In order to offer Orange County Bar Association members increased diversity alongside engaging networking and learning opportunities, the OCBA proudly partners with a variety of affiliate bar associations. We invite you to take this opportunity to read on and learn more about the Affiliates directly from their leaders. Joining an Affiliate Bar may improve your practice while simultaneously increasing your connections in the Orange County legal community.
CELTIC BAR ASSOCIATION (CBA)
The Celtic Bar Association (CBA) aims to promote camaraderie amongst members, civility and professionalism within the Orange County legal community, and a greater awareness of Celtic culture and history, particularly its contribution to the law. One need not be of Celtic descent to join! All we ask is that you be an OCBA member, have an outgoing nature, and support our organization’s goals.
We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Muldoon’s Irish Pub—originally through the graciousness of one of our founding members, Ronald “O’Schwartz” (and now thanks to the pub’s new owner, Mario Marovic)—located near Fashion Island in Newport Beach. We have a longstanding tradition set forth in our bylaws that meetings cannot last more than five minutes, which is strictly adhered to at all meetings, with our leaders heckled down as the deadline approaches.
Each year, we install officers and recognize our Celtic Judge of the Year on Samhain Eve, which heralds the beginning of the Celtic New Year. This past year, we recognized Justice Thomas A. Delaney as the Celtic Judge of the Year and Joseph Charez, Esq. as Attorney of the Year at our well-attended Samhain Eve installation dinner. Past attorney recipients include Nikki Presley Miliband, Kate Corrigan, and Antoinnette Naddour, and past judicial officer recipients include Judge Scott B. Cooper, Judge James P. Gray (Ret.), Judge Maria D. Hernandez, Judge John Nho Trong Nguyen (Ret.), Charles Margines (Ret.), Judge H. Shaina Colover, Judge Jamoa Moberly (Ret.), Judge Linda S. Marks (Ret.), Judge Nancy Wieben Stock (Ret.), Judge Gail A. Andler (Ret.), Judge Dennis Choate (Ret.), Judge Sheila Fell (Ret.), Judge James Di Cesare (Ret.), Justice Kathleen O’Leary, Judge William McDonald (Ret.), Judge C. Robert Jameson (Ret.), Judge David McEachen, Judge Ronald Kreber (Ret.), Judge Dan Pratt (Ret.), Judge Franz Miller (Ret.), Judge Michael Brenner (Ret.), Judge Andrew Banks (Ret.), Judge Lon Hurwitz, and Justice William Bedsworth. In 2019, we granted the inaugural Founder’s Award at Samhain Eve to Attorney Ronald Schwartz.
In 2021, we instituted our annual Whiskey Tasting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day; in March 2022, we hosted a very well-attended second edition with the OC Korean American Bar Association, followed in 2023 and 2025 with additional OCKABA co-hosted whiskey tasting events.
We have organized MCLE travel seminars to Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, France, Italy, England, Spain, Wales, Malta, and this year (2026) we will be traveling to Northern Ireland. We have also had excursions to contemporary Irish comedies and plays, the Orange County Irish Fair, a local Renaissance Faire, and Irish and Celtic movies.
There are seven Celtic nations, all of which are connected by common history and culture: Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Galicia (in Spain), Brittany (in France), and Cornwall (in England). Celtic people are known for their outgoing nature and love of the written and spoken word. While there are many Irish-American lawyers’ groups throughout the United States, we believe that the CBA is the first attempt to gather all the Celtic clans in a single legal organization.
More than 300 lawyers and judges rally to our cause. (We have modest annual dues of $25!) For further information, contact CBA President Ryan Pinkney at ryan@ryanpinkneylaw.com or visit celticbarassociation.org.
FEDERAL BAR ASSOCIATION, ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER (FBA/OC)
The Federal Bar Association (FBA) is the preeminent national organization for lawyers and judges involved in federal practice. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and needs of federal practitioners, the federal judiciary, and the public.
