Notice to in-person OCBA meeting and event attendees:
All attendees will be required to follow all California and CDC COVID-19 guidelines then in place.
BRIDGING THE GAP
2026 OCBA Bridging the Gap Seminar
Start Date - End Date
March 07, 2026
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Online registration for this event is not available at this time.
To enquire, please contact our membership department at (949) 440.6700 x384
To enquire, please contact our membership department at (949) 440.6700 x384
Advance Registration Required.
If you are an attorney in Orange County, you may have a profile with us. Click Here to retrieve your OCBA log in credentials. For assistance, please email info@ocbar.org.
*Exclusive event for attorneys admitted to the State Bar after January 2016*
Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap® is a comprehensive all-day program designed to help novice attorneys develop a foundation in practical skills, techniques, and procedures that are essential to the practice of law.
Join our esteemed lineup of speakers who will share their insights and experiences across numerous practice areas. Learn valuable tips and gain practical knowledge that will help bridge the gap between law school and law practice.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Navigating Your Way Through Court
(1.0 General MCLE)
Hon. Theodore R. Howard, Orange County Superior Court
Hon. Nick A. Dourbetas, Orange County Superior Court
Laura G. Lopez, Esq., Partner, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Breakout 1 With Section and Practice Area Leaders
Family Law, Trusts & Estates, Commercial Law & Bankruptcy, Employment Law and Real Estate Law
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
The Competent Lawyer: Strong Mind, Strong Body, Strong Legal Practice
(1.0 Wellness Competence MCLE)
Lita Abella, JD, BCC, ACC, Lita Abella Coaching, Consulting, and Mediation Services
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Networking Lunch with OCBA and Young Lawyer Division Leaders
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
The Business of Law
(1.0 General MCLE)
Abbas K. Gokal, Esq., Partner, Gokal Law Group
Gerald A. Klein, Esq., Of Counsel, Klein & Wilson
Suzanne B. Leslie, Esq., Owner, Leslie Law Firm
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Breakout 2 With Section and Practice Area Leaders
Business & Corporate Law, Appellate Law, Business Litigation, Criminal Law and Public Interest
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Ethical Issues for Young Lawyers: Eight Ways to Stay Out of Hot Water
(1.0 Legal Ethics MCLE)
Michael S. LeBoff, Esq., Partner, Klein & Wilson, LLP
Registration Deadline: February 26, 2026.
Cancellations must be received in writing via fax or email three (3) business days prior to meeting date to receive a refund.
Available Functions
Speakers
| Name | Organization | Speaking At |
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Location Information
Western State College of Law - Room 254 (2nd Fl)15101 Red Hill Ave
Tustin, CA 92780
