X
March 2022 President’s Page - Let the OCBA Help You Get Back to Normal

For a complete list of Orange County Lawyer magazine President's Page columns, please click here.

Download as a PDF

by Daniel S. Robinson

Get back, get back, get back to where you once belonged.
– The Beatles

OCBA members are ready to return to normal. The “Who’s Who” of OCBA leaders featured in this month’s magazine are committed to helping you reconnect with your Orange County legal community in a meaningful way. The overview below provides some of the ways you can get involved today.

Join a Section
The easiest way to get involved is by joining a section. For only $45/year, section membership provides up-to-date information on practice areas, networking at in-person and virtual meetings, access to practice-area listservs, and periodic MCLE opportunities.

Hon. Andrew J. Guilford (Ret.) (OCBA Past President; Franklin G. West Honoree): “In the early eighties, Gary Taylor got me involved with the OCBA Business Litigation Section, and even asked a young guy like me to speak. I remember Bill Bedsworth giving a Business Lit speech in his inimitable style as he threw vegetables at the audience. That Section had great folks and great fun, and I learned trial skills.”

Cathrine M. Castaldi (OCBA Past President, Mentor On Demand Committee Co-Chair): “As a new lawyer, the camaraderie and education available at section meetings was my initial draw to the OCBA. Serving as a program chair evolved into a leadership position in the Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section. Leaders like Dean Zipser and Joel Miliband encouraged me to volunteer and chair various committees, which led to my running for a board seat. The more involved I became, the more the OCBA gave back to me.”

Joseph L. Chairez (OCBA Past President): “Like many, my first involvement with the OCBA was taking CLE classes and later joining a section (business). As a young lawyer, it was helpful to interact with other lawyers and local judges. Involvement in the OCBA also presented me with excellent networking and pro bono opportunities.”

Join the Young Lawyers Division or the Masters Division
For only $10/year, eligible OCBA members can join the Young Lawyers Division (open to attorneys in practice five years or fewer) or the Masters Division (open to attorneys in practice twenty-five years or more).

Alan J. Crivaro (OCBA Past Board Member; Harmon Scoville Honoree): “Shortly after being admitted to practice, I attended the OCBA Bridging the Gap program where a breakout session was hosted by Bar leaders Vernon Hunt and Wylie Aitken. I was deeply impressed by their expertise and the remarkable collegiality they showed. The welcoming hand they offered me left no doubt that participation in the Bar was a wonderful opportunity for continuing professional growth.”

Join a Committee
There are several OCBA Committees that are open to all members:

The Community Outreach Committee helps organize community service opportunities (e.g., food drives, beach clean ups, etc.).

The Legislative Resolutions Committee helps OCBA evaluate and develop resolutions for the Conference of California Bar Associations.

Dean J. Zipser (OCBA Past President; Franklin G. West Honoree): “My first meaningful involvement with the OCBA started with the Resolutions Committee. There, I participated in the development, evaluation, and debate of potential new laws. After that, there was no looking back. Not only did my OCBA involvement make me a better lawyer, I gained lifelong friends and contacts.”

The Mommy Esq. Committee promotes fellowship, education, and networking for OCBA members with children through regular meetings and events.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee helps develop and implement strategic initiatives to increase diversity and promote access to justice in Orange County.

Dimetria A. Jackson (OCBA Past President; DEI Committee Co-Chair): “As a young in-house attorney, participating in OCBA seminars, social activities, committees, and sections afforded me the opportunity to meet a diverse group of attorneys, mentors, colleagues, and friends in Orange County. Shortly after joining the [DEI] Committee, I accepted a leadership role as the Committee Chair. I met OCBA board members and past presidents at OCBA events and learned of their commitment and passion for the OCBA.”

Other OCBA committees, such as the Education, Mentoring and Pro Bono Committees, require appointment but are still seeking new members.

Deirdre A. Kelly (OCBA Past President): “I first became involved in OCBA as a young associate and really enjoyed meeting other attorneys at OCBA events. I joined OCBA‘s pro bono and diversity committees, and was later appointed to the judiciary committee. My involvement with OCBA has been, and continues to be, one of the most rewarding parts of my professional and personal life.”

For more information, email info@ocbar.org or contact the section leaders, committee chairs, division chairs, and task force members listed herein.

Whatever your interest, now’s the time to reestablish your connection with the Bar and to encourage new Orange County lawyers to forge their own place in our legal community.

Hon. James J. Di Cesare (OCBA Past Board Member; Franklin G. West Honoree): “I was always taught to have a long memory for those people and institutions who helped me along the way and to honor them by giving back. I remember that after attending my first meeting, there was no doubt I would get involved with the OCBA.”

Daniel S. Robinson is the 2022 President of the Orange County Bar Association. He is a partner at Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. where he represents plaintiffs in consumer and personal injury cases. He can be reached at drobinson@robinsonfirm.com.