Affiliate Bar Associations
Orange County Bar Association members are encouraged to join affiliate organizations in addition to their participation in OCBA.
For additional information about the following organizations, please call the OCBA at 949.440.6700 and enter the listed extension to leave a message.
ASSOCIATION OF ORANGE COUNTY DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS
The Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys (AOCDDA) is a nonprofit organization open to all persons employed as Deputy District Attorneys for the County of Orange. Membership meetings are held quarterly, with approximately 145 Deputy District Attorneys currently members of the AOCDDA. At each meeting, members review the outstanding achievements and accomplishments of prosecutors within the Orange County DA’s Office.
The purpose of the AOCDDA is to provide the Deputy District Attorneys of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office with a means for organizing for purposes of promoting camaraderie, providing support and improving the general welfare of the Deputies within the office. The AOCDDA’s Civic Action Committee participates in the political and judicial campaigns of individuals for elective office, and participates in the legislative process on those matters that affect the criminal justice system.
Anyone interested in obtaining additional information about the AOCDDA may contact Holly Davis by writing to the AOCDDA at P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658 OCBA Extension 250.
CELTIC BAR ASSOCIATION
The goals of the Celtic Bar are to promote camaraderie amongst its membership, civility and professionalism within the Orange County legal community, and a greater awareness of the Celtic culture and history, particularly its contribution to the law. There are seven separate Celtic nations, all of which are connected to one another by common history and culture. These seven nations are Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man (if your ancestors are from Man, your dues are waived for the first year), Galicia (in Spain), Brittany (in France), and Cornwall (in England). The Celtic people are known for their outgoing nature and their love of the written and spoken word. Not surprisingly, many descendants of Celtic immigrants have entered the legal profession. While there are many Irish-American lawyer’s groups in major cities throughout the United States, we believe that the CBA is the first attempt to gather all the Celtic clans in a single legal organization.
We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Muldoon’s Irish Pub, through the graciousness of one of our founding members, Ronald O’Schwartz, located near Fashion Island at 202 Newport Center Drive, 949.640.4110.
Each year, we install our officers and recognize our Celtic Judge of the Year on Samhain Eve, which heralds the beginning of the Celtic New Year. According to the Celtic calendar, the year was divided into four quarters: Samhain (winter), Imbolc (spring), Beltane (summer), and Lughnasadh (autumn). In Ireland, it is pronounced “sow-in.” In Wales and England, it is “sow-een.” And in Scotland, because the Scots love to be different, it is “sav-en.” The Celtic calendar starts in November with Samhain — it was the time for gathering food for the long months ahead and bringing people and livestock into their winter quarters. Past recipients have included Justice Kathleen O’Leary, Judge William McDonald, Judge C. Robert Jameson, Judge David Mc Eachen, Judge Ronald Kreber, and Judge Franz Miller.
We have organized travel seminars to Ireland, to Celtic Spain, and most recently to Scotland. This year, we are traveling to Paris and Brittany. We have also had excursions to the contemporary Irish comedies Stella by Starlight and Many Happy Returns at the Laguna Playhouse, Riverdance at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and Irish and Celtic movies. Guest speakers at our events have included Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, human rights activist and daughter of Robert Kennedy, and the prominent Irish playwright Bernard Farrell, and our own Judge McDonald, Ret.
Over 300 lawyers and judges have rallied to our cause. We would to be of Celtic descent to join the CBA. On the contrary, all we ask is that you be a member of the OCBA, have an outgoing nature and support for our organization’s goals. (Oh yes, we do have modest annual dues!) For further information, please contact CBA President Wylie A. Aitken at Aitken, Aitken & Cohn, 3 Imperial Promenade, Suite 800, Santa Ana, CA 92707, 714.434.1424, mpase@aitkenlaw.com. OCBA Extension 261.
FEDERAL BAR ASSOCIATION, ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER
The FBA is the preeminent national organization for private and government lawyers and judges involved in federal practice. The Orange County Chapter covers the spectrum of federal legal practice in Orange County. Regular programs and events provide a unique opportunity to meet federal judges and their staffs, stay current on the latest developments in federal practice, and meet and learn from other federal practitioners in our community. The FBA/OC has won numerous national awards as an outstanding chapter, for its innovative and valuable programs and for its excellent newsletter.
Many of the local federal judges serve on the FBA/OC board and participate in its programs. Judges also assist in planning and presenting chapter CLE activities, providing valuable and specific insight to federal practice in Orange County. FBA/OC’s hallmark event each year, Judges’ Night, draws many judges from local and regional courts. Chapter membership also covers the spectrum of federal legal practice in Orange County. From civil to criminal, solo practitioners to large firms, and from private practitioners to corporate counsel to federal attorneys with the United States Attorney Office, the Federal Public Defenders and other federal agencies.
