OCBA Members and Snell & Wilmer partners Michele Sabo Assayag and Elizabeth M. Weldon have been selected as nominees for Orange County Business Journal’s 2022 Women in Business Awards. According to the publication, the awards recognize exceptional businesswomen who have made significant contributions to their organizations, their professions and the Orange County community. Winners will be announced on October 20 during the 2022 Women in Business Awards Luncheon & Program.

Assayag practices in the areas of commercial finance, creditors' rights and bankruptcy litigation and restructuring, where she has had extensive experience in the representation of secured and unsecured lenders. She has litigated in the state, federal and bankruptcy courts on behalf of domestic, foreign and international lending institutions, as well as on behalf of non-bank lenders and Fortune 500 companies. A substantial portion of Assayag's practice encompasses, on behalf of her financial institution clients, the documentation of commercial, real estate and asset-based lending transactions. She has also represented the firm's clients in the acquisition and disposition of major real estate assets, including retail centers, apartment buildings and business parks. Assayag received her J.D. from Loyola Law School and her B.A. from University of California at Los Angeles.

Weldon is a Certified Specialist in Franchise and Distribution Law, The State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. She concentrates her practice on business litigation and franchise litigation, at trial, judicial reference, and arbitration. Weldon represents both large and small businesses in commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract, tort, unfair competition, class action, commercial real estate, intellectual property disputes, such as patent, trademark, and trade dress claims, as well as other complex matters. Additionally, she represents franchisors in matters including breach of contract, trademark and trade name infringement, business competition torts, vicarious liability and joint employer issues, and franchise law claims. Weldon received her J.D. from William & Mary School of Law and her B.A. from University of Arizona.