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OCBA Second Annual Legal Giant Tribute a Success
On Friday, May 3, 2013, Whittier Law School Professor Mary Ellen Gale and University of California, Irvine School of Law Founding Dean and Professor Erwin Chemerinsky, shown here with OCBA President Wayne Gross and Greg Berk and Jame Mascaro of the OCBA Education Committee, presented a riveting discussion of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and the historic and far-reaching impact of her jurisprudence during her long tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court. More than 80 attorneys were in attendance. Berk and then-OCBA President Dimetria Jackson initiated the Tribute to a Legal Giant series in 2012. The OCBA will pay tribute to another legal giant in 2014. Stay tuned.
 Orange County's Super Lawyers
Recognition Reception
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
The OCBA invites you to a reception recognizing Orange County's Super Lawyers® on Thursday, May 30, 2013, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at The Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Don't miss out on this opportunity to socialize and network with key members of the Orange County legal community, as well as a number of OCBA leaders. Super Lawyers® is a rating system of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Download the flyer for more information or register online.
News
 OCBA Charitable Fund's 29th Annual Judge Kenneth Lae Charity Golf Tournament
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Check-In, Driving Range, & Putting Contest 9:00 a.m., Shotgun Start/Lunch 11:00 a.m., Reception 5:00 p.m.
Pelican Hill Golf Club, Ocean South Course, Newport Coast
Tee up for charity at Pelican Hill Golf Club, Newport Coast. A skilled forecaddie will accompany each foursome to enhance the golf experience. Don't have a foursome? Not to worry, we'll pair you up! A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available to help you gain visibility and promote your firm while supporting a worthy cause. Proceeds benefit law-related organizations and programs in Orange County. Download the flyer for more information and sponsorship opportunities or register online.
OCBA Announces Health Insurance Benefit
OCBA is pleased to announce the launch of a new health insurance benefit through preferred provider ISI Pacific, which will provide OCBA members with access to a one-stop shop for insurance rates, comparisons of coverage options, and access to licensed insurance agents who can answer specific questions regarding plans and underwriting requirements, thus enabling them to find the best rates available for the best possible coverage. Highlights include:
- Individual Medical Insurance—Enhanced benefits exclusively for members, their employees, and eligible family members
- Group Medical Insurance—Available to member firms with two to 50 employees
- Med-A-Pro—Available to members, their employees, and eligible family members under the age of 65
- Discount Rx Card—Enables OCBA members to save money at participating pharmacies on prescriptions not otherwise covered by insurance
The launch of the OCBA’s new health insurance benefit is in keeping with the goals of 2013 OCBA President Wayne R. Gross, who made the development of a health insurance benefit one of his top priorities for his term in office. In the February 2013 issue of Orange County Lawyer magazine, Gross announced that plans for the health insurance benefit were underway as part of the OCBA’s mission of continuing to develop “into an organization that directly enhances the lives of its members, which of course will enable members to better serve clients.” For additional information on the OCBA’s new health insurance benefit or to request a quote on coverage, please visit www.isi1959.com/OCBA.
OCBA Launches 2013 Mentoring Program
The OCBA is currently accepting applications from attorney members who have been admitted to practice for four years or less to participate in its 2013 Mentoring Program, which will pair accepted participents with experienced, active OCBA mentors available to provide guidance in such areas as ethics and professionalism, practice and law office management, general lawyering skills, and business/client development. To access the application, please click here. Space is limited, so sign up soon. All completed applications must be received no later than Friday, May 24, 2013. Should you have any questions regarding the OCBA Mentoring Program, please contact mentoring@ocbar.org or call the OCBA office at 949.440.6700 ext. 114.
 OCBA Charitable Fund Announces 2013 Scholarship Recipients
The Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund recently awarded nine law students with a scholarship for a complimentary BAR/BRI Bar Review Course valued at over $3,500. Applicants were evaluated on academic achievement, financial need, demonstrated leadership skills, and a commitment to public service. All attended American Bar Association accredited Orange County-based law schools at the time of their application and are law student members of the Orange County Bar Association.