The Orange County Chapter of the FBA (FBA/OC) covers the spectrum of federal legal practice in Orange County and focuses on presenting frequent and topical CLE programs. Local federal judges participate in presenting many of the programs, provide insight on federal practice in Orange County, and serve on the FBA/OC Board of Directors, along with federal practitioners from the community. Programs and events provide a unique opportunity to interact with federal judges and personnel, stay current on developments in federal practice, and meet and learn from other federal practitioners in our community.
FBA/OC regularly offers programs on cutting-edge topics in civil, criminal, and intellectual property practice. The Chapter also hosts special programs with nationally recognized members of the legal community. Each summer, the FBA/OC offers two Bench and Bar luncheon events at which local federal judges provide valuable insights to practitioners. The Chapter also hosts four judicial lunches every year, where a small group of our members will attend lunch with a federal judge in a relaxed and informal setting. The Chapter’s hallmark event each year, Judges’ Night, draws many judges from local and regional courts.
FBA/OC also supports the local community by hosting an annual pro bono lunch to raise awareness of and participation in pro bono programs in the county. Its members also support the Federal Pro Se Clinic at the Ronald Reagan Courthouse through volunteer activities.
FBA/OC is also committed to promoting the growth of younger federal court practitioners via its Young Lawyers Division. The FBA/OC YLD hosts brown bag lunches with local judges and networking opportunities for younger federal court practitioners. The YLD also supports the Federal Pro Se Clinic and hosts a variety of public service events.
The Chapter’s membership spans a wide range of attorneys, from civil to criminal, from private practitioners to corporate counsel to government attorneys, and includes lawyers in diverse practices, from solo offices to the largest firms.
For more information, membership applications, or to join the FBA/OC, visit the website at www.fbaoc.com or contact FBA/OC Administration at info@fbaoc.com, or (949) 608-9905.
FILIPINO-AMERICAN LAWYERS OF ORANGE COUNTY (FLOC)
Established in 2016, the Filipino-American Lawyers of Orange County (FLOC) seeks to represent and advocate the interests of Filipinos and Filipino Americans and foster the exchange of ideas and information among members of the legal profession, the judiciary, and the community.
Our mission is to support the professional growth of attorneys and affiliates, advance the local administration of justice, serve the community by improving access to the legal system, and promote diversity in the legal profession.
FLOC’s current officers are: Tina Hanley (President), a Senior Deputy District Attorney in the Office of the Orange County District Attorney; Rochelle Calderon (President-Elect), an Associate at Buchalter; Carolyn Sieve (Treasurer), Of Counsel at GBG LLP; and Mike Fermin (Secretary), a Chief Assistant in the Office of the San Bernardino County District Attorney.
FLOC’s Board of Directors includes Ace Aldana, Andre Aragon, Ben John G. Atienza, Tom Beasley, Jason Casero, April Domingo, Neil Dy, Ann Fawaz, Monica Glicken, Tony Nepomuceno, Ray Sagun, Mark Servino, and Vince Verde.
FLOC’s 2025 8th Gala was sold out for the second year in a row and featured keynote speaker Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Patrick J. Bumatay, who also received the Trailblazer Award. Additional 2024–2025 FLOC awardees included Michael Fermin (Liwanag Leadership Award), Hon. Julian C. Recana (Judge of the Year), Mark Servino (President’s Award), and Kathay Feng (Community Advocate Award). Based on past attendance and continued support from the legal community and judiciary, we anticipate the 2026 Gala will also sell out.
FLOC will celebrate its 10-Year Anniversary at its 9th Gala on September 18, 2026, at the Irvine Marriott.
FLOC’s success, programs, scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and pathway events for law students and undergraduates are made possible through the support of its members and sponsors. We encourage you to join us at our events throughout the year. For membership and event information, visit www.floclawyers.org.
HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF ORANGE COUNTY (OCHBA)
The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County (OCHBA) was founded in the 1970s by a small but determined group of Orange County attorneys of Hispanic heritage. Among its founding members was the late Honorable James O. Perez, the first Latino judge appointed to the Orange County bench. In honor of his legacy and dedication to public service, the OCHBA continues to recognize outstanding members of the legal community and promote diversity within the profession.
The OCHBA is committed to advancing education, unity, and excellence within the Latinx legal community and the broader Orange County community. Each year, the Association brings together attorneys, judges, law students, and community leaders to celebrate these values and raise funds for future leaders in the legal profession.
On March 7, 2026, the OCHBA proudly hosted its 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser, Awards, and Installation Gala at the Hyatt Regency Irvine—its signature fundraising event of the year. With the generous support of sponsors, community partners, and members, the evening raised critical funding for the OCHBA’s scholarship programs, which support law students dedicated to serving the Latinx community.
This year, the OCHBA awarded four Wally R. Davis Scholarships of $10,000 each to outstanding law students: Emily G. Rivera, Clarissa A. Echevarria, Samantha Lopez, and Laura Pelaez. These students were selected for their academic excellence, resilience, leadership, and commitment to serving their communities. In addition, the OCHBA awarded Bar Exam stipends of $1,500 each to Helena Garcia Ochoa, Raul Gomez, Maria Campos Tello, and Roger Valencia Ricardez to help offset the financial burden associated with preparing for the California Bar Exam.
The Gala also honored distinguished leaders whose work has made a meaningful impact on the legal profession and the community. The Hon. Manuel A. Ramirez, Presiding Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two, received the Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary career and dedication to justice. Congressman José Luis “Lou” Correa, Representative for California’s 46th Congressional District, was recognized with the Guardián de la Justicia Award for his continued commitment to public service and advocacy for the community.
The OCHBA proudly honored Angel Carrazco Jr. with the Attorney of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and dedication to serving clients and the community. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County received the Corporate Citizen Award for its impactful work addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable families throughout the region. Finally, Minyard Morris was recognized as the Law Firm of the Year for its continued commitment to legal excellence and support of the Latinx legal community.
The evening also celebrated the installation of the OCHBA’s 2026 Board of Directors, led by President Laura Hassan, whose leadership continues to strengthen the organization’s mission of mentorship, community outreach, and advancement of Latinx representation in the legal profession.
The continued success of the OCHBA and its programs, including scholarships, mentorship initiatives, community legal clinics, and professional networking opportunities, is made possible through the support of its members, sponsors, and community partners. Together, they ensure that the next generation of diverse legal leaders has the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
We encourage judges, attorneys, law students, and community members to participate in our many events throughout the year, including our Cinco de Mayo Mixer, Angels game outing, Annual Judges’ BBQ, Día de los Muertos Mixer, and a variety of mentorship, networking, and community service initiatives that advance the mission of the OCHBA. Today’s OCHBA sets the standard for diversity and inclusion. Our leadership and membership frequently include members of other ethnic backgrounds, including past presidents and many past and current officers. OCHBA is proud to carry this heritage forward.
For more information about membership and upcoming events, please visit www.ochba.org or contact info@ochba.org.
IRANIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (IABA-OC)
The Iranian American Bar Association’s mission is to educate our community about legal issues of interest and ensure that the public and our representatives are informed on such matters, to protect and advance the legal rights of our community, and to foster and promote the achievements of Iranian American legal professionals. IABA-OC is the Orange County chapter of the IABA, which is a nonprofit, non-religious, apolitical, and all-volunteer member-funded organization that serves Iranian American lawyers, judges, students, and the community as a whole. IABA has grown to be the largest national organization of Iranian American legal professionals, with multiple chapters nationwide, and continues to grow in other states.
