New Website Launch Date is Approaching
Earlier this month, we announced that a new website is on the way. We are currently finalizing the transition and look forward to launching later this month.
The updated site will feature a refreshed design, improved navigation and more convenient access to the information and resources our members rely on. We look forward to sharing the new site with you soon.
As a reminder, OCBA Members will be required to reset login credentials upon launch.
OCBA Charitable Fund Judge Kenneth Lae Charity Golf Scramble
Monday, April 27, 2026
Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, Coto de Caza
*Sponsorship Opportunities Available*
Tee up for charity at the ever-popular Judge Kenneth Lae Charity Golf Scramble! Proceeds benefit the OCBA Charitable Fund, the philanthropic arm of the OCBA, which provides funding and resources to organizations and programs that enhance the system of justice and promote equal justice for all.
Register online or download the event flyer for more information.
Featured Seminar
Presented by the OCBA Masters Division
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Click here to register.
OCBA News
Call for Nominations: 2026 Harmon G. Scoville Award
Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2026 Harmon G. Scoville
Award. This prestigious award was established in 1990, in honor of the retiring
Appellate Court Presiding Justice Harmon G. Scoville. The nominee must be a member
of the Orange County legal community whose career exemplifies the highest standards
of the legal profession and who has significantly contributed to the Orange County
Bar Association and championed our constitutional system of justice. For more
information and instructions on how to apply, please download the nomination form.
Worthy Mentions
Have Good News of Your Own to Share? Contact OCBA Communications
Manager Erick Palacios at epalacios@ocbar.org
to acknowledge your achievement through the OCBA.
JOIN THE OCBA AI & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Interested in how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of the legal profession? The AI & Technology Committee focuses on promoting the responsible and ethical use of AI in legal practice, advancing access to justice through technology, and developing best practices that support transparency and public trust. Members interested in the intersection of law and technology are encouraged to get involved. Email membership@ocbar.org to join the committee.
Events
MARCH 19, 2026
OCBA Seminar: Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
APRIL 14, 2026
OCBA Mommy Esquire Monthly Meeting
APRIL 21, 2026
OCBA Spring Mentoring Cafe
The OCBA Mentoring Committee invites all OCBA members in practice 5 years or less to sign up as a Protégé. OCBA Members in practice 7+ years are encouraged to sign up as Mentors.
APRIL 25, 2026
OCBA Lawyer Well-Being Committee and Young Lawyers Division: Top of the World Hike
APRIL 27, 2026
OCBA Charitable Fund Judge Kenneth Lae Charity Golf Scramble
Volunteer Opportunities
EVENT FULL
Winter Food Packaging Event
Presented by the OCBA Community Outreach Committee and Young Lawyers Division
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Spend a few hours packing and assembling food items into boxes for delivery to hungry families in our communities. Attire: Casual (jeans, sweatshirts, close toed shoes). Over 456,000 Orange County residents are at risk of hunger every month. Of these individuals 42% are children
Click here for more information.
UC Irvine Law - Call for Moot Court Judges 2025-2026
The 2025–2026 Moot Court Competition is set to challenge 63 student advocates with a thought-provoking constitutional issue in the fictional case Whitaker v. Lancaster City Bureau of Police, examining whether the continued retention of personal property remains reasonable under the Fourth Amendment once an investigation has closed without charges filed. The competition will run from January through April 2026, featuring both virtual and in-person rounds at UCI Law, with complimentary meals and parking provided for in-person sessions. Legal professionals are invited to serve on the judicial panel—volunteering for one or multiple rounds—to help mentor the next generation of advocates. Judges will receive detailed bench memoranda to prepare for engaging and meaningful oral arguments. To participate, complete the brief availability form linked in the Judge Sign-Up Form.
Orange County District Attorney’s Office - Trial Attorney Partnership (TAP)
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office established the Trial Attorney Partnership (TAP) program to offer a select group of private attorneys the opportunity to gain invaluable courtroom experience. Through TAP, participants handle contested evidentiary hearings, litigate motions, and conduct jury trials. View the informational brochure or flyer detailing the program and featuring testimonials from former participants. Attorneys considering the program will be provided with comprehensive training, valuable courtroom experience, and the opportunity to earn significant MCLE credits—all at no cost. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the OCDA at TAP-Program@ocdapa.org.