2013 OCBA Charitable Fund Scholarship recipients:
- Sydney J. Blaauw, Chapman University School of Law
- Joseph M. Boniwell, University of California, Irvine School of Law
- Victor Franco, Western State University College of Law
- Laila Nikaien, Chapman University School of Law
- Marie Quitasol, Western State University College of Law
- Noel Rayo, Chapman University School of Law
- Jesse Salazar, Western State University College of Law
- Julia Sumida, Chapman University School of Law
- Ed W. Wunch IV, University of California, Irvine School of Law
The Orange County Bar Association’s Charitable Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, providing important financial support in Orange County through grants to law related organizations and scholarships to law student members of the OCBA. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.ocbacf.org.
 May Issue of OC Lawyer
Focuses on Trial Court Funding
Hot off the presses, the May 2013 issue of Orange County Lawyer magazine spotlights the trial court funding crisis, with timely pieces by Orange County Presiding Judge Thomas Borris and Assistant Presiding Judge Glenda Sanders, ABOTA Foundation Vice President Mike Maguire, and OCBA President Wayne Gross. Click here to learn how the funding crisis stands to impact Orange County Courts and discover steps you can take to help ensure that access to justice remains a reality for everyone. To access the digital edtion in its entirety, please click here.
 Section Spotlight:
When a Defending Insurer Just Isn't Settling
Friday, May 31, 2013
Radisson Hotel, Newport Beach
At what point in the life cycle of a lawsuit is the defending insurer motivated to settle on terms the insured can swallow? The insurer? The claimant? Does it have to be kicking and screaming? What if an insurer is defending through independent counsel? Panel counsel? Not defending? Join the OCBA Insurance Law Section as David A. Gauntlett, nationally recognized speaker and author of indispensable insurance coverage publications, takes us through the checks and balances to help you level the playing field. Topics include getting claims triggering offense-based coverages settled—advertising & personal injury, D&O, E&O. Download the flyer for more information or register online.
OCBA Members to Receive Discounted Pricing for
Corporate Counsel Panel
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Wyndham Hotel, Costa Mesa
One of the Legal Marketing Association, Southern California Chapter's most popular programs, "Corporate Counsel Panel: The Client Experience" gives marketers and lawyers alike the chance to hear directly from leading in-house counsel. Join LMA for a panel discussion about the client experience. A panel of corporate counsel will share how in-house counsel think about client service today, including their legal needs and hiring across the various tiers of legal representation; the decision making process; how law firms position themselves and their services; and their take on client team approaches. You will also develop a better understanding of what clients value in a relationship with outside counsel and how they define a successful law firm relationship. Orange County Bar Association members receive the discounted LMA member rate of $30. To register online, please click here, or visit www.ocbar.org for additional information.
 OCBA ADR Section Hosts
Inaugural Seminar
More than 80 attorneys attended the OCBA ADR Section's first annual seminar, entitled "Recent Developments in Arbitration and Mediation Law," which was held Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at the OCBA's new headquarters in Newport Beach. Panelists included Hon. Gary Taylor (Ret.), Phyllis Cheng, Rex Heinke, Jeff Kichaven, Michelle Reinglass, and Deborah Rothman. Special thanks to Section Chair Rebecca Callahan for her impeccable planning, as well as for moderating dual panels focused on recent cases and statutory developments in arbitration and mediation, respectively.
 Build Your Client Base with LRIS
Make 2013 more rewarding through membership on one or more of the OCBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service Panels. Clients referred to LRIS attorneys become sources of referrals for friends and relatives, and often return to LRIS themselves when legal services are needed. Trained LRIS representatives carefully screen each call. Only callers in need of legal assistance and able to pay attorneys’ fees are referred to LRIS panel members. Interested in joining an LRIS Panel? Please contact OCBA Public Services Administrator Kameron Riley at kriley@ocbar.org or 949.440.6700 ext. 128. As a reminder, we encourage you to refer any cases/clients that fall outside of your individual practice area to LRIS at 949.440.6747 or www.lrisoc.org for a qualified referral.