Since its founding over a decade ago, the IABA has been at the forefront of legal issues impacting the Iranian American community. IABA and IABA-OC have combined efforts and issued timely “Know Your Rights” educational material, assisted community members, worked to safeguard the Iranian American community against hate crimes, and held community outreach and educational town hall events. Through IABA-OC’s legal clinics, often held in partnership with other affiliate bars, local nonprofit counterparts, attorneys give back to the community by offering guidance covering a wide array of topics, such as immigration and family law, and by introducing the community to additional resources available to them.
Throughout the year, IABA-OC hosts numerous live and virtual programs on hot topics, providing MCLE to participants, raising money for scholarships and charitable organizations, and offering opportunities for members and non-members to expand their networks locally and nationally. IABA-OC’s annual marquee event, the Nowruz Gala, is a cultural fundraising event that happens every March. Nowruz, marking and celebrating the advent of spring and a new year in the Persian calendar, is not just a celebration; it’s an embodiment of transformation and new beginnings. The past few years, we have hosted around 250 Orange County community members to celebrate the new year. The celebration includes a beautiful “haft-seen” table, a cultural showcase, an awards ceremony for professionals in the community, a delicious Nowruz dinner, and live musical performances. This annual fundraising event is focused on raising funds for our law student scholarship initiatives which are announced every June. Additionally, IABA-OC hosts an annual toy drive in December of each year, which is both a celebration of the holiday season and a benefit to children through charitable efforts in partnership with nonprofit organizations.
Along the way, we wish to share the beautiful cultural heritage we foster as Iranian Americans to our friends and colleagues in the Orange County community. Equally important, we must support the next generation of our profession. That’s why IABA maintains and supports the National Iranian American Law Students Association (NIALSA). With NIALSA, IABA-OC has mentorship programs to guide law students and young practitioners as they begin their journey in law. Together with the IABA Foundation (our charitable arm), multiple scholarships are provided to law students across the country.
IABA-OC is open to all attorneys, judges, and law students, and one need not be of Iranian descent to join. IABA-OC invites readers to become a member and to connect with IABA-OC through the website www.iabaoc.com, and join the IABA-OC community on Instagram, and LinkedIn @iabaoc.
ITALIAN AMERICAN LAWYERS OF ORANGE COUNTY—LEX ROMANA (IALOC)
The mission of the Italian American Lawyers of Orange County–Lex Romana is to weave a tapestry of legal excellence and cultural richness, deeply rooted in our proud Italian heritage. We provide continuing legal education and create fun and festive opportunities for networking among lawyers, non-lawyers, and anyone interested in good food, good wine, and good company. We aim to nurture the next generation of attorneys by creating a bridge that connects the wisdom of the past to the innovation of the future. United by our heritage and our profession, we seek to make a significant, positive impact on both the Italian and legal communities. We are committed to growing, learning, and succeeding together, honoring our roots while forging a path to a bright, inclusive future.
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month. In addition to the annual January Board Installation Dinner, special events include cooking demonstrations, wine and olive oil tastings, and a summer bocce tournament at Il Fornaio. You can register for our events at http://www.ialoc.org. Tutti sono i benvenuti. All are welcome!
Additionally, IALOC annually recognizes a member of the legal community for his/her outstanding lifetime legal career and support of the Italian American Lawyers of Orange County. The award is named after the first honoree, Hon. James Alfano. Past honorees include: Hon. James Di Cesare, Frank Barbaro, Joseph D’Antony, Andrew Lachina, Diane Liddy, John Cogorno, and posthumously to John DiCaro.
As an MCLE provider, IALOC provides periodic CLE programs to its members while enjoying a glass of wine and good Italian cuisine. In addition to these local CLE programs, IALOC has a “CLE in Italy” program. Attendees obtain MCLE credits while experiencing the history, food, wine, and culture available only in Italy. Past travels included unforgettable trips to Sicily, Tuscany, Verona, and Sorrento. A trip to Puglia is currently in the planning stages.
