by John C. Hueston

As Arnold Palmer once stated, “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening—and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”

Viewed in that light, it should come as no surprise that lawyers by and large seem to gravitate toward golf. Much like the practice of law, the sport requires patience, finesse, tenacity, strategy, and—perhaps most importantly—the ability to adapt swiftly and effectively in the face of change. Moreover, one could hardly ask for a more idyllic environment within which to network with colleagues and court potential clients than out on the green. To that end, we encourage the Orange County Bar Association membership to respond to the unique challenges presented by our current financial and legal climate by participating in full swing at the OCBA Charitable Fund’s 28th Annual Judge Kenneth Lae Charity Golf Tournament.

By popular demand, we’ll once again return to Newport Coast’s Pelican Hill Golf Club, enabling attendees to take in panoramic ocean views between holes. Last year’s cleverly designed Putting Contest proved to be a big hit, while skilled forecaddies provided invaluable assistance for each foursome. You won’t want to miss out on this year’s event, which promises to have even more surprises and entertainment in store!

Of course, it’s not just about fun and games. By participating in the Tournament, you’ll help support the OCBA Charitable Fund’s mission of providing resources to law-related organizations and programs in order to enhance the system of justice and promote equal justice for all. Thanks to the funds raised during both last year’s Tournament and the Totally Awesome ’80s Fall Fundraiser, the OCBA Charitable Fund was able to present 2012 grants totaling $117,000 to benefit seven worthy and diverse causes:

• Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County, a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization that empowers local youth to become active, responsible citizens through hands-on learning experiences;
• Public Law Center, Orange County’s pro bono law firm committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents;
• UC Irvine Saturday Academy of Law, a series of weekend classes to help 9th grade students in the Santa Ana Unified School District develop the skills they need to pursue higher education and a potential career in the law;
• UC Irvine School of Law’s Pre-Law Outreach Program, which assists undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds to prepare for the law school application and admissions process and to understand the unique demands of legal education;
• Orange County Bar Foundation’s Project SELF (Summer Employment in Law Firms), which provides low-income and at-risk high school students with a hands-on internship in the legal field;
• Asian Pacific American Legal Center, which has partnered with the Asian American Bar Association to provide free legal clinics for the Vietnamese community in Westminster; and
• Laura’s House, South Orange County’s only state-approved comprehensive domestic violence agency.

Our goal is to break par and exceed the funds raised in 2011 to ensure the continued viability of these necessary programs and services—and our success is contingent upon your continued support. So dust off those clubs, hit the driving range, and help us score a hole-in-one for the Orange County legal community!

John C. Hueston is the President of the OCBA Charitable Fund, Past President of the Orange County Bar Association, and a partner with Irell & Manella LLP specializing in white collar criminal defense and business trials. He can be reached at jhueston@irell.com.