By Lei Lei Wang Ekvall

It’s finally time for me to face the hazing rituals for new OCBA presidents – the dreaded President’s Page and Judges’ Night speech. I am told, however, that this will be one of the most amazing and fulfilling experiences of my life (not the monthly articles or speeches but being president and having an opportunity to get to know our wonderful judges and members). So being the optimistic procrastinator that I am, I won’t worry about the speech just yet and will instead focus on what I have to say here.

Admittedly, finding something of interest to say is a little intimidating for someone with a very ordinary life. Other than being born in Taiwan and living there until I was seven, I’ve been an Orange County girl all my life with not much exposure to the legal system (which is probably a good thing for a somewhat rebellious teenager). Given the lack of legal professionals in my family, I certainly did not have an appreciation for how lawyers and judges effect positive change in our society. I should have, though, because I don’t recall any serious discrimination growing up here even though I looked different than most people in my school, and the fact that I am writing this President’s Page speaks volumes of the legal community’s important contributions.

Going to USC Law School, interning at Bet Tzedek, and working at the homeless shelter were eye-opening experiences for me and made me appreciate how the legal profession can help those in need. This may seem obvious to most of you and many of you probably had noble reasons for why you decided to attend law school in the first place, but I went because: (1) my mom said I argue a lot and should be a lawyer and (2) I did not think I would enjoy a career in my major, which was computer science. I like to socialize a little too much to sit in a room in front of a computer all day long. (Isn’t it ironic that these days, many lawyers do sit in front of a computer virtually all day long but I guess that might have to be the topic of another President’s Page?)

When I returned to Orange County as an attorney, I wanted to continue to help those in need while capitalizing on the newly acquired skills gained through my judicial clerkship with the United States Bankruptcy Court. There was no bankruptcy clinic established at that time but the OCBA was extremely receptive to the idea of starting one. So in the late 1990’s, the OCBA, along with the Public Law Center, the Orange County Bankruptcy Forum, the Orange County bankruptcy judges and some very dedicated individuals, pooled their experiences and resources, and launched the bankruptcy pro bono program to provide free legal counseling to low-income debtors several times a month. It was the OCBA’s ability and willingness to turn an idea into reality in a matter of months that made me realize the value of the OCBA, both to its members and to the community at large.

As I got more involved in the OCBA through sections and committees, I learned that the OCBA’s support of pro bono programs and community outreach efforts is just the tip of the iceberg. The OCBA helps people with modest income find lawyers and helps lawyers find clients, and in the unfortunate instance of a dispute, the OCBA has a committee to mediate the dispute. The OCBA is constantly striving to educate the public about the judiciary and the legal profession, its importance to the balance of power, and the good work that lawyers and judges do. The OCBA is there when the state or federal courts need local bar participation or assistance to improve the administration of justice.  The OCBA helps educate and mentor its members by providing programs, seminars, and mentors. More importantly, the OCBA brings lawyers together, giving them an opportunity and forum to build relationships and exchange ideas.

Seeing the important contributions made by the OCBA to its members and the community, I stayed involved and somehow it evolved to where I am now – struggling with my President’s Page. I can go on and on about the OCBA and its contributions but luckily, there is a word limit. Besides, I did not ditch a career in computer science to avoid social interaction; so please, let me talk your ear off in person.
In the coming year, if you have an idea on how to make our profession better or how we can better serve our community, it is very possible that the OCBA can turn that idea into reality. It worked for the bankruptcy pro bono program, which is still going strong, nearly a decade after it was just a seed of an idea. Also, 2009’s financial impact on the legal profession illustrates the need for lawyers practicing in small or large firms, in-house, or with a governmental entity to build relationships. The OCBA is the ideal place for all of us to get to know one another better and to share our ideas for improving our profession, achieving a better work/life balance, and enhancing access to justice. Aren’t those everyone’s New Year’s resolutions?

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Lei Lei Wang Ekvall is the 2010 President of the Orange County Bar Association and a partner of Weiland, Golden, Smiley, Wang Ekvall & Strok, LLP, where she specializes in representing debtors, creditors, and litigants in business reorganizations and workouts.