The Orange County Women Lawyers Association invites you to submit your nominations for our 2024 Awards. The deadline for nomination submissions is Friday, March 29, 2024. Please contact info@ocwla.org with any questions.

OCWLA Judge of the Year Award

The Judge of the Year Award is to recognize outstanding jurists who have demonstrated excellence in their work, have significantly contributed to the legal community and who have shown a commitment to advancing women in the profession.

Criteria for evaluation of nominees include:

• Excellence as a jurist
• Contributions to the legal community
• Leadership experience
• Community involvement and volunteer work
• Commitment to advancing women in the profession
• Five years experience on the bench is highly recommended

OCWLA Attorney of the Year Award

The OCWLA Attorney of the Year Award is to recognize an outstanding member of the Orange County legal community. The successful nominee should have a proven commitment to advancing women in the profession and to advancing women’s interests. The candidate should be well-established in the Orange County legal community and have at least 10 years in practice.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Significant career achievement and experience
• Contributions to the local bar and community organizations
• Leadership experience
• Public service or pro bono work
• Mentorship

OCWLA Advancement of Women Award 

This award seeks to recognize and celebrate a law firm, non-profit or other organization, whose culture and work supports the advancement of women in the firm and in the Orange County legal community.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Women in leadership within the organization
• The organization’s contributions to the community
• An environment that fosters career opportunities and development of female attorneys
• Members’ of the organization demonstration of leadership and participation in and support for bar and community organizations
• Work that advances the interests of women generally