The Orange County Bar Association offers a rich diversity in collegiality, camaraderie, friendships, networking, learning, and plain old good times. Please read through our Affiliates and choose one or more that may well enrich your practice and enjoyment of life and law.
ASSOCIATION OF OC DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS The Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys (AOCDDA) is a nonprofit organization open to all Deputy District Attorneys for the County of Orange. The AOCDDA includes approximately 150 Deputy District Attorneys and strives to promote camaraderie, provide support, and recognize exceptional work among our members and others in the legal community.
The AOCDDA hosts several membership meetings throughout the year where deputies and other individuals are recognized for outstanding achievements and contributions to the District Attorney’s Office and the community. Additionally, the association organizes an annual Holiday Party open to both members and non-members. Historically, the AOCDDA has also recognized the contributions and service of retiring Deputy District Attorneys by presenting commemorative plaques to each departing member. In addition to recognizing our members, the AOCDDA helps support an independent Civic Action Committee which participates in political and judicial campaigns as well as legislative processes affecting the criminal justice system. Finally, the AOCDDA has provided donations to law enforcement and criminal justice charities and other organizations consistent with the association’s purpose.
For further information, please contact Andy Bugman at andrew.bugman@da.ocgov.com, or send a letter to the AOCDDA at P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658.
CELTIC BAR ASSOCIATION The goals of the Celtic Bar are to promote camaraderie amongst its membership, civility, and professionalism within the Orange County legal community, and a greater awareness of the Celtic culture and history, particularly its contribution to the law. There are seven separate Celtic nations, all of which are connected to one another by common history and culture. These seven nations are Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man (if your ancestors are from Man, your dues are waived for the first year), Galicia (in Spain), Brittany (in France), and Cornwall (in England). The Celtic people are known for their outgoing nature and their love of the written and spoken word. Not surprisingly, many descendants of Celtic immigrants have entered the legal profession. While there are many Irish-American lawyers’ groups in major cities throughout the United States, we believe that the CBA is the first attempt to gather all the Celtic clans in a single legal organization. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Muldoon’s Irish Pub, through the graciousness of one of our founding members, Ronald O’Schwartz, located near Fashion Island at 202 Newport Center Drive, 949.640.4110.
Each year, we install our officers and recognize our Celtic Judge of the Year on Samhain Eve, which heralds the beginning of the Celtic New Year. According to the Celtic calendar, the year was divided into four quarters: Samhain (winter), Imbolc (spring), Beltane (summer), and Lughnasadh (autumn). In Ireland, it is pronounced “sow-in.” In Wales and England, it is “sow-een.” And in Scotland, because the Scots love to be different, it is “sav-en.” The Celtic calendar starts in November with Samhain—it was the time for gathering food for the long months ahead and bringing people and livestock into their winter quarters. Past recipients have included Justice Kathleen O’Leary, Judge William McDonald, Judge C. Robert Jameson, Judge David Mc Eachen, Judge Ronald Kreber, Judge Dan Pratt, Judge Franz Miller, Judge Michael Brenner and Judge Andrew Banks. We have organized travel seminars to Ireland, Spain, France, England, Scotland, and most recently to Wales. This October, we return to Ireland for a stay at the 13th century Ashford Castle which is now a five star resort in Western Ireland, then off to Dublin. We have also had excursions to the contemporary Irish comedies Stella by Starlight and Many Happy Returns at the Laguna Playhouse, Riverdance at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the Renaissance Faire, and Irish and Celtic movies. Guest speakers at our events have included Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, human rights activist and daughter of Robert Kennedy, and the prominent Irish playwright Bernard Farrell, and our own Judge McDonald, Ret.
Over 300 lawyers and judges have rallied to our cause. One does not have to be of Celtic descent to join the CBA. On the contrary, all we ask is that you be a member of the OCBA, have an outgoing nature and support for our organization’s goals. (Oh yes, we do have modest annual dues!) For further information, please contact CBA President Scott B. Well at 714.283.0600 or OCBA, 949.440.6700, Ext. 261.
FEDERAL BAR ASSOCIATION, OC CHAPTER The FBA is the preeminent national organization for private and government lawyers and judges involved in federal practice. The Orange County Chapter of the FBA covers the spectrum of federal legal practice in Orange County. Regular programs and events provide a unique opportunity to meet federal judges and their staffs, stay current on the latest developments in federal practice, and meet and learn from other federal practitioners in our community. The FBA/OC has won numerous national awards as an outstanding chapter, for its innovative and valuable programs, and for its excellent newsletter.