The FBA-OC supports the local community, including through its annual Bill of Rights Program at Santa Ana intermediate schools. Volunteer attorneys from the chapter give presentations to Santa Ana intermediate school students about the Bill of Rights and share experiences about practicing law in Orange County. The FBA/OC’s Bill of Rights program has won numerous awards and serves as a model for similar programs across the nation.
The Orange County chapter has always focused on presenting frequent, excellent and topical CLE programs. Regular programs include: a “Behind the Books” tour of the Reagan Courthouse; annual civil, criminal and intellectual property practice programs on cutting edge topics; Bench and Bar Lunches, including informal remarks from our federal judges; and special programs with nationally recognized members of the legal community.
For more information, membership applications, or to join the FBA/OC, visit the website at: www.fbaoc.com or contact: Heather DeSha at info@fbaoc.com, or 949.608.9905 or fax to 949.608.9905. OCBA Extension 252.
HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF ORANGE COUNTY
The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County (“HBA”) seeks to promote the diverse practices of its members and to facilitate access to legal services to our community. In the face of a legal community that is becoming less ethnically diverse, the HBA advocates for a legal community that reflects the diversity of California and ensures genuine access to justice for all communities.
The HBA strives to bridge this gap by increasing: 1) the number of Latino attorneys practicing in Orange County, 2) the number of Latinos serving on the bench, and 3) the number of Latinos pursuing a law school education. Through its own efforts and in partnership with the courts and other organizations, the HBA strives to breakdown the language barriers in the courts, support local area law schools efforts in the recruitment and retention of Latino students, encourage diversity on the bench, and be responsive to the social issues impacting our community.
This year the HBA held its Annual Installation Dinner and Scholarship Fundraiser in February with over 500 people in attendance. Additional activities for the year include: an Immigration Education Clinic and a Welcome Reception for Orange County’s new Superior Court Commissioners in April, Becoming a Judge: The Basics Workshop and the Annual Memorial Day Seminar in Los Cabos, Mexico in May, an HBA Student Mixer in July, the End of Summer Mixer in August, the Annual Judges’ BBQ in September, an Immigration Clinic in October, the Dia de los Muertos Mixer in November, and the Annual Holiday Party in December.
In addition, the HBA provides opportunities to serve the community through pro bono work and other volunteer work. The HBA seeks to strengthen its service to its members and the community at large by providing valuable scholarships for students seeking careers as lawyers, formalizing its process for judicial endorsements and carefully considering nominations and endorsements for judicial appointments, providing mentoring for students and recent law graduates, and establishing a Social Issues Committee to address the various policies that negatively impact the Latino community.
The HBA is a great place to give back to the community, empower the next generation of Latino lawyers and leaders, meet new friends, see old faces and share some good memories. If you are interested in becoming a member or in learning more about the HBA, its Committees, its scholarships, or how to get involved, please visit our website at www.ochba.org or e-mail us info@ochba.org. You may also contact 2008 President, Norma Garcia Guillén, at 949.440.6700 x 253 or by e-mail at ngarciaguillen@sheppardmullin.com. OCBA Extension 253.
J. REUBEN CLARK LAW SOCIETY
The J. Reuben Clark Law Society was started in 1987 with four chapters. Since then, we have grown to more than 6,000 members in more than 65 chapters-50+ in the US, and 15 international chapters, from Moscow, Russia, to Sao Paolo, Brazil, to Australia, New South Wales. With these worldwide members, we share the goal of promoting fairness, virtue, and the rule of law through professional excellence and public service, guided by personal religious conviction.
Our Mission Statement reads: “We affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer’s personal religious conviction. We strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law.”
All attorneys who share this vision of the law are invited to join with us. As a Chapter, our goal is to “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” in our member’s lives. We encourage our members to “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” in the lives of all those with whom we come in contact-our colleagues, co-workers, clients, counsel, courts, and the community at large.
Among many activities, our Chapter sponsors an Annual Dinner in September, five MCLE luncheons throughout the year, and the Annual Orange County Religion and Law Symposium. These are great opportunities to network with old friends and meet new ones. Anyone interested in joining or in obtaining more information may contact the Chapter Chair, Mark D. Watkins, at 714.424.8228, mwatkins@sheppardmullin.com, or visit our website at www.jrcls-oc.com. OCBA Extension 265.
LEX ROMANA
Lex Romana (Italian American Lawyers of Orange County) takes pride in being the premiere affiliate that engages in legal, cultural, and gastronomic delights. The group meets the 4th Tuesday every month, rotating between 2 local Orange County restaurants. Our group, despite sharing the common bond of lawyer-hood, is well known for its social awareness — with such topics as “Basic Italian,” “How to make fresh olive oil,” and “The trials and tribulations of renovating a 100-year old house in Italy.” Lex Romana established its roots in the Orange County community in 1979 with Joseph D’Antony being installed as its first President. Despite the membership’s growth over the past 2 years (truly doubled in numbers), we are proud to admit that the present mix is one of old and new, with the old imparting their wisdom and experience on the newer members.