 Renew &/or Add Areas of
Practice to Your OCBA Membership Directory Listing
Want to increase your visibility within the OCBA online membership directory? Consider adding your areas of practice and/or languages spoken to your profile! Adding a listing enables your fellow OCBA members to search for you by practice area, rather than by name alone—which could lead to increased referrals. Purchase your first listing for $25, and only $5 for each subsequent listing. Remember: Practice Area listings are on a calendar basis, so if you want to keep your membership directory profile up to date, you’ll need to renew any listings purchased in 2012. Click here to get started!
Events
New Arbitrator Orientation & Training for
Members of the OCBA Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
OCBA, Newport Beach
This training session is required for all new arbitrators on the Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee, and will provide an overview of the fee arbitration program, rules of procedure, and ethical considerations in becoming an arbitrator on the MFA Committee. OCBA Attorney members interested in joining the Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee may contact Kameron Riley at kriley@ocbar.org. Download the flyer for more information or register online.
 Summer Member Mixer
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Tommy Bahama Island Grille, Newport Beach
Join your fellow members of the Bench and Bar for an evening of socializing and networking (don't forget to bring your business cards)! Always a popular event, this annual mixer features gourmet appetizers, refreshing beverages, door prizes, music, and more. Download the flyer for more information or register online.
Young Lawyers Division
 Save the Date: Taco Tuesday Social
**Please Note: This event is exclusive for OCBA Young Lawyers Division members and Orange County Women Lawyers Association members ONLY**
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
El Torito at The Block, Orange
Don't miss this exclusive event for OCBA Young Lawyers Division members and the Orange County Women Lawyers Association. Attendees will enjoy a fun evening of socializing and networking. Register soon, as the event is expected to sell out! Download the flyer for more information or register online.
 Save the Date: Successfully Navigating Court as a Young Lawyer
**Please Note: This event is exclusive for OCBA Young Lawyers Division members and OCBA Law Student members ONLY**
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
OCBA Headquarters, Newport Beach
Join our panel of Judges as they discuss what they look for in your paperwork, your oral arguments, your conduct in court, and more. Be sure to bring your questions, as the event will conclude with a question and answer session.
Speakers:
Hon. Franz E. Miller, Orange County Superior Court
Hon. Mary Fingal Schulte, Orange County Superior Court
Hon. Claudia J. Silbar, Orange County Superior Court
Program Chair:
Brian W. Skalsky, Esq., Bremer, Whyte, Brown & O’Meara LLP
Download the flyer for more information or register online.
Are You an Attorney in Your First 4 Years of Practice?
Created to meet the needs of Orange County Bar Association members in their first four years of practice, the OCBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) brings new attorneys together through educational, community outreach, social, and sporting activities. For just $10 in annual dues, you get access to activities designed to help new lawyers adapt to their demanding profession, encourage early involvement in the legal community, and build camaraderie with fellow lawyers. Click here to learn more about YLD or download an application.
Community Projects & Volunteer Opportunities
 Super Pet Adoption Event
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine
The OCBA Community Outreach Committee invites OCBA members to volunteer during the Irvine Animal Care Center's Super Pet Adoption Event by unloading vendor vehicles and delivery items and animals to various booths. Support the Irvine Animal Care Center's mission to find homes for as many pets as possible, to spread awareness of shelters and homeless animals, and to highlight the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Volunteers must be able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 30 pounds and must be comfortable handling dogs and cats. Volunteers should wear casual attire (i.e. jeans) and closed-toe shoes. Volunteers must be over the age of 15. Space is limited, so register now! Download the flyer for more information or register online.
 OCBA & Second Harvest Food Bank Harvesting Event
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Incredible Edible Park, Irvine
The OCBA Community Outreach Committeee invites you to participate in this family-friendly weekend event (children welcome)! There are 400,000 OC residents, many of them children, who are at risk of hunger every month and are in need of basic provisions. You can help make a difference by volunteering to harvest food for the Food Bank. Volunteer activities include planting, picking and/or weeding the current in-season crop. Space is limited, so register early! Download the flyer for more information or register online.
Pro Bono Opportunity: Bankruptcy Clinics
Volunteer your time at the weekly Chapter 7 Clinics held by the OCBA and the Public Law Center (PLC). For more information, please contact OCBA LRIS Coordinator Olivia Torres at 949.440.6700 ext. 109 or by email at otorres@ocbar.org. Additionally, PLC is collecting donated reference materials for use by pro bono attorneys at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Santa Ana. To make a donation, please contact Leigh Ferrin at 714.541.1010 ext. 290 or by email at lferrin@publiclawcenter.org.