Local federal judges assist in planning and presenting chapter CLE activities, provide valuable and specific insight regarding federal practice in Orange County, and many of them serve on the FBA/OC Board of Directors. FBA/OC’s hallmark event each year, Judges’ Night, draws many judges from local and regional courts. The Chapter’s membership spans all types of attorneys in Orange County, from civil to criminal, from private practitioners to corporate counsel to federal attorneys with the United States Attorney Office, Federal Public Defender’s Office, and other federal agencies, and includes lawyers in all kinds of practices, from solo offices to the largest firms. The FBA-OC supports the local community, through activities such as its annual Bill of Rights Program at Santa Ana intermediate schools, assisting the federal court’s pro bono panel program, and contribution to the Public Law Center. In the Bill of Rights program, which was founded by the Chapter, volunteer attorneys from the chapter give presentations to Santa Ana intermediate school students about the Bill of Rights and share experiences about practicing law in Orange County. This program has won numerous awards and serves as a model for similar programs across the nation.
The Orange County chapter has always focused on presenting frequent, excellent, and topical CLE programs. Regular programs include: annual civil, criminal, and intellectual property practice programs on cutting edge topics; summer Bench and Bar luncheons at which the local federal judges provide advice on successful practice in their courts; periodic “Behind the Books” tours of the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse; and special programs with nationally recognized members of the legal community.
For more information, membership applications, or to join the FBA/OC, visit the website at: www.fbaoc.com or contact: Heather DeSha at info@fbaoc.com.
HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF OC The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County (“HBA”) advocates for a legal community that reflects the true diversity of Orange County and ensures access to justice for all.
This year, the HBA celebrates 40 years working to increase: 1) the number of Latinos pursuing a law school education; 2) the number of Latino attorneys practicing in Orange County, and 3) the number of Latinos serving on the bench.
The HBA encourages law school enrollment with its Wally Davis Scholarships, awarded to deserving law students every year since 1995. Wally Davis scholars have gone on to work at places such as Latham Watkins, and Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton. Five Wally Davis scholars have gone on to become public defenders; three others work for public agencies. Five scholars have gone on to serve on the HBA Board, including one who became HBA president. Every year, the HBA’s scholarship and installation dinner draws hundreds of leaders of the local legal community. This year, the keynote speaker was Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.
In addition to its student and new lawyer mentoring program, the HBA provides professional formation opportunities, such as the 2010 Memorial Day MCLE travel seminar to Huatulco, Mexico and a series of spotlight volunteer opportunities in conjunction with the St. Thomas More Society and the PLC. The HBA’s “de barranda” mixers throughout the year have become a staple of the social life of the local legal community.
Seeking the HBA’s endorsement has become de rigueur for local aspirants to judicial office, which serves the HBA’s pursuit of a judiciary that serves its constituents and all other sectors of the community. The work of the social issues committee is helping to establish the HBA as a serious voice for social justice. In short, the HBA is a great place to give back to the community, empower the next generation of Latino lawyers and leaders, meet new friends, see old faces and share some good memories. If you are interested in becoming a member or in learning more about the HBA, its Committees, its scholarships, or how to get involved, please visit our website at www.ochba.org or email info@ochba.org.
HBA President Carlos X. Colorado promises that, “As we write a new chapter of HBA history, and begin a new decade in the annals of Orange County history, I promise you that we are going to think big, we are going to work hard, and we are going to continue to weave our personal struggles and victories, our hopes and dreams, to the American Dream.”
J. REUBEN CLARK LAW SOCIETY OC CHAPTER The J. Reuben Clark Law Society appeals to lawyers whose personal religious conviction guides their lives and manner of practicing law. Our Mission Statement reads: “We affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer's personal religious conviction. We strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law.”
Started in 1987 with four chapters, the Society has grown to more than 6,000 members in more than 65 chapters. Our 15 international chapters range from Moscow, Russia to Sao Paolo, Brazil, to New South Wales, Australia.
Although most of our membership is associated with the LDS (Mormon) faith, we welcome all attorneys and law students who believe that a lawyer's personal religious conviction can and should make a positive difference in how the law serves our society. Not surprisingly, most of our activities include some tie to religious topics, although such topics can range from property issues to constitutional interpretation.
Our Chapter recently sponsored our Sixth Annual Orange County Religion & the Law Symposium. We also hold bimonthly MCLE luncheons and an Annual Dinner. In addition, an annual International Conference draws J. Reuben Clark Law Society members from around the globe. These are great opportunities to network with old friends and meet new ones. Anyone interested in joining or obtaining more information may contact the O.C. Chapter Chair, Glen Nuttall, at 949.760.0404, or visit our website at www.jrclsoc.com.