“Come Sail Away” with us on October 6th as Lex Romana celebrates Columbus Day on board the 120 foot yacht ‘Just Dreamin.’ All Lex swashbucklers will enjoy a 4-hour cruise of Newport Harbor, with cocktails, appetizers, and dancing. Because space is limited, ticket sales (Beginning May 1st and pre-registration concludes July 1st) will be limited to the first 100 lucky sailors.
Lex Romana is always looking for new members. You needn’t be Italian to join: you must, however, readily admit to loving pasta or be able to name a Sophia Loren movie. Annual dues are $50 and you can download an application from our web site.
For more information on Lex Romana, the officers, monthly dinner locations, and our member network, visit our website at www.lexromana.org. OCBA Extension 271.
ORANGE COUNTY ASIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Established to meet the needs of the Asian American legal community, OCAABA’s objectives include promoting professional development and personal growth of its members; fostering the exchange of ideas and information between OCAABA, other participants of the legal profession and community at large; providing a forum for fellowship among OCAABA members of other civic organizations; promoting educational, civic events and programs, which enhances the community’s knowledge and understanding, and thus appreciation for the legal system and the profession of law. OCAABA provides a vehicle and forum for the expression of reasonable opinions arising in the Asian community on current social, political, economic, legal or other matters of event or concern. OCAABA is a multi-cultural bar organization open to all lawyers, judicial officers, law students, and other interested persons.
Among the many social events OCAABA offers, it also hosts a holiday dim sum party and annual installation dinner. OCAABA publishes a quarterly newsletter and sponsors a mentoring program to match law students and newer attorneys with more experienced practitioners and judges. Most recently, OCAABA partnered with local chapters of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) and offered resume and interviewing seminars. Given the great response, OCAABA intends to offer and extend these seminars to all Orange County law schools.
In the past, OCAABA has provided coaches for the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County Mock Trial program and was awarded CRF-OC’s Community Service Award. OCAABA also supports the Public Law Center’s Southeast Asian Legal Outreach Program and the OCBA Charitable Fund’s annual benefit. For more information, visit www.ocaaba.org or please contact Solange Ritchie at 949.788.3999 or email: ocaaba@cox.net. OCBA Extension 254.
ORANGE COUNTY DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDERS ASSOCIATION
The Orange County Deputy Public Defender’s Association (OCDPDA) was formed in 1991 as a non-profit organization with a mission to promote high quality indigent legal defense in Orange County. The OCDPDA actively promotes increased public awareness of criminal justice issues within Orange County, donates resources to causes which support fairness in the legal system and actively participates in providing continuing legal education for all members of the defense bar. Currently, OCDPDA enjoys a membership of over 175 attorneys drawn from the offices of the Public Defender, the Alternate Defender and the Associate Defender.
The Board of Directors of the OCDPDA is comprised of nine members who are elected by the membership and serve a two-year term. This year’s Board president is Jennifer Nicolalde. OCBA Extension 256.
ORANGE COUNTY TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association was formed in 1963 when plaintiffs’ attorneys got together to share information and to exchange various tips and strategies with one another. Today our organization is stronger than ever, with a clear dedication of our mission to promote quality representation of individual rights while educating, networking and supporting our membership. Below are just a few of the benefits our members enjoy:
All attorneys engaged in trial practice in Orange County are encouraged to join OCTLA. With benefits like these, how can you afford not to join? For more information, visit our website at www.OCTLA.org, or contact Janet Thornton at 949.916.9577. OCBA Extension 258.
ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA) was founded more than 25 years ago to advance the women’s status in the legal profession. Our dynamic and growing male and female membership supports diversity and parity at all levels, including judicial office and law firm partnership. OCWLA is an affiliate of California Women Lawyers and the OCBA.
Our monthly luncheon meetings, many of which offer Continuing Legal Education credit, offer a networking forum with Judges, attorneys and other professionals. We also host two fund raising events each year, one in the spring and another in the summer, proceeds support the Public Law Center, El Viento and law student stipends. Our luncheon meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Turnip Rose in Orange. We welcome your attendance.
In addition, our quarterly newsletter and website offer a glimpse into OCWLA events and member activities. We encourage all members to get involved with our ongoing projects such as the El Viento, Orange County Drug courts and Juvenile Courts. It is through helping these groups that we give back, showing our appreciation to a profession that has been so good to us.
This year, our goals are to continue to increase membership, to outreach to our fellow affiliate bar associations to increase networking and membership and to continue our community involvement and philanthropy, which has increased over the last few years. For the first time, we also will be offering an MCLE travel seminar in November to Cancun, Mexico to an all inclusive spa facility. This event will likely sell out. We will also be bringing back the Margie Dickenson award to honor an outstanding woman in our OC legal community.
If you would like more information about OCWLA, please visit our website at www.ocwla.org. OCBA Extension 259.