Featured MCLE
 The OCBA Labor & Employment Section Presents Damages in Employment Litigation
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Chapman University School of Law, Orange
Don't miss this annual seminar with topics ranging from the use of experts in class action suits and the valuing of emotional damanges to various approaches to damages in voir dire, opening, and closing and the diamonds and demons of discovery. California Supreme Court Justice Ming W. Chin and California Court of Appeal, 5th District Justice Justice Rebecca A. Wiseman will present a keynote luncheon address entitled "Judicial Perspective on California Employment Litigation Trends." Download the flyer for more information or register online.
Upcoming MCLE Programs
OCBA Presents Life After Law: Selected Issues Regarding the Closing of a Law Practice
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Registration 1:30 p.m., Program 2:00 p.m., Networking Reception 4:00 p.m.
Orange County Bar Association, Newport Beach
Register online or download the registration flyer.
The OCBA Insurance Law Section Presents its Annual Insurance Law Update: Annual Survey of all 2012 & 2013 Insurance Cases
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Registration/Dinner 5:30 p.m., Program 6:00 – 9:15 p.m.
Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
Register online or download the registration flyer.
From the Courts & State Bar
Call for Nominations: 2013 Judicial Council Advisory Committee
Deadline: Sunday, June 30, 2013
The Executive and Planning Committee of the Judicial Council of California is currently seeking nominations to fill vacancies on the Judicial Council Advisory Committees. Before nominating someone, please check to ensure that your nominee is interested in a position and available to serve if selected. Self-nominations are encouraged. For more information, including instructions and a nomination form, please click here. Alternatively, the nomination forms can be completed online or downloaded from the California Courts website.
OC Superior Court Launches Online Hearing Reservations
On Monday, May 6, 2013, the Orange County Superior Court launched Reserve a Motion Date (RMD), an online hearing reservation system designed to increase access and public service. RMD allows parties in Unlimited Civil cases to reserve hearing dates via the Court's public website. Benefits include:
- Reduction in processing delays due to unavailable hearing dates
- Increased access to the Courts via the 24-7 website
- Cost savings due to a reduction in amended notices and reserving motions with updated hearing dates and times
For additional information, please click here.
Notice of Intent to Consider Reappointment of
Magistrate Judges Chooljian and Mumm
The United States District Court, Central District of California has established a panel of citizens to submit a recommendation to the Court regarding the reappointment of United States Magistrate Judges Jacquline Chooljian and Frederick Mumm whose terms expire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, and Wednesday, April 2, 2014, respectively. Comments from members of the Bar and public are invited as to whether the incumbent Magistrate Judges should be recommended by the Panel for reappointment and should be directed to Chooljiancomments@gmail.com for Hon. Choojian and Mummcomments@gmail.com for Hon. Mumm. All comments must be received no later than Sunday, June 2, 2013. For additional information, please see the Notice from the Clerk.
Reduced Service Days
In order to adjust to the sequester cuts in the Court’s budget, the United States District Court, Central District of California, will furlough staff and reduce Court services on specific Fridays through the end of August 2013 in all three of its divisions—Western (Los Angeles), Southern (Santa Ana), and Eastern (Riverside). For more information, please view the Notice from the Clerk.
Benjamin Aranda III Access to Justice Award
Nomination Deadline: Friday, May 31, 2013
The California Commission on Access to Justice is seeking nominations of California judges for the Benjamin Aranda III Access to Justice Award. The Aranda Access to Justice Award honors one California trial judge, appellate court justice, or commissioner who deserves recognition for his or her efforts to improve access to our judicial system for low and moderate income persons. For more information and details on how to submit a nomination, please click here.
Apply to Serve on the JNE Commission
Deadline: Monday, June 3, 2013
The State Bar is seeking active members of the bar, former members of the judiciary, and members of the public to serve on the 2014 Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE Commission). The application form and information about the commission are available on the State Bar’s website or from the State Bar's Appointments Office, 415.538.2370.
For more details and information, please visit the Court's website and the State Bar website.
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