The Masters Division was founded by OCBA President John Hueston in 2011 to serve the needs of practitioners with 25 years or more tenure in the practice of law. John recognized that this segment represents an invaluable asset with its own unique abilities and needs. The responses we received from our survey bear this out. Thanks to your responses we are prioritizing programs and events consistent with your wishes.

The programs survey respondents said would be most beneficial to them as Masters Division members included programs addressing new technologies and those concerned with changes in the legal profession. A significant number of respondents also reported that opportunities for networking with colleagues and mentoring younger lawyers were important to them.

The inaugural event for the new Masters Division was held on Sept. 22, 2011, at the Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa and featured Vincent Bugliosi talking about the Tate-LaBianca murder trials. The Division anticipates making this part of a series of programs that it will offer in the future on the topic of “Historic Trials Re-lived.” The kick-off event was a resounding success, with over 300 lawyers and judges in attendance.

The Masters Division has also created The Legends of the Law Award, which was conceived to honor those “exemplary individuals who, through their careers in the law, have made significant contributions to our profession, distinguished themselves by maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, and achieved a level of professional excellence that has enhanced the profession as a whole, and the Orange County legal community, in particular.”

The first Legends of the Law Award was presented to the Honorable Byron McMillan on Sept. 22, 2011, at the inaugural event. 

Honoring the requests of survey respondents for programs addressing new technologies, on March 15, 2012, the Masters Division will hold an evening technology seminar entitled “The Three Cs of Technology: The Courtroom, Clients, and Confidentiality.” The seminar will feature an all-star panel, including Justice Ming Chin, the Honorable Robert Moss, and OCBA Immediate Past President John Hueston, who will speak during the dinner session. Break-out sessions will address the advantages of the iPad and applications for attorneys, the use of smart phones in the practice of law, establishing and equipping a home office, and ethical considerations arising from new technologies. We anticipate another record turn-out for this event, which promises to be both fun and informative, with ample opportunities for networking throughout the evening. Sign up now while there is still space.

Plans are also underway for a networking reception during the Summer months and a Fall program following the Historic Trials Re-lived model. Future recipients of the Legends of the Law Award are also under consideration.

Currently, the OCBA has over 2,000 members who qualify  for membership in the Masters Division. All qualifying members were automatically made members of the Masters Division, free of charge, during the inaugural year of the Division—with complimentary membership valid through the end of this year.

Best regards,

Judge Alicemarie H. Stotler and 
Tom Malcolm
Honorary Co-Chairs