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September 2024 Cover Story - The OCBA’s Candidates for Secretary 2025: Michael S. LeBoff and Sharon Oh-Kubisch

In the OCBA’s annual election, two outstanding and contributing members of the Orange County legal community are nominated for Secretary of the OCBA to serve the term beginning January 1, 2025. Yearly, the Secretary elevates to Treasurer, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President. The person you elect will influence the development and direction of the OCBA for years to come.

If you are an active attorney member of the OCBA, please vote. The online election will open for voting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and will close at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2024 at www.ocbar.org/vote.

In alphabetical order, allow me to introduce your two candidates for OCBA Secretary: Michael S. LeBoff and Sharon Oh-Kubisch.

Michael S. LeBoff
Growing up in Huntington Beach, I am a lifelong Orange County resident. I have been practicing law in this county for over twenty-five years in various capacities, providing a unique perspective on the challenges facing Orange County attorneys.

After graduating from Loyola Law School, I spent a year at a federal clerkship in the Central District of California. I then joined the litigation department of Paul Hastings, experiencing many of the same struggles that young lawyers continue to face today. I left Big Law and joined a small litigation firm in Irvine before working as in-house counsel managing litigation nationwide. I returned to private practice, working at Hodel Briggs Winter and then Callahan & Blaine, learning from some of the best trial lawyers in Orange County. During that time, I had a case against Gerald Klein and Mark Wilson, where we developed a mutual respect for the others’ ability to litigate aggressively without sacrificing ethics and civility. After that case resolved, I joined Klein & Wilson and became the first new partner in the firm’s twenty-five-year history. A few years later, I became the firm’s managing partner.

I have enjoyed several leadership positions in the OCBA, particularly enjoying working with diverse personalities, prioritizing members’ interests first, and most importantly, getting things done. I was twice elected to the OCBA Board of Directors and am completing my fifth year on the Board. I served as chair of both the Banking & Lending and Business Litigation Sections. I also serve on the Future of the Legal Profession Task Force, the Professionalism and Ethics Committee, and the Audit Committee.

I live in Mission Viejo with my wife of more than twenty-five years, where we raised two daughters.

I would be honored to serve OCBA’s members as Secretary and eventually President, where I will continue the OCBA’s efforts of advocating for its members against the State Bar, providing OCBA members with first-class education and networking opportunities, and promoting mental health.

You can learn more about me at www.kleinandwilson.com, connect with me on LinkedIn, or email me at leboff@kleinandwilson.com.

I hope to earn your vote.

Sharon Oh-Kubisch
I am deeply honored to be nominated for the 2025 OCBA Secretary position. Serving on the OCBA Board of Directors has been a privilege, and I am eager to find more ways to serve you. The OCBA stands out as one of the strongest bar associations in the nation, and my goal is to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our profession.

A Little About Me
I was born and raised here in Orange County, California. I am a partner at Kahana Feld, LLP and have been practicing law for over 25 years, primarily focusing on business and real estate law.

My journey with the OCBA spans over two decades, reflecting my commitment to our community. Currently, I serve as Co-Chair of Raise Your Glass for the OCBA Charitable Fund, serve as a board member of the same fund, and hold the position of Secretary with OCAABA while also participating in the Bench and Bar Committee with OCKABA. I am actively involved in several OCBA committees, including Membership, Finance, Practice Pointers Portal, and Mommy Esq. Previously, I have chaired both the OCBA Business Litigation Section and the Real Estate Section—two of our largest and most influential sections. Through these roles, I have experienced firsthand the significant benefits the OCBA offers in terms of community, professional growth, and opportunities.

There is still much to do, and that is why I want to be the OCBA’s next Secretary.

Why Am I Running?
I am running for Secretary because I have the experience, vision, and dedication needed to make a meaningful impact. My specific goals include:

  • Providing engaging and relevant educational programs
  • Expanding our Bar’s membership and enhancing its benefits
  • Establishing a mental health and wellness hotline
  • Organizing judicial panels that promote civility and collaboration
  • Facilitating cross-generational networking events
  • Promoting CLE travel abroad seminars

I look forward to hear your ideas for improving the OCBA and which programs and services you value most.

For more information and to see my endorsements, please visit my website: https://sharon4ocba.com. I hope to earn your support and vote.