IALOC takes pride in being the premier OCBA Affiliate that places equal emphasis on the importance of legal, cultural, epicurean, and fermented contributions Italians have made to our society. We are well known for our love of Italian culture, food, and wines, and believe everyone is an Italian at heart. Italians and non-Italians are all welcome and encouraged to join. If you love good food, a nice Chianti, or periodic opportunities for CLE locally and in Italy, you qualify for membership in the IALOC!
IALOC established its roots in the Orange County community in 1979 with Joseph D’Antony installed as its first President. Founding members also include Hon. James Di Cesare, Frank Barbaro, John DiCaro, Joseph DiVincenzo, Andrew Lachina, and Frank Terreri. IALOC thanks all of its past presidents who still attend most dinners.
For more information on becoming a member, attending a meeting, learning about the IALOC and its history, searching our Board and Membership Directories, or getting on our CLE in Italy interest list, please visit our website at www.IALOC.org or contact our 2026 President, Robert Coviello, who is serving his second term: coviello@coviello-law.com.
Unisciti a noi per cibo straordinario mentre crei amicizie per tutta la vita. Join us for amazing food while creating lifelong friendships.
J. REUBEN CLARK LAW SOCIETY - ORANGE COUNTY (JRCLS-OC)
The J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS) is a diverse, worldwide organization with active chapters throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North, Central, and South America. The JRCLS emphasizes public service, loyalty to the rule of law and to the Constitution, and appreciation for the religious dimensions both in society at large and in a lawyer’s personal life. The JRCLS Mission Statement reflects these values: “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.”
With over 100 active members, the Orange County chapter (JRCLS-OC) is one of the largest and most dynamic chapters in the JRCLS. Our chapter hosts approximately six CLE luncheons each year, an annual Religion & the Law Symposium, Women-in-Law events, an annual dinner, and community service events. We refer pro bono matters to our members who are interested in such opportunities.
Members of the JRCLS-OC and their guests have recently heard presentations by Dean Austen Parrish (Dean, UC Irvine School of Law), Rabbi Richard Steinberg (Senior Rabbi for Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot), President C. Shane Reese (President, Brigham Young University), Professor Carl Hanson (Professor, Brigham Young University Department of Public Health), Tad R. Callister (tax lawyer in Southern California until he was called into full-time service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2005), Blaine Evanson (Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP), and Professor Carl H. Esbeck (University of Missouri School of Law).
Our society is named after an eminent statesman, jurist, and religious leader who embodied the values we espouse. J. Reuben Clark, Jr. served as solicitor of the U.S. State Department and later in the JAG Officers’ Reserve Corps, earning a Distinguished Service Medal in his work for the U.S. Attorney General’s Office during World War II. He also served as Undersecretary of State, publishing the “Clark Memorandum on the Monroe Doctrine,” and then as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. He later served in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Membership in the JRCLS-OC is open to all law students, attorneys, and judges who support our mission statement and share these values. There is no requirement to have attended or graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University or to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All who share our mission are welcome.
Anyone interested in attending one of our luncheons or joining our organization may visit our websites at www.jrcls.org/california-orange-county/.
ORANGE COUNTY ASIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (OCAABA)
Established in 1993, the Orange County Asian American Bar Association (OCAABA) celebrates its thirty-first year as Orange County’s Pan-Asian bar association. OCAABA embraces diversity, welcoming members from any and all backgrounds and practices. Interfacing regularly with fellow local bars and nationally with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), OCAABA is a voice for our community, dedicated to service, charity, and leadership.
There is something for everyone in OCAABA, and we welcome you to join one of our many active committees.
The Professional Development Committee organizes MCLE programs and seminars. These provide guidance for professional development and advancement and often focus on popular, present-day issues. In 2023, we even organized a delegation to travel to South Korea for a week-long CLE event.
The In-House Counsel Section helps build relationships among in-house counsel and with outside counsel through events such as the “Must-Know GCs in OC” reception and the “Must-Know GCs” lunch series, as well as other casual in-house focused events.
