Orange County Women
 Lawyers Association
For Women Lawyers and Those Who Support Their Advancement

News

  • Wednesday, April 03, 2019 11:30 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Top Orange County plaintiff personal injury practice located in Costa Mesa is seeking a seasoned, motivated, and dedicated Senior Associate Attorney. 

    Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 7 years recent plaintiff personal injury experience with an emphasis on litigation and staff management *OR* 7+ years heavy defense litigation with day-to-day staff management experience. 

    The Senior Associate works under a name Partner managing the litigation caseload and supervising a team of Case Managers and Associates.  Exemplary litigation, strong case prioritization, and staff organization skills are essential.  The firm is looking for a proven team builder who inspires by example and is highly motivated to advocate passionately for its clients. 

    The firm offers competitive salary and excellent benefits.  $120-180K DOE. 

    Please apply with a resume, writing sample, and professional references to our Office Administrator Tony Mannara at tmannara@mulaw.com.

  • Monday, April 01, 2019 12:55 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    OCWLA Community,

    OCWLA continues to have a successful year with sold out events, uplifting panels, and new networking relationships. We have another full and exciting calendar this month and we hope you will stop by one of our events as we continue to EmpowHer™ women attorneys in Orange County.

    March Recap:


    Women's History Month brought a flurry of events to OCWLA. Members provided rave reviews on OCWLA's "Getting a Seat at the Bench" panel featuring Hon. Josephine L. Staton, Hon. Kathleen O'Leary, Hon. Glenda Sanders, and Hon. Kim Hubbard with many considering the possibility of a career on the bench. This panel was also on International Women's Day. OCWLA board members gave all attendees purple roses - one for them and another to share with another amazing woman.


    Members also had a wonderful time at the Membership Mixer and Wine Tasting. Members let loose and smiled for the camera in the photo booth and took the opportunity to greet new members. Photos can be found on OCWLA's Facebook page. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this annual event!


    OCWLA held its first Past Presidents Tea, an opportunity for past presidents to meet the 2019 Board and learn about this year's objectives. It also provided an opportunity for the current board to rely on the mentorship of the past presidents and find ways to include past leaders in the organization.


    Upcoming Events:

    Tuesday, April 2 -  Equal Pay Day Panel. This annual event recognizes the pay disparity between men and women. This year's program focuses on actions individuals can take to negotiate pay and bonuses. Everyone is encouraged to wear red, the color representing the disparity in pay. The panel will be moderated by Maria Stearns, with panelists Joni Lee Gaudes, Victoria Harvey, Karen Polyakov, and Sheniece Smith. All attendees are invited to wear red for OCWLA's annual Equal Pay Day photo. This CLE features an Elimination of Bias credit. 


    Monday, April 29 - The April book club book is Never Split the Difference by Chris Viss. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly book. 

    Friday, May 17 - CWL Southern California Judicial Reception Honoring Hon. Maria Hernandez. OCWLA is proud to co-host this reception and congratulates Hon. Maria Hernandez on being named as California Women Lawyer's Joan Dempsey Klein Award recipient. The judicial reception will be held at the Noguchi Sculpture Garden. Registration for sitting judges is complimentary.

    Thursday, October 3 - Save the Date! The Annual Gala will return to Pelican Hill.


    Other Opportunities:

    Annual Sponsorship Package: Our 2019 Annual Sponsorship Package is available. For one flat rate, sponsors are featured at OCWLA's four signature events and receive recognition all year long.


    Everyday Hero Nominations Wanted! On March 8, OCWLA awarded Bettina Yanez with its Everyday Hero Award. The Everyday Hero Award recognizes a member of the legal community for a variety of contributions such as pro bono work, charitable work, promoting the profession, or a personal achievement. OCWLA recognizes 3-5 Everyday Heroes each year. You may submit a nomination by emailing info@ocwla.org.

    Do not hesitate to reach me with your ideas, thoughts, and goals. In the meantime, we will continue our work to EmpowHer™ women in our legal community.

    Cheers,

     

    Michelle A. Philo

    OCWLA President

    General Counsel

    Adtile Technologies Inc.


  • Monday, March 18, 2019 12:02 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    March 21, 2019 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    At MESA in Costa Mesa

    https://www.ocbar.org/Calendar/Event-Detail/sessionaltcd/YLDAFFSOCIAL032119


  • Friday, March 01, 2019 11:36 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)


    OCWLA Community,


    March is Women's History Month. OCWLA has a full and exciting calendar this month and we hope you will stop by one of our events as we continue to EmpowHer™ women attorneys in Orange County.

    February Recap:


    On February 16, OCWLA members and OCBA YLD members enjoyed a break from the rain for a hike along the coast at Crystal Cove. As a reminder, OCWLA has free membership for new admittees and a reduced membership rate for attorneys in their first 5 years of practice.

