by Joel S. Miliband and Joseph L. Chairez

You may be wondering if, in a past life, Shirin Forootan was a marathon runner or a long-haul truck driver (okay, maybe not)—because she has devoted herself to the OCBA for nearly thirteen consecutive years. And she’s not done yet!

To be sworn in as President on Judges’ Night in the City of Irvine is particularly special for her because she was raised in Irvine and is a proud product of Irvine public schools. Having attended college and law school in Southern California, Shirin always knew she wanted to build her life, career, and family in Orange County. She began her legal career at Latham & Watkins, springboarding from there into a successful practice as an employment lawyer, where she now runs her own firm handling both plaintiff and defense employment litigation. Her dedication to resolving workplace disputes naturally led her to launch a mediation practice as well—reflecting her commitment to helping parties find meaningful resolution outside the courtroom.

Outside of the OCBA, Shirin actively volunteers for Orange County Superior Court, Los Angeles Superior Court, Ventura County Superior Court, and the California Civil Rights Department. From leading OCBA committees and task forces to mentoring new and upcoming lawyers, she has consistently poured her energy into strengthening our legal community and the justice system.

With everything she has done (and given the word limit on this article), we can’t possibly summarize all of Shirin’s contributions to our Bar. So instead, we asked her some questions to better learn her path to the OCBA presidency and her “why” for her continued service.

Miliband and Chairez: Why did you start volunteering for the OCBA as a junior associate?
Forootan: I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a third-year attorney and newly married. I felt the desire to volunteer some time so that I could feel more fulfilled in my life. I started contacting random nonprofits but couldn’t find volunteer opportunities that fit my lawyer’s schedule. Then I saw an OCBA flyer for a beach cleanup that changed everything.

I showed up on a Saturday and saw opposing counsel, judges, and city attorneys in jeans and flip-flops. We all wore matching hats and OCBA t-shirts and shared the common goal of picking up trash—of course, with a little friendly competition involved. I brought my husband, met the significant others and family members of fellow attorneys, and felt a camaraderie I had never experienced before in a professional sense. My OCBA involvement only grew from there.

A few years later, I brought my son to the same beach clean-up. He was a baby in diapers at the time—I laid him on a towel and scavenged for trash nearby. Years later I brought him again, this time ten years old—proudly introducing him to local judges and colleagues.

Soon after the first beach clean-up, I volunteered at other OCBA Community Outreach events, ultimately becoming Chair. I have such fond memories of gleaning the fields at the back bay for Second Harvest Food Bank, serving food at Someone Cares Soup Kitchen during the holidays, teaching Teenage Legal Survival Skills to local high school students, and putting on a mock trial and play date at Orangewood Children’s Home. It warms my heart to see many of these volunteer events are still ongoing today.

What do you hope to accomplish as OCBA President?
Steer the ship in the right direction. Handle all challenges (which I know there will be) as gracefully and professionally as possible. Be an attorney leader that other lawyers look up to. Enjoy and appreciate every opportunity to meet other lawyers and members of our community. Stay optimistic, no matter what. Work alongside the Board of Directors. Ensure the OCBA staff knows they are valued and appreciated. Keep open lines of communication with our judiciary, law students, and our broader community. Above all, make our Orange County legal community proud of our shared legacy and future.

As President-Elect, for example, I worked with our Board to update the OCBA’s Bylaws to expand affiliate bar membership and our Young Lawyers Division. We are also in the process of updating the OCBA’s strategic plan and conducted a survey of bar leaders in that regard. Lastly (perhaps this is the employment lawyer in me), it was important that the OCBA has a Standards of Conduct policy, which prohibits discrimination, retaliation, and harassment (among other things). I welcome other specific goals or ideas for my year as OCBA President.

How do you feel about having served as Chair of several committees, sections, task forces, and having served multiple terms on the OCBA Board?
Proud. I’ve met so many wonderful and supportive people in our legal community—people who are incredibly busy, yet make time to talk, share insights, and help others professionally and personally. I feel like I’ve made an impact with every committee and board role I’ve held.

When I take on a leadership role in our community, I know it’s temporary, which makes me feel the responsibility to do it well. I think having a finish line actually helps. (Typical litigator—deadline driven.) My compass is to do what I believe in my heart is best for the organization. Each role has taught me lessons that can’t be learned by just practicing law. I’m deeply grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had to serve our bar.

2020 was an interesting time. That year, I served as Chair of OCBA’s Labor & Employment Section. In February, we held a Q&A with our OC Complex Panel judges. I had changed the format from past years by soliciting questions from our members in advance and working with the complex judges to prepare the program (mainly about class and representative actions). I am so pleased to see that same format continues today. Soon after COVID hit, we put on a virtual MCLE program that was one of the first and attended by hundreds. Now it is as common as apple pie, but it was quite a feat at the time (while sharing the living room with a remote-learning first grader). I worked closely with Dennis Slaughter that year since he was head of IT Operations at the OCBA. I can literally say we have been in the trenches together, so it will be truly special to work closely with him next year in his current role as Executive Director/CEO of the OCBA.

What inspires you to lead our bar?
I look around our legal community and see incredibly experienced and talented lawyers who have been practicing for decades, and I also see bright, passionate lawyers who are just starting out. Everyone brings something valuable and thoughtful to the table. To be able to listen to and lead this remarkable group—our members and our community—is truly an honor.

I remember going to bar events when I didn’t know who most of the intimidating-looking attorneys in black suits were. Now, I can honestly call so many of them friends and colleagues—people I can count on to pick up the phone and be there when I need advice (whether about a leadership, client, or personal issue). So many of these fellow attorneys are active members of our affiliate bars such as OCWLA, HBA, OCKABA, OCAABA, and IABA. Being more connected in this way is very professionally and personally fulfilling. Plus, I don’t feel the need to wear black suits to fit in anymore.

How would you describe your leadership style?
Thoughtful. I’m not one to jump to conclusions or immediately chime in with my thoughts. I listen first, then decide. I do feel I’m decisive, which helps—but that didn’t come naturally early on. My years of leadership within the bar have certainly helped hone that skill.

What was your favorite OCBA leadership role so far?
This one is tough—but I would say Treasurer. Partly because I’m a Hamilton fan, but mostly because it was the role that scared me the most. I don’t have a finance background, so I worked hard to ensure I served this role effectively. Ultimately, we were able to update our investment policy statement, finance committee charter, and investment advisor. Receiving positive feedback from respected members of our community made me feel proud and accomplished. It reminded me that we’re capable of so much if we simply roll up our sleeves and dive in—headfirst of course.

If there was one word to describe yourself, what would it be and why?
Approachable. I believe that’s an essential trait of a leader. The community should be able to approach the President with ideas and feedback. Part of being approachable is being available and responsive—something I strive for even when it’s not easy. I take pride in that effort because I know how important it is for my clients, my team, and the community I serve.

What do you want the legal community to remember most about you?
That I care deeply about Orange County, clients, cases, courts, judges, our members, our volunteers, and our staff. I truly wish I could do even more (you should see my list!), but I also try to remind myself about the importance of balance—of life, family (including pets), personal pursuits, and leaving room for the next person to give their time and effort in their own unique way.

Joel S. Miliband, is a partner and General Counsel of Brown Rudnick LLP, a former OCBA President and Franklin G. West Award recipient. He can be reached at jmiliband@brownrudnick.com. Joseph L. Chairez, is a partner of BakerHostetler LLP and former OCBA President. He can be reached at jchairez@bakerlaw.com