The Pipeline/Mentoring Committee works with law student associations and partners with local law schools to provide mentorship, career panel programs, and skills workshops. Student members can sign up for OCAABA’s popular mentor-mentee program.
The Community Service Committee organizes charitable drives such as supply drives for homeless people and food drives.
The Social Committee plans and coordinates social events throughout the year. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Holiday Dim Sum Party, and Lunar New Year Celebration have become signature events, creating opportunities for students, attorneys, judges, and community supporters to promote friendships and professional ties.
The Judicial Evaluation Committee evaluates qualified judicial candidates for OCAABA endorsement and endeavors to recognize and celebrate diversity on the bench.
For more information, visit www.ocaaba.org or email contactus@ocaaba.org.
ORANGE COUNTY JEWISH BAR ASSOCIATION (OCJBA)
The OCJBA was founded to provide a social environment that engenders comradeship among its members based on the Jewish traditions of Torah (law), Mitzvot (good deeds), and Tzedakah (literally, justice) while practicing law and serving the community. The OCJBA greatly appreciates Jordon Steinberg for taking the initiative to create this incredible organization.
OCJBA continues to connect with the Orange County and Long Beach communities by facilitating and participating in activities with local organizations such as Jewish Community Centers (Orange County and Long Beach), Jewish Federation of Orange County, Chapman University, affiliate bars, OCBA sections and committees, the California Lawyers Association, the Anti-Defamation League, the Museum of Tolerance, OC Jewish Collaborative, and Jewish National Fund.
For more information about OCJBA activities and to submit Mensch of the Year nominations, Board nominations, or activity ideas, please visit www.OCJBA.com, write OCJBA, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658, or email president Jordon Steinberg at jordon@kaufmansteinberg.com.
ORANGE COUNTY KOREAN AMERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (OCKABA)
The Orange County Korean American Bar Association (OCKABA) was established in 2005 to foster meaningful relationships among Korean American attorneys and law students, provide pro bono services to the Orange County Korean American community, and promote the appointment of Korean American judges.
Over the past twenty years, with the support of the Orange County Bar Association, affiliate bar organizations, and the broader legal community, OCKABA has grown into a thriving and impactful organization. Today, OCKABA proudly counts three Korean American judges on the Orange County Superior Court bench—two of whom were appointed in 2023—and maintains a robust mentorship program with over 100 active participants.
OCKABA is currently led by President Jonathan Shin of SHIN Law Group, APC; President-Elect Logan Park of Seyfarth Shaw, LLP; Treasurer Deborah Song of Minyard Morris, LLP; Secretary Jinju Kim of Algorand Foundation; Immediate Past President Mandy Kim of McDermott Will & Schulte, LLP; along with an accomplished board of eighteen directors. Our leadership regularly represents OCKABA at major legal events, including affiliate bar installation galas, the IAKL Annual Conference, the NAPABA Convention, and the Cal-APABA Annual Conference.
Last year, OCKABA celebrated a milestone with its sold-out 20th Annual Installation Dinner, featuring the Honorable Kenneth K. Lee as keynote speaker and Leadership Award recipient. Over the past year, OCKABA has hosted and co-sponsored numerous programs and events, including:
- Summer Judicial Workshop
- Holiday Party celebrating Korean culture and community
- Mentorship Mixers connecting mentors and mentees
- Board Retreat in Palm Springs
- OCKABA–IAKL Joint Mixer
- UCI Law / UCI CKS / KLC Chuseok Celebration
- OCCDL DEI Awards
- 2nd Annual Inter-APALSA Night Market
- National KABA Reception at NAPABA
- OCKABA & UCI Law / KLC Pro Bono Legal Clinic
OCKABA looks forward to continuing to build community and provide meaningful opportunities for its members. For information regarding upcoming events, membership, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact admin@ockaba.org or visit www.ockaba.org. Many OCKABA events are complimentary for members.
