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

OCWLA President Dana Heyde’s September Message

Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:30 PM | Executive Director (Administrator)

Hello OCWLA Community! 

As summer comes to a close, I am reminded of the inspirational words of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, “Despite the encouraging and wonderful gains and the changes for women which have occurred in my lifetime, there is still room to advance and to promote correction of the remaining deficiencies and imbalances.” I remain honored to be a part of OCWLA and to work alongside other women who share a vision for equality and advancement for women in the legal profession.

OCWLA Joins The Unity Bar!: OCWLA is proud to be a member of the newly established Unity Bar! We are thrilled to be working with our fellow bar organizations to work together to achieve diversity in the legal profession. Join us to celebrate this new group at the Inaugural Orange County Unity Bar Mixer, on September 8, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Register here.

Upcoming Events

Connect With Other Book LoversThis month, our Book Club will celebrate Banned Book Week by reading a book that was banned, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. I am excited to lead the discussion on this zany quest of a quirky young man that reminds us to be compassionate to others. Join us on September 26, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at Mimi’s Café in Tustin.

The Implications Of the Dobbs Decision MCLE Co-Sponsored by the OCBAJoin the discussion about the landmark Dobbs ruling and how it impacts future policy decisions. This MCLE will take place on September 16, 2022 at the Avenue Of the Arts Hotel from noon to 1:30 p.m. Our dynamic panel brings years of knowledge and expertise on Constitutional Issues, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court. Special rate for OCBA Members & Students. Register today!

Please join us for OCWLA’s Fall 2022 Philanthropy Event:

OCWLA is proud to partner with Community Legal Aid SoCal to support its Unlawful Detainer Answer Clinic on Tuesday September 20, 2022. This virtual clinic assists low-income tenants facing eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteer attorneys will meet with clients virtually, and housing attorneys are available to provide real-time assistance for the duration of the clinic.

Interested in Running for a 2023 OCWLA Director Position?

If you are interested in running, please submit a short Candidate's Statement and photo (optional) to us by the close of business on Monday, October 10, 2022, via email: info@ocwla.org. The 2023 Slate of Director candidates will be presented to the membership via e-blast the following week. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Become A Judge: Are you interested in making an impact on social equality and seeing more women on the bench? Attend the Roadways to the Bench panel on April 3, 2023. It’s never too early to start taking action to help advance women in the legal profession.

Our Fantastic August

Women Judge’s Reception: Our members had a great time celebrating the advancement of women on the bench at our annual Women Judges’ Reception.

Book Club: Shirin Forootan led our book club this month as we discussed The Lost Man by Jane Harper. This thrilling mystery gave us lots to talk about.



Gala Updates

Become A Gala Sponsor: Join us at the Gala on October 12, 2022, at Shady Canyon Golf Club from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as OCWLA honors 2022 Judge of the Year Judge Deborah Servino, 2022 Attorney of the Year Antoinette Balta of Veterans Legal Institute, and the recipient of the Advancement of Women award Community Legal Aid SoCal. You can support these amazing honorees with a Gala Sponsorship.


Donate To The Silent Auction: Do you have a good or service that would be perfect for the Gala’s Silent Auction? The OCWLA Foundation is accepting donations! All donations to the OCWLA Foundation are tax deductible. Donors are recognized in the Gala program.

Contact foundation@ocwla.org to donate today!



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Recognizing OCWLA’s Members

Welcome New Members!

Welcome Martha Geisler Patterson, Kate Corrigan, Eliana Farahat, Jane Flynn, Hannah Green, Calyn Hadlock, Leslie Leath, Tuaku Hijarunguru, Jenni Katzer, Shama Mehta, Linda Miller, Sara Montazeri Aliabadi, Mai Moua, Michelle Norris, Nina Safi, Sarah Katrina Sons Sanchez, Kholood Alshami, Shideh Balali, Jeanne Behling, Special Thompson, Jessica Arbgast, and Michelle Strowhiro. We are thrilled that you joined OCWLA! We look forward to meeting you at the next event.

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Dana Heyde, OCWLA President

Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde, LLP

dana@cklhlaw.com


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