    Congratulations! OCWLA would also like to congratulate Hon. Maria Hernandez on being named as California Women Lawyer's Joan Dempsey Klein Award recipient. OCWLA nominated Hon. Hernandez for the award and we are beyond pleased she is the recipient. The awards reception will be held on Friday, May 17 - stay tuned for future details.

    Upcoming Events:

    Tuesday, March 5 - Membership Mixer & Wine Tasting - This popular event is almost sold out!!! Take a moment to celebrate Mardi Gras with OCWLA at Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach. There will be plenty of beads, a photo booth, and of course, wine tasting to enjoy the festivities. 


    Friday, March 8 - CLE: Getting a Seat at the Bench: Lessons from Female Leaders of the Judiciary - featuring Hon. Josephine L. Staton, Hon. Kathleen O'Leary, Hon. Glenda Sanders, and Hon. Kim Hubbard. 

    This event falls on International Women's Day and OCWLA has arranged for each attendee to receive a special gift at this luncheon. This CLE features an Elimination of Bias credit.

    Also at this luncheon, OCWLA will be collecting donations for WHW as part of OCWLA's first quarter philanthropy event. Members are encouraged to clean out their closets for WHW's annual Suits for a Cause drive and bring donated items to the meeting. WHW will provide tax donation receipts. 

    Monday, March 25 - The March book club book is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly books.


    Other Opportunities:

    Annual Sponsorship Package: Our 2019 Annual Sponsorship Package is available. For one flat rate, sponsors are featured at OCWLA's four signature events and receive recognition all year long.

    CWL Speakers Bureau: OCWLA's affiliate, California Women Lawyers, has launched its Speakers Bureau. The Speakers Bureau is a resource for persons seeking media responses, speakers, panelists, and authors, and consists of CWL members who are willing to serve in those roles. More information about the Speakers Bureau can be found here

    Do not hesitate to reach me with your ideas, thoughts, and goals. In the meantime, we will continue our work to EmpowHer women in our legal community.

    Cheers,


    Michelle A. Philo

    OCWLA President

    General Counsel

    Adtile Technologies Inc.


  • Tuesday, February 26, 2019 1:36 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    2019 Employment Practices Liability Program Defense Panel Recruitment for University of California

    The University of California Office of the General Counsel in partnership with the Office of Risk Services, Employment Liability Practices Program is conducting a Request for Proposals to select a limited number of preferred outside law firms to represent The University and its employees in employment related claims and/or lawsuits.  Employment related claims exposure is covered by the University’s General Liability Self-Insurance Program and generally includes claims of wrongful termination, unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation arising out of employment with the University.  Labor disputes, union grievances, and arbitrations are not covered by University’s Employment Liability Practices Program; as such, this type of work is not part of the work ordinarily performed by panel counsel. 

    The purpose of this recruitment is to secure high–quality, cost–effective legal services from qualified law firms and attorneys who would be available for retention and assignment for individual claims and legal actions at the University’s ten campuses and five medical centers statewide.  Please see the attached RFP document for full details.

    Interested law firms may apply by using the application available below.  The deadline for submission of the completed application is March 15, 2019. 

    https://www.ucop.edu/general-counsel//epl-program-rfp.html


  • Monday, February 04, 2019 12:30 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Several openings for program staff: http://www.innercitylaw.org/careers/.

    Staff Attorney - Homeless Veterans Project (Full-Time Position) 

    Inner City Law Center (ICLC) is a nonprofit law firm on Skid Row. We are looking for extraordinary people to help us end homelessness in Los Angeles. Founded on the fundamental principle that every person should always be treated with dignity and respect, ICLC fights for justice for low-income tenants, working-poor families, people who are disabled or homeless, people living with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans. Over the next six months, we will add about a dozen talented and diverse lawyers, paralegals, and other staff to our team so that we can serve far more people. 

    Position Description: ICLC seeks a talented full-time Staff Attorney with 0-3 years experience to provide free legal services to help homeless veterans with disabilities gain access to critical income-support benefits. This position is part of a new partnership with the County of Los Angeles and other community nonprofits to develop an efficient and effective VA benefits application program. The Staff Attorney will lead trainings, provide technical assistance, and review completed applications for case managers at partner organizations. The Staff Attorney will also carry a caseload and directly represent veterans throughout the Los Angeles County in cases related to VA disability benefits, military discharge upgrades and traffic tickets. 

    The Staff Attorney will work as part of a team and will share responsibilities related to the program, such as identifying systematic problems within the VA benefits application process and developing strategies to resolve them. This may include working directly with staff and leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Staff Attorney may also participate in other projects related to improving these systems and may perform other duties as needed. 

    Hiring Criteria: Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values. Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills. Strong teaching and public speaking skills. Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks. Ability to assume responsibility quickly and work independently and as part of a team. Ability to use good judgment, multitask, and meet deadlines. Experience in developing and leading trainings. Experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, and people who are low-income and/or homeless. Membership in the California Bar or another State Bar is required. 

    Compensation: Salary range is $45,000-$55,000. Excellent benefits. This position is funded for three years, with a possibility for extension based on future funding. 