ORANGE COUNTY LAVENDER BAR ASSOCIATION (OCLBA)
The Orange County Lavender Bar Association connects LGBTQ+ attorneys, judges, law students, and community members—as well as our straight allies—to strengthen representation within the county. Founded sixteen years ago in the shadow of Proposition 8, OCLBA is committed to producing a dynamic series of programs each year for the Bar and lay communities to increase visibility of LGBTQ+ issues and advance equality through education, charity, mentorship, networking, and social activities.
This past year, these programs included a series of MCLE trainings in May, like our Harvey Milk Day Luncheon on May 21 that featured Will Tentindo from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. There will also be several opportunities to meet and socialize with members at our Pride Mixer event in June, National Coming Out Day event in October, and joint mixers with affiliate bars throughout the year, like our annual Halloween Bash co-hosted with the Public Law Center and a Costumes & Coffee co-hosted with Orange County Women Lawyers Association on October 31.
OCLBA’s signature Anniversary Gala that honors community and legal leaders in the fight for justice and equality will be held on July 22 at the 3 Park Plaza Commons in Irvine. Our first gala sixteen years ago featured remarks by the attorneys who completed closing arguments in the landmark Perry v. Schwarzenegger case, and each year we continue to celebrate advances in LGBTQ+ legal protections, both in California and across the nation. During the event, OCLBA also awards its $5,000 M. Katherine B. Darmer Equality Scholarship to a law student committed to LGBTQ+ issues in Orange County.
Please visit oclba.org to register for our newsletter, join as a member or ally for only $30, donate to our scholarship fund, and stay up to date on OCLBA and community events.
ORANGE COUNTY TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (OCTLA)
Established in 1963, when plaintiffs’ attorneys gathered to share information and exchange tips and strategies with one another, the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) has grown into one of the most influential Affiliate Bar organizations in Orange County. Now in its sixty-third year, OCTLA is stronger than ever, dedicated to providing premier advocacy for the protection of individuals and their access to civil justice through superior education and training for our members, access to the collective resources, knowledge, and experience of our membership, and ongoing charitable outreach, including Habitat for Humanity build, the annual Joy Jar event for Negu, and our partnership with OCTLC. Below is an overview of the benefits that OCTLA members enjoy.
Best Networking Opportunities in Orange County: It’s no secret that OCTLA is one of the most prominent bar organizations in Orange County, and members are treated to regular networking opportunities with judges and top trial lawyers in the county at special events and our monthly dinner meetings.
MCLE Educational Events: Not all MCLE educational events are created equal. OCTLA provides monthly opportunities to earn MCLE credits while learning about relevant issues from some of the greatest speakers in the state. OCTLA also provides a multi-day MCLE seminar in Palm Springs, where members enjoy learning trial skills and strategies against the backdrop of sunny Palm Springs.
Quarterly Magazine: From insightful interviews with Orange County Superior Court judges to practical, nuts-and-bolts articles on issues of procedure and trial skills, you will not want to miss an issue of The Gavel magazine.
Member Listserv: Some have said OCTLA’s most valuable member benefit is our members-only listserv that allows attorney members to post questions regarding their cases and solicit immediate responses from hundreds of fellow trial attorneys. It is OCTLA members connected together in a real-time, private, virtual forum sharing their collective knowledge and experience for mutual benefit.
Deposition and Document Bank: Our attorney members also have free access to our online document bank stocked with motions, pleadings, and almost a thousand deposition transcripts. It’s like having the resources of a large law firm at your fingertips.
Social Activities: OCTLA gives its members many opportunities to build lasting personal and professional relationships. These include our annual Golf Tournament which will be held this year on June 18th at the beautiful Monarch Beach Golf Links, along with fun and sometimes competitive social mixers, and new this year, a Bridge the Gap Mentoring Social and a women’s networking event.
Formal Black-Tie Events: For those who enjoy more formal events, OCTLA delivers with two annual marquee events including its black-tie Installation and Judicial Awards Program held in Winter each year and its annual Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year Awards Program and charity auction, which will be held in December. This year, OCTLA has partnered with The Teen Project, a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources to young women impacted by trafficking, homelessness, and the foster care system.
