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October 2016 - It’s All Good

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by Todd G. Friedland

It is time for me to catch you up on some OCBA happenings. But first, a word from our sponsor: It will be my honor to be the “Ringmaster” at “Under the Big Top—A Night of Giving Hope” presented by the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (OC-ALA) on October 15, 2016. Before I tell you more about this event, let’s recognize OC-ALA. Legal administrators from every size firm belong to OC-ALA. OC-ALA was established in 1979. It offers professional development, education opportunities, and other resources to assist legal administrators in addressing law firm finance, human resources, operations, and so on. In other words, legal administrators keep law firm businesses running, prevent implosion, and free up attorneys to actually practice law. There is no doubt that legal administrators, and the staffs they work with, are integral to the success of any law firm.

This year, OC-ALA is supporting the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (www.nfed.org). According to Jessica Daugherty, OC-ALA 2016 President, its members hope to raise awareness of ectodermal dysplasia and help children in Orange County who are affected by this disorder. You can help also. Become a sponsor or attend OC-ALA’s Under the Big Top event at the Marconi Automotive Museum on October 15. There will be circus acts, music, and great people. Together, on this one night, we can support the very administrators who support our practices on a daily basis. Contact OC-ALA at www.orangecountyala.org or wendy.riceisaacs@bryancave.com.

The OCBA’s 1L Kickstart program is launching. As you may recall, this year, 1L Kickstart will enable every first-year law student at Chapman University, UCI, Western State, and Whittier to get some face time, perhaps over lunch, with a practicing attorney in Orange County. They will discuss such topics as law school survival tips, professionalism, and what it is like to be a lawyer in Orange County. Volunteer recruitment is in full swing but we need many more volunteers to pull this off. Help the OCBA reach its goal of mentoring Orange County’s future lawyers and do something good for them. Just email Kickstart@ocbar.org and we will be in touch regarding the program.

Speaking of good deeds, the OCBA will be at the Santa Ana Civic Center on October 22 to assist the homeless population with their legal needs. Since my last writing on this subject, the need has become even more acute. There is so much to be done and, frankly, the OCBA is doing too little. But we have to start somewhere. Your help on October 22 could result in fewer people living in the Civic Center. Together, we can improve the lives of homeless people, and also improve the general public’s access to Civic Center resources such as the Orange County Superior Court. Email Homeless@ocbar.org for more information.

More good deeds: OCBA Franklin G. West Award recipient Dick Millar isn’t one to slow down. Mr. Millar has graciously agreed to serve in the ABA House of Delegates on behalf of the OCBA and to keep the OCBA informed of actions considered or taken by the House of Delegates. Thank you to all of the supporters of the OCBA Charitable Fund’s Raise Your Glass fundraiser. The Charitable Fund took in over $180,000 which will be used to support worthwhile and impactful programs in Orange County.

Finally, a few more accolades deserve additional recognition. Former OCBA Board member Pearl Mann was inducted in to the Western State Hall of Fame last month. Pearl’s volunteerism knows no bounds. Indeed, the OCBA honored her with the Harmon G. Scoville award in 2013. One of the OCBA’s largest groups, the Masters Division, honored Legends of the Law Award recipients John Hurlbut, Jr. and Hon. Kathleen O’Leary. Hearing about their storied careers and dedication to serving not just the legal community, but the general community as well, was truly inspiring. So, a message to Young Lawyers Division members: In your development as a well-rounded and involved attorney, try to emulate Pearl, John, and Justice O’Leary. If you accomplish even a sliver of what they have, you will have made a difference and will be gratified by your achievements.

Todd G. Friedland is the OCBA’s 2016 President. He is also a business litigation partner at Stephens Friedland LLP in Irvine. Want to make a difference? Email Todd at heytodd@ocbar.org, todd@sf-lawyers.com, or @heytoddocba.

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