    How to Apply: Cover letters and resumes are reviewed upon receipt and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please email your resume, cover letter detailing interest in the position, and three references to Ketayma Stewart, Hiring Consultant at careers@innercitylaw.org 

    ICLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, disability, marital status, or medical condition. All qualified applicants with criminal histories shall be considered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. 




  • Friday, February 01, 2019 1:42 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)
    EmpowHer

    OCWLA Community,

    In continuing OCWLA's 2019 theme of EmpowHer™, the organization is executing its plan for a fantastic 2019. Here is this month's brief update with some upcoming opportunities you can look forward to.

    January Recap:

    In January, Scott Garner and Suzanne Call Spencer came out to speak to the organization on the updated to the ethics guidelines. In addition, OCWLA hosted a casual coffee meet-up for members and interested members to network. Also, a small contingency of members participated in the Women's March.


    Membership Renewals are Due:

    Don't forget to renew your membership for 2019! In addition to significantly discounted membership rates at our events, you will have access to our membership directory and discounted membership rates for our affiliates California Women Lawyers and National Association of Women Lawyers. There are discounted membership rates for attorneys in their first 5 years of practice and government attorneys. In addition, law students and new admittees (first year of practice) receive complimentary membership. Members who have not renewed their membership by February 28 will be dropped from the current membership roster.

    RENEW NOW


    Upcoming Events:

    Saturday, Feb. 16 - Hike with YLD - OCWLA is partnering with YLD for a family friendly hike. The 2.85 mile route is in El Moro Canyon in Crystal Cove. Meet with current OCWLA members and friends to determine if OCWLA membership is right for you!

    Monday, Feb. 25Book Club: The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine  - Our popular book club continues to grow. Grab a book off your bookshelf to participate in the book swap.

    Tuesday, March 5 - Membership Mixer & Wine Tasting - This popular event will be held on Fat Tuesday at Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach. Take a minute to celebrate Mardi Gras by wearing your favorite beads and stopping by the photo booth with your friends. This event sold out last year and is expected to this year as well. Register early.

    Friday, March 8 - CLE: Getting a Seat at the Bench: Lessons from Female Leaders of the Judiciary - featuring Hon. Josephine L. Staton, Hon. Kathleen O'Leary, Hon. Glenda Sanders, and Hon. Kim Hubbard. OCWLA is very excited to have this amazing panel speak with us, especially during Women's History Month. This program provides 1 hour of Elimination of Bias credit.

    Other Opportunities:

    Award Nominations: The deadline is approaching for award nominations for the Judge of the Year, Attorney of the Year, and Advancement of Women Awards. Be sure to submit your nomination prior to February 15, 2019.

    Annual Sponsorship Package: Our 2019 Annual Sponsorship Package is available. For one flat rate, sponsors are featured at OCWLA's four signature events and receive recognition all year long.

    Committees: Serving on a committee is an excellent way to get engaged with OCWLA. If you are interested in serving on one of our committees, please contact me. The Gala Committee is an excellent opportunity to get involved with OCWLA.

    Do not hesitate to reach me with your ideas, thoughts, and goals. In the meantime, we will continue our work to EmpowHer women in our legal community.

    Cheers,

    Michelle A. PhiloMichelle A. Philo

    OCWLA President

    General Counsel

    Adtile Technologies Inc.


  • Wednesday, January 30, 2019 10:56 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Tuesday, February 19, 2019 

    Registration: 11:30 a.m. • Program: 12:00-1:00 p.m. 

    -Brown Bag Lunch- 

    LOCATION: 

    OCBA Headquarters • 4101 Westerly Place • Newport Beach, CA 92660 

    SPEAKERS: Chelsea Burkett & Linda El Awar 

    Please join Mommy Esquire for a powerful presentation on keeping our children safe at school. You may already be familiar with the allegations that a teacher at the Marlborough School in Los Angeles sexually abused his students for years before the abuse came to light. A survivor of that abuse, Chelsea Burkett, will be joining Mommy Esquire to share her story. She, along with moderator Linda El Awar, will also discuss how to prevent such abuse and developments in the legal space around this topic. 

    If you would like to sponsor lunch, please contact Abby Meyer at ameyer@sheppardmullin.com.

    Download Flyer

  • Friday, January 25, 2019 9:38 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)


    On Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2019, four women in the District Attorney’s Office were appointed to positions of leadership. Beth Costello, Kimberly Doyle, Nicole Nicholson, and Susan Price were promoted from Acting Assistant District Attorneys to Assistant District Attorneys. They will oversee the Central Justice Center, Juvenile Justice Center, GRIP/Gang Injunction Unit, and West Justice Center, respectively. On Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced that Assistant District Attorney Alison Gyves, who led the South and Central divisions of the Gang/TARGET Unitfor 2 years, would now be the first woman to oversee the Homicide Unit. We are so proud of everything these women have accomplished during their time at the office and have full confidence that they will continue this amazing work in their new roles. These promotions were effective on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019.


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