All consumer 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 OCTLA at (949) 916-9577.
ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (OCWLA)
Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA) proudly moves forward following the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary, reaffirming its enduring commitment to advancing women in the legal profession. Building on five decades of leadership, service, and community impact, our dynamic and diverse Board of Directors continues to curate meaningful programming that reflects the core of our mission: fostering professional development, cultivating community, and championing equity within the legal field, all in furtherance of a strong and accessible system of justice.
Each year, OCWLA hosts a series of signature events that bring together members of the bench, bar, and broader community. In the spring, we gather for our annual Wine Event, a longstanding tradition that blends connection with celebration. Our summer Women Judges Reception honors the distinguished women jurists serving Orange County across both the state and federal courts, while our Past Presidents’ Tea pays tribute to the leaders whose vision and dedication have shaped OCWLA’s legacy.
In October, we host our premier fundraising event—the OCWLA Annual Gala—at the VEA Resort in Newport Beach. The Gala recognizes recipients of our Attorney of the Year, Judge of the Year, and Advancement of Women Awards, while also highlighting the vital work of our philanthropic partners. These efforts underscore OCWLA’s commitment not only to professional advancement, but also to supporting a legal community grounded in fairness, integrity, and equal access to justice.
Beyond these signature events, OCWLA remains deeply committed to professional development and accessible networking. Our MCLE programming addresses timely and impactful topics affecting today’s legal professionals, including initiatives such as our Equal Pay Day luncheon, which empowers attendees with tools to address compensation disparities. We also offer low-cost and no-cost opportunities for engagement through our monthly Book Club, philanthropy initiatives, and community coffee meetups.
The OCWLA Foundation, our charitable arm, continues to expand its impact by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing women and children throughout Orange County. The Foundation also awards bar stipends and diversity stipends twice annually to law graduates preparing for the California Bar Examination, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the next generation of attorneys and strengthening the pipeline of those who will uphold and advance the rule of law.
OCWLA remains committed to accessibility and inclusion by offering complimentary membership to judges, first-year admittees, undergraduate students, and law students, as well as discounted membership for junior and government attorneys, ensuring that those at every stage of the pipeline have access to mentorship, resources, and community.
As we look ahead, OCWLA remains grounded in its founding principles while embracing new opportunities to lead, mentor, and serve. We invite all members of the legal community to join us as we continue this important work together.
For more information about OCWLA, please visit www.ocwla.org or contact us at info@ocwla.org.
THURGOOD MARSHALL BAR ASSOCIATION (TMBA)
The Thurgood Marshall Bar Association (TMBA) is a contemporary bar association committed to creating a legal community in Orange County where all talent can thrive, working to promote equal opportunity and support causes which affect and advance the needs of Black Americans and the Orange County public at large. Since its founding in 2012, TMBA strives to promote diversity and inclusion, professional improvement, and the advancement of justice through positive community involvement and excellence in the practice of law for the Black legal community, allies, and the Orange County legal community at large.
TMBA’s leadership team includes nine dedicated Board Members and Officers who volunteer their time, resources, and talents to support TMBA’s mission, while at the same time leading active careers in various sectors of our legal community. We are sincerely grateful for our 2026 servant leaders who include: President Melonie Jordan, Vice President Sakeenah Redmond, President-Elect Precious Odum, Secretary Denetta E.J. Scott, Treasurer Tremayne W. Wilson, Parliamentarian Cinnamon Carr, Board Member-at-Large David Griffith, Immediate Past President Moriah Denton, and TMBA Foundation Representative Lance Cotton.
TMBA is energized by its leadership and looks forward to continuing and building upon its remarkable legacy under its 2026 Vision: “Resilience Redefined: Compassion. Justice. Grace. Service.”
For more information about TMBA, please visit www.thurgoodmarshallbarassociation.org.
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