LEX ROMANA Lex Romana (Italian American Lawyers of Orange County) takes pride in being the premier OCBA affiliate that places equal emphasis on the importance of legal, cultural, epicurean, and fermented contributions Italians have made to our society. Our group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month rotating between a variety of local Italian restaurants. We are well known for our love of Italian culture, food and wines and believe everyone is an Italian at heart. Like a scene from Goodfellas, our dinners are an experience of multiple conversations sparking across the table, bursts of laughter, and wine glasses chiming that define our vision of the term “Networking.”
Lex Romana established its roots in the Orange County community in 1979 with Joseph D'Antony installed as first President and past Founding Members that included the Hon. James DiCesare, Frank Barbaro, John DiCaro, Joseph DiVincenzo, Andrew Lachina, and Frank Terreri.
Our membership continues to grow adding non-Italians and non-lawyers alike and we welcome everyone with open arms. With dues at only $50 a year, there is no better way to break from the daily grind one evening a month to enjoy our festivities that include our Installation Dinner at Antonello Ristorante, Bocce matches at Il Fornaio with dinner on the patio June through August, a joint meeting with the Celtic Bar at Prego's in September, wine tasting, Jazz night, and our annual Columbus Day dinner at the Balboa Bay Club in October, to name just a few. We will soon become an approved MCLE provider–what better way to earn credits than a presentation over wine and pasta! (This will be kept to a minimum to ensure more fun than work!). Featured 2010 speakers include Hon. Robert Polis (Ret.) on “Civility in the Courtroom from a Judge's Perspective” and Justice Eileen Moore speaking on “Bias” in November.
For more information or an application, please visit our website at Lexromana.org or contact our President, Janice Vinci at 949.715.1141.
OC ASIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION Formed in 1993, the Orange County Asian American Bar Association (“OCAABA”) is a multi-cultural bar organization dedicated to providing professional, social, and educational services and opportunities to its members and the community at large. OCAABA seeks to make its events as inclusive as possible and to provide services which take into account the inherent diversity of the community.
Each year OCAABA puts on several social, networking and mentoring events for its membership including its annual Installation Dinner, Moon Festival Mixer, and Dim Sum Holiday party which draws together a large number of the membership from law students to the judiciary. OCAABA has also co-hosted mixers with other bar associations such as the HBA to provide attendees with opportunities for networking and mutual cultural exchanges.
Professional development has always been a key concern for our members, and OCAABA has responded by providing seminars and CLEs on such relevant topics as “Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Law Firms” and ethnic bias in law. Legal outreach and seminars are provided to local commercial and small business groups to promote legal access and education to the community. OCAABA is also taking a key role in planning the upcoming National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Convention being held in Los Angeles in November 2010.
OCAABA takes a strong interest in promoting the development of future attorneys. OCAABA's Mentorship Committee has partnered with the Asian American student groups at several Orange County law schools, including Chapman, Whittier, and the University of California Irvine, to provide mentoring services and host career panels and resume and interviewing skill workshops.
OCAABA also strives to promote continued diversity in our judiciary system. Our Judicial Evaluation Committee, through a rigorous interviewing process, seeks to endorse qualified individuals for appointment to the state and federal judiciary.
In addition, OCAABA provides opportunities to serve the community at large through its participation with charitable organizations such as the Early Literacy Program and Toys for Tots and its support of legal clinics, seminars and community law schools provided by the Asian American Legal Center and affiliate bar associations.
For more information, such as the membership application, and our events calendar, please visit our website at www.ocaaba.org or contact Heather DeSha at ocaaba@gmail.com.
OC DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDERS ASSOCIATION The Orange County Deputy Public Defender's Association (OCDPDA) was formed in 1991 as a non-profit organization with a mission to promote high quality indigent legal defense in Orange County. The OCDPDA actively promotes increased public awareness of criminal justice issues within Orange County, donates resources to causes which support fairness in the legal system, and actively participates in providing continuing legal education for all members of the defense bar. Currently, OCDPDA enjoys a membership of over 185 attorneys drawn from the offices of the Public Defender, the Alternate Defender, and the Associate Defender.
The Board of Directors of the OCDPDA is comprised of nine members who are elected by the membership and serve a two-year term. This year's board is Jennifer Ryan (President), Tania Cardona (Vice President), Christopher Taylor (Treasurer), Mindy Gulati (Secretary), and board members Julia Kelly, Jenny Kim, John Mango, Kelly Rozek, and Kevin Snyder.
