation in the delivery of legal services by lawyers and others.
If you want to see what OCBA Specialty Sections have to offer, now is the time.
The OCBA's annual Board of Directors Election closed at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. In accordance with the OCBA bylaws, 2019 President-Elect Scott B. Garner will succeed to the Presidency in 2020.
President Donald J. Trump announces his intent to nominate John W. Holcomb and Steve Kim as judges on the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
On September 16, the OCBA invited leaders from Orange County law school student organizations to OCBA Headquarters for a special reception.
Monday, October 7, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. OCBA Headquarters, Newport Beach
Last week, the OCBA Corporate Counsel Section hosted another successful Circle of Counsel that brought together Southern California’s in-house leaders and rising stars to connect and engage.
The OCBA Appellate Law Section hosted a candid discussion to hear from a distinguished panel of Ninth Circuit Judges.
The OCBA leadership election is now open for online voting.
Hon. Commissioner Thomas Schulte (Ret.) passed away on August 20, 2019. He was 74 years old. He retired in August 2011, having served the Orange County Superior Court for over 20 years.
The Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund will honor the Orange County Superior Court Collaborative Courts Program as its 2019 Community Partner Honoree of the OCBA Charitable Fund Annual Benefit, Keller/Anderle LLP as the Law Firm Honoree, and The Home Depot as the Corporate Honoree during tomorrow night’s OCBA Charitable Fund Annual Benefit.
Friday, September 20, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Central Justice Center – Department C1
A few OC lawyer dads have formed a dad’s group committed to being active fathers, partners, lawyers, and members of the community and want to build a group of like-minded dads.
For a limited time, OCBA Section Members can bring a colleague, associate or partner to attend a complimentary CLE section meeting and experience the benefits of membership
Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 2, 2019
The OCBA welcomed State Bar Chair Jason P. Lee and State Bar Executive Director Leah Wilson to Orange County on Wednesday, June 19.
Longtime OCBA member and Past President Don Martens passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at the age of 85.
Deadline to Apply: Monday, June 17, 2019
The following people have been appointed by OCBA President-Elect Scott Garner, Umberg/Zipser to serve on the 2019 Nominating Committee. President-Elect Garner will serve as the Chair.
The OCBA supports Second Harvest and community organizations that provide food to those in need.
The OCBA is proud to share that 28 OCBA members were named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for 2019.
The Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA), an affiliate bar of the OCBA, announced that it will contribute approximately $25,000 in grants to nine charities.
A recent $1 million gift received by the Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law establishes a new endowed professorship that will help expand the institution’s innovative bar exam preparation program.
The OCBA is proud to share its members that were listed as Southern California Super Lawyers for 2019.
The Orange County Asian American Bar Association, an affiliate bar of the OCBA, honors OCBA members Hon. Deborah Chuang Servino and attorney Nathan Watanabe.
The Orange County Asian American Bar Association (OCAABA), an affiliate bar of the OCBA, is awarding scholarships to local law students.
The Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund has awarded grants to 17 law-related organizations and programs in Orange County. A special reception for grant recipients will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, at the OCBA office in Newport Beach, Calif.
The Honorable Maurice Sanchez was enrobed on Friday, Feb. 8, at the Orange County Superior Court.
What is Project SELF? an eight-week paid internship program that gives high school juniors from low-income families in Orange County, California an opportunity to gain exposure to the legal community
On Friday, January 25, the OCBA installed Deirdre M. Kelly as the 2019 OCBA President, along with the OCBA officers and board of directors during the 2019 Judges' Night & Annual Meeting held at the Irvine Marriott.
All applications must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2019.
The OCBA congratulates and welcomes the new officers and directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, an affiliate bar of the OCBA.
The OCBA Charitable Fund announces the dates of its 2019 grant reception, golf tournament, and annual benefit. Mark your calendars!
The OCBA Masters Division is pleased to announce Mark Minyard, Minyard Morris LLP, will serve as the 2019 Chair. His one-year term will begin Jan. 1, 2019.
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced that the commission today confirmed the appointment of Joshua P. Groban to the Supreme Court of California.
The Orange County Women Lawyers Association installed its 2019 officers and directors for 2019 this month at the OCWLA Holiday Celebration & Installation Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018.
The OCBA congratulates and welcomes the new officers and directors of the Thurgood Marshall Bar Association, an affiliate bar of the OCBA.
Memorial Services for retired Judge Betty Lou Lamoreaux will be held Wednesday, December 12 at McCormick & Son Mortuaries in Laguna Hills. Judge Lamoreaux was instrumental in the building of the courthouse in Orange, California, which bears her name Betty Lou Lamoreaux Juvenile Justice Center.
The Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) is proud to announce officers and incoming board members for 2019.
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the appointment of member H. Shaina Colover to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court.
The OCBA is pleased to announce Associate Justice William W. Bedsworth as the next Franklin G. West Award recipient.
The OCBA would like to recognize and thank the many men and women who have served, and currently serve, in our country’s armed forces.
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the appointment of member Maurice Sanchez to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court.
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the appointment of member Michael E. Perez to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court.
Congratulations to the incoming FBA/OC officers and board members!
Nomination Deadline: Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2018 OCBA President-Elect Deirdre Kelly has appointed members of the 2018 Appointments Committee who will be considering OCBA members for appointment to four board seats.
Sunday, November 18, 2018720 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Nominations Deadline: Friday, Nov. 8, 2019
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Franklin G. West Award. Click here to download the nomination form.
Application Deadline: Friday, October 26, 2018; All materials must be postmarked by this date.
The OCBA's annual Board of Directors Election closed at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, September 24, 2018. In accordance with the OCBA bylaws, 2018 President-Elect Deirdre M. Kelly will succeed to the Presidency in 2019.
Hon. Kirk Nakamura was elected Presiding Judge, and Hon. Erick L. Larsh Assistant Presiding Judge in an uncontested election for the two top posts of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. Both Judge Nakamura and Judge Larsh will begin their two-year terms on January 1, 2019.
The OCBA is very pleased to announce Teresa A. McQueen as this year's recipient of the Harmon G. Scoville Award.
Nominations are due by 5:00pm on October 19, 2018. Please submit all nominations to info@ochba.org.
The OCBA is pleased to announce a newly added member benefit with Mark Pomerantz menswear design and tailoring.
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the appointment of OCBA member Sheila Recio to judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court.
UPCOMING TRAVEL SEMINAR Security Deposit Deadline: Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 March 22-30, 2019 Edinburgh & Inverness, Scotland
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the appointment of OCBA member Nhan Vu to judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court.
The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of OCBA Board Member Autumn D. Spaeth as a United States Magistrate Judge
Next Live Scan fingerprinting date - Monday, April 8, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. OCBA Headquarters, Newport Beach
No appointments necessary; first come first served.
The Ninth Circuit heard arguments June 28 concerning the constitutionality of the OC Superior Court’s policy of reviewing newly e-filed unlimited civil complaints to prevent disclosure of information made confidential by law.
Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2018
The online election will open for voting on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, and close at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018. Only active attorney members will be eligible to vote (no law students, retired, or honorary members).
During the month of May, the OCBA was proud to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank for its annual food drive - FOOD FROM THE BAR. Supporters and volunteers were recognized on Wednesday, June 20 at the Food From The Bar Awards Reception.
OCBA members volunteered on Sunday, June 10 for a unique opportunity to help restore and preserve the Newport Back Bay.
The following people have been appointed by OCBA President-Elect Deirdre Kelly, Chapman University Fowler School of Law, to serve on the 2018 Nominating Committee. President-Elect Kelly will serve as the Chair.