A Message from OCBA President Shirin Forootan

A Message from OCBA President Shirin Forootan

Dear OCBA Members,

As you know, this year marks OCBA's 125th anniversary, and we are commemorating its founding in 1901.

This year also marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our Nation's 1776 document that established the foundational ideals of American democracy. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence. By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain.

To honor our Nation's Declaration of Independence within our legal community, the OCBA has developed an action plan, and we invite each of you to be part of history. By doing so, we each reaffirm our enduring commitment to the rule of law and to the preservation of an independent judiciary, cornerstones of our constitutional system for more than two centuries.

Public confidence in our legal institutions depends on the fair, impartial and consistent application of the law, grounded in facts and without regard to political affiliations, personal interests, or retribution. The rule of law ensures accountability for all, guarantees due process, and protects the fundamental rights and liberties that define a just and orderly society.

The integrity and independence of the legal system are essential to support equal justice under the law. Judges must be free to decide cases based solely on the law and the evidence, without fear of intimidation or undue pressure. Likewise, lawyers must be able to advocate for their clients within the bounds of the law and ethical rules. The OCBA encourages all members of the legal community and the public to uphold these principles, to engage in respectful discourse, and to support a legal system that is fair, transparent, and dedicated to the preservation of liberty.

Law Day Ambassadors Task Force
The OCBA has established a Law Day Ambassadors Task Force, which will focus its efforts on democracy-themed events each year. Law Day is a National Day of Observance in the United States that promotes appreciation for the law, legal institutions, and their role in a democratic society. Law Day serves as a reminder that the U.S. legal system is the foundation of American freedom and that it requires active participation and understanding from citizens.

OCBA Strategic Plan Update
The OCBA’s Strategic Plan focuses on five goals: (1) Deliver Value; (2) Enhance Community Relations; (3) Support Access to Justice; (4) Promote Excellence, and (5) Maintain Strong Bar Leadership & Infrastructure. To commemorate this year, the OCBA has added a sixth goal, which will be included in the updated Strategic Plan: (6) To Promote the Integrity of the Legal Profession and the Justice System.

OCBA Vision Statement Update
The OCBA has also updated its Vision Statement to promote the integrity of the legal profession and the justice system by:

• upholding the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution;
• preserving the independence of the profession and the judiciary;
• upholding the legal process and respect for the courts;
• promoting public trust and confidence;
• ensuring access to justice for all Orange County residents;
• advancing professional excellence and ethical leadership; and
• fostering unity and interdependence.

Ceremonial Reaffirmation of Our Oaths as Lawyers
To commemorate this special year in our nation’s history, I invite each of our members to join me on Friday, May 1st (Law Day) at 8:00 a.m. on the steps outside of OCBA’s headquarters to reaffirm our Attorney's Oath. We are truly privileged to have each other, our legal community, and our shared principles. No registration required; see event details here.

Hope to see you on Law Day, Friday May 1, 2026!

Best,

Shirin Forootan
OCBA President