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

News

  • Monday, July 25, 2016 10:14 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions has approved and posted for public comment its 29th release of proposed revisions and additions to the civil instructions (CACI). This release includes proposed new and revised instructions and verdict forms in response to developments in the law over the last six months. The committee is very interested in your input.
     
    The proposed changes and additions are available for viewing on the internet at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm. Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle.
     
    Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent to civiljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online.  And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do not comment by Reply All to this e-mail.
     
    Comments by letter should be sent to:
     
    Mr. Bruce Greenlee, Attorney
    Judicial Council of California
    Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
    455 Golden Gate Avenue
    San Francisco, CA 94102
    The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, August 26, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

    All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.
     
    When submitting comments, please:

    • Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
    • Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
    • Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
    • Provide any applicable authority for your position.

    We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach.  We appreciate your participation in this effort.
     
    On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
    Hon. Martin J. Tangeman, Chair

  • Wednesday, July 20, 2016 11:52 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Following please find a link to the University of California’s posting for a Litigation Paralegal in our Oakland office.    Please post on your bar association job board or website, if applicable, and/or forward to any qualified applicants you know of who may be interested in working for the University of California.  Thank you in advance!
     
    https://jobs.ucop.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=59569

  • Friday, July 15, 2016 9:50 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Dear OCWLA Members,

    The Orange County Superior Court invites OCWLA members to comment on possible improvements within the court. The court also invites comments on what the courts are doing well. Please feel free to be blunt, and as detailed and specific as possible.

    Please email info@ocwla.org with your comments.
  • Friday, July 15, 2016 9:49 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The California Department of Justice is seeking to fill multiple Deputy Attorney General III vacancies throughout California. The following positions will consider applicants under the entry-level classification Deputy Attorney General:
     
    Alameda, Division of Public Rights, Environment Section
    Sacramento, Division of Public Rights, Environment Section
    Los Angeles, Division of Public Rights, Environment Section
     
    The remaining Deputy Attorney General III positions may be viewed by clicking on the hyperlinks below:
     
    Sacramento, Division of Civil Law, Licensing Section
    Sacramento, Division of Civil Law, Tort & Condemnation Section
    San Francisco, Division of Civil Law, Correctional Law
    Los Angeles, Division of Civil Law, Licensing Section
    San Diego, Division of Civil Law, Employment and Administrative Mandate Section
    San Diego, Division of Civil Law, Licensing Section
     
    DAG III applicants must first complete an online Training and Assessment questionnaire before submitting an application. The questionnaire (exam) may be accessed HERE.
     
    LIKE and FOLLOW the DOJ on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with exam and vacancy information.

  • Tuesday, July 12, 2016 4:51 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The OCBA Mommy Esquire Committee is pleased to present a lunchtime talk by Lucy Santana-Ornelas, CEO, and Orleda Azevedo, Director of Volunteer Services, of Girls Incorporated of Orange County, on how to raise girls to be strong, smart and bold. Lucy will share practical tips and valuable insights on how to equip children to grow into healthy, educated and independent adults, navigating a host of barriers and challenges that may come their way. At Girls Inc. of OC, Lucy and Orleda serve over 5,000 girls a year through a variety of “girl-focused” programming for kindergartners through 18 years old at the Girls Inc. community center and in schools throughout the County. Their mission is to transform girls’ views of themselves and their opportunities. Ms. Santana Ornelas has been named Woman of the Year in California’s 69th Assembly District and has received numerous community, government, academic, and business awards. Ms. Azevedo oversees more than 1,800 volunteers through a variety of events, opportunities, and partnerships.

    July 19 from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm at OCBA Headquarters, 4101 Westerly Place, Newport Beach, CA 92660. There is no charge to attend and lunch will be provided by Snell & Wilmer. Space is limited. Please RSVP to events@ocbar.org to ensure an accurate headcount.

  • Friday, June 24, 2016 11:31 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    IALOC proudly presents for our August monthly meeting "The Balance of Power in the Supreme Court" with prominent Constitutional lawyer, author, distinguished professor, and Dean of the University of California, Irvine School of Law, Erwin Chemerinsky.  The event will begin with a social hour from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the approved 1.0 CLE program and dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m.