Level Up For Justice
Family Law Pro Bono Opportunities with the Public Law Center are ongoing and available. Level 1 pro bono help includes a free consultation and advice. Level 2 pro bono help includes a free consultation, document preparation, and advice. Level 3 pro bono help includes a free consultation, document preparation, advice, plus representation. Contact Angela Mestre (Pro Bono Coordinator, Public Law Center) via email at amestre@publiclawcenter.org for more information.
Veterans Legal Institute Family Law Clinic - Remote Volunteer Opportunity
If you're a family law attorney, you can advise a veteran on his or her case from the comfort of your own home. VLI seeks volunteers to the monthly Family Law Clinic on the last Friday of the month from 1 PM - 4 PM. Clients receive a free consultation from a family law attorney on his or her Southern California family law case. For more information, please contact Katie Binkley at kbinkley@vetslegal.com.
Veterans Legal Institute General Legal Clinic - Remote Volunteer Opportunity
Looking for an easy way to volunteer from the comfort of your own home? VLI seeks attorney volunteers each third Tuesday of the month to conduct 20 minute phone interviews with veterans around Southern California. For more information, please contact Katie Binkley at kbinkley@vetslegal.com.
CLA SoCal: Remote Pro Bono Opportunity: Unlawful
Detainer Answer Clinic
Assist low-income tenants facing eviction during the pandemic by helping
to prepare answers to Unlawful Detainer complaints in this remote clinic that
takes place every Tuesday, shifts at 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Volunteers and clients “meet” via a conference call, and housing staff attorneys
are available to provide real-time assistance in a video conference room for
the duration of the clinic. Watch the.45-minute prerecorded training video here. To sign up, please
email Monica Mar, Associate Director of Pro Bono at mmar@clsocal.org.
CLA SoCal: Remote Pro Bono Opportunity: Eviction
Defense: Trial Co-Counsel
CLA SoCal is seeking attorneys with jury trial experience to co-counsel eviction
cases with CLA SoCal staff attorneys. Volunteers will work with CLA SoCal staff
to prepare the case for jury trial, conduct discovery, participate in settlement
discussions, and represent clients at trial, all with the support of a housing
staff attorney. To sign up, please email Monica Mar, Associate Director of Pro Bono at mmar@clsocal.org.
Join an
OCBA Committee – Your involvement is an integral component
of the OCBA’s service to its members, the community, and the judiciary.
OCBA
HELP-Line – Join the Hotline of Experienced
Legal Professionals to provide brief consultations
in your area of practice to inquiring OCBA Attorney Members.
JOIN THE OCBA LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE (LRIS)
A TRUSTED LAWYER REFERRAL PROGRAM OVER 55 YEARS
Click here to join or email lris@ocbar.org for more information.
Annual membership fee of $225 and receive referrals throughout 2026! Discounted
rate for OCBA Members only.
LRIS is a non-profit legal referral service sponsored by the OCBA,
certified by the State Bar and meets ABA standards for lawyer referral.
Does a client or prospective client's legal need fall outside of your area of practice?
Refer with confidence to the OCBA LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE (LRIS). A trusted referral program over 55 years.
Feel free to refer callers by phone to (949) 440-6747 or provide link to the LRIS online referral request form: http://www.lrisoc.org/referral.html.
Young Lawyers Division
Learn more about the OCBA Young Lawyers Division or join today! Visit the OCBA calendar to find great
opportunities to connect with fellow YLD members.
SOLD OUT
MARCH 18, 2026
OCBA Young Lawyers Division: Hockey Night
Masters Division
The OCBA Masters Division is open to practitioners with 25 years or
more in the practice of law. Learn more about the OCBA Masters Division or join today and discover unique networking opportunities.
MARCH 19, 2026
OCBA Seminar: Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
Law School Corner
OCBA Law Student Members:
Launching a successful legal career starts here! Click here to learn more about your membership benefits.
Law students are invited to participate in one of the 26 OCBA Specialty Sections which focus on professional growth and are a great resource to explore various areas of law. Attend your first section meeting for free, contact membership@ocbar.org to sign up.
Orange County Lawyer Magazine
Update Your Mailing Address
During this time, if you wish to re-route your print subscription to another address, you can update your OCBA member profile online.
Interested in advertising?
The OCBA has three main avenues of advertising to OCBA members and the greater legal community. DIGITAL ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES are available year round. For more information, visit the OCBA Advertising webpage or contact oclawyer@ocbar.org.
Affiliate Bars
From the Courts & State Bar
For more information, please visit the Courts and State
Bar websites.
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Generative AI is changing the practice of law in countless ways. One of those major changes is the documentation of conversations with clients. A 
