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

Download as a PDF

by Mei Tsang

Thank You for Sunshine, Thank You for Rain

I am writing this from a hotel room tucked into the bustling heart of Seoul, Korea, a city that never seems to blink. It is my very first visit, and the occasion is the International Association of Korean Lawyers (IAKL). Now, you might ask: why would a Chinese American lawyer cross the Pacific to attend a Korean conference? The answer is simple: curiosity. That, and the fact that I have more than a few Korean friends and, let’s be honest, this mom was also in need of a brief escape from the whirlwinds of work and home.

Between networking over chicken beer, attending a K-pop concert in Gangnam, and loading up on skincare treasures at Olive Young, I found something far more lasting than souvenirs: a deep admiration for the Korean people. Their unyielding spirit, their fierce defense of democracy, and their collective determination to keep it alive and build a future worthy of their past.

Korea recently ousted their former president for enacting martial law. There has been deep trauma in the Korean psyche as they fought hard for their democracy in the 70s. The country, especially the young students, overwhelmingly fought the former president and protested in the cold. Local cafes and restaurants quietly sustained their protests by offering food and warmth, a testament to the power of collective will. That dream of democracy, built by ordinary people, still defines the nation.

Today, Koreans remain deeply attuned to shifts in the rule of law, not only within their own borders but abroad, especially in the United States with whom they are closely tied. In my conversations, I heard concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in America. Immigration issues, challenges to institutions, and questions of trust resonate strongly there. What struck me most was how much more closely people abroad study the United States than we often realize. Our struggles at home are not just ours; they ripple across the globe.

And yet, amid these sobering reflections, I also felt warmth and joy from all the Korean attorneys I met. I was delighted to see so many familiar Orange County faces at the conference. It reminded me that while we are part of a local bar, our community extends far beyond our borders.

As we approach Thanksgiving, these reflections inspire gratitude. This year, I am especially grateful for the extraordinary team at the OCBA.

First and foremost, I want to recognize our Executive Director and CEO, Dennis Slaughter. When Dennis stepped into this role last year, following the long and beloved tenure of Trudy Levindofske, we joked that we had better not “screw this up.” Those were big shoes to fill. But Dennis has stepped into them with confidence, compassion, and vision.

Dennis is anything but new to the OCBA, having served the bar for more than seventeen years. He combines institutional knowledge with fresh perspective, bringing kindness, insight, and a sharp wit to every challenge. His job is not easy: he must balance the ever-ambitious ideas of presidents (who sometimes believe in magic fairies to make things happen!) with the practical realities of staff, finances, and legacy. Under his leadership, our OCBA team is thriving and exploring new opportunities without losing our traditions. We are fortunate to have him at the helm.

Dennis is not alone. The OCBA is strong because of the dedicated professionals who make everything run.

Rebecca “Becca” Mannara (Associate Executive Director) is our “fixer.” From last-minute permits to event logistics, there is nothing she cannot handle. Isabella Arellano (Marketing & Events Coordinator) assists in making sure all our 500 or so events run without a beat.

Aaron Calderon (Controller) has ensured our financial house is not just in order but among the best managed of any bar in the nation with the help of Julie Mazo (Admin/Accounting Assistant).

Natalie Cornaire (Education Administrator) along with Delaney Hoenig (Education Coordinator) and Samantha Santana (Administrative Assistant) work tirelessly to coordinate our CLE programs and make sure we put out the best programming possible.

Joseph Aguilar (Membership Administrator) keeps our membership data running smoothly and ensures our members get what they need to maximize their membership.

Christina Pendón (Graphic Designer) brings beauty and consistency to this magazine and every flyer, logo, and program we produce.

Erick Palacios (Communications Manager) makes sure we are seen and remembered as he promotes and documents all of the bar’s various activities and events.

Teresa Vuki (Public Service Manager) together with Maria Salas (LRIS Representative), Dana Mullin (Public Services Coordinator), and Olivia Torres (LRIS/Membership Coordinator - who by the way has been at OCBA for over 30 years!) keeps our Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) and Mandatory Fee Arbitration programs running smoothly by assisting thousands of our community members annually.

Sue Gee (Administrative Assistant) keeps our meeting information organized and, most importantly, ensures all the food stays on track. She always greets everyone with a warm smile.

I also want to thank all our section and committee chairs, members, and volunteers. You are the lifeblood of the OCBA. Your time, creativity, and dedication make our bar not only robust but vibrant. Whether you are leading a committee, mentoring a younger lawyer, or showing up at an event, your efforts sustain our mission and strengthen our community.

These are the people behind the scenes who make the OCBA one of the strongest and most respected bar associations in the country. So grateful for it all.

Mei Tsang, wants your Thanksgiving best eats recipe or story. Send it to her at mtsang@umbergzipser.com.