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by Mei Tsang
Don’t Give Up—You’ve Got the Music In You
We’re already halfway through the year, and it’s been a whirlwind. Summer may have officially arrived, but here in Orange County, June Gloom still lingers. Through it all, OCBA’s mission remains clear: to be a steady, positive force for our members. Amid the noise, it’s important to keep listening to the music around you—and within you.
And this month, we have so much to look forward to: the OCBA Summer Social, Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and Father’s Day.
At our 10th Annual OCBA Summer Social on June 5 this year, themed Countless Voices, One Community, we will be celebrating our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion. A highlight of the evening will be presenting the Lei Lei Wang Ekvall Award for Excellence in Diversity and the Law to the Honorable Fred W. Slaughter. Judge Slaughter’s career is nothing short of inspiring, spanning service as a federal prosecutor in multiple districts and as a California Superior Court judge. Now appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, he continues to lead with heart, dedication, and (if you’re lucky enough to meet him) a sports analogy or two to get you through your day. We are proud to recognize Judge Slaughter’s unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive legal community.
Meanwhile, our colleagues at the Thurgood Marshall Bar Association (TMBA) are making an incredible impact too. Since launching their Law Student Ambassador (LSA) program in 2017, TMBA has expanded its reach to offer bar taker scholarships, stipends for public interest students, and the new Founders Scholarship. This year, TMBA aims to raise $20,000 to support even more students and expand initiatives like pro bono clinics and civic education for youth. Their Juneteenth Brunch on June 21 serves as a vital fundraiser, celebrating Black culture through music, art, dance, and history. With only 1.5% of Orange County attorneys identifying as Black, according to 2022 State Bar data, TMBA’s work is not just meaningful—it’s essential.
June also marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, resilience, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a moment to reflect on the legal battles fought—and those still being fought—to protect fundamental rights for all. Recently, the Orange County Lavender Bar Association hosted its Harvey Milk Day luncheon, featuring an outstanding speaker, Will Tentindo, Staff Attorney at the Williams Institute, the nation’s leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. In a year when over 575 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the U.S. targeting some of the most vulnerable communities, the work of organizations like the Lavender Bar is more vital than ever. Celebrating Pride isn’t just about waving rainbow flags; it’s about standing up for justice, equality, and dignity for all.
And then, there’s Father’s Day.
Now, I find it ironic that Father’s Day often means more "work" for dads. There often is a BBQ so they get to fire up the grill, referee backyard games with the kids, and entertain the masses with their “best” dad jokes. And they’re thrilled to do it. Dads are so special. They show gratitude even if it is another pair of socks or wallet (and they do love them).
I want to give a special shout-out to my husband, Steve—an incredible dad to our boys, Sam and James. Whether it’s driving them to endless practices, sitting on the Baseball Booster Board, or helping backstage at a ballroom performance, he’s there. Always. No complaints (well, maybe a small eye roll when moving yet another folding chair). Raising teenagers, whose moods can change faster than court deadlines, isn’t easy, but Steve tackles it all with patience, humor, and heart. I miss my dear father who passed away way too young but always instilled in me a sense of honor and practicality. We all remember him fondly for never discarding even socks with holes until they really fall off. Then there is my amazing father-in-law, Bill, who always finds humor in everything despite going through a few wars and scars himself. He just loves us and is not afraid to doze off no matter what time of day it is.
In the legal world, father figures extend beyond family. Our profession was built on mentorship: on experienced lawyers guiding newer ones through a career path that can feel overwhelming at times. I’m grateful for the male mentors, like Dean Zipser, who stepped into that role for me by teaching, encouraging, and investing in my growth with no expectation of anything in return. Their steady presence reminds us that leadership isn’t just about winning (well, maybe sometimes); it’s about lifting up others along the way.
So this Father's Day, we celebrate all dads and father figures, the ones who fix what’s broken and can take the dead mouse out of the garage, who show up when it matters most, and who quietly model strength, kindness, and resilience. Thank you, dads, for your steady hands, your unwavering support, and your tireless devotion, both at home and in our profession. You are truly the anchors in the storm.
Mei Tsang, wants to remind you to laugh and share a few good dad jokes with the father and father figures in your life. Feel free to send her a few at mtsang@umbergzipser.com.