OC JEWISH BAR ASSOCIATION In August 2009, President and Founder Jordon P. Steinberg of Minyard Morris LLP envisioned an Orange County Jewish Bar Association (“OCJBA”) and by February 2010, the vision became a reality.
The organization's Mission Statement says it all, “Providing a social environment that will engender comradeship among its members, building upon the foundation of thousands of years of Jewish tradition steeped in the law (Torah), fostering the application of Jewish principles and morality, and committing good deeds (Mitzvot) and acts of kindness (Tzedakah) while practicing law and serving the community.” The organization meets the first Tuesday of every month at Muldoon's in Newport Beach located at 202 Newport Center Drive. The OCJBA is eternally grateful to Ron Schwartz for hosting our meetings. The meetings are open and all are welcome, Jewish or non-Jewish; you do not have to be a “member” to attend.
As the OCJBA gains momentum, we invite all individuals interested to participate and share their knowledge, experience, and vision with us.
For more information, please write to OCJBA, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658, or email Jordon P. Steinberg at jsteinberg@minyardmorris.com.
OC TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association was formed in 1963 when plaintiffs' attorneys got together to share information and to exchange various tips and strategies with one another. Today our organization is stronger than ever, with a clear dedication of our mission to promote quality representation of individual rights while educating, networking, and supporting our membership. Below are just a few of the benefits our members enjoy. . . .
Best Networking Opportunities in Orange County: It is now no secret that OCTLA is one of the most prominent bar organizations in Orange County. Join the numerous judges and top lawyers in Orange County who routinely attend our monthly dinner meetings.
Relevant and Interesting Educational Events: Not all MCLE educational events are created equal. The topics and speakers we provide each month will help you in your law practice. PLUS, every year, OCTLA hosts a members-only candid evaluation of all local judges, arbitrators, and mediators-information crucial to every trial lawyer's practice. This benefit alone is worth the price of membership.
Informative Quarterly Magazine: From insightful interviews with Orange County Superior Court judges to practical articles vital to trial lawyers, you will not want to miss an issue; Interactive Website/Bulletin Board: To see all we now have to offer, log on to www.OCLTA.org. Some have said the most valuable feature of the website is our new members-only bulletin board which allows members to post questions regarding their cases and solicit responses from hundreds of fellow trial attorneys. The responses are usually immediate, numerous, and invaluable. It's like having a large law firm at your fingertips; weekly softball games; annual golf tournament.
All attorneys engaged in trial practice in Orange County are encouraged to join OCTLA. With benefits like these, how can you afford not to join? For more information, visit our website at www.OCTLA.org, or contact Janet Thornton at 949.916.9577. OCBA Extension 258.
OC WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA) started in 1975, with five members, as the Women and Individual Rights section of the Orange County Bar Association. The original goal of the organization was to focus on civil rights, not only of women, but of all individual groups that may have experienced discrimination in our society or before the law. In 1979, OCWLA became an affiliate organization of the Orange County Bar Association. Its founding members wanted to stay true to the group's original goals–the advancement of women in the legal profession and the support of diversity both on the bench and in law firm partnerships. OCWLA is also an affiliate of California Women Lawyers. OCWLA holds monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at the City Club in Orange (formerly the Turnip Rose). Our programs strive to educate our membership, often offering specialty Continuing Legal Education credit, and provide a fun networking forum between judges, attorneys, law students, and other professionals.
OCWLA also promotes awareness in the community. Through our two annual fund raisers–the February Fling and Summer Sizzle–we are able to support law student stipends, the Public Law Center, El Viento, and the Collaborative Courts of the Orange County Superior Court.
In addition, our quarterly newsletter and website offer a glimpse into OCWLA events and member activities. We encourage all members to get involved with our ongoing projects such as the Orange County Drug Courts and Juvenile Court. It is through giving back that we are able to give thanks to a profession that has been so good to us.
This year, we are emphasizing providing our membership with access to affordable hard-to-get specialty credits. In May, to celebrate diversity month, we heard from the executive director of the California Minority Counsel Program, and awarded our diversity bar stipend and bar stipend to two worthwhile law students. We continue our outreach to fellow affiliate bar associations to increase networking and membership opportunities, and continue our community involvement and philanthropy. We are also launching our new website to make it easier for our members to interact with the organization and provide case referrals to those outside their practice area.
If you would like more information about OCWLA, please contact us at www.ocwla.org, and 949.440.6700, ext. 259.