    Dean Chemerinsky will discuss the impact of the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court left by the late Justice Antonin Scalia and the political and doctrinal consequences of the next nominated United States Supreme Court Justice.  Hear the insight of one of the country's leading Constitutional lawyer's as the highest court in our land remains at 8 members with the upcoming Presidential election in November.

    This meeting will be held at the University Club on University of California, Irvine's campus. The cost of attendance is $65.00 for members and $75.00 for non-members.

    Register at http://www.ialoc.org/

  • Thursday, June 23, 2016 10:23 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Position


    DIRECTING ATTORNEY, HOUSING UNIT

    Organization

    Description

    The Public Law Center (PLC), Orange County's non-profit pro bono law firm, is committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents. Through volunteers and staff, PLC provides free civil legal services, including counseling, individual representation, community education, and strategic litigation and advocacy to challenge societal injustices.  Now in its 35th year of service, PLC works with more than 1,600 volunteer lawyers, paralegals and law students from throughout the county who volunteer their time and expertise.

    Qualifications

    • Active membership in the California State Bar; Minimum five (5) years experience in the practice of law
    • Experience litigating cases in state or federal court, including legal research, writing, negotiation, law and motion, discovery, trial, and appellate work
    • Demonstrated ability in the development of strategies to resolve complex problems with a broad impact on the community
    • Demonstrated commitment working with volunteer lawyers and law students; experience supervising lawyers and/or law students
    • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environment, including experiencing co-counseling with other lawyers
    • Strong public speaking skills and ability to train a variety of audiences, from clients to pro bono attorneys
    • Ability to take initiative and work under pressure with limited supervision
    • Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese a strong plus
    • Must have own transportation, valid CA Driver’s license, insurance and good driving record

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Develop and implement the vision and goals of PLC’s Housing Unit 
    • Supervise  attorney, paralegal and law student staff members
    • In coordination with the Executive Director and other senior staff develop and execute strategies, including policy advocacy and impact litigation, to resolve housing problems with a large impact on the community
    • Serve as a member of PLC’s leadership team and actively participate in office wide management activities
    • Work collaboratively with other PLC substantive units, as well with other legal services providers, community groups, and government officials
    • Develop local and state policies addressing housing issues
    • Oversee case referrals and provide support to volunteer attorneys and law students
    • Staff, coordinate and supervise legal clinics and trainings
    • Represent PLC at legal networking and community outreach events 
    • Full time position; occasional evening and weekend work required
    • Other duties as assigned

    Salary & Benefits

    • Salary range $65,000 to $85,000
    • Excellent benefits provided

    Please submit Resume, Cover Letter and Writing Sample (10 pages or less) to:

    Grace Landa at glanda@publiclawcenter.org

    APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until Filled

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  • Thursday, June 23, 2016 10:23 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Position


    DIRECTING ATTORNEY, IMMIGRATION UNIT

    Organization

    Description

    The Public Law Center (PLC), Orange County's non-profit pro bono law firm, is committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents. Through volunteers and staff, PLC provides free civil legal services, including counseling, individual representation, community education, and strategic litigation and advocacy to challenge societal injustices.  Now in its 35th year of service, PLC works with more than 1,600 volunteer lawyers, paralegals and law students from throughout the county who volunteer their time and expertise.

    Qualifications

    • Active membership in the California State Bar; Minimum five (5) years experience in the practice of law  
    • Experience handling victim based relief including “T” visas, “U” visas and VAWA petitions; experience handling SIJS matters,  asylum claims and citizenship
    • Demonstrated ability in the development of strategies to resolve complex problems with a broad impact on the community
    • Demonstrated commitment working with volunteer lawyers and law students; experience supervising lawyers and/or law students
    • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environment, including experiencing co-counseling with other lawyers
    • Strong public speaking skills and ability to train a variety of audiences, from clients to pro bono attorneys
    • Ability to take initiative and work under pressure with limited supervision
    • Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese a strong plus
    • Must have own transportation, valid CA Driver’s license, insurance and good driving record

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Develop and implement the vision and goals of PLC’s Immigration Unit 
    • Supervise  attorney, paralegal and law student staff members
    • In coordination with the Executive Director and other senior staff develop and execute strategies, including policy advocacy and impact litigation, to resolve immigration problems with a large impact on the community
    • Serve as a member of PLC’s leadership team and actively participate in office wide management activities
    • Work collaboratively with other PLC substantive units, as well with other legal services providers, community groups, and government officials
    • Develop local, state and federal policies addressing immigration issues
    • Oversee case referrals and provide support to volunteer attorneys and law students
    • Represent PLC at legal networking and community outreach events 
    • Full time position; occasional evening and weekend work required
    • Other duties as assigned

    Salary & Benefits

    • Salary range $65,000 to $85,000
    • Excellent benefits provided

    Please submit Resume, Cover Letter and Writing Sample (10 pages or less) to:

    Grace Landa at glanda@publiclawcenter.org

    APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until Filled

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  • Thursday, June 23, 2016 10:23 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    Description

    The Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) seeks an Executive Director to lead a thriving non-profit organization that provides high-quality, cost-effective legal services assistance to low-income residents of Orange County and southeast Los Angeles County.  LASOC was founded in 1958 and has a staff of 87 and numerous volunteers. It has two offices in Orange County and two offices in Southeast Los Angeles County, where it is known as Community Legal Services.

    About the Position

    The next Executive Director will lead a strong client-centered organization with a dedicated staff and Board of Directors committed to the innovative use of technology and collaborative relationships with the Courts and other legal and human services providers to provide the highest quality legal services to its clients. The Executive Director will bring passion, vision, litigation and administrative experience and leadership to a seasoned team dedicated to advocating for the indigent and the seniors community.  In addition, LASOC is currently engaging in vigorous litigation to address the needs of the homeless population and the lack of affordable housing.  LASOC enjoys a strong financial position with excellent internal controls.  LASOC’s challenges include addressing the widespread legal needs of its client community and growing and diversifying its funding in order to meet these challenges.

    Salary commensurate with experience.

    Responsibilities

          Serves as the public face of LASOC; provides leadership in local, state and national civil legal aid forums; participates in administrative and private forums; engages with the local courts, community leaders, and with the private bar.

          Increases and diversifies financial support through private fundraising initiatives; maintains and strengthens governmental funding and provides strong financial stewardship.

          Develops and cultivates relationships with individual and corporate donors, as well as grant makers.

          Leads LASOC advocacy and promotes teamwork among all LASOC programs, staff, and services.

          Thinks creatively about gaps in civil legal services and works to close those gaps, in partnership with other local, regional and state leaders.

          Leads and promotes collaboration with other civil legal services providers and human services organizations in the region and throughout the state.

          Assists Board members in developing the knowledge and skills needed for effective stewardship of LASOC, and keeps the Board apprised of all aspects of the organization’s work.

          Keeps the Board fully apprised of LASOC’s on-going financial status and highlights fiscal issues that need Board action.

          Mentors and builds other leaders within the organization; actively promotes supervisorial training, improved communication, and the development of skills to address personnel and resource allocation issues.

          Envisions and implements technological innovations that enable staff to work effectively and enable the public to access legal services.

          Hires and retains top quality staff.

    Requirements and Desirable Qualifications

          California State Bar License to practice law required, or ability to obtain California State Bar License within one year.

          Significant civil law practice experience.

          Demonstrated management experience at a policy-making level  including non-profit program planning, evaluation, staff supervision, legal systems development, financial oversight, reporting and budget development.

          Experience in compliance with grant, contract and legal-aid principles and requirements.

    Other Desirable Skills & Characteristics

          Excellent leadership and communication skills; a positive leadership style; a collaborative approach to problem-solving and a big-picture visionary.

          Experience developing relationships for resource development and fundraising.

          Commitment to the use of technology to improve and extend services.

          Experience and skill in engaging with the legal-aid client community and with an active Board of Directors.

          Good judgment, sense of humor, strong interpersonal skills.

    To Apply

    Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  To receive full consideration, please submit application materials to the Secretary to the Board of Directors, Karen Harris at kharris@legal-aid.com by August 30, 2016.  Please include a cover letter expressing in detail your interest in the position, your qualifications, and what you hope to contribute to the organization’s future, a current resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

  • Monday, June 20, 2016 7:34 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

    The United States District Court, Central District of California, is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives.  Please refer to the link below for more information.

    https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/seeking-applications-ninth-circuit-judicial-conference-lawyer